For Employers:   Login   Post Jobs   Why Jobing?
 
  Clear

Advanced Search - Detailed Search for San Diego Jobs
 
 

San Diego Jobing Community Blogs

 

Personal Branding During the Interview Process

posted Friday, November 6, 2009 12:22 PM

If you want to learn how to become the top candidate for even the most competitive positions:

Mark your calendars for Tuesday November 10th at 6PM PST for JobRadioUSA’s Episode 19 Personal Branding During the Interview Process.

Carole Martin - author of The Complete Book of Perfect Phrases For Successful Job Seekers - will discuss:

  • Why interviewees today need an extra edge or uniquely beneficial trait to win the job
  • How to develop 3-5 relevant, unique advantages and benefits that will wow hiring managers
  • How to use these unique advantages and benefits to develop elevator speeches and answers to interview questions
  • How to make it obvious during the interview that you are the candidate a company cannot live without

 

You can access the show by either dialing 347-838-9326 or visiting http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thecareercatalyst.

Feel free to share this information with fellow job seekers.

During the listener Q&A session, Carole will reveal:

  • Techniques interviewees can use to demonstrate their personal brand during phone screens
  • Tactics interviewees can use to win interviews during the first few minutes
  • Interview answers before and after personal branding for a few common questions
  • Questions interviewees can ask at the end of interviews to differentiate themselves

 

This is a show you do not want to miss. Likewise, I look forward to your live participation Tuesday night.

Meanwhile, visit http://thecareercatalyst.podbean.com/ and listen to Success Mapping: How to Achieve What You Want… Right Now! This show was very good and different.

Comments 0 |
2  | 
Email to Friend
Permalink
Digg
Technorati
del.icio.us

SAN DIEGO
COMMUNITY BLOG
RSS
Add to My Yahoo!
Add to Google
Add to My AOL
 Flag as Inappropriate
 

Working Learners

posted Thursday, November 5, 2009 10:57 PM

Imagine being a 31-year-old single mother of two children, renting a one-bedroom apartment, driving a used-used iffy car to your full-time job that pays nearly $12 per hour. Really, no matter what your situation is, imagine this for a moment. You can’t move in with your parents and they can’t help with childcare or finances. You hear about a career counselor who may be able to help you get a job with higher pay. The career counselor advises you to go back to school, to take computer classes and to get into a training program to get on a career advancement path. As you drive your not-trustworthy car (not insured either?) to pick you your children, you want to scream and cry and maybe lash out in some way about the unfairness of life.

Most of us can add a lot more to this story. We can add more scary details, or we can count the blessings this family has—maybe we can do both. However, most of us will agree with the career counselor who says that to make more money and to improve her life this single mom needs to become a “Working Learner.”

Working Learners are working and going to school for a class, a certificate, a credential or a degree. And Working Learners are working, caring for families, participating in various communities, and exercising and sleeping the recommended seven to eight hours each night.

How, I wonder, can this happen? How can a single parent add a school schedule on top of an already overloaded life? Even if classes are free. Even if the school is within walking distance of home. Even if someone will provide free childcare.

We all have the same number of hours each day. Imagine being this woman. Imagine what you could say if she is your family member, friend or neighbor.

But, more, if you are currently unemployed, think about how hard it is to be the Learner part even when you are not working. It’s hard to get things together to be in school, isn’t it?

Someone recently said, “These days there is no such thing as a ‘come as you are’ job.” It means we need to get new training and education that is required for a new job. We need to find the time and resources to make it happen whether we are Working Learners or Not-Yet-Working Learners.

Think about it.

Comments 1 |
3  | 
Email to Friend
Permalink
Digg
Technorati
del.icio.us

SAN DIEGO
COMMUNITY BLOG
RSS
Add to My Yahoo!
Add to Google
Add to My AOL
 Flag as Inappropriate
 

SUPER INDOOR CUSTOM CAR SHOW & CONCERT Sunday, November 8th 2009

posted Thursday, November 5, 2009 8:32 PM

Don't miss the show of the year!  Join  Magic 92.5's Xavier The X-Man, as he hosts the Super Indoor Custom Car Show & Concert on Sunday, November 8th at the San Diego Convention Center in Downtown Featuring classics, hot rods, low riders, radical bikes and SUV's.  Don't forget, KIDS 10 AND UNDER GET IN FOR FREE!! Doors open at 11am.  For more information and to get a $5 off coupon  log on to: www.supercustomcarshow.com
--


Tags This blog has not been tagged
Comments 0 |
27  | 
Email to Friend
Permalink
Digg
Technorati
del.icio.us

SAN DIEGO
COMMUNITY BLOG
RSS
Add to My Yahoo!
Add to Google
Add to My AOL
 Flag as Inappropriate
 

7 Ways to Boost Your Job Search Confidence

posted Tuesday, November 3, 2009 11:57 PM

 

In today’s job market where demand far exceeds supply of jobs, job seekers need an edge. Job seekers who are confident about their skills and capabilities have a greater chance of successfully ending their job search. Below are seven approaches job seekers can use to develop or enhance their confidence simultaneously as they conduct their job search.

