I mentioned in an early blog posting that San Diego's job market appears to be very dynamic. In stating that I realize that I also have to place into perspective the amount of job postings given San Diego's workers population. I don't have statistics or research to tell you how more dynamic the job market is in comparison to Riverside or San Bernardino's job market. All I can tell you is that I see new job postings on a daily basis on the three job boards I am routinely checking for the two geographic areas I am monitoring (Temecula and the San Diego area just North of the I-8 freeway.)
The job postings I am mainly focused on require bilingual skills in Spanish. It appears to be the niche for HR and Benefits positions in the San Diego area. The compensation rate for these positions is generally a little higher and normally recruiting managers require testing to prove your bilingual skills. I was a little nervous initially about these tests, so I took a free online assessment of my Spanish skills to figure out where I rated. I took my assessment at: http://www.gostudyspain.es/Spanish-Level-Test.htm. This site allowed me to rate my Spanish and provided an excellent review of spelling and grammar.
Once I was able to identify my weaknesses in Spanish grammar a trip to the local library was called for. I came across a couple of books that helped me prepare for my Spanish assessment testing. After my studying I felt very confident and scored very well with potential employers. I'm very pleased that I was able to find these tools to improve my writing in Spanish and actually add quite a few words to my Spanish business vocabulary.
About Me
- ~Pat
- Decisions...decisions. Some good...some not so good. One thing is for sure-the more questionable the decision the more entertaining the story.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Unemployment benefits (EDD)
I was very impressed with how streamlined the process of filing for unemployment benefits has become. The website was easy to locate (www.edd.ca.gov/) and the online claim form took approximately 10 minutes to complete. Within 5 business days I was sent a letter notifying me that I had a scheduled call with EDD on a specific date and I was provided a 2 hour window of time of when the EDD representative was scheduled to call me.
The letter contained information relaying my estimated benefits to be paid if benefits were granted and also had a section on the back that listed the questions I was most likely going to be asked pertaining to my claim. I took a few minutes to complete the questions on the back even though this isn't required, just to make sure I presented all the information I believed was pertinent to my claim.
EDD claims are usually denied or approved based on the circumstances of the termination. If a termination is involuntary claims are usually approved as long as you did not participate in gross misconduct on the job. If a termination is voluntary then the circumstances are evaluated to see if you left your former job for good cause.
The letter contained information relaying my estimated benefits to be paid if benefits were granted and also had a section on the back that listed the questions I was most likely going to be asked pertaining to my claim. I took a few minutes to complete the questions on the back even though this isn't required, just to make sure I presented all the information I believed was pertinent to my claim.
EDD claims are usually denied or approved based on the circumstances of the termination. If a termination is involuntary claims are usually approved as long as you did not participate in gross misconduct on the job. If a termination is voluntary then the circumstances are evaluated to see if you left your former job for good cause.
Good cause might include:
- Change in travel time or distance
- Moving beyond reasonable commuting distance with a spouse or registered domestic partner
- Being required to care for a seriously ill child
- Protecting yourself from domestic violence
- Leaving an employer that did not address serious harassment or safety issues
- Going to school
According to EDD the following do not generally constitute good cause:
EDD now offers the ability to set up a 4 digit passcode via their automated telephone service. By setting this passcode up you can then by phone complete the continued claim form and save a stamp on returning those forms by mail. EDD benefits are being paid out through a debit card system. Since I have not received my first unemployment payment I cannot share how that new process works for me.
I am just very grateful that employers pay into the Unemployment Fund to provide unemployment benefits when you are in between jobs. While the payment is only equal to a minimum of $40 and a maximum of $450.00 per week, this cash flow does help a family survive during periods of unemployment.
- Leaving due to increased child care costs
- Looking for another job
- Demotion or change in job duties
- Moving with a significant other that is not your spouse or registered domestic partner
EDD now offers the ability to set up a 4 digit passcode via their automated telephone service. By setting this passcode up you can then by phone complete the continued claim form and save a stamp on returning those forms by mail. EDD benefits are being paid out through a debit card system. Since I have not received my first unemployment payment I cannot share how that new process works for me.
I am just very grateful that employers pay into the Unemployment Fund to provide unemployment benefits when you are in between jobs. While the payment is only equal to a minimum of $40 and a maximum of $450.00 per week, this cash flow does help a family survive during periods of unemployment.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Morning interview- Don't skip breakfast
I'll never forget when I was on the other end of the interviewing process as a Human Resources Manager for a media company. I interviewed a young man for a sales position and for the next 30 minutes pretended not to hear the hungry growls coming from his apparently very hungry stomach!
