Chemistry: A Molecular Approach to the Study of Matter

Chemistry: A Molecular Approach to the Study of MatterChemistry: A Molecular Approach to the Study of Matter is an intriguing book that involves a great deal of the theoretical aspects that science enthusiasts love. The book has been authored by an award-winning Harvard professor, William Turner. His book is written with an array of colorful illustrations that add a humorous yet informative touch to the story. The book also offers multiple learning exercises and applications that serve as additional guidance.The book teaches a short but interesting story about a chemistry student named Bruce who at the beginning of the book, is surrounded by strange gases and devices of different kinds, and that doesn't happen until Chapter Five. The book is also written in a style that is quite easy to understand, as compared to other chemistry books of this kind. The book contains a set of seven interesting chapters that form a textbook-like structure. In Chapter One, the author introduces the read er to the concept of chemical bonding, the elements of hydrogen and oxygen, molecules, compounds, and ions.In Chapter Two, he explains the principle parts of each element that makes up our daily lives, and then moves on to explain the uses of different compounds. The book provides information about how to use natural products in organic synthesis and how to build structures using the units of DNA, RNA, and proteins.In Chapter Three, the book takes a more literal look at chemistry, showing how different chemical reactions work. It also covers the molecular bonding process, with Chapters Four and Five dealing with bonding between the atoms of two different metals. It gives an explanation of the molecules in organic synthesis and explains the bonds and components that make up the complex structures.In the final chapter, Professor Turner tells the reader about creating cells with synthetic DNA, and the four components of life - nuclear, chlorophyll, ATP, and ribosomes. All in all, this book is a book for anyone interested in the natural world but also interested in chemistry.Chemistry: A Molecular Approach to the Study of Matter is a very interesting topic, because it allows the reader to explore the chemistry involved in the chemical bonds of molecules and elements. The author has put a lot of thought into the writing of the book, and the results are quite captivating. The information is presented in a manner that will appeal to a wide range of readers. There are multiple learning activities that will give an easy to understand explanation of what each concept means.If you're interested in chemistry, this book may be the perfect book for you. It's a fascinating read, and the stories are amusing. The information in the book can be hard to understand, but it's certainly worth the effort, if you have ever wanted to learn chemistry. Not only will you learn everything you need to know about chemistry, but you'll also learn about some of the various properties of these substances.

U.S. History Online SAT Prep Online Tutoring Tutorpace

U.S. History Online SAT Prep Online Tutoring Tutorpace SAT US History Tutors are Online Now The US History SAT subject test can be a test on which it is difficult to perform well. It covers over 500 years of events and figures that are crucial to understanding the ebbs and flows of life in the New World. Because it covers so much ground, you may need help exploring the many aspects the test will require you to know. Tutor Pace can help you master each area and earn the score you desire. Each of our online History tutors is certified to be proficient in their subject matter, and they will cover American: Political history Economic history Social history Intellectual and cultural history Foreign policy You will have an edge over other students who dont use a tutor because our SAT US History tutoring program gives you access to a someone who knows what you will face on the test and has experience helping students like you succeed. Work with a SAT World History Tutor Online The SAT World History subject test spans all of recorded history for the whole globe, and it even includes questions on prehistoric events. This is a massive amount of information to grasp, so having a tutor is an essential tool for preparing for the exam. If you want to work with an online tutor who has the unique ability to make history memorable and easy to learn, Tutor Pace can help you. Our tutors are available 24/7 to assist you in gaining the confidence and proficiency you need for success. Once registered, all you need to do is log in to your account to have access to a team of professional online tutors. From Africa and Asia to Europe and the Americas, Tutor Pace has someone to help you master history in a way you never thought possible. Sign up today for one of our unlimited SAT World History tutoring services and have anytime assistance from a qualified tutor committed to your success.

