A new position, a new work environment, a new corporate culture, new colleagues... Whether you are a junior or a senior, freshly arrived in a new company or a new department, joining a new team is not always easy, and can even be stressful for some. Discover all our advice to integrate well into your new team. 

1.    Make a good first impression

In addition to arriving on time on the big day, you need to make a good impression from the start. Therefore, it is essential to meet your new colleagues to introduce yourself and learn their names and their functions. 

Show interest by asking questions and actively listening to them. Keep an open, respectful, and smiling attitude during your exchanges. This is the time to build a positive image with your new colleagues!

Don't forget to find out about the company's dress code beforehand to avoid any faux pas. If you have not been told about this, try to model yourself on the outfits worn by the people you met during your job interview. Knowing whether the rule is to be on first-name or last-name terms will also be very useful!

2.    Be curious and observe

Before your job interview, you've read up on the company, you've scoured its social networks and its latest news. Now that you're in the integration phase at your new company, you need to keep looking for more information. To do this, stay on top of your company's news.

Also, when you are new to a company, you must be able to manage and retain a large amount of information quickly: the functions of each employee, the company's processes, the different departments, the tools and software used, the vocabulary, the corporate culture... 

To facilitate your integration, gradually immerse yourself in your new work environment. Observe and pay attention to everything that happens around you. Be curious and do not hesitate to ask questions to clarify certain points. Identify the colleagues with whom you will be collaborating frequently. If necessary, take notes to make sure you don't forget anything. Will you be telecommuting? Don't hesitate to ask your colleagues questions, either by email, phone, instant messaging or video conference.

In addition, if the Manager has not already organized it, ask the team members for small half-hour meetings. First to get to know each other, then to understand their function and their missions and see together how you will collaborate.

3.    Take it to step by step 

Taking initiative and being involved is good, but being arrogant and thinking you know everything better than everyone else is bad. Constantly referring to your former employer's methods is also a no-no.

So avoid being overzealous and trying to impose your vision of things or your way of doing things. You are the last to arrive, you must remain humble and discreet and follow the methods of your team. You may be an expert in your field, but you don't know everything. Be patient, the opportunities to show your skills and bring your ideas will come soon. 

4.    Adapt to the company culture

If you've worked in a variety of companies during your career, you know only too well: each company (and even each department) has its own way of doing things, its own rules, traditions, rituals, values, and even its own language. 

In order to integrate into a new team and get closer to your new colleagues, it is therefore essential to understand the company culture and to respect it. The difficulty lies in the fact that most of these rules are tacit and unwritten, so you have to be observant and know how to decipher the customs and the unspoken. 

In short, be prepared to adapt quickly and follow the flow: for example, if your colleagues are used to having lunch together every day, join them to facilitate your integration. Also, use the same communication channels: if they regularly exchange on a WhatsApp group, send each other gifs, recipes, jokes, or photos, do the same!

5.    Connect with colleagues

Once introductions are made and everyone's first names and job titles are known, try to get to know and bond with your new colleagues. Even if you're shy, don't stay in your corner!

So, in addition to greeting them every morning and at the end of the day, participate in conversations, and accompany them on lunch or coffee breaks (physical or virtual). You can also share treats with them (of course, respecting the barrier gestures) or offer to bring them something when you go down to the local café. Give them a chance to get to know you too: tell each other about your likes and dislikes and what you have in common.

In all cases, while it is obviously crucial to maintain a professional attitude, you should also make sure that you remain yourself, and not become someone you are not just to fit in.

6.    Take stock to better integrate

A few weeks after your arrival, if not offered, ask your manager to review with you whether your work is appreciated and understand what you could improve. By doing so, you show that you are involved, and motivated and that you want to do a good job. These improvements will also help you adapt and strengthen your integration into your new team.

Little by little, after the observation phase and by trying to build relationships with your colleagues, you will manage to integrate and find your place in your new company. In any case, remember that you have been recruited for your know-how, but also for your personality, which corresponds to the company's values and needs. So be patient and keep your confidence, you have every chance of integrating well into your new team!

 Garnishing choux, decorating a cupcake with a rosette of buttercream, or poaching meringues, macaroons, or cookies...all these creations require the use of a pastry bag. But you need to know how to use this essential accessory for any amateur pastry chef! On Truc Mania, we explain how to use a pastry bag and also how to make your own very simply at home! To your spatulas!

HOW TO MAKE A PASTRY BAG?

Generally, professional bakers do not make their own piping bags and use disposable plastic piping bags. As an amateur, it is also possible to find them in specialized pastry stores, whether physical or online. They are usually sold in packs of 50 or 100. You should know that there are also washable and reusable pastry bags, which are much more ecological than disposable bags and perfectly adapted to domestic use. These can be purchased individually.