1. Believe in yourself and your abilities - you must believe that you are the ideal employee who can produce great results for your targeted employers. You can accomplish this by minimizing doubt, viewing failure as a temporary setback, and looking for the good in every adverse situation. Also surround yourself with confident people and participate in positive mental attitude activities.

2. Develop or revisit your career plan - next adjust or map out your career path. You must determine where you want to go and the actions you need to take to acquire your career aspirations. This exercise will help you focus on potential opportunities that will keep your career on track – maintaining or growing your confidence in the process.

3. Determine the required skills and capabilities - next identify the technical, soft, and personal skills and capabilities you need to move from the beginning to the end of your career plan. You can acquire this information by conducting external research and interviewing professionals who are where you want to be in your career.

4. Identify your strengths and weaknesses - pinpoint areas of strength and weakness for each of the competencies and qualifications you need to achieve your career goals. For each skill and capability, determine which ones are either your greatest assets or areas for improvement.

5. Develop methodology for previous capability and skill usage - create outlines for the processes you used to produce great results for your previous employers. These outlines will help you produce work that at least meets your future employers’ expectations especially when you encounter unfamiliar territory in your career. For example, you could have identified potential solutions, conducted analyses to prioritize these resolutions, gained stakeholder buy-in throughout the process, and executed the best solution(s) to solve problems.

6. Locate resources and access to help - compile all of the relevant resources you can store on a computer such as training material including eBooks, industry and analyst reports, notes, previous work, and so on. Also bookmark websites that provide relevant online databases and free assistance from subject matter experts for all of your required technical, soft, and/or personal skills. These resources will provide you with assistance whenever you need it.

7. Participate in professional and personal development - consistently engage in professional and personal development activities which can include formal and informal hands-on training to acquire and/or strengthen your required skills and capabilities. You could also participate in pro bono (or volunteer) and/or consulting assignments and work in teams with confident individuals who are strong in your areas of weakness.

I recommend you listen to Ron Nash’s “How to Use Facebook to Revitalize Your Job Search which was a Featured show or one of BlogTalkRadio (BTR) Today’s Picks. This show contained several golden nuggets. Click here: http://tinyurl.com/yfftohf to listen to this podcast.

Comments 0 |
4  | 
Email to Friend
Permalink
Digg
Technorati
del.icio.us

SAN DIEGO
COMMUNITY BLOG
RSS
Add to My Yahoo!
Add to Google
Add to My AOL
 Flag as Inappropriate
 

Is There A Dramatic Shift in Recruiting Generation Y?

posted Tuesday, November 3, 2009 11:52 AM

Current college students may be known as belonging to the age of entitlement, but are they really that way when it comes to entering the workforce?

Carl Winston, director of SDSU’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, says he has seen a dramatic shift in the way college students are now approaching the job market.

“What I’m seeing and hearing is a profound change,” Winston said. “They have lived through the Great Recession of the past 18 months. You are seeing 20 year olds wanting to get their foot in the door. They are looking for job security and working their way up the ladder.”

Winston is among three SDSU career services and recruitment experts who will comprise the panel at the “Generation Y: Key to Your HR Strategic Solution” Training & Development Exchange through SDSU’s Extended Studies on Friday, Nov. 13, 8:30-10:30 am at the Extended Studies Center .

He will be joined by James J. Tarbox, Ph.D., director of SDSU Career Services; and Bryan Lubic, manager of Aztec Business Alliance, SDSU College of Business Administration.

This interactive conversation will delve into issues such as:

Who is Gen Y?

What are their primary motivators?

How do they define success?

What are they looking for in a job?

What’s the forecast for Gen Y in the workplace?

Will they stay? Why and why not?

How do they define success?

How do we define success?

How can we attract and retain?

Tarbox says SDSU has many attendees who are first-generation college students and that they do not all have Baby Boomers for parents, despite such an assumption from the general public. He adds that as millennials, current students have been brought up to compete and be recognized for their accomplishments.

With job opportunities receding over the past 18 months, there are a lot fewer opportunities for students to enter the workforce upon graduating. Even so, there are still a large number of recruiters on campus whenever student job fairs take place.

“The good news is that they are still coming to campus,” Tarbox says of the recruiters. “The bad news is that there are not as many jobs. It’s much more challenging for students. They have to be a lot more proactive.”

Lubic says the Training & Development Exchange will address such questions as whether there really is a Generation Y and if such young adults truly are a generation of entitlement. In addition, the SDSU panel will provide its observations of college students to the HR professionals in attendance.

“We hope to help participants flush out ideas, increase their knowledge, and learn how to help their own divisions be more effective within the workforce,” Lubic says.

