Community service is the act of going out of your way to do things to help individuals or society as whole. It is indulging in various tasks that will help make your community a better place to live.

Community service in today’s world holds a lot of importance. It is not only important and required for a lot of colleges but Big MNCs have also started looking into the kind of social service you have done in the past few years of your life.  A new field called Social Entrepreneurship has emerged- out of community service. It aims to apply entrepreneur skills to help the most backward- poverty stricken sections of society. For this having prior knowledge and skills in helping others is imperative.

Countries such as USA have made community service a compulsion for petty criminals. Running a red light, vandalizing have punishments such as 40 hours of community service a month. Which I believe, is a very bright idea to help make the world a better place. It not only improves our surroundings but also instills values of empathy, sympathy, hard work in us. It opens our eyes to the harsh reality of today’s world. More and more countries should adopt this technique.

So what are the various kinds of community services that one can take up?

1. Educating the poor- This is the most common and beneficial type of community service. It involves educating the underprivileged in your area. It not only helps eradicate poverty but also helps make them a better person. Education is the key to development.
2. Cleaning- Garbage is not only an unpleasant site, but is also the cause for a number of diseases. Throwing wrappers out of your car windows should be stopped at once. If you live near a mall or  a market get into talks with your RWA and try sponsoring garbage cans in the area.
3. Religious- Some religions emphasize on community service. This propagates peace and a sense of achievement. It is also a way to repent your sins.

Help make the world a better place.

Click here for government certification in Life Skills

The post Community Service appeared first on Vskills Blog.

Your CV-  CURRICULUM VITAE, is a document which provides with an overview of all your past work, achievements and experience. For some people it can be the most important piece of paper in their lives- even more important than their board’s mark sheet! Be it out of compulsion or genuine interest, Your CV has got to be the nicest, most professional one there is out there. So what can be done to ensure this?

Make sure you start your CV  with all of  your essential personal details such as

*Date of Birth

*Address

*Full name

*Parent’s name

*Contact number etc

Then proceed with your educational qualifications, that is

*10 class board marks

*12 class board marks

*name of school

*name of college and course pursued.

Then make a separate table regarding all your extra curricular. This can range from your favorite hobby to exceptional achievements such as a national level award or an international level sport played. Remember, mention things  such as being a part of the Debate society or Dramatics club of your school or college. It holds a lot of importance. It lets your interviewer know that you are able to deal with impromptu situations efficiently and have good orator and negotiating skills.

Lastly, end your CV with references. This could even be from a school teacher who taught you years ago. Make sure you get it written by someone who knows you inside out. Who is fully aware of your past achievements and future capabilities.

After writing your CV, proof read it several times. Make sure you either make a table or present everything in bullets. It makes it easier to read. Check for grammatical errors. Try making your CV look as professional as possible. Get other people to read your CV and evaluate their inputs- whether there advises will help make your CV better or not. Don’t over do your CV by using a fancy font or colorful titles. Keep it simple but classy.

All the best!

Click here for government certification in Life Skills

The post How To Build Your CV appeared first on Vskills Blog.

Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.

It is because of social influences, people form views and attitudes people and about different issues in life that exist in the form of behavioral tendencies.

There are various forms of attitude that people choose to adopt. Believe it or not but even attitudes have components such as

1. Valence- This tells us how positive or negative our attitude towards an object is.
2. Extremeness- This tells us how positive or negative our attitude is in general.

We all can wish to adopt a happy attitude, care free attitude or a sweet attitude. Yet some of us choose to live with a angry and sad attitude. Why is it so that some of us choose this path?

Research popularly determines that a lot of the anger within a person can be traced back to their childhood and the disturbed interpersonal relationships they had to endure. This could be an authoritarian sibling or even a bad relationship with the persons parents. However something needs to happen in the present to re-invoke these repressed feelings.

Dissatisfaction with life is another cause for a bad attitude. Personal problems, financial problems and professional problems are constantly poking us in the back of our heads because of which we aren’t able to pursue a happy healthy life.

This can have a lot of negative consequences such as breaking up of important relationships, indulgence in substances such as alcohol and drugs. In some cases people may also lose their jobs. So what is the way out of this abyss?