But, for occasional use at home, you can make your own piping bag using a simple freezer bag. Simply fill the bag with your pastry, cream, or meringue mixture and close the bag by turning it on itself. Then simply cut a corner of the bag at an angle to make a homemade piping bag. It's simple, inexpensive, and very effective!

If you want to poach small amounts of chocolate or royal icing to decorate a pastry, you can also make a small cone, a sort of mini piping bag, using a simple sheet of baking paper. To do this:

• Cut out a rectangle triangle of baking paper about 20cm by 15cm,
• Wrap the paper around your finger, holding the tip firmly on one side and holding the other side with your thumb,
• Remove your thumb and fold the tip of the paper into the cone.

Then simply pour the melted chocolate inside and secure the contents of your cone by folding the top towards you. The cone is now ready to use!

HOW TO USE A PASTRY BAG?

Before poaching the contents of your pastry bag, it is advisable to fill it cleanly, avoiding dirtying the top of the bag and your hands afterward, when poaching.

Grab your pastry bag and fold the top over your hand for 10 to 15 cm. This is the flap that will keep the top of your pastry bag clean and will serve as a base for scraping your pastry bag when filling it.

If you are going to use a piping tip, this is the time to place it in the bottom of your piping bag. Drop it inside to avoid putting your hands inside your piping bag. This step is optional, as you can use your pastry bag without a tip if you are just lining a cake with cream, for example.

If you are using a disposable tip and bag, then cut the tip of your bag with a chisel until the tip of the tip is clear. To prevent your mixture from dripping through the tip when you pour it into your pastry bag, turn your pastry bag around and jam the bottom into the tip.

Variation: You can also prevent your mixture from dripping by placing a food bag closure clip on the bottom of your pastry bag.

Hold your piping bag firmly with one hand while you fill it with your other hand. During this step, you can also make it easier on yourself by placing your piping bag in a tall container to hold it while you fill it.

Be careful not to overfill your pastry bag so that you can be more precise in your poaching and better manage its flow.

Then, press the pastry bag flat against your work surface using a pastry horn or the edge of your hand to lower the mixture into the pastry bag. This step also helps to remove any air bubbles from your mixture.

Twist the top of your piping bag to lock it in place, then wrap the top around your index finger. Your pastry bag is now filled and ready to use. Use your lead hand to press down on the pastry bag while your other hand acts as a guide when poaching your mixture. Turn your bag as it empties.

 Every driver is required to take out car insurance. The contract includes two kinds of guarantees, some mandatory, and others were optional. A motorist can be satisfied with a formula that provides only the first.

THIRD-PARTY LIABILITY COVERAGE

This third-party liability coverage, sometimes called "third party" insurance, is mandatory. It represents, in a way, the minimum car insurance formula. It covers damage caused by the insured vehicle to a third party.

It can be material damage or bodily injury. The "third party" concerned can be a person, the driver or passengers of a car, a cyclist or a pedestrian, but also the damaged vehicle itself.

The damage can be caused by an accident on the road. But a stopped car can also be a danger to other vehicles or pedestrians. If the handbrake fails, for example, a car parked on a sloping street can cause an accident.

That's why liability coverage is mandatory for any land vehicle, even if it's not moving. All companies, such as GMF auto insurance, include this liability coverage in their contracts.

CRIMINAL DEFENSE AND RECOURSE FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENT OR DPRSA

Insofar as this DPRSA guarantee is included in car insurance contracts, and particularly in third-party insurance formulas, it can be considered a mandatory guarantee.

This coverage is very useful when the responsibility of a traffic accident is not very clear and its determination is subject to legal action. In this case, SABS has two essential functions.

It allows an insured who is sued after a traffic accident to defend his or her rights. By activating this coverage, he or she can also take legal action to obtain compensation for the damages he or she believes he or she has suffered, or pursue an amicable settlement.

Under this guarantee, the insurance company can cover a certain number of expenses. These include procedural costs, such as those incurred by an expert opinion or by the course of the trial, lawyer's or bailiff's fees, or costs related to police reports, for example. It should be noted that this coverage is limited, in principle, by the application of a ceiling.

The insurer will provide you with the information and documents necessary to understand the situation and will remind you of your rights and will try to find a solution that best protects your interests.

He will first try to find a compromise acceptable to both parties. If an amicable agreement fails, and the case is brought to court, he will have a lawyer defend your rights.

It should be noted that the scope of the DPRSA, which is limited to traffic accidents, is less broad than that of the so-called legal protection coverage. Contrary to the DPRSA, which is included in the civil liability coverage of the car insurance contract, the legal protection coverage is in principle optional.

 When creating your business, you need to create documents and let it be known that you have created it to the various administrative third parties who need to know about your new activity. 

There are services and companies that are ready to support you in your creation process. So what are the different essential steps to create your business?

