Blog: Angela Rosario

Education is a sure fire way to increase your marketability in the workforce. Yet, if you are seeking a career change, education can be a very time intensive and lengthy process. When considering this change there are many options to weigh.

• How long will the process take?
• Do you need a degree or do certificates or graduate programs exist?
• Is there demand for the job, once you are educated?
• What is motivating your change? True passion or a fleeting interest?

Education is a commitment, and one you must take seriously. When considering the time the program will take, you must be confident you are happy in your current job. Will you have the patience to wait until the end of your program before you are working in your new a career?

Considering the education options, what is truly needed? Is a full 4 year degree necessary, or will a 2 year degree help you get into the industry? Often passion and enthusiasm for the job will set you apart from others who have formal degrees. Using teaching as an example, you must be certified, so you much complete the degree. Yet, going from business to HR may simply require a certification. Investigate what is truly necessary to get your foot in the door.

As you embark on your change, is there a future for it? Fleeting interest fields often see a rise in people in the market and a drop off of demand. This was evident in crime scene investigation, due to the popularity of police shows. Not only ensure that you can gauge a demand for your career once your education is complete, but that you have a true passion for it. A fleeting interest or a fad will not last long.

The resources Jobing.com has to offer to help you find a great educational program include JobingEducation. Additionally, if you are seeking the benefit of a graduate degree, Grand Canyon University offers adults great online opportunities.

Use education to make a career change – for life.

Blog submitted by Karen Austin, Certified Job and Career Transition Coach (JCTC)

Job Searching Tips - Your Job Search and Your Resume
Many job seekers have discovered that today, it really does take a little more (effort, patience, skill, time - you name it) to get a job.  Let's explore each step of a job search in the short job search questionnaire below and find the opportunities you have to try new job searching techniques.  You could end up finding the right job fit for you.

Job Searching - How are you looking for jobs?

    * a.  When I search for jobs, I use the same job search criteria each time.
    * b.  I don't get email job alerts- the jobs aren't what I would pick anyway.
    * c.  I don't belong to any professional associations because I am not currently working.

If you are using one of the approaches above -what are the opportunities for you to get better results from your job searching?

1.Make a habit of searching for jobs in a variety of ways.  There isn't one way to describe a job (or any limit to the creativity of job titles) so branch out with your job search so you can improve your chances of success.  Try different job categories, companies, and keywords and see what search results you get.  The trick here is to mix  your job searching method up frequently and stay on top of your industry or field-related jargon.  Sometimes to find the right job, you really have to dig.

2. Set up as many job search alert agents as you can.  That way, you get more relevant jobs delivered right to your inbox instead of going to them.  You can also use twitter or  RSS feeds to receive jobs and job search information.  Become efficient in your job search and let relevant content come to you.

3. Join a local or national professional association and get to know your peers.  If you can, find a mentor in your field - someone who has achieved the success you want and can help provide the guidance you need to make the right career moves (including meeting the right people and avoiding common pitfalls in the field).  Staying connected to your field and your peers is especially important when you are unemployed.  If you stay on everyone's radar, you are much more likely to get a job referral.  So stay active and stay top-of-mind while job searching.
 
Resume - How well are you marketing yourself with your resume in your job search?

    * a.  I think if an employer could just meet me, I know they'd hire me.
    * b.  If I am honest about my resume, I'd have to admit - I have a hard time selling my relevant skills and prior job experience in writing.
    * c.  Sometimes I think, “Maybe it isn't me, maybe it's my resume”.
    * d.  I think my resume is fine - but I am not getting any calls.

If any one of these statements rings true to you - it is an indication your resume may need some help.

With the large number of resume templates out there and all kinds of career advice on the web, there is a strong tendency for people to tackle their resume with a do-it-yourself approach. This approach is fine; however, if you are going to  write your resume yourself - be sure to have the same standards with the end result as you would if you hired professional resume writing services.  For example, if you decided to hang your front door instead of getting a carpenter - you would still want to keep the expectation that the door could open and close properly.  The same is true for your resume.  If you don't get the job search results you want with your resume - keep working on it or get more help.  Help can be a a professional resume writing service like we offer at Jobing Career Services, a community service provider, or even reaching out to friends and family for resume feedback.  Whatever resume help you think will benefit you in your job searching efforts, I urge you to go get it.  Don't be satisfied with a marketing tool that isn't working!


