GEN friends, we are delighted to tell you that our member Steve D. has accepted a new job. Congratulations, Steve! He gave us permission to share his email to the church office, which appears below:
Everyone,
As many of you know, I have been unemployed since March 1 of this year. I have good news to report! On Friday, I received notification that I have been selected for a contract programming position at the Georgia Department of Labor in Atlanta, starting Monday, October 5th. To say that I am glad to be going back to work again is an understatement.
I want to thank everyone for their encouragement and their prayers during this difficult time. Over the past 6 + months, I learned some very important lessons about myself and about life. First and foremost, I learned that my job doesn’t define who I am nor does it determine my worth and value as a person. I am who God says I am in His word – a dearly loved child, forgiven, righteous, holy and blameless in His sight. My performance at work has nothing to do with this. Secondly, I learned that I can trust God to take care of me in the midst of the storms. The Lord, who promises to provide for our needs, is faithful to His word. Lastly, I learned empathy for those who have lost their jobs and continue to struggle financially. I will continue to pray for those who are looking for work and I will do all that I can to help them as the Lord directs.
I learned to not give up hope, no matter how difficult things may be. Do all that you can do and then trust the Lord to do the rest. Those of us who follow Christ are on an exciting journey of faith and trust. Michael Yaconelli, author of Messy Spirituality, had this to say about the spiritual life - “I am following the Son of God who said, “Listen to me! I’m playing this music and if you’ll listen to the music of your heart and of your soul and you follow me - I’ll guarantee you, I’ll guarantee you - that at the end of your life, you will say, ‘Man! It was worth every second of it!’”
I am learning to trust the One who made me and who has a plan for my life. The road ahead will have ups and downs, unexpected turns, detours and surprises. The spiritual life is a lot like a roller coaster, but when we reach the end we can say “What a ride! What a ride!”.
Steve
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Food distribution tomorrow
From the DC Sentinel newspaper:
On Wed., Sept. 30, Tallatoona-Douglas Human Resource Development Center will certify and distribute food to families in need. Distribution begins at 9 am at the Church of God of Prophecy Family Center, located on Dura Lee Lane in Douglasville.
To be certified, please bring proof of residency and know your monthly household income. Senior citizens, the elderly disable, unemployed, and low income families and individuals are encouraged to attend.
On Wed., Sept. 30, Tallatoona-Douglas Human Resource Development Center will certify and distribute food to families in need. Distribution begins at 9 am at the Church of God of Prophecy Family Center, located on Dura Lee Lane in Douglasville.
To be certified, please bring proof of residency and know your monthly household income. Senior citizens, the elderly disable, unemployed, and low income families and individuals are encouraged to attend.
Part time jobs for seniors
Thanks to stimulus funding, the Cobb County Dept. of Labor has some part-time jobs available for seniors.
Some of these are part-time security jobs; others may be for different knids of work. Income guidelines apply.
For details, contact Dorothy J. DeLoach, employment specialist.
Mon-Tues, 9 am to 2 pm, 770-528-6100 x 136
Wed-Fri, 404-892-4446
Some of these are part-time security jobs; others may be for different knids of work. Income guidelines apply.
For details, contact Dorothy J. DeLoach, employment specialist.
Mon-Tues, 9 am to 2 pm, 770-528-6100 x 136
Wed-Fri, 404-892-4446
Business After Hours networking opportunity
From the DC Chamber of Commerce:
You're invited to join us at Business After Hours.
You are invited to join us this Thursday, October 1st from 4pm-6pm for the AT&T Business After Hours. (GEN-ers, please note: If you're not a chamber member, this event costs $20.)
It will be sponsored by The Centre at Arbor Connection and held at their beautiful event facility located at 7475 Douglas Blvd. Douglasville, Ga. 30135. This AT&T Business After Hours will be an extraordinary way to network with a lot of people as it will be a combined event with our friends at the Paulding County Chamber of Commerce. Heavy hors d’ouevres and complimentary beer and wine will be provided by Sam & Rosco’s Restaurant. You will also be able to sample delicious desserts provided by Sweet Teresa's Dessert Shop (located on the front side of Arbor Connection.) The AT&T Business After Hours is free for Douglas and Paulding Chamber Members and $20 for non-members. The Centre at Arbor Connection is located directly across the street from Arbor Place Kia & Arbor Place Hyundai on Douglas Blvd. When you pull in, follow the road to the left of the building and you will see the back parking lot.
You're invited to join us at Business After Hours.
You are invited to join us this Thursday, October 1st from 4pm-6pm for the AT&T Business After Hours. (GEN-ers, please note: If you're not a chamber member, this event costs $20.)
It will be sponsored by The Centre at Arbor Connection and held at their beautiful event facility located at 7475 Douglas Blvd. Douglasville, Ga. 30135. This AT&T Business After Hours will be an extraordinary way to network with a lot of people as it will be a combined event with our friends at the Paulding County Chamber of Commerce. Heavy hors d’ouevres and complimentary beer and wine will be provided by Sam & Rosco’s Restaurant. You will also be able to sample delicious desserts provided by Sweet Teresa's Dessert Shop (located on the front side of Arbor Connection.) The AT&T Business After Hours is free for Douglas and Paulding Chamber Members and $20 for non-members. The Centre at Arbor Connection is located directly across the street from Arbor Place Kia & Arbor Place Hyundai on Douglas Blvd. When you pull in, follow the road to the left of the building and you will see the back parking lot.
Monday, September 28, 2009
6 reasons they didn't call you back
6 Reasons They Didn't Call You Back
Are They Just Not That Into You?
by Larry Buhl, for Yahoo! HotJobs
In the best of times responding to a job listing can feel like sending your resume out to sea in a bottle. But at least you received a call or an email acknowledgement. Now, with the volume of applicants higher than ever, you're more likely to hear nothing.
If there is a resounding silence from your queries, keep looking and networking. But you can also do some sleuthing to give you a better chance of standing out next time. Recruiters and career experts agree that, if you didn't get an interview or phone call -- or even a thank-you email -- it may be due to at least one of six reasons.
1. They're just not that into you.
You're good, but someone else more closely met the qualifications. In a tight job market employers can usually get exactly the type of candidate they want. A polite "thanks, but no thanks" letter or email would be nice. But don't expect it these days.
2. They may be into you, as soon as they get to you.
Companies receive so many submissions these days that they don't even have time to send out letters or confirmation emails. "I know a major software company that's taking more than three weeks just to send out acknowledgement notes, and some companies are spending months sifting through resumes for just one opening," workplace etiquette expert Sue Fox tells Yahoo! Hot Jobs.
3. They would have been into you if you had followed directions.
"Many job listings use the word 'must,' not 'it would be nice to,'" according to Dave Opton, CEO and founder of ExecuNet. "If it says you must have experience in X, then tailor your resume to show that," Opton says.
If you're answering a job listing, be sure you respond in exactly the way the company wants. And be aware that if you're not applying for a specific job but rather sending out dozens or hundreds of form letters, your resume is likely to end up in companies' spam folders.
4. They might be into you if you apply for a more appropriate job.
Independent recruiter Cheryl Ferguson tells Yahoo! HotJobs that many job seekers are overqualified, under-qualified, or otherwise just wrong. "If we need to fill a specific job, and you're not right for it, don't assume that we're going to find the right fit for you. A lot of times people send me resumes, and I want to ask, 'Did you even read the job description?'"
5. Your presentation could use some work.
"A lot of mistakes I see are a lack of cover letter, and an objective statement on the resume that is all wrong for the job opening," says Lindsay Olson, partner and recruiter at Paradigm Staffing. "Even worse are obviously mass emails where the candidates had no clue what they were applying for."
6. There isn't any job.
Sometimes, due to last minute budget cuts, a position is eliminated before it's even filled. Other times, according to Olson, companies reel in resumes even when they know there isn't any opening. "Some companies want a big applicant pool because they think they may be hiring in the future," Olson said.
How can you learn what happened?
If you feel like your resume is out at sea, and you'd at least like confirmation that you're out of the running, there are things you can do.
1. Contact the company.
Yes, the ad had a NO CALLS warning, and there wasn't a name anyway. But if you're pretty sure you're right for the job, and you've heard nothing after a week, you can still call someone to find out if you're at least in the running. Try to find the hiring manager (HR is too busy, and they almost never want to hear from you).
"If you do follow up by phone, don't leave a voice mail," Opton says. "Early in the morning or after five you're more likely to reach a real person."
2. But don't be a pest.
"If you've had an interview and sent your thank-you letter, wait a week to call," Fox says. One or two emails are OK, but three will probably look desperate, she adds. "And never, ever, show up at the company without an interview and demand to be seen. It will backfire."
3. Re-read the job posting.
Did the resume you sent really fit the job requirements? Or were you hoping they would find another job just for you? "I love it when a candidate has done the homework and already knows the company and the position," Ferguson says. "It makes it easier for both of us."
4. Take a look at your resume.
Get a second opinion, and a third. Does it present you in the right light? Is it professionally formatted? Does it feature accomplishments, rather than merely job titles and dates?
5. Step up the networking.
"It's always best to network your way into a position," Opton says. "You'll get a lot more individual attention than someone responding to a job listing."
Are They Just Not That Into You?
by Larry Buhl, for Yahoo! HotJobs
In the best of times responding to a job listing can feel like sending your resume out to sea in a bottle. But at least you received a call or an email acknowledgement. Now, with the volume of applicants higher than ever, you're more likely to hear nothing.
If there is a resounding silence from your queries, keep looking and networking. But you can also do some sleuthing to give you a better chance of standing out next time. Recruiters and career experts agree that, if you didn't get an interview or phone call -- or even a thank-you email -- it may be due to at least one of six reasons.
1. They're just not that into you.
You're good, but someone else more closely met the qualifications. In a tight job market employers can usually get exactly the type of candidate they want. A polite "thanks, but no thanks" letter or email would be nice. But don't expect it these days.
2. They may be into you, as soon as they get to you.
Companies receive so many submissions these days that they don't even have time to send out letters or confirmation emails. "I know a major software company that's taking more than three weeks just to send out acknowledgement notes, and some companies are spending months sifting through resumes for just one opening," workplace etiquette expert Sue Fox tells Yahoo! Hot Jobs.
3. They would have been into you if you had followed directions.
"Many job listings use the word 'must,' not 'it would be nice to,'" according to Dave Opton, CEO and founder of ExecuNet. "If it says you must have experience in X, then tailor your resume to show that," Opton says.
If you're answering a job listing, be sure you respond in exactly the way the company wants. And be aware that if you're not applying for a specific job but rather sending out dozens or hundreds of form letters, your resume is likely to end up in companies' spam folders.
4. They might be into you if you apply for a more appropriate job.
Independent recruiter Cheryl Ferguson tells Yahoo! HotJobs that many job seekers are overqualified, under-qualified, or otherwise just wrong. "If we need to fill a specific job, and you're not right for it, don't assume that we're going to find the right fit for you. A lot of times people send me resumes, and I want to ask, 'Did you even read the job description?'"
5. Your presentation could use some work.
"A lot of mistakes I see are a lack of cover letter, and an objective statement on the resume that is all wrong for the job opening," says Lindsay Olson, partner and recruiter at Paradigm Staffing. "Even worse are obviously mass emails where the candidates had no clue what they were applying for."
6. There isn't any job.
Sometimes, due to last minute budget cuts, a position is eliminated before it's even filled. Other times, according to Olson, companies reel in resumes even when they know there isn't any opening. "Some companies want a big applicant pool because they think they may be hiring in the future," Olson said.
How can you learn what happened?
If you feel like your resume is out at sea, and you'd at least like confirmation that you're out of the running, there are things you can do.
1. Contact the company.
Yes, the ad had a NO CALLS warning, and there wasn't a name anyway. But if you're pretty sure you're right for the job, and you've heard nothing after a week, you can still call someone to find out if you're at least in the running. Try to find the hiring manager (HR is too busy, and they almost never want to hear from you).
"If you do follow up by phone, don't leave a voice mail," Opton says. "Early in the morning or after five you're more likely to reach a real person."
2. But don't be a pest.
"If you've had an interview and sent your thank-you letter, wait a week to call," Fox says. One or two emails are OK, but three will probably look desperate, she adds. "And never, ever, show up at the company without an interview and demand to be seen. It will backfire."
3. Re-read the job posting.
Did the resume you sent really fit the job requirements? Or were you hoping they would find another job just for you? "I love it when a candidate has done the homework and already knows the company and the position," Ferguson says. "It makes it easier for both of us."
4. Take a look at your resume.
Get a second opinion, and a third. Does it present you in the right light? Is it professionally formatted? Does it feature accomplishments, rather than merely job titles and dates?
5. Step up the networking.
"It's always best to network your way into a position," Opton says. "You'll get a lot more individual attention than someone responding to a job listing."
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Utility Support Systems is hiring - RESPOND ASAP
http://www.utilitysupportsystems.com
GEN members, we have a hot lead for a job for a company that's located in the Greystone Power Building in Douglas County. If you are interested, APPLY IMMEDIATELY! Our contact says the company is talking to people and interviewing today!
To learn more, visit the website shown above and then go to Career Opportunities - see Field Tech Assistant Job Posting # = 348
This is a 40-hour week position from October thru December-ish, must = have clean driving record and be computer literate (prefer laptop users). Pay = is $14plus an hour - no benefits.
If you are interested in this of the positions listed below please = submit your resume to hr@utilitysys.com or fax to 770-947-4277.
Please include the job # 348 in the subject of the email.
GEN members, we have a hot lead for a job for a company that's located in the Greystone Power Building in Douglas County. If you are interested, APPLY IMMEDIATELY! Our contact says the company is talking to people and interviewing today!
To learn more, visit the website shown above and then go to Career Opportunities - see Field Tech Assistant Job Posting # = 348
This is a 40-hour week position from October thru December-ish, must = have clean driving record and be computer literate (prefer laptop users). Pay = is $14plus an hour - no benefits.
If you are interested in this of the positions listed below please = submit your resume to hr@utilitysys.com or fax to 770-947-4277.
Please include the job # 348 in the subject of the email.
DC emergency information
For the latest information concerning flooding, road closures, water purification, and all other emergency information, please go to:
http://www.DouglasCountyEMA.com
Douglas County continues to be under a boil water advisory. The Douglasville-Douglas County Water and Sewer Authority has restored water to about 2/3 of the County at this time. The WSA hopes to have 90% of the County served by Sunday night. However, residents need to boil water until further notice since the system must be tested and approved by the State before used for human consumption.
Restaurants and convenience stores need to be especially aware that many coffee makers are directly connected to the public water system, and, even though they may be using filters, this is not sufficient to sanitize the water for coffee. Restaurants and convenience stores should turn off these machines until the water system has been certified safe and the boil water advisory is lifted.
Douglas County Public Schools will be closed Thursday and Friday, September 24th and 25th.
Motorists are reminded that roads are barricaded for a reason. It is illegal to move barricades or go around them, as well as unsafe. Even if roads and bridges appear to the motorist that they are safe, if they are barricaded, the road or bridge may be undermined and the weight of a person or an automobile may cause it to collapse. Please do not go past barricades.
If you regularly ride GRTA, check the GRTA web site at www.XpressGa.com to see if your route is active.
Interstate 20 is now open throughout Douglas County.
For assistance with driving directions through Douglas County, call 770.920.7484 between 6 a.m. - 8 p.m. Please do not call 911 for driving directions.
An updated list of road closures in Douglas County and the City of Douglasville are posted on the County web site at www.CelebrateDouglasCounty.com.
Bottled water will be distributed again tomorrow (Thursday) beginning at 9:00 a.m. and continuing until water supplies are exhausted at the following two locations:
Pray's Mill Baptist Church, 4979 Georgia Highway 5 at Banks Mill Road - drive-though entering from Banks Mill Road
Douglasville 1st United Methodist Church, 6167 Prestley Mill Road at Hospital Drive - drive-through entering from Hospital Drive.
The Pantry, a Douglas County food bank, will be assisting residents who need food and water on Saturday morning beginning at 8:00 a.m. The Pantry is located at 5960 Stewart Parkway at Cornerstone Church immediately east of the Post Office.
This email was sent on behalf of Douglas County Chamber of Commerce by ChamberMaster, 14391 Edgewood Drive, Baxter, MN 56425. Report suspected email abuse by clicking here. If you have questions or comments concerning this email or ChamberMaster services in general, please contact us by email at support@chambermaster.com.
ChamberMaster is a registered trademark of MicroNet Incorporated.
http://www.DouglasCountyEMA.com
Douglas County continues to be under a boil water advisory. The Douglasville-Douglas County Water and Sewer Authority has restored water to about 2/3 of the County at this time. The WSA hopes to have 90% of the County served by Sunday night. However, residents need to boil water until further notice since the system must be tested and approved by the State before used for human consumption.
Restaurants and convenience stores need to be especially aware that many coffee makers are directly connected to the public water system, and, even though they may be using filters, this is not sufficient to sanitize the water for coffee. Restaurants and convenience stores should turn off these machines until the water system has been certified safe and the boil water advisory is lifted.
Douglas County Public Schools will be closed Thursday and Friday, September 24th and 25th.
Motorists are reminded that roads are barricaded for a reason. It is illegal to move barricades or go around them, as well as unsafe. Even if roads and bridges appear to the motorist that they are safe, if they are barricaded, the road or bridge may be undermined and the weight of a person or an automobile may cause it to collapse. Please do not go past barricades.
If you regularly ride GRTA, check the GRTA web site at www.XpressGa.com to see if your route is active.
Interstate 20 is now open throughout Douglas County.
For assistance with driving directions through Douglas County, call 770.920.7484 between 6 a.m. - 8 p.m. Please do not call 911 for driving directions.
An updated list of road closures in Douglas County and the City of Douglasville are posted on the County web site at www.CelebrateDouglasCounty.com.
Bottled water will be distributed again tomorrow (Thursday) beginning at 9:00 a.m. and continuing until water supplies are exhausted at the following two locations:
Pray's Mill Baptist Church, 4979 Georgia Highway 5 at Banks Mill Road - drive-though entering from Banks Mill Road
Douglasville 1st United Methodist Church, 6167 Prestley Mill Road at Hospital Drive - drive-through entering from Hospital Drive.
The Pantry, a Douglas County food bank, will be assisting residents who need food and water on Saturday morning beginning at 8:00 a.m. The Pantry is located at 5960 Stewart Parkway at Cornerstone Church immediately east of the Post Office.
This email was sent on behalf of Douglas County Chamber of Commerce by ChamberMaster, 14391 Edgewood Drive, Baxter, MN 56425. Report suspected email abuse by clicking here. If you have questions or comments concerning this email or ChamberMaster services in general, please contact us by email at support@chambermaster.com.
ChamberMaster is a registered trademark of MicroNet Incorporated.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Yet another great job - thanks to God!
GEN members, we are so happy to share some great news--Peggy has landed a job! She says it's with a really good company and she's excited about telling everyone more soon.
C O N G R A T S Peggy! You'll be in our prayers for much success and joy in your new work.
