Government outsourcing, or privatization, is a central strategy to the notion of reengineering government which has been widely discussed and written about since the 1970s. However, while recession-choked cities and counties are now looking closer at outsourcing,...
Avoiding the Serial Applicant Syndrome
Step 1: Don’t apply for the job. Step 2: Repeat, as needed. Sometimes your job search can feel like a numbers game - the more applications you send in, the better the odds that you’ll land that dream position, right? Well, what may have worked when you were in high...
Is the Public Sector making a turnaround?
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...
Local Government Term Limits
Any individual who advocates for mandatory local government term limits for local government offices has either never worked in local government or Is a fool. Term limits for County Board, City Council, Mayor, Township, Borough, Parish or School Board public offices...
Impact of Federal Elections on Local Employment
At least one interpretation of former Speaker of the House Tip O'Neil's declaration that "All politics is local" suggests that while people may support or reject an issue on a national basis, they tend to actually vote in ways that impact them locally. If you...
Communication Is Critical In Change Management
Much has been said since 2008 – and still is, today – about the devastating impact upon governmental budgets brought on by the foreclosure and property tax calamities. In fact, I don’t believe enough can be said about it. Having once served as Public Information...
Conflict of Interest – Taking a More Aggressive Approach to Protecting the Integrity of Public Service
As public servants we are all fully cognizant of the State and Local Government Conflict of Interests Act (promulgated from the Political Reform Act of 1974) and the prescribed requirements for disclosing our financial interests and avoiding such conflicts. Most all...
Your Professional Brand
As governments begin to hire again it is imperative for those seeking employment to be better positioned as a powerful professional brand. Everything about you should demonstrate that as a candidate for employment you are THE protagonist for high performance and...
Federal Hiring and Veteran’s Preference
Are you a veteran of the armed services? Are you taking advantage of your veteran’s preference whilepursuing employment with the Federal government? Disabled veterans and veterans who served on active duty at certain times receive special hiring preference. It is one...