1. CONDUCT A MARKET STUDY 

This step allows you to identify the competition and determine the catchment area. Do you want to test yourself as a future entrepreneur before creating your company? Get your Entrepreneur Score with this quiz from our partner Rivalis!

2. DRAW UP A BUSINESS PLAN 

This file is required by financial partners, especially banks, for any business creator. It is therefore an essential phase in setting up your project. The business plan allows you to :

• Evaluate the potential clientele
• Evaluate the future turnover
• Evaluate the future market share captured.

3. CHOOSE A LOCATION

This involves finding the ideal location for your future business. It is, for example, possible to take over an existing business.

4. REGISTER THE NAME OF THE BUSINESS

This step should be done at the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) or on the organization's website. However, be sure to check the availability of the name beforehand.

5. REGISTER THE COMPANY

Step to be done with the National Business Directory (RNE), the Trade and Companies Register (RCS), and the Business Formalities Center (CFE).

6. DECLARE THE BUSINESS

After creating your company, you must declare it to:

• The Post Office
• The electricity supplier
• The gas supplier
• The water supplier
• The telephone and Internet provider

7. JOIN THE PENSION FUND 

Membership is to be done within 3 months after the registration of the business.

8. JOIN THE APPROVED MANAGEMENT CENTER 

Membership is to be done within 5 months after registration.

Petite-Entreprise.net accompanies the project owner in the creation of his company. We have a network of competent consultants committed to a quality approach, who are there to help VSEs and SMEs to face the future.

What are the steps to creating a company?

To create a company, you must first do a market study, to define if your project is viable. Then, you have to make a business plan to evaluate your project in the long term. After that, you have to start the administrative steps corresponding to the company you want to create.

What are the aids for creating a business?

The main aids for business creation are the ARE (under certain conditions), the ARCE for those who are beneficiaries, the NACRE, and the aids for women, aimed at reducing inequalities in entrepreneurship. 

Who can help me create my business?

Several organizations can help entrepreneurs, in particular the CCI, APCE, BPI France, as well as all the companies whose activity is to help entrepreneurs, including the creation stage, in which Rivalis can be found.

 The American giant Google offers many tools to help companies develop and manage their presence on the Internet. Among others, we find Adwords for SEA, Analytics for traffic, Search Console for general monitoring of sites, Shopping for e-commerce sites and price comparison, and Google My Business for e-reputation and local SEO. These tools form a rich palette that should be known and mastered. We invite you to discover Google My Business in more detail. Features, interest, and use: the point in this article.

What is Google My Business?

The free service Google My Business appeared in 2014. Its goal is to offer users a sort of ultra-complete and qualified directory. Depending on the query and the location of the user, the business listings are displayed in the top right corner of the SERP. They contain the address of the company, its business, opening hours, contact information, but also photos, user reviews, a graph of attendance, a FAQ with the most frequently asked questions, and related searches.

A great opportunity for your local SEO

Before its arrival, companies were working on their local referencing on 4 aspects:

• a Google Address page, the purpose of which was to tell Google what information was in Maps and drive organic search results.
• a Google + Local page with reviews, photos, videos and information about the company (address, hours, description, services, products...).
• Content marketing strategy with content offering information about specific locations.
• Adwords ads which offer the possibility to be geolocalized, but which remain relatively expensive.

This local referencing technique became obsolete with the launch of Google My Business. Intended for professionals, this interface opens a new way to communicate and present yourself to the search engine. Google My Business can allow you to improve your positioning on the SERP considerably.

Google judges the establishments according to 3 criteria :

• the level of relevance between the business and the user's query
• the distance between the business and the location from which the search is made
• the popularity of the business, which takes into account whether the business is physically located or not.

An excellent way to build your e-reputation

Through reviews, brands communicate publicly with their customers and build their e-reputation. This exchange space is also an additional way for Internet users to form an opinion about the company through the feedback of other users. By giving consumers a voice, Google is once again pushing brands to take their level of service up a notch. This is part of the reason why more credit is given to businesses with up-to-date information.

When Google My Business first hit the web, changes like these were already a sign that Google was becoming more and more of an answer engine, not just a search engine. Bringing the most relevant result to its users according to their tastes, habits, and location is more relevant than ever. The success, the power, and the development of Google My Business only confirm it.

You have not yet registered your business on Google My Business? 97% of Internet users perform a Google search to find nearby establishments, so it's high time you did!

4 tips for designing an SEO-optimized business listing

Contrary to what you might think, an incredibly high number of businesses have not yet completed their Google My Business listing. What a shame because their local SEO suffers severely. If you are reading this article, you are already ahead of the game. And to keep it, here are 4 tips to apply to exploit the full potential of this tool.

Integrate your services into your business listing

Previously reserved for restaurants and cafes to put their menu online, the '' Add and modify services '' feature is now open to many businesses. And it is devilishly effective since it allows you to indicate your services on your card. So do not hesitate to give a maximum of information to the Internet user so that he knows that it is with you that he must go, and nowhere else.

