I'm telling you the truth...(Read Without Failure.)

One of the biggest propaganda messages you'll hear from others is..."Getting Jobs, It's Easy as 1-2-3, Go!

This is so NOT true. It is more complicated than you can imagine.

Don't let this happen to you.

I've been doing Personnel Management for years, and there are more angles in getting a job than a set of measuring tools on display.

The 5 step system of identifying, screening, interviewing, selecting and hiring has changed immensely.

Following-me for the inside "scoop" so you can get your foot in the door. Even if, it seems closed.

I Believe You Can...!!

#motivation #inspiration #resume #interview #hiringnews #aboutmyjob #advice #application #determination #expectations #first job #insight #you can #retail #deliverydrivers

Community Observations

I have been (back) on Jobcase after being away for several years and throughout my time supporting the community, I have seen the same constant posts from people. It's understandable that people need advice, support, feedback, or suggestions, so I want to try to make this easier for anyone and everyone. If you come across this post, take note.

Pick what information you want to know, should know, or want to keep in mind going forward.

WHAT IS JOBCASE?: Jobcase is a social media platform that provides employment resources to job seekers. It is similar to LinkedIn but a less corporate based version. These resources may be a factor in securing successful employment, but landing a job all depends on you. Those within the community should understand that nothing is given to you, to anyone. If you want something, you have to make an effort and work for it. P.s. Jobcase is not a dating site. One can be friendly and compliment someone, but be respectful in your approach.

There are millions of jobs available and millions of people who need jobs, so what are you doing to make yourself stand out from the others? How you market yourself is just as important as it is to need an income to survive. You cannot expect handouts in life just because you "need a job".

You should always apply yourself in ways that matter. Don't have the experience or skills sets? Work on gaining them by volunteering or taking free training courses. Learn to build your own platform as you deal with the pressures of the real world. It won't be easy but it will be worth it.

EMPLOYMENT SCAMS: The unfortunate reality is that employment scams are rampant everywhere. You have to work extra hard to dig, research into an opportunity to verify its legitimacy, and prevent yourself from being scammed. The objective of any scammer is simple, they want information and money, and how they get it can be spread across every platform possible (mail, email, phone, online, etc.). Scammers know to target vulnerable people who are desperate, gullible, and hopeful.

A scammer contacts you via text message, email, or through social media presenting an opportunity. If they claim or tell you:

1. You can make a high dollar amount that is too good to be true.
2. Claim you can work remotely by sending or positing information online.
3. Tell you that they need a check for a specific amount to cover the cost of equipment or supplies needed to perform the job.
4. Ask you to cash a check they plan to send you (cash fraud checks through your bank)
5. They are unable to provide you with a company website and a direct link to the position.
6. Immediately offer you a job without an interview.

IT IS A SCAM!

Scammers are known to hijack job listings and repost the same position across third-party job boards to scam unsuspecting individuals who do not know how to differentiate between a real job listing and a scam.

JOB APPLICATIONS: If you come across a position of interest and want to apply for the role, here are some best practices to be proactive in your job searches:

1. Read the job description in full. Copy the entire job description and email it to yourself for recordkeeping. Note: This also comes in handy for any employment or legal proof reasons.

2. Locate the company’s physical website, go to their careers section and search for the same position you found on a job board. Match/compare the job description you found/emailed to yourself and confirm the details line by line.

Note: Some companies may not have the position posted on their website for three reasons:

1. The position has not been posted yet or the company’s website isn’t built to track or manage the influx of job applications received.

2. It is possible the position is not accurate, or real and/or the position was hijacked by a scammer and reposted to lure applicants for their personal information, as they pose as the company. If you suspect this, CALL the company’s HR department, which you can pull directly from the “contact” section of any company’s website.

Let them know you want to verify a job listing you found online before submitting your application.** Companies will happily help you with this anytime, and in some cases, it can even be a benefit to you by showing you are taking initiative to be proactive, and helps you build rapport with someone on the inside that may like you enough to be a reference.**

3. The position was filled and the company removed the job listing from their website but not from the job board itself. This commonly happens.

Applying for a position from a company’s website typically requires you to create a username and password to gain access into the company’s job portal, and track your application status. Yes, it’s tedious, yes, it’s time consuming, yes, it’s redundant, but welcome to technology. The benefit to this is that you also learn to become more technically savvy the more you do this. Silver lining?

Make sure your resume is up to date before applying for any job. Check for spelling or grammatical errors, and make any updates, if needed.