Online Algebra 1 Practice Tutors - Algebra 1 Tutors

Online Algebra 1 Practice Tutors - Algebra 1 Tutors H.C.F. (Highest common factor) and L.C.M. (Lowest common factor) is the part of algebra 1. Methods to solve H.C.F and L.C.M.: - Division method Factorization method. Lets practice few problems of algebra 1:- Example: - Find out the L.C.M. and H.C.F. by factorization i) X^2 + x, x^3 x ii) X^3 + 2 x^2, x^3 + 3 x^2 + 2 x Solution: - i) 1st expression = x^2 + x = x ( x + 1) 2nd expression = x^3 x = x ( x^2 -1) = x (x + 1) (x 1) The common factors of the two expressions are x and (x +1). Therefore H.C.F. = x (x + 1) (x 1) is the extra factor in the 2nd expression. Hence the required L.C.M. = x (x + 1) (x 1) ii) 1st expression = x^3 + 2 x^2= x^2 (x + 2) = x * x * ( x +2) 2nd expression = x^3 + 3 x^2 + 2 x = x(x^2+3x+ 2)=x (x^2 + 2 x + x + 2) =x {x ( x + 2 ) + 1 ( x + 2 )} =x (x + 2) (x + 1) In both the expressions, the common factors are x and x + 2 Therefor H.C.F. = x (x + 2) The extra factors are x in the 1st expression and x + 1 in the 2nd expression. Therefore L.C.M. = x ( x + 2) x (x + 1) = x^2 (x+1)(x+2)

Cytoplasm

Cytoplasm Cytoplasm: Cytoplasm can be defined as a thick solution that fills each cell and is enclosed by the cell membrane. It is mainly composed of water, salts, and proteins. In eukaryotic cells, the cytoplasm includes all of the material inside the cell and outside of the nucleus. Fundamentally cytoplasm is the constituent that occupies the space of the cell. It is a jelly-like constituent and it is 80% water and is generally pure and pale. It melts when it is frantic or stirred. Cytoplasm is stated as cytosol, which implies ingredient of the cell. The cell membrane surrounds the cytoplasm and it also surrounds the nucleus and the cellular organelles. Cytoplasm comprises of the cytoskeleton which provides the cell its shape. The cytoplasm is made of liquefied nutrients and it supports to dissolve discarded products. It aids the motion of the cellular constituents around the cell by a process termed as cytoplasmic streaming. Cytoplasm also contains several salts and is a good conductor of electricity. Cytoplasmic structure: Cytoplasm is the liquid where the organelles are suspended. It occupies the spaces which are not filled up by the organelles. The ingredients of cytoplasm are cytosol, organelles and cytoplasmic inclusions. Cytosol Cytosol makes up about 70%-80% of the capacity of the cell. It comprises of water, salts and organic fragments. Cytosol is made of a combination of cytoskeleton fibers, organic and inorganic compounds that are mixed in water. It also possesses protein filaments that constituents the cytoskeleton, soluble proteins and structures like ribosomes, proteasomes. The inner, more liquefied and granular region of the cytoplasm is referred as the endoplasm. The web of fibers and high absorptions of the dissolved macromolecules like proteins is responsible for macromolecular assembling. Organelles Organelles are membrane bound cellular structures which are present in the cytoplasm. They reside inside the cell and accomplish specific functions that are essential for the existence of the cell. Some of the components of the cell that are present in the cytosol are organelles like mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, vacuoles, lysosomes and chloroplasts. img alt=Organelles data-cke-saved-src=https://images.tutorpace.com/biology/cytoplasm_3.jpg src=https://images.tutorpace.com/biology/cytoplasm_3.jpg 534px;= height:= 382px;= Cytoplasmic Inclusions The cytoplasmic inclusions are minute particles present in the cytosol. A massive range of inclusion bodies are present in different types of cell types. The different inclusions present are calcium oxalate crystals or silicon dioxide crystals of plants in order to store granule like starch, glycogen, etc. Lipid droplets are also example of inclusion bodies, which are spherical droplets, made of lipids and protein particles and are present in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms as an intermediate to stock lipids like fatty acids and sterols. These drops occupy the volume of adipocytes which are specific storage cells, and are also found in other cell types. Functions of cytoplasm: Cytoplasm is the site where many biochemical reactions are carried out which are essential for maintaining life. The cytoplasm is the site where the cell extends and expands as it grows. The cytoplasm acts as a medium for the suspension of organelles. The cytoskeleton present in the cytoplasm gives shape to the cell and it also aids movement. It also facilitates the movement of the different cellular contents The enzymes present in the cytoplasm digest the macromolecules into much small parts for their proper digestion and availability for the other cellular organelles like mitochondria.

