Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Neglect, Recovery, Jobs Listing, Who is Hiring
Ok, enough of the drivel! What we need are solutions. The solution is to get out there, and make a difference. In yourself, in you community, in the way you present yourself, and how you network.
Facebook may be a lot of fun, but I don't think I've read anywhere that a FB friend landed a position. What to do? Back to the ground rules.
1. Have you updated your resume?
2. Have you had your resume written/reviewed-rewritten by a professional resume writer?
3. Do you have anywhere between $100 - $500 you want to spend on resume updating? No! Me either.
4. Libraries tend to have THE most outdated resume examples.
5. Looking for a review? For the first 10 People who sign up to follow this blog will win!
I will have a resume writer review your resume and give a completed example back.
Now onto the job listings:
What do we have today?
3 .Net positions in Huntsville
Tech/Proposal Writer Silver Springs MD
Systems Analyst Automated Operations
Help Desk - Golden, CO
Software Developer - Durham, NC
Financial Analyst, Washington DC
Project Manager - Telecommute!
Program Management - Washington Navy Yard
Network Engineer- Virginia Beach VA
Ok, that's a few...want to get more, and find out who is doing the hiring where?
www.govtcontractorjobs.com or www.govtcontractingjobs.com
Bing: government contractor jobs Google: government contractor jobs
Monday, January 26, 2009
Some Time Off & H1B
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Duck, Duck, Duck, Duck, Goose!
Do you remember playing that game when you were a kid? Our rules were, everyone stood in a circle, facing each other, and the 'runner' named duck, duck, duck, until they tapped the 'goose' and ran; hoping beyond hope, that they couldn't be caught by the goose. And the 'goose' that got tapped, runs as fast as they can to catch the goose who tapped them. It's a fun game. But when you are looking for a job, it's not fun to play games.
Ever put resumes out to a bunch of companies, and feel like you were playing duck, duck, goose? I mean after all you initiated contact, through a big board, or possible a recruiter off of a big board. And you are thinking, you know, after the initial phone screen from the recruiter of 'King Recruiters' they must be looking out for you. They immediately call your references, and they call you back, twice, and ask you to tweak your resume. And you comply both times. Then you find out when they submit it, (along with fifteen to fifty others) you'll 'fit in' or 'stand out' or whatever nomenclature they are throwing around.
Now I'm not knocking recruiters, there are some fine ones out there that do a fantastic job. Others are merely e-mail and resume harvesters. And I've dealt with both. The best recruiters I ever worked for were ones I initiated contact to, and they worked for a company that I was courting. Yes, almost like a date! The company I wanted a job with was the highest paying contractor, and they had excellent benefits. Now it didn't mean that they were the best managed, nor most profitable. But it didn't matter to me. I was after the two big factors for myself: higher pay, and excellent health benefits.
So, what happened? I initiated contact with the recruiter of the company. I did my research, and found out their title and position. I sent an e-mail with a cover letter. I let the recruiter know; I understand you may not be hiring now, however, I would like to be considered for a position within your company if one becomes available in my area of expertise.
Well, the recruiter emailed me back, and let me know they weren't hiring, but he would keep my resume, and follow up with me. About a month later, I followed up with another e-mail to let him know I was still interested in working for the company. There was no response, but that was ok. I followed up the next month, and let him know I was still interested in working for the company. No response....thirty days goes by, and low and behold, I get an e-mail.
And you know what I did, I trashed it. I had been contacted that particular week by six different recruiters, on the phone, and in my e-mail. Those recruiters were third party recruiters whom had 'courted' me. So, you know what he did next, he called me the next day and left a voice mail. He asked, are you still interested in working for our company. Ah! They called me!
I was ecstatic! I called him back, I got voice mail. He e-mailed me a response; I thought it was another recruiter again; I had set up mail rules to 'delete such spam'. He called me, left a message, I called back left a message; and if it were not for the diligence of both parties involved I wouldn't have gotten a position I had requested three months earlier.
When I did get the first phone screen, I let him know; I had been hounded relentlessly from a set of recruiters, and wasn't blatantly ignoring his e-mail. Ultimately, I got the position, and moved to that company, post haste.
I learned a lesson:
1. Don't setup generic rules that will prevent you from getting e-mail you want.
2. I found that the best way to get hired was to contact the company I wanted to work for, and pursue them.
3. Follow up --as many times as it takes.
4. Be courteous. Return calls, and return e-mails.
Still looking for that perfect company who is hiring now AND has benefits you want? http://www.govtcontractorjobs.com
Monday, January 19, 2009
Resolution Check -with apologies to the Beatles
Do you want to change the world? Are you as determined today, Tuesday, January 20th as you were when you took your position? Remember to stay upbeat. Make goals. Strive for perfection.