For more information, call (619) 594-1138 or visit the Web site.

3  | 
Email to Friend
Permalink
Digg
Technorati
del.icio.us

SAN DIEGO
COMMUNITY BLOG
RSS
Add to My Yahoo!
Add to Google
Add to My AOL
 Flag as Inappropriate
 

If you are still sitting on the fence...make a move to Transitions!

posted Tuesday, November 3, 2009 10:22 AM

There are still some slots available for the next Transitions series starting on November 9th. 

To intice you, here are some comments from past participants:

"This is the best $40 investment I've ever made."

" I really enjoyed your workshop and will definitely recommend it to anyone needing a new career. For me your workshop was a little therapy, it was nice to talk to other people in mine or similar situations. I felt I could speak freely that was a definite help."

"Enjoyed your work shop and appreciated all your input.  Of particular interest to me was the 'keywords' to address in an ad and to fine tune a resume for a specific position.  You gave a lot of great info and your interest, encourangement and support was evident!"

"The best thing for me was your commentary on my resume and cover letter.  Thank you so very much."

"Your input is invaluable.  I would not have been as prepared as I am without your help.  You are an inspiration, and actually have me believing that I am the right person for this job, and that my dreams are achievable.  You have made me realize that I have settled and have not pushed myself to get what I want.  This process has shown me that I still have something to offer an employer and still can make a difference.  This has been very good for.  With your help I have confidence and hope.  Haven’t had either one for a long time, and it is a good feeling that stays with me throughout my day."

"This is worth repeating, you are inspiring, and that you are doing what you are here to do.  That you care about people and want to help them achieve their dreams is as obvious as the rising and setting of the sun.  So thank you for being who you are and expressing that in the world. "

So...let me help you...

Transitions

 

I invite you to join me in a series of six workshops designed to support and motivate job seekers. 

 

As you know if you are unemployed, it can be pretty lonely out there, and hard to stay motivated during a job search. 

 

Purpose

Provide an outlet for emotional support during transition while assisting in job search. 

  • Promote discussion and education on job search topics with real situations
  • Develop new network contacts and practice job search techniques to gain new skills.
  • Encourage a sense of accountability and mentorship with other participants

 

How is this different from other Networking or Job Clubs?

Participants commit to attending all sessions, unless re-employed

Workshop size is limited to 10 people

Curriculum is built on personal development exercises with assignments to complete

Participants will be asked to commit to assisting other workshop members

 

Series Topics:

Getting Started: where are you now and where do you want to go?

Fear of Success: What is it and how to get rid of it?

Rediscovery: Strengths and Direction

Nuts & Bolts of an Effective Job Search: resume, cover letters, research, plan of action

Networking to Your Style: Find a way to network that works for you

Interviewing and Negotiation: Land the job and get what you deserve

 

Benefits to Participants

Addresses emotional needs of connection and purpose during a difficult transition

  • Re-focuses anger and depression into more positive, future-oriented mindset
  • Goal-oriented, progress building program will increase job search knowledge, offer opportunities to gain new skills and increase confidence

 

Costs

$40 for the series, payable at the first meeting.  Space is limited.  Pre-register by contacting me at suearth@yahoo.com

 

Workshops will be held at jobing.com:  2727 Camino del Rio South, Suite 333

                                                              San Diego, CA  92108

 

Dates of workshops: Mondays at either 4-5:30pm or 6-7:30 pm

November 9th

November 16th

November 23rd

November 30th

December 7th

December 14th  

Comments 0 |
12  | 
Email to Friend
Permalink
Digg
Technorati
del.icio.us

SAN DIEGO
COMMUNITY BLOG
RSS
Add to My Yahoo!
Add to Google
Add to My AOL
 Flag as Inappropriate
 

James Madison High School DATA Academy Seeking Job Shadow Sites

posted Monday, November 2, 2009 10:28 AM

James Madison High School DATA Academy is seeking engineering and technology companies to host a 2-3 hour job shadow on December 10th.  This is a great opportunity for you and your company to help shape the future and mind of our future workforce.  If you are interested in participating, please contact:

Maria Adriana Gutierrez
After-School Coordinator - Employer Outreach Specialist
James Madison High School
(858) 496-8410x  4408
mgutierrez@sandi.net

Comments 0 |
2  | 
Email to Friend
Permalink
Digg
Technorati
del.icio.us

SAN DIEGO
COMMUNITY BLOG
RSS
Add to My Yahoo!
Add to Google
Add to My AOL
 Flag as Inappropriate
 

One small change...one big mind shift

posted Sunday, November 1, 2009 10:29 AM

Finally, a decision made, and an unlikely outcome…more confidence.  This is more about the power of transition than job searching but the way we live our life is indicative of how we feel.  One change can lead to others… 

I am a procrastinator when I want to be.  I procrastinated on making a major purchase of a new car for about a year.  I was afraid of making a mistake.  I am not good at selling and was afraid to sell the car I have.  It’s old,  didn’t qualify for the clunkers program, and it showed its age.  I waited until an upcoming costly deadline made action the only course of action.  During my year of vacillation, I tried thinking “outside the box” to avoid what I didn’t want to do.  I even tried outsourcing the problem that thankfully ended up a learning experience without a financial cost.  But I was still at square one… 

If all else fails, ask for help… 

I consulted a mechanic friend who is an expert at what I needed.  He told me he’d help me.  The relief was tremendous and within 2 days I found a car I liked, drove it, had it checked out and bought it.  I am thrilled and got the car I wanted for the right price. 