How to Prepare for an Open-Book Test

How to Prepare for an Open-Book Test The very phrase, Open Book Test, evokes immediate relief over students. It automatically de-stresses them due to its implications that studying isnt necessary and that very little preparation is needed. Unfortunately, these thoughts are a huge trap. Although it is perfectly understandable why one would think an open book test requires no studying, that is simply not the case. Here are some great tips on how to mentally prepare for test daythat you may find useful as well. Making an exam open-book certainly makes the test-taking process a lot easier, but it does not eliminate the need for studying altogether. The key to mastering these tests is mastering your notes, and there are a few steps to take for you to do that. Just having your textbook or semester-filled notebook by your side will not guarantee quick and easy answers to every test question you face. Going into this test blindly would be just as dangerous as going into regular test with such a blank mentality. The first step would be to organize your notes. If you just bring a few textbooks and notebooks with absolutely no idea where certain information is, then youll spend most of your testing time looking for answers rather than giving them. Go through your books and notes ahead of time to determine what topics they each cover and on what pages. Take some highlighters and post-its and mark sections as needed. Here are some more great study tips on how to organize your notes. More importantly, identify exactly what youll need to know for this test and then specifically mark the areas of your notes that pertain to those subjects. This way, youll only be searching through notes that you know are relevant to your test material. Being able to quickly recognize where specific topics lie in your notes is half the battle in conquering an open book test the quicker you can get to the answers, the quicker you can use them. Once youve gone through these loads of notes, narrow down the material to establish what you really need to bring with you to the exam. Bringing too much material will overwhelm and distract you, so it is best to only bring the items you definitely know youll benefit from. Open book tests can often make students forget that they can, in fact, still memorize certain facts/concepts and dont have to rely on the notes for everything. Approaching the test this way will reinforce your confidence and allow you to identify which concepts you actually do need the notes for. After youve narrowed down the study material to bring to the test, examine all of it once again. This is both to familiarize yourself with it and see how well you respond to it at a glance. The reason for this is that you dont want to show up to the test with notes that once worked for you and then realize you have no idea what those bullet points mean anymore. Perhaps its been too long since you actually scribbled those notes down or maybe you just cant make out your handwriting from that day. Either way, it is important that you determine any of these possible issues and fix them. Annotate your notes with updated summarizations of what the main points are; re-write the entire page if you have to. Do whatever it takes to make sure you are providing yourself with notes that make sense to you so you will have no trouble comprehending them. You may also want to check out this guide to the study guidethat may help you prepare as well. Overall, remember to keep the importance of test preparation in mind even when facing an open book test. The teacher is allowing you an incredibly helpful resource dont waste it by getting too comfortable! Prepare adequately and that comfort will take precedence when test-taking time arrives.