Today, is the inauguration of our 44th president, the first black president in america. Barack Hussein Obama II will take the oath of office, and begin work immediately, according to CNN reports, and will forgo the viewing of the parade. I know that he is attempting to make an impression on the world that he is a leader. However, as such, pundits and loudmouths will ridicule this moment in history, because he did not make time for a parade in his honor.
Today will forever be a day that is remembered in our history. Like prior generations of Dec 7, 1941, and the assassinations of JFK,RFK,and MLK;and our generations' 9/11, this will be a where were you that moment?
Hope and Change were the two words that drove Mr. Obama to the white house. Hope and Change.
Dwell on that for just a moment. There is something quite tranquil and calming in those two words, and in that order.
If you reversed the order of those two words it would tantamount to chaos; Change and Hope. Change things and Hope for the best!
But with Hope and Change, persons will begin to see our leader taking the intiative, and millions will follow, and take those steps to the path of change.
There will be millions of jobs created. And you can find out who is hiring now: www.govtcontractrjobs.com
Sunday, January 18, 2009
247,835 Layoffs Since Nov 2008
What do you do to get past this? Why me?
First, understand that this may not be in response to your performance. However, if you have a niggling of a feeling that it may be, you should take stock of yourself. If you have ever had to rate yourself for a performance review, how did you do it? Did you give yourself accolades? Be honest with yourself. Did you write the right thing did you assess your strengths as well as your weaknesses? How was your attitude toward co-workers? Your position? The company you work for?
Secondly, remember the tenets of capitalism. The outset of this: It is the CEO's responsibility to a corporation and it's shareholder's to increase shareholder's wealth. Shedding jobs is tough to do. Don't take this personally, its capitalism. Now, what can you do to reposition yourself for the upward momentum? What is your current skill set, with this downtime on your hands, can you learn a new skill? Does this setback qualify you to get free training? It may. See your HR Department and State Employment Services. I know that Georgia used to offer free IT training. I believe the state of California does too. I remember seeing in the news that there were factory workers in Michigan who were retrained as Registered Nurses.
Third, how do you cope? This is a great time to review some of the hints from earlier posts; I encourage you to read them. Set up a regular schedule. Stick to it, get out of the house. Make the library your office.
Fourth, find out who is hiring. There is constant doom and gloom in the world, that is what makes news. It's like driving past a car accident. You probably really don't want to see the potential blood and gore, but your curiosity makes you slow down and view it, just like everyone else. I know that there have been layoffs, which amount to the size of a medium size city, but remember there are people hiring. Thousands of positions, hundreds of locations. In all fifty states.
As Casey Kasem used to say on America's top 40, "Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars!"
Check out some jobs now: www.govtcontractorjobs.com
Friday, January 16, 2009
Why would I want to work for a government contractor?
Not a bad starting job for someone. Another contractor is offering a position as CIO in Qatar. Now I have no idea what the salary is, but I am quite certain that it will pay well into the six figure range. Again, it's stable employment from entry level to CXO. Salary, benefits, vacation, and in this case, world travel!
Another nice thing about being in the employ of a government contractor is the opportunity to move within the corporation. Most corporations know that an employee is an investment; if you are not happy, get happy! Ask for a career change, even if it's lateral. Companies, large and small want to keep their employees long term. I was talking with the president of a small contractor this week, and he said, "We want someone who wants a long term career, not a job hopper, we want someone to stick with us." And his company offers 401K, education and supplements to health insurance. A nice place. One of the large contractors I worked for was upfront with me. My manger told me, this position will have no upward momentum, but when you are ready, we can move you up in the company, just at a different location. They all want to keep good employees!
Find your long-term career with stable employment today! http://www.govtcontractorjobs.com
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
The Offer Letter – Read the Fine Print
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Recession Proof Yourself - Employment is at 93%!
This reminds me of a story I heard long ago.-
There once was an old man who sold hot dogs on a street corner. He was hard of hearing so he had no radio. He also had vision problems, so he read no newspapers. But he sold really good hot dogs.
He sold so many hot dogs that he soon had to increase his meat and bun orders. He bought a bigger grill to take care of his growing enterprise. Business was so good he needed assistance so he asked his son to come home from college to help out.
Upon arriving home from school his son became somewhat alarmed: "Dad, haven't you been listening to the radio or reading the newspaper? The economic news is terrible. People are cutting back; others are losing their jobs. This is no time to be spending money on expansion--we’re heading into a depression.”
The father thought to himself, "Well, my son's been to college. He’s much more educated than I am. He reads the newspaper and he listens to the radio. I guess he would know."
