Activity is free; Conference on biodiversity and development by Cristian Samper, director of the Wildlife Conservation Society.

Activity is free; Conference on biodiversity and development by Cristian Samper, director of the Wildlife Conservation Society.
Space is limited. Inscriptions in www.ots.ac.cr. This is an initiative of the Organization for Tropical Studies and the National Museum.

Your first chance to make an impression is through your resume and application. But once you are invited for an interview, you need to further impress your potential employer.

1. Include only relevant experiences on your resume so an employer can see clearly why you qualify for the job. However, study your past jobs closely because some jobs may be relevant, even if they were in a different field. For instance, if you are applying for a management job, any job that showed you work well independently and with others can be relevant.
2. Write a cover letter that is tailored to the specific job for which you are applying. The cover letter should be short and to the point. Give a brief description of why you feel you are a good fit for the job. Close it with a line about looking forward to working with the company.
3. Showcase the skills needed for the job in your resume, even those that don't relate directly to field experience. Use words to describe your past duties that tie them into the job for which you are applying.
4. Research the company well before you go to the interview. The more you know about the company, the better prepared you will be to respond to the interviewer. Your research will help you ask the right questions and give relevant answers.
5. Dress well for the interview. Even if you are applying at a factory, dress at the business casual level. If the job requires, dress in full business attire.
6. Smile and act friendly toward everyone you encounter when you go to the interview. Even if you think no one is watching, management likely watches and takes note of how you interact with other people in the company.
7. Show flexibility to the employer. While its important not to downplay your worth to the company, show that you can work flexible hours and are flexible with salary requirements. A willingness to negotiate and make concessions shows the employer that you are a team player.
8. Seek out additional training in the field in which you are hoping to work. Attending classes related to the job shows employers that you are willing to learn and grow in a position.
9. Provide the employer with a list of references that are accurate and can give you solid reviews. Employers generally do check references. Pay attention to the requirements for references. Some jobs accept relatives and friends, while others require professional references only.
10. Converse with your interviewer beyond answering questions. Bring a list of your own questions. Some casual conversation is okay at an interview, but avoid talking about your personal life.
11. End the interview with a smile and a good handshake. Before leave, if posible show a serious interest for the company. For example, you can do some specific technical question,  which will set your levels of knowledge on the business and your skills for the position offered. As final sentence, tell the employeer  'Thanks Mr. XXX,   I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.'
12. If you don't get fast news from them, send a thank-you note within 2 or 3 days after the interview. Thank the employer for taking the time to speak with you and let him know that you enjoyed your time at the company and really like the idea on work for him.

Tips:

- Always let an employer know that your long-term goals include the job for which you are applying. Employers want employees that will keep the job over a longer period of time.
- Never over-act or fake who you are. Nowadays, honesty and transparency are as valuable (and sometimes even more important) than a very impressive resume. So...confident and be yourself. Make the interviewer feel completely comfortable with you.

Article writen by Kimberly Turtenwald, courtesy of eHow, the home of every useful knowledge.

Non-emotional or non-impulsive purchases provide also extra time and better conditions to negociate with the suppliers. Never forget! The art of negociation is not only in search of a lower price. You can always negociate other extra benefits. All companies would love to close the deal with you and will do their best to make you happy...if you ask for it.  Right before close the deal...that's the moment where you have all the power!

By making an informed purchasing process consumers can save good money, avoid getting cheated and obtain the best quality for the budget available, among other benefits. We must take more seriously our role and our rights as customers. Companies might have the products... but we have the money and the power to decide how to spend it!

Buy smart. Buy informed. Buy Better.

1.    Do Research of the product, its specifications, model, sizes, etc

- For non-urgent purchases, always do a preliminary research. It's the only way to buy the product you want, with the service and the warranty you deserve and of course paying the fairest price for it.

- Check out the product specifications and compare with alternatives brands or models.

- Find out if there are any complaints against the company or the product on the web, magazines or newspapers and use that information to determine if you are confident enough to purchase their product.

- Before you make your final purchase, make sure a written copy of the warranty is included within the box.