C O N G R A T S Peggy! You'll be in our prayers for much success and joy in your new work.
Hobby Lobby and Six Flags hiring
GEN-ers, one of our church members says Hobby Lobby, by Kohls on Chapel Hill Road, and Six Flags are hiring. We don't have details, so you'll probably want to check these online for contact info.
Bottled water to be distributed Wednesday
Bottled water to be distributed Wednesday
Douglas County Emergency Management will distribute bottled water on Wednesday to residents of Douglas County who are without treated water.
Two distribution centers will open at 9:00 a.m.:
Douglasville First United Methodist Church, 6167 Prestley Mill Road at Hospital Drive - enter from Hospital Drive;
Prays Mill Baptist Church, 4979 Georgia Highway 5 at Banks Mill Road - enter from Banks Mill Road.
These will be "drive-through" centers, and cases of bottled water will be placed in the resident's car. The distribution centers will be open from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. or until supplies are exhausted.
Douglas County Emergency Management will distribute bottled water on Wednesday to residents of Douglas County who are without treated water.
Two distribution centers will open at 9:00 a.m.:
Douglasville First United Methodist Church, 6167 Prestley Mill Road at Hospital Drive - enter from Hospital Drive;
Prays Mill Baptist Church, 4979 Georgia Highway 5 at Banks Mill Road - enter from Banks Mill Road.
These will be "drive-through" centers, and cases of bottled water will be placed in the resident's car. The distribution centers will be open from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. or until supplies are exhausted.
Buy local
Just a reminder that the Chamber will be handing out Buy Local information from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. tomorrow at September Saturdays. Also, please remember Sam's Club is offering an open house tomorrow from 12 - 4:00 p.m. offering a $10 gift card & complimentary cost comparison as part of the US Chamber & Sam's new partnership.
See below for more information on these events.
Saturdays, September 19th: SEPTEMBER SATURDAYS FESTIVAL!
Family Fun Day - plus Touch-a-Truck Experience + Atlanta Hawks and Thrashers Street Tour + Rope Bridge ~ Rain or Shine!
12 noon - 6:30 p.m., grounds of the Douglas County Courthouse ~ 8:00 p.m. Movie ~ Free Admission, Free Parking, Free Shuttle Service from the Transportation Center and 1st United Methodist Church Parking Lots.
Come join the thousands of Douglas County citizens who enjoy September Saturdays each year!
• Community Marketplace with over 125 vendors and exhibitors (SOLD OUT - Thank you!)
• Musical Performances from the Courthouse Steps
• Rides and Inflatable Games, Boy Scout Rope Bridge
• Exhibits from Operation Lifesaver and the Georgia Forestry Commission, including Smokey the Bear
• Atlanta Hawks and Thrashers Street Tour
• Food Court
• Touch-a-Truck Experience with vehicles and equipment from law enforcement, public safety, and the road crew
• Rabies Vaccination Clinic ($10 per shot at Transportation Center)
• Family Movie at 8 p.m. on the outdoor movie screen ("Journey to the Center of the Earth" in 3-D) 770.651.2039 or www.SeptemberSaturdays.com a program of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners through its Department of Communications and Community Relations, 770.920.7593
Sam's Club
Sam's Club and the US Chamber of Commerce have joined forces. All Members of the US Chamber of Commerce and its affiliated local chambers of commerce are invited to an OPEN HOUSE to join Sam's Club or renew an existing Business Membership to receive:
* $10 gift card & Complimentary cost comparison
Sam's is located on 6995 Concourse Pkwy, Douglasville, GA 30134 (next to Wal-Mart)
Date: September 19, 2009 Time: 12 Noon - 4:00 PM
This email was sent on behalf of Douglas County Chamber of Commerce by ChamberMaster, 14391 Edgewood Drive, Baxter, MN 56425. Report suspected email abuse by clicking here. If you have questions or comments concerning this email or ChamberMaster services in general, please contact us by email at support@chambermaster.com.
ChamberMaster is a registered trademark of MicroNet Incorporated.
See below for more information on these events.
Saturdays, September 19th: SEPTEMBER SATURDAYS FESTIVAL!
Family Fun Day - plus Touch-a-Truck Experience + Atlanta Hawks and Thrashers Street Tour + Rope Bridge ~ Rain or Shine!
12 noon - 6:30 p.m., grounds of the Douglas County Courthouse ~ 8:00 p.m. Movie ~ Free Admission, Free Parking, Free Shuttle Service from the Transportation Center and 1st United Methodist Church Parking Lots.
Come join the thousands of Douglas County citizens who enjoy September Saturdays each year!
• Community Marketplace with over 125 vendors and exhibitors (SOLD OUT - Thank you!)
• Musical Performances from the Courthouse Steps
• Rides and Inflatable Games, Boy Scout Rope Bridge
• Exhibits from Operation Lifesaver and the Georgia Forestry Commission, including Smokey the Bear
• Atlanta Hawks and Thrashers Street Tour
• Food Court
• Touch-a-Truck Experience with vehicles and equipment from law enforcement, public safety, and the road crew
• Rabies Vaccination Clinic ($10 per shot at Transportation Center)
• Family Movie at 8 p.m. on the outdoor movie screen ("Journey to the Center of the Earth" in 3-D) 770.651.2039 or www.SeptemberSaturdays.com a program of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners through its Department of Communications and Community Relations, 770.920.7593
Sam's Club
Sam's Club and the US Chamber of Commerce have joined forces. All Members of the US Chamber of Commerce and its affiliated local chambers of commerce are invited to an OPEN HOUSE to join Sam's Club or renew an existing Business Membership to receive:
* $10 gift card & Complimentary cost comparison
Sam's is located on 6995 Concourse Pkwy, Douglasville, GA 30134 (next to Wal-Mart)
Date: September 19, 2009 Time: 12 Noon - 4:00 PM
This email was sent on behalf of Douglas County Chamber of Commerce by ChamberMaster, 14391 Edgewood Drive, Baxter, MN 56425. Report suspected email abuse by clicking here. If you have questions or comments concerning this email or ChamberMaster services in general, please contact us by email at support@chambermaster.com.
ChamberMaster is a registered trademark of MicroNet Incorporated.
God got someone else a great new job!!
C O N G R A T S, Greg T! Here's a message he sent us:
"I started my second week at XX...I think this is a keeper. I would like to thank you and everyone responsible for the GEN group. It gave me an opportunity to talk with folks in my same situation and meet some really fine people. With God on your side and prayers you can get through anything."
Amen to that, Greg. We'll pray for your great success and happiness at this new venture!
Lynn and the GEN members/team
"I started my second week at XX...I think this is a keeper. I would like to thank you and everyone responsible for the GEN group. It gave me an opportunity to talk with folks in my same situation and meet some really fine people. With God on your side and prayers you can get through anything."
Amen to that, Greg. We'll pray for your great success and happiness at this new venture!
Lynn and the GEN members/team
D and H hiring in Newnan
Steven S., thanks for this lead:
Hiring for seasonal help at D&H in Newnan (warehouse). We will have 3 shifts (7am-3pm; 3pm-11pm, 11pm-7am) and work 6 days a week-Sun-Fri. The pay is $10.50/hour. If you are interested or know someone who may be, have them come fill out an application or they can attend the Open House next Saturday, Sept 26 from 9 am-12 pm. We will be interviewing and making offers on the spot. You must be able to pass a basic math skills test, background check and drug screen. If you plan to come to the Open House, please bring a photo ID.
Hiring for seasonal help at D&H in Newnan (warehouse). We will have 3 shifts (7am-3pm; 3pm-11pm, 11pm-7am) and work 6 days a week-Sun-Fri. The pay is $10.50/hour. If you are interested or know someone who may be, have them come fill out an application or they can attend the Open House next Saturday, Sept 26 from 9 am-12 pm. We will be interviewing and making offers on the spot. You must be able to pass a basic math skills test, background check and drug screen. If you plan to come to the Open House, please bring a photo ID.
Lagassee Sweet hiring
Thanks, Debbie, for this lead:
Lagasse Sweet on Thornton Road is recruiting night shift warehouse workers to work 3PM until finish – could easily be 12 hour shifts. They require a High School diploma, or GED, Clean background check and drug screen. Skills involved driving a stand up forklift, manually lifting and general warehouse work – order picking, packing and put away, etc. These are direct hire positions.
Forward resume to rcummings@lagasseinc.com
Debbie Wolfe
Area Manager
Tel: 678.715.0800
Fax: 678.7150933
debbie.wolfe@elwoodstaffing.com
www.elwoodstaffing.com
Lagasse Sweet on Thornton Road is recruiting night shift warehouse workers to work 3PM until finish – could easily be 12 hour shifts. They require a High School diploma, or GED, Clean background check and drug screen. Skills involved driving a stand up forklift, manually lifting and general warehouse work – order picking, packing and put away, etc. These are direct hire positions.
Forward resume to rcummings@lagasseinc.com
Debbie Wolfe
Area Manager
Tel: 678.715.0800
Fax: 678.7150933
debbie.wolfe@elwoodstaffing.com
www.elwoodstaffing.com
HR roundtable on Healthcare
The HR Roundtable on Healthcare, scheduled for tomorrow, September 23 at Nioxin has been CANCELLED. We will re-schedule this event and will contact you with that information as soon as it is available.
Thank you,
Janice Johnson
Thank you,
Janice Johnson
Douglas County Emergency Information
The Chamber sincerely hopes this email finds you well. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who have lost loved ones and whose businesses and homes have suffered damage. We are trying to keep you abreast on the current situation as fast as we can. This email is long but has very important information, Here are the topics:
Emergency Information Update #1
Road Closures
Best way in and out of Atlanta
Home Repair Information
Call for Volunteers
Status of Chamber Events
1. Emergency Information Update #1- For the latest information concerning County flooding, road closures, water purification and all other emergency information please go to: http://www.douglascountyema.com
Important Tips and Information:
*Do not attempt to cross roads that are covered with water, trees, power lines or any other type of debris.
*Do not drive past barricades, signs or other placed barriers of any kind that are intended to stop traffic from entering an area.
If you need to be evacuated please call 911. Evacuees who need shelter will be taken to the Cobb County Civic Center, 548 South Marietta Parkway S.E., Marietta, 30060-2251, which is the closest Red Cross Shelter.
*Douglas County Schools will be closed on Wednesday, September 23rd with hopes to open on Thursday, September 24th. Updates on this information can be found on http://www.celebratedouglascounty.com or dctv23 on Comcast cable.
*The Douglas County Courthouse is open, however all jury trials have been cancelled for the week.
*The open house for the Fire Training Facility and the Town Hall Meeting with District 4 Commissioner David Latham has been cancelled and will be held at a later date
The following is a memorandum from the Georgia Department of Community Health in response to the temporary loss of potable water and is intended to advise restaurants how to properly respond to the interruption. If you are a restaurant owner PLEASE BE ADVISED!
Douglas Public Health Advisory: All Food Service Establishments in Douglas County, GA
(Ref: Georgia Food Service Regulations, Chapter 290-5-14)
Due to the current boil water advisory, all restaurants in Douglas County must cease using the public water supply for food preparation and human consumption effective immediately. Georgia law specifies that unless your facility has confirmed access to a safe water source, the restaurant should close until the water supply can be determined safe for use.
(290-5-14-.03(2)(n) page 29 of the food code) - If closing is not a viable option for the facility, please be advised that an alternative water supply MUST be provided, which may include:
1. Supply of containers of commercially bottled drinking water and bottled soda drinks.
2. One or more closed portable water containers
3. Enclosed water storage tank
4. Enclosed vehicular water tank
5. Piping, tubing, or hoses connected to an adjacent approved source.
(Chapter 290-5-14-.06(1)(k) page 107 of food code) - Also, please be advised that all ice machines must be emptied and sanitized as per the manufacturer’s instructions prior to use. Do not use any ice generated by the ice machine during the boil water advisory. These ice machines CANNOT be used until the water supply has been deemed safe from the water authority.
Also be advised that commercial beverage dispensers (soda, coffee, etc.) CANNOT be used because the water supply going in will be contaminated. These machines also must be cleaned and sanitized according to manufacturer’s recommendations prior to being used again (after the water supply has been deemed safe from water authority).
Do not use the public water supply to wash fruits and vegetables or to wash your hands. Please used bottled water or boiled and cooled water for these functions as well.
If you have any questions regarding what your restaurant must do, please do not hesitate to call Robert Gore at Douglas Environmental Health Department at 770-920-7311, or, for an after-hours emergency, Chris Hutcheson at 678-249-4361.
---------------------------------------
If you have any water system questions regarding the boil water advisory you may contact the Douglasville-Douglas Water and Sewer Authority at (770) 949-7617. You can also go to: http://www.ddcwsa.com for more information.
2. Road closures:
Douglas County
STREET CLOSURES
For the most up to date Douglas County road closure information please visit www.CelebrateDouglasCounty.com or www.DouglasCountyEMA.com. On the front page of Celebrate Douglas, there are two links in bold.
CITY OF DOUGLASVILLE
STREET CLOSURES
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
The following list of streets in the City of Douglasville have either been closed or altered as noted due to the recent flooding experienced in the area. At this time there is no schedule of re-opening available.
1.Rose Avenue between Selman Drive and Church Street. NOTE: All addresses can be reached from the north end. Closed at the intersection of Selman Avenue due to the shoulder being washed out on the east side of the street.
2.Chapel Hill Road between Brookmont Parkway (Fowler Soccer Field) and Rosemont Drive Subdivision. Closed to the shoulder being washed out on the east side of the roadway.
3.Creekwood Drive (Arbor Station) between Willow Creek Court and Lakeview Court. Closed due to complete washout of roadway.
4.Prestley Mill Road between Slater Mill Road and Presley Place. Closed due to complete washout of roadway.
5.Slater Mill Road between Slater Mill Circle and Prestley Crossing Lane. Closed due to the complete washout of Prestley Mill Road and the shoulder of SMR has been significantly compromised.
6.Cindy Drive (Rolling Hills Subdivision) at the intersection of Paul Street. There is no access from Paul Street. Closed due to complete washout of storm drainage structure.
7.Parkway Circle between Creekwood Drive and Windwood Circle. NOTE: This Street is not closed but has been reduced to one lane of traffic due to shoulder washout on the east side of the street. This street remains open as of 4:00PM Tuesday, September 22, 2009.
3.Best way in and out of Atlanta -Bankhead Highway to ML King in Mableton to Fulton Industrial to I-20 and reverse that coming back home
4. Need home repairs after flood damage?
Please Buy Local by using local contractors for any home repair projects. The West Georgia Homebuilders Association has a list of licensed, insured builders on their website at www.westsidehba.com.
5. Call for volunteers - The County is in the process of establishing two locations for distribution of bottled water to residents who need it. We do need volunteers and will send out more information as soon we have it.
6. Status of Chamber Events - John Grey will be sending out more information; however, all events this week have been cancelled including our HR Roundtable, AT&T Business After Hours sponsored by The Centre at Arbor Connection, and Chamber Connections.
Please also check our Facebook page as we are updating all information there as well. You can find us as DC Chamber with the email address of dcchamberofcommerce@gmail.com
This email was sent on behalf of Douglas County Chamber of Commerce by ChamberMaster, 14391 Edgewood Drive, Baxter, MN 56425. Report suspected email abuse by clicking here. If you have questions or comments concerning this email or ChamberMaster services in general, please contact us by email at support@chambermaster.com.
ChamberMaster is a registered trademark of MicroNet Incorporated.
Emergency Information Update #1
Road Closures
Best way in and out of Atlanta
Home Repair Information
Call for Volunteers
Status of Chamber Events
1. Emergency Information Update #1- For the latest information concerning County flooding, road closures, water purification and all other emergency information please go to: http://www.douglascountyema.com
Important Tips and Information:
*Do not attempt to cross roads that are covered with water, trees, power lines or any other type of debris.
*Do not drive past barricades, signs or other placed barriers of any kind that are intended to stop traffic from entering an area.
If you need to be evacuated please call 911. Evacuees who need shelter will be taken to the Cobb County Civic Center, 548 South Marietta Parkway S.E., Marietta, 30060-2251, which is the closest Red Cross Shelter.
*Douglas County Schools will be closed on Wednesday, September 23rd with hopes to open on Thursday, September 24th. Updates on this information can be found on http://www.celebratedouglascounty.com or dctv23 on Comcast cable.
*The Douglas County Courthouse is open, however all jury trials have been cancelled for the week.
*The open house for the Fire Training Facility and the Town Hall Meeting with District 4 Commissioner David Latham has been cancelled and will be held at a later date
The following is a memorandum from the Georgia Department of Community Health in response to the temporary loss of potable water and is intended to advise restaurants how to properly respond to the interruption. If you are a restaurant owner PLEASE BE ADVISED!
Douglas Public Health Advisory: All Food Service Establishments in Douglas County, GA
(Ref: Georgia Food Service Regulations, Chapter 290-5-14)
Due to the current boil water advisory, all restaurants in Douglas County must cease using the public water supply for food preparation and human consumption effective immediately. Georgia law specifies that unless your facility has confirmed access to a safe water source, the restaurant should close until the water supply can be determined safe for use.
(290-5-14-.03(2)(n) page 29 of the food code) - If closing is not a viable option for the facility, please be advised that an alternative water supply MUST be provided, which may include:
1. Supply of containers of commercially bottled drinking water and bottled soda drinks.
2. One or more closed portable water containers
3. Enclosed water storage tank
4. Enclosed vehicular water tank
5. Piping, tubing, or hoses connected to an adjacent approved source.
(Chapter 290-5-14-.06(1)(k) page 107 of food code) - Also, please be advised that all ice machines must be emptied and sanitized as per the manufacturer’s instructions prior to use. Do not use any ice generated by the ice machine during the boil water advisory. These ice machines CANNOT be used until the water supply has been deemed safe from the water authority.
Also be advised that commercial beverage dispensers (soda, coffee, etc.) CANNOT be used because the water supply going in will be contaminated. These machines also must be cleaned and sanitized according to manufacturer’s recommendations prior to being used again (after the water supply has been deemed safe from water authority).
Do not use the public water supply to wash fruits and vegetables or to wash your hands. Please used bottled water or boiled and cooled water for these functions as well.
If you have any questions regarding what your restaurant must do, please do not hesitate to call Robert Gore at Douglas Environmental Health Department at 770-920-7311, or, for an after-hours emergency, Chris Hutcheson at 678-249-4361.
---------------------------------------
If you have any water system questions regarding the boil water advisory you may contact the Douglasville-Douglas Water and Sewer Authority at (770) 949-7617. You can also go to: http://www.ddcwsa.com for more information.
2. Road closures:
Douglas County
STREET CLOSURES
For the most up to date Douglas County road closure information please visit www.CelebrateDouglasCounty.com or www.DouglasCountyEMA.com. On the front page of Celebrate Douglas, there are two links in bold.
CITY OF DOUGLASVILLE
STREET CLOSURES
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
The following list of streets in the City of Douglasville have either been closed or altered as noted due to the recent flooding experienced in the area. At this time there is no schedule of re-opening available.
