Sunday December 22, 2024
 

Sticky Career Situations

Anyone who’s ever embarked on a job search knows all too well just how sticky and awkward things can become.  For instance, that fiancé that you worship and can’t wait to spend your life with?  Maybe she’s taken it upon herself to go to bat for you in her family’s business.  While that’s considerate of her, the truth is, you’d rather live in your childhood tree house and eat peanut butter on crackers for dinner every night than have to work with the man who’s to become your father in law, right?  Further complicating matters is the fact that you’re supposed to appear gracious and appreciative for the opportunity; and while you are to a small degree, the truth is, no one asked your ‘soon to be missus’ to go to bat for you.  Now, you’re even more frustrated because you feel guilty.  “Most people would appreciate the faith another has in us, but the fact is, searching for a new job in your chosen career field is one of those things that is best handled by ourselves”, says Hound.com founder A. Harrison Barnes.  It’s quite different if you approach someone and ask for a kind word or to serve as a reference, but when it’s done without your knowledge, it can feel a bit overwhelming and well, frankly, sneaky.

So how can you graciously back out of this generous offer without appearing unappreciative?  The Hound.com founder says no matter which approach you take, you’ll need to tread lightly.  Your best bet is to keep the interview appointment and discuss how the situation came to pass with a face to face meeting with your would-be boss.  Explain to him that his lovely daughter, in her sweet way, was trying to help and that while you’re flattered she has that much faith in you and even more flattered that her family member has agreed to sit down with you, the fact is, you have other career paths you wish to pursue.  “You want to find that happy medium that includes the full truth, but with a respectful approach”, says A. Harrison Barnes.

Odds are, your soon to be in law will appreciate the ethical way you’re handling the situation.  You’re not putting him on the spot, you’re being honest and you’re being gracious.  These are all superb  qualities for a job candidate to have – but even better qualities for a future son in law to have.  It’s likely those qualities will resonate loud and clear.  And while you won’t leave the interview with a job (unless, of course, the interview goes well and you change your mind), you will leave with your head held high, your pride intact and the power of deciding which job opportunity is best suited for you.  And that, says Barnes, is the only way the search for the perfect job should be handled.

Post to Twitter Tweet This Post

Pros and Cons of Using Social Networking for Your Business Needs

OK, so you already use some of the biggest social networking tools to vet potential new employees.  You might scan a Facebook page to see if this new college graduate is a good fit for the engineering position you have available; or you might take a peek into a secretarial candidate’s Twitter page to see what she’s tweeting about.  But are there any ways you expand your reliance?  And if there are, what are the downsides, if any?  We asked Hound.com founder and renowned career coach A. Harrison Barnes for his insight.  Keep reading for his take on how social networking is both the cure all and the Achilles heel of your business.

“Social networking is perhaps the best marketing tool you have”, says the Hound.com founder.  It’s an excellent way to get your name and logo out there and odds are, it’s not going to cost you anything.

One downfall is the possibility of disgruntled former employees or even the competition leaving negative comments.  One example of how your efforts can backfire is the current Deepwater Horizon  Response on Facebook.  “There is no shortage of upset Americans who are making their feelings known loud and clear”, said Barnes, in reference to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.  BP is providing all of its updates on its Facebook page and that page is getting more hits than the traditional websites that have been set up since the explosion that killed eleven people and continues to spew millions of gallons of oil and fuel into the Gulf waters.  This, of course, is an extreme example, but many companies prefer to keep control over who posts what on their Twitter and/or Facebook accounts.  You have the option of approving any comments before they’re posted, which is one advantage you’ll likely want to incorporate.

Another reason for using social networking is that more of both your client and customer bases are already there, says A. Harrison Barnes.  And you can also be sure that your competition is building its following, too.  When your customers find you and add you to their own profiles, you’ve just opened the door to hundreds of new customers who will see you on the growing number of profiles of your followers.  Finally, linking your pages with your website will increase the visitors to your site and improve your search engine ranking.

Remember to keep your social networking pages fresh with the latest and most relevant information pertaining to your business, just like you do with your company’s blog.  Many businesses opt to bring on a new employee for the sole purpose of handling their virtual existence.  These employees write the blogs, upload the images on everything from the website to your Facebook page to responding to inquiries your sites receive.

Remember, the more you grow your customer base, the stronger your business becomes.    With that strength comes expansions, new employees and a continued bright future.

