10 Ways to Make Yourself 'Unfireable.'

Phew. You survived the culling. Or maybe your company has managed to avoid a mass layoff. Either way, you're one of the lucky ones. Unlike so many of your friends and family, you won't have to deal with the unemployment office or cancel your cable--yet.

But instead of sitting smugly at your desk, you should be thinking about what you can do (right now!) to make yourself absolutely indispensable.

Having a job is not a civil right. Everyone is vulnerable to cutbacks. Now is not the time for complacency.

The good news is, there are lots of steps you can take to help safeguard your position. And who knows? You may even end up with a promotion!

If you want to be the last person they'd think of letting go, follow our ten tips:

1. Save your company money.
Do you have an idea for how your company can cut costs? Pitch it!

Whether it's moving toward digital systems to save on printer paper, or a killer idea to streamline your supply chain, now is the time to show management you understand the importance of the bottom line.

Even if they don't adopt your brilliant plan, they'll respect your eye for savings and appreciate your effort.

2. Be positive.
No one wants to work with a "Negative Nancy." Ever. And especially not now. Bad news abounds, and frankly, everyone is really tired of it.

So instead of complaining about the state of the economy, rising gas prices, or your mother-in-law, focus on the positive. Share on-the-job success stories. Be optimistic about your company, and focus on steps you can take to have a positive impact on its future.

Share good news (when you come across it). Make jokes where appropriate. Smile.

Things can't be that bad for you. You still have a job, remember?

3. Work longer hours.
I'm not suggesting that you stay until midnight. I'm not even suggesting that you miss prime time. What I am suggesting is that you be prepared to stay until the task at hand is finished.

In the past, you might have left work promptly at 5 p.m., just short of completing something (reasoning that you'd finish it up in the morning). Nowadays, it's a good practice to stick around that extra 30 minutes or hour it takes to get it done.

You may also consider coming in 15 minutes early so that you can get yourself organized before the workday begins. You don't want to be scrambling to start up your laptop in time for a 9 a.m. meeting.

4. Be a leader.
You might not have a manager's job title, but that doesn't mean you can't act like you do.

Being a leader means helping others. It means understanding the bigger picture. It means being vocal about possible improvements and thinking not just about yourself and your position, but also about the overall goals of the organization.

Companies need leaders. Right now, you need to be needed. If you've got leadership qualities you've been sitting on, now is the time to let them emerge.

5. Steer clear of gossip.
News travels fast. Especially juicy news. Well, guess what. If you heard it, chances are, so did your manager. And if you play any part in its proliferation, chances are, your manager will know that, too.

As tempting as it can be, don't get sucked into office gossip. As soon as you do, you implicate yourself, make enemies, and come off as unprofessional. If someone else insists on telling you something, make sure it stops with you.

The workplace might sometimes feel like high school, but it isn't. The ramifications of being the office gossip are a lot more serious than detention or a missed birthday-party invite.

6. Enhance your skill set

You’ve got what it takes to do the job you’re doing. Obviously.

But why not enhance your skill set to make yourself even more valuable to your team? Or better at your job? Faster? Maybe some basic HTML, or Photoshop would allow you to take on more of your company newsletter?

Whatever your industry, there is always room for improvement. Now is a great time to explore any additional skills that will turn you into an indispensable employee. And with so much information out there, you can do so at a minimal cost. If you can’t afford to take a night class, buy a book (or check one out from the library!) or take an online tutorial.

And once you become a master at your chosen skill, you can offer to lead a workshop for the entire team. Voila. You’ve just become a leader (see #4)!

7. Work Well With Others

It may sound cheesy, but think of your workforce as a family. After all, you spend eight hours a day together, you depend on each other for the survival of the business, and you have no choice but to at least tolerate one another.

Now more than ever, effective collaboration is seen as a key driver of success. So put aside differences in age, background and interests, and learn how to communicate effectively with your teammates.

It’s not just the company’s survival that depends on it — it’s your own.

8. Watch Your Back

Think your boss doesn’t notice all those personal calls? Or how much time you spend on Twitter? Think again. Often, they’re paying closer attention than you think. And if ever they suspect you’re wasting their time, they can easily look up phone, email or internet records.

Now is not the time to be sloppy about personal communications on the job.

Depending on your office, it might be okay to take the occasional, quick phone call, or send an email or two on your lunch break. But if you’re on Gmail every time your boss walks up to your desk, you’re asking for trouble.

9. Keep Time Off to a Minimum

If you’ve got strep throat, stay home. Is your sister getting married? Go ahead and take a few days off (the wrath of Bridezilla = scarier than being fired).

It’s not that you shouldn’t take time off. It’s just that you should try and be a little more particular about your reasons, especially if your company is experiencing cutbacks. Don’t call in sick for a hangover, or plan any long, extravagant vacations (at least until the waters settle).

A week-long trip to the Bahamas sounds fun, but coming back to no job will be anything but.

10. Be Visible

Modesty is a sweet quality. Except, of course, in a recession.

If you’re working late, helping others and/or coming up with new, killer ideas, make sure someone (other than your mother) knows about it.

Give your manager regular updates on your progress. Even a weekly or semi-weekly recap of your accomplishments, sent by email, will do the trick. You’re not bragging, you’re just making sure they know what you’ve been working on.

Let’s face it: if you don’t toot your own horn, no one else will.

Good websites on collections of all kinds of articles and e-books

(1) http://khup.com/

Interview questions for analog IC design jobs

In this series of posts, I will try to collect those common interview questions for analog IC design jobs. Some of the questions are from internet, and some are from my personal experiences.

Test of posting via email

The Mail-to-Blogger feature turns any email account into a blog-posting application. In Settings | Email you can create a Mail-to-Blogger address which you will use to send posts via email to your blog.

welcome you to : http://analogandrfic.blogspot.com

15 Toughest Interview Questions (and Answers!)

1. Why do you want to work in this industry?


Bad answer:

"I love to shop. Even as a kid, I spent hours flipping through catalogs."

Tip:

Don't just say you like it. Anyone can do that. Focus instead on your history with that particular industry, and if you can, tell a success story.


Good answer:

"I've always loved shopping, but my interest in retail marketing really started when I worked at a neighborhood boutique. I knew that our clothes were amazing, but that we weren't marketing them properly. So I worked with management to come up with a marketing strategy that increased our sales by 25 percent in a year. It was great to be able to contribute positively to an industry I feel so passionate about, and to help promote a product I really believed in."


2. Tell us about yourself.

Bad answer:

"I graduated four years ago from the University of Michigan, with a bachelor's in biology--but I decided that wasn't the right path for me. So I switched gears and got my first job, working in sales for a startup. Then I went on to work in marketing for a law firm. After that, I took a few months off to travel. Finally, I came back and worked in marketing again. And now, here I am, looking for a more challenging marketing role."


Tip:

Instead of giving a chronological work history, focus on your strengths and how they pertain to the role. If possible, illustrate with examples.

Good answer:

"I'm really energetic, and I'm a great communicator. Working in sales for two years helped me build confidence and taught me the importance of customer loyalty. I've also got a track record of success. In my last role, I launched a company newsletter, which helped us build on our existing relationships and create new ones. Because of this, we ended up seeing a revenue increase of 10 percent over two years. I'm also very interested in how companies can use web tools to better market themselves, and would be committed to building on your existing platform."


3. What do you think of your previous boss?



Bad answer:

"He was completely incompetent, and a nightmare to work with, which is why I've moved on."



Tip:

Remember that if you get the job, many of the people interviewing you will someday be your previous bosses. The last thing they want is to hire someone they know will badmouth them. Instead of trashing your former employer, stay positive, and focus on what you learned from him (no matter how awful he really was).



Good answer:

"My last boss taught me the importance of time management, didn't pull any punches, and was extremely deadline-driven. His no-nonsense attitude pushed me to work harder, and to meet deadlines I never even thought were possible."


4. Why are you leaving your current role?

Bad answer:

"I can't stand my boss, or the work I'm doing."

Tip:

Again, stay away from badmouthing your job or employer. Focus on the positive.

Good answer:

"I've learned a lot from my current role, but now I'm looking for a new challenge, to broaden my horizons, and to gain a new skill set--all of which I see the potential for in this job."


5. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Bad answer:

"Relaxing on a beach in Maui," or "Doing your job."

Tip:

There's really no right answer to this question, but the interviewer wants to know that you're ambitious, career-oriented, and committed to a future with the company. So instead of sharing your dream for early retirement, or trying to be funny, give an answer that illustrates your drive and commitment.

Good answer:

"In five years I'd like to have an even better understanding of this industry. Also, I really love working with people. Ultimately, I'd like to be in some type of managerial role at this company, where I can use my people skills and industry knowledge to benefit the people working for me, and the company as a whole."


6. What's your greatest weakness?

Bad answer:

"I work too hard," or for the comedian, "Blonds."

Tip:

This question is a great opportunity to put a positive spin on something negative, but you don't want your answer to be a cliche--joking or not. Instead, try to use a real example of a weakness you have learned to overcome.

Good answer:

"I've never been very comfortable with public speaking--which, as you know, can be a hindrance in the workplace. Realizing this was a problem, I asked my previous employer if I could enroll in a speech workshop. I took the class, and was able to overcome my lifelong fear. Since then, I've given several presentations to audiences of over 100 high-level executives--I still don't love it, but no one else can tell!"


7. What salary are you looking for?

Bad answer:

"In my last job I earned $35,000--so now I'm looking for $40,000."

Tip:

"If you can avoid it, don't give an exact number. The first person to name a price in a salary negotiation loses. Instead, reiterate your commitment to the job itself. If you have to, give a broad range based on research you've conducted on that particular role, in your particular city."

Good answer:

"I'm more interested in the role itself than the pay. That said, I'd expect to be paid the appropriate range for this role, based on my five years of experience. I also think a fair salary would bear in mind the high cost of living here in New York City."

8. Why should I hire you?

Bad answer:

"I'm the best candidate for the role."

Tip:

A good answer will reiterate your qualifications, and will highlight what makes you unique.

Good answer:

"I've been an executive assistant for the past ten years--my boss has said time and time again that without me, the organization would fall apart. I've also taken the time to educate myself on some of the software I regularly use (but didn't really understand the ins and outs of). I'm an Excel whiz now, which means I can work faster, and take over some of what my boss would traditionally have had to do herself. What's good enough for most people is never really good enough for me."

9. What is your greatest failure, and what did you learn from it?

Bad answer:

"I never finished law school--and everything that's happened since has taught me that giving up, just because the going gets tough, is a huge mistake."

Tip:

You don't want to highlight a true major regret--especially one that exposes an overall dissatisfaction with your life. Instead, focus on a smaller (but still significant) mishap, and how it has made you a better professional.

Good answer:

"When I was in college, I took an art class to supplement my curriculum. I didn't take it very seriously, and assumed that, compared to my engineering classes, it would be a walk in the park. My failing grades at midterm showed me otherwise. I'd even jeopardized my scholarship status. I knew I had to get my act together. I spent the rest of the semester making up for it, ended up getting a decent grade in the class. I learned that no matter what I'm doing, I should strive to do it to the best of my ability. Otherwise, it's not worth doing at all."

10. How do you explain your gap in employment?

Bad answer:

"I was so tired of working, and I needed a break," or "I just can't find a job."

Tip:

Employment gaps are always tough to explain. You don't want to come across as lazy or unhireable. Find a way to make your extended unemployment seem like a choice you made, based on the right reasons.

Good answer:

"My work is important to me, so I won't be satisfied with any old job. Instead of rushing to accept the first thing that comes my way, I'm taking my time and being selective to make sure my next role is the right one."

11. When were you most satisfied in your job?


Bad answer:

“I was most satisfied when I did well, and got praised for my work.”

Don’t give vague answers. Instead, think about something you did well and enjoyed that will be relevant at this new job. This is an opportunity for you to share your interests, prove that you’re a great fit for the job and showcase your enthusiasm.

Good answer:

I’m a people person. I was always happiest — and most satisfied — when I was interacting with customers, making sure I was able to meet their needs and giving them the best possible customer experience. It was my favorite part of the job, and it showed – I was rated as “Good or Excellent” 95% of the time. Part of the reason I’m interested in this job is that I know I’d have even more interaction with customers, on an even more critical level."

12. What did you like least about your last job?


Bad answer:

“A lack of stability. I felt like the place could collapse around me at any time.”

Try and stay away from anything that draws on the politics, culture or financial health of your previous employer. No matter how true it might be, comments like these will be construed as too negative. Also, you don’t want to focus on a function that might be your responsibility in the next role. So think of something you disliked in your last job, but that you know for sure won’t be part of this new role.

Good answer:

“There was nothing about my last job that I hated, but I guess there were some things I liked less than others. My previous role involved traveling at least twice a month. While I do love to travel, twice a month was a little exhausting — I didn’t like spending quite so much time out of the office. I’m happy to see that this role involves a lot less travel.”

13. Describe a time when you did not get along with a co-worker.


Bad answer:

“I’m easy to get along with, so I’ve never had any kind of discord with another coworker.”

Interviewers don’t like these types of ‘easy out’ answers. And besides, they know you are probably not telling the truth. Think of a relatively benign (but significant) instance, and spin it to be a positive learning experience.

Good answer:

“I used to lock heads with a fellow nurse in the INCU ward. We disagreed over a lot of things — from the care of patients to who got what shifts to how to speak with a child’s family. Our personalities just didn’t mesh. After three months of arguing, I pulled her aside and asked her to lunch. At lunch, we talked about our differences and why we weren’t getting along. It turns out, it was all about communication. We communicated differently and once we knew that, we began to work well together. I really believe that talking a problem through with someone can help solve any issue.”


14. What motivates you?


Bad answer:

“Doing a good job and being rewarded for it.”

It’s not that this answer is wrong — it’s just that it wastes an opportunity. This question is practically begging you to highlight your positive attributes. So don’t give a vague, generic response — it tells them very little about you. Instead, try and use this question as an opportunity to give the interviewer some insight into your character, and use examples where possible.

Good answer:

“I’ve always been motivated by the challenge of meeting a tough deadline — in my last role, I was responsible for a 100% success rate in terms of delivering our products on time and within budget. I know that this job is very fast-paced, and deadline-driven — I’m more than up for the challenge. In fact, I thrive on it.”

15. How would your friends describe you?


Bad answer:

“I’m a really good listener.”

While being a good listener is a great personality trait, your employer probably doesn’t care all that much. It’s unlikely that they’re hiring you to be a shoulder to cry on. You’ll want to keep your answer relevant to the job you’re interviewing for — and as specific as possible. If you can, insert an example.

Good answer:

“My friends would probably say that I’m extremely persistent — I’ve never been afraid to keep going back until I get what I want. When I worked as a program developer, recruiting keynote speakers for a major tech conference, I got one rejection after another – this was just the nature of the job.But I really wanted the big players — so I wouldn’t take no for an answer. I kept going back to them every time there was a new company on board, or some new value proposition. Eventually, many of them actually said “yes” — the program turned out to be so great that we doubled our attendees from the year before. A lot of people might have given up after the first rejection, but it’s just not in my nature. If I know something is possible, I have to keep trying until I get it."

Revisit of OP AMP Design

Revisited OP AMP design in a current project to design a single-ended OP amp with low power and narrow bandwidth. Below is a few tips summarized from the design:

1. Open loop is always stable.

2. Maximum loop gain, loop gain, and gain margin.
   Loop gain T=F*A,wk:corresponding to phase margin; F=0 for open loop, F=1 for a unity gain source follower (the worst case for stability);
Maximum loop gain, corresponding to 180 phase; phase margin =0;
gain margin = maximum loop gain - loop gain

3. Current mirror
    cascoded current mirror to improve current source impedance

4. high gain is achieved with telescopic or folded cascode topology;

5. Common mode feed back makes no sense for single-ended output

6. Input offset voltage,CMRR and PSRR to simulate with mismatch

7. Compensation of Op-amp: to move the location of poles.

Simulation of ft and gm/Id in Cadence

1.Simulation of ft

The transistor ft is simulated with current gain in ac simulation.  Below is a simple schematic to simulate ft.

Plot the current gain:

dB20(i("NM0:d" ?result "ac-ac")/i("NM0:g" ?result "ac-ac"))

Or you can use the results browser under "Tool" menu to show the results:

1. Open the Results Browser
2. Select the output data directory, raw/psf/...
3. Select the results, ac-ac
4. Right mouse button on NM0:d and select calculator
5. Right mouse button on NM0:g and select calculator
6. Select divide, "/" from the calculator keypad
7. Select, dB20 from the "Math" functions

Refer to http://www.cadence.com/Community/blogs/rf/archive/2008/08/09/simulating-mos-transistor-ft.aspx

Netlist:

simulator lang=spectre

global 0

parameters ICE=100u VCE=5

//

// these model files should be available in the samples directory

//

include "./models/NPNlower.scs"

include "./models/cornerMos.scs" section=TNTP



V0 (net014 0) vsource dc=VCE type=dc



// MOSFET ft

// NOTE: the element instance names have been changed

// the default names are shown in the bjt section

// IREFERENCE --> 0V voltage source

// IFEEDBACK --> current-controlled, current source

IIN (net014 net9) isource dc=ICE mag=1 type=dc

IREFERENCE (net6 0) vsource dc=0 type=dc

IFEEDBACK (net9 0) cccs gain=1.0 probe=IREFERENCE

NM0 (net014 net9 net6 0) nmos24 w=24u l=1.5u m=10



// BJT ft

IIN_BIPOLAR (net014 net025) isource dc=ICE mag=1 type=dc

IREF_BIPOLAR (net012 0) vsource dc=0 type=dc

IFDBK_BIPOLAR (net025 0) cccs gain=1.0 probe=IREF_BIPOLAR

Q0 (net014 net025 net012 0) NPNlower



ac ac start=1 stop=100G annotate=status

save NM0:g NM0:d Q0:c Q0:b 

2.Simulation of gm/Id

the simpliest way of simulate it is:

Run DC analysis. Sweeping variable is Vgs (just connect Vgs to Vdc and sweep Vdc voltage).


Then using calculator take IS of drain or drain current. Click "Special function" and select "deriv"

Then click "x<->y", then "/"(devide) and "erplot"

or you can refer to:

http://www.eecs.tufts.edu/~ryun01/gmid_ruida.pdf