Add a complete description of your business

Since April 2018, the tool now offers the possibility to design enriched establishment records. This information can now appear in the local knowledge graph or directly on Google Maps. Thus, the user has additional elements to choose from among the various businesses offered: a great opportunity to stand out!

Be careful though, your description must not exceed 750 characters and no URL is allowed.

Rely on the power of attractive photos

Because a picture is worth 1,000 words, the best way to send a realistic and attractive image of your business is to add pictures to your Google My Business. Google reveals that business listings that include photos generate 42% of additional route requests via Maps. Google My Business definitely drives traffic to your site, up to 35% more clicks, compared to businesses that haven't added enough to their profile!

Logo, cover photo and additional visuals give you the opportunity to build a global image of your brand. Thanks to them, your users will get a better idea of who you are and what you offer. Do not hesitate to highlight your way of working, your team or your premises...

The images must respect certain conditions: JPG or PNG format, a weight between 10 Kb and 5 Mb, a resolution of 720 px by 720 px.

Use Google Posts to share your news

The Google Posts feature gives you the opportunity to highlight important information for your audience:

• special offers,
• sales period,
• news,
• launch of a new product,
• dates and themes of events,
• information needed to make a reservation...
• Think of Google Posts as Newsflashes: they must be precise and concise to incite action.

To write an effective Google Post, think about the purpose of your post, focus on quality photos, a catchy title (58 characters maximum, your brand name is included by default), and some details (1,500 characters maximum, don't hesitate to abbreviate days and times) and a CTA! Do not consider Google Posts as purely promotional tools, but as more informative: an overly commercial tone is not recommended.

Once you have designed several Posts, don't hesitate to study statistics for each one to identify which messages are working well, and which are not. You have access to 3 pieces of information:

• the number of views,
• the number of clicks generated,
• the percentage of modification on each post.

To easily and quickly manage your business listings, use the Google My Business application! Internet users will be delighted to find updated information when they visit your business and you will reap the benefits.

The importance of referencing Google My Business for local positioning

Local SEO represents a small part of the vast world of SEO, but its potential is no less great! Coming up on the SERP of organic results is a very good thing, but benefiting from local visibility is even better!

Local means targeted, and this strategy allows you to position yourself as close as possible to users' expectations. The figures speak for themselves: after having carried out a local search on a cell phone, one person in two goes to the store within the day. So, let's get started?

An essential SEO weapon for your local positioning

The growing importance given to local positioning goes hand in hand with the increase in searches made on mobile. It is anchored in both a problem of nomadism and immediacy that characterize more and more queries.

On the same model as an article or a page, the SEO optimizations to be done on your My Business page are identical: title, description, text, categories...

If your company is located in the heart of Paris on a generic activity, it will be difficult to position yourself among the first results by relying only on a My Business page, no matter how careful it is. However, if you are located in a village where there is little competition, you can certainly stand out with a nice SEO-optimized listing.

If your establishment has several geographical locations, it is absolutely necessary to create a listing for each location, no matter how close or far away they are. That's what local positioning is all about: getting visibility and exposure to the Internet users closest to you.

Refine your SEO strategy with additional data

Google Posts already provide you with a number of data to take into account to develop the reach of your next publications, but also to better identify the messages that attract and convert the most.

Google Insights gives you valuable information about the behavior of your prospects after viewing your My Business listing. You can access the following data:

• the number of views
• requests for directions to your business
• the number of calls from the listing
• number of photo views
• visits to your site
• how people found you (direct access or discovery)

You can also cross-reference this data with your Google Posts to measure more precisely the effectiveness of your actions over a specific period.

The idea is then to aggregate this data with those collected via other tools for even more advanced analysis. Be careful, however, to handle the results with the necessary precautions when crossing data from different sources...

An important issue for your e-reputation and your communication

Google My Business E-reputation

We can say that today, Google My Business is the most beautiful digital business card that a company can have. But also the most powerful. The majority of purchase intentions start with the search and Google My Business pushes even further the relationship between customer and brands. This trigger is very effective to motivate the customer to go to the store.

Reading positive reviews: there is nothing more motivating for an Internet user looking for THE right company to go to. The reverse is also true.

To better manage your negative reviews, the best strategy is to respond to your users and try to find a solution to their complaints. Don't ignore them! The important thing is to show that you take into account the negative opinions and that you are in search of a permanent improvement to satisfy your customers more and more.

Think of local positioning as a part of your marketing strategy that will help your company gain visibility!

What is your affinity rate with a local positioning strategy?