Post to Twitter Tweet This Post

What to Look For – and What to Avoid – When Selecting a Resume Writing Service

Finding a good job is difficult enough without stressing over whether or not your resume is the best is can be.  There are so many things to consider and you may find yourself asking the walls questions like:

  • Must resumes have complete sentences?
  • How can I be sure I have the best resume?
  • Am I missing anything?
  • Is a cover letter absolutely necessary?

Overwhelming, frustrating and even exhausting – these are all common descriptions we hear from those struggling to compose a solid resume.  This is usually when job seekers throw their hands up and finally decide to consult a resume writing service.  There are many out there – some are better than others.  And, too, there are those who have less than noble intentions for job seekers that turn to them.  EmploymentCrossing.com has a superb team of writers who are experts at putting together “get noticed” resumes.  A. Harrison Barnes, career coach and EmploymentCrossing.com says hiss service was devised after seeing so many resumes that were sub par that came from so-called “professional services”.

So what should you be looking for as you set out to select the best resume writing service?

  1. Does your resume writing service offer any guarantees?
  2. How long has the service been in business?
  3. Does its administrative assistant resumes differ from an engineering resume?
  4. Is it a full service company?
  5. Does it offer employment services to help you submit your job resume?
  6. Is the website helpful?  Does it include helpful articles, tips and ideas for maneuvering the job market?

EmploymentCrossing.com and A. Harrison Barnes takes pride in its superb reputation and professional approach to all things job related.  We know how stressful a job search can be.  Our team of trained professionals works diligently to ensure each resume is carefully written and highlights those unique achievements that set you apart from all other candidates. The goal is to ensure your credentials are noticed and to get yours to the top of the stack.  Even in a competitive job market, there are many excellent positions available and we can help you locate them

We invite you to browse our site, take a look at our services and browse the real time job aggregate that’s updated in real time.  We know what defines a winning resume and we can show you how.  We also offer useful articles compiled by those who know the subtleties of the American job market.  We have interview tips, job strategies and tools that enable you to identify the job you were meant to perform.

Not all resume services are the same and once you see the EmploymentCrossing.com difference, we’re sure you’ll agree.  Whether it’s a few tips you’re looking for or a complete resume from scratch, we stand ready to help you.

Post to Twitter Tweet This Post

Executive Assistants

Administrative assistants, secretaries, executive assistants – whatever you call that one person everyone in the office relies upon, they are often what makes businesses run. Odds are, you may not even realize it. They possess an unlimited source of skills, experience and abilities. They keep things moving along at a steady pace and usually, behind the scenes. They can multi task, they’re smart, accurate and always dependable. They’re the ones who are already there in the mornings with coffee brewing and the last ones to leave, making sure everything from the lights are turned off to the alarm being turned on. You may rely on your executive assistant more than your engineers, marketing leaders or financial brains, but they’re the ones who receive little recognition.

You might be surprised to learn too, that a recent study indicates an executive assistant will change jobs fewer times than nearly any other profession. These folks are the ones who keep calm and have the ability to think things through, including the benefits of remaining steady with their current employer.

So what can a secretary, administrative assistant or executive assistant do to increase her visibility? There are many certification courses available and whether it’s a new career avenue or just the desire to improve a current position, these certifications are beneficial in a number of ways. Many are even pursuing degrees in business administration, marketing and public relations, says A. Harrison Barnes,

Post to Twitter Tweet This Post

What Stem Professions are and Why You Should Care

So what does this new buzzword mean in the employment sector? And just what does that acronym “STEM” mean?

Science
Technology
Engineering
Mathematics

This is one of the fastest growing employment avenues and the best part is all of these fields are in big demand – and are expected to remain that way, says EmploymentCrossing founder, A. Harrison Barnes. While science and math have always been a part of most middle school and high school curriculums, many school districts are ramping up these courses. One study suggested that students who had not completed geometry and algebra by tenth grade, odds are, they would likely miss out on the opportunities as they progress through their educations. More school districts are adopting far more aggressive math and science course loads. Otherwise, by the time these kids reach college, it’s often too late. This is one reason so many companies are taking it upon themselves to introduce the possibilities that science, technology, engineering and mathematics to those kids who might otherwise miss out. Everything from sponsoring science fairs to introducing summer workshops are part of the many ways being incorporated to raise interest in these fields.

