Some Time Off & H1B

I was given the opportunity to take off the next three weeks.  But alas, it appears my work here, is never done.  I'm at the house, and there are  fifty things I NEED to do!

However, like other goals, I made a list, and assigned a priority.  And to put business acumen into place, I created a matrix, and weighted the assigned tasks.  The delta - all tasks to be completed in 21 days. Ok. Not really.  I made a list, but you could certainly overdo something as simple as a list. It's easy to get carried away making plans without executing them.  That happens to people all the time - a bit of analysis paralysis.

Now, there are things I cannot-rather am better served by outsourcing.  I can lay tile, but it'd be better if I got someone else to do the detail work.  Same goes with caulking, painting, and finish carpentry.   So, I will use the skills of someone else, and pay for that privilege.  I will receive excellent service, and quality work, for a price I am willing to pay.

This brings me to outsourcing, or for that matter insourcing via H1B Visas.  Just last week I met  a gentleman on an international flight. We were seat mates for the better part of -almost 18 hours!  This gentleman was an engineer, who went on to get his Masters. He is making plans on getting his MBA.  He is stellar in his field, outshining many of his co-workers.   So much so, he is being recruited directly from a competitor.

I asked him a question I thought pertinent:  Did he ever face adversity or snide comments or rudeness because he was here on an H1B?  "Never" he said, "And I get asked that a lot from people."  And I related that in the IT field, that there seemed to be a stigma associated with those whom came to the US and worked on an H1B.  

Two days ago in Computer World there was a story on Microsoft's layoffs, and a congressman running an inquiry into whether or not Microsoft was laying off American workers at the expense of keeping H1B workers. Microsoft didn't answer the inquiry as of this writing.  I bring this point up for one reason.  In the many comments that people made almost all talked derrogitorily toward the H1B Visa holders, and that they were staying because they were paid less.

Now, the gentlemen I met who is an engineer related to me his salary and his bonus structure; it was apparent to me that he was being paid equally with what his American co-workers were being paid.  Now I'm not saying that all companies pay the same, nor if there are inequalities in pay between H1B and American employees. I don't have data on either.  I'm probably certain that most complainers aren't certain of it either. In fact they may be confusing offshoring with H1B's.  Be it known that there is obviously a defecit for well trained, educated employees.  So much so that Dr. Eric Schmidt (Google), and Steve Balmer (Microsoft) both are lobbying congress to enable more H1B's in the future, the current number of around 65,000 per year is not nearly enough.- according to the report I read in Computer World.

This gentlemen told me he is attempting to get his green card, but it is a long drawn out process. He also said, he opposed amnesty for those immigrants who were here illegally.  He had to pay the price and time for coming here.  I concurred, but told him, he wouldn't have to worry about any of them taking his position.  He is highly skilled, he has his Bachelors, his Masters, and will be knocking out his MBA within seven years.

This gentlemen is a force to be reckoned with. Not only is he adept, he is business savvy, he has sales skills, and an easy manner.  He is the top of his game.  He strives and acheives; and we all could take a lesson from this man-set goals; educational goals, business goals, personal goals.  I have no doubt in my mind that Mr. Mathews will acheive everything he sets out to do.

Whether or not H1B's get paid more, or less, or are thought to be taking jobs from American's, I can't make any general statements.    Let it known, that if someone does what needs to be done, and strives at their very best,  and continues their education, and makes rash and tough decisions that are sometime uncomfortable to make; they will either be employed or employ others.

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

 

 

 

 

Resolution Check -with apologies to the Beatles

"You say you want a resolution..." and for those of us reading those abridged lyrics. we know the rest, and the catchy tune. "Well you know. We all want to change the world."

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

247,835 Layoffs Since Nov 2008

Were you one of these persons? Have you ever been one of those laid off? I know that feeling of exasperation, and upset. I have felt my own stomach get sick when I was let go in the past. The shocking reality is harsh, to say the least. It is what I would consider an ultimate rejection. - It's worse than being dumped by that pretty girl in high school, right before the prom.

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

Why would I want to work for a government contractor?

Generally you will find that a government contractor, whether they are in the top 100, or the bottom 10,000 are going to be a more stable employer. In fact on one of the current contractors is hiring over 200 for entry level administrative positions. The caveat: They have to pay better than the prevailing wage. For instance in Ft. Wainwright, Alaska, the position for admin paid $15.75 per hour. That's $32,760 to be an admin. Now I don't know what the cost of living is at Ft. Wainwright, but that's what I'd consider decent pay; it was more than I made at my first job as a systems administrator! On top of that nice salary, there are ten holidays, plus vacation, and benefits!


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

The Offer Letter – Read the Fine Print

 

Dear “Name”, the company of XYZ is pleased to make a formal offer of employment through this letter….please sign and return, as this offer is valid for x days. 

 It feels like winning the lottery! Ok, well maybe not; I mean after all, I have never won the lottery, however I have won $10 on a scratch off ticket, and that was pretty euphoric.  That was a great return, I immediately pocketed my winnings. 

Whoa! An actual offer! I was given an offer for a position on Italy some years ago.  It was in Naples, and I was excited.  As I recall the salary was on the lower end of my range at the time, but it was tax free. And there was roughly up to a 50% housing allowance.  The caveat, which was spelled out in the offer letter gave a sum of up to a certain amount.  My immediate thoughts were to rent a small apartment, and pocket the difference – The fine print, spelled out in the offer letter, I had skimmed over – that housing allowance was based on whatever the lease ended up being up to that maximum amount; there was no ‘pocketing the difference’.   Ultimately I didn’t take the position. 

But remember to read the offer letter carefully. Find out what the ‘benefits’ of a corporation are before you accept. I was given an offer letter from another company once, and the salary figure was six figures! I was ecstatic.  And then I found out that the health benefits for my salary were going to be 10% of the salary.  I declined that offer respectfully.  

I have accepted offers without doing the research, because frankly, desperate times sometimes call for desperate measures.  I left the employ of a fantastic corporation to take a position somewhere else. The new company offered more money, but the benefits were atrocious. I was quickly disillusioned.  

My suggestion upon the offer is to make certain that you read the fine print; ask for information regarding the benefits, and read those as well.   Determine what is right for you and your family.  

Want to know who is hiring right now, and who offers benefits?  www.govtcontractorjobs.com

  

Recession Proof Yourself - Employment is at 93%!

Well, the new un-employment figures are in- (www.bls.gov) the figure now stands at 7.2%!!! So let's focus on the BAD NEWS. That means for every 100 employable people there are roughly only 93 employed! What an outrage! 93% employment. Egad! Indeed!

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