Still not convinced of the potential of local SEO for your business? Here are some indicators that allow you to evaluate the contribution of a local SEO strategy for your brand:

• The geographical area your company is located: The trifecta is a location in a dynamic commercial district, itself located in a city of intermediate size with competitors with little SEO work.
• The length of existence of your brand: Google favors the anteriority and tends to favor brands present on the web for more than 3 years compared to the latest arrivals.
• web marketing appetence: has your company been doing regular actions for at least 2 quarters and is active on the web
• The budget you can devote to this web marketing strategy and to the work of local positioning.

So, do you meet at least one of these criteria? If so, local positioning has real advantages for your brand so let's go!

Google My Business is a very useful solution for your visibility, your traffic, and your traffic in the store. Free, easy to use, and efficient: all reasons are good to use this tool!

With a national search, it is much more difficult to position your site among the first search results on the SERP. But with the geolocalized search, it is much easier to stand out...And to attract customers close to you! Google My Business is the most interesting marketing lever for exclusively local businesses.

As the cornerstone of your local SEO strategy, Google My Business can make a real difference.

Getting a good night's sleep is essential to feeling good in the morning and enjoying good overall health. 

 When we are stressed, we tend to throw ourselves on fatty and sweet foods such as cakes, ice cream and confectionery of all kinds. While they may make us feel better in the short term, they are not good for our health and do not relieve stress in the long term. There are, however, foods with real anti-stress virtues! Discover them in the following article!

1. MATCHA TEA

Matcha is a Japanese tea obtained from the leaves of the tencha plant, a variety of green tea whose leaves are reduced to powder.

This green tea powder has a powerful herbaceous taste and is particularly rich in L-theanine, an amino acid whose activity in the brain reduces mental and physical stress and produces a relaxing effect.

Matcha tea is consumed as a drink, mixed with hot water like a classic tea, or in cooking and incorporated into many preparations.

Although it has relaxing virtues, it is still advised not to consume matcha in the late afternoon or evening because this tea also contains caffeine which could delay sleep.

2. THE BEETS

Chard is a green leafy vegetable that is packed with anti-stress nutrients. It is also commonly called chard or pear.

A single serving of cooked chard contains 36% of the recommended daily intake of magnesium, which plays an important role in the body's response to stress.

Low levels of this mineral are associated with disorders such as anxiety and panic attacks. In addition, chronic stress can deplete your body's stores of magnesium, making this mineral especially important in times of stress.

3. SWEET POTATOES

Sweet potatoes are an interesting source of complex carbohydrates that also contain a large number of important nutrients for stress response, such as vitamin C and potassium.

Some studies have also suggested that eating sweet potatoes may help reduce levels of cortisol, a hormone that rises in the body when under stress.

4. KIMCHI

Kimchi is a type of spicy Korean sauerkraut traditionally made with Chinese cabbage and daikon, a type of radish. Fermented foods like kimchi are full of beneficial bacteria called probiotics and are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Some studies have found that fermented foods can help reduce stress and anxiety and have beneficial effects on mental health. These effects are probably due to the close interaction between the gut and the "good" bacteria that populate it and our brain via the vagus nerve. After all, isn't our gut our second brain?

5. ARTICHOITS

Artichokes contain prebiotics, fibers that support and nourish our intestinal microbiota, which would be involved in our sensitivity to stress.

Artichokes are also rich in potassium, magnesium, and vitamins C and K, which are all micro-nutrients involved in the body's response to stress.

6. FLAKES

Organ meats, which include heart, liver, or kidney, are an excellent dietary source of B vitamins, especially B12, B6, B2, and B9.

These vitamins are necessary for the production of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin that help reduce stress levels and regulate mood.

7. SHELLFISH

Shellfish such as mussels, clams, and oysters are rich in amino acids such as taurine, which are now recognized for their calming properties.

Taurine and other amino acids are needed to produce neurotransmitters such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a powerful substance that is particularly useful for lowering blood pressure, relieving stress and anxiety, and promoting sleep.

Shellfish are also rich in vitamin B12, zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium, which also contribute to the synthesis of this neurotransmitter.

8. FATTY FISH

Fatty fish like mackerel, herring, salmon, and sardines are incredibly rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, nutrients that have been shown to help reduce stress levels and improve mood.

Omega-3s are not only essential for brain health and mood, but they can also help our bodies manage stress. In fact, several studies have shown that low omega-3 intake is linked to increased anxiety and depression in Western populations.

Vitamin D also plays an essential role in mental health and stress regulation. Low levels of this vitamin are also associated with an increased risk of anxiety and depression.

9. SESAME SEEDS

Sesame seeds are an excellent source of L-tryptophan, an amino acid that is a precursor to serotonin, a mood-regulating neurotransmitter, and melatonin, which helps people fall asleep and regulates sleep.

Other foods rich in serotonin include lentils, chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, cashews, cherries, bananas, and dates. Don't hesitate to add them to your menu!