REJECTION TYPES: Many job applications will be automatically rejected if the following applies:

1. Your application has missing information by choice. Putting “see resume” in lieu of not filling out an application in full is an automatic rejection. Some ATS won't even allow you to proceed with an application until all required fields are completed.

2. Your resume doesn't match specific keys words that the ATS is scanning for, and although no one has control over the functionality of ATS, be sure your resume has matching key words you identified within the job description of the position you applied to.

INTERVIEWS - PHONE, VIRTUAL OR IN-PERSON: Companies will typically make first contact with an applicant via email or by phone, and either be a tier level recruiter, a talent acquisition specialist, an HR generalist, or a hiring manager post-application submission if your background sparks the company’s interest to want to schedule an interview with you. Post-applying to jobs does not automatically warrant an interview.

You will know who they are when they introduce themselves – remember them because this is where your interview begins without you knowing. This is also where you'll want to go back into your emails and pull up the job description you emailed to yourself.

Be prepared, do your research behind the company, the position, and its responsibilities. Do not procrastinate to the last minute, and be sure to ask questions. No company will waste their time if you have no questions, and assume you don’t want to know anything. Companies know this is BS and will immediately reject you or move on to the next person. Remember, you are competing with other applicants, too.

Most companies will conduct virtual interviews using MS Teams, Zoom, or WebEx, unless it's in-person. You want to confirm with your recruiter about which video conferencing application the company uses to conduct their interviews beforehand, or if the interview will be held in-person.

BACKGROUND CHECKS: Got an offer pending a background check? Here’s what you should know:

1. Background checks are between 5-7 (OR) 7-10 years depending on what the company’s background check timeframe is. This is typically indicated at the end of a job application in fine print and will highlight what a company is searching for during the background check. Keep note of this.

2. Companies looks for criminal records for felonies/misdemeanors, sexual harassment/offenders/pornography, and drug use. Marijuana may also a considered a drug depending on the company and your state of residence, and defined as medicinal or recreational use. In addition to the background checks, companies will also conduct a credit check if your position or the company handles or manages any finances.

For credit checks, companies will look for records of financial fraud/embezzlement. A low credit score may or may not be overlooked but companies want to see how of if you manage or can manage finances, and if you are trustworthy with handling finances. Depending on your state of residence, it is always best to request a free copy of your background and credit report, which is or should be free to you when being conducted for the purpose of employment.

3. Any job offer is contingent on your background check and can/will be rescinded if you fail your background check.

If your offense is old and/or has surpassed a time frame, it is completely legal to not specify that on your job applications. When a person has been convicted of a felony, the length of time the felony will show up on the record depends on the state the felon lives in.

In California, Colorado, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Texas, and Washington, a felony will not show up on a record after seven years no matter what. In every other state, however, the information is present on the record forever. It all depends on how far back the requester (company) of the background check wants to go, but they are able to obtain information regarding any felony convictions during your entire lifetime. Most employers only go back 5-10 years on a background check, though.

You can read more information regarding convictions here: https://www.privateeyesbackgroundchecks.com/does-a-felony-show-up-after-7-years/. Hopefully this insight may help you future job search.

ALWAYS READ THE FINE PRINT at the end of each job application before it’s submitted. Some companies require your agreement via a box checked, a signature (typed name), or an automatic agreement when you submit your application. It varies from company to company.

Hopefully you take whatever information applies to you, to your situation and it's helpful or insightful during your job search.

#information #knowledge #insight

While i hope that everyone had had a great productive day, the day is coming to an end. Let’s reflect on what we can do to make tomorrow even better!!! While we prepare dinner and get ready for the night... HAVE A BLESSED ONE EVERYONE!!

I have four more days until I begin my new role, and I am starting to feel like that time will fly by and I won't have used it to my advantage. One thing I know about myself is that I need to feel productive and always keep myself moving and doing things that will be good for me and my friends and family.

One way I continue to accomplish my goals; whether or not they be small or large; is to make lists.

I set up realistic lists of tasks, and break it out by the days of the week - I find handwriting always helps. Then I go about my day crossing off tasks. It feels good to close out even just one task.

To summarize!

1. ALWAYS handwrite what you need to get done
2. Break your tasks into smaller, more achievable daily lists
3. Cross out tasks as you go
4. Include fun tasks for yourself, as well as helpful tasks for others
5. Have fun!

Hope this helps someone. Let me know how you keep busy during down time.