My next blog post will uncover opportunities for improvement in Interviewing and Networking...

Karen Austin is a Certified Job and Career Transition Coach (JCTC) and resume writer for Jobing Career Services.  For more information about Jobing Career Services or to get professional help writing a resume - email resumereview@jobing.com or visit our information page at www.jobing.com/careerservices
 

What does it mean to “sell yourself”? It’s ensuring that your resume makes it to the top of the stack, or that your name is on the short list of preferred candidates. Sure it starts with a good cover letter. But does it really start there? It’s having confidence in yourself and your abilities in order to convince others that you are the perfect person for that incredible job that you really want.

In order to be the best, you have to know that you’re the best, and that means you have to do your homework. That’s right, education. There are many jobs out there but you may not have the right background. Well get it. You may be busy with a job that you don’t really want, but it pays the bills. Or you may be collecting unemployment for the time being, but that won’t last forever. Take a big tug on those bootstraps and earn the education that you need to better position yourself, professionally.

Going back to school… the idea is quite inspiring, really. But where will you find the time? You have it… you just need to carve it out of your schedule. The good news is that you live in the day-in-age of the Internet and what an awesome tool that is. Because of its widespread access, there are some really great online education options out there that offer you the opportunity to study wherever and whenever you want. The fact of the matter is, online education is booming right now and because of the competition, you have some excellent options.

So here’s the drill: finish your bachelors, get your masters, differentiate yourself with a specialized certificate in an up-and-coming field like Sustainability Leadership, Software Engineering and Networking, or go global with an international business doctorate. Do your homework. Research your options. You may be surprised at the educational opportunities that exist today within our pivotal global economy.

Sell yourself with confidence, knowing you have the right education. Research your educational opportunities at JobingEducation to learn more.

Amanda M Holt, CMP | Senior Director 
4747 N 22nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85016
toll free 866.396.1202
c. 602.628.5678 |  d. 602-200-6829 | f. 602.297.6829
www.Jobing.com

As a recruiter in today’s marketplace there’s no doubt you see a lot of great candidates.  Some of them you just have their resume.  Some of them you interviewed.  At some point in the future, when unemployment shifts again, you’ll be wishing for the days when good applicants were easier to come by.  What are you doing to keep in touch with these people?

I recall years ago a software company in California that received recognition for a system they developed to keep in touch with great applicants.  Some candidates were narrowly edged out during interviews.  Some were people honing their skills and would develop into future talent.  Whatever the case, this company wanted the ability to stay in touch.

The organization designed a special page on their website which contained company information and the status of upcoming positions.  They told people what skills would be desired in the future.  A monthly newsletter went out via email.  By adding a little marketing twist, people became interested in the company and were hopeful a position would open up fitting their skill set.  People told their friends and colleagues about this cool company.  Those people got in on the action.

You know how things turned out.  The employment market tightened up.  Good people, especially skilled people, were becoming very tough to find.  The organization I mentioned was easily able to find the people they needed while other organizations struggled.  They were able to move quickly, make great hires and the business prospered! 

Jobing.com has been proud to partner with Airman and Family Readiness Center, Transition Assistance Program Employment Workshop and Workforce Tampa to promote hiring and training dedicated veterans for new careers.  In honor of those who have served our country please take a few moments to review some of the advantages your organization will gain by hiring veterans.

1. Accelerated learning curves
Veterans have the proven ability to learn new skills and concepts. In addition, they can enter your workforce with identifiable and transferable skills, proven in real-world situations. This background can enhance your organization's productivity.

2. Leadership
The military trains people to lead by example as well as through direction, delegation, motivation, and inspiration. Veterans understand the practical ways to manage behaviors for results, even in the most trying circumstances. They also know the dynamics of leadership as part of both hierarchical and peer structures.

3. Teamwork
Veterans understand how genuine teamwork grows out of a responsibility to one's colleagues. Military duties involve a blend of individual and group productivity. They also necessitate a perception of how groups of all sizes relate to each other and an overarching objective.