- Ask permission to open the box or packing prior to purchasing and then take the time to make sure is all ok with the product and the warranty.

2.    Buying Online

- If you already did a good research, you are ready to go finding the right shop. With specifications very clear go check several sites, compare prices, seller conditions, include transport or not, origin of each option, etc.

- Once you find a good deal, check the rankings and comments for that seller and also Google the credentials of the company and product before buy.

- If you are purchasing medications that normally requires a prescription and you are never asked for it,  consider trying a different online pharmacy. Could be fake medicines or products in bad condition.

- If you are not given a satisfactory service or answer soon, the best you can do is find a different retailer.

- Never give personal information such as your credit card or social security number to any online retailer. Always try to use Paypal or a similar option, specially with companies or sellers you don't know.

3.    Consider Used Items

- Rather than spending money on a brand new item, consider purchasing a used item from a local seller, a friend or from your friend's friend.

- Manufacturers also offer refurbished products directly to consumers. Refurbished products have been repaired by the manufacturer, and in most cases, will include a product warranty on the item as well.

- Refurbisheds or second hand products could inicially looks like great deals, but once in a while the experience end in a total dissaster. Especially on used items, you need to ask absolutly everything about everything and only buy if you are sure it's all in order, the product complete and working perfect, the instructions are attached and in a language you can read and... specially make sure that ALL the accesories are included.

4.    Negociate

- If you are dealing with a person, set the stage: Express some doubts and objections and make him be in charge of closing the deal. Ask for other  'things to convince you' and hear the offers. If nothing call your attention, make the seller know what 'could maybe convince you'.

- You negociate not only in search of a lower price, but also trying to receive other benefits. Could be an extended warranty, a free instalation service, a complementary product or accesory, better credit conditions, an extra night in the hotel, etc.

-If you see that price reduction is totally blocked or the discount offered is not relevant, then reject the discount and offer to change it for other kind of consumer benefit of your interest.

Author: Arnold Anderson. Article courtesy of E-How.

Top Tips For First-Time Home Buyers

Considerations before you buy:

Article courtesy of Investopedia.com

When acquiring land in Costa Rica, a document memorializing the agreement must be signed by both the buyer and seller. Typically, this document is known as a Purchase and Sale Agreement but sometimes it is called an Option Contract. The document should set out in detail the relative rights and obligations of the parties and any conditions required to be completed prior to the closing of the bargain. In Costa Rica, most buyers and sellers use corporate entitles to hold title and convey land.

Parties to an agreement should always consult an attorney to insure that the strictest standards are adhered to in order to protect their investments. Many contracts prepared by non attorneys are lacking the essential elements required by Costa Rican law to be enforceable. Some of the essential elements include: the full legal names of the parties or their corporate counterparts, the price (including escrow funds and incremental payment schedules, if any), the closing date, default provisions, designation of the Registered Escrow Agent and Conciliation or Arbitration Agreements. Other specifications that are unique to the particular transaction should likewise be documented in the Purchase and Sale Agreement.

Sometimes, when a transaction is based on “pre-construction prices”, care should be given by a purchaser to have the agreement reviewed by a competent attorney prior to signing. These types of sales carry the additional risk of the project not being completed on time or at all. Customized default/delay provisions are needed to protect the buyer. Further, Costa Rica, like other countries that adhere to the rule of law, requires permits for water, electricity, construction and other usual governmental regulatory requirements concerning the environment.

As our local Realtors are ethical and honest, they too believe that real estate transactions should be reviewed by attorneys to make sure that all the proper, relevant and necessary provisions are included to protect all parties. Title insurance is recommended. The title to the real estate should always be recorded in the Costa Rican National Registry by a licensed Public Notary.

Costa Ricans are sincere in their efforts to preserve the pristine beauty and the unique quality of life enjoyed by all who come to this wonderful land.

Article courtesy of AboutGuanacaste.com

What is Expotur?

EXPOTUR is the travel trade-mart of Costa Rica and the region, this year from May 8th to 10th for the industry visitors and a second part on 11 and 12 of May open to public.
It offers all participants an excellent opportunity for finding new travel products and know a lot more about all regions of Costa Rica.