The unexpected outcome of finally doing what I needed to do….renewed confidence. 

I made a tough decision and I did it on my own!  WhooHoo!! 

I was surprised to discover the procrastination was also reflective of how I felt about myself….a little unsure of things.  I am very confident in my abilities, but unsure sometimes when things don’t turn out the way I expect them to turn out. 

The   image given to the world by the state of my car was less than I wanted it to be.  It did not scream “successful” by any means.  And being an independent consultant, there is a reason to have a persona of success.  It may be frivolous to say, but how you present yourself is an indication of how you feel about yourself.  And, now, after making this decision and finally solving the issue gave me a renewed sense of my own worth, and increased my confidence in making other tough decisions. 

Now, there are a couple other areas to give my attention to, and I feel empowered and ready to make the important decisions.  I learned not to fear the outcome, and trust in my own abilities to make a good decision.  So, what I thought was procrastination turned out to be a learning curve to success! 

Take a look at what you are avoiding, and consider the message it sends to the outside world.  Hold up that mirror, face yourself and your fears, and I bet you’ll find someone who has the answer! 

 

 

If you want to learn more about yourself and what you have to offer, the next Transitions Workshop series begins on November 9 th .  For more information, please contact me at suearth@yahoo.com

    

 

 

Comments 0 |
3  | 
Email to Friend
Permalink
Digg
Technorati
del.icio.us

SAN DIEGO
COMMUNITY BLOG
RSS
Add to My Yahoo!
Add to Google
Add to My AOL
 Flag as Inappropriate
 

What to Do When You're Flat Out of Friends

posted Sunday, November 1, 2009 10:20 AM

(This post is based on some of the principles included in my new book, Unlock the Hidden Job Market: 6 Steps to a Successful Job Search When Times Are Tough which I wrote with San Diego-based executive coach, Duncan Mathison. For a free sample chapter, visit the book's official site: www.unlockthehiddenjobmarket.com )

If you’ve been following my posts, you’ll know that I’ve been writing about networking a lot lately. Or at least it seems like it. Networking, networking, networking. Maybe it’s me but don’t you think that when you say it out loud enough, it begins to sound like earwax? Okay…it’s probably just me.

Networking doesn’t have much appeal, does it? It doesn’t sound nearly as much fun as going to your local Applebee’s with some friends for a beer and some wings. Now there’s a problem with even that Applebee’s scenario. Based on the emails I’ve been getting, a lot of you are feeling that you don’t have too many friends either. And the ones you do have are getting, like, really tired of hearing you talk about your struggles to land a job. And you’re getting really tired of talking about it too. In fact, you’d just wish they’d change the subject.

I don’t think my readers are social losers. (At least I hope not, but, then again, what are you doing reading this blog post when it’s such a pretty day outside?) When you’ve been out of work for any amount o time, it’s easy to feel that you have run aground in the contacts department – especially in recent years when we’ve all been so busy taking care of our jobs and our families. We’ve let outside friendships perhaps atrophy. Maybe all your friends were work-related. And now that you’re out of work, you’re also fresh out of buddies. Or you’ve moved to a new town where you really, really don’t know anyone.

Whatever the reason for your feelings of isolation, you know you have to mix it up a little bit, well, a lot. Get some fresh meat, I mean talent, into your tight circles of relationships. Get out of the house. So I thought I’d offer some tips in that direction.

Remember that one thing leads to another. The thing about circulating is that your first dip into big world probably won’t net you a job. It’s a cumulative kind of thing. So leave that desperate, graspy, over-eager feeling at home when you head out the door. Just be open to meeting who you meet. Maybe tonight you’re destined to actually help someone else. And you’ll come home feeling just a little better about yourself.

Look for opportunities where you can become a regular. And no, I don’t mean the Applebee’s bar. When your face starts becoming familiar, you will emerge from invisibility to someone who people will be glad to see. Maybe they’ll even shout out your name, like, “Norm!” (But don’t count on it.) If you try a business mixer or worship service or volunteer opportunity, and people completely ignore you, keep going. Week after week. Introduce yourself as often as you can. And just let the cumulative effects of time work their wonders.