6 Ways To Help Your Kids Learn Chemistry At Home

6 Ways To Help Your Kids Learn Chemistry At Home Chemistry For Kids Doesn’t Have To Be Boring Chapters1. Supplement Your Child’s Learning At Home2.   Watch A Variety Of Science Programmes3.   Look At Different Chemistry Sets For Kids4.   Try Fun Chemistry Experiments At Home5. Expand Kids’ Knowledge With Chemistry Books6. Spark Their Curiosity For ChemistryChemistry is an important subject in any child’s education. Just like any subject your child studies at school, it’s only natural that you’d like them to do as well academically as possible.So, if your child has:Shown an interest in chemistry as a potential career path;An aptitude for chemistry as a subject at school; orStruggled in the past with chemistry lessons, and could do with some additional work to help improve their marks in chemistry,Then it can really be beneficial to supplement your child’s knowledge of chemistry at home.Below are just six different suggestions for how you can complement the chemistry lessons your child should learn at school from the comfort of your home. Of course, it’s worthwhil e noting that the below list is not exhaustive and that you might find another way to help improve your child’s chemistry marks!The most important thing is to see which methods of learning best suit your child and adopt home learning techniques accordingly. It’s also worth taking into account how old your child is when considering the below approaches. Certain experiments, for example, may not be as suitable for younger children.There are plenty of ways you can teach your kids more about chemistry at home - including making the most of fun chemistry experiments! (Image Source: CC0 1.0, MasterTux, Pixabay)Biochemistry; andHow chemistry shows how materials interact with one another.However, in order to gain extensive knowledge of any field, the basics have to be learnt. That’s why learning about the basics of chemistry at home can be a great place to start if your child has shown an interest in chemistry, or would like to pursue a chemistry-related career in the future.How you c an supplement your child’s existing knowledge of chemistry will largely depend on how much they already know and how old the child is.For example, if your child is already at school, has been taught a little about chemistry and seems enthusiastic to learn more about the subject, then you could look at improving their knowledge of the subject in a number of different ways. For instance, you could:Spend some one on one time helping your child with their chemistry homework to try to ensure they’ve fully understood the content of the lesson and accompanying homework task; orEncourage them to learn more about the chemistry syllabus they are studying â€" perhaps by looking at science topics that will be covered in future lessons, or by helping them research previous lesson topics in greater depth.Of course, if you want to help your child learn more about chemistry but you have limited knowledge of the subject yourself, then you can also achieve the above results through the use of a t utor, who can be found through websites such as Superprof.Equally, if your kid is not yet old enough to go to school and learn about chemistry there, there are other ways to pique their interest in basic chemistry - for example by showing them videos of different chemical reactions online, giving them a crash course in kitchen chemistry through baking, or buying them a collection of science toys.2.   Watch A Variety Of Science ProgrammesThere’s no escaping the fact that we now live in a digital age. As a result, the vast majority of children are already familiar with having tablets, laptops, TVs and mobile phones as a source of information.One of the great things about technology is that it can be used for educational purposes. Educational TV shows about science can be a wonderful way of teaching children more about the world of chemistry and science as a whole.For instance, the BBC has some short videos that cover chemistry topics, including Chemistry: A Volatile History, which e xplores topics including the formation of the periodic table. There’s also the slightly older show, Bill Nye the Science Guy, which nevertheless can teach kids some interesting facts about science in an engaging way.There are lots of science topics for kids that you can teach your children about at home. (Image Source: CC0 1.0, StockSnap, Pixabay)How old your child is (and so how much supervision they may need when it comes to tasks such as measuring); andWhat kind of experiments you’d like your child to try out.For ease, we outline some easy home science experiments that you can undertake at home below.Hire an  A Level chemistry tutor online  now.4.   Try Fun Chemistry Experiments At HomeBuilding on the idea of getting your child a chemistry set, another way to teach children about how exciting chemistry can be is to encourage them to carry out easy experiments at home.We’ve all seen a chemical volcano experiment before, which is created using a combination of baking soda and vinegar, and perhaps a dash of food colouring â€" so why not start your child off with similar experiments?Often, these science experiments require just a few household ingredients, are easy to carry out and observe, and can teach your child about how certain chemical elements and substances react with one another. In short - they're a great teaching tool for any budding chemist or scientist!For example, you could try to make slime with your child, check out invisible ink, conduct experiments that teach lessons about magnetism or static electricity, or opt for a more explosive chemistry experiment by adding Mentos to a bottle of Diet Coke.If you want to do the Diet Coke and Mentos experiment, be sure to only do it in an outdoor space unless you want a huge stream of bubbles to soak an indoor room!Some other common experiments that may be worth trying are outlined in a video from the BBC. These experiments should keep your child entertained for a number of hours as they observe the weird and wonderful processes that each science experiment highlights.There are lots of different fun chemistry experiments that you can try out at home with your child. (Image Source: CC0 1.0, PublicDomainPictures, Pixabay)5. Expand Kids’ Knowledge With Chemistry BooksAlthough this is the more traditional way of teaching your child about chemistry, there is a lot to be said for having your child read chemistry books.Chemistry books, just like biology and physics books, don’t always have to be stuffy and boring.In fact, there are lots of educational books available today that aim to make learning more fun for the reader, whether those books are teaching kids about chemical change and chemical reactions, different types of fun science, or the difference between acids and alkalis.So, if your kid enjoys reading and has shown an interest in chemistry, why not combine the two?For example, some books you could look into are:Molecule Mayhem by  Tom Adams;Fizz, Bubble Flash! Element Ex plorations Atom Adventures for Hands-On Science Fun! By Anita Brandolini; orChemical Chaos in the Horrible Science series by Nick Arnold.Naturally, educational books, including chemistry books, are often written with different age ranges in mind, so it’s a case of having a look around and seeing which books come highly recommended within your child’s age bracket.6. Spark Their Curiosity For ChemistryThe final tip on this list for how you can help your kids learn chemistry at home isn’t strictly home-based. Nevertheless, it can be a wonderful way to help develop your child’s knowledge of chemistry in an environment outside of school.This is because the final tip is to try and take your kids out to a local science museum, or perhaps even to a science or chemistry-related event, when possible.There are many benefits to going to visit a museum, a science fair, or similar event. For instance:It can help a child learn about different aspects of chemistry that they weren’t previ ously aware of; andIt shows that chemistry isn’t just a theoretical science and that it has real-world applications.Your child can hopefully see some science experiments or a demonstration being conducted in-person, supplementing any classroom study.Hopefully, the above six tips will give you enough inspiration to encourage your child’s budding interest in chemistry. If you are still looking for any further advice or tips on how to teach your kids chemistry at home, then there is always the possibility of turning to a physics and  chemistry tutor for some tips and advice.Superprof has a range of chemistry tutors who are happy to provide both online and in-person tuition services â€" it’s just a case of searching through Superprof’s database to find the right chemistry teacher for you and your child!