4. Diversity and inclusion in action
Veterans have learned to work side by side with individuals regardless of diverse race, gender, geographic origin, ethnic background, religion, and economic status as well as mental, physical, and attitudinal capabilities. They have the sensitivity to cooperate with many different types of individuals.

5. Efficient performance under pressure
Veterans understand the rigors of tight schedules and limited resources. They have developed the capacity to know how to accomplish priorities on time, in spite of tremendous stress. They know the critical importance of staying with a task until it is done right.

6. Respect for prochiring and training dedicated veterans for new careersedures
Veterans have gained a unique perspective on the value of accountability. They can grasp their place within an organizational framework, becoming responsible for subordinates' actions to higher supervisory levels. They know how policies and procedures enable an organization to exist.

7. Technology and globalization
Because of their experiences in the service, veterans are usually aware of international and technical trends pertinent to business and industry. They can bring the kind of global outlook and technological savvy that all enterprises of any size need to succeed.

8. Integrity
Veterans know what it means to do "an honest day's work." Prospective employers can take advantage of a track record of integrity, often including security clearances. This integrity translates into qualities of sincerity and trustworthiness.

9. Conscious of health and safety standards
Thanks to extensive training, veterans are aware of health and safety protocols both for themselves and the welfare of others. Individually, they represent a drug-free workforce that is cognizant of maintaining personal health and fitness. On a company level, their awareness and conscientiousness translate into protection of employees, property, and materials.

10. Triumph over adversity
In addition to dealing positively with the typical issues of personal maturity, veterans have frequently triumphed over great adversity. They likely have proven their mettle in mission critical situations demanding endurance, stamina, and flexibility. They may have overcome personal disabilities through strength and determination.

Tampa Bay Workforce Alliance will host a Veterans Resource Career Fair on Monday, November 9, 2009.  This event will offer local veterans an opportunity to meet with employers, training institutions and community organizations offering resources for veterans.  There will also be several seminars to assist veterans in accessing their benefits and navigating the federal hiring system.

Find out if your organization is eligible for tax credits under the Federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit and monetary incentives to offset the cost of hiring and training dedicated veterans for new careers through the Brave Veteran Initiative.  Veterans Representatives will be on hand at the event to provide more information on these tax credits and incentives.  Please call or email Bobby for more information on how to participate!  We'll see you on November 9th. 

Bobby J. Wise
Local Veteran Employment Representative II
Tampa Bay Workforce Alliance
2001 E. Cherry Street
Plant City, FL 33563
Telephone: 813-930-7619
Fax: 813-757-9012
wiseb@workforcetampa.com

Contributed by Doug Mayes – Jobing.com Community Relations

Here's how it too often goes down:
Recruiter:  So what type of work are you looking for?
Candidate:  I just need a job.  I can do anything, and I'll take anything.
Recruiter:  Oh, ok, well let me get back to you on that one.  (Recruiter looks for the EXIT sign and splits).

Oops, guess that didn't go so well.  Let's go to the play-by-play and figure out how this potential career match went off the rails.

1.  The recruiter was testing your knowledge of the company and your response didn't address your knowledge of what they do.  Research the company prior to meeting with the recruiter and you'll have a better answer to this question.  Visit their website, and look them up on Jobing.com.  A better response might sound like this.  "I know that your company is a leader in field X and since I have ten years experience and a passion for that field.  I would like to learn more about your opportunities in that area."

2.  Your response didn't address what you bring to the table for the company.  We all need a job in part because we all need to pay our rent.  The recruiter understands that too.  However, the recruiter's main responsibility is to get the right people on the team and grow the company.  Their main responsibility is not to provide a livelihood for you.  Sorry, these are the facts.  To learn more about what the company is looking for, ask questions.  What skillsets are they looking for?  Do your skills match their needs?  How can someone like you help the company meet its needs?  What type of person succeeds in their company? 

3.  Desperation isn't an attractive characteristic in a date or a candidate.  By admitting that you're willing to take anything, you give the recruiter no reason to believe that you won't take off when something better comes along.  Easy come, easy go.  

NAAAHR was the first jewel in our diversity partnership mosaic. Jobing.com is now a national sponsor with fifteen NAAAHR chapters through out the United States.