1.Rose Avenue between Selman Drive and Church Street. NOTE: All addresses can be reached from the north end. Closed at the intersection of Selman Avenue due to the shoulder being washed out on the east side of the street.
2.Chapel Hill Road between Brookmont Parkway (Fowler Soccer Field) and Rosemont Drive Subdivision. Closed to the shoulder being washed out on the east side of the roadway.
3.Creekwood Drive (Arbor Station) between Willow Creek Court and Lakeview Court. Closed due to complete washout of roadway.
4.Prestley Mill Road between Slater Mill Road and Presley Place. Closed due to complete washout of roadway.
5.Slater Mill Road between Slater Mill Circle and Prestley Crossing Lane. Closed due to the complete washout of Prestley Mill Road and the shoulder of SMR has been significantly compromised.
6.Cindy Drive (Rolling Hills Subdivision) at the intersection of Paul Street. There is no access from Paul Street. Closed due to complete washout of storm drainage structure.
7.Parkway Circle between Creekwood Drive and Windwood Circle. NOTE: This Street is not closed but has been reduced to one lane of traffic due to shoulder washout on the east side of the street. This street remains open as of 4:00PM Tuesday, September 22, 2009.
3.Best way in and out of Atlanta -Bankhead Highway to ML King in Mableton to Fulton Industrial to I-20 and reverse that coming back home
4. Need home repairs after flood damage?
Please Buy Local by using local contractors for any home repair projects. The West Georgia Homebuilders Association has a list of licensed, insured builders on their website at www.westsidehba.com.
5. Call for volunteers - The County is in the process of establishing two locations for distribution of bottled water to residents who need it. We do need volunteers and will send out more information as soon we have it.
6. Status of Chamber Events - John Grey will be sending out more information; however, all events this week have been cancelled including our HR Roundtable, AT&T Business After Hours sponsored by The Centre at Arbor Connection, and Chamber Connections.
Please also check our Facebook page as we are updating all information there as well. You can find us as DC Chamber with the email address of dcchamberofcommerce@gmail.com
This email was sent on behalf of Douglas County Chamber of Commerce by ChamberMaster, 14391 Edgewood Drive, Baxter, MN 56425. Report suspected email abuse by clicking here. If you have questions or comments concerning this email or ChamberMaster services in general, please contact us by email at support@chambermaster.com.
ChamberMaster is a registered trademark of MicroNet Incorporated.
Hope you are well!
GEN friends, we hope you're all doing okay in this terrible weather. The church office has been closed until today, Wed., 9/23, so we've got some leads that we'll post asap. (Right now our office phone is ringing off the hook, so we have some catching up to do.)
First, please be advised that GEN IS CANCELLED ON THURS., 9/24, AT FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH. We hope to return to our normal schedule next week.
Next, we're told that FUMC is giving out free drinking water bottles today. (Not sure how much they have, though.) Thank you, friends at FUMC, for this ministry!!
As far as we know right now, at 10:15 am on Wed., we WILL have Wed. night dinner tonight at FPC. We don't know about classes being held. We DO NOT have drinkable water, but our toilets are usable. At present, our plans are to boil water for making tea and/or coffee, and we hope to have fruit punch. You're welcome, of course, to bring your water or soft drinks from home. Lasagna and hot dogs are on the menu.
More to come! The phone is ringing again!
Lynn
FPC office/GEN team
First, please be advised that GEN IS CANCELLED ON THURS., 9/24, AT FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH. We hope to return to our normal schedule next week.
Next, we're told that FUMC is giving out free drinking water bottles today. (Not sure how much they have, though.) Thank you, friends at FUMC, for this ministry!!
As far as we know right now, at 10:15 am on Wed., we WILL have Wed. night dinner tonight at FPC. We don't know about classes being held. We DO NOT have drinkable water, but our toilets are usable. At present, our plans are to boil water for making tea and/or coffee, and we hope to have fruit punch. You're welcome, of course, to bring your water or soft drinks from home. Lasagna and hot dogs are on the menu.
More to come! The phone is ringing again!
Lynn
FPC office/GEN team
Friday, September 18, 2009
Accounting assistant needed
From today's DC Sentinel:
"Royal Metal Products is seeking an accounting assistant with a minimum of 5 yrs experience. Desired applicants must be familiar with all aspects of bookkeeping, A/R, A/P, PR, and collections. Skilled in Peachtree and MS Office a must. Competitve salary and benefits. Fax resume: 678-563-0094 or email hr@royalmetalproducts.com .
"Royal Metal Products is seeking an accounting assistant with a minimum of 5 yrs experience. Desired applicants must be familiar with all aspects of bookkeeping, A/R, A/P, PR, and collections. Skilled in Peachtree and MS Office a must. Competitve salary and benefits. Fax resume: 678-563-0094 or email hr@royalmetalproducts.com .
How to handle gaps in your job history
Thanks for sharing this, Marsi:
Got Gaps? Three Tips for Handling Employment History
Expert Career Advice
Got Gaps? Three Tips for Handling Employment History (Managing Your Career)
By: Alesia Benedict, President
The department staff gathers around to celebrate a milestone for a staff member. It is retirement day for Joe Smith who has been with the company for thirty years. Management is there to present a nice gold watch to Joe along with a plaque commemorating his extensive service and loyalty to the company. The staff provides a nice cake and some soda. A picture is snapped of Joe smiling as he opens his gift from his co-workers.
Halt! That's enough flashback to the past. While this is an iconic scene, it just does not happen anymore. Once upon a time, careers were fairly linear, fairly progressive, and fairly consistent. People worked for one or two companies within their lifetimes and a gap in between was a major red flag to a potential hiring employer.
That's all changed now. Most people hold jobs for 18 months to 5 years and gaps in between are not unusual. Life happens to everyone. Layoffs occur, parents get sick, and people decide to go back to college for an advanced degree. A gap in between jobs of any length used to be a deadly problem but it is fairly common across everyone’s career paths these days. There are some ways to handle date gaps on resumes so you as the job seeker don't feel there is a big flashing neon sign there that says "Unemployed!"
Years, Not Months
The simplest way to make date gaps "disappear" on a resume is to not include the months of employment on the job chronology but rather just use years. For example, Dave was laid off in February of 2008 from XYZ Company and spent four months job searching before signing on with a new company, ABC Inc., in June of the same year. He is now looking to make a voluntary move to a different company where he will have more growth potential. That four month date gap back in 2008 will not show if he notates his jobs with years of employment only.
Ignore It
Yes, ignore it. If the date gap was six months or less or if it doesn’t show when the resume is organized in terms of years of employment, why bring it up? Fairly short date gaps are not that unusual. A job search can often take weeks or even months to complete. If it doesn’t show on the resume, don't worry about it.
Address It
Let’s say you’ve been out of work for a longer stretch of time in order to care for an ailing parent (or some other reason). Address that directly in the resume. Explain the time span. If you were on leave of absence or maybe you were just taking a sabbatical, give that information. A large gap is better explained in some way rather than ignored completely. The explanation given should not be elaborate or detailed. Keep it simple. If the reader wants more information about it, it can be brought up in the interview.
Career paths for US workers are far from the pattern of Joe Smith’s as described above. Careers do not travel on railway tracks straight through time with few diversions onto sidings. Careers in this millennium are more like the paths of ATVs – they go all over the place, up hills, around mountains, double back and criss-cross. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 80% of college graduates never work in their major. The average American changes jobs every three years, and changes complete career fields three times over a lifetime. Worried about date gaps? Stop thinking “train” and start thinking "four-wheeler".
About the Author(s)
Alesia Benedict, Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Job and Career Transition Coach (JCTC) is the President of GetInterviews.com, the country's leading resume writing firm.
Copyright © 1999-2008 Job.com
Got Gaps? Three Tips for Handling Employment History
Expert Career Advice
Got Gaps? Three Tips for Handling Employment History (Managing Your Career)
By: Alesia Benedict, President
The department staff gathers around to celebrate a milestone for a staff member. It is retirement day for Joe Smith who has been with the company for thirty years. Management is there to present a nice gold watch to Joe along with a plaque commemorating his extensive service and loyalty to the company. The staff provides a nice cake and some soda. A picture is snapped of Joe smiling as he opens his gift from his co-workers.
Halt! That's enough flashback to the past. While this is an iconic scene, it just does not happen anymore. Once upon a time, careers were fairly linear, fairly progressive, and fairly consistent. People worked for one or two companies within their lifetimes and a gap in between was a major red flag to a potential hiring employer.
That's all changed now. Most people hold jobs for 18 months to 5 years and gaps in between are not unusual. Life happens to everyone. Layoffs occur, parents get sick, and people decide to go back to college for an advanced degree. A gap in between jobs of any length used to be a deadly problem but it is fairly common across everyone’s career paths these days. There are some ways to handle date gaps on resumes so you as the job seeker don't feel there is a big flashing neon sign there that says "Unemployed!"
Years, Not Months
The simplest way to make date gaps "disappear" on a resume is to not include the months of employment on the job chronology but rather just use years. For example, Dave was laid off in February of 2008 from XYZ Company and spent four months job searching before signing on with a new company, ABC Inc., in June of the same year. He is now looking to make a voluntary move to a different company where he will have more growth potential. That four month date gap back in 2008 will not show if he notates his jobs with years of employment only.
Ignore It
Yes, ignore it. If the date gap was six months or less or if it doesn’t show when the resume is organized in terms of years of employment, why bring it up? Fairly short date gaps are not that unusual. A job search can often take weeks or even months to complete. If it doesn’t show on the resume, don't worry about it.
Address It
Let’s say you’ve been out of work for a longer stretch of time in order to care for an ailing parent (or some other reason). Address that directly in the resume. Explain the time span. If you were on leave of absence or maybe you were just taking a sabbatical, give that information. A large gap is better explained in some way rather than ignored completely. The explanation given should not be elaborate or detailed. Keep it simple. If the reader wants more information about it, it can be brought up in the interview.
Career paths for US workers are far from the pattern of Joe Smith’s as described above. Careers do not travel on railway tracks straight through time with few diversions onto sidings. Careers in this millennium are more like the paths of ATVs – they go all over the place, up hills, around mountains, double back and criss-cross. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 80% of college graduates never work in their major. The average American changes jobs every three years, and changes complete career fields three times over a lifetime. Worried about date gaps? Stop thinking “train” and start thinking "four-wheeler".
About the Author(s)
Alesia Benedict, Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Job and Career Transition Coach (JCTC) is the President of GetInterviews.com, the country's leading resume writing firm.
Copyright © 1999-2008 Job.com
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Full-time bookkeeper/admin assistant needed
I found this lead today on www.douglasjobs.com, a good place to check for local jobs:
Confidential
Douglasville CPA firm is seeking a full-time Bookkeeper/Administrative Assistant
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Job Description
Douglasville CPA firm is seeking a full-time Bookkeeper/Administrative Assistant
Applicant must:
- Be available to work M-F from 8:30 to 5:30 with occasional overtime as needed.
- Be respectful of confidential issues
- Be mature, ethical, conscientious, personable, detail oriented and well organized
- Have two or more years experience doing bookkeeping work for a public accounting firm
- Be proficient in QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel, Word & Outlook
- Pass a drug test and background check
- Experience using UltraTax is a plus
Job responsibilities include:
- Bookkeeping and payroll taxes for small businesses
- Data entry for individual and business tax returns
- Assembling of tax returns
- Answering phones and greeting clients
- Copying/scanning documents
- Processing of various mailings
- Other activities as needed
I offer:
- Professional but low-key work environment
- Opportunity for professional growth and advancement
- Business development incentive
- Paid holidays
- Paid personal time off
Qualified individuals should e-mail their resume with salary requirements to:
resume321@bellsouth.net.
Confidential
Douglasville CPA firm is seeking a full-time Bookkeeper/Administrative Assistant
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Job Description
Douglasville CPA firm is seeking a full-time Bookkeeper/Administrative Assistant
Applicant must:
- Be available to work M-F from 8:30 to 5:30 with occasional overtime as needed.
- Be respectful of confidential issues
- Be mature, ethical, conscientious, personable, detail oriented and well organized
- Have two or more years experience doing bookkeeping work for a public accounting firm
- Be proficient in QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel, Word & Outlook
- Pass a drug test and background check
- Experience using UltraTax is a plus
Job responsibilities include:
- Bookkeeping and payroll taxes for small businesses
- Data entry for individual and business tax returns
- Assembling of tax returns
- Answering phones and greeting clients
- Copying/scanning documents
- Processing of various mailings
- Other activities as needed
I offer:
- Professional but low-key work environment
- Opportunity for professional growth and advancement
- Business development incentive
- Paid holidays
- Paid personal time off
Qualified individuals should e-mail their resume with salary requirements to:
resume321@bellsouth.net.
Another success story!
God has answered our prayers for Allison, who emailed the FPC office this morning to say:
"I got the job at Allstate. I start part time on Monday. Thank you so much for the lead...I will still come to some GEN meetings..."
When I wrote back to ask if it was okay to share her good news, Allison added, "I would be proud to display my success. Let them know that it was through GEN and that the meetings work!!!"
Congratulations, Allison! We hope the new job will bless you!
Lynn
FPC office/ GEN team
"I got the job at Allstate. I start part time on Monday. Thank you so much for the lead...I will still come to some GEN meetings..."
When I wrote back to ask if it was okay to share her good news, Allison added, "I would be proud to display my success. Let them know that it was through GEN and that the meetings work!!!"
Congratulations, Allison! We hope the new job will bless you!
Lynn
FPC office/ GEN team
Tax benefits for job seekers
Allison, thanks for sending the following info:
Tax Benefits for Job Seekers
Check out IRS Publication 529, Miscellaneous Deductions. This publication is available on the IRS Web site, IRS.gov
Many taxpayers are spending the summer months polishing their resume and attending career fairs.
“For people who recently are unemployed, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, allows for the first $2,400 you get from unemployment benefits to be free of taxes,” said Joe Munoz, IRS spokesperson. “And if you are seeking employment, then you could be able to deduct some of your related expenses,” Munoz concluded.
Here are the top six things the IRS wants you to know about deducting costs related to your job search.
1. In order to deduct job search costs, the expenses must be spent on a job search in your current occupation. You may not deduct expenses incurred while looking for a job in a new occupation.
2. You can deduct employment and outplacement agency fees you pay while looking for a job in your present occupation. If your employer pays you back in a later year for employment agency fees, you must include the amount you receive in your gross income up to the amount of your tax benefit in the earlier year.
3. You can deduct amounts you spend for preparing and mailing copies of a résumé to prospective employers as long as you are looking for a new job in your present occupation.
4. If you travel to an area to look for a new job in your present occupation, you may be able to deduct travel expenses to and from the area. You can only deduct the travel expenses if the trip is primarily to look for a new job. The amount of time you spend on personal activity compared to the amount of time you spend looking for work is important in determining whether the trip is primarily personal or is primarily to look for a new job.
5. You cannot deduct job search expenses if there was a substantial break between the end of your last job and the time you begin looking for a new one.
6. You cannot deduct job search expenses if you are looking for a job for the first time.
For more information, about job search expenses, check out IRS Publication 529, Miscellaneous Deductions. This publication is available on the IRS Web site, IRS.gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).
Tax Benefits for Job Seekers
Check out IRS Publication 529, Miscellaneous Deductions. This publication is available on the IRS Web site, IRS.gov
Many taxpayers are spending the summer months polishing their resume and attending career fairs.
“For people who recently are unemployed, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, allows for the first $2,400 you get from unemployment benefits to be free of taxes,” said Joe Munoz, IRS spokesperson. “And if you are seeking employment, then you could be able to deduct some of your related expenses,” Munoz concluded.
Here are the top six things the IRS wants you to know about deducting costs related to your job search.
1. In order to deduct job search costs, the expenses must be spent on a job search in your current occupation. You may not deduct expenses incurred while looking for a job in a new occupation.
2. You can deduct employment and outplacement agency fees you pay while looking for a job in your present occupation. If your employer pays you back in a later year for employment agency fees, you must include the amount you receive in your gross income up to the amount of your tax benefit in the earlier year.
3. You can deduct amounts you spend for preparing and mailing copies of a résumé to prospective employers as long as you are looking for a new job in your present occupation.
4. If you travel to an area to look for a new job in your present occupation, you may be able to deduct travel expenses to and from the area. You can only deduct the travel expenses if the trip is primarily to look for a new job. The amount of time you spend on personal activity compared to the amount of time you spend looking for work is important in determining whether the trip is primarily personal or is primarily to look for a new job.
5. You cannot deduct job search expenses if there was a substantial break between the end of your last job and the time you begin looking for a new one.
6. You cannot deduct job search expenses if you are looking for a job for the first time.
For more information, about job search expenses, check out IRS Publication 529, Miscellaneous Deductions. This publication is available on the IRS Web site, IRS.gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Membership counselor needed at Gold's Gym
We are looking for a Membership Counselor to help us build our membership base. This person should be enthusiastic, energetic and have a love of fitness. Will make presentations to guests and participate in community programs to help promote our business. We offer a salary plus commission and benefits. Join a winning team.
Please contact:
Kathy Scapin
kjscapin@gmail.com.
Or stop by and complete an application
Or go on line at www.goldsgym.com.
Gold’s Gym Express
Home of the $15 a Month Membership
No Commitment
No Salespeople
No Kidding
Please contact:
Kathy Scapin
kjscapin@gmail.com.
Or stop by and complete an application
Or go on line at www.goldsgym.com.
Gold’s Gym Express
Home of the $15 a Month Membership
No Commitment
No Salespeople
No Kidding
Medical assistant needed - office
From today's DC Sentinel:
"Medical assistant needed for busy 2 office practice. Experience preferred. Hours 24-36/week with an avg. of one Sat/month, 8-12. Need motivated, hard-working, dependable individual. Front office helpful. No insurance benefits. 401K, vacation/sick, profit sharing benefits available. Salary based on experience and abilities. Fax resume to Ms. Harris @ 770-832-3518."
"Medical assistant needed for busy 2 office practice. Experience preferred. Hours 24-36/week with an avg. of one Sat/month, 8-12. Need motivated, hard-working, dependable individual. Front office helpful. No insurance benefits. 401K, vacation/sick, profit sharing benefits available. Salary based on experience and abilities. Fax resume to Ms. Harris @ 770-832-3518."
DC School System has openings posted
GEN members, we've heard that Alexander High has an opening for 2 para-pros here in Douglas County. These are not showing on the school system's website, so we can't confirm them, but you may want to checking the site or check with the school system's main office. Click here for more info:
https://www.astihosted.com/douglas/jam/Applicant/App_Default.asp?view=1&CategoryID=DBU31141212111114&jobtype=N&name=Support+Staff+Positions+
There are postings for 2 food service assistant managers and an internal auditor for the Central Office, so if you're interested, apply soon.
blessings!
Lynn
https://www.astihosted.com/douglas/jam/Applicant/App_Default.asp?view=1&CategoryID=DBU31141212111114&jobtype=N&name=Support+Staff+Positions+
There are postings for 2 food service assistant managers and an internal auditor for the Central Office, so if you're interested, apply soon.
blessings!