#motivation #lists #goals #goalsetting #unemployment

How is everybody doing with their job search? Did anyone get a chance to interview with a employer? If not, than I really hope you get that interview and that job! Good luck! :)

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Good Morning Community,

Today is your day to shine! No matter how you are feeling up or down you have the power to make it better. Life is too short to allow the simple things to go unnoticed in our journey on this human life. Tomorrow is never promised to anyone. Sometimes we allow the little things to get in the way of our bigger plans. We all have control over ourselves and our choices we choose. We all have the power to achieve what it is we seek in this human world we live in. Today take a minute to look in the mirror and smile. You can even say I Love Myself, I am Worthy of Everything I set my mind too do. Next pass it on to the next person no matter who it is stranger or not. Greet them with a smile, tell them how good they look, let them know you appreciate sharing this life with them and watch the results. Remember Today is Your Day to Shine and let the world know it !

Why Aren't You: Employee of the Month?

Many employers recognize outstanding contributions that are made by its top employee with the designation "Employee of the Month."

So, how do you become the employee that your organization fights to keep? Here are twelve behaviors to make yourself more valuable at work.

1. Make sure you are proud of your work.

If you aren’t proud of your work, then you didn’t put 100% of your effort into it. Do not just complete an assignment just to say you did it! Be sure you are pouring solid, concentrated effort into whatever you are working on!

Reread it, look it over a third or fourth time, do whatever is necessary to make sure your work is high quality. Your work will eventually rise above those who settle for mediocrity. However, do not take twice as long to do your work. Deliver on time, put 100% of your effort into whatever you do, and your work ethic will be noted.

2. Treat your manager and co-workers as you do your customers.

You know what good customer service is about from your own experience. It’s about being cheerful, flexible, prompt, and reliable. Work at delivering good customer service every day to your manager and co-workers. Give them reasons to want to work with you and not with someone else.

3. Maintain a positive attitude.

Everyone has good and bad days, but the people we appreciate for their consistency and enthusiasm don’t let their bad days ruin ours. They choose their attitude. And they choose to make it positive. You can, too. Here are some ways to accomplish this goal:

Make a list of the good things in your life or keep a file of accomplishments you’re proud of. Look at it when you start to feel down. Take yourself back to that time of the accomplishment; think about how energized you became, and why. This can help you get back to that positive state of mind. The momentum gained from this exercise should generate further momentum. Remind yourself that problems at work aren’t all about you. Look at them as opportunities to fix something, not as criticisms of you. Don’t take it personal. Spend time with people who have positive attitudes, both to get an emotional lift from them and to observe how they deal with challenges. Make an effort to be pleasant and easy to work with, even when you’re not feeling that way inside. Avoid the “blame game.” Instead of finding someone to blame when there’s a problem, focus on ways to fix it. Be honest with yourself about what’s causing a negative attitude. Watch for symptoms of stress and think about what is causing it. Get help when you need it..

4. Focus on productivity.

Work at becoming as good as you can be at the most important functions of your job. Produce results that are highly valued. Look for opportunities to do work more efficiently, to improve quality and customer satisfaction, and to save the organization money. Make a point of offering new ideas that could enhance the business. Strive to get more work done by being efficient, overcoming procrastination, and reducing interruptions. Try to understand the work style of your co-workers and of other groups you work with.

5. Be an agent of change, not an obstacle to it.

Employees who embrace positive change and help make changes happen are appreciated and valued by their managers. They also have a head start in learning new work processes and finding out how their skills and talents fit into the changed organization. Be an employee who suggests changes to improve efficiency or quality and who helps to figure out how to make those changes happen. Notice problems at work, but instead of complaining take steps to find a solution. Help co-workers accept changes, too, by drawing their attention to opportunities that change can bring.

6. Make connections.

Make friends at work and with people doing similar work at other organizations. Have fun and help others have fun at work. Make yourself the kind of person others want to work with. Help out when your help is needed, teach valuable skills, and share work-critical information. Let people know about interesting articles or studies that you find. Network to make connections with people who can give you new and different work and teach you valued skills. Volunteer for committees or special events as a way to work with new people. Attend industry functions and trade association meetings when it’s appropriate. Meet experts in your field and ask them for feedback on your work or ideas about problems your organization is facing. Know your employer’s policies about online networking so that, if your organization permits, you can benefit from both “offline” or face-to-face networking and from joining networking sites on the Internet.

7. Communicate clearly and directly.

Being a clear, direct, and thoughtful communicator can help you stand out as a valued employee. Share information that others need to know, and share it efficiently. Use e-mail when discussion isn’t needed. Call or talk in person if an issue truly needs to be discussed. Be prepared when you go to meetings so that you don’t waste people’s time. Get right to the point; eliminate unnecessary details. Always thank people for their time and their help.