So the father cut down his meat and bun orders, took down his signs, and only ordered what he thought he absolutely needed. Because he kept running out of food, many of his customers became frustrated and stopped buying from him. As a result, his hot dog sales plummeted. Almost overnight he was struggling to stay in business.
Within a few months he had sold off his remaining equipment and one day he simply closed down his stand. Upon returning home the last day of work, the father called his son and remarked, "You were right, we are in the middle of a great depression."
So, how do you recession proof yourself?
1. Do Your Best. (I remember this from scouting). Not your second best not sort of kind of almost there. Do. Your. Best.
2. Take on more opportunity.
3. Bring fresh ideas, but remember: management may frown on ‘your way’. If nature abhors a vacuum, it has been observed that some entrenched management abhors change.
4. Continue to learn. Libraries are free.
5. Get a mentor. Don’t have one? Start exercising your opportunity to meet people through civic functions.
6. Be aggressive. Set yourself apart from your co-workers. Go above and beyond, see 1.
7. If you are somehow caught in a downward spiral. Step away from the bad news focus on what is good. And Do Your Best.
Want to know who is hiring now? www.govtcontractorjobs.com
Decisions, Decisions, Decisions
Step back and look at each position with respect to your current position. Does it offer upward mobility? Is the company sound? Is the position going to last? What are the benefits of each company?
How do you juggle the multiple opportunities? Can you save face? Here's an idea. Be up front with each employer. Let them know you'd like to have a week to consider the position.
Now is the time to do as Ben Franklin so you can make the Ben Franklins! Whenever old Ben was faced with a dilemma he'd do the most logical thing. He'd take a piece of paper and draw a line down the middle, on the left he'd right Pro's on the right, he'd write Con's. And then he would systematically line out the Pro and Con of each situation. When he was done writing down each pro and each con, he'd count them. If the pro's outnumber the con's then he'd do that, if it was the opposite he would not take the risk.
So take those opportunities, and write down the pro and con of each position offered. Take into consideration all aspects. Farther commute, shorter commute, more money, less money but more health benefits? Which one is the best factor for you? Write them down.
Pro Con
Count them all. Which one outweighs the other? Compare positions....Then begin your new career.
Wonder whose hiring right now? http://www.govtcontractorjobs.com
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Contacts. Give before you ask.
Making contacts is an important part of your life. Developing relationships are important. And they are most important when you've give your contacts an edge. It's a simple rule. Do unto others.
How can you make these contacts; become involved. Establish professional relationships. Support these relationships. Know of someone who's part time hobby is web builder? Know another contact who is a small businessman, who needs those types of services? This is a time to make an introduction. Invite them out for a beer; let them get to know each other. And continue to stay involved with both people, making the assertion that they struck some type of deal- Or even if they didn’t.
Later ask for a referral from either or both, if it suits your needs. This isn't like calling favors, but if you continue to be an active relationship builder, your contemporaries will realize when you need introductions as well.
Give freely, expect nothing in return. Are you a member of a social organization? This might be the time to join one. If you are under 35 the Jaycees is a great place to socialize professionally. If you are over 35, the Rotarians are a worthy organization worth joining for those same reasons. There are literally hundreds of social groups that you can belong to and become involved in. Volunteer. Volunteer. Volunteer. - Join a bowling league, or a darts league. Do something which gets you interaction with others outside the normal four walls of your organization. If you have a group internal to your organization, get to know other people in other organizations and become a cross organizational group.
Make overtures, get to know people, expand your network outside your current employer. Why? Because if the chips fall where they may, and one lands in your department, it's always great to contact old colleagues, but if they aren't networked you may not have the necessary contacts outside of your current employer to expand your horizons, if the need arises.
Need to make contact with employers who are hiring now: http://www.govtcontractorjobs.com
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Six More Weeks of Winter Weather and Unemployment!
Say it isn't so Punxsutawney Phil!
We're just under a month away from Groundhog Day. But if you are un-employed, you might find yourself waking up every single day for the next six weeks, just like it was for Phil Connors, Bill Murray's character, in Groundhog Day. Doing the same old thing, but what Phil learned was that he could improve himself (after a while). If you are un-employed you can too.
Un-employment sucks! There are no if, ands, nor buts. It sucks, and it can be emotionally draining. You've applied to every Dice, Monster, and Career Builder job in the great 150 Mile area. And for the last six weeks they still have the same job posted! Doh! You are a perfect fit for the "name title/position at company"! And that recent e-mail from the recruiter from Dice who has a $14.70 per hour helpdesk position part time, third shift in
Now you are thinking, maybe a move isn't a bad thing, but for pity sake, all you begin to want is a freaking job!