An Interview with a Volunteer Adam Schauer - Heart Math Tutoring

An Interview with a Volunteer Adam Schauer - Heart Math Tutoring An Interview with a Volunteer: Adam Schauer An Interview with a Volunteer: Adam Schauer September 3, 2019 It didn’t take long for Adam Schauer to become a devoted member of the Heart Math Tutoring volunteer team. Heart Tutoring’s ability to “immediately impact” the Charlotte community is what first intrigued Adam, a Client Portfolio Manager at Barings, about serving with us years ago. We recently sat down with Adam to hear what makes being a Heart Tutoring volunteer special, in his own words. “You don’t even think about math. You’re just interacting with them.” Beyond instilling the life skills that come with learning basic math, Adam says it’s the opportunity to mentor and positively impact children’s lives that makes the experience so rewarding. And Heart Tutoring’s playful approach to teaching math is a natural way to strengthen those mentor-mentee relationships, he reflects. Because the lesson plans are easy to grasp, and oriented around games and interactive problem-solving, children learn by way of connection. Adam his partner tutor, Mike with their student Adam says he enjoys engaging with children at their various learning levels and engaging in “friendly competitions” with his partner teacher to give the most fun or interesting lesson each week. “[My partner and I] try to make it a fun, entertaining, playful environment,” he says. “We’ll joke and ask our student whose lesson he liked more that week.” HMT Note: This also challenges the student to reflect on their previous lesson. Way to go, Adam! “30 minutes is all it takes.” Charlotte professionals like Adam tend to stay busy in and outside of work. But Adam encourages those considering Heart Tutoring to not let the time commitment dissuade them from taking that step. As Adam puts it, “volunteering just 30 minutes per week during limited times of the year can have a lasting snowball effect on the long-term development of these children.” “It’s refreshing to step out of the busy world and step into time with someone who needs more support and help than we realize,” he says. Thirty minutes a week can leave a lifetime impression, and to help maximize that positive impact, Adam started a carpool to make volunteering that much easier for his Barings colleagues. “The long-term impact is their interest in learning more.” Beyond the successful math lessons, the biggest reward for Adam is seeing Heart Tutoring kids develop a new curiosity in general learning. “Obviously you want them to have an ability to grow through academics … But the longer-term impact â€" where you can really see the kids come out of their shell â€" is their interest in learning more. They bring an excitement to their tutoring session and they take that excitement home, to other studies, to telling their friends.” Adam, his partner tutor, Mike, with their student her mom “That’s what keeps me coming back.” With the responsibility to mentor comes what he calls a “welcome challenge.” Recognizing that all children respond differently to guidance and direction, Adam strives to approach every interaction with his students uniquely. “Once you make that connection with a child, you really start building a strong relationship. And that’s what keeps me coming back the most,” he says. “It’s the laughs, the giggles, the challenges.” One testament to the great impact of these tutoring sessions, Adam says, is interacting with students long after the sessions have ended. When you see them in the halls even years later, “they run up to you, give you a high-five; they remember you and the impact you made.” Adam says it’s “the laughs, the giggles, the challenges” that sum up his favorite aspects of being a Heart Tutoring volunteer. We’re grateful for Adam and his fellow Heart Math Tutoring colleagues from Barings. They are so giving of their time and financial generosity â€" and we wouldn’t make the same impact without them!