Stay away from solitary pursuits, even if they’re out of the house. Going to a matinee movie doesn’t count as “getting out there.” Go to local economic development or chamber of commerce meetings, receptions, mixers. Your local bookstore probably offers booksignings, author lectures or special classes. A friend of mine who is a professional coach is part of a team who gives courses at Whole Foods! Go! The home improvement stores offer free courses. Go! The American Red Cross offers courses in first aid, cpr, etc. Go!

Make job-related networking events only a small percentage of your out-of-the-house activities. First of all, you’re so much more than unemployed. And you need to nurture those other parts of who you are. At the very least, this way you’ll lead with an opener that’s so much more interesting than, “Hi, gotta job?” But most importantly is that your self-definition has a chance to stay strong and defined beyond this immediate need of landing a gig. You will also stand a better chance of meeting people other than fellow job-seekers. You know…people who already have jobs? And who would be thrilled to help you get inside their companies or organizations.

Learn something. Go to local college courses – especially the ones at night, when employed people go to school. You don’t have to matriculate and take on the expense of a formal semester. Continuing ed courses can be inexpensive. The teachers are often professionals in the community (hint: employed people!). It’s probably best if you took a course that would help you be more qualified for the kind of job you’re looking for. But even taking a non-job related course will at least remind you that there’s more to life than your daily bread (although, it’s kind of hard to make that argument right now, I know).

Teach something. Surely you know something that will benefit others. How to read, for adult literacy programs, for instance. If you have a profession or skill that’s useful in the for-profit world, surely you can introduce at least the basics to young people. Convene a panel of other experts and put on a program! (You’ll be able to find a venue. A friend of mine hosted the annual meeting of his professional association – on the premises of the company that had just laid him off. Awkward.)

Volunteer. Those same skills you can teach you can donate. It will make you feel good about being who you are and what you can do. That boost in self-esteem will give you the added confidence that will send out the signal that you’re a valuable contributor to the world.

Call old friends – even if they haven’t heard from you in a long time. This is where Facebook comes in handy. The other day I heard from a dear friend for the first time in about 8 years. We’d been looking for each other off and on over recent years but, thanks to Facebook, she found me first! And we talked on the phone for a full three hours. A lot of it was catching up. But, she was also very candid about the fact that she needed some professional advice from me. Did I see this as a cheesy ulterior motive? Heck no! First off all, I owed her a gigantic favor from 10 years ago (I mean, huge). Secondly, I love her and I know she loves me. So whatever I have is hers. (Advice, I mean.)

Ask for introductions. Unless you’re a bitter whiner who needs to blow your nose and brush your teeth (and, uhm, a little roll-on?), the friends you have should be happy to give you introductions you need to move your job search forward. If they’re reluctant to help you, find out why. Wouldn’t you want to know the truth, especially if it was something you could fix? And, if they’re possessive with or protective of their contacts to the point where they’re keeping you from helping yourself, or making you feel judged, it’s best that you should know that now. You might have just discovered a brand new opening in your group of friends to fill.

They say that once you achieve a certain age, it gets harder and harder to make new friends. Everyone is set in their habits, patterns, commuting routine, relationships. Well, one of the upshots of these economic times is that everyone is thrown higgledy-piggledy into a big pile of confusion and some flavor of disconnectedness. Now is a fantastic time to build new circles of friends and business contacts.

And vow to take better care of them in the future. Like, don’t wait 8 years before picking up the phone.
Comments 0 |
1  | 
Email to Friend
Permalink
Digg
Technorati
del.icio.us

SAN DIEGO
COMMUNITY BLOG
RSS
Add to My Yahoo!
Add to Google
Add to My AOL
 Flag as Inappropriate
 

COLLEGE FOR YOU - More Education is the Key for that new Job

posted Saturday, October 31, 2009 4:01 PM

NOW IS THE TIME FOR COLLEGE: With the economy the way it is, are you having a tough time finding a job? Perhaps as you visit Internet sites or read in the newspaper you are finding out that employers want a person that has more education than you have. As you do your job search, it really boils down to what type of job you are looking for, or what career you are pursuing in regards of needing more education.

I know from personal experience that this type of scenario happens and some people have lost job opportunities due to lack of education. Yes, it even happened to me! Many years ago in my job search, a company called me in for an interview. After spending about 45 minutes in the interview, the HR representation asked the last question that basically killed my chances; She asked, what’s you degree in? I was actually surprised because the degree issue wasn’t in the job description write up nor did I think it was a big issue. Needless to say, I didn’t get the job! Later on I found out that this particular company had gotten so many job applications that they had at the last minute decided to ask people about their education level. That last minute decision left me high and dry and back on the street looking for a job.

WHAT ABOUT YOU? How are you doing these days? Do you need to get more education, re-train, re-career, or update your educational goals? If the answer is yes, then NOW IS THE TIME TO DO IT!!!!!!