1. Professional help: If you feel that your attitude is extremely bad and you yourself can’t handle it on a personal level then seek professional help. Talking to a psychologist about your disturbed childhood relationships can benefit you exponentially.
2. Find a new hobby- Be it swimming, playing tennis, yoga or even reading a book. Use all of this as an outlet to take out your anger. Don’t unnecessarily get angry at people for no valid reason.
3. Self regulation- Most people have a peak time to get irritated.  For most it is after a long tiring day at work. This is when you are required to be aware. Don’t let small things get to you. Breathe in and breathe out every time something bothers you. Indulge in dialogue instead a ballad of blames when dealing with a stressful situation.

Whatever it is, you will be able to overcome it. Best of luck! 🙂

Click here for government certification in Life Skills

The post Attitude- The little thing that makes the big difference appeared first on Vskills Blog.

World renowned french psychologist- Jean piaget- also known as the father of developmental psychology claims that our brains retaining capacity and flexibility is the most during our childhood years. This is because we spend our formative years observing our surroundings. We learn and pick things up from the environment we are placed in.

Applying the same logic to our present day lives, we can increase our concentration and focus level exponentially by keeping a few simple things in mind.

Being attentive to our surroundings is of utmost importance. Notice that one unique thing that all successful people share- it is their presence of mind. This is what allows them to excel in their various fields. Be it predicting the crash of the stock market or upcoming trends in the market- noticing all of this is a result of high focus.

So what can be done to harvest this essential life skill?

1.Stay Fresh: The early hours of the morning or the late hours of the night. ‘To each his own’ . Yes, we all have that one hour during the day where are efficiency and productivity levels are at their peak. Choose that hour and use it wisely. Complete your most difficult taks then.

2. The spider technique: Narrow down the thing that distracts you the most. And spend at least 10 mins a day trying to complete your task in that environment. For eg: you aren’t able to study at home due to your family making noises. Try doing 10 mins of revision around them.  This way the next time they spontaneously start making noise, you won’t get as distracted.

3. Increase flow of blood: it is essential that your brain gets maximum supply of oxygen in order to reach the epitome of your concentration. This can easily be attained by going for a 10 minute jog or indulging in other forms of exercises.

4. Diet : Fatty foods with lots of carbohydrates tend to make a person sleepy. So avoid eating foods rich in carbohydrate.

5.Meditate: Concentrate on your breathing. Or for that matter of of fact concentrate on any one thing in your room. This focus will allow a flood of pisitiving thereby refreshing your mind and increasing your concentration level.

Click here for government certification in Life Skills

The post FOCUS – 5 important steps to develop… appeared first on Vskills Blog.

“just one cigarette bro, comeon!”

“could you please cover my shift for me?”

“Could you please go to the market and grab the groceries for me?”

There will be various instances in one day itself when you are asked to do something against your wishes- but you do it anyway. Is it because you like to do it? Is it because you can’t stand someone being angry with you or is it because you shun all the negative thoughts away by saying “oh no, I’ll do it. It’s not that big a deal”

The answer is that some people just can not say no. Agreed, saying no is not easy but at times you have to be a little selfish and just plainly say NO. This doesn’t make you a bad person. It actually does more good than harm. These two letters form an expression representing your dedication and devotion to charting your own destiny. The book- “The Power of Saying No” by SIMON WRIGHT propagates just that.

lets say hypothetically you are going out for dinner with your friends. Suddenly, one friend takes out a pack of cigarettes. They’ll try coaxing you into trying it or persuade you by saying it is just one drag. But why should you give up your moral values or beliefs just for someone else’s amusement? Is smoking doing any good to you? NO. This is the power of saying no. Don’t ever fall prey to peer pressure.

Another situation, you are working late at the office, and a colleague asks you to complete his project just because he’s tired from the day’s work. On hearing this it infuriates you just little specially because you know that you’ve had an equally tiring day. However, you anyway say yes just because you can’t say no. You end up not only completing your colleague work but also fall short on time to complete your work.

It is in little episodes like these that people walk over you and take you for granted. You portray yourself as someone ‘really nice’ who will do everybody’s work for them. Often your inability to refuse renders you tired, feeling helpless, angry and sad. All at the same time. So why invest in something that holds absolutely no benefits for you? Change yourself today, don’t let people take advantage of you. Learn how to say no without feeling guilty, after all, at the end of the day it is your happiness that matters the most.

Click here for government certification in Life Skills

The post The Power of Saying No appeared first on Vskills Blog.

