How To Audition - In Pursuit of Talent

If you don’t know what the director is looking for you can’t possibly fill the shoes!

It’s true isn’t it?

Now, when I say “know what the director is looking for” I can hear you saying – “You don’t even know what show/part/audition I’m going for – how can you possibly know what my director is looking for?” Well let’s stop right there….

Directors are only looking for one thing: TALENT. Now, if that frightens you stop reading right now, grab your teddy bear and go to bed – well, maybe not bed but stop going to auditions at least because you are wasting your time.

However, “Talent” is such a vague term.

There are two definitions from dictionary.com that I think are interesting:

Talent (noun) 1. a special natural ability or aptitude: Well if you enjoy taking part in performance art then you clearly have an aptitude and if you are reading this article I assume you must have some ‘natural ability’ (I discuss the measurement of ‘ability’ in more detail in my ebook – The Ultimate Audition Guide.

2. a capacity for achievement or success; ability. Interesting! So, if talent is measured by your “capacity to achieve success” then by helping you achieve audition success I am offering to ultimately make you more talented. I should charge more for this course!

From a director’s perspective this is the key definition though. The ‘talent’ you display at an audition is what the director will use to judge whether you could make his production as successful as possible. When I am casting I want to hire the people who I think will make me look good so will cast the people who exhibit the most clear examples of certain key skills.

Some of those skills will be matched to my production such as singing, acting, dancing; or to the role being cast; but there is a long list of skills that I look for as a director that are not related to the actual production but are native to Showbusiness and essential for the production process.

These qualities, such as Confidence, Poise, Vocal Projection, Style, Individuality, Attitude etc., are the first thing that hopeful actors need to brush up on so that they even get ‘noticed’ in the audition room. They are what I like to call a performer’s “Sparkle Rating”

In TV, Theater and Movie auditions many hopeful actors forget the value of their “Sparkle Rating” because they are so absorbed in trying to deliver a ‘character’ performance to wow the casting director.

For reality TV shows, game-shows and the like a performer’s “Sparkle Rating” is probably THE most fundamental attribute being assessed.

You can find out about each of the seven “Sparkle” elements in the Ultimate Audition Guide as I break them down in detail. These are elements of your audition that you can easily improve on to give you maximum points at any audition.

In fact, these are the skills that often separate the people who get the parts from the people who don’t.

Until next time – Break a Leg!

This article is Copyright Tim Waddell 2007 – and can only be reproduced with the below author information intact. For more information visit [http://www.winthepart.com]

How To Audition - In Pursuit of Talent

Resumes When You Don"t Have a Degree

Fortunately, one’s career and life success is not based solely on obtaining a college degree. Just look at the rise of Bill Gates of Microsoft, Michael Dell of Dell, and in more recent days, Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook. These high profile and successful businessmen chose to pursue business over completing a college education. That decision hardly stopped them from succeeding.

But, just because these individuals have succeeded in leading prosperous careers for themselves without first obtaining a college degree, can you do the same? Many candidates fear employers will pass on their resume for other candidates with a college education. Certainly, there are employers that require their employees to have a college education and degree to qualify for the job, but there are also employers who could care less about your education or degree obtained. The fact that one earned his stripes from an Ivy League institution does not place him in higher favor at many organizations. Some employers are more interested in a candidate’s character and professional experiences to determine qualification and the best placement for the job.

A college degree becomes less of a highlight on resumes when you have five or more professional years of experience to show. In such instances, even for a candidate with a college degree the education portion of the resume is shifted down to the bottom of the page or entirely eliminated.

So, don’t worry so much about what you don’t have and focus on highlighting what you do have to offer on your resume.

• 
  Place Your Work History before Education. Employers want to know that you are effective and can do the job, and the best way to do that is to demonstrate particular accomplishments and achievements in previous jobs. By making the right impression at the start of your resume and showing how you qualify for the job by the time an employer gets to the education section of your resume, they may be able to overlook any shortcomings. Or, they may be so impressed to not even take note of what you indicate in the education section.