Check the area where you are living or research colleges that you may want to go to. Do some research? Go to websites, ask questions.

Yes, for all community colleges and universities, the spring semester (2010) will start in the 3 rd week of January. If you plan now, you should be able to start the enrollment process, meet with a counselor, take a career assessment, review your goals and get organized to identify what classes you want to take.

Think about it! Years ago I didn’t think much about going to school and it cost me a potential job. After that interview I did some soul searching and did go back to school.

QUESTION FOR YOU: Do you want to change careers? Maybe you now want to become an Elementary School Teacher for example. How do I do this? Then the next question to you -- would be -- where do I start.

YES NOW IS THE TIME TO START! It doesn’t matter if you want a certificate in something, an A/A Degree, a BA Degree, a Masters or even you Doctorate. November is the month to plan, December is the time to sign up, and January is the time to go.

What are you waiting for? Just do it. Set your goals now for the new-year and start now searching for those January classes.

If I can help you, just let me know. For a free getting started college checklist; email me at etubbs@careercoaching4you.com.

All the best……..

Coach Eddie

Comments 0 |
2  | 
Email to Friend
Permalink
Digg
Technorati
del.icio.us

SAN DIEGO
COMMUNITY BLOG
RSS
Add to My Yahoo!
Add to Google
Add to My AOL
 Flag as Inappropriate
 

Believe it or Not... Nightmare Stories from the EEOC! Part IV

posted Friday, October 30, 2009 4:15 PM

Even employers with the Best of Intentions need to follow the law. 

From the EEOC: A Charlotte, NC retirement home will pay $20,000 to settle a pregnancy discrimination lawsuit brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the agency announced today. In its lawsuit (EEOC v. Lawyers Glen Retirement Living Center, LLC, Civil Action No. 3:08-cv-00447) in U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, the EEOC charged that Ashley Wilhelm, a certified nursing aide, had her hours reduced when she informed Lawyers Glen management that she was pregnant. Lawyers Glen, in accordance with its written “maternity policy,” continued to reduce Wilhelm’s hours during the course of her pregnancy, even though Wilhelm was fully capable of performing her job duties and was cleared for full-time work by her physician, the EEOC said.

“Pregnancy discrimination continues to be a problem in the American workplace,” said Lynette A. Barnes, regional attorney for the EEOC’s Charlotte District Office. “Under federal law, employers must refrain from imposing their own paternalistic ideas about pregnancy on their employees. The EEOC will continue to actively pursue cases where an employee is subjected to discriminatory treatment because she is pregnant.”

I this case the Nightmare Story is really the Employers.  They had a standard policy written to provide what they probably felt to be an easier time on their pregnant employees.  Their policy was dated... and not legal. 

What is the lesson here?  That employers need to have their handbooks reviewed for compliance regularly.  You never know when something like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 will pop up and make your hanbook and company policies outdated.  (Ok, maybe they should have had their policies and handbooks reviewed in the last 45 years...  I'm sure that a review of policies even this dated would have cost less than $20,000.)

 

Comments 0 |
3  | 
Email to Friend
Permalink
Digg
Technorati
del.icio.us

SAN DIEGO
COMMUNITY BLOG
RSS
Add to My Yahoo!
Add to Google
Add to My AOL
 Flag as Inappropriate
 

Always have a current resume within reach

posted Friday, October 30, 2009 2:56 PM

This may seem like a no-brainer but often folks are caught off guard with no access to their current resume when they need it in a pinch. My simple suggestion is to have your resume available in electronic format in one or more of the following ways: (and the more the merrier but make sure that when you update it in one location you do the same in all electronic formats).
  • On a Flash Drive
  • Attached to an email (perhaps just send one to yourself) in your personal "browser-based" email account (Hotmail / Live.com, Gmail, Ymail, etc.)
  • On CD (with just your resume on it so you can hand it to somebody without your favorite cooking recipes:-) 
  • In an offsite file storage service (if you subscribe to one)
  • Any other electronic format that you can access at a moments notice.

Also, it never hurts to have physical copies in your car for those times when you are not electronically connected.


Tags This blog has not been tagged
Comments 0 |
2  | 
Email to Friend
Permalink
Digg
Technorati
del.icio.us

SAN DIEGO
COMMUNITY BLOG
RSS
Add to My Yahoo!
Add to Google
Add to My AOL
 Flag as Inappropriate
 

Are you a small business owner? Let your voice be heard at this critical time.

posted Thursday, October 29, 2009 12:09 PM

Recently I attended a meeting of local small business owners that State Senator Christine Kehoe hosted in her office.  We heard one horror story after another from well run companies that have had their line of credit canceled even though they have paid their bank back on time year after year. They are losing the annual funding they count on to get through the slow winter months. The overwhelming question from these worried owners was "Why isn't any of the economic stimulus money getting to us?" They feel overlooked and several are on the verge of going under without federal assistance.  It is encouraging to hear President Obama speak of the need for such aid. However, action speaks louder than words and there is a way you can add your voice at this critical time.