Lynn
Customer service rep needed
Thanks, Allison, for letting us know about an opening for a customer service representative with Covenant Administrators & Benesys. If you're interested, contact:
Gwen Robinson
Customer Service Manager
Covenant Administrators, Inc. & Benesys
1745 North Brown Rd, Suite 400
Lawrenceville, GA 30043
(678) 258-8204
(678) 258-8299 - fax
Covenant.....more than a promise!
Gwen Robinson
Customer Service Manager
Covenant Administrators, Inc. & Benesys
1745 North Brown Rd, Suite 400
Lawrenceville, GA 30043
(678) 258-8204
(678) 258-8299 - fax
Covenant.....more than a promise!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Jobseekers of Peachtree City - another networking group
GEN members, here's an e-newsletter distributed by Jobseekers of Peachtree City. It's got lots of good info as well as an encouraging message.
Lynn
JobSeekers of Peachtree City
Helping People Find Good Jobs, Close to Home, in Minimum Time
Get out and about. Come to JobSeekers this week. Bring a friend.
If you're not looking, forward this message to someone who needs it.
In This Issue
1. Inspiration: God Will Blend Your Distasteful Experiences Together for Good
2. Success Story: Vitiello Sneaks Past Hundreds of Applicants
3. This Week's Meeting: Positioning Your Qualifications
4. Networking: ABC from 10:15 to 11:30
5. Job Leads: Leads and Links in South Metro Atlanta
6. Contact: Chaplain and Ship's Crew
7. Donate: You Could Help Save a Career, a Home, or Even a Marriage
JobSeekers of PTC Website | JobSeekers of PTC on LinkedIn
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1. Inspiration: God Will Blend Your Distasteful Experiences Together for Good
I meet several JobSeekers each year who've been searching 12 months or more. Along with unemployment, there are usually other complicating factors involved. Things seem to go from bad to worse. There have been times in my life that have been pretty rough too. I have learned and witnessed that God can use all experiences for our good.
Rick Warren uses a great analogy in The Purpose Driven Life: "To bake a cake you must use flour, salt, raw eggs, sugar and oil. Eaten individually, each is pretty distasteful or even bitter. But bake them together and they become delicious. If you will give God all your distasteful, unpleasant experiences, he will blend them together for good." Warren uses Romans 8:28 as his text: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
In the midst of job loss, financial hardship, stress and strain on relationships, health issues, waning self-esteem and other challenges, I encourage you to do these three things:
1. Do a checkup from the neck up. This great piece of advice from Zig Ziglar is especially important for job seekers. On my list of the top 13 job search variables, attitude is number one. If you don't project a positive attitude, your search will become much, much more difficult. Ziglar says, "Your attitude determines your altitude."
Abraham Lincoln said, "People are just about as happy as they make up their minds to be." Decide right now that you are going to have a positive, expectant attitude. Paul did. In Philippians 4:12b-13 he says, "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." If you want to compare what you are going through to what Paul went through, click here: 2 Corinthians 11:16-33.
2. Ask God what he wants you to learn from all this. In elementary school, kids aren't supposed to get promoted to the next grade unless they meet certain standards. In life, we may not get promoted until we learn the lessons that God wants us to learn. One of my clients taught me that God loves us so much that sometimes he won't let us move forward until we learn what he wants us to learn. Let your defenses down, open your mind, listen to feedback, and yield your will to God's will.
God is the Master Chef; he may not want you to bake cakes until you have mastered making waffles from a box recipe. Do whatever is necessary to gain the necessary experience, and to develop the attitude, skills and knowledge you need to move on to cake baking. With God's help, you will learn how to blend the ingredients of your life and bake them into a productive career.
3. Trust God that good things are happening, even when it seems they aren't.This was true in my own transition in 2000. I got pretty frustrated when I came in second on several interviews. What I didn't realize -- and couldn't see -- was that God was working in the background all along. I teach folks to ask God for what they want, but to be willing to take what God gives them; it will be better than what they ask for. In 2000, I received something much better than what I asked for -- at just the right moment in time.
Now that all the ingredients are mixed together, it's time to go to the oven. It gets mighty hot in that oven! It appears that nothing is happening at first, but the cake is going to be warm and delicious in about an hour. Your life and career will be back in order soon, though it will likely take more than an hour!
View your present situation from the perspective of your future good condition, just as you would view the raw ingredients of a cake in their future state. God can use all of your experiences -- good and bad -- for his purposes. It takes a willing spirit on your part. Lay all your cares at the foot of the cross. Ask God what He wants you to learn as you go through this transition. Then pray for guidance. And the peace of God will be with you.
Copyright © 2009 / Dave O'Farrell / All Rights Reserved
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2. Success Story: Vitiello Sneaks Past Hundreds of Applicants
We love to hear from you when you land a new position. Please write and let us know how you found your job, what you learned from the experience, and how JobSeekers helped you.
This week's success story is a textbook case of finding an excellent job on a job board and then using all available means to sneak past hundreds of applicants to get in front of the hiring manager. Frank mentions a long search; he got a lot more traction three months ago when he said he'd be willing to move. With inquiries coming in from around the county, this job turned into a second best-case scenario. He's going to get an apartment up in Chattanooga for a while and continue to live in Senoia.
- - - - - - -
Dave,
I received a phone call last Friday afternoon with a job offer. It's with Sulzer Pumps in Chattanooga; I will be a project manager in their nuclear service division.
The position was posted on Monster. I utilized many of the skills I learned from JobSeekers and from your class in order to avoid being lost among the many other applicants. I utilized LinkedIn and found someone in my contacts who had previously worked for them. They gave me the name of a manager who works there. I sent him a follow-up e-mail with your 'Job Fit Analysis' and my value-added references. He passed the e-mail to the person that the position reports to and then the manager e-mailed me to arrange a phone interview. This led to a face-to-face interview. Having my hero stories ready was very useful when asked about accomplishments in my career. I followed this up with personalized 'thank you' letters that I mailed to both of them.
Through the almost nine months of searching for employment, I learned that you need to be persistent and you truly have to be a salesperson yourself. It is much easier to sell something if you believe in its value. We all have valuable talents that would be an asset to many companies. Confidence in yourself and your abilities show throughout the entire job seeking process.
The Stephen Ministry was also very helpful to me early in my transition. With their help I was able to move beyond my initial anger. In addition to my "A-Team", I also had my "prAy-Team". This spiritual support was just as important to me during my search.
The assistance and confidence you and all of the Ship's Crew provide to us job seekers is truly a blessing to those going through a job transition.
God bless all of you,
Frank Vitiello
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
3. This Week's Meeting: Positioning Your Qualifications
Tomorrow we will build on last week's lesson, "16 Ways to Make a Message Persuasive."
This topic is one of my favorites as well as one of the most important I teach. Some of you are coming close to landing jobs but falling short and you don't know why. I'll tell you why if you come tomorrow.
Who: All are welcome; the topics are targeted for professionals, managers and executives.
What: JobSeekers is a nondenominational ministry for people who are making a career transition.
When: Friday mornings from 7:30 to 10:00 am.
Where: First Baptist Church in Peachtree City; 208 Willow Bend Road.
Why: We work with you to find a job, and we walk with you on your journey of faith.
Attire: Business casual.
Agenda: 7:30 coffee / 7:45 welcome and devotional / 8:05 introductions and announcements / 8:45 job search training module / 10:00 adjourn to the Atlanta Bread Company
We look forward to seeing you on Friday!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
4. Networking
Atlanta Bread Company
After the JobSeekers meeting, we go to the ABC from 10:15 to 11:30 for an informal gathering. There's no agenda; we just have fellowship and help each other out.
Newnan First UMC Job Networking Ministry
Come join us at our next meeting on Tuesday 13 October 6:00 PM.
Meetings are always held the second Tuesday of each month in the Parish Hall of Newnan First United Methodist Church. The church is located at 33 Greenville Street in Newnan. You may reach them by telephone at 770-253-7400 or click here and select "Job Network" under "Resources" on the left side of the home page. We look forward to seeing you there.
College Park Job Seekers
Have a family member, friend or neighbor concerned that they may lose their job, and they cannot take time off to attend a job seekers group? Attend the College Park Job Seekers Group which meets the first Saturday in every month from 9:00 am – 11:30 am. The next meeting is Saturday 3 October. This is a community service of Living Hope Christian Fellowship, 5885 Mallory Road, College Park, Georgia 770-306-9922.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
5. Job Leads
For Employers
Our goal is to help our members find good jobs, close to home, in minimum time. Most of our members are salaried employees from the professional, technical and supervisory level all the way up to general managers and other senior executives. If you have a job lead with the three criteria below let us know.
Please send a brief position profile and tell us how you would like to be contacted. We run the lead for three weeks unless we hear from you to remove or extend the listing.
This service is FREE!
1. The position is salaried; or it is a higher-level hourly position
2. The job is located on this side of Atlanta, especially in Fayette or Coweta County
3. The compensation is not 100% commission-based; this includes MLM's
If your job lead meets these criteria, please submit it before noon on Wednesday.
For JobSeekers
Leads are updated each week, or when I get a chance! Please forgive me if they are a little out of date. Click on this link (or copy-and-paste the following one into your browser) to view this week's jobs:
http://jobseekers-ptc.org/js/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=49&Itemid=71
For more leads go to: JobSeekers of PTC on LinkedIn; go to the 'jobs' tab.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
6. Chaplain and Ship's Crew
Chaplain
Reverend Howard Tisdale: 678-545-1565
Ship's Crew
Alan Dvorkin: 770-639-9599
Charlene Sibaja: 770-486-3479
Dana Wilcock: 770-328-1524
Dave O'Farrell: 770-486-6289
Dave Rottschafer: 678-364-0187
David Halm: 404-405-0422
Deacon Dave Sandlin: 770-365-4343
Emily Hall: 678-633-0813
Ernie Childs: 770-487-5303
George von Walthausen: 770-486-0704
Jack Wheeler: 770-461-8618
James Johnson: 678-458-8384
JB Kirk: 404-226-3804
Jim Taylor: 678-471-3381
John Lhota: 678-230-6173
Linda Wells: 404-422-1136
Melvin Ewing: 404-545-4299
Michelle Wrobleski: 678-489-3118
Mike Jones: 770-827-6097
Pat Brannon: 404-271-0445
Ralph McCrory: 770-631-2862
Terry Novak: 678-634-6995
Wayne Gregg: 770-460-0181
Zachary Taylor: 706-333-0173
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
7. Donate to the JobSeekers' Ministry
You could help save a career, a home or even a marriage.
Job loss puts stress on our health, our finances, our relationships, our churches, and our community. Ultimately is affects our walk with the Lord and the kingdom of God. Your donations have helped save marriages, health, homes, college educations, and cross-country relocations. You can help alleviate these challenges for someone else by donating to the ongoing ministry of JobSeekers. Please send your tax-deductible donation to:
JobSeekers of PTC
P.O. Box 2124
Peachtree City, GA 30269
There's another way to donate: with the generous gift of your time. We are seeking to add to our Ship's Crew. We need a group of dedicated men and women who can come to most of the meetings on Friday and establish relationships with our new and existing members. Let me know if you are interested.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Published by:
Dave O'Farrell
O'Farrell Career Management, LLC
Career Coaching and Outplacement Consulting
21 Eastbrook Bend, Suite 217
Peachtree City, GA 30269
www.ofarrell-cm.com
dave@ofarrell-cm.com
770-486-6289 office
770-823-2710 cell
Lynn
JobSeekers of Peachtree City
Helping People Find Good Jobs, Close to Home, in Minimum Time
Get out and about. Come to JobSeekers this week. Bring a friend.
If you're not looking, forward this message to someone who needs it.
In This Issue
1. Inspiration: God Will Blend Your Distasteful Experiences Together for Good
2. Success Story: Vitiello Sneaks Past Hundreds of Applicants
3. This Week's Meeting: Positioning Your Qualifications
4. Networking: ABC from 10:15 to 11:30
5. Job Leads: Leads and Links in South Metro Atlanta
6. Contact: Chaplain and Ship's Crew
7. Donate: You Could Help Save a Career, a Home, or Even a Marriage
JobSeekers of PTC Website | JobSeekers of PTC on LinkedIn
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1. Inspiration: God Will Blend Your Distasteful Experiences Together for Good
I meet several JobSeekers each year who've been searching 12 months or more. Along with unemployment, there are usually other complicating factors involved. Things seem to go from bad to worse. There have been times in my life that have been pretty rough too. I have learned and witnessed that God can use all experiences for our good.
Rick Warren uses a great analogy in The Purpose Driven Life: "To bake a cake you must use flour, salt, raw eggs, sugar and oil. Eaten individually, each is pretty distasteful or even bitter. But bake them together and they become delicious. If you will give God all your distasteful, unpleasant experiences, he will blend them together for good." Warren uses Romans 8:28 as his text: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
In the midst of job loss, financial hardship, stress and strain on relationships, health issues, waning self-esteem and other challenges, I encourage you to do these three things:
1. Do a checkup from the neck up. This great piece of advice from Zig Ziglar is especially important for job seekers. On my list of the top 13 job search variables, attitude is number one. If you don't project a positive attitude, your search will become much, much more difficult. Ziglar says, "Your attitude determines your altitude."
Abraham Lincoln said, "People are just about as happy as they make up their minds to be." Decide right now that you are going to have a positive, expectant attitude. Paul did. In Philippians 4:12b-13 he says, "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." If you want to compare what you are going through to what Paul went through, click here: 2 Corinthians 11:16-33.
2. Ask God what he wants you to learn from all this. In elementary school, kids aren't supposed to get promoted to the next grade unless they meet certain standards. In life, we may not get promoted until we learn the lessons that God wants us to learn. One of my clients taught me that God loves us so much that sometimes he won't let us move forward until we learn what he wants us to learn. Let your defenses down, open your mind, listen to feedback, and yield your will to God's will.
God is the Master Chef; he may not want you to bake cakes until you have mastered making waffles from a box recipe. Do whatever is necessary to gain the necessary experience, and to develop the attitude, skills and knowledge you need to move on to cake baking. With God's help, you will learn how to blend the ingredients of your life and bake them into a productive career.
3. Trust God that good things are happening, even when it seems they aren't.This was true in my own transition in 2000. I got pretty frustrated when I came in second on several interviews. What I didn't realize -- and couldn't see -- was that God was working in the background all along. I teach folks to ask God for what they want, but to be willing to take what God gives them; it will be better than what they ask for. In 2000, I received something much better than what I asked for -- at just the right moment in time.
Now that all the ingredients are mixed together, it's time to go to the oven. It gets mighty hot in that oven! It appears that nothing is happening at first, but the cake is going to be warm and delicious in about an hour. Your life and career will be back in order soon, though it will likely take more than an hour!
View your present situation from the perspective of your future good condition, just as you would view the raw ingredients of a cake in their future state. God can use all of your experiences -- good and bad -- for his purposes. It takes a willing spirit on your part. Lay all your cares at the foot of the cross. Ask God what He wants you to learn as you go through this transition. Then pray for guidance. And the peace of God will be with you.
Copyright © 2009 / Dave O'Farrell / All Rights Reserved
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2. Success Story: Vitiello Sneaks Past Hundreds of Applicants
We love to hear from you when you land a new position. Please write and let us know how you found your job, what you learned from the experience, and how JobSeekers helped you.
This week's success story is a textbook case of finding an excellent job on a job board and then using all available means to sneak past hundreds of applicants to get in front of the hiring manager. Frank mentions a long search; he got a lot more traction three months ago when he said he'd be willing to move. With inquiries coming in from around the county, this job turned into a second best-case scenario. He's going to get an apartment up in Chattanooga for a while and continue to live in Senoia.
- - - - - - -
Dave,
I received a phone call last Friday afternoon with a job offer. It's with Sulzer Pumps in Chattanooga; I will be a project manager in their nuclear service division.
The position was posted on Monster. I utilized many of the skills I learned from JobSeekers and from your class in order to avoid being lost among the many other applicants. I utilized LinkedIn and found someone in my contacts who had previously worked for them. They gave me the name of a manager who works there. I sent him a follow-up e-mail with your 'Job Fit Analysis' and my value-added references. He passed the e-mail to the person that the position reports to and then the manager e-mailed me to arrange a phone interview. This led to a face-to-face interview. Having my hero stories ready was very useful when asked about accomplishments in my career. I followed this up with personalized 'thank you' letters that I mailed to both of them.
Through the almost nine months of searching for employment, I learned that you need to be persistent and you truly have to be a salesperson yourself. It is much easier to sell something if you believe in its value. We all have valuable talents that would be an asset to many companies. Confidence in yourself and your abilities show throughout the entire job seeking process.
The Stephen Ministry was also very helpful to me early in my transition. With their help I was able to move beyond my initial anger. In addition to my "A-Team", I also had my "prAy-Team". This spiritual support was just as important to me during my search.
The assistance and confidence you and all of the Ship's Crew provide to us job seekers is truly a blessing to those going through a job transition.
God bless all of you,
Frank Vitiello
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
3. This Week's Meeting: Positioning Your Qualifications
Tomorrow we will build on last week's lesson, "16 Ways to Make a Message Persuasive."
This topic is one of my favorites as well as one of the most important I teach. Some of you are coming close to landing jobs but falling short and you don't know why. I'll tell you why if you come tomorrow.
Who: All are welcome; the topics are targeted for professionals, managers and executives.
What: JobSeekers is a nondenominational ministry for people who are making a career transition.
When: Friday mornings from 7:30 to 10:00 am.
Where: First Baptist Church in Peachtree City; 208 Willow Bend Road.
Why: We work with you to find a job, and we walk with you on your journey of faith.
Attire: Business casual.
Agenda: 7:30 coffee / 7:45 welcome and devotional / 8:05 introductions and announcements / 8:45 job search training module / 10:00 adjourn to the Atlanta Bread Company
We look forward to seeing you on Friday!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
4. Networking
Atlanta Bread Company
After the JobSeekers meeting, we go to the ABC from 10:15 to 11:30 for an informal gathering. There's no agenda; we just have fellowship and help each other out.
Newnan First UMC Job Networking Ministry
Come join us at our next meeting on Tuesday 13 October 6:00 PM.
Meetings are always held the second Tuesday of each month in the Parish Hall of Newnan First United Methodist Church. The church is located at 33 Greenville Street in Newnan. You may reach them by telephone at 770-253-7400 or click here and select "Job Network" under "Resources" on the left side of the home page. We look forward to seeing you there.
College Park Job Seekers
Have a family member, friend or neighbor concerned that they may lose their job, and they cannot take time off to attend a job seekers group? Attend the College Park Job Seekers Group which meets the first Saturday in every month from 9:00 am – 11:30 am. The next meeting is Saturday 3 October. This is a community service of Living Hope Christian Fellowship, 5885 Mallory Road, College Park, Georgia 770-306-9922.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
5. Job Leads
For Employers
Our goal is to help our members find good jobs, close to home, in minimum time. Most of our members are salaried employees from the professional, technical and supervisory level all the way up to general managers and other senior executives. If you have a job lead with the three criteria below let us know.