10. DARK CHOCOLATE

If depressed people, in particular, tend to turn to chocolate, it is not by chance. Containing many molecules of interest, chocolate favors nervous balance and adaptation to stress. It has stimulating and antidepressant properties, due to its richness in magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and iron, caffeine, serotonin, and in theobromine.

For its benefits, choose the black one, with 70% cocoa or more, and limit its consumption to one or two squares per day in order not to harm your daily diet.

 Angled parking is parking your vehicle perpendicular to the roadway. It is, along with herringbone and angle parking, one of the three types of parking that can be required to be performed on the permit test. Here are our five tips and tricks for successfully parking in a tight spot.

PARK IN A METHODICAL MANNER

Any manoeuvre in a car must be carried out in a thoughtful and methodical way, respecting precise steps known in advance.

TO PARK IN A REVERSING LANE

To park in a reversing lane, you must follow these steps

Signal your intent to park by putting on the turn signal.

Drive forward until you pass the parking area and stop in front of the third vehicle parked about 1.5 metres to the side.

Check behind your car by looking in the rearview mirror and slowly back up until the left-hand light of the car in front of you is visible.

Steer hard into the parking space so that the front of your car turns in the opposite direction.

Make sure there is nothing behind the car.

Place your car in a position parallel to the two cars next to you and move forward and backward, steering slightly to re-center the vehicle if necessary.

Put the wheels back on and back up until your car is in the vehicle's spot.

Shift into neutral, set the parking brake, and turn off the ignition.

TO PARK IN A BATTLE IN FORWARDING GEAR

Parking in a pile in forwarding gear is simpler. Simply signal your intention to park, position yourself far enough away from other parked cars, and move forward slowly, steering as you would on the street. You may need to back up if you miss your position the first time.

WATCH YOUR SURROUNDINGS

Reverse parking is a vulnerable maneuver because your attention can be completely captured by your maneuvering, which can distract you from obstacles, pedestrians or cars coming in front or behind you. You need to be aware of your surroundings, especially when backing up. Use your mirrors and your rearview camera if you have one, but it is also often necessary to turn your head, especially when backing up.

DRIVE SMOOTHLY

To park properly, especially if you're reading this article to prepare for your driver's license test, you need to drive at a very slow pace and keep your driving as fluid and smooth as possible. No jerking, hard braking, or hard acceleration. Be in complete control of your vehicle and concentrate on every maneuver, every move.

ANNOUNCE YOUR ATTENTIONS

When you park in a tight spot, especially when reversing, you must warn other vehicles and pedestrians of your intention to enter the parking space. You must use your turn signals to do this, and in fact, it is a requirement. If you begin the maneuver without using your turn signal during the test, you are guilty of a potentially disqualifying offense.

When you start to park, put on the turn signal on the side of the parking space. If you are backing up and want to steer to adjust your position, you must also signal on the correct side.

For cars and people coming from the side, you can use your hand to signal that you are turning.

KNOW YOUR VEHICLE

To park properly every time, you must know your vehicle inside out. You need to know and master its dimensions to know how much space you need to park. You'll always park more efficiently in a vehicle you've been driving for a long time, and you'll have more trouble with a vehicle you're driving for the first time, especially if it's large.

You also need to know the car's turning angle to best adjust your steering. The turning radius varies from car to car, and depending on the vehicle you're driving, you may need to turn the wheel more or less.

 Need more "fuel" to give you energy and erase that fatigue that won't let go? Skip the sugary drinks, candy, and pastries that will give you an immediate boost but then cause a rapid drop in your blood sugar levels, leaving you tired and hungry again. Instead, focus on these 12 anti-fatigue foods...

1. OATMEAL

Rich in fiber and complex carbohydrates, oatmeal will provide you with energy in a progressive way and for a longer period of time than refined cereals full of simple sugars. A bowl in the morning will keep you going for hours, without feeling hungry or getting that mid-morning "crash".

2. EGGS

Eggs are very good sources of protein and amino acids such as tyrosine and phenylalaline. These two amino acids are precursors of dopamine, a key neurotransmitter in the brain that makes us want to get out of bed in the morning and get on with things during the day. When we suffer from chronic fatigue, it is often because we have a dopamine deficiency. Enriching your diet with precursors of this neurotransmitter can therefore boost its production!

3. THE CHICKEN

Without its skin, which is too rich in saturated fats, poultry meat is an excellent source of lean protein and phenylalanine. A piece of grilled chicken with steamed or lightly seasoned greens is a perfect light lunch that won't weigh you down and will keep you going until dinner while boosting your dopamine production! Want to try a leg again?

4. THE FLAVOR

If your vitamin B12 and/or iron intake is not sufficient, you may suffer from anemia, one of the most noticeable symptoms of which is fatigue. To fill up on vitamin B12 and iron, don't hesitate to add offal to your menu more regularly, such as liver or kidneys. Offal has the advantage of being cheap and one of the richest food sources of vitamin B12 and heme iron. But, if you are not an offal lover, replace them with other foods that are sources of these micronutrients such as seafood, red meat, and seaweed.