The single most effective way to have your voice heard in Washington:  WRITE YOUR CONGRESS MEMBERS! Don't use email; sit down and type out a letter and send it via USPS for the greatest impact.

I have had the pleasure of working closely with the staff of a U.S. Senator on a daily basis, so I got to see how letters and postcards are handled: form letters and duplicated postcards get bundled up and totaled. But personal letters from constituents of that Senator or Congressman/woman frequently land on their desk. They get read and answered. And they do count, especially if you live in their district.

Letters do not have to be long. In fact, short ones to the point usually receive the most attention. Let them know how important funding for small businesses is to our economy.  And that we need action now.  If you need economic stimulus money for your business, let them know.

Please take the time to write now, while we have the attention of the President and the Congress in this critical matter.
 
If enough letters arrive on the desks of our elected representatives and senators, they will act!

Sincerely,

Tom Luhnow, CEO


P.S. To assist you, here are the addresses:
Senator Barbara Boxer
United States Senate
112 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
(202) 224-3553
TTY: 202-224-4264
https://boxer.senate.gov/

Senator Dianne FeinsteinUnited States Senate
331 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510(202) 224-3841
TTY/TDD: (202) 224-2501http://feinstein.senate.gov/

Rep. Susan Davis (D-53)
1526 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-2040
http://www.house.gov/susandavis/

Rep. Brian Bilbray (R-50)
227 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-0508
http://www.house.gov/bilbray/

Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-52)
2265 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-5672
http://hunter.house.gov/

Rep. Darrell Issa (R-49)
211 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-3906
http://issa.house.gov/

Comments 0 |
24  | 
Email to Friend
Permalink
Digg
Technorati
del.icio.us

SAN DIEGO
COMMUNITY BLOG
RSS
Add to My Yahoo!
Add to Google
Add to My AOL
 Flag as Inappropriate
 

7 Keys to Successful Job Lead Generation

posted Wednesday, October 28, 2009 10:50 PM

 

Generating suitable job leads is one of the most difficult and important stages of the job search process. You can be the best interviewee in the world but you will not acquire job offers if you lack appropriate opportunities. Since the job search process is ultimately a numbers game, more suitable job leads in your pipeline will result in more opportunities to interview and to subsequently generate job offers. Below is a 7-step approach to successful job lead generation.

1. Identify Your Target Market
Identify 20 targeted companies in your desired geographical regions and industries that may have a need or problem that can be successfully met by your expertise. To identify these companies, you can use business directories like Dun & Bradstreet, lists such as Fortune’s “100 Best Companies to Work For”, company review sites such as Glassdoor.com, and so on.

2. Identify Your Potential Prospects
Determine the senior executives who are in charge of your targeted business unit for your 20 companies; for instance, the CMOs if you are seeking positions in marketing. These are the individuals who can make hiring decisions or at least refer you to the appropriate hiring managers depending on your experience level. The quickest way to acquire this information is to dial the main number for each company and ask “Who is in charge of X (the department you are targeting)?”

3. Prepare Prospecting Scripts
Create call and/or email scripts to use when you contact previous and/or current employees (including hiring managers) of your targeted companies. These scripts should include an introduction, purpose, WIIFT (what’s in it for the individuals you contact), responses to common objections or rebuttals, and/or closing. If you want to gather information about a company from current and previous employees, you could state: “Hello my name is X and I’m a fellow X member who is thinking about pursuing opportunities with your company. The reason I am contacting you is to ask a few questions to determine if I should begin my pursuit. Do you have a few minutes to talk? ”

4. Prequalify Your Potential Prospects
Contact previous and/or current employees of your targeted companies to determine (if possible) which hiring managers are “qualified” based on having a need for your expertise, sufficient monetary resources or budget, and/or the authority to make hiring decisions. You can locate these employees from an advanced search on LinkedIn and other sources. During these discussions (and from external research), also gather information about the company’s stability, culture, work-life balance, employee profile, and so on to determine which targeted companies are ideal for you.

5. Determine Initial Contact Medium
Determine the ideal medium (based off of your comfort level) for contacting hiring managers of your targeted companies about hidden and/or advertised jobs. Ideally you should contact hiring managers by phone and/or email after receiving referrals from trusted sources. However, you could also contact hiring managers via direct mail and/or cold calls.

6. Make Contact with Your Prospects
Contact your targeted hiring managers using your scripts and the information you gathered to locate suitable hidden opportunities and/or to see if there is a fit for suitable job postings. For example, you could state: “Hello X, my name is X and I was referred by X who strongly believe I am the ideal IT manager (or ideal candidate for X job posting) for X, X, and X. The purpose of my call is to discuss this further. Do you have a few minutes to talk?”