Please send a brief position profile and tell us how you would like to be contacted. We run the lead for three weeks unless we hear from you to remove or extend the listing.
This service is FREE!
1. The position is salaried; or it is a higher-level hourly position
2. The job is located on this side of Atlanta, especially in Fayette or Coweta County
3. The compensation is not 100% commission-based; this includes MLM's
If your job lead meets these criteria, please submit it before noon on Wednesday.
For JobSeekers
Leads are updated each week, or when I get a chance! Please forgive me if they are a little out of date. Click on this link (or copy-and-paste the following one into your browser) to view this week's jobs:
http://jobseekers-ptc.org/js/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=49&Itemid=71
For more leads go to: JobSeekers of PTC on LinkedIn; go to the 'jobs' tab.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
6. Chaplain and Ship's Crew
Chaplain
Reverend Howard Tisdale: 678-545-1565
Ship's Crew
Alan Dvorkin: 770-639-9599
Charlene Sibaja: 770-486-3479
Dana Wilcock: 770-328-1524
Dave O'Farrell: 770-486-6289
Dave Rottschafer: 678-364-0187
David Halm: 404-405-0422
Deacon Dave Sandlin: 770-365-4343
Emily Hall: 678-633-0813
Ernie Childs: 770-487-5303
George von Walthausen: 770-486-0704
Jack Wheeler: 770-461-8618
James Johnson: 678-458-8384
JB Kirk: 404-226-3804
Jim Taylor: 678-471-3381
John Lhota: 678-230-6173
Linda Wells: 404-422-1136
Melvin Ewing: 404-545-4299
Michelle Wrobleski: 678-489-3118
Mike Jones: 770-827-6097
Pat Brannon: 404-271-0445
Ralph McCrory: 770-631-2862
Terry Novak: 678-634-6995
Wayne Gregg: 770-460-0181
Zachary Taylor: 706-333-0173
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
7. Donate to the JobSeekers' Ministry
You could help save a career, a home or even a marriage.
Job loss puts stress on our health, our finances, our relationships, our churches, and our community. Ultimately is affects our walk with the Lord and the kingdom of God. Your donations have helped save marriages, health, homes, college educations, and cross-country relocations. You can help alleviate these challenges for someone else by donating to the ongoing ministry of JobSeekers. Please send your tax-deductible donation to:
JobSeekers of PTC
P.O. Box 2124
Peachtree City, GA 30269
There's another way to donate: with the generous gift of your time. We are seeking to add to our Ship's Crew. We need a group of dedicated men and women who can come to most of the meetings on Friday and establish relationships with our new and existing members. Let me know if you are interested.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Published by:
Dave O'Farrell
O'Farrell Career Management, LLC
Career Coaching and Outplacement Consulting
21 Eastbrook Bend, Suite 217
Peachtree City, GA 30269
www.ofarrell-cm.com
dave@ofarrell-cm.com
770-486-6289 office
770-823-2710 cell
FREE social media seminar: register SOON!
GEN members, we received this email today from the DC Chamber of Commerce. If you're interested in operating a small business and learning more about Facebook, Twitter, and other "social media" outlets,please register with the Chamber asap.
Subject: Reminder for FREE Social Media Seminar: An Overview for Business (Get on the bandwagon or get run over)
Date: Tue, 15 Sep 2009 10:54:22 -0400
Hello Everyone –
This seminar is run by Lee Brogden Culberson with Professional Mojo. http://www.professionalmojo.com/ It’s going to be excellent. If you have a facebook, twitter, blog, etc for your business, you need to come to this seminar to learn how to maximize your potential growth with these online platforms. I spent 2 hours with her assessing our tools and walked away with a great plan. I highly encourage you to come. Social media isn’t going away. Here is more information on Professional Mojo:
Professional Mojo understands that small business is shifting to one where online relationships are king and buyers are in control. We teach you how to harness the power of social media and amp your web presence to meet new challenges of this marketplace. We work exclusively with small businesses and understand your needs. You won't get that anywhere else. Call on us to help you:
Create and integrate a custom social media plan that is useful and actionable. Following a thorough assessment of your goals and existing tools, we'll create a customized strategy so you can get going in the right direction, or we can do the work for you.
Create or upgrade your website to effectively integrate social media assets. We do this by analyzing your current web presence, discussing your goals and then implementing an effective Internet presence for your company.
Identify training needs to ensure you are poised for the new challenge. We offer online and on-site workshops to sharpen your social media and small business skills. We can also customize online or on-site training for your company. We have a passion for small businesses and entrepreneurs. There's no need for you to reinvent the wheel. We can tell you what works.
Amber Wilburn
Director of Communications & Community Affairs
Douglas County Chamber of Commerce
6658 Church Street
Douglasville, GA 30134
(P): 770-942-5022
(F): 770-942-5876
www.douglascountygeorgia.com
www.douglasjobs.com
Subject: Reminder for FREE Social Media Seminar: An Overview for Business (Get on the bandwagon or get run over)
Date: Tue, 15 Sep 2009 10:54:22 -0400
Hello Everyone –
This seminar is run by Lee Brogden Culberson with Professional Mojo. http://www.professionalmojo.com/ It’s going to be excellent. If you have a facebook, twitter, blog, etc for your business, you need to come to this seminar to learn how to maximize your potential growth with these online platforms. I spent 2 hours with her assessing our tools and walked away with a great plan. I highly encourage you to come. Social media isn’t going away. Here is more information on Professional Mojo:
Professional Mojo understands that small business is shifting to one where online relationships are king and buyers are in control. We teach you how to harness the power of social media and amp your web presence to meet new challenges of this marketplace. We work exclusively with small businesses and understand your needs. You won't get that anywhere else. Call on us to help you:
Create and integrate a custom social media plan that is useful and actionable. Following a thorough assessment of your goals and existing tools, we'll create a customized strategy so you can get going in the right direction, or we can do the work for you.
Create or upgrade your website to effectively integrate social media assets. We do this by analyzing your current web presence, discussing your goals and then implementing an effective Internet presence for your company.
Identify training needs to ensure you are poised for the new challenge. We offer online and on-site workshops to sharpen your social media and small business skills. We can also customize online or on-site training for your company. We have a passion for small businesses and entrepreneurs. There's no need for you to reinvent the wheel. We can tell you what works.
Amber Wilburn
Director of Communications & Community Affairs
Douglas County Chamber of Commerce
6658 Church Street
Douglasville, GA 30134
(P): 770-942-5022
(F): 770-942-5876
www.douglascountygeorgia.com
www.douglasjobs.com
Joann's craft stores are hiring
Thanks, Sidney, one of our church members, for pointing out that Jo-ann's Crafts, on Highway 5 in Douglasville, has put up a sign to say they're hiring. We have some application forms, so you can stop by the church office if you need one. Sorry, we don't know what days or shifts they're hiring for, but you could call the store to ask.
Caregiver needed
Thanks, Margaret, for sending this lead:
Some friends of mine are looking to hire a companion for their son who is a quadraplegic due to a recent diving accident. The hours would probably be from 11or 12 to 5 or 6 each day. He lives in Buckhead. Pay is $8-$10 an hour. No medical care or cleaning, just help him with eating, make his lunch, escort him to appointments. Must be a non-smoker and have references.
CALL FOR DETAILS AND ARRANGE TO MEET HIM IN PERSON..
JASON DISANTO
404 769-5367
Some friends of mine are looking to hire a companion for their son who is a quadraplegic due to a recent diving accident. The hours would probably be from 11or 12 to 5 or 6 each day. He lives in Buckhead. Pay is $8-$10 an hour. No medical care or cleaning, just help him with eating, make his lunch, escort him to appointments. Must be a non-smoker and have references.
CALL FOR DETAILS AND ARRANGE TO MEET HIM IN PERSON..
JASON DISANTO
404 769-5367
AT & T
GEN-ers, John B., one of our members, told me this morning that he has heard that AT & T may be getting ready to hire, as apparently they are buying or have bought out Comcast. We don't have details on anything definite, but John suggests that you go to the AT&T website and look under the careers or employment section. There's a chance they will hire for marketing, research, installations, and more.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Shipping group leader
From Sunday's DC Sentinel:
"Shipping Group Leader. Assists in supervising & evaluating employees; maintains overall operations of warehouse. Works on line where needed, sets example for employees. Knowledge of ship procedures, pick and pack, excellent comp. skills. Able to manage multiple projects. send resume by 9/18 to:
Nature's Sunshine Products, attn: Lillian
7900 Second Flags Dr., Ste C,
Austell, GA 30168
or fax to 770-944-1398
or email to hr@natr.com
check out our website at Nature's Sunshine
"Shipping Group Leader. Assists in supervising & evaluating employees; maintains overall operations of warehouse. Works on line where needed, sets example for employees. Knowledge of ship procedures, pick and pack, excellent comp. skills. Able to manage multiple projects. send resume by 9/18 to:
Nature's Sunshine Products, attn: Lillian
7900 Second Flags Dr., Ste C,
Austell, GA 30168
or fax to 770-944-1398
or email to hr@natr.com
check out our website at Nature's Sunshine
Praise Him! Another job!
GEN friends, Jane, one of our facilitators, just asked me to share this good news (it came to us through Jerrie):
"Delores Healy got a job today through TRC Temporary Services. She will be working at a warehouse on Fulton Industrial starting Monday. She has orientation tomorrow. It is a medical supply distribution company. The hours are 5:00am - 1:30pm so she will be home in the afternoon with her teenage daughter. Starting pay is $10 an hour. Praise the Lord her unemployment benefits just ran out last week."
Jerrie
Thanks for the head's up, Jerrie,and congratulations, Delores!
Lynn
FPC office/GEN team
"Delores Healy got a job today through TRC Temporary Services. She will be working at a warehouse on Fulton Industrial starting Monday. She has orientation tomorrow. It is a medical supply distribution company. The hours are 5:00am - 1:30pm so she will be home in the afternoon with her teenage daughter. Starting pay is $10 an hour. Praise the Lord her unemployment benefits just ran out last week."
Jerrie
Thanks for the head's up, Jerrie,and congratulations, Delores!
Lynn
FPC office/GEN team
GreyStone Power Luncheon tomorrow!
GEN members, if you'd like to get involved in events sponsored by the DC Chamber of Commerce, here's an opportunity:
The GreyStone Power Luncheon is next Tuesday, September 15th from noon-1pm (doors open at 11:30am) at the Douglasville Downtown Conference Center. The sponsor of the September GreyStone Power Luncheon is WellStar Douglas Hospital. The guest speaker will be Pam Blackwell, RN, Director of Emergency Preparedness & Response for Cobb/Douglas Public Health. She will be talking about H1N1 and how we can protect ourselves at home, in public places and in the workplace. Jim 'N Nick's Bar B Q will cater the Luncheon. The cost is $15 for Chamber Members and $30 for non-members. Please RSVP by 5:00pm on Friday if you wish to attend by responding to this e-mail or calling the Chamber office at 770-942-5022.
The Chamber also offers networking opportunites; watch this blog for more info. We'll post details as they come in.
Lynn
The GreyStone Power Luncheon is next Tuesday, September 15th from noon-1pm (doors open at 11:30am) at the Douglasville Downtown Conference Center. The sponsor of the September GreyStone Power Luncheon is WellStar Douglas Hospital. The guest speaker will be Pam Blackwell, RN, Director of Emergency Preparedness & Response for Cobb/Douglas Public Health. She will be talking about H1N1 and how we can protect ourselves at home, in public places and in the workplace. Jim 'N Nick's Bar B Q will cater the Luncheon. The cost is $15 for Chamber Members and $30 for non-members. Please RSVP by 5:00pm on Friday if you wish to attend by responding to this e-mail or calling the Chamber office at 770-942-5022.
The Chamber also offers networking opportunites; watch this blog for more info. We'll post details as they come in.
Lynn
Job search tips from Innovative Outsourcing
Here's are several useful articles from Innovative Outsourcing on finding a job using creative ideas.
"Innovative Outsourcing’s Job Candidate BlogSeptember 11, 2009
Get to Know the Interviewer Before the Interview
Filed under: Interviewing tips — innovativeoutsourcing @ 3:43 pm
What if I told you that you could get to know your interviewer before the interview? Well, you can. Social media websites have made it easy for job seekers to research other professionals and organizations. By putting on your “detective hat” you can quickly uncover information that will allow you to better prepare for your interview.
The candidates that have impressed me most over the years are the ones that took the initiative to get to know all about me and my company before their interview. LinkedIn (www.LinkedIn.com) is the most common social media website used by professionals for this purpose. In case you are not familiar with this site, listed below are just a few of the benefits of being LinkedIn. This site allows you to:
1. Create and manage your own public professional profile
2. Find and be introduced to potential employers, recruiters, and hiring managers
3. Be found for business opportunities and find potential partners
4. Gain new insights from discussions with likeminded professionals in private group settings
5. Make connections within an organization that could help you land a job
This tool may sound intimidating if you are not internet savvy, but getting started is really easy! To create your own LinkedIn public profile, go to www.LinkedIn.com. Once you create your account, you can immediately begin searching for people all over the world. To search for a particular person, go to the top of your profile page and click on “people”. You will see an advanced search page pop up that will ask you for more information about that person. This feature helps you better narrow down your search because LinkedIn has over 46 million members in over 200 countries and territories around the world. (You would be surprised how many John Smith’s there are in the world!)
Once you have found the person you are looking for, some of the things you may want to take note of are:
1.Where they went to school
(This could be a great ice breaker if you or someone you know graduated from the same school.)
2.How long they have worked for the company you are targeting
(Remember – People love to talk about their careers.)
3.Where they worked previously
(You may know some of their former colleagues.)
4.LinkedIn groups they are members of
(This can tell you a lot about their hobbies, church affiliations, blogs of interest, people they are connected to and community involvement.)
5.What they are currently working on
(Their status update)
Imagine having all this great information at your fingertips. Talk about a gold mine for a job seeker! These topics make for great conversation and will also help you connect with the interviewer on a personal level. Making a personal connection is so important. At the end of the day, when they are making decisions, they need to remember you out of the assembly line of candidates they interviewed.
Below are some specific examples of how to use this information to your advantage in your interview.
“I noticed on your LinkedIn profile that you went to the University of Central Florida. I am originally from Orlando and my husband graduated from UCF.” Go Knights! (If they are football fans or just fans of UCF this could be a great ice breaker.)
“I noticed on LinkedIn that you do volunteer work at ABC Company in Smyrna. I also volunteer for ABC Company.”
“I noticed your “status” on LinkedIn stated that you are currently looking for companies to benchmark for a salary/compensation study. My best friend is an HR Benefits Manager for ABC Company, and she is always looking for professionals to network with. If you are interested, I can introduce you to her via email.”
What if you can’t find the person you are looking for using LinkedIn?
If you have searched LinkedIn and can’t find who you are looking for, try doing a Google search. You would be surprised what comes up. If you haven’t already done so, Google your own name to see what comes up. Just so you know – Many employers are now using Facebook, MySpace and LinkedIn to screen potential candidates. (Good rule of thumb – Make sure that your grandmother would approve of everything you have posted on the internet!)
For those of you who would like more information on LinkedIn, go to www.learn.linkedin.com/. There you will find all you need to know about the benefits of creating your own public profile and how to fully utilize LinkedIn in your job search.
I know you have heard me say this dozens of times over the last year, but most candidates do not get the job because they were not prepared for the interview. Don’t shoot yourself in the foot! Get to know your interviewer before your interview. Doing this research will thoroughly impress the interviewer and make for a more dynamic interview.
September 4, 2009
Clever Cover Letters
Filed under: Interviewing tips — innovativeoutsourcing @ 2:07 pm
Do you know how to write a cover letter that will grab an employer’s attention? Today I want to give you some tips to consider so you don’t email anymore “generic” cover letters. Your cover letter is the first chance you get to introduce yourself to the employer, so it is vital that you create one that is first-rate. A cleverly worded cover letter will be the easiest way to ensure your resume is the one they will choose to read amongst the stack of applicants. I can tell you from experience that sometimes it feels like we are looking for a needle in a haystack so providing the information below will help you stand out in the crowd.
When emailing your resume, use the “subject line” of the email to sell yourself!
Which example looks better to you?
“High-energy Recruiter – Kim Carbia – Applying to Job #49” or “Applying to Job #49?
The first one grabs the attention of the recipient much faster. Remember – the subject line of the email is your first personal advertisement. Don’t go overboard on the self promotion, but a tiny bit is ok. By putting both your name and the job number in the subject line it will help the hiring manager stay organized when sorting all the applicants.
Get to the point ASAP!
Don’t make it hard for them to determine whether or not you are qualified for the position. Cut to the chase by saying “I’m writing to apply for the Senior Recruiter position as my 14 years of staffing make me a great fit for your company…” In the first line, you’ve secured the readers’ attention because you have proven you are qualified for the job. Then, in a conversational manner, list the specific skills that you bring to the table and how they relate to their position. Try to keep your cover letter under three paragraphs and avoid too much personal information. (After you have written your first draft, go back and delete all the words that are not essential to the email. Wordy cover letters will not get read. Employers simply don’t have the time.)
Send with Caution!
I see this all too often. People get so caught up in developing their cover letter that they send it before attaching their resume. Then they have to apologize for this mistake in a follow up email. (Not a good first impression.) Also, before you send your email do a “spell check” and have someone else look at it for grammatical errors. Make sure you follow the potential employer’s directions when submitting your resume. Generally resumes should be sent as a .doc or .txt unless they request otherwise. When candidates don’t follow directions, many times they wind up in the reject pile, or they get deleted. Don’t let that happen to you.
The vast majority of job seekers “throw” together a cover letter without putting a lot of thought into it. As a result, they get passed over. In this competitive job market, you must write a cover letter with executive flair which conveys why you are the perfect candidate for their job. The bottom line is – if you don’t capture their attention with your cover letter they may never make it to your resume.
August 28, 2009
Is it Time for an Interview Autopsy?
Filed under: Interviewing tips — innovativeoutsourcing @ 8:33 am
Are you getting your foot in the door only to have it closed right after the interview? Are you tired of the “Don’t call us we’ll call you” and the polite smile? If so, it is time for you to do an interview autopsy. You have probably figured out by now that it doesn’t matter how great your resume is if you bomb the face to face interview. Most people do poorly in their interviews because they unknowingly give off too many negative vibes. Remember, one of the main goals of the interview is – to be liked! You also want to be remembered but not for the wrong reasons. Ask yourself these questions.
Are you making your interviewer uncomfortable?
Things like excessive eye contact or smiling, lack of confidence, phoniness, too much cologne, and talking too much can all quickly derail an interview. All of these bad vibes are picked up quickly by the interviewer and will cause them to remember you for all the wrong reasons. Practicing your responses to common interview questions in front of a mirror or a friend can really help you prevent some of these common pitfalls.
Are you coming across as a “road block”?