Jobing was honored to assist in bringing the Business Leadership Network to Central Florida in 2006. We continue to support the chapter and its mission of employer to employer education on the hiring of candidates with disabilities.  We were excited to welcome three chapters of the National Association of Black Accountants; Tampa, Orlando and Jacksonville earlier this year.

Diversity is a way of life at Jobing.com; it is one of the ways we bring quality candidates to our employers. All jobs on Jobing.com cross-post to our network of local associations, chambers, schools, and diversity organizations.

Our growing Central Florida “Diversity Network” currently includes local chapters of the following:

Airmen and Family Readiness Center, MacDill AFB
Deltona Lodge
National Alliance of African American Chamber of Commerce
National Association of African Americans in Human Resources
National Association of Black Accountants
National Black MBA Association
National Society of Hispanic MBAs
Network of Indian Professionals
Transition Assistance Program Employment Workshop, MacDill AFB

We commit to continue building and nurturing relationships with diverse civic and professional partners that strengthen the communities in which we work and serve. At Jobing; Diversity is a way of life.

 

 

 

My colleague, Andrea Hoffman, had the privilege of attending the 2009 Best Companies of Colorado award ceremony. Prior to the ceremony Rich Boyer, Managing Partner of ModernThink, gave a brilliant presentation on "What Makes a Company a Great Place to Work". Below are the critical factors of a great place to work based on the feedback from the workforce of thousands of companies.

1.     The Culture is Unique
2.     Employees understand how their position impacts the success of the organization
3.     Employees are provided the resources needed to do their job
4.     Company policies give employees the flexibility to manage their personal life
5.     Senior leadership shows genuine interest to the employees
6.     People in the work group work well together
7.     Employees are paid fairly for their work
8.     Appropriate transparency to employees from management
9.     The organization has a commitment to their community

As you know, if your employees aren’t happy than your organization will suffer. In this business climate I encourage every leader to make employee satisfaction a priority.

This article is contributed by Peter Difilippantonio...D-15 for short.  He's a great friend and coworker who put these great thoughts to paper.  Thanks Pete!

Today marks the 9th anniversary of my joining Jobing.com.  Wow!  It’s been a wild ride with many highs and numerous lows.  I wouldn’t trade it for anything!  I’m just amazed I lasted this long… You see, job longevity isn’t really fashionable anymore.  My grandparents’ generation typically worked for the same company for 20 or 30 years and then retired.  My parents’ generation typically worked for 2 or 3 companies in that same timeframe.   But the reality for my generation is that it just doesn’t seem to work like that anymore.  Most of my friends have held multiple jobs – even in just the past 5 years.    It’s what they’ve had to do to “get ahead” or “get away from that jerk boss I had.” 

So, as I drove in to the office this morning, I began thinking about those 9 years and how I came to spend one quarter of my life at one company, bucking the trend.   As I examined the answer to that question, I found several great takeaway points for job seekers and employers alike.  While not an all-inclusive list, these are the biggest and most important.

1.     Deep, personal connection to the mission of the business
A large part of what attracted me to Jobing.com in the first place was our mission:  to connect local employers with local job seekers.  That’s a pretty important mission, and it’s the mission that I have dedicated the majority of my working life to.  In fact, I felt it so important that I took a sizeable pay cut to come to work for Jobing.com.

What Employers can learn from this – the majority of your employees don’t only show up for a paycheck.  They come to work (read: they leave their families and everyone they love each day) to perform meaningful work that aligns with their core values.  If your business exists solely to make YOU money, your turnover will be high and your recruitment efforts endless.  If, on the other hand, you have a clear mission and an ethical method to execute towards that mission, you will generate greater employee loyalty – even if you pay less than the competition.  See also: Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. 

What Job Seekers can learn from this – you might be job hopping because all you’re looking at is a paycheck.  Why work somewhere for $10,000 a year more when you are miserable every day, hate your boss, or feel the mission and/or methods of the business are completely incongruent with your personal core values?  Remember this:  people who are GREAT at what they do, be it actors, singers, athletes, sales people, janitors, post masters, truck drivers, customer service people, retail workers, or ditch diggers – all kinds of greatness – LOVE what they do and they BELIEVE in it.  Ultimately – and you might not believe me here – people who do what they LOVE invariably end up being GREAT at it and, subsequently, are far more likely to make the money they want to make doing it.  See also: Pursue the Passion.