Rule of thumb-never skip breakfast when you have a morning interview. My favorite pre-interview breakfast is slightly toasted whole grain bread, wonderfully buttered with a generous sprinkle of cinnamon sharing a plate with a whole apple cut into small cubes. (I have braces so the whole apple I prefer is just a dream for now). Along with my green tea- this perfect breakfast carries me through the morning without a single growl from my tummy! Only use generous sprinkles of cinnamon if you are accustomed to doing so (might upset your stomach), otherwise just stick to a light sprinkle. Cinnamon is known among my diabetic friends for stabilizing sugar levels. I'm not a diabetic, but I really like the taste of cinnamon on my toast.
Unemployed: Week 2
Week Two of being unemployed was an incredible experience. The cover letters and resumes I sent out received responses and I think a lot had to do with following through with what I posted earlier regarding these tools. Each letter was customized for a specific employer and each resume was tailored around the position I chose for consideration.
The job market in San Diego appears to be very dynamic and new help wanted ads appear daily on the job bulletin boards I have chosen to monitor. I do have to point out that in making my unemployment status a public announcement friends are referring positions to me which is an even bigger help in my search.
As I go through my search there's been a lot of soul searching. I know what I do best and what I feel in my opinion I need development and improvement. I've chosen to apply to positions that call on my strongest attributes and so far that strategy has been producing phone screenings and actual face to face interviews.
In the last two weeks I have secured 8 phone screenings that have allowed me to move forward in 4 different recruiting cycles for 4 different positions. Today I secured a 9th phone screening and I'm very excited about the possibility it creates. I think the most important aspect of my job hunt is that I'm keeping an open mind, keeping myself balanced, and most importantly putting my best foot forward.
I'm doing everything to control and manage the things I can control and manage. The rest is part of the job seeking game. Remaining positive and taking each contact as a learning experience makes this a very fun and educational time for me.
I thank my friends for the support and encouragement they give me on this journey.
My next blog will feature how to manage the EDD call. The one you receive after applying for unemployment benefits. Now that was fun, and I'll share that with you very soon!
Pat
The job market in San Diego appears to be very dynamic and new help wanted ads appear daily on the job bulletin boards I have chosen to monitor. I do have to point out that in making my unemployment status a public announcement friends are referring positions to me which is an even bigger help in my search.
As I go through my search there's been a lot of soul searching. I know what I do best and what I feel in my opinion I need development and improvement. I've chosen to apply to positions that call on my strongest attributes and so far that strategy has been producing phone screenings and actual face to face interviews.
In the last two weeks I have secured 8 phone screenings that have allowed me to move forward in 4 different recruiting cycles for 4 different positions. Today I secured a 9th phone screening and I'm very excited about the possibility it creates. I think the most important aspect of my job hunt is that I'm keeping an open mind, keeping myself balanced, and most importantly putting my best foot forward.
I'm doing everything to control and manage the things I can control and manage. The rest is part of the job seeking game. Remaining positive and taking each contact as a learning experience makes this a very fun and educational time for me.
I thank my friends for the support and encouragement they give me on this journey.
My next blog will feature how to manage the EDD call. The one you receive after applying for unemployment benefits. Now that was fun, and I'll share that with you very soon!
Pat
The INTERVIEW
Nothing is more satisfying than learning you have survived the phone screening and you have been selected for a face-to-face interview when you are a job seeker. Unfortunately shortly once the happy endorphins settle in you realize that you're a little nervous now. Being nervous is actually a good thing if you can channel it into a productive phase of preparing for the interview.
Hopefully the HR or recruiting manager has confirmed with an e-mail and forwarded you the logistic details of your interview, but if they have not make sure you know where you're heading with plenty of lead time. Directions aren't something you should be hunting around for on the day of the interview. For my fellow navigation system users I strongly recommend making a mock trip to anticipate the trip time, parking situation, and traffic patterns around the area. Surprises are not good on an interview date. The golden rule is to arrive 10-15 minutes early.
What to wear?