So why do these companies care? “Because on some level, everything funnels back to these four disciplines”, says the EmploymentCrossing. founder. Congress released a report in 2008 and in it, there were more than a few interesting trends, including the fact half of all engineers in the U.S. would retire as part of the baby boom generation. The problem, according to the National Science and Technology Council, is that the number of trained STEM professionals fall short of meeting the needs within the U.S. and if the current trends continue, there will be far more retiring than there are entering the workforce. “What’s so interesting about these revelations”, says the EmploymentCrossing founder, “is that the salaries for any of these fields are considered above average and have historically ranked towards the top in terms of best paying careers”.

Another concern on the horizon is the ratio of male and female STEM professionals. Microsoft says the ratio of women in these fields were already low, but it now appears they are further widening as more time passes. A. Harrison Barnes says all of these elements coming together can actually be advantageous for left-brained professionals who thrive in a world of numbers, formulas and scientific wonders. More companies are competing heavily for new graduates. Everything from paid continuing education courses to impressive employment packages to faster advancement opportunities are part of the negotiation process these days. And the more advanced your education is, the better it will serve you. Employers are looking for those technology enriched minds who can bring to the table the latest advances.

For the most current science, technology, engineering and mathematics jobs, be sure to visit EmploymentCrossing. Here you’ll find job openings that are maintained in real time so that the information is accurate and current. Now’s the time to break into this exciting new career possibility and we stand ready to partner with you as you set out to make your mark.

Post to Twitter Tweet This Post

What is GINA and Why it Affects Your Business

As you probably are already aware, the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act, or as it’s better known, “GINA”, went into effect in November, 2009 after being passed during President George W. Bush’s presidency. Still, there are many companies that aren’t quite sure what this new law is, how it affects them and their employees and whether or not they’re even affected by it. A. Harrison Barnes, founder of EmploymentCrossing.com and a nationally recognized career coach, explains it here.

First, just as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 states, private employers that have fifteen or more employees are subject to this new law. Also, government agencies of any size must also remain in compliance with this important federal statute. In short, it provides protection against any kind of discrimination based on one’s “genetic information”. Below are a list of guidelines that employees must ensure they follow closely. Based on information gathered via the Internal Revenue Service, here are the acts an employer may not do:

* They may not offer any kind of medical health plan that requires applicants (read: your employees) to disclose anything related to their family’s medical history.

* They may not select any medical health plan that requires a “health risk assessment” or includes any kind of questionnaire that delves into one’s current or past medical history.

* The also are prohibited from choosing any plans by any medical insurance company that attempts to bribe applicants with promises of lower premiums or deductibles for completing any kind of health assessment.

* An employer may not select a medical insurance policy that asks the question (regardless of how it is worded): “Is there any other relevant information you wish us to know?” Further, if for whatever reason a question such as this is found on an application, the insurer may not decline a candidate for refusing to answer.

* They may not request any kind of biological testing, and this includes the gathering of DNA, for the purpose of deciding one’s eligibility for medical insurance.

* Finally, a company or insurance company may not request information about other family members and the state of their current health. This is applicable to the fourth degree of a family line or tree.

Finally, A. Harrison Barnes says with the new health care plan still being hammered out in D.C. only highlights GINA. Also, this law is retroactive, meaning it affects not only new employees, but those already in your employ, regardless of what kind of jobs they are in. The EmploymentCrossing.com founder suggest employers visit the Internal Revenue Service for more information and details on GINA and if it’s new employees you’re looking for, we invite you to visit the one source for more quality candidates who are ready to go to work. It costs employers nothing and you’ll enjoy access to the most recent college grads as well as those who area already established in their careers but are looking for a new challenge.

Post to Twitter Tweet This Post

The Michael Scott Syndrome

Admit it – as politically incorrect as our favorite fictional boss is, you know you secretly wish Michael Scott of NBC’s The Office was your boss, right? Well, maybe only sometimes, but one thing’s for sure: you’d never have a dull workday with a guy like this around. In the real world, though, says A. Harrison Barnes, career coach and EmploymentCrossing.com  founder, this guy would be up the proverbial creek with his various comments and escapades. He’d never last a week in the real work force.