7. Plan Your Work and Work Your Plan
Develop a daily, weekly, and monthly job lead generation plan and reserve the necessary time to efficiently meet the plan’s objectives. Periodically, determine what is working and not working regarding lead generation and make the necessary adjustments.

I strongly suggest you listen to Ford Myer’s “How to Get the Job You Want - Even When No One’s Hiring” which was a Featured show or one of BlogTalkRadio (BTR) Today’s Picks. This show was really good. Click here: http://tinyurl.com/yz98zc2 to listen to this podcast.

Comments 0 |
0  | 
Email to Friend
Permalink
Digg
Technorati
del.icio.us

SAN DIEGO
COMMUNITY BLOG
RSS
Add to My Yahoo!
Add to Google
Add to My AOL
 Flag as Inappropriate
 

Better Position Yourself through Education

posted Wednesday, October 28, 2009 10:45 AM

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 or learn more about one of our sponsored schools, UC Irvine - Extension of California{sandiego.jobing.com/company_profile.asp?i=127019} (online certificate programs) or California Intercontinental University {http://sandiego.jobing.com/company_profile.asp?i=127036}  (CalU – online master’s and doctorate degrees). Use your time wisely to better your life and let the bidding begin!

Comments 0 |
1  | 
Email to Friend
Permalink
Digg
Technorati
del.icio.us

SAN DIEGO
COMMUNITY BLOG
RSS
Add to My Yahoo!
Add to Google
Add to My AOL
 Flag as Inappropriate
 
 

Search Blogs
Most Popular Blog Posts
JobingSanDiego Twitter Updates  

Twitter Updates

    follow JobingSanDiego on
    Our CEO is on Twitter follow Aaron Matos (jobing) on
    Recent Authors
    Kenrick Chatman
    Career Catalyst
     
    Maggi Payment
    Center for WorkTime Options
     
    PLN PLN
    Professional Latino Network
     
    Steve Dolan
    San Diego State University College of Extended Studies
     
    Sue Arth
    Sea of Change
     
    Maria Adriana Gutierrez
    James Madison High School DATA Academy
     
    Martha Finney
    Martha Finney - San Diego
     
    Eddie Tubbs
    CareerCoaching4You.com
     
    Mandy Blackford
    San Diego Employers Association
     
    Alex Wenz
    TechTalent
     
    Archive
    Browse Blogs By Job Type
    All Communities Accounting / Auditing Administrative / Clerical Advertising / Marketing / PR Art / Creative / Design Automotive / Motor Vehicle / Parts Aviation / Aerospace Banking / Credit Unions Call Center / Telemarketing Childcare / Daycare Collections Construction / Trades Consulting Services Customer Service Drivers Education / Training Engineering / Architecture Entertainment / Gaming / Casino Financial Services - ALL CATEGORIES Financial Services - Investments / Securities Financial Services - Mortgage General Labor Government Grocery / Convenience Stores Healthcare - ALL CATEGORIES Healthcare - Admin / Office / Records / Finance Healthcare - Assisted Living / Home Health Healthcare - Dental Healthcare - Dietary / Nutrition Healthcare - Lab / Hematology / Pathology Healthcare - LPNs & LVNs Healthcare - Medical & Dental Practitioners Healthcare - Optical Healthcare - Paramedics / EMT’s Healthcare - Pharmacy Healthcare - Radiology / Imaging Healthcare - RNs & Nurse Management Healthcare - Support Services Healthcare - Therapy / Rehab Services Hospitality / Resort / Hotel Human Resources - ALL CATEGORIES Human Resources - Comp & Benefits Human Resources - Employee Relations Human Resources - Generalists Human Resources - Management Human Resources - Recruitment / Staffing Human Resources - Risk & Safety Human Resources - Training & Development Insurance IT - ALL CATEGORIES IT - Computer Services & Support IT - Hardware / Networking IT - Internet & Ecommerce IT - Sales IT - Software / Development Job Fair / Open House Legal Management - ALL CATEGORIES Management - Entry Level Management - Executive / Senior (C-Level, VP) Management - Mid-Level (Manager, Director) Management - Project  / Program Manufacturing / Production Media / Publishing Military / Defense Mining Non-Profit / Social Services Other / General Personal Care / Spa / Beauty Police / Fire / Emergency Personnel Purchasing / Procurement Real Estate / Property Mgmt Restaurant / Food Service Retail Sales Science / Biotech / Research Security / Protection Services Sports / Recreation / Fitness Summer Jobs Telecommunications Tourism / Travel / Airline Transportation / Supply Chain / Logistics Veterinary Services Warehouse / Maintenance
    Subscribe to San Diego Community Blog
    RSS RSS Add to My Yahoo! Add to Google Add to My AOL


     

    523.0.6250.1
    Copyright ©1999-2009 Jobing.com, LLC. All rights reserved. San Diego Jobs - San Diego's Jobing Community