• 
  Add Professional Development. This is an opportunity to showcase self-initiative – and is a category on your resume that can help downplay the fact that you did not obtain a degree. For instance, it is especially critical in the IT sector for professionals to be up-to-date on new developments happening in the field. Professionals also need to be trained on new developments in technical infrastructure and obtain or renew certifications. Showcasing your participation in training, such as courses, seminars and conferences will demonstrate to an employer that you have the know-how needed to do the job applied for. This provides greater value to certain employers than seeing that a candidate has obtained a college degree alone.


• 
  Include Partially Completed Education. If you are in the process of completing your degree or you took courses in the past, make sure you indicate that on the resume which will help you in keyword searches.


• 
  Send your resume to the Decision Maker, not HR. If you have over 10 years of work experience, the decision maker will probably not care about a diploma from a long time ago. However, the human resources manager probably will as they attempt to screen out all but the most perfect fits for a job. So do not send your resume over the web – better to send it to the decision maker directly.

Clearly, there are certain career paths where you need to obtain a degree in order to make it your profession – such as being a lawyer, a doctor, a CPA or a teacher. In many instances, however, one’s life and career success is based more on experience than education alone.

Resumes When You Don"t Have a Degree

New Jobs at MTN Nigeria

MTN Nigeria is part of the MTN Group, Africa’s leading cellular telecommunications

company. On May 16, 2001, MTN became the first GSM network to make a call following the globally lauded Nigerian GSM auction conducted by the Nigerian Communications Commission earlier in the year. Thereafter the company launched full commercial operations beginning with Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt.

Project Manager

 

Job description    
• Develop detailed work plans and identify project deliverables and ensure all projects are well defined in terms of detailed project deliverables, milestones and time frames.
• Constitute project team including steering committee and communicate roles and responsibilities, project expectations, scope, deliverables, milestones and resources to all stakeholders including team members
• Deploy and manage resources effectively for the successful execution of IS projects, securing the release of project required resources including project staff and financial resources.
• Coach and train the project team to ensure understanding of the objectives and goals of the project, awareness of set targets/requirements and regularly review their project needs.
• Track, monitor and control all stages of the project lifecycle, ensuring project is kept within scope, within budget, of expected quality, risks are identified and mitigated and related contracts are administered effectively.
• Review issues and problems in relation to projects, deal with vendors and administer contracts and identify project risks, as well as recommend actions to mitigate risks.
• Track and document changes project scope, identify potential crises, and devise contingency plans and update, prepare, forecast and distribute project status reports to stakeholders.
• Assist in evaluating, tracking and managing the development and performance of team members, to ensure productivity and achievement of business results.
• Close out project ensuring all resources are accounted for and released appropriately.
• Compile lessons to learn for use by project teams in execution of on-going and future projects and participate in post project delivery review.
• Review performance of individual team members and complete appraisals in accordance with the employee performance appraisal procedures and time schedules.

Job condition    
• Normal MTNN working conditions
• May be required to work extended hours
Experience & Training    

Experience:
8 years applicable business experience, including:
• 4 years formal project management experience in a telecommunications business environment or in a customer care & billing systems (CC&BS) or an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems environment
• Proven experience in Managing large scale digital projects and solutions across complex, trans-national , cross-Functional program and channels
• Experience of facilitating project coordination and managing expectations across internal, 3rd party and/or client teams according to project requirements and workstreams from kick off to deployment
• Risk management prior to and during the project execution, managing risks within project timelines, budgets and quality

Training:
• International certification in project management
• Technology Seminars/workshops
• Leadership Development programs
• Problem Solving and Root Cause Analysis techniques
• General Management skills

Minimum qualification    

Managed Data Services Manager

 