How's your resume?
How are your contacts?
What are you doing with your day?
Have you found yourself by the third week of un-employment sitting on the couch, and becoming tuned into Days of our Lives? It can happen! (Well, that hasn't happened to me, but it could happen).
A few suggestions.
1. Go to the Library - get out of your house, make it an active routine. (and it'll be a money saver tip below)
2. Write down the focus of your job search - What do you really want?
A. - A career that allows room for growth and pays me really well
B. - A career as a (name your title here) which gives the following:
1. - 100% matching 401k up to 6% or 3%
2.-Flexible work hours (if that is important to you)
3. -Employer paid health care
4. - A career which empowers me by providing $X in income as my base salary.
C. I don't care I just want a freaking job! My bills are killing me. I'm going to
be late on my cable.
D. Thank you for stopping in ma’am, would you like some gum today to go with your gasoline purchase?
Okay, which one fits?
Believe it or not, while you’re un-employed, your debtors continue to need their income from you. They extended you credit, they expect payment. You are obligated to pay these debts.
Now let's talk about a couple of things before we go off and give the answer away. If you are laid off, quit, get fired, downsized, outsized, outsourced, or just have no income coming in, here a few helpful tips to get you through your temporary situation.
2. Cancel your internet (what? no freaking way! Are you insane how can I check my email? It's called the library, and it's free.-And it get's you out of the house.) Call your internet service provider and ask them to suspend your service as you are now un-employed.
Now back to the Quiz; I see two right answers: D. While you focus on B.
Un-employment can last six weeks. Or it can last six months. However, with the right résumé, the right contact, and when you KNOW what companies are really hiring, it's easier. Find your career on http://www.govtcontractorjobs.com
Are you Tracking? Are you following up? Are you persistent?
Tracking? Well I think I learned that in scouts when I was a kid.
Ok. Do you even know who or what company you have applied for, what the position/requisition number and date was? No?
Me neither-in the past.
Here's a crafty way to keep track of who/what/when/where. You can download the Job Tracker Spreadsheet. Or you can create your own.
Create a spreadsheet with these basic column headings or change them at your discretion.
Company Applied To: | Date Resume Submitted | Sent Cover Letter Y/N | Req/Job Number | Follow up in five working days Y/N | Send Thank you note | Point of Contact name/ph/e-mail | 2nd Follow up Date Submitted Resume +15 Y/N | Outcome Interview/Offer |
Now when you have filled out the line; go to your calendar, your
Enter the following: five working days from the day you submitted your resume flag a task to follow up. Immediately follow up with a thank you note after you have made contact. Plot your second follow up ten days later; and send a second note of thanks, to all involved.
Persistence is key; I was made a written offer by a company that seemed like a fit only to have them pull the requisition because of a contingency, it wasn't their fault; they were subcontractors. But I followed up immediately thanking them for the opportunity; two weeks after, and six weeks after, and low and behold, a full 12 weeks after they rejected me, they came back and said, "Hey, you still interested, that position was finally funded."
Ok, why do you suppose they called me? Persistence.
Wondering who is hiring, and where they are hiring? www.govtcontractorjobs.com
Monday, January 5, 2009
Kick Ass in the Interview!
You've managed to differentiate yourself from thousands of other resumes; you've been narrowed down to the final five or fifty for that matter (depends on company size).
2. Know your strengths
3. Know your weaknesses
4. Relax
Now I started my job that year on Dec 23rd - on a Wednesday. The second day, Christmas eve is when the snafu happened. We were obviously off Christmas, but I was in on Saturday morning, the 26th, trying to fix it. I beat the boss in- he was a Saturday worker too. Bill, the owner of the company looked at me and asked, "Well, how is it going?” And I told him, and I told him the possible consequences of data loss, and then I said, "I understand if you fire me." -"Heck no, he retorted, I like your work ethic, your in here on a day you didn't have to be." - and he walked off.
Same interview, they asked me the worst possible thing happening to me at work; I replied quite sullenly with a rhetorical question. "Have you," I asked, "ever had to fire anyone? I have and that is the worst possible feeling. It is business, but it made me personally sick to my stomach. But it had to be done. I know it affects people's lives but it was a necessary decision when I was a director of a prior company."
And we conversed about good things on the job, reviewed my resume. And I used that chance to highlight my achievements. The interview, a panel interview of three persons, though formal, became an exchange and discussion of ideas.
I was at ease, and that seemed to put them at ease. Interviewers are people, just like you whether or not they will be your boss, or just a part of HR. If you are nervous, don’t fake NOT being nervous. Tell them you are, take a breath. Guess what? They just put on their shoes, one at a time, just like you!