Now this is a tricky area, because being overdressed or underdressed can play a part of your first impression with your potential employer. I'm old school and I find myself opting for a blue pants suit I feel very confident and professional when I wear. You don't have to spend a great deal of money to look well. Just make sure what you are wearing is clean, pressed, and professional for the setting you will be in during the interview. For ladies I would recommend skipping perfume or using it very lightly. Less makeup is probably more in an interview setting. For the gentlemen I would recommend a clean shave or a tidy facial hair look. I would also be careful with the cologne and would opt for a nice shirt and tie or at the very least a collared shirt. For both sexes I would recommend learning what your employer's stance is on visible tattoos and piercing and take action accordingly. By all means show up looking your best and COMPATIBLE to your potential work place. Showing up dressed as if you may be showcased in the latest R&B music video may not be the best if you are interviewing at an attorney's office or a bank. I think you get the message. Dress as if you could be working there at that moment.
Well, now that you know what you are going to wear it's time to prepare for the actual interview. Keep in mind that the phone screening was just a glimpse of what to expect during the interview. The hiring manager is going to most likely be posing questions that will help them determine your technical skills for the job, your personality while working, and how your style and working personality will fit in with them and the group as a whole. Some of these questions will be behavioral and will require you sharing experiences. These questions can be difficult for you if you haven't prepared by thinking out examples that you can apply to the questions. Most importantly is when you listen to the question is for you to quickly make a logical connection to what the employer is trying to learn from you as they ask the questions that they do.
There are complete books on understanding behavioral questions and it's probably just better for you to understand a few categories and be prepared to be asked these types of questions. Here's a link (copy and paste this URL into your browser) that gives you a crash course on behavioral questions.
http://www.jobinterviewquestions.org/questions/behavioral-questions.asp
I would recommend practicing with these questions and if you have a willing friend that will humor you, a mock interview would be a great way to get familiar with these types of questions and help you with your answers.
When showing up for the interview you really should have an understanding of what your future employer's company accomplishes and understand some of the current events in that industry. I would make it a point to pick up a newspaper or go to your Google or Yahoo news and find out what's going on around you. This will come in handy if the interviewer wants to chat with you about current events. If the employer has a website please make sure you go through that website to understand any new developments within the company, news releases, or anything that could help you appear to be completely engaged with this company.
First Contact:
Your first contact as you arrive to your interview will most likely be a customer service representative or the receptionist. Make a note to say hello and let them know in a kind and courteous manner who you are here to see and ask them to please let them know you are here. The interview begins as soon as you walk into the door. It's not uncommon for the hiring manager to ask the front desk person for feedback on your exchange with them. Let's hope it's an enjoyable and professional exchange.
Meeting your interviewer:
This is your time to shine, so take full advantage of it. Shake their hand and make it a memorable experience. Speak clearly, concisely, and confidently. Make sure to make appropriate eye contact, and make the interview a positive experience. This is your opportunity to share with the interviewer how you can make a contribution and improve their team with you joining it. Answer their questions and don't get carried away--if you do quickly get back on track.
After the interview:
Nothing is more charming than a legible, sincere, and positive thank you note. Make sure to send out a thank you note. I would recommend buying a pack of thank you cards and stamps, so you could send one out immediately after the interview. A few sentences sharing your continued enthusiasm for the role, and a sentence or two on how your experience/skills can aid in your seamless transition in this role.
Pay attention to spelling. No spelling errors allowed. Tear it up and start over, but never send out a card with the person's name misspelled or with any errors in it.
An interview is an opportunity to make a great first impression, and to relay a message. I can do this job, so pick me, and let's get this employment started!
Sunday, February 12, 2012
The PHONESCREENING
So you've submitted your resume and now you are waiting. Sometimes you will wait for a few days, or a few weeks, and in some cases you will wait FOREVER to hear from your choice employer to be. This wait can be attributed to many applicants responding, to a end date on the application gathering side, or simply because your resume and cover letter went unnoticed.
It's harsh sometimes to accept the possibility that you just were not chosen. But instead of dwelling on when they will call there are a few things you should be doing right now. The first is learning your resume. Being able to recite it in any order as needed. You should also be keeping track where you are applying, so that if a prospective employer calls you ---you are ready. You should have questions prepared for each employer, and you should be prepared to share with the hiring manager--what contributions you will be able to make and what exactly sets you apart from the other applicants. What is your competitive advantage?
Here's a "to-do" fact sheet I've created for my prospective employers as I wait for their calls:
Who is their competition?
What does their website say?
What is the latest news for this industry?
Why do I want to work for them?
What is my competitive advantage?
Why should they choose me over another candidate?
If they provide a job description online- print it out and highlight areas of interest as speaking points.
Include other information you feel may be necessary for this phone screening/interview.