How to Ace the ACT Writing Section

How to Ace the ACT Writing Section ACT SAT Prep and College Admissions Blog Writing an essay in 40 minutes can be a daunting task. The ACT graders expect you to write a well-developed, coherent essay about a topic that you may not be familiar with. However, knowing more about the ACT Writing section, and what graders are looking for can help you to prepare for this task effectively. The ACT Writing section is graded on the following four parameters: Ideas and Analysis Development and Support Organization Language Use and Conventions Ideas and Analysis: Scores under this parameter are based on your ability to produce relevant and engaging arguments on a specified issue. By writing about the issue at hand, you communicate to the ACT graders that you understand the issue that you have been asked to address. Tip: Rephrasing the prompt in your own words, and making it specific to your argument demonstrates to the ACT graders that you understand the prompt that they have invited you to write about. Development and Support: Scores under this parameter are based on your ability to rationally discuss and support an idea or argument. Rational argument development, as well as the use of examples to support your claim, help communicate your ideas to the ACT graders. Tip: Using a variety of specific examples will help to bolster your argument. Try pulling examples from history, art, politics, science, as well as your own personal history. Organization: Scores under this parameter are based on your ability to clearly and logically order the structure of your essay. Here, the ACT graders are looking for you to guide them through your argument in a logical, step-by-step fashion. Tip: Since you are allotted only 40 minutes to write a coherent essay, it is best to use the 5-paragraph essay structure. Introduction: It’s your job to grab the ACT graders attention, articulate your thesis or position, and include three supporting examples that bolster your thesis. 3 Supporting Paragraphs: Each paragraph should start off with a topic sentence, which acts as a thesis statement for your paragraph. The following sentences in your paragraph should discuss an example that bolsters your main argument. Conclusion: It is important to restate your argument, while expanding on it a little bit. One way of expanding your argument is to of future implications of your argument and what positive effects can stem from your argument. Language Use and Conventions: Scores in this domain are based on your ability to clearly articulate your argument while correctly and strategically using grammar, syntax, and word choice. The ACT graders are also taking into account your writing style and tone. Tip: Creative and varied sentence structure and word choice help keep the ACT graders engaged! It’s important to demonstrate your command of the English language and use it effectively to prove your argument. Use transition words, robust word choice, and varied sentence structure to aid the logical progression of your essay, and to make your essay stand out. It can be stressful to read a short prompt, and plan and write an essay in 40 minutes. Because you are granted little time to write a coherent, and well-developed essay, it is important that you pace yourself and budget your time wisely. The Essay Timeline below breaks down how you should spend your time organizing and writing your essay. Essay Timeline: 1. Read the Prompt 2 Minutes 2. Develop your thesis and brainstorm supporting examples 3 Minutes 3. Outline your essay 4 Minutes 4. Write your essay 28 Minutes 5. Proofread and edit your essay 3 Minutes Tip: If you find that you are running out of time while writing your essay, drop one of your three example paragraphs. It is preferable to have two well-written supporting paragraphs than three poorly written supporting paragraphs. Final Thoughts The best way to prepare for the ACT Writing Section is to practice writing essays within a time limit. The more familiar you become with how to organize your time within the essay timeline through practice, the more likely you feel confident about organizing your time efficiently and writing a stellar essay when your test date arrives. There are many pitfalls that test-takers fall into on the ACT Writing section. These pitfalls are more likely to occur when a test-taker has spent little or no time practicing writing essays or fails to use the Essay Timeline. Some of these common missteps are: Writing on a different topic than the one specified in the ACT Writing prompt. Not having a clear argument or thesis statement about your position in regards to the ACT Writing prompt. Using overly complex sentences, or overly florid words in your essay to “show-off” to the ACT graders. Poor spelling and grammar mistakes. Placing more weight on quantity instead of quality. Many test-takers fall into these pitfalls because they want to impress the ACT graders, and obtain a high score. Though it may seem that having a longer essay with florid or “big” vocabulary words, often times such attempts to impress the ACT graders end up confusing the graders about your argument and your ability to write a coherent essay. Consequently, test-takers end up with a low score for attempting to impress the ACT graders. It is important to remember to keep your essay clear, concise, and simple. Essays that are clear, concise, and simple standout on their own because they are easy to read and understand. BankeAbioye is a Managing Tutor with MyGuru and frequently helps students prepare for High School College Entrance Exams.