2.     Total commitment to me, and freedom to fail.
I’ve been blessed with leaders who are fully committed to my success - so much so that I place the trust for my career in their hands without worry.  I know that at the end of the day, our management team believes in me and is 100% behind me even if I fail – and I have done so spectacularly at times.  I always learn from it and some of the lessons have been painful.  But I’ve never been truly fearful of my job when I fail while trying to do right by a client or our business.  (Note:  “freedom to fail”  does not justify incompetence or intentional failure)

What Employers can learn from this – Your employees watch every decision you make, much like your children watch and learn from everything you do or say in their presence.  Make sure they know you are committed to their success and helping them achieve their life’s goals, even those goals don’t fit neatly into your corporate policy manual.  Bigger than this, your employees are not robots.  They are human and they WILL fail – the only question is when and in what manner.  Heck, even robots break down.  Feel free to use failure of all types as a coaching opportunity and take the time to show the employee they have the freedom to fail so long as they learn and grow from it.  It’s a powerful trust building and employee loyalty tool – and the best part is that it is FREE!  See also:Stephen M.R. Covey The Speed of Trust.

What Job Seekers can learn from this – You cannot and will not be perfect in any job in which you serve.  I’ve been here 9 years and by many people’s accounts, I’m a functional expert within our company.  I still mess up.  Frequently.   And sometimes I question just how much of an “expert” I am.  But that doesn’t stop me from reaching for excellence or asking for help when I need it.  Get over your fear of failure and take some risks (within the rules of course!).  See also:  Jim Collins - Good to Great

3.     Opportunity to learn, grow, and earn.
As stated before, those who are employed within their core values, abilities, and talents, tend to perform far better and longer than those who simply choose a paycheck.  When I found Jobing.com, I was working for a good, stable company, making decent money,  and liked what I was doing.  What was missing was the opportunity for me to grow within the business – I get bored easily and require frequent challenges or changes, and I got more than I bargained for at Jobing.com!  Recognizing this need, my management has seen to it that I’ve served in several (8 if I count correctly) different capacities within Jobing.com in 9 years.  Sure that’s a little radical example, but we are, after all, a fast-growth company (having made it to the Inc. Magazine list of 500 fastest growing private companies in the U.S. 3 years in a row)  It’s been my pleasure to serve in each capacity through our start-up.  As we've grown, so have my level of responsibility and earnings. I wanted opportunity.  I found it – and continue to find it – at Jobing.com.

What Employers can learn from this – challenge your best players frequently.  Allow them the freedom to roam a bit outside their “job description.”  Involve them in discussions that you normally would not involve them in – just to let them share their thoughts and opinions.  Charge them with special projects outside their area of responsibility – but within their areas of interest and excitement – and watch them deliver spectacularly!  See also:  Markus Buckingham First Break All the Rules.

What Job Seekers can learn from this – I don’t know of many people who say “I want to stay in this boring, dead-end job, never learn anything, and never be challenged at all.”  If you are one of those people, then skip the rest of this paragraph (or the blog for that matter) and get back to your TPS report cover sheets.  :)

For those of you still with me – opportunity abounds in a down economy.  Jobing.com launched only 1 month before the“dot com bubble” burst and a year before the start of the 2001 recession.  Less than 6 months later we were hit with 9/11 and we continued to grow and innovate. Trust me - I know what "fear for your job" is.  I was the guy responsible for sales and service to our Hotel, Retail, and Restaurant sectors back then.  I just didn't let it paralyze me and I siezed the opportunity to really service my clients.

While jobs may be more scarce than they were a couple years ago, there are still HUNDREDS on Jobing.com right here in Houston.  You may also find this is a great time to beef up your skills or education to prepare you for the next step in your career, whether it is with your current employer or somewhere else.  Or, perhaps it might be time for you to start that business you've been thinking about.  Many incredibly successful companies were founded during recessions. 

In closing – it’s been a fabulously difficult, challenging, exciting, and invigorating nine years for me here at Jobing.com.  I intend to spend the next 9 here growing the business, leading and executing our strategy to fulfill our mission, and paying it forward to those who work with and for me here at this wonderful little home I’ve helped to build – Jobing.com.