You should print out your resume and have it handy. I personally would not recommend participating in a phone screening if you do not have your resume and your fact sheet in front of you. The phone screening is your opportunity to make a great first impression. First impressions are everything.
The last tip is to learn how to manage these incoming calls. If they call and it is not a good time (Example: You are in a noisy daycare, the dog is barking, you are at the gym, or you do not have your resume and fact sheet in front of you) let it go to voicemail or, request a scheduled time for the phone screening and explain that the noise level will not allow you to participate at this time. They will offer a scheduled time and you have an opportunity to make the best professional first impression at a time that is convenient for you.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Unemployed: Week 1
This week was a total catch up week. I learned a few things along the way and immediately took advice from many sources to make sure this week was as productive but relaxing as possible.
ON THE HOME FRONT: Utilities
Let's face it...I'm unemployed and it's time to really take a look at my budget. I want to think I will find a job soon, but if I don't I need to make sure I'm doing everything possible to minimize all my expenses. I took a deep breath, and I did a few things:
Cancelled the cable. It's lousy service and I'm not really watching it. We really stream most of our content and football season is really over for us as Charger fans. Goodbye FIOS cable and hello to our new low bill of $49.99 plus tax on internet only.
Southern California Edison- Why, yes I am on a limited low income budget. I have no incoming deposits at the moment!! SCE has now placed me on a low income program called CARE. I get a 20% discount on my electricity bill. Turning on lights as needed and this discount will reduce my bill!
The Gas Company- Why they have a CARE program too! Here's to saving 20% on my gas bill as well.
MONSTER.COM
Well seeing that I'm in the job market I chose Monster.com as my public resume holder. The process to open up an account was free and for the most part very easy to do. I did some searches and sent my resume out to 4 employers. Most importantly I created a comprehensive profile. I saw that I had been "found" in 15 searches since I posted my resume this week. That sounds like a good start!
Self Study SHRM program- I have put together a schedule for studying while I'm in between jobs. My goal is to be certified in HR and be able to place the SPHR initials next to my name on my business cards. For all the non-HR folks--this designation is kind of like the CPA initials next to an accountant's name. It proves that you really know your stuff! I will have 8 months to go through 6 modules, flashcards, and 6 pre-tests to prepare for a 4 hour test in October. I know I can do this!
By the way --the car and humble abode are clean and organized.
Now I can enjoy the Superbowl festivities and go into Week 2 ready and prepared.
I love it!
ON THE HOME FRONT: Utilities
Let's face it...I'm unemployed and it's time to really take a look at my budget. I want to think I will find a job soon, but if I don't I need to make sure I'm doing everything possible to minimize all my expenses. I took a deep breath, and I did a few things:
Cancelled the cable. It's lousy service and I'm not really watching it. We really stream most of our content and football season is really over for us as Charger fans. Goodbye FIOS cable and hello to our new low bill of $49.99 plus tax on internet only.
Southern California Edison- Why, yes I am on a limited low income budget. I have no incoming deposits at the moment!! SCE has now placed me on a low income program called CARE. I get a 20% discount on my electricity bill. Turning on lights as needed and this discount will reduce my bill!
The Gas Company- Why they have a CARE program too! Here's to saving 20% on my gas bill as well.
MONSTER.COM
Well seeing that I'm in the job market I chose Monster.com as my public resume holder. The process to open up an account was free and for the most part very easy to do. I did some searches and sent my resume out to 4 employers. Most importantly I created a comprehensive profile. I saw that I had been "found" in 15 searches since I posted my resume this week. That sounds like a good start!
Self Study SHRM program- I have put together a schedule for studying while I'm in between jobs. My goal is to be certified in HR and be able to place the SPHR initials next to my name on my business cards. For all the non-HR folks--this designation is kind of like the CPA initials next to an accountant's name. It proves that you really know your stuff! I will have 8 months to go through 6 modules, flashcards, and 6 pre-tests to prepare for a 4 hour test in October. I know I can do this!
By the way --the car and humble abode are clean and organized.
Now I can enjoy the Superbowl festivities and go into Week 2 ready and prepared.
I love it!
The RESUME
A lot of reflection went into looking at my resume and revamping it. It hadn't been changed in over 2 years and quite honestly I took one look at it and I wanted to set it aside!