Jobs, it’s not only a profession but it’s a task which will dictate a major part of your life for a long time and a way that can lead you to success. Specially for those who are on the path to pursuing their dream jobs they need to keep in mind certain things that will most surely guarantee them their jobs. Apart from the prior hard work needed to reach where you are, you need to prepare for your interview in the best way possible. Here are some tips to keep in mind-

1. Dress Well- “First impression is the last impression” From your gait to your shirt. Your interviewer WILL scrutinize you. Make sure you are dressed well for him to not analyze you negatively. Smell good and professionally dress up in your Sunday best. This will not only make you feel more confident but will make your interviewer think of you as a person who is highly organized.
2. Research before hand: Prepare yourself for any question that they may ask you. Look up for the companies past trends and future plans. This will help you learn a lot about the company. Try asking your interviewer questions about the company yourself. It will make you seem more interested and aware. This is bound to impress your interviewer.
3. Correct your posture : Never slouch and sit.This will give them the impression that you are tired and bored. Always keep your body upright and straight. On entering , give your panel a good strong hand shake. This parts a sense of professionalism.
4. Be Witty: Nothing like getting a good laugh or two out of people. It eases the environment and shows the interviewer than you are quick witted, and not only book smart. When impromptu situations arise, chances are you will be one of the people selected to deal with it, thanks to your good wits! But remember, don’t come off as someone who is over smart or condescending

And lastly, smile throughout. Make them like you for the person you are. During the conversation, subtly slip in your achievements, aims and aspirations in life. They are bound to love you. Best of luck!

Click here for government certification in Life Skills

The post Four things that will increase success in a Job interview appeared first on Vskills Blog.

“Nothing is less important than which fork you use. Etiquette is the science of living. It embraces everything. It is ethics. It is honor.”

We spend our day with different groups of people- our friends, family and even colleagues. With each and every one of them we will behave in a different manner. It is based on our behavior that people all around is make judgement about us. Our family may perceive us to be the irritated one because we usually take out all our anger and emotions on them. Our colleagues might see as someone who is very superficial and our friends will see us someone who is very care free in life. People all our are continuously engaged in making judgement, so shouldn’t we organize ourselves in a manner so that people don’t end up with a bad preconceived notion about us?

Etiquettes are the customary code of polite behavior in society or among members of a particular profession or group.

SOCIAL etiquette- This refers to the way we behave around our social surroundings. We must always remember to keep a calm and composed attitude. Talking the right things, not talking in a very loud voice and simply being polite is imperative around all. Taking out your unnecessary anger on someone else is beyond wrong.

DINING etiquette- When you are out for a business dinner or with your extended family, people tend to judge you a lot- on the way you eat and how much you eat(unfortunately).  Few things to remember are, never eat with your mouth open. Better don’t ever talk with food in our mouth. Never stuff too much on your plate, nobody likes wastage of food.

BUSINESS etiquette- For people working in firms, they will have to deal with different times of people of several occasions in a weak itself! Maintaining a sense of professionalism with all is of utmost importance.  Never treat anybody as your inferior. Not even your office clerks. Small thing such as opening the door for someone or helping others with their work should be incorporated in your habits. During meetings, no matter how bored you are, always always listen to the other person. Try contributing to their points and don’t even by mistake doze off!

stay classy.

Click here for government certification in Life Skills

The post Etiquettes- the science of living that defines us in many ways appeared first on Vskills Blog.

“Dressing well is a sign of being good etiquette “

These words should and must have an impact on all of us. Often we think  dressing up for a party or a normal outing is very trivial and in some cases a waste of time. We don’t put in as much effort or at times in some cases, put in an extra effort, which results in us being either over dressed or under dressed.

There are several occasions which require us to dress up. One such occasion under consideration is dressing up for a Job interview

Smell good

It’s the one thing that can make someone aware of your presence even from outside the room! But remember, your perfume or after shave shouldn’t be too strong so that it continuously distracts the interviewer. A subtle scent can instantly grab a person’s attention. It shows that you are hygienic, well organised and care about your surroundings.

Hair styles

It may not be good to generalize, but most firms (barring a few start ups) appreciate a short hair cut for boys which makes them look good. As for girls, a high pony tail or a bun gives you a very professional look.

The clothes: A shirt that isn’t ironed can easily put off anybody. It can indicate several things, such as you aren’t ever able to do things on time, don’t care enough about your belongings or just aren’t serious enough about what people think about you- which by the way is a very important aspect for most big companies. Girls should try trousers or a skirt that is below their knees. Boys, always always avoid jeans.

