1. Proofread.
This should be a no-brainer, but almost all resumes had typos and formatting inconsistencies. Make sure your resume is perfect, and hire a professional if you’re not confident in your proofreading skills.
2. Remove “Fluff.”
One of my pet peeves is the use of flowery resume language. If you’re a results-proven, detail-oriented leader with excellent verbal and written communication skills, I’m talking to you. This type of language makes hiring managers’ eyes glaze over and doesn’t do much to “sell” your credentials. Instead of saying that you have these skills, prove it with examples of past successes throughout the resume.
3. Add a Headline.
A Headline calls out your objective as well as one or two of your top qualifications, and is a modern twist on a traditional “Objective” section.
4. Add a Summary.
If you don’t have a Qualifications Summary, write one — immediately! The summary can present the top reasons why employers should contact you — your value proposition. If you lead your resume with a compelling summary, employers will be more likely to read the rest of your resume.
5. Include Important Skills.
You can create a separate “Key Skills” section or incorporate your skills in the Summary section. Either way, an easy-to-skim, bulleted list of your job-related skills will appeal to hiring managers.
6. Add Accomplishments.
And while you’re at it, quantify them (if possible) so employers can understand the impact of your work.
7. Avoid Using Personal Pronouns.
Employers know that your resume is about you, so write in an “implied” first-person voice.
8. Focus on the Last Ten Years or So.
If your work history is extensive, keep in mind that most resume reviewers are concerned about your recent employment. You can keep the early positions, but cut down on the amount of space used and consider summing it up in an “Early Career” section.
9. Ditch the “References Available” Line.
Employers expect you to have references if you’re in a job search, and this line is just wasting space at the end of the resume.
Information provided by: Nine Ways to improve a resume.

In today's job market, you need to do everything in your powers to get ahead of the competition. This includes personal branding and marketing yourself online to increase your offline exposure and credentials to recruiters. Added benefits of personal branding are the new connections and community you are building and taking part in, as well as the long term affects of having great content on the web.

Utilizing a blog, keeping a portfolio or even having an interactive online resume are great ways to showcase your skill sets and abilities, but if all you are relying on is text, then you are missing out on a very important persuasive power; playing on a human's natural senses.

The senses I am referring to here are sight and sound. On the web it is extremely easy to implement these into your websites, resumes and online marketing arsenal.

Video

Web video is not a fad and not just silly cat videos you receive in a mass forwarded email. In fact, the search bar on YouTube.com is used more that Yahoo.com's main search bar. Producing web videos has never been easier and more beneficial if done correctly. Cameras can be found for around $100 and most digital cameras offer a video recording feature that will more than suffice for web video.

Video Tip* The quality of the production is not as important as the quality of the content. If you are a sales rep, go out and film a sales presentation. If you are an electrician, shoot a quick video on how to put some structure together and make it light up. The goal is to showcase your skills and abilities that you can perform at a given job.

Audio

The web is full of audio, just for kicks there are over 200 million bands on Myspace - that's a lot of music. Just like video however, audio is more than garage bands and hip-hop. Creating Podcasts or audio interviews are a great way to show off personality, authority and speaking skills. A great way to record a phone conversation is by using FreeConferenceCall.com. This can be used to interview a successful person in your industry, to record a mock phone interview or show off your selling skills.

Photos

Pictures make works come to life. Have you presented in front of a room of peers and took pictures of the stage, the room set-up, the catering? Use these images to show off your work much like a web designer shows off the websites that they have built. If you are working on home projects, construction, real estate - whatever - snap some shots and host them online at Flickr.com or Photobucket.com. Be sure to add descriptive titles, descriptions and tags so that people can find your pictures.

Overall Strategy

Using all these online mediums can seem overwhelming at first. Set a goal to get your resume completed first and them look for things that you can highlight in your resume by adding links and media to make it stand out from the crowd.

One other key is to NOT overuse media in your resume, cover letter or interview. Recruiters like a little flash but they still work off the old resume principles, and if they print your resume, they cannot print a video or link.
Ok, Orlando, I want to see your media. Shoot us a comment and let us know your media strategy in the promotion of yourself online. We will feature these in an upcoming post to get you even more exposure (hint* - Orlando area employers read this site all the time!).

Happy hunting and have a great weekend Orlando!

-Greg Rollett

Here is a press release we received from Point Park College on a free series of workshops to help recently unemployed workers put their job search on track:

The Baltimore Employment Guide May 25th-May 31st

Check out this week's great career opportunities:
Aramark
North American Trade Schools
Chimes,Inc.
Bello Machre
All-State Career
AEX Corporation
Bob Evans
Gallagher Services

Even in the midst of the biggest "buyer's market" in decades, these are the posiitons found to be most difficult to fill nationwide, according to Manpower:

The 10 Hardest Jobs to Fill, as reported by U.S. employers for 2009, are:

Engineers
Nurses
Skilled/Manual Trades
Teachers
Sales Representatives
Technicians
Drivers
IT Staff
Laborers
Machinist/Machine Operators

We found an interesting blog post on Katey Couric's blog "Couric & Co." on the CBS News website. A local Duquesne University graduate is featured as well as other interesting aspects of the most difficult job market for graduates in 30 years. Follow the link here: http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/05/27/couricandco/entry5044062.shtml

With our job fair coming up next week, I thought I would take some time to talk about it. We currently have around 15-20 companies lined up with more surely to come. It is going to be at the Downtown Hilton in Portland from 10am to 3pm on Thursday, June 4th. It is free to all job seekers. This is our second of four job fairs this year and we are pretty excited about it!