So what happens when you do find yourself in front of a badly behaved boss? “Ideally”, says A. Harrison Barnes, “you’d be able to speak directly with him”. Sometimes, however, that’s just not possible – or at least, it’s not possible without complicating your own life. In that case, it’s time to recruit another co-worker who can provide a bit of sanity to the situation. Here are some true Michael Scott-esque behaviors and how to handle them:

# Inappropriate sexual comments – Sometimes, the comments that roll off his tongue leave you and the entire office speechless.
# Inappropriate language – He’s the guy who doesn’t believe a joke is funny without it being peppered with obscenities.
# Not taking a project seriously – You know your career’s on the line as much as his is, yet he just can’t seem to settle down and focus on the task at hand.
# Office clown antics – Yeah, yeah…he’s funny and a great distraction, but not when a deadline’s looming and you’re sweating bullets.
# Not taking the 9 a.m. meeting seriously – He’s either late for the weekly staff meeting or won’t turn his cell off or even bails before the meeting’s over.
# Playing favorites – Like a mother who makes no effort of hiding her feelings for the favored child, this boss is proud of his “fair haired” employee.

All these behaviors make you wonder if he slept through the company’s mandatory sexual harassment training course, or for that matter, the whole time in his life when he should have been learning proper etiquette. If your boss clearly missed the bus, and if you can do so without jeopardizing your own position, take him aside for a long-overdue talk. Depending on the working relationship you have with the manager, you should be able to determine the tone that will best suit your needs. It may be that you can start the conversation with something along the lines of, “C’mon…you’re killing me here!” or some other lighthearted approach that will ensure you’re being heard but won’t put him on the defense in the process. Explain to him that you’re on his side, but that he’s pushing the envelope.

If it’s a boss you can’t be frank with, you’ll want to take a more professional approach. Regardless of which approach you take, it’s important to remember he is still your manager and a level of respect is due. Failing to handle this the right way can lead to problems for you and your career. Finally, says Barnes, sometimes all the rational conversations in the world won’t help someone who’s determined to annihilate his own career.

Post to Twitter Tweet This Post

The Human Element

When you think about your job hunt, do you ever realize how anonymous it really is?  Technology has allowed us many conveniences, but one thing it’s taken away is the personal touch, says A. Harrison Barnes, founder of EmploymentCrossing.com.  Phone calls are out, unless it’s the interviewer contacting a potential employee and even hand addressed thank you cards after the interview have gone to the wayside for a more professional, though impersonal, printed envelope.  This means the only time your personality can shine through is during the interview.  This is why, says the EmploymentCrossing.com founder, it’s so important to make the most out of that window of opportunity.

You already know you’re likely being researched and studied well before the interview.  Whether it’s your Facebook page, website or Twitter account, never before have companies had an opportunity to learn so much about prospective employees.  That’s an important aspect to keep in mind as you’re preparing for what’s likely the only face time you’ll receive before the job is filled.  A. Harrison Barnes has these tips to make sure your interview contains that personal touch:

* Dress for success.  That’s a no-brainer, but it’s worth repeating.  That crisp white dress shirt you know looks great?  If it’s missing a button, repair it or have it repaired before donning it for your face to face.  Otherwise, you defeat your purpose.

* It’s all about confidence.  There’s nothing more distracting than wondering if the interviewer notices your chipped nail polish.  If it’s a concern, remove the polish before the interview.  Again, this sounds like a no-brainer, but it’s not worth the distraction that’s sure to be noticed, even if the imperfection on your nails isn’t.

* Practice before you proceed.  Review your resume (yes, that same one you have memorized) so that you can pick out the strongest points for this particular position, says A. Harrison Barnes.  Take a step back and see yourself through the resume the way an interviewer would.

* Smile, be kind and courteous.  No need to announce you’re nervous.  That’s a given and it’s likely a statement the interviewer has heard over and over.  Allow yourself to be nervous.  You might be surprised that the pressure lessens once you give yourself permission.

* Remember too that if you do your best and still don’t receive an offer, it only means there’s something better for you around the corner.  It’s important to keep your faith during a job hunt.  What seems like the perfect position might pale in comparison to the next interview.  There are always going to be what seems like the “dream job“.  Sometimes they are, and sometimes, it’s more of us convincing ourselves that we can make it so.

Finally, says Barnes, do a quick check of your public self before sending out the resumes.  Yes, your Facebook page is yours to do with what you wish; however, deleting a few of those photos might better serve your purpose during this stage of the job hunt.  You don’t necessarily want to make a point of the fact you can funnel three beers at one time.  After you’ve settled into your new position, add the photos back if you must.

