Asking about open positions in person is a little different than asking in writing. You won’t have time to revise what you say, so you should prepare ahead of time. Practice what you’ll say, including your education level, experience, and why you’re interested in that company. You might not get an interview right away, but if you have this information prepared, it can go a long way toward impressing a hiring manager. You should dress for these types of encounters the same way you would if you were going in for an interview. The first impression is the most important, and you want the hiring manager to take you seriously. It also shows that you’d reflect well on their company, since you dressed appropriately just to ask if there are any openings. Hiring managers are usually not out on the floor of businesses or stores. Ask the nearest employee—or the receptionist if there is one—if you could speak to the hiring manager. If they ask why, explain that you’re interested in any open positions at the company. If the hiring manager isn’t available, politely inquire when would be a better time to return to speak to them. In some cases, you may be able to procure an application from the employee you speak to. When the hiring manager comes out, act professionally. This means shaking hands, making eye contact, and being polite. Explain who you are, and why you’re there. The hiring manager may ask for your resume after they meet you. You should have at least one copy with you. If the hiring manager says there are no current openings, you can ask if you can leave your resume for future consideration. Carry your resume in a wrinkle-proof, waterproof case. Avoid handing over a resume that is folded, creased, wrinkled, or damp, as this makes a poor impression.

Summary: Prepare what you’ll say. Dress appropriately. Ask for the hiring manager. Shake hands. Bring your resume.


Like Vipassana meditation, Anapanasati is about quiet mindfulness. The first step, then, is to find a suitable location. The Buddha recommended three: the forest, the foot of a tree, or an isolated or empty spot.  Silence is essential to Anapanasati, especially for beginners. For you, a quiet room might be best. A secluded woods or beach might also work well. Silence will help you to develop concentration. If you cannot find complete silence, aim for somewhere that is quiet and private. People can meditate in several different postures, like standing, reclining, sitting, and walking. Sitting is the best for Anapanasati. Ideally, you should take a cross-legged position with both feet turned up and resting on your thighs, i.e. the lotus position.  Don’t worry if you can’t take the lotus position. It is also acceptable to sit half cross-legged, with one leg slightly bent. You should also sit erect. Your torso should be upright but not tense or rigid. Imagine that all the bones in your spine are linked together. As for your hands, they should lay gently on your lap. Like in Vipassana, the right hand is traditionally atop the left with the palms up. Your eyes can be closed, half-closed, or open – whichever is most comfortable – and your head should be tilted downward, your nose perpendicular to the navel. The focus of your mindfulness in Anapanasati will again be breathing. Turn your mind toward the rising and falling, the inhalation and exhalation of your breath. Follow the sensations involved and be aware of them.  Be especially mindful of the place when the breath enters and leaves your nostrils. This will be a spot just under your nose or above your upper lip. Center on the spot where the breath touches the skin. Be aware: when you breathe in, recognize that you’re breathing in. Likewise when you are breathing out. However, don’t try to control or hold back your breathing. As your awareness of breathing increases, it will become less willful. ” There are eight graduated steps in Anapanasati meditation, each one working up to nirvana. The basic and most rudimentary level is “counting.” Counting is intended for those with no background in the technique. People with experience in meditation may not need it and can begin with the second level.  Fix your attention on the tip of your nose, as said. Now, count the movements of your breath. For example, you might count the first inhalation as “one, one” and the first exhalation as “two, two.” Continue to the tenth breath (“ten, ten”) before returning to “one, one.” If you lose track, start again at “one, one.” The counting itself is not meditation. It instead helps to calm the wandering mind, by making you aware when you become distracted and lose the count. In Anapanasati there are eight total steps. To get further in the technique, you will slowly be able to move into higher levels. “Following” comes next. Once you have calmed your mind with counting, you should be able to mentally track or “follow” the course of your breath without keeping track.  Following just means to follow the breath with the mind. You do not deliberately breathe in or out, but only remain aware that it takes place. Try to see the beginning, the middle, and the end of each cycle of breaths. This practice is called "experiencing the whole body." “Contact” and “Fixing” come next. These both require stronger concentration and are harder to attain. People who reach this level may feel they have stopped breathing altogether, because they are so calm that it’s hard to feel the action of the breath. They must keep focused on the spot under the nostrils. Many report calm, joy, or even powerful visions. Very few people make it to the upper steps of the technique. “Observing,” “turning away,” “purification,” and “retrospection” will take you to higher paths of self-awareness. If you want to achieve these higher grades, you will most likely need to find a spiritual master to guide you. Consider attending a meditation retreat – monasteries and other centers around the world host such retreats, in many cases as a free service to the community.

Summary: Find a good, quiet place. Sit upright. Focus on your breath. Begin with “counting. Pursue further “steps” to develop your practice.


This is the amount most manual desktop and electric staplers can bind, but heavy-duty staplers can handle up to 100 or more pieces. Be sure your papers are all facing the same way and are in the order you want to bind them in.
Summary: Gather up to 20 pieces of paper.