Hiring managers are looking for employees that are willing to do whatever is necessary to get the job done. Answering their questions with the “Well that is not my job” mentality will be a huge red flag — and seen as a negative. Be open and willing to take on new challenges and tasks, even if it means going outside your comfort zone. Due to budget constraints, many companies are expecting employees to “wear many hats.”
Are you asking “intelligent” questions?
It is very frustrating to a hiring manager when a candidate has no questions or asks petty questions at the end of the interview. You want your questions to be seen as thoughtful and intelligent. Don’t allow your only question to be something like “How many smoke breaks do we get a day?” Mindless questions clue the interviewer in to your lack of preparation for the interview. Again, prepare your questions in advance. (Depending on the questions, you may be able to use them for each job interview. Suggested topics for questions are: career advancement, what a day would be like for you in this position, work environment, company benefits, company philosophy and/or culture.)
Are you coming across as “high-maintenance”?
If you start off your interview complaining about things like how cold it was at your last job, you never got the respect you thought you deserved from your colleagues, and the coffee was always cold by the time you got in, chances are you are going to give off a “prima dona” vibe. Trust me – managers don’t want or have the time for any more employees like this!
Are they watching you sweat?
Did you know you could lose a job offer by simply not wearing an undershirt? Visible signs of sweat seeping through your clothing, hands or forehead will make for an unpleasant interview for all. Sweat in an interview will be seen as a weakness. Consider how your body reacts to pressure as you choose your outfit for the interview.
Interviewing is a skill that can definitely be improved upon, if you are willing to do an autopsy on your past experiences. If you’ve been invited to many interviews but have not received any offers, it’s time to ask yourself why. Doing things the same way you have always done them will get you the same results. As Dr. Phil always says “How’s that working for you?”
If you put these tips into practice I believe you will dramatically increase your chances of being liked in the interview, which in turn will increase your chances for a job offer.
August 22, 2009
Certificates Equal Jobs, Too
Filed under: Alternatives to traditional employment — innovativeoutsourcing @ 9:43 am
Have you ever been told that a college degree is the only path to a professional career? Well, I am here to tell you that is no longer the case. Now, there are many specialized careers, in a lot of industries that offer great pay and job security. And the best part is you can get into these specialty jobs easier and faster than you may think.
I picked up the Kennesaw State University magazine called “The Course” and found lots of interesting programs that I wanted to share with you. If you are looking to recreate yourself, make yourself more attractive/marketable for part-time/flexible work options, or advance your current career – I have some great news! You can earn a certificate in any of these great programs in around 6 – 18 months.
Paralegal Studies, Medical Office Assistant, Web Design, Hospitality Leadership & Management, Project Management, Personal Trainer, Pharmacy Technician, Human Resources, Phlebotomy, Technical Writing
These certificate programs have been designed to help you hone the skills that will be relevant to your career of choice. No more taking classes that are of no interest to you! According to the magazine, “courses required in a certificate program are directly targeted at the skills needed in a particular profession, unlike college coursework, in which the students are required to take approximately two years of general coursework like English, Math, Science, and History for any degree”. Universities are finally recognizing that not all students are “cut out” for the four year (or possibly longer) plan, so they are offering these certificate training programs as a great alternative.
If you are like me, you may think you don’t have time in your schedule to even consider something like this. Fortunately, they have made it easy for us! They offer online courses, which are awesome for anyone with small children, and they also offer flexible courses on campus in the evening.
Below are just a few examples of courses I found that could help you develop a new career in a short amount of time.
Administrative Assistant
If you are a stay- at- home mom looking to return to work as an AA, either full-time or part-time, you may want to consider taking the class that offers the Administrative Assistant certificate online. Employers know how much technology has changed over the last few years, so they will probably be hesitant to hire someone without that knowledge. In this class you will master the essentials of managerial and staff support, information and records management, communications technology, travel and meeting coordination, space planning, and office ergonomics. A class like this could quickly bring you up to speed on things like coordinating Webinars and GoToMeetings, using the latest MS Office products, and making online travel arrangements for executives. These are pretty basic skills that most companies will require of an Administrative Assistant. Full-time administrative Assistants can earn anywhere from $25K -$38K per year, depending on their responsibilities/job duties.
Personal Trainer
If you are looking for a career change and love working out, I have a great suggestion for you. KSU offers a Personal Trainer certificate that you can earn in just sixteen weeks. In this class you will learn the components to achieving optimum fitness, how to create exercise programs, the legal guidelines surrounding being a trainer, and all the basic components of developing a personal training business. Personal Trainers can earn anywhere from $21K – $75K per year, depending on how much they choose to work. And this field of work offers tremendous flexibility for folks looking to move away from an 8-5 work schedule.
Bookkeeper
If you were formerly an accounting professional in “corporate America” and you would like to now do bookkeeping work from home for small businesses, KSU offers several certificates in this area. In these online courses you will learn basic and advanced bookkeeping fundamentals and be introduced to double-entry bookkeeping. You will also gain experience with the popular business software, QuickBooks, which is used by many small business clients. (FYI… Most clients that come to I/O are looking for bookkeepers with QuickBooks experience.) Once you have earned your certificate, start volunteering your time doing the books for your church, school PTA, or other charity organizations. Even though you have large corporation accounting experience and now hold a bookkeeping certificate, potential employers still usually want to see some “hands-on” experience on your resume. Of course, there are many full-time bookkeeping opportunities in medium-sized businesses as well. So if you’re good with numbers and enjoy detailed, precise work, this would be a great field for you to investigate.
August 15, 2009
Solutions to Financial Crisis
Filed under: Money Management — innovativeoutsourcing @ 8:44 pm
Below is a list of local resources that are ready to help you where you are at.
Food Resources
How to apply for food stamps in Georgia :
Georgia’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
http://dfcs.dhr.georgia.gov/portal/site/DHR-DFCS/menuitem.5d32235bb09bde9a50c8798dd03036a0/?vgnextoid=024a2b48d9a4ff00VgnVCM100000bf01010aRCRD
The Atlanta Community Food Bank supports a wide range of people in need, from children to the working poor. Food pantries, community kitchens, childcare centers, night shelters and senior centers are among the agencies that receive product from the Food Bank and provide food and other critical resources for low-income Georgians who suffer from hunger and food insecurity.
www.acfb.org/
Get help paying utility bills in Georgia
Georiga House of Representatives resource list “>www.broc.state.ga.us/legis/2009_10/house/communications/constservices/faq.html#6″>
http://www.heatga.org/
COBRA/Health insurance options for unemployed
COBRA FAQs from the U.S. Department of Labor www.dol.gov/ebsa/faqs/faq_consumer_cobra.html
COBRA: Continuation of health coverage from the U.S. Department of Labor
www.dol.gov/dol/topic/health-plans/cobra.htm
Resources for parents to aid in finding child care and family living assistance throughout GA
Georgia Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (GACCRRA)
www.gaccrra.org/index.html
United Way: http://unitedwayatlanta.org/
Georgia Child Care and Parent Services: http://www.workworld.org/wwwebhelp/ga_child_care.htm
Health care coverage for children of low-income families
Georgia PeachCare for Kids: http://www.peachcare.org/Default.aspx
Georgia Housing Search
Service from the Department of Community Affairs that helps users find affordable housing resources, including special needs housing: http://www.georgiahousingsearch.org/
MUST Ministries Homeless Shelter/ 6 week Program Cobb County: http://www.mustministries.org/
GA DHR Divison of Family & Children Services: Subsidized Child Care Assistance
Program to assist child care costs for low-income families : www.dfcs.dhr.georgia.gov/portal/site/DHR-
Travelers Aid of Metropolitan Atlanta: committed to providing H.O.P.E., Housing, Outreach, Prevention and Emergency Services, to individuals and families experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, homelessness: http://dogood.ajc.com/nonprofits/travelers-aid-of-metropolitan-atlanta-inc
Clothing Assistance
The Dress for Success organization prepares you for every step of the job interview process. http://dogood.ajc.com/nonprofits/dress-for-success
National Credit Counseling Services
National Foundation for Credit Counseling
http://www.nfcc.org/
Apprisen Financial Advocates a/k/a Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS)
http://www.apprisen.com/home/about.html
There are so many men and women in our communities that are too proud to ask for help. Don’t allow pride to be your stumbling block. Reach out to these groups if you need assistance. Your family is counting on you.
If you have a friend or neighbor who has lost a job, help them out, however you can. Drop off a gift card to a grocery store, a gas card, or even just cash they can use toward paying a utility bill. You can even do it anonymously if you feel the individual would have a difficult time accepting a gift like that. If several of us would pitch in and provide “tangible help” to those we already know personally who are going through a tough time, we could really make a difference. Too often we say vague things like “well, if there’s anything we can do, let us know”. Most folks are too proud to ever ask for help. So don’t even ask them if there’s anything they need – just go ahead and provide assistance where you can! It’s the “pay it forward” concept, if you give to those who are hurting, others will give to you when you go through a difficult time, too.
Choose to be a difference maker in your community, and help someone during this difficult time! We will all benefit, and economic recovery will occur so much faster.
Comments (3)
August 7, 2009
How to Live Large on Less
Filed under: Money Management — innovativeoutsourcing @ 7:27 am
Tags: Budget tips
This week I want to focus on the dreaded “B” word – Budgeting. To most job seekers, this is not a topic they want to discuss; but, according to the Department of Labor it is essential. Statistics are showing it is taking a jobseeker, on average, three to six months to find a suitable job. Common sense tells us that for the length of time a job seeker is out of work, their income will take a huge hit while their fixed expenses (telephone, mortgage, electric, gas, water, insurance and other day to day utilities) remain almost the same. Unfortunately, most job seekers are not adjusting their spending habits to their new financial reality. In doing this, they are increasing their personal debt by thousands of dollars every month, banking on the fact, that they will just pay it off when they get a new job. Taking this risk is an enormous mistake and they are playing with financial fire!
To most people, the word budget feels so restrictive, that they don’t even want to think about creating one, when in reality; budgets are linked to financial freedom. According to Dave Ramsey, a financial guru, “Many people view a budget as a straight jacket that keeps them constrained. However, when they see that a budget is just spending their money with intention, they actually experience more freedom than ever before.”
Today I would like to give you some budgeting tips, tools, and ideas that will help you take back your financial freedom whether you are employed or unemployed.
Plan Ahead
Planning ahead is what budgeting is all about. Be aware and plan for upcoming, unavoidable expenses like renewing your car tag. (I used that as an example because that one will be hitting my family this month.) If you know you have a few of these big, miscellaneous expenses coming up, hopefully, you will do less compulsory spending at Target next time you go.
Trim small/luxury expenses
In order to do this, again, you have to be aware of where your money is going. I want to encourage you to document on paper every time you spend money, whether it is a coffee at Starbucks, cigarettes, food, gas, birthday gifts or clothes. You will soon find patterns in your spending that you can trim out. You may also want to consider doing away with some luxuries such as eating out, cable television or gym memberships. By eliminating these unnecessary expenses you can save a considerable amount of money each month.
Plan your meals in advance
I have to admit this one is the most challenging one for me and my family. If you are anything like us, you love to eat out and hate going grocery shopping. I recently found a meal program called E-Mealz that has changed the way I feel about grocery shopping and cooking. E-mealz provides you a grocery list, great diverse menus and the cost for the whole list from the grocery store of your choice all for only $5.00 a month. When you see how much time and money this saves you, you will be amazed! For more information on how their plan works go to www.emealz.com/about.shtml. You don’t have to have a plan like this to save money but it sure helps keep you organized and in control of your spending. And don’t forget, the Sunday paper has lots of valuable coupons.
Look into loan consolidation
You may want to try to combine and consolidate multiple loan payments so that you have only one loan payment each month. If you have an equity line on your home, that may be an option for you to consider rather than depleting your savings or your 401K. Be sure that whatever form of consolidation you choose, you have shopped around for the best interest rate and that you have checked out each and every loan program thoroughly. Avoid all prepayment penalties, and balloon loans.
Avoid using credit cards
This is probably the most important tip on this list. Try to avoid using credit cards whenever possible. My husband taught me a long time ago if we couldn’t pay for it, we could not afford it. Just because we have access to credit cards does not mean we have money. We live in a society that has bought into the idea of “instant gratification” so much so that our country is in dire financial straights because of it. Credit cards should only be used for emergencies while you are unemployed. I have a friend that has a credit card spending problem. She would be the first to tell you that all those shoes and clothes are worthless now because she is working two jobs and living paycheck to paycheck, to pay them off. I want to encourage you to stop measuring your value by “what you own” and measure it by “who you are”.
Create a Budget for yourself
As I mentioned earlier, Dave Ramsey is a financial guru/author. If you are in need of sound financial advice you should check him out on the radio, read some of his books, or go to his website. He can set you on the path to financial freedom. Take the first step and create a free budget online at www.daveramsey.com/etc/budget_lite/. It does not matter how far in debt you are right now, he can guide you out.
I read something in a book the other day that I wanted to share with you. It is from a book by Max Lucado called Traveling Light. He says “Have you ever gone to the grocery store on an empty stomach? You’re a sitting duck. You buy everything you don’t need. Doesn’t matter if it is good for you- you just want to fill your tummy.” When we are lonely and in an uncomfortable place, we tend to do the exact same thing. We will buy anything and everything, not because we need it, but because we want that feeling to go away. For fear of not fitting in, we buy whatever gadget or cell phone that seems to be popular this month. For fear of feeling inadequate, we find a lender that will give us a loan for the biggest house on the street or the nicest car on the lot. If this season in your life causes you to be more mindful of your future spending, it will be worth it.
Whether you are unemployed or not, think about what causes you to spend money. Are you unknowingly leaving a spending legacy and a pile of debt to your children? Are you teaching them that “things” buy happiness? If you are staggering through this life with a load of financial burdens, it is time to lay them down. That is not the life you were created by God to live. Take the next step… a step to financial freedom.
August 1, 2009
“A Great Alternative to the Traditional, 40-HR Work Week”
Filed under: Alternatives to traditional employment — innovativeoutsourcing @ 1:02 pm
Tags: Portfolio Careers
Hello everyone. Welcome back. In case you are unaware, I took the month of July off to refuel and research employment topics for future blogs. I am so excited to be back doing what I love! I look forward to sharing my ideas and findings with each of you over the coming months.
Our last few blogs were on designing a Career Portfolio. This week I would like to tell you about a new “trend “called – Portfolio Careers. Yes, you heard me right. It sounds similar, but the idea is completely different.
Portfolio Careers are a well known trend in other countries but are just now catching on in the United States. For individuals with several different skills, talents and interests, this is a great way to make a fun, yet still lucrative “living” in a market where the traditional, 40 hour per week job opportunities are diminishing due to the current employment crisis.
Portfolio careers are built around the notion that job seekers can combine the income of several part-time jobs which will equal or possibly surpass the income of one full-time position. Do you have a collection of skills and or interests that you could turn into a business? Here are just a few of the skill categories that have been known to adopt this concept and have great success: Photographers, Graphics Designers, Artists, Teachers, Accountants, Recruiters, Musicians, and Writers.
At Innovative Outsourcing, we have many associates that are currently managing their own portfolio careers. A great example of this concept is an Accountant who works 15 hours a week for a client, teaches finance part-time at a local college, and owns her own tax consulting business. In this particular case, notice the associate uses the same skills in each job.
There are also others that have had great success using multiple skills and talents, which allows them to fulfill several of their passions while making a good living. Another remarkable success story is a woman that is an avid garage saler that sells her findings in an antique mall, sells real estate a few times a year, and substitute teaches at an elementary school. (Talk about interesting and flexible portfolio careers!!)
Many people are choosing the portfolio career route because they have:
More control over their work/life balance.
The ability to use multiple talents while fulfilling their passions to earn a living.
The ability to be their own boss and bypass all the politics and hidden agendas in the corporate world.
June 28, 2009
What Should You Include In Your Career Portfolio?
Filed under: Interviewing tips — innovativeoutsourcing @ 12:47 pm
Tags: Career Portfolio
Last week I talked about the benefits of having a Career Portfolio. Today I want to give you some ideas of what to include in your portfolio. I will give you many options and ideas today, but don’t feel like you need to use all of them. Again, each portfolio will be unique because we are all different and we are applying for different types of jobs. The most important thing to remember as you design your career portfolio is the goal. You are building a case as to why the potential employer should hire you.
As I mentioned in the last blog, you can have a fancy website with a link for the employers to review or you can have a simple three ring binder with different categories. Whatever option you choose, all the items you include need to be organized, placed in the appropriate section, and easy for the employer to understand so you can accomplish your goal of showcasing things like your education, professional work experience, talents and passions, and major career accomplishments. Here are some of the more common topics that most recruiting experts suggest you include in a career portfolio.
Career Summary: A detailed description for the potential employer to get the essence of “who you are” – what gives you purpose and drive in the work place. (Other ideas may include your thoughts about your work ethic, career interests, and career goals for the next 2 – 5 years, (management style and/or philosophy – if you are applying for management jobs only)
Marketable Qualities: A detailed summary of your unique skills and professional experience. This section should focus on the number of years you have performed in this role, and the personal traits that have contributed to your success.
List of Accomplishments: A chronological, detailed list that highlights major accomplishments in your career to date. Stressing your accomplishments is one of the most important elements to selling yourself an interview.
Samples of Your Work: A sampling of your best work, including papers, marketing brochures, successful projects, presentations, etc. If you are the creative type feel free to include print samples; you can also include CD-ROMs, videos, and other multimedia formats.
Traditional Resume: A resume that summarizes chronologically your education, technical skills, career achievements, and professional work experience.
Publications: If you are a freelance writer this is a great way to showcase your creativity as well as your written communication skills. Include any published papers or ads that you were responsible for.
Letters of Recommendation: A collection of any awards or nominations you have received from management, past clients, and colleagues. (These are generally folks you would call on or use for a reference.) Awards enlighten the employer as to your personality traits and your teamwork skills.
Past Performance Reviews: Past reviews are a great way to give an employer insight as to your skills and capabilities. (If you did not save copies of these, call a few of your past employers and see if they would be willing to make some copies for you. By law they are required to keep them on file for at least ten years.)College
Transcripts, Licenses, and Certifications: A description of relevant courses, degrees, licenses, and copies of special certifications.
Professional Associations: A listing of professional associations for which you are a member of and conferences that you have attended that are relevant to the field for which you are applying.
Volunteer Work: A nice description of any community service/volunteer work that you have done for the community. (NOT the kind you get made to do) This speaks volumes to the employer about your character and willingness to step in and help when you see a need.
Once you’ve designed your career portfolio, share it with a few professionals that you trust, and ask them for their feedback. Be willing to tweak it as necessary for each interview. And please whatever you do – if you decide to create a portfolio, do it with excellence! Don’t “skimp” on it – remember, “a book is always judged by its cover”. It would be better NOT to create a portfolio, than to put together something that doesn’t look professional.
You might actually find that a career portfolio is not appropriate for each interview, depending on the time constraints of the interviewer. I would highly suggest that you ask the employer in advance if it is ok for you to use about 5 – 10 minutes of the interview time to present your career portfolio. Be aware that they may be pressed for time so go over the highlights quickly and then ask them if they would like for you to expand on anything. You have to leave time for them to ask you the questions they have prepared. I think you will find that most employers will be intrigued with this concept and appreciate your creativity!