5. OILS

In addition to being a good source of low-fat protein, oysters are also an excellent source of zinc. This trace element stimulates the body's immune system and helps your body fight off germs that can make you feel tired. Enjoy them raw with a squeeze of lemon in season, or simply baked.

6. DRY BEANS

Dried beans, like all other pulses, are an excellent source of vegetable protein, especially if you are vegetarian or vegan. Beans also contain a lot of magnesium, a micro-nutrient that causes morning fatigue and loss of energy when it is lacking. Increasing your magnesium intake can therefore help you regain your energy. It is also found in other foods such as shellfish, oleaginous fruits, whole grains, and dark chocolate.

7. SARDINES

Sardines, herring, mackerel, or salmon provide not only high-quality animal proteins but also a lot of omega-3 fatty acids of marine origin such as EPA and DHA. These fatty acids are present in large quantities in the cell membranes of neurons and are notably involved in good neurotransmission.

Omega-3s are therefore indicated in cases of temporary fatigue, low morale or motivation, stress, and seasonal depression. Consuming vegetable oils rich in omega-3 (camelina, flax, rapeseed, walnuts, etc.) every day and fatty fish 3 times a week helps to make up the deficit.

8. NUTS

Also rich in protein and omega-3, walnuts are also particularly rich in tyrosine, a precursor of dopamine. Natural appetite suppressant, a small handful of this oleaginous fruit per day will allow you to get back in shape quickly. Mix it with other dried fruits such as almonds for a healthy variety.

9. COFFEE

The caffeine contained in coffee is a stimulant that quickly gives you energy and makes you more alert. But don't abuse it! Caffeine can increase anxiety and disturb your sleep if you consume too much, if you are not used to it or if you consume it too late in the day.

10. CITRUSES

To fight against fatigue, consume more fruits rich in vitamin C such as citrus fruits or kiwis. Vitamin C has an "anti-fatigue" role and acts by strengthening the immune system and boosting the action of white blood cells. Moreover, it facilitates the absorption of non-heme iron of vegetable origin, which prevents anemia!

11. DARK CHOCOLATE

Chocolate, when it contains at least 70% cocoa, is a pleasure and anti-stress food par excellence. It also tends to improve attention and stimulate brain activity. These properties are due to their theobromine and magnesium content. Theobromine is a compound with psychostimulant effects and magnesium is a mineral involved in energy metabolism and nerve transmission.

It is, therefore, best consumed when tired, at a rate of one to two squares per day at the most, so as not to overload the day's caloric balance.

12. WATER

Fighting fatigue by simply drinking water is possible! Indeed, a simple lack of hydration can lead to fatigue and a significant drop in concentration.

To avoid this, nothing could be easier! All you have to do is drink at least 1.5 liters of water a day, or even more if the weather is particularly hot or if you are exercising. For a stronger anti-fatigue effect, choose mineral waters that are particularly rich in magnesium, which will allow you to easily increase your daily intake.

 You have passed the highway code exam and you are only one step away from getting your license: the driving test. It is normal to apprehend this ordeal that many miss by so little. Know that with good preparation and the right reflexes, this exam is not insurmountable. Here are our eight tips to pass your driver's license the first time.

DON'T OVERREACT TO THE TEST

It's true that failing the driving test can mean wasting time and adding to the cost of your license but don't overreact. It's just one of many tests you've taken in your life and will probably have to take in the future. Failing the driving test happens a lot, but it doesn't have to happen to you. And even if you do fail, you can take it again as many times as it takes to get your license.

LEARNING THE SKILLS YOU NEED

On the driving test, you won't be asked to do anything spectacular or to drive like a professional. No, you are only expected to demonstrate your mastery of nine basic skills that are graded from 0 to 3 points, 3 points for a skill acquired and 0 for a skill not acquired.

These skills are:

• Installation at the operator's station;
• The necessary checks inside and outside the car;
• Manipulating and checking the vehicle's controls and operation and taking information;
• Controlling the speed of the vehicle;
• Respecting the rules of the road and the regulations;
• Communication with other drivers;
• Positioning the vehicle on the road;
• Maintaining safe distances.

These nine skills must be demonstrated during the 32-minute driving test. Then, the examiner will check that you have acquired three other skills, called complementary skills. These are related to your autonomy and risk awareness.

Now that you know exactly what is expected of you during the test, you can prepare yourself both practically, by practicing, and mentally, by establishing a sort of mental checklist to be completed each time you take the wheel.

PRACTICE ENOUGH

Knowing how to drive means acquiring reflexes, mechanisms, and habits. To be able to drive smoothly and correctly during the test, you must practice sufficiently beforehand. If you don't feel ready for the test, you can take additional driving lessons to improve your driving. This investment can only pay off, as you can improve significantly in a few sessions.