My sincerest and deepest “ thank you” to Aaron, Brian M., Rebecca, Randy, Nicole, Brian E., Jon, Kristen, Gregg, my clients, family, friends, coworkers and all those who’ve made it possible and wonderful for me.  Here’s to another 9.

Know anyone who wants a bigger paycheck?
Invite them to this FREE Webinar On Demand

Be the office hero! Help your co-workers, friends, and family maximize their paychecks by inviting them to the free “Top 10 Things You Should Know About Your Paycheck” Webinar On Demand from the APA in partnership with ADP.

This free, informative webinar is available to your co-workers, friends, and anyone else you know that wants a bigger paycheck now at www.nationalpayrollweek.com.

"Top 10 Things You Should Know About Your Paycheck" explains basic, yet misunderstood aspects of a paycheck in an informative way.

Topics covered include:

    * Form W-4: maximize take-home pay and meet tax obligations.
    * Making Work Pay Credit: are you underpaying your taxes?
    * Where do your taxes go?
    * What taxes does the employer pay on your behalf?
    * Are you eligible for the Advance Earned Income Credit?
    * How direct deposit can save you time and money.
    * Employer savings plans (e.g., 401(k)): reduce tax bill, get employer match, save for retirement.
    * Reduce your tax bill with pre-tax deductions and flexible spending accounts.American Payroll Association
    * Opportunity for COBRA insurance coverage at 35% of the usual price for anyone who lost a job between 9-1-08 and 12-31-09.

The free webinar is available at www.nationalpayrollweek.com

ADP.com Help APA and ADP maximize paychecks across this country this National Payroll Week. Invite everyone you know to view it!

Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, and 4,000 other social media tools.  How do you use this social media stuff to benefit your business?

Why? 

If you're not taking advantage of social media for recruiting and employment branding, you're missing out on a world of opportunity.  That’s why we’ve decided to launch Jobing Social Media Solutions. 

What?

Jobing Social Media Solutions will help you build your social recruiting platform quickly and easily with our industry-leading social media tools.  It is essentially social media outsourcing at its finest.

How?

Whether you need a little assistance or a lot of help, Jobing Social Media Solutions is here to help you build and maintain your employment brand online.
Here are just a few of the services we can offer you:

·     Recruitment Social Media Assessment

·     Account Creation Management

·     Account Integration

·     Social Media Training

·     Account Promotion Strategy & Implementation

Who?

Brett Farmiloe and Zach Hubbell are the social media managers for Jobing.com.  They consistently consult with companies, organizations, and associations on how to incorporate and implement a social media strategy that best benefits their business.    They’ve created over 1,000 Twitter accounts as a part of the Jobing.com social media strategy and provided internal training for each of the Jobing.com community team members. They are a couple of Gen Y’ers who frequently speak on the topic of how to use social media to attract and retain top talent. They are about as expert as can one can be in the emerging social media field.

Where?

To get more information email Brett who can assess your social media needs. brett.farmiloe@jobing.com

Brett Farmiloe and Zach Hubbell can also be reached on Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, or email if you have any questions about social media.  We look forward to hearing from you and launching your social media strategy.

Recent signs show the economy is starting to bounce back.  Unemployment claims are down.  The job outlook seems better.  Housing numbers are improving.  The stock markets are pointed upward.  These are all good things!  We’ll all embrace change in this circumstance but let’s face it.  Once the economy bounces back there will be added pressures in the workplace.

The first thing that jumps out at me is that we’ll experience a flurry of turnover.  Unhappy employees have recently chosen to stay with their current employers.  It’s better to be working than be at home looking for a new job.  Confidence in the employment market will increase and soon the unhappy employees will start to seek jobs elsewhere.  This means you’ll lose people but on the flip side, you’ll be able to attract people leaving other companies.  In the end it will be a wash but a lot more hours spent recruiting.

Start increasing internal communication now.  Find out who’s happy and who isn’t.  Take the organization’s pulse so to speak.  Knowing is half the battle.  Perhaps you will uncover ways to make people happier and increase the likelihood of them staying.  This creates stability and helps the company move forward quickly when things really pick up.