Creating a career portfolio can be very fun and you will be reminded of a lot about yourself in the process. We all tend to forget things that we’ve accomplished or words of affirmation we’ve gotten from past bosses as we progress through our careers. Make sure you update your portfolio as often as you update your resume. (This is generally at least three times a year – even when things are going well, because you never know…) As I have stated in past blogs, knowing yourself and being able to sell yourself to a stranger is the biggest challenge of an interview. I really believe the career portfolio is a very valuable tool to use in an interview that will help you stand out as well as answer many of the questions that the employer will have about you.
Are you looking for a creative way to set yourself apart from all the other job seekers out there? Are you a creative type looking to showcase your unique skills? If you answered yes to either of these – you may want to consider creating a “career portfolio”. Career portfolios have been popular over the years with artists, photographers, writers and even teachers, but now, all types of job seekers are seeing the benefits and jumping on the bandwagon. Wikipedia defines a Career portfolio as a tool used to plan, organize and document education, work samples and skills. People can use career portfolios when they apply for a job, college or training programs, apply for a higher salary, show transferable skills, and to track personal development. They are much more in-depth than a traditional resume, which is used to summarize all of the above in one or two pages.
Here are just a few of the benefits to having a career portfolio.
A career portfolio really captures the essence of “who you are” as a person for the employer. By outlining your passions, skills and experiences, you allow the employer to see what you have done and what you are capable of doing.
It allows the job-seeker to showcase his/her talents and experiences by skills and functions rather than listing them chronologically like on a traditional paper resume. We all know that gaps in employment don’t look very good to a potential employer. They can even be misunderstood and become detrimental to the candidate if recorded chronologically in a traditional resume. The career portfolio emphasizes the skills rather than the dates. (Anyone who has chosen to leave the corporate world for any period of time understands the difficulties you face when you try to re-enter the workforce.)
There are several professional styles of career portfolios to choose from. The type of job you are pursuing will probably determine which style is right for you. Your portfolio can be as basic as a 3-ring binder with a table of contents with section dividers or it can be as extravagant as an online website with samples of your work, your resume, references and much more.
Recently, one of our candidates did something a little different in an interview that really impressed us, and I thought it was worth sharing with you. She was told by our Placement Specialist that that the client was looking for an Administrative Assistant with really solid Power Point skills. She used this opportunity to get creative in front of the client, and she designed a PowerPoint presentation on why she was a great fit for the job. (This is not exactly the same as a career portfolio but still a fantastic idea!) By doing this she accomplished several job seeker goals. She purposely set herself apart from any other candidates that interviewed for the position by showcasing her Power Point skills in that way. She knew that was an important element of the position’s requirements so she made sure the client knew she was proficient in the areas that mattered most to him.
Take it from a recruiter – Any candidate who shows up to an interview with more than just “words” will definitely stand out and be remembered. That is your goal, right? In this troublesome labor market, with unemployment higher than it has been in years, you must demonstrate and/or prove to the employer during the interview that you are the most qualified applicant for their position. By designing a career portfolio you can showcase your creativity, talents and experiences, which will vastly increase your chances of receiving a job offer.
Experts are now saying it is taking the average job seeker anywhere from three to six months to find a job. And for many others, the process takes far longer. Dealing with career rejection for such a long period of time can be disheartening and discouraging. Today I want to offer some advice that will, hopefully, help you overcome some of the negative emotions that often plague job seekers.
1. Don’t take it personally.
This is easier said than done, I know. But really, in most cases, you will find that the rejection has nothing to do with you as an individual. There are many reasons why employers pass on a candidate. Maybe the applicant that was chosen knew someone at the company, had a special certification or training that you didn’t, or were just simply more qualified to do the job.
2. Don’t be too hard on yourself.
Unfortunately, there is more competition out there than ever before. In a saturated job market like this, there are many job seekers competing for the same job, so the odds are not necessarily in your favor. My husband always says “Do your best and forget the rest”. That is all anyone can do. If you feel you need to improve your interviewing skills because of a bad interviewing experience, work on that. If you feel you need to take a class to get up to speed on some of the latest technology, go for it. But if you’ve given an opportunity your best shot and can’t think of anything you could/would do differently, don’t beat yourself up unnecessarily.
3. Remember you are more than just your job title.
Many times people get so wrapped up in their careers that when they lose their job they lose their “very” identity. I know from personal experience, when I decided to stay at home with my children, I began questioning my own purpose and self-worth. Each morning I woke up and did not know what to do with myself. After a year of battling depression, I finally realized there was so much more to life than working. I began really enjoying my family, volunteering in the community, exercising, and getting involved in my church. By expanding my world, I found out so much more about who I am as a person. I am so much more than an employee – I am a wife, a mom, a writer, a volunteer, a “team” mom and a Sunday school teacher. Take some time to find out what you enjoy and what you are good at. And go be a blessing to someone else in need. It will help you take your focus off your own troubles and make it easier to have an “attitude of gratitude”.
4. Be open- minded to new opportunities.
Be open-minded to a new career path or even going back to school to further your training and education. Take this time to brainstorm about your passions. Look into freelancing if you have a skill that is marketable. If you have the resources, you may want to look into going into business for yourself. You may be shocked at what you are able to accomplish if you are willing to be flexible and take a chance.
5. Don’t give up.
Recognize that you are in for a long road and allow yourself some time to get there. Minimize your daily stress as much as possible by doing things like reducing your financial debt, exercising daily, and surrounding yourself with positive people that will encourage you. (But be careful not to become a drag socially to those around you. Don’t let the fact that you are unemployed consume your conversations.)
A wise ninety- year- old lady named Regina Brett once said “If we all had the opportunity to throw our problems in a pile and see everyone else’s, we’d probably grab ours back. So no matter how you feel in the morning, get up, dress up and show up.” You will get through this difficult time, and hopefully, become stronger as a result. Don’t let unemployment steal your joy. You can choose to stay hopeful and optimistic despite your circumstances."
"Innovative Outsourcing’s Job Candidate BlogSeptember 11, 2009
Get to Know the Interviewer Before the Interview
Filed under: Interviewing tips — innovativeoutsourcing @ 3:43 pm
What if I told you that you could get to know your interviewer before the interview? Well, you can. Social media websites have made it easy for job seekers to research other professionals and organizations. By putting on your “detective hat” you can quickly uncover information that will allow you to better prepare for your interview.
The candidates that have impressed me most over the years are the ones that took the initiative to get to know all about me and my company before their interview. LinkedIn (www.LinkedIn.com) is the most common social media website used by professionals for this purpose. In case you are not familiar with this site, listed below are just a few of the benefits of being LinkedIn. This site allows you to:
1. Create and manage your own public professional profile
2. Find and be introduced to potential employers, recruiters, and hiring managers
3. Be found for business opportunities and find potential partners
4. Gain new insights from discussions with likeminded professionals in private group settings
5. Make connections within an organization that could help you land a job
This tool may sound intimidating if you are not internet savvy, but getting started is really easy! To create your own LinkedIn public profile, go to www.LinkedIn.com. Once you create your account, you can immediately begin searching for people all over the world. To search for a particular person, go to the top of your profile page and click on “people”. You will see an advanced search page pop up that will ask you for more information about that person. This feature helps you better narrow down your search because LinkedIn has over 46 million members in over 200 countries and territories around the world. (You would be surprised how many John Smith’s there are in the world!)
Once you have found the person you are looking for, some of the things you may want to take note of are:
1.Where they went to school
(This could be a great ice breaker if you or someone you know graduated from the same school.)
2.How long they have worked for the company you are targeting
(Remember – People love to talk about their careers.)
3.Where they worked previously
(You may know some of their former colleagues.)
4.LinkedIn groups they are members of
(This can tell you a lot about their hobbies, church affiliations, blogs of interest, people they are connected to and community involvement.)
5.What they are currently working on
(Their status update)
Imagine having all this great information at your fingertips. Talk about a gold mine for a job seeker! These topics make for great conversation and will also help you connect with the interviewer on a personal level. Making a personal connection is so important. At the end of the day, when they are making decisions, they need to remember you out of the assembly line of candidates they interviewed.
Below are some specific examples of how to use this information to your advantage in your interview.
“I noticed on your LinkedIn profile that you went to the University of Central Florida. I am originally from Orlando and my husband graduated from UCF.” Go Knights! (If they are football fans or just fans of UCF this could be a great ice breaker.)
“I noticed on LinkedIn that you do volunteer work at ABC Company in Smyrna. I also volunteer for ABC Company.”
“I noticed your “status” on LinkedIn stated that you are currently looking for companies to benchmark for a salary/compensation study. My best friend is an HR Benefits Manager for ABC Company, and she is always looking for professionals to network with. If you are interested, I can introduce you to her via email.”
What if you can’t find the person you are looking for using LinkedIn?
If you have searched LinkedIn and can’t find who you are looking for, try doing a Google search. You would be surprised what comes up. If you haven’t already done so, Google your own name to see what comes up. Just so you know – Many employers are now using Facebook, MySpace and LinkedIn to screen potential candidates. (Good rule of thumb – Make sure that your grandmother would approve of everything you have posted on the internet!)
For those of you who would like more information on LinkedIn, go to www.learn.linkedin.com/. There you will find all you need to know about the benefits of creating your own public profile and how to fully utilize LinkedIn in your job search.
I know you have heard me say this dozens of times over the last year, but most candidates do not get the job because they were not prepared for the interview. Don’t shoot yourself in the foot! Get to know your interviewer before your interview. Doing this research will thoroughly impress the interviewer and make for a more dynamic interview.
September 4, 2009
Clever Cover Letters
Filed under: Interviewing tips — innovativeoutsourcing @ 2:07 pm
Do you know how to write a cover letter that will grab an employer’s attention? Today I want to give you some tips to consider so you don’t email anymore “generic” cover letters. Your cover letter is the first chance you get to introduce yourself to the employer, so it is vital that you create one that is first-rate. A cleverly worded cover letter will be the easiest way to ensure your resume is the one they will choose to read amongst the stack of applicants. I can tell you from experience that sometimes it feels like we are looking for a needle in a haystack so providing the information below will help you stand out in the crowd.
When emailing your resume, use the “subject line” of the email to sell yourself!
Which example looks better to you?
“High-energy Recruiter – Kim Carbia – Applying to Job #49” or “Applying to Job #49?
The first one grabs the attention of the recipient much faster. Remember – the subject line of the email is your first personal advertisement. Don’t go overboard on the self promotion, but a tiny bit is ok. By putting both your name and the job number in the subject line it will help the hiring manager stay organized when sorting all the applicants.
Get to the point ASAP!
Don’t make it hard for them to determine whether or not you are qualified for the position. Cut to the chase by saying “I’m writing to apply for the Senior Recruiter position as my 14 years of staffing make me a great fit for your company…” In the first line, you’ve secured the readers’ attention because you have proven you are qualified for the job. Then, in a conversational manner, list the specific skills that you bring to the table and how they relate to their position. Try to keep your cover letter under three paragraphs and avoid too much personal information. (After you have written your first draft, go back and delete all the words that are not essential to the email. Wordy cover letters will not get read. Employers simply don’t have the time.)
Send with Caution!
I see this all too often. People get so caught up in developing their cover letter that they send it before attaching their resume. Then they have to apologize for this mistake in a follow up email. (Not a good first impression.) Also, before you send your email do a “spell check” and have someone else look at it for grammatical errors. Make sure you follow the potential employer’s directions when submitting your resume. Generally resumes should be sent as a .doc or .txt unless they request otherwise. When candidates don’t follow directions, many times they wind up in the reject pile, or they get deleted. Don’t let that happen to you.
The vast majority of job seekers “throw” together a cover letter without putting a lot of thought into it. As a result, they get passed over. In this competitive job market, you must write a cover letter with executive flair which conveys why you are the perfect candidate for their job. The bottom line is – if you don’t capture their attention with your cover letter they may never make it to your resume.
August 28, 2009
Is it Time for an Interview Autopsy?
Filed under: Interviewing tips — innovativeoutsourcing @ 8:33 am
Are you getting your foot in the door only to have it closed right after the interview? Are you tired of the “Don’t call us we’ll call you” and the polite smile? If so, it is time for you to do an interview autopsy. You have probably figured out by now that it doesn’t matter how great your resume is if you bomb the face to face interview. Most people do poorly in their interviews because they unknowingly give off too many negative vibes. Remember, one of the main goals of the interview is – to be liked! You also want to be remembered but not for the wrong reasons. Ask yourself these questions.
Are you making your interviewer uncomfortable?
Things like excessive eye contact or smiling, lack of confidence, phoniness, too much cologne, and talking too much can all quickly derail an interview. All of these bad vibes are picked up quickly by the interviewer and will cause them to remember you for all the wrong reasons. Practicing your responses to common interview questions in front of a mirror or a friend can really help you prevent some of these common pitfalls.
Are you coming across as a “road block”?
Hiring managers are looking for employees that are willing to do whatever is necessary to get the job done. Answering their questions with the “Well that is not my job” mentality will be a huge red flag — and seen as a negative. Be open and willing to take on new challenges and tasks, even if it means going outside your comfort zone. Due to budget constraints, many companies are expecting employees to “wear many hats.”
Are you asking “intelligent” questions?
It is very frustrating to a hiring manager when a candidate has no questions or asks petty questions at the end of the interview. You want your questions to be seen as thoughtful and intelligent. Don’t allow your only question to be something like “How many smoke breaks do we get a day?” Mindless questions clue the interviewer in to your lack of preparation for the interview. Again, prepare your questions in advance. (Depending on the questions, you may be able to use them for each job interview. Suggested topics for questions are: career advancement, what a day would be like for you in this position, work environment, company benefits, company philosophy and/or culture.)
Are you coming across as “high-maintenance”?
If you start off your interview complaining about things like how cold it was at your last job, you never got the respect you thought you deserved from your colleagues, and the coffee was always cold by the time you got in, chances are you are going to give off a “prima dona” vibe. Trust me – managers don’t want or have the time for any more employees like this!
Are they watching you sweat?
Did you know you could lose a job offer by simply not wearing an undershirt? Visible signs of sweat seeping through your clothing, hands or forehead will make for an unpleasant interview for all. Sweat in an interview will be seen as a weakness. Consider how your body reacts to pressure as you choose your outfit for the interview.
Interviewing is a skill that can definitely be improved upon, if you are willing to do an autopsy on your past experiences. If you’ve been invited to many interviews but have not received any offers, it’s time to ask yourself why. Doing things the same way you have always done them will get you the same results. As Dr. Phil always says “How’s that working for you?”
If you put these tips into practice I believe you will dramatically increase your chances of being liked in the interview, which in turn will increase your chances for a job offer.
August 22, 2009
Certificates Equal Jobs, Too
Filed under: Alternatives to traditional employment — innovativeoutsourcing @ 9:43 am
Have you ever been told that a college degree is the only path to a professional career? Well, I am here to tell you that is no longer the case. Now, there are many specialized careers, in a lot of industries that offer great pay and job security. And the best part is you can get into these specialty jobs easier and faster than you may think.
I picked up the Kennesaw State University magazine called “The Course” and found lots of interesting programs that I wanted to share with you. If you are looking to recreate yourself, make yourself more attractive/marketable for part-time/flexible work options, or advance your current career – I have some great news! You can earn a certificate in any of these great programs in around 6 – 18 months.
Paralegal Studies, Medical Office Assistant, Web Design, Hospitality Leadership & Management, Project Management, Personal Trainer, Pharmacy Technician, Human Resources, Phlebotomy, Technical Writing
These certificate programs have been designed to help you hone the skills that will be relevant to your career of choice. No more taking classes that are of no interest to you! According to the magazine, “courses required in a certificate program are directly targeted at the skills needed in a particular profession, unlike college coursework, in which the students are required to take approximately two years of general coursework like English, Math, Science, and History for any degree”. Universities are finally recognizing that not all students are “cut out” for the four year (or possibly longer) plan, so they are offering these certificate training programs as a great alternative.
If you are like me, you may think you don’t have time in your schedule to even consider something like this. Fortunately, they have made it easy for us! They offer online courses, which are awesome for anyone with small children, and they also offer flexible courses on campus in the evening.
Below are just a few examples of courses I found that could help you develop a new career in a short amount of time.
Administrative Assistant
If you are a stay- at- home mom looking to return to work as an AA, either full-time or part-time, you may want to consider taking the class that offers the Administrative Assistant certificate online. Employers know how much technology has changed over the last few years, so they will probably be hesitant to hire someone without that knowledge. In this class you will master the essentials of managerial and staff support, information and records management, communications technology, travel and meeting coordination, space planning, and office ergonomics. A class like this could quickly bring you up to speed on things like coordinating Webinars and GoToMeetings, using the latest MS Office products, and making online travel arrangements for executives. These are pretty basic skills that most companies will require of an Administrative Assistant. Full-time administrative Assistants can earn anywhere from $25K -$38K per year, depending on their responsibilities/job duties.
Personal Trainer
If you are looking for a career change and love working out, I have a great suggestion for you. KSU offers a Personal Trainer certificate that you can earn in just sixteen weeks. In this class you will learn the components to achieving optimum fitness, how to create exercise programs, the legal guidelines surrounding being a trainer, and all the basic components of developing a personal training business. Personal Trainers can earn anywhere from $21K – $75K per year, depending on how much they choose to work. And this field of work offers tremendous flexibility for folks looking to move away from an 8-5 work schedule.
Bookkeeper
If you were formerly an accounting professional in “corporate America” and you would like to now do bookkeeping work from home for small businesses, KSU offers several certificates in this area. In these online courses you will learn basic and advanced bookkeeping fundamentals and be introduced to double-entry bookkeeping. You will also gain experience with the popular business software, QuickBooks, which is used by many small business clients. (FYI… Most clients that come to I/O are looking for bookkeepers with QuickBooks experience.) Once you have earned your certificate, start volunteering your time doing the books for your church, school PTA, or other charity organizations. Even though you have large corporation accounting experience and now hold a bookkeeping certificate, potential employers still usually want to see some “hands-on” experience on your resume. Of course, there are many full-time bookkeeping opportunities in medium-sized businesses as well. So if you’re good with numbers and enjoy detailed, precise work, this would be a great field for you to investigate.
August 15, 2009
Solutions to Financial Crisis
Filed under: Money Management — innovativeoutsourcing @ 8:44 pm
Below is a list of local resources that are ready to help you where you are at.