Job description    

• Design, create and maintain MTNN database applications in line with the company’s strategies.
• Coordinate and manage the operations of Data/Internet Unit, Satellite NOC and Fixed Exchange (Switching) shift operations in order to effectively and promptly react to all network-related faults.
• Analyze overall network quality and availability, providing useful decision-supporting information to all levels of MTN Management.
• Adapt best practices in network management to suit MTNN’s needs and objectives.
• Ensure proper monitoring and implementation of all network changes according to the organisation process and procedures.
• Ensure prompt response to customer complaints and prompt identification of problems in the network and rectify or advise responsible authority.
• Generate daily, weekly and monthly network performance reports.
• Ensure the traffic utilization of all Network Element.
• Responsible for calling out support staff after hours, when necessary.
• Escalate serious and long outstanding faults to the appropriate quarters and ensure escalation procedures are properly adhered to.
• Ensure NMS operation always in NMC environment.
• Establish and maintain well defined and effective communication channels among the NMC, internal and external customers.
• Provide on-the-job training and guidance to subordinates.
• Provide ideas and feedback on software tools, procedures and improvements to NMC “processes”.
• Provide regular update on MTNN performance and other network issues to the management, call center, sales and distribution, marketing and other relevant department in MTNN.

Job condition     
• Normal MTNN working conditions
• May be required to work extended hours
• National travel and a valid drivers license.
• On stand by 24/7 through out the year
Experience & Training    

Experience:
• Four (4) years hands-on experience in telecomm, tele–traffic environment, with at least two (2) years in a team leadership role and customer relations.
• Experience and comprehension of Telecommunications management network philosophy and practice.
• Knowledge and configuration of Satellite Modems e.g Paradise (P300), Radyne Comstream DMD-15/DMD-20,SDM 4000,EF Data,
• Knowledge of Cisco Router-packet route definitions and re-routing
• Cisco Certification and Advance IP knowledge is desirable
• Knowledge and configuration of Siemens Digital Switching Equipments (EWSD), Transmission equipments (Siemens SURPASS hiT7070 and STM Channels
• Knowledge of Various Network Management System (NMS) tools
• Knowledge of RAD DSU Modem and other ITU modems for E1 configurations
• People Management

Training:
• Advanced leadership programmes
• Advanced project management
• People Management
• Best practices in network management

Minimum qualification    

Windows Enterprise Manager

 

Job description    

• Contribute to the development of IS Services strategies, providing a roadmap for future infrastructure development and develop detailed plans in support of related strategies, organizing required resources, monitoring and periodically reporting progress of plans.
• Assess resource requirements and assist in preparing the budget for IS Services Operations, as well as prepare information systems technical business cases.
• Direct activities of team of highly technical Windows/Messaging administrators and Blackberry Enterprise Server (BES) administrators in order to provide effective and efficient support for Wintel infrastructure.
• Develop and manage team’s objectives and plans and ensure alignment with overall business objectives.
• Manage the design, implementation, administration and support of all aspects of the Wintel infrastructure.
• Proactively review technical architecture, processes, documentation and oversee provisions and suppliers to ensure that services provided are aligned with business needs.
• Prepare management reports and metrics as required and utilize appropriate management tools to monitor operational service status against SLAs and make recommendations where necessary to ensure optimal performance.
• Manage new projects, technology deployments and upgrades into live environment minimising associated risk by ensuring they are carried out in a controlled, timely manner with minimum service downtime.
• Lead incident, problem and change management processes for Windows/Messaging related issues, and co-ordinate preparation of incident reports (as required).
• Co-ordinate Audit and Risk Management related issues/tasks for the Windows Server/Messaging infrastructure.
• Manage and monitor Disaster Recovery operations for Windows and Messaging infrastructure.
• Liaise directly with contractors and manage vendor relationships with respect to server hardware and software.
• Identify training and development needs and manage skills enhancement programmes for the virtual sales team to ensure enterprise sales targets are fully met.
• Review performance of individual team members and complete appraisals in accordance with the employee performance appraisal procedures and time schedules.