Also, if you are not making progress, it may be because your instructor's method is not working for you, so don't hesitate to change your instructor if necessary.

REVIEW THE THEORY QUESTIONS

During the driving test, the examiner will ask you three theory questions. These are taken from a large set of questions. You should prepare your answers to these questions by downloading one of the many guides available on the web that contain all the questions the examiner may ask you and their answers.

HAVE CONFIDENCE IN YOURSELF

One of the worst enemies of student drivers on the test is a lack of confidence. Confidence is crucial because it allows you to act consistently and honestly. On the contrary, if you are not confident, you may hesitate a lot when you drive, which can affect your driving and cause you to fail the test. However, don't be overconfident or arrogant during the test, as the examiner may see this as a form of recklessness or carelessness. So be confident and assertive, but not arrogant.

PUT YOURSELF IN THE RIGHT CONDITIONS

Fatigue, stress, and excitement can cause you to fail the driving test. It is therefore imperative that you put yourself in the right conditions the day before the test. The day before and during the test, eat a healthy diet, drink enough water, and avoid stimulants in the evening. Try to get enough sleep so that you are fit and relaxed for the exam.

The day before the exam, while remaining relaxed, reread your flashcards and review the theory questions one last time, but do not overdo it. Preparation should be done well in advance, not the day before. This last revision will only serve to stimulate you and give you even more confidence in yourself.

PREPARE ALL YOUR DOCUMENTS

Before you begin the exam, the examiner will ask you to present certain documents. You should make sure you have them all by gathering them the night before and putting them carefully in a folder.

These documents are:

• The invitation to the exam;
• An identity document (national card or passport);
• A stamped envelope with your address, first and last name;
• Proof of passing the general technical test (ETG) or code. This can be found on the back of your Cerfa 02 or in the e-mail you received when you passed the code.

ON THE DAY OF THE EXAM

 The examination of the highway code is a test feared by all young future drivers who pass their license. This theoretical exam is, in fact, a crucial step in learning to drive and obtain a license. However, it is not that difficult and with good preparation, it is almost impossible to miss it. Here are our six tips to help you succeed in your code the first time.

UNDERSTAND WHAT IS EXPECTED OF YOU

The Highway Code test is now held at post offices where you must go on the appointed day and sit in front of a computer to answer 40 questions. To pass the test, you simply must not make more than 5 mistakes.

The questions asked are randomly selected by an algorithm from a library of 1,000 questions covering ten main topics. These are:

• The driver;
• Other users;
• Getting in and out of your vehicle;
• The Road;
• Road traffic;
• The car, the mechanics, and the equipment ;
• The environment ;
• Passenger safety ;
• First aid;
• Various notions.

GET A HEAD START ON PREPARATION

To pass the road test, you need to memorize hundreds of rules, signs, numbers, and many other details. It goes without saying that you should not prepare at the last minute, or even at the last week.  On average, three months of preparation is required to have a good chance of passing the test on the first try. You should therefore start preparing for the test in earnest as soon as three months before the big day arrives.

REVIEW REGULARLY

As with any exam, the secret to passing the code is not intensity, but regularity. There is no point in spending hours or sleepless nights studying for the highway code. The best thing to do is to study for one hour a day during the three months of preparation. To do this, you can take a driving course at a driving school, which is optional. You can also use a website or a mobile application that reminds you of notifications each day to do your daily lesson.

LEARN ON THE RIGHT MEDIA

To prepare for the highway code exam, you can choose from several options. If you prepare with a driving school, depending on the quality of the school, the learning materials they provide are more or less effective. Although most driving schools today use digital means, some still use paper-based materials and somewhat outdated methods.

Therefore, choose interactive learning methods. Some software, some mobile applications, and some websites allow you to learn the rules of the code at first before allowing you to simulate the exam as many times as you want. These simulations are the best way for you to know your level and estimate your chances of success. In addition, the questions you answer on these applications are the same ones you may be asked on the exam, which is not negligible. These "mock" code exams also help you detect your weaknesses and errors and correct them.

ASK QUESTIONS

During your preparation, don't hesitate to ask questions. You may have some questions that are difficult to find answers to on the internet. If you are preparing for the code in a driving school, ask your instructor. If you are taking the test on your own, ask experienced drivers around you, or even your relatives of the same age who are preparing for the code or who have recently passed it.

PUT YOURSELF IN THE RIGHT CONDITIONS

In order to pass the test, you must be well prepared, but you must also be in a state to give back what you have learned. It is therefore important that you are fresh and in good shape on the day of the exam. To do this, eat properly in the days leading up to the exam, drink enough water, limit or completely avoid alcohol, and stimulating drinks to help you sleep better.

You also need to be in the right frame of mind. Be motivated and confident, and don't overreact to the possibility of failure.