The Nitty Gritties

Employers notice your hands as soon as you first shake hands. Remember, your nails should be of the appropriate size with no finger nail dirt AT ALL. Loud make up always takes the attention away from the conversation- to concentrate on how purple your lipstick is! As for men, shaving before an interview is a must! Also take care that your shoes are polished and that men and  women alike are wearing watches (sense of professionalism)

The way you dress makes a world of a difference. Its an aesthetic pleasure to the eyes and can at once boost up your confidence. So always dress to impress!

Click here for government certification in Life Skills

The post How appearances can determine success in corporate life appeared first on Vskills Blog.

They say human existence is defined by our need to achieve and full fill our live goals. With each passing phase of our life we come up with a new goal- be it acing the board exams, getting into a college of your choice, landing up with your dream job or even something as simple as losing weight. But what is that one thing that binds us to the path to our aspirations? That’s right- HARD WORK.

A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.

The futile attempts at achieving our goals often exasperate us. The first thing that we need to day before navigating our way through is to think about our past experiences and figure out where we went wrong. To achieve something we must want it  badly.

As people we continuously evaluate ourselves and make judgments about our way of living. This is known as self esteem. Remember, Self esteem plays a major role in our achievements. Achieving something in the past boosts up our self esteem and makes us more confident. It increases our self efficacy, that is the extent to which we believe we control our lives. People with high self esteem know that they have it within them to work harder and better.

The ability to monitor and organize our own behavior is known as self regulation. Keeping track of the process and progress of our work depends on how we regulate ourselves. Whether we are waking up early enough for our morning jogs, or putting in the right number of hours before a test.

Some ways to regulate your behavior to work hard are –

1. SELF INSTRUCTION: Tell yourself that going that one extra mile to burn a few calories is possible. Research proves that by telling yourself something repeatedly you trick your subconscious into believing it. Your brain will then automatically wire itself to work harder.
2. Self reinforcement: Supposing you have to prepare for your job presentation but you are too tired to. Reward yourself by preparing a good meal. Then self instruct yourself to finish the work as soon as possible so that you are able to finally treat yourself to one of your favorite things.

Remember, being tired is a state of mind. YOU are the miracle worker. YOU have it in you to work harder than ever to achieve something you have never achieved. The fruits of your goals lie in your hard work. So lift your chin up and get working!

Click here for government certification in Life Skills

The post Hard work is the most critical determinant of success appeared first on Vskills Blog.

To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one’s family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one’s own mind. If a man can control his mind he can find the way to Enlightenment, and all wisdom and virtue will naturally come to him. – Buddha

Since time immemorial our forefathers have been propagating the core value of survival of any being- PEACE. However this fast pace lifestyle which the current generation is pursuing today doesn’t allow them to live life ‘peacefully.’ The submission of assignments, preparation for meetings and a mother having to manage the family all by herself can disrupt the equilibrium within and keep us from living life in ‘nirvana’.

Nirvana, represents the final goal of buddhism. A state free of all suffering and stress. Humanistic- existential psychologists believe that a human being’s life’s aim is to live freely and to decide whether they want to lead a life of responsibilities or not; Whichever allows them to live in peace.

However, we are not a lost cause. In an age where our inner peace is in absence we have ways that can help revive that element of life’s success.

1)Positive thinking – The power of being able to fill our minds with positive emotions, thoughts and feelings can help us lead a happier life. When we block out repetitive negative intrusive thoughts we are able to restore our inner equilibrium and lead a life free of tension.

2) Rational thinking- Fretting over small daily issues amounts up to stress. We have irrational thoughts and beliefs which not only make us angry but also worry us about our dear ones. Living a life in fear is of no good. Once we accept that there will be an inflow of positive thoughts only.

3) Yoga- The genesis of yoga can be traced back to pre vedic Indian traditions. It is a form of exercise which induces a strong sense of calmness in the person practicing it. Today’s yoga has branched out and been integrated with different forms of exercises such as dance and aerobics. All in all, studies indicate that their is a direct relationship of positivity between yoga and mental health which at the end of the day helps promote inner peace.

It is only when we are at peace can we achieve most of life’s ambitions. Breathe in- breathe out. And begin your quest for the search of your inner peace.

Click here for government certification in Life Skills

The post Peace appeared first on Vskills Blog.