Job condition    
• Normal MTNN working conditions
• May be required to work extended hours
• Often required to work extra hours and weekends
• Emergency response at any time during the day

Experience & Training     
Experience:
• At least 7 years hands-on experience in server administration of which two years in a supervisory role

Training:
• Windows 2003 Server and Advance Administration and Support.
• Exchange 2003
• Citrix Administration and Support.
• Compaq/HP and Dell hardware configuration, installation, maintenance and troubleshooting
• Effective customer service.
• Effective communication skills.
Minimum qualification     BSc, HND or BTech

Method of Application

Interested and suitably qualified candidaates should visit MTN Career Page

New Jobs at MTN Nigeria

MTN Nigeria Job Openings

MTN Nigeria is part of the MTN Group, Africa’s leading cellular telecommunications company. On May 16, 2001, MTN became the first GSM network to make a call following the globally lauded
Nigerian GSM auction conducted by the Nigerian Communications Commission earlier in the year. Thereafter the company launched full commercial operations beginning with Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt.

Job Title:  Project Manager 

 

Job description     
• Develop detailed work plans and identify project deliverables and ensure all projects are well defined in terms of detailed project deliverables, milestones and time frames.
• Constitute project team including steering committee and communicate roles and responsibilities, project expectations, scope, deliverables, milestones and resources to all stakeholders including team members
• Deploy and manage resources effectively for the successful execution of IS projects, securing the release of project required resources including project staff and financial resources.
• Coach and train the project team to ensure understanding of the objectives and goals of the project, awareness of set targets/requirements and regularly review their project needs.
• Track, monitor and control all stages of the project lifecycle, ensuring project is kept within scope, within budget, of expected quality, risks are identified and mitigated and related contracts are administered effectively.
• Review issues and problems in relation to projects, deal with vendors and administer contracts and identify project risks, as well as recommend actions to mitigate risks.
• Track and document changes project scope, identify potential crises, and devise contingency plans and update, prepare, forecast and distribute project status reports to stakeholders.
• Assist in evaluating, tracking and managing the development and performance of team members, to ensure productivity and achievement of business results.
• Close out project ensuring all resources are accounted for and released appropriately.
• Compile lessons to learn for use by project teams in execution of on-going and future projects and participate in post project delivery review.
• Review performance of individual team members and complete appraisals in accordance with the employee performance appraisal procedures and time schedules.

Job condition     
• Normal MTNN working conditions
• May be required to work extended hours
Experience & Training     

Experience:
8 years applicable business experience, including:
• 4 years formal project management experience in a telecommunications business environment or in a customer care & billing systems (CC&BS) or an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems environment
• Proven experience in Managing large scale digital projects and solutions across complex, trans-national , cross-Functional program and channels
• Experience of facilitating project coordination and managing expectations across internal, 3rd party and/or client teams according to project requirements and workstreams from kick off to deployment
• Risk management prior to and during the project execution, managing risks within project timelines, budgets and quality

Training:
• International certification in project management
• Technology Seminars/workshops
• Leadership Development programs
• Problem Solving and Root Cause Analysis techniques
• General Management skills
Minimum qualification    

• BSc, BTech or HND

 

Job Title:   Windows Enterprise Manager 

 

Job description     
• Contribute to the development of IS Services strategies, providing a roadmap for future infrastructure development and develop detailed plans in support of related strategies, organizing required resources, monitoring and periodically reporting progress of plans.
• Assess resource requirements and assist in preparing the budget for IS Services Operations, as well as prepare information systems technical business cases.
• Direct activities of team of highly technical Windows/Messaging administrators and Blackberry Enterprise Server (BES) administrators in order to provide effective and efficient support for Wintel infrastructure.
• Develop and manage team’s objectives and plans and ensure alignment with overall business objectives.
• Manage the design, implementation, administration and support of all aspects of the Wintel infrastructure.
• Proactively review technical architecture, processes, documentation and oversee provisions and suppliers to ensure that services provided are aligned with business needs.
• Prepare management reports and metrics as required and utilize appropriate management tools to monitor operational service status against SLAs and make recommendations where necessary to ensure optimal performance.
• Manage new projects, technology deployments and upgrades into live environment minimising associated risk by ensuring they are carried out in a controlled, timely manner with minimum service downtime.
• Lead incident, problem and change management processes for Windows/Messaging related issues, and co-ordinate preparation of incident reports (as required).
• Co-ordinate Audit and Risk Management related issues/tasks for the Windows Server/Messaging infrastructure.
• Manage and monitor Disaster Recovery operations for Windows and Messaging infrastructure.
• Liaise directly with contractors and manage vendor relationships with respect to server hardware and software.
• Identify training and development needs and manage skills enhancement programmes for the virtual sales team to ensure enterprise sales targets are fully met.
• Review performance of individual team members and complete appraisals in accordance with the employee performance appraisal procedures and time schedules.
Job condition     
• Normal MTNN working conditions
• May be required to work extended hours
• Often required to work extra hours and weekends
• Emergency response at any time during the day