I really had a "long chat with myself." I analyzed what I liked the most about my last role and the roles before. I asked myself--"What do I do best"...and from there put together 3 resumes...with the following titles:
HR_General role
Benefits Administration
Payroll/HRIS Administration
The resumes are different just based on key words used and emphasis of certain duties. These resumes will be placed with a couple of choice recruiters and on Monster.com. Key words and phrases are key for folks sourcing these sites for candidates, so emphasis is on key words.
Customization is very important. I can't begin to tell you how many generic resumes I received over the years that addressed roles I didn't offer at anytime at the given worksite. I want to appear as though I am only applying for one role--the role I'm addressing in my cover letter--their role. If I'm applying for a broad HR role I will include a broad base of experience to match that role, but if it's more specialized I will want to focus on specifics and that is why I created the other two resumes. I placed them on a portable thumb drive and also emailed them to myself. I did this to have them available to me at any time via my smart phone.
In the resumes I kept everything in present tense and instead of a fluffy list of duties I was more direct and relayed my contributions. For example...instead of payroll processing- I went with more detail in the fact that I saved a former company $59K by cross-training and assuming the payroll function. Instead of worker's compensation administration I provided the $65K I trimmed off the WC expense budget by adopting a return to work program and a 3 point of contact with employee-adjuster-and the physician providing the medical updates on the case. Specific, no fluff, and factual information is what an employer wants.
One thing to remember is that these resumes are not tested, so I have no idea how effective or ineffective they will be. I will put them out there and the responses or lack of responses will be my cue on their success. As Einstein once said....Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. If these resumes don't get the desired response, then it's back to the writing table for tweaking.
The COVER LETTER
The cover letter you use for a job search is your calling card. It should be free of typos and it should reflect who you are, why you're writing it, and most importantly why the reader should keep reading. As a human resources professional I know how vital that first impression is for your success in obtaining an interview. It's all or nothing.
I revamped my cover letter to contain 3 paragraphs of 3-4 sentences with a goal of having the cover letter take up about 3/4 of a page:
Paragraph 1: Introduction
This paragraph explains who I am and my request for consideration. It tells the reader where I found the posting, and which posting I am responding to and wishing to obtain.
Paragraph 2: What can I offer the employer
This paragraph tells the reader why I think I'm the match for the role and the factual contributions I've made in other roles that will be a huge benefit to this new potential employer. I never mention what I want, and only share what I can do for the employer.
Paragraph 3: Thank you
Let's face it---recruiters are inundated with responses. Give your reader words of positive affirmation for choosing your cover letter and choosing your resume to review. Yes, be humble-because you could have gone in that other pile!
Overall the letter should be reflective of you. I can't tolerate canned cover letters and I want to feel the applicant's enthusiasm in the role. This is what sets you apart from the others simply looking for a paycheck. I want to make a difference in this role, and I'm going to share that. If it turns off the reader, well I suppose that role will go to the applicant that's a better fit for it. If I'm a potential fit I will most likely hear from the employer wanting to learn more about me.
So there you have it.....a cover letter that will represent me in the best light and still be a true representation of who I am. I now have my template.
Now let's be proactive about it. I emailed it to myself, because I want it available in the event I need to send it out and all I have is my smart phone. So now it sits in my draft section of my email on my phone. That feels good!
I revamped my cover letter to contain 3 paragraphs of 3-4 sentences with a goal of having the cover letter take up about 3/4 of a page:
Paragraph 1: Introduction
This paragraph explains who I am and my request for consideration. It tells the reader where I found the posting, and which posting I am responding to and wishing to obtain.
Paragraph 2: What can I offer the employer
This paragraph tells the reader why I think I'm the match for the role and the factual contributions I've made in other roles that will be a huge benefit to this new potential employer. I never mention what I want, and only share what I can do for the employer.
Paragraph 3: Thank you
Let's face it---recruiters are inundated with responses. Give your reader words of positive affirmation for choosing your cover letter and choosing your resume to review. Yes, be humble-because you could have gone in that other pile!
Overall the letter should be reflective of you. I can't tolerate canned cover letters and I want to feel the applicant's enthusiasm in the role. This is what sets you apart from the others simply looking for a paycheck. I want to make a difference in this role, and I'm going to share that. If it turns off the reader, well I suppose that role will go to the applicant that's a better fit for it. If I'm a potential fit I will most likely hear from the employer wanting to learn more about me.
So there you have it.....a cover letter that will represent me in the best light and still be a true representation of who I am. I now have my template.
Now let's be proactive about it. I emailed it to myself, because I want it available in the event I need to send it out and all I have is my smart phone. So now it sits in my draft section of my email on my phone. That feels good!
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