All About Personal Job References and Letters of Recommendation

All About Personal Job References and Letters of Recommendation Image via Pixabay First, HR managers are simply too busy to sift through every single paper on every single application. Nor do they have time to discern whether to believe everything applicants say [at least on paper] about themselves. HR managers want to hear the truth about applicants and it can usually be given to them through a few sentences from someone else. Second, a letter of recommendation or a good reference will automatically make you stand out. It will elevate a great candidate to the top list of picks and could drop an equally great candidate to the won’t-be-hired stack. It’s important to gather quality recommendation letters and keep them on file. In the fast hiring process, you want to turn these around quickly while at the same time giving yourself a good shot of getting to the top. So here are some additional tips about personal job references and letters of recommendation that just might be the clincher for you getting that dream job. Who To Ask On average, employers will ask for three references when applying for a job. So you need to have at least three professional people (not family members or friends) who can honestly vouch for you. It doesn’t hurt to have more than three and if you have them, certainly provide them on the application if there’s space available. It is best to select people who know much more than that you exist and worked for them. The people you ask need to know something about your character, work ethic, and overall attitude and ability for the job to which you’re applying. Select Strong Endorsers A recommendation is like a human stamp of approval. This is why it is important to know previous managers and supervisors and get their permission to use them as references. You need someone who is responsive to requests and can confirm details about you such as your responsibilities, position, reason for leaving and other details. It is also a good idea to know what the endorser is going to say about you. Some employers will simply ask for contact information and then contact them on their own. If this is the type of application you’re filling out, be sure the recommenders know that the request is coming. Ensure you’ve done a good job and are leaving with no beef with your boss so there is no choice but to be positive about your performance. Make sure the information you give to a potential employer and what your references say is consistent and can be corroborated. Inconsistent, or worse, inaccurate information can hinder your chances of a job offer. All In Writing When leaving one position for another or one company for another, ask for a recommendation in writing from the boss. This is a more reasonable request especially if you’ve had a good working relationship. As time passes and people get older and more forgetful or move to different positions or locations themselves, what they remember about you and your performance may fade. So if you obtain letters at least two weeks before you make your move, you will have everything documented in writing and you’ll be good to go. If you ask a supervisor for a letter of recommendation long after you’re gone, you may need to kindly refresh their memory about who you are and what you did during your time with them. How To Ask This goes without saying, but be polite when asking. Take into consideration the recommender’s time and his or her responsibilities. It is best to ask in an email and then follow up after about a week if there is no response. If you see him or her every day or regularly, if you feel comfortable, you may ask them politely whether they got your email to remind them of it. Do not ask “Can you write a recommendation letter for me?” Assume they can. The thing is they may not know what to say about you. Instead ask “If you feel you know me well enough and feel I’ve done a good job here, would you mind writing a good recommendation letter for me?” With wording like this, the recommender can think about what to say and whether it will be good. You can also be certain that those who agree to write a letter will give you a good recommendation. If your recommender asks for additional information such as a resume, be sure to provide it. Additionally, not every supervisor has written a letter of recommendation before. If this is the case and they ask for help, provide a few samples to your employer to help in the process. How To Know It’s Good Strong recommendation letters and references should show your skills and work ethic in a positive light. There are a few other clues you can look for to see whether it will benefit you. First, it should reflect who you are as a person and why you’re qualified. Second, it should be customized to fit the new job position in that it should show how you’ll benefit the new company. Third, it should provide at least one to two examples of what you’ve done to benefit the company you’re leaving. Finally, the letter should look and sound professional and include contact information for the recommender. Don’t Forget Yes, one last thing. Don’t forget to express your thanks. Regardless of whether you get the job you’re applying for or not, let your recommenders know what happens and be sure to sincerely thank them for taking the time and putting in the effort to produce a letter for you. And when you get the job, be sure to send another note of appreciation. After all, they were at least a small part of your success.