Experience & Training     
Experience:
• At least 7 years hands-on experience in server administration of which two years in a supervisory role

Training:
• Windows 2003 Server and Advance Administration and Support.
• Exchange 2003
• Citrix Administration and Support.
• Compaq/HP and Dell hardware configuration, installation, maintenance and troubleshooting
• Effective customer service.
• Effective communication skills.

Minimum qualification    
BSc, HND or BTech



Job Title:  Managed Data Services Manager 

 

Job description     
• Design, create and maintain MTNN database applications in line with the company’s strategies.
• Coordinate and manage the operations of Data/Internet Unit, Satellite NOC and Fixed Exchange (Switching) shift operations in order to effectively and promptly react to all network-related faults.
• Analyze overall network quality and availability, providing useful decision-supporting information to all levels of MTN Management.
• Adapt best practices in network management to suit MTNN’s needs and objectives.
• Ensure proper monitoring and implementation of all network changes according to the organisation process and procedures.
• Ensure prompt response to customer complaints and prompt identification of problems in the network and rectify or advise responsible authority.
• Generate daily, weekly and monthly network performance reports.
• Ensure the traffic utilization of all Network Element.
• Responsible for calling out support staff after hours, when necessary.
• Escalate serious and long outstanding faults to the appropriate quarters and ensure escalation procedures are properly adhered to.
• Ensure NMS operation always in NMC environment.
• Establish and maintain well defined and effective communication channels among the NMC, internal and external customers.
• Provide on-the-job training and guidance to subordinates.
• Provide ideas and feedback on software tools, procedures and improvements to NMC “processes”.
• Provide regular update on MTNN performance and other network issues to the management, call center, sales and distribution, marketing and other relevant department in MTNN.

Job condition     
• Normal MTNN working conditions
• May be required to work extended hours
• National travel and a valid drivers license.
• On stand by 24/7 through out the year
Experience & Training     

Experience:
• Four (4) years hands-on experience in telecomm, tele–traffic environment, with at least two (2) years in a team leadership role and customer relations.
• Experience and comprehension of Telecommunications management network philosophy and practice.
• Knowledge and configuration of Satellite Modems e.g Paradise (P300), Radyne Comstream DMD-15/DMD-20,SDM 4000,EF Data,
• Knowledge of Cisco Router-packet route definitions and re-routing
• Cisco Certification and Advance IP knowledge is desirable
• Knowledge and configuration of Siemens Digital Switching Equipments (EWSD), Transmission equipments (Siemens SURPASS hiT7070 and STM Channels
• Knowledge of Various Network Management System (NMS) tools
• Knowledge of RAD DSU Modem and other ITU modems for E1 configurations
• People Management

Training:
• Advanced leadership programmes
• Advanced project management
• People Management
• Best practices in network management
Minimum qualification    

• BSc, BTech, BEng or HND

How to Apply

Interested and suitably qualified candidaates should  Click Here to Apply

MTN Nigeria Job Openings

Services Sales Executive Job Vacancy At Dell

Since 1985, Dell has played a critical role in enabling more affordable and accessible technology around the world. As an end-to-end computing solutions company, Dell continues to transform computing and provide high quality solutions that empower people to do more all over the world.
At Dell, we promote an environment that is rooted in the entrepreneurial spirit in which the company was founded. This means fostering an open approach to technology innovation that delivers effective solutions for all customer challenges. We believe technology is essential for human success and that
it should be accessible to everyone.