8. Keep learning.

If you’re doing the same work in the same way you did it two years ago, chances are you’re being left behind. Take the time (your own time if that’s what’s needed) to learn new skills and to stay current with any areas of special expertise. Keep any licenses or certifications up-to-date even if you’ve moved into a managerial or other job that doesn’t require them. Stay informed about the business you’re in. Consider taking classes or professional development seminars. Commit to reading at least one book or professional journal in your field each quarter. As you gain new skills and knowledge, let your leader know. Find ways to use what you’re learning in your work.

9. Seek and welcome honest feedback.

Understand how your manager and others in your organization see your strengths and weaknesses. This will help you improve your knowledge and skills in the way that would help your employer most. Ask your manager, “What is the most important thing I could do to make myself more valuable to our organization?” Or, “What college classes would help most in my current job?” If you feel uncomfortable talking with your manager, consider requesting a confidential meeting with your human resources (HR) department and asking for clarification. Keep in mind that employers often place a very high value on aspects of performance, such as attendance and punctuality, that employees may see as less important.

10. Make your value visible to others.

“Market” yourself to make sure that your value is noticed. Make sure your manager knows what you do, and especially what you do well. Your performance review is an appropriate forum for listing your accomplishments and explaining the challenges you’ve overcome. Regular one-on-one meetings with your manager are another. Make your value more visible by volunteering for high-profile projects, where your contribution will be noticed as part of an important effort. Offer to be a coach or mentor to new employees. Ask to represent your team or department on cross-functional teams. As you learn new skills, teach your co-workers. They’ll appreciate the help in solving the work problems they face, and it will give you a reputation both as a source of expertise and as a valued team member.

11. Be flexible.

In an up-and-down economy, employers may place a higher value on employees who have the skills and mental flexibility to do more than one job. Be ready and willing to take on some or all of the tasks of a co-worker who is absent or on leave or who has been laid off or furloughed. If your current skills or knowledge wouldn’t allow you to do this, make it a top priority to gain a few new ones.

It may not be easy, but it’s well worth it! Flexible people are so much more valuable.

** 12. Be Honest.**

This one quality alone will set you apart from so many people.

Think about it — how many people these days are completely honest? Sadly, not that many. So, when the project is going to take three weeks to complete, don’t say it’s only going to take one week. When you are the last one at the office after a hard day’s work, don’t grab a box of paper clips to take home with you.

It’s the little things that make all the difference, and this includes telling the truth. Telling the truth is a lot easier than trying to keep up with the lies in the long-run, anyway.

Final Thoughts

In today’s workplace, hard work and the extra effort made by an employee is still recognized and appreciated. Accomplishment at work is no longer just about working harder. It’s about working differently, and ensuring your continued value. Practice the twelve behaviors in this article will help you become the valued employee your company might name the next "Employee of the Month."

SHOULD YOU READ THIS OR NOT? (You tell me!)

Do you really want to get ahead in life? Well, listen to this because it's very important. Here's one of Life's Lessons:

If you're holding on to anger about something or against someone, and you know you that you are justified, ok. Now, let's look a little farther. When a person operates from a state of anger, their health is affected in the long run as well as others.

MOVE TO ACTION:

#1. DON'T...ever hold on to anger about or against someone else. Forgive them and yourself as soon as possible or when you're able.

#2. When you are holding on to anger and you want to pay someone back, it can be likened to grasping a piece of coal with the intention of throwing it at someone in revenge. But guess who gets burned and hurt first? Exactly.

Let it go, as soon as possible. Friend, life is too short to live in anger.

I Believe You Can...!

Regardless of what your current status is today...employed, unemployed, searching for jobs, working on the job, leaving the job, trying to fit-in, building your brand, hoping for the best, praying not to go crazy, trying not to fall apart, disruptive family relationships, marriage relationships, friendships, and the list goes on....

HERE ARE FOUR UNDENIABLE STOPS TO OVERCOME:

1. STOP...bad mouthing and tearing down yourself. (There's enough people in the audience of life that's going to do that anyway.)
2. STOP...absorbing insults from other people. (They don't really know you, so why should you care?)
3. STOP...allowing fear to have more presence than faith in your life. (Fear is: False Evidence Appearing Real, Faith is the expectation of things hoped for.)
4. STOP...counting yourself out of the game. (All it takes is one person in the audience to like you and the rest is history.)

Regardless of what your current status is today, you can make it, if you try!

I Believe You Can...!