Investigate training and education programs for your employees.  This will show your commitment to them while increasing their engagement.  They’ll feel a level of pride in being selected and given the opportunity to learn and grow.  Longer term programs can also lock in employees.  Who wants to leave a company when they’re paying for them to increase their skills?  Once again, this will create stability.  In addition you’re creating a stronger, more knowledgeable employment base.

Many organizations have a lot of similar employees…manufacturing, hospitals, call centers, restaurants and sales offices are a few examples.  In these cases you should start attracting candidates now.  Don’t put on the full court press but run a few ads, do some resume searching and start going to networking events.  Build up your (potential) applicant pool early.  Position yourself with the expectation that you’ll have several jobs to fill.

Be prepared to receive pay increase requests.  Employees are afraid to ask for a raise or bonuses during the recession.  Once things bounce back, these requests will definitely increase.  Each employer will vary on their ability to increase salaries.  Have those conversations internally right now with managers and executives.  Make a game plan and you’ll know what to do when the time comes. 

If you’ve decided to go back to school, congratulations!  If you’re thinking about it, now is a great time.  Either way, here are a few tips that will help you make the transition easier. 
1.       Apply for Financial Aid – There are many programs out there to support adults going back to school.   You could receive grants, scholarships and low cost loans.  The registration office at your school of choice will point you in the right direction but do some research on your own as well. Financial aid can be applied for through the federal government at the education site Free Application for Financial Aid. (http://www.fafsa.ed.gov). (SCAM ALERT!! IT NEVER COSTS MONEY TO APPLY FOR FEDERAL AID)

2.       Consider Starting Slow – You’re already working full time.  You might have young children.  You probably have activities you enjoy and are committed to attending.  Consider taking just a few classes to see how things go.  Easing yourself back into school instead of taking a full load right away might increase your chances of success. 

3.       Prepare Yourself Technically – Things are definitely different now.  Teachers communicate frequently via email.  Group papers are completed using shared documents online.  Some tests are even done online.  Make sure you understand how things these things work before waiting until the last minute. 

4.       Time Management – You must learn how to manage your time.  Only you will know what’s best for you.  A friend of mine went to work an hour early every day and stayed an hour late.  That gave him ten hours a week that he could dedicate to school work without the distractions at home.  As an added bonus, by altering his daily drive time, he spent three less hours each week driving!

5.       Hang in There! – As tempting as it is to hang it up keep pushing.  Don’t think about the excess work load…think about your goals and why you’re going back to school.  That term paper will be over with shortly.  The promotion, or better job you’ll get, will last a long time!

6. Find the right program for you – There are many research options available to you to find the right degree program.

We recommend the following:
JobingEducation – Local and Online private education programs
Princeton Review – College ratings website

JobingEducation Highlighted Schools include:

Grand Canyon University – Online Graduate Degrees
University of Phoenix – Online Undergraduate Degree

Good luck with your continued studies.  You’ll look great in that cap and gown!

Congratulations to Carol McDaniel, her 2009 Conference Team and a whole list of volunteers for hosting yet another successful state conference.  This year a total of 14.75 recertification credits provided another huge return on investment for certified professionals.

We are happy to announce that you can find pictures taken by our photographers during the conference will be available for download - free of charge - on our Flickr HR group page.   

Social media was front and center this year; a Twitter stream provided information about what was taking place.  “Blogging & HR: Can the two peacefully coexist?” was the topic for a panel about blogging and its impact on organizations and the HR profession.  HR Florida Tweet-up was THE race horse ride on Monday night in the lobby bar of the hotel.

Thank you to all the attendees that stopped by the Jobing.com booth in the expo hall to discuss why we’re much more than just a job board!  We were excited with how many folks were anxious to become a Fan of Jobing on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

Looking forward to next year!!!

ROI on The 2009 HR Florida State Conference just got even better.

14.75 Recertification Credits.
 
Don’t miss out. Where else can you earn 14.75 recertification credits in 3 days?

The regular rate of $535.00 is valid through August 9, 2009 or $290.00 for one-day registration. August 10th, the rate changes to reflect the walk in rate.
 
Full-time students – you are eligible for the student rate.

Register now www.hrflorida.org

SPHR’s and GPHR’s here’s the breakdown:

Strategic Management Credits – 11.50
Strategic or International Credit – 2.0
International Credits – 4.0