Job Title: Services Sales Executive

Location
Lagos

Job Field
ICT, Computer, Sales, Marketing 

Job Description
Are you a brilliant problem solver who could provide front-line support for a game-changing, enterprise-wide support service? Do you want to be a hero to Dell’s customers by resolving their complex IT issues? Within Dell Services, we are looking for a Services Sales Executive to join our team in Lagos, and sell Dell support services.
Dell provides end-to-end solutions that enable more affordable and accessible technology around the world, empowering people everywhere to do more. You will be part of a collaborative team that believes in honest communication, shares creativity and welcomes different perspectives. There is a winning culture built on a platform of integrity and a spirit of innovation. We will also provide the mentoring, training and opportunities for you to fulfil your ambitions and potential.

Key Responsibilities 
Dell Services develops and delivers solutions that enable clients to maximise returns on IT investments, drive efficiencies and reduce costs. Working with highly skilled technical advisors, you will:
To achieve targeted and forecasted sales goals for the specific support service programs in the regions of responsibility
Develop and plan the sales strategy on target accounts to achieve long-term sales and establish long term relationships
Work with the required teams to ensure a successful roll-out of support services offers
Engage with the management of your respective country/region/segment on services sales performance and required action plans
Work with Sales teams to drive the sale of services and provide on-going communication with Sales teams to ensure a consistent and cohesive message to the customer

Qualifications Essential Requirements 
Effectively prioritizes multiple demands while ensuring customer needs are met
You have excellent presentation –and negotiating skills
You have excellent communication skills in English, verbal and in writing
A minimum of 5 years IT support services similar to Dell ProSupport suite selling experience
Sales minded with a sense of urgency to get to the required results (drive for results)

APPLY HERE

Services Sales Executive Job Vacancy At Dell

Executive Job at Dell

Since 1985, Dell has played a critical role in enabling more affordable and accessible technology around the world. As an end-to-end computing solutions company, Dell continues to transform computing and provide high quality solutions that empower people to do more all over the world.
At Dell, we promote an environment that is rooted in the entrepreneurial spirit in which the company was founded. This means fostering an open approach to technology innovation that delivers effective solutions for all customer challenges. We believe technology is essential for human success and that it should be accessible to everyone.

Job Title: Services Sales Executive

Location 
Lagos

Job Field
ICT, Computer, Sales, Marketing

Job Description
Are you a brilliant problem solver who could provide front-line support for a game-changing, enterprise-wide support service? Do you want to be a hero to Dell’s customers by resolving their complex IT issues? Within Dell Services, we are looking for a Services Sales Executive to join our team in Lagos, and sell Dell support services.
Dell provides end-to-end solutions that enable more affordable and accessible technology around the world, empowering people everywhere to do more. You will be part of a collaborative team that believes in honest communication, shares creativity and welcomes different perspectives. There is a winning culture built on a platform of integrity and a spirit of innovation. We will also provide the mentoring, training and opportunities for you to fulfil your ambitions and potential.

Key Responsibilities 
Dell Services develops and delivers solutions that enable clients to maximise returns on IT investments, drive efficiencies and reduce costs. Working with highly skilled technical advisors, you will:
To achieve targeted and forecasted sales goals for the specific support service programs in the regions of responsibility
Develop and plan the sales strategy on target accounts to achieve long-term sales and establish long term relationships
Work with the required teams to ensure a successful roll-out of support services offers
Engage with the management of your respective country/region/segment on services sales performance and required action plans
Work with Sales teams to drive the sale of services and provide on-going communication with Sales teams to ensure a consistent and cohesive message to the customer

Qualifications Essential Requirements 
Effectively prioritizes multiple demands while ensuring customer needs are met
You have excellent presentation –and negotiating skills
You have excellent communication skills in English, verbal and in writing
A minimum of 5 years IT support services similar to Dell ProSupport suite selling experience
Sales minded with a sense of urgency to get to the required results (drive for results)

APPLY HERE

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Executive Job at Dell