So take a look at these previous job fair blog entries here and here to brush up on some of what you should expect to face when going to a job fair. Also any simple google search on job fair tips can expand your knowledge on what to expect. As always you should dress for success and bring lots of resumes because you just never know what could happen!

Here is the Job Fair flyer that has a list of our sponsors such as Evans Glass, Opti Staffing Group, and KPAM 860AM. If you can not make the job fair, you can also check us out on the web at our website. We hope everyone is as excited as we are and we look forward to seeing you next week!

This week here on the Orlando JobSpot we have some very special information for veterans and for families of veterans looking to find a job in today's climate. While the job search may be similar to that of a non veteran, there are a few extra resources, Bills and tips that can help accelerate your transition into civilian life. Today we are looking into the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program and the types of tracks offered for Veterans.

Reemployment With Previous Employer

This track is designed for those individuals separating from active duty or in the National Guard or Reserves and who are now returning to work for their previous employer.

What are some of the features of this track?
A Rehabilitation Plan with the goal of Reemployment may involve job accommodations, job modification, case management, coordination and linkages of services with VA health care, reemployment rights advice, work adjustment services and consultation with the employer.

Rapid Access to Employment

Rapid access to employment is targeted to those individuals who have expressed a desire to seek employment soon after separation or who already have the necessary skills to be competitive in the job market in an appropriate occupation.

What are some of the features of this track?
A Rehabilitation Plan with the goal of immediate employment may provide for job readiness preparation, resume development, job search assistance, development of employment resources, job accommodations and post employment follow-up.

Self-Employment

Self-employment is targeted to individuals who have limited access to traditional employment, need flexible work schedules, or who need a more accommodating work environment due to their disabling conditions or other life circumstances.

What are some of the features of this track?
A Rehabilitation Plan with the goal of self-employment may provide for analysis of the viability of a business concept, development of the business plan, training in the operation of small businesses, marketing and financial assistance and guidance on obtaining adequate resources to implement the business plan.

*Bonus Tip* - For those looking into self employment, I would recommend finding your personal brand, your skill set and desires for getting into self employment.

Employment Through Long Term Services

Long Term Services are targeted to individuals who need specialized training and/or education to obtain and maintain suitable employment.

What are some of the features of this track?
A Rehabilitation Plan with the goal of training and /or education may provide for on-the-job training (OJT), apprenticeships, internships, job shadowing, work monitoring, work-study, public-private job partnering, or higher education sufficient to obtain suitable entry-level
employment.

Independent Living Services

Independent living services are targeted to individuals who may not be able to work right now and need rehabilitation services to live more independently.

What are some of the features of this track?
A Rehabilitation Plan with the goal of independent living may include assisted technology, independent living skills training, connection to community-based support services, etc.

What Other Benefits May Be Provided?

After a plan is developed, the counselor will assist the veteran to implement the plans to achieve gainful suitable employment or independent living. The counselor or case manager may provide medical and dental referrals, coordination of training allowance, tutorial assistance, adjustment counseling, or other services necessary to achieve rehabilitation

Summary

In summary, a veteran who is found eligible for the VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program and who has an employment handicap is entitled to vocational rehabilitation services. Following the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor’s determination that a veteran has met the entitlement criteria, the counselor and veteran will jointly develop a plan for a rehabilitation program with a goal typically leading toward employment. In some cases, the
plan goal may be related to an independent living need. This plan will provide all of the needed services and assistance identified through the initial evaluation.

In those cases when a veteran is not found to be entitled, the VA Counselor will assist him or her to use the information gathered in the initial evaluation to identify other options, goals, and programs that should contribute to sound vocational adjustment, for example, referral to the
State Vocational Rehabilitation program, information about financial aid, and referral to the Department of Labor’s DVOP program.

-Greg

Click on the image below to view a copy of this week's edition of The Employment Guide in Portland.

(photo by Beth Rankin)

The Coming Home to Work (CHTW) Program is Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment’s (VR&E’s) primary early intervention and outreach program. Through this initiative, all VR&E services are available to eligible servicemembers and veterans. Participants work with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) to determine eligibility and entitlement to VR&E services. Once entitlement is established, the VRC and the servicemember or veteran will work as a team to decide which employment track is most suitable based on each participant’s individual needs. VR&E’s goal is to assist eligible servicemembers and veterans obtain and maintain suitable employment that will not aggravate their disabilities. This program does not replace or conflict with medical treatment or military requirements.

Program Goal
The goal of CHTW is to provide rehabilitation services to VR&E eligible servicemembers pending medical separation and veterans receiving treