1 . Challenging work that requires lots of analytical thinking, planning and other managerial skills might help your brain stay sharp as you age, a study published on Wednesday in the journal Neurology suggests.

Researchers from the University of Leipzig in Germany gathered more than 1,000 retired workers who were over age 75 and assessed the volunteers’ memory and thinking skills through a battery of tests. Then, for eight years, the scientists asked the same group to come back to the lab every 18 months to take the same tests.

Those who had held mentally stimulating, demanding jobs before retirement tended to do the best in the tests. And they tended to lose cognitive (认知的) function at a much slower rate than those with the least mentally challenging jobs. The results held true even after the scientists accounted for the participants’ overall health status.

“This works just like physical exercise,” says Francisca, who led the study. “After a long run, you may feel like you’re in pain and tired. But it makes you fit. After a long day at work — sure, you will feel tired, but it can help your brain stay healthy.

It’s not just corporate jobs, or even paid work that can help keep your brain fit. Francisca points out. A waiter’s job, for example, that requires multitasking, teamwork and decision making could be just as stimulating as any high-level office work. “Running a family household also requires high-level planning and coordinating abilities,” she says. “You have to bring order to the activities of the children and take care of the bills and groceries.”

Of course, our brains can decline as we grow older for lots of reasons — including other environmental influences or genetic factors. Sill, continuing to challenge yourself mentally and keeping your mind busy can help.

4 . The first impression is very important when you attend an interview.     1     They may know you by your appearance, attitude and manners.

A friendly smile when you walk into the room is important.     2    When you introduce yourself, look into the interviewer. Some interviewers offer a hand-shake, others don’t.

Try to be as natural as possible.     3     The way you sit, use your voice and show feeling on your face are all parts of your body language. It makes the interviewers know how you feel about yourself. Are you feeling positive about yourself? Your abilities? Your interest in the job?

Speak clearly and loudly enough. Show interest and warmth in your voice. When you speak, look at the interviewer.     4     If you don’t understand a question, ask the interviewer to repeat or explain.

Almost everyone is nervous in a job interview.     5    But they expect you to try to control your nervousness. They expect you to show confidence in your ability to do the job.