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2013 is the year of the networker. Stop groaning. I know what’s best. Once we get that general premise down, we’re good to go. What’s that, you say? You don’t like networking? While I’m sure you’re a marvelously unique individual, you are hardly alone in that sentiment.
Why do so many of us hate networking? Networking has a reputation as a … READ MORE
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So you want to be a first responder. The list of folks who make this choice each year can number in the thousands. What will make you successful in fulfilling your wish; preparation? Preparing for your career in Emergency Services should start the second that you decide to pursue a position. You see, these positions are hard to find and even harder to be hired. Competition for firefighter, emergency medical services, and police officers can be some of the most sought after positions as they offer … READ MORE
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Self-proclaimed guru Dan Schwabel spouted vicious rumors regarding the demise of job boards. I hate to report that Mr. Schwabel was wrong…, but he was wrong. Job Boards are actively used today and each year, hundreds of entrepreneurs and techies launch their vision and version of a job sourcing site. Valuable jobseeker advice was shared in Mr. Schwabel's death knell post, however he did not predict correctly the demise of job boards. READ MORE
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Personnel costs typically consume as much as eighty percent or more of government operating costs and the importance of attracting and selecting experienced, highly qualified and well-suited employees for executive and management positions in public service cannot be overstated.
Though once a practice largely confined to the corporate world, public sector agencies … READ MORE
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So how is the New Year of 2013 going for you so far? Did you make any resolutions? Are you sticking to any of them? The month of January typically comes with new found inspiration to begin or re-start something that would make life better – not only in our personal lives, but for our careers as well. In my coaching practice, I frequently hear from my clients that they need to find more balance in their life. READ MORE
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2013 and we are nearing February 1st! Futurists have long been calling for individuals to round out their careers by building multiple revenue streams. By 2019, more layoffs will have occurred, more robots will be replacing humans, and more individuals will be footing their own cost of medical insurance. Blah, bleak, and … READ MORE
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Every month, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) releases its report on employment and unemployment rates in the nation's 372 metropolitan areas. Along with other economic indicators, these figures can tell a lot about a local area's economic health – particularly for job seekers.
But as with any type of statistics … READ MORE
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Pay Attention to the Chemistry Lesson When Thinking About Your Job Change!
In the last few weeks I have been coaching and counseling a couple of current Heads of HR about career transitions and I have found myself telling them both, after they had less than stellar interactions with the CEO (their soon to be new boss), to pay attention to the “Chemistry lesson”. READ MORE
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Time management is critical for local government administrators and managers. During my career in local government I found three tools that helped me retain control of my time. With the New Year here I thought I’d share these tools to see if you can incorporate them for your use. If this article is of value please leave a comment; if not share those thoughts as well. READ MORE
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There is a story that was shared with me many years ago of a man said to have been the source of the well-known phrase “ Good Enough For Government Work”. It was said to have originated some 70 years ago. The man, an engineer, owned a small engineering firm and would routinely bid on contracts for services from both the public and private sector. One day while completing a large project for a private sector company, he and his staff began conducting a rigorous review of the finished product to ensure that it met each of the specifications … READ MORE
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Finding a job is never easy. Add on the quirks of the government application process and it can become downright overwhelming. Luckily, it's getting a bit easier as technology transforms the traditional job search. With more accurate search engines, social media, and virtual career fairs, job seekers can search, prepare and apply for jobs without ever leaving their couch.
While not all of us have participated in a virtual career fair, they are becoming increasingly popular. READ MORE
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Times are tough. As a result, many state and local governments throughout the country are looking for ways to tighten the purse strings. An obvious strategy is to cut expenses, eliminating non-essential programs and services in order to balance budgets. While employee wellness programs may technically fall under the umbrella of non-essential programs and services, are they wise to cut? Evidence suggests not.
The logic is simple: A healthy employee is a more productive employee. Healthy employees take fewer sick days, and, in general, cost employers less READ MORE
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Payroll tax deductions will likely need to be adjusted based on proposed Congressional action. Job Descriptions are not legally required, but they are very valuable for recruitment, training, and performance evaluations. In addition, they are critical in the evaluation of disability accommodation needs. READ MORE
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You posted the ad, reviewed resumes, conducted interviews, and checked references. Now, you are ready to offer your candidate the job. Your first thought is to call the candidate and make the offer. But you need to stop, organize the offer, and anticipate your response to any questions or complications.
The applicant will have questions, and you need to know the answers (e.g., How much will I be paid? When do I begin earning vacation time? What about medical insurance? Will I receive a relocation allowance?) … READ MORE
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Receiving orientation to a new organization or assignment, acquiring knowledge and learning new skills, and building workplace “connectedness” are all valuable benefits of a strong mentoring relationship. As many as 70% of employees credit one or more mentoring relationships as being instrumental in their career success and job satisfaction. The mentoring relationship can be formal or informal, short term, or can extend over the length of a career. In many cases, a mentor only learns of his or her valuable contribution as a career coach upon hearing retirement banquet tributes. READ MORE
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Decreasing revenue streams and budget shortfalls have led to hiring freezes, unpaid furloughs, and in many cases, layoffs of state and local government employees across the country. And while the private sector is feeling its own brand of pain, the recession has placed public sector employment in a precarious position.
However, the news isn’t all doom and gloom. In a recent interview … READ MORE
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Do you think employers have had the upper hand in the employment marketplace? Well now that the economy is experiencing recovery, the tables have turned towards favoring job seekers.
Regardless of the situation, job seekers should consider the following when evaluating potential employers … READ MORE
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