Food Resources
How to apply for food stamps in Georgia :
Georgia’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
http://dfcs.dhr.georgia.gov/portal/site/DHR-DFCS/menuitem.5d32235bb09bde9a50c8798dd03036a0/?vgnextoid=024a2b48d9a4ff00VgnVCM100000bf01010aRCRD
The Atlanta Community Food Bank supports a wide range of people in need, from children to the working poor. Food pantries, community kitchens, childcare centers, night shelters and senior centers are among the agencies that receive product from the Food Bank and provide food and other critical resources for low-income Georgians who suffer from hunger and food insecurity.
www.acfb.org/
Get help paying utility bills in Georgia
Georiga House of Representatives resource list “>www.broc.state.ga.us/legis/2009_10/house/communications/constservices/faq.html#6″>
http://www.heatga.org/
COBRA/Health insurance options for unemployed
COBRA FAQs from the U.S. Department of Labor www.dol.gov/ebsa/faqs/faq_consumer_cobra.html
COBRA: Continuation of health coverage from the U.S. Department of Labor
www.dol.gov/dol/topic/health-plans/cobra.htm
Resources for parents to aid in finding child care and family living assistance throughout GA
Georgia Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (GACCRRA)
www.gaccrra.org/index.html
United Way: http://unitedwayatlanta.org/
Georgia Child Care and Parent Services: http://www.workworld.org/wwwebhelp/ga_child_care.htm
Health care coverage for children of low-income families
Georgia PeachCare for Kids: http://www.peachcare.org/Default.aspx
Georgia Housing Search
Service from the Department of Community Affairs that helps users find affordable housing resources, including special needs housing: http://www.georgiahousingsearch.org/
MUST Ministries Homeless Shelter/ 6 week Program Cobb County: http://www.mustministries.org/
GA DHR Divison of Family & Children Services: Subsidized Child Care Assistance
Program to assist child care costs for low-income families : www.dfcs.dhr.georgia.gov/portal/site/DHR-
Travelers Aid of Metropolitan Atlanta: committed to providing H.O.P.E., Housing, Outreach, Prevention and Emergency Services, to individuals and families experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, homelessness: http://dogood.ajc.com/nonprofits/travelers-aid-of-metropolitan-atlanta-inc
Clothing Assistance
The Dress for Success organization prepares you for every step of the job interview process. http://dogood.ajc.com/nonprofits/dress-for-success
National Credit Counseling Services
National Foundation for Credit Counseling
http://www.nfcc.org/
Apprisen Financial Advocates a/k/a Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS)
http://www.apprisen.com/home/about.html
There are so many men and women in our communities that are too proud to ask for help. Don’t allow pride to be your stumbling block. Reach out to these groups if you need assistance. Your family is counting on you.
If you have a friend or neighbor who has lost a job, help them out, however you can. Drop off a gift card to a grocery store, a gas card, or even just cash they can use toward paying a utility bill. You can even do it anonymously if you feel the individual would have a difficult time accepting a gift like that. If several of us would pitch in and provide “tangible help” to those we already know personally who are going through a tough time, we could really make a difference. Too often we say vague things like “well, if there’s anything we can do, let us know”. Most folks are too proud to ever ask for help. So don’t even ask them if there’s anything they need – just go ahead and provide assistance where you can! It’s the “pay it forward” concept, if you give to those who are hurting, others will give to you when you go through a difficult time, too.
Choose to be a difference maker in your community, and help someone during this difficult time! We will all benefit, and economic recovery will occur so much faster.
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August 7, 2009
How to Live Large on Less
Filed under: Money Management — innovativeoutsourcing @ 7:27 am
Tags: Budget tips
This week I want to focus on the dreaded “B” word – Budgeting. To most job seekers, this is not a topic they want to discuss; but, according to the Department of Labor it is essential. Statistics are showing it is taking a jobseeker, on average, three to six months to find a suitable job. Common sense tells us that for the length of time a job seeker is out of work, their income will take a huge hit while their fixed expenses (telephone, mortgage, electric, gas, water, insurance and other day to day utilities) remain almost the same. Unfortunately, most job seekers are not adjusting their spending habits to their new financial reality. In doing this, they are increasing their personal debt by thousands of dollars every month, banking on the fact, that they will just pay it off when they get a new job. Taking this risk is an enormous mistake and they are playing with financial fire!
To most people, the word budget feels so restrictive, that they don’t even want to think about creating one, when in reality; budgets are linked to financial freedom. According to Dave Ramsey, a financial guru, “Many people view a budget as a straight jacket that keeps them constrained. However, when they see that a budget is just spending their money with intention, they actually experience more freedom than ever before.”
Today I would like to give you some budgeting tips, tools, and ideas that will help you take back your financial freedom whether you are employed or unemployed.
Plan Ahead
Planning ahead is what budgeting is all about. Be aware and plan for upcoming, unavoidable expenses like renewing your car tag. (I used that as an example because that one will be hitting my family this month.) If you know you have a few of these big, miscellaneous expenses coming up, hopefully, you will do less compulsory spending at Target next time you go.
Trim small/luxury expenses
In order to do this, again, you have to be aware of where your money is going. I want to encourage you to document on paper every time you spend money, whether it is a coffee at Starbucks, cigarettes, food, gas, birthday gifts or clothes. You will soon find patterns in your spending that you can trim out. You may also want to consider doing away with some luxuries such as eating out, cable television or gym memberships. By eliminating these unnecessary expenses you can save a considerable amount of money each month.
Plan your meals in advance
I have to admit this one is the most challenging one for me and my family. If you are anything like us, you love to eat out and hate going grocery shopping. I recently found a meal program called E-Mealz that has changed the way I feel about grocery shopping and cooking. E-mealz provides you a grocery list, great diverse menus and the cost for the whole list from the grocery store of your choice all for only $5.00 a month. When you see how much time and money this saves you, you will be amazed! For more information on how their plan works go to www.emealz.com/about.shtml. You don’t have to have a plan like this to save money but it sure helps keep you organized and in control of your spending. And don’t forget, the Sunday paper has lots of valuable coupons.
Look into loan consolidation
You may want to try to combine and consolidate multiple loan payments so that you have only one loan payment each month. If you have an equity line on your home, that may be an option for you to consider rather than depleting your savings or your 401K. Be sure that whatever form of consolidation you choose, you have shopped around for the best interest rate and that you have checked out each and every loan program thoroughly. Avoid all prepayment penalties, and balloon loans.
Avoid using credit cards
This is probably the most important tip on this list. Try to avoid using credit cards whenever possible. My husband taught me a long time ago if we couldn’t pay for it, we could not afford it. Just because we have access to credit cards does not mean we have money. We live in a society that has bought into the idea of “instant gratification” so much so that our country is in dire financial straights because of it. Credit cards should only be used for emergencies while you are unemployed. I have a friend that has a credit card spending problem. She would be the first to tell you that all those shoes and clothes are worthless now because she is working two jobs and living paycheck to paycheck, to pay them off. I want to encourage you to stop measuring your value by “what you own” and measure it by “who you are”.
Create a Budget for yourself
As I mentioned earlier, Dave Ramsey is a financial guru/author. If you are in need of sound financial advice you should check him out on the radio, read some of his books, or go to his website. He can set you on the path to financial freedom. Take the first step and create a free budget online at www.daveramsey.com/etc/budget_lite/. It does not matter how far in debt you are right now, he can guide you out.
I read something in a book the other day that I wanted to share with you. It is from a book by Max Lucado called Traveling Light. He says “Have you ever gone to the grocery store on an empty stomach? You’re a sitting duck. You buy everything you don’t need. Doesn’t matter if it is good for you- you just want to fill your tummy.” When we are lonely and in an uncomfortable place, we tend to do the exact same thing. We will buy anything and everything, not because we need it, but because we want that feeling to go away. For fear of not fitting in, we buy whatever gadget or cell phone that seems to be popular this month. For fear of feeling inadequate, we find a lender that will give us a loan for the biggest house on the street or the nicest car on the lot. If this season in your life causes you to be more mindful of your future spending, it will be worth it.
Whether you are unemployed or not, think about what causes you to spend money. Are you unknowingly leaving a spending legacy and a pile of debt to your children? Are you teaching them that “things” buy happiness? If you are staggering through this life with a load of financial burdens, it is time to lay them down. That is not the life you were created by God to live. Take the next step… a step to financial freedom.
August 1, 2009
“A Great Alternative to the Traditional, 40-HR Work Week”
Filed under: Alternatives to traditional employment — innovativeoutsourcing @ 1:02 pm
Tags: Portfolio Careers
Hello everyone. Welcome back. In case you are unaware, I took the month of July off to refuel and research employment topics for future blogs. I am so excited to be back doing what I love! I look forward to sharing my ideas and findings with each of you over the coming months.
Our last few blogs were on designing a Career Portfolio. This week I would like to tell you about a new “trend “called – Portfolio Careers. Yes, you heard me right. It sounds similar, but the idea is completely different.
Portfolio Careers are a well known trend in other countries but are just now catching on in the United States. For individuals with several different skills, talents and interests, this is a great way to make a fun, yet still lucrative “living” in a market where the traditional, 40 hour per week job opportunities are diminishing due to the current employment crisis.
Portfolio careers are built around the notion that job seekers can combine the income of several part-time jobs which will equal or possibly surpass the income of one full-time position. Do you have a collection of skills and or interests that you could turn into a business? Here are just a few of the skill categories that have been known to adopt this concept and have great success: Photographers, Graphics Designers, Artists, Teachers, Accountants, Recruiters, Musicians, and Writers.
At Innovative Outsourcing, we have many associates that are currently managing their own portfolio careers. A great example of this concept is an Accountant who works 15 hours a week for a client, teaches finance part-time at a local college, and owns her own tax consulting business. In this particular case, notice the associate uses the same skills in each job.
There are also others that have had great success using multiple skills and talents, which allows them to fulfill several of their passions while making a good living. Another remarkable success story is a woman that is an avid garage saler that sells her findings in an antique mall, sells real estate a few times a year, and substitute teaches at an elementary school. (Talk about interesting and flexible portfolio careers!!)
Many people are choosing the portfolio career route because they have:
More control over their work/life balance.
The ability to use multiple talents while fulfilling their passions to earn a living.
The ability to be their own boss and bypass all the politics and hidden agendas in the corporate world.
June 28, 2009
What Should You Include In Your Career Portfolio?
Filed under: Interviewing tips — innovativeoutsourcing @ 12:47 pm
Tags: Career Portfolio
Last week I talked about the benefits of having a Career Portfolio. Today I want to give you some ideas of what to include in your portfolio. I will give you many options and ideas today, but don’t feel like you need to use all of them. Again, each portfolio will be unique because we are all different and we are applying for different types of jobs. The most important thing to remember as you design your career portfolio is the goal. You are building a case as to why the potential employer should hire you.
As I mentioned in the last blog, you can have a fancy website with a link for the employers to review or you can have a simple three ring binder with different categories. Whatever option you choose, all the items you include need to be organized, placed in the appropriate section, and easy for the employer to understand so you can accomplish your goal of showcasing things like your education, professional work experience, talents and passions, and major career accomplishments. Here are some of the more common topics that most recruiting experts suggest you include in a career portfolio.
Career Summary: A detailed description for the potential employer to get the essence of “who you are” – what gives you purpose and drive in the work place. (Other ideas may include your thoughts about your work ethic, career interests, and career goals for the next 2 – 5 years, (management style and/or philosophy – if you are applying for management jobs only)
Marketable Qualities: A detailed summary of your unique skills and professional experience. This section should focus on the number of years you have performed in this role, and the personal traits that have contributed to your success.
List of Accomplishments: A chronological, detailed list that highlights major accomplishments in your career to date. Stressing your accomplishments is one of the most important elements to selling yourself an interview.
Samples of Your Work: A sampling of your best work, including papers, marketing brochures, successful projects, presentations, etc. If you are the creative type feel free to include print samples; you can also include CD-ROMs, videos, and other multimedia formats.
Traditional Resume: A resume that summarizes chronologically your education, technical skills, career achievements, and professional work experience.
Publications: If you are a freelance writer this is a great way to showcase your creativity as well as your written communication skills. Include any published papers or ads that you were responsible for.
Letters of Recommendation: A collection of any awards or nominations you have received from management, past clients, and colleagues. (These are generally folks you would call on or use for a reference.) Awards enlighten the employer as to your personality traits and your teamwork skills.
Past Performance Reviews: Past reviews are a great way to give an employer insight as to your skills and capabilities. (If you did not save copies of these, call a few of your past employers and see if they would be willing to make some copies for you. By law they are required to keep them on file for at least ten years.)College
Transcripts, Licenses, and Certifications: A description of relevant courses, degrees, licenses, and copies of special certifications.
Professional Associations: A listing of professional associations for which you are a member of and conferences that you have attended that are relevant to the field for which you are applying.
Volunteer Work: A nice description of any community service/volunteer work that you have done for the community. (NOT the kind you get made to do) This speaks volumes to the employer about your character and willingness to step in and help when you see a need.
Once you’ve designed your career portfolio, share it with a few professionals that you trust, and ask them for their feedback. Be willing to tweak it as necessary for each interview. And please whatever you do – if you decide to create a portfolio, do it with excellence! Don’t “skimp” on it – remember, “a book is always judged by its cover”. It would be better NOT to create a portfolio, than to put together something that doesn’t look professional.
You might actually find that a career portfolio is not appropriate for each interview, depending on the time constraints of the interviewer. I would highly suggest that you ask the employer in advance if it is ok for you to use about 5 – 10 minutes of the interview time to present your career portfolio. Be aware that they may be pressed for time so go over the highlights quickly and then ask them if they would like for you to expand on anything. You have to leave time for them to ask you the questions they have prepared. I think you will find that most employers will be intrigued with this concept and appreciate your creativity!
Creating a career portfolio can be very fun and you will be reminded of a lot about yourself in the process. We all tend to forget things that we’ve accomplished or words of affirmation we’ve gotten from past bosses as we progress through our careers. Make sure you update your portfolio as often as you update your resume. (This is generally at least three times a year – even when things are going well, because you never know…) As I have stated in past blogs, knowing yourself and being able to sell yourself to a stranger is the biggest challenge of an interview. I really believe the career portfolio is a very valuable tool to use in an interview that will help you stand out as well as answer many of the questions that the employer will have about you.
Are you looking for a creative way to set yourself apart from all the other job seekers out there? Are you a creative type looking to showcase your unique skills? If you answered yes to either of these – you may want to consider creating a “career portfolio”. Career portfolios have been popular over the years with artists, photographers, writers and even teachers, but now, all types of job seekers are seeing the benefits and jumping on the bandwagon. Wikipedia defines a Career portfolio as a tool used to plan, organize and document education, work samples and skills. People can use career portfolios when they apply for a job, college or training programs, apply for a higher salary, show transferable skills, and to track personal development. They are much more in-depth than a traditional resume, which is used to summarize all of the above in one or two pages.
Here are just a few of the benefits to having a career portfolio.
A career portfolio really captures the essence of “who you are” as a person for the employer. By outlining your passions, skills and experiences, you allow the employer to see what you have done and what you are capable of doing.
It allows the job-seeker to showcase his/her talents and experiences by skills and functions rather than listing them chronologically like on a traditional paper resume. We all know that gaps in employment don’t look very good to a potential employer. They can even be misunderstood and become detrimental to the candidate if recorded chronologically in a traditional resume. The career portfolio emphasizes the skills rather than the dates. (Anyone who has chosen to leave the corporate world for any period of time understands the difficulties you face when you try to re-enter the workforce.)
There are several professional styles of career portfolios to choose from. The type of job you are pursuing will probably determine which style is right for you. Your portfolio can be as basic as a 3-ring binder with a table of contents with section dividers or it can be as extravagant as an online website with samples of your work, your resume, references and much more.
Recently, one of our candidates did something a little different in an interview that really impressed us, and I thought it was worth sharing with you. She was told by our Placement Specialist that that the client was looking for an Administrative Assistant with really solid Power Point skills. She used this opportunity to get creative in front of the client, and she designed a PowerPoint presentation on why she was a great fit for the job. (This is not exactly the same as a career portfolio but still a fantastic idea!) By doing this she accomplished several job seeker goals. She purposely set herself apart from any other candidates that interviewed for the position by showcasing her Power Point skills in that way. She knew that was an important element of the position’s requirements so she made sure the client knew she was proficient in the areas that mattered most to him.
Take it from a recruiter – Any candidate who shows up to an interview with more than just “words” will definitely stand out and be remembered. That is your goal, right? In this troublesome labor market, with unemployment higher than it has been in years, you must demonstrate and/or prove to the employer during the interview that you are the most qualified applicant for their position. By designing a career portfolio you can showcase your creativity, talents and experiences, which will vastly increase your chances of receiving a job offer.
Experts are now saying it is taking the average job seeker anywhere from three to six months to find a job. And for many others, the process takes far longer. Dealing with career rejection for such a long period of time can be disheartening and discouraging. Today I want to offer some advice that will, hopefully, help you overcome some of the negative emotions that often plague job seekers.
1. Don’t take it personally.
This is easier said than done, I know. But really, in most cases, you will find that the rejection has nothing to do with you as an individual. There are many reasons why employers pass on a candidate. Maybe the applicant that was chosen knew someone at the company, had a special certification or training that you didn’t, or were just simply more qualified to do the job.
2. Don’t be too hard on yourself.
Unfortunately, there is more competition out there than ever before. In a saturated job market like this, there are many job seekers competing for the same job, so the odds are not necessarily in your favor. My husband always says “Do your best and forget the rest”. That is all anyone can do. If you feel you need to improve your interviewing skills because of a bad interviewing experience, work on that. If you feel you need to take a class to get up to speed on some of the latest technology, go for it. But if you’ve given an opportunity your best shot and can’t think of anything you could/would do differently, don’t beat yourself up unnecessarily.
3. Remember you are more than just your job title.
Many times people get so wrapped up in their careers that when they lose their job they lose their “very” identity. I know from personal experience, when I decided to stay at home with my children, I began questioning my own purpose and self-worth. Each morning I woke up and did not know what to do with myself. After a year of battling depression, I finally realized there was so much more to life than working. I began really enjoying my family, volunteering in the community, exercising, and getting involved in my church. By expanding my world, I found out so much more about who I am as a person. I am so much more than an employee – I am a wife, a mom, a writer, a volunteer, a “team” mom and a Sunday school teacher. Take some time to find out what you enjoy and what you are good at. And go be a blessing to someone else in need. It will help you take your focus off your own troubles and make it easier to have an “attitude of gratitude”.
4. Be open- minded to new opportunities.
Be open-minded to a new career path or even going back to school to further your training and education. Take this time to brainstorm about your passions. Look into freelancing if you have a skill that is marketable. If you have the resources, you may want to look into going into business for yourself. You may be shocked at what you are able to accomplish if you are willing to be flexible and take a chance.
5. Don’t give up.
Recognize that you are in for a long road and allow yourself some time to get there. Minimize your daily stress as much as possible by doing things like reducing your financial debt, exercising daily, and surrounding yourself with positive people that will encourage you. (But be careful not to become a drag socially to those around you. Don’t let the fact that you are unemployed consume your conversations.)
A wise ninety- year- old lady named Regina Brett once said “If we all had the opportunity to throw our problems in a pile and see everyone else’s, we’d probably grab ours back. So no matter how you feel in the morning, get up, dress up and show up.” You will get through this difficult time, and hopefully, become stronger as a result. Don’t let unemployment steal your joy. You can choose to stay hopeful and optimistic despite your circumstances."
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