Post to Twitter Tweet This Post

The Role of the Police Officer

A police officer is charged with ensuring the safety of his community.  He or she must remain vigilant at all times and must maintain law and order, and, as A. Harrison Barnes, founder of EmploymentCrossing.com, explains, police officers shoulder heavy responsibilities to their communities they’ve chosen to serve.  Duties, although they vary from one municipality to another, include providing protection to residents, some of who are the officer’s neighbors and possibly his own family.  A typical shift is as unpredictable and can change quickly, says the EmploymentCrossing.com founder.

A collective job description

for this position includes pursuing and apprehending individuals suspected of breaking the law, ensuring those in custody have received every lawful advantage, including his Miranda rights, and any other number of duties as determined by the city, county or state he works for.  An officer of the law is also responsible for policing motorists and issuing citations for those who have broken the law by speeding, failing to yield, running traffic lights or failing to produce required documentation such as driver’s licenses and insurance documents when asked.  He might also find himself gathering clues, securing crime scenes and collecting evidence at these scenes.  He must possess the ability to write clearly and provide detailed written documentation of any number of events and often, a police officer will be required to provide testimony in a courtroom.  A. Harrison Barnes says even the most carefully planned schedule can undergo changes at the last minute.  While he may be waiting to be called to testify in a case, he can quickly be reassigned.

Educational requirements will vary from state to state and city to city.  Those with college degrees will be offered the best opportunities.  Police sciences such as forensics as well as those with military policing experience are two examples of highly-sought after individuals.  There are police departments across the country that only require a high school diploma and a successful civil service test score.  Civil Service exams are mandatory for law enforcement agencies and will include a written test.

A benefits package

will most likely be offered and will include vacation time, medical insurance, life insurance and paid holidays. Although one can expect holidays to be paid, there will be many times a police officer must work during holidays such as Christmas, Easter or Thanksgiving.  Overtime is common in many police departments. Candidates must successfully pass background investigations and as a rule, if there are any criminal convictions, a candidate is immediately disqualified.  A felony is certainly grounds for disqualification due to the firearms police officers are issued.  Further, they must undergo strict training for proper use, storage and cleaning of their state issued weapons and are accountable for it all times.

Finally, the successful candidate will be punctual, reliable and level-headed.  He or she will be able to deal with the stresses in a healthy manner and will be physically fit.  The candidate will approach each challenge and dangerous situation with the goal of a successful resolution with as little force as the situation requires.  He will strive to be a community leader his fellow citizens can trust and look to and he will successfully be able to maintain peace and will strive to ensure the best possible outcome, regardless of the situation.

Post to Twitter Tweet This Post

How to Give a Handshake to Remember

When you are looking into Better Job Prospects or you are in a place where you want to get a leg up on your New Career, you will find that it is time to look into your handshake! Your handshake is something that can make a huge difference to the way that people see you, and you will discover that it can make a difference to the job or the career that you are currently applying for. Take some time to learn how to make your handshake make the difference. When you are in a place where your image and the image that you put out there is essential, remember that you should take some time to learn how to make your handshake something that will help you.

In the first place, think about the fact that your handshake is essentially your signature. In a culture where we do not touch often, you will find that your handshake is going to make a huge difference on the way that people perceive you, and it can do a lot to tell them about you. Would you want someone who seemed: shaky or shy or submissive working for your company? Unfortunately, you will find that there are many people with handshakes that say just that and you need to make sure that you are someone whose handshake says something entirely different!

First, start by making sure that you are keeping up eye contact. Part of having a Good Handshake has nothing to do with your hand as well. Remember that eye contact is important. Don’t look down at your hands the way that so many people do. Meet the other person’s eyes and make sure that you smile. A handshake is meant to be friendly and the more friendly that you can make it, the better. Eye contact that is steady and strong tells them that you are not afraid and that you are confident in their presence. Part of being comfortable with others can start here.

Remember that your handshake should be fairly strong, though you should not crush the other person’s hand. This can often be seen as something that makes you seem over aggressive. Take your time and work on it with a friend if you are curious. Shaking hands should be natural. A firm grip is important, but a painful one is not. Remember that your handshake should simply consist of a firm up and down movement. Do not pump the hand of the person that you are shaking hands with because that will be seen as too desperate or too interested in pleasing others. Simply grab their hand, introduce an up and down movement and then release. It really is that simple.

When you want to make sure that you are going to be able to get the Job or Career that you are interested in, remember that your handshake is going to be something that people remember, even if they cannot quite place your face. The work that you put into your handshake can make all the difference.

Post to Twitter Tweet This Post