With 28 uninterrupted years, it represents the best platform for those who want to put together a travel package containing excellent value, and at the same time receive a good return on their investment.

This event, organized by the Costa Rican Association of Professionals in Tourism -ACOPROT - gathers more than 300 representatives of tourism  companies in Costa Rica and the region.
The variety and quality of tourism products and services is one of the major attractions for those who come looking for new products and programs for their clients.
The participation of sellers of products and services, focused in different segments of the tourist trade, allows buyers to select the companies which will offer them the best selection of products for their needs. Thus, the supply of services to choose from include, airlines, hotels, car rentals as well as  specific products such as sports  activities, weddings and honeymoons, sun and beach activities, eco-tourism, adventure, medical tourism, holistic tourism, and many others.
Much emphasis has been placed on meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions as well as corporate travel, educational tourism, senior tourism and cultural tourism.
The sellers represent all the tourist regions of Costa Rica and Central American countries.
The  buyers consist of  international wholesalers of three continents and  in addition, some wholesale companies have been honouring  us with their presence since the first edition of our event in 1985. This is without a doubt a sample of loyalty, effectiveness and the seriousness of EXPOTUR.
Also, to get familiar with the innovations and the new tourism offers of the country, Post Tours are available to buyers, so that they may experience the variety and quality of products offered in the Travel-mart. The consolidation of the event, plus a professional organization guarantees effective and quality negotiations.
Do not miss this opportunity to discover why EXPOTUR creates the perfect climate for you to connect with the best businesses of the tourism industry of the region.

What is Expotur?

EXPOTUR is the travel trade-mart of Costa Rica and the region.
EXPOTUR offers all participants an excellent opportunity for finding new travel products.
With 28 uninterrupted years, it represents the best platform for those who want to put together a travel package containing excellent value, and at the same time receive a good return on their investment.
This event, organized by the Costa Rican Association of Professionals in Tourism -ACOPROT - gathers more than 300 representatives of tourism  companies in Costa Rica and the region.
The variety and quality of tourism products and services is one of the major attractions for those who come looking for new products and programs for their clients.
The participation of sellers of products and services, focused in different segments of the tourist trade, allows buyers to select the companies which will offer them the best selection of products for their needs. Thus, the supply of services to choose from include, airlines, hotels, car rentals as well as  specific products such as sports  activities, weddings and honeymoons, sun and beach activities, eco-tourism, adventure, medical tourism, holistic tourism, and many others.
Much emphasis has been placed on meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions as well as corporate travel, educational tourism, senior tourism and cultural tourism.
The sellers represent all the tourist regions of Costa Rica and Central American countries.
The  buyers consist of  international wholesalers of three continents and  in addition, some wholesale companies have been honouring  us with their presence since the first edition of our event in 1985. This is without a doubt a sample of loyalty, effectiveness and the seriousness of EXPOTUR.
Also, to get familiar with the innovations and the new tourism offers of the country, Post Tours are available to buyers, so that they may experience the variety and quality of products offered in the Travel-mart. The consolidation of the event, plus a professional organization guarantees effective and quality negotiations.
Do not miss this opportunity to discover why EXPOTUR creates the perfect climate for you to connect with the best businesses of the tourism industry of the region.

During this fair, different companies from all industrial activities will showcase their products and share the opportunity to do business with other companies, nationally and internationally.

• Industrial companies engaged in: Food and Beverage, Metalworking, Wood Products & Furniture, Non-metallic Mineral Products, Packaging, Textiles, Printing Industry, Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals, and other manufacturing industries.
• Suppliers of machinery and equipment, supplies and services for the industry.
• National and international buyers.
• Exhibit Area (stands) and Metalworking Sector Showroom: will have 200 stands where companies can showcase their products to customers and potential buyers. In addition, we will Metalmecánico Showroom, a specially equipped hall for industries of this specific sector can exhibit their machinery in a comfortable and suits your needs.

• Conference Program: to strengthen the four major themes for the Chamber of Industry and for industry in general, we decided to focus our conference program on the following topics: innovation, energy efficiency, and Human Resource Eco-efficiency.
• Center for Creating Business Roundtable and Chains: The business conference aims to enable networking through business agendas between the participating companies and visitors buyers, both local and international. Through the program by creating chains, small and medium enterprises have the opportunity to generate business linkages with large national and transnational entities.

If you want your business to be known, to increase your contacts and sales, or to improve, you must become a part of Exphore.  By participating as an exhibitor you will have the opportunity to close deals and get to know more than 4,000 businessmen of the industry, so you can:

·      Introduce and show new products and services
·      Contact area distributors and clients
·      Professional networking
·      National and international buyer contacts.
·      Opportunities for alliances
·      Open new markets
·      Position and reinforce the company’s image
·      Get to know your direct competence
·      Product demonstrations
·      Post event successful negotiations

When: From May 31 to June 2, 2013

Where: Pedregal Event Center, San Jose, Costa Rica.

Hardware stores/ Construction Materials / Equipment

Successful time management starts by being honest with yourself and setting realistic expectations. The well-organized week hinges on good time management. Here some basic suggestions that may help you:

1.

Make a list of priorities for the week on a separate sheet of paper that is categorized by subtitles, such as work, family, personal. Anyway, paper stuill works but it's kind of 'too old school'. Organize your life in present times is  easier than ever before. Take advantage of the nice features in phones or tablets, desktop apps like iCal, mail based services like Google Calendar or one of many great web-based services like Mind42, RememberTheMilk, Plaxo or RescueTime. You will maybe have to spend a few hours learning and getting used to the systems, but you will save a lot more time in the future ...and probably will become more efficient too.

2.

If you prefer the paper, mark the items on your list with the 'highlighter pen' selected for the things that need to be done on a daily basis. In your electronic/web-based app, change the font color or the background color, to denote daily task.
 Anyway, even the most simple time-managment tool or e-calendar will be full of features way beyond color marking. Just try some and you'll see...

3.

Organize your life and their items in subcategories like 'work', 'family', 'social life', etc in their order of importance.The tasks lists inside subcategories should start by the most important task to complete and the last number on the list should be the least important task to complete. Finish by numbering the personal and family subcategories the same way.

4.

In your lists, take the top three priority items from each subcategory that are also highlighted as daily tasks and or pencil them in your calendar in their consecutive days. In your e-calendar or app, choose "new event" and enter the priority items on their dates, setting notifications for any item that needs one.

5.

Record or enter the remaining top three to five priority items from each of the three subcategories on the days they need to be done.

6.

Evaluate the tasks scheduled for each day to ensure that you haven't over-scheduled a day or your week. If you have time left over and can add in additional items on certain days or even as a low-priority daily task, consider adding in what makes sense. Remember to prioritize some downtime for yourself each day.

7.

Add two or three "flexible" tasks at the bottom of each day just in case you have extra time one day and want to take on something you normally wouldn't be able to get to. Having a go-to list of flexible additional tasks will save you time, keep your priority tasks on target and prevent indecision on what other tasks you might have time to accomplish.

8.

Keep your priority list of tasks and refer to it at the end of your week to make the next week's priority task schedule. In your electronic calendar, you can simply drag the events that reoccur the next week into the following week on their correct day.

Tips & Warnings

•    An over-scheduled week is as much a recipe for disaster as the unscheduled week. Be realistic about the amount of time each task requires and don't forget to prioritize personal time. To stay on task and keep your energy level high for each task, it's important to schedule time in your week for taking care of yourself. Physical exercise, healthy eating habits and free time with friends and family should be given priority on your list. Evaluate how well you've allotted yourself down-time during the week and make adjustments where you see needs. Using your selected tool with "notifications" to remind you of personal wellness tasks can help make them a priority.
•    For any schedule to work well, you must be prepared for changes. Carry some form of your weekly schedule with you, whether it's electronic, or in a small notebook/planner and use a pencil to facilitate changes. Be prepared to make adjustments to your schedule during the week by referencing your schedule nightly. Having an organized schedule for the week can not benefit you if you don't refer to it, make adjustments to it and then stick to it.

Article writen by Kimberli Nalven, courtesy of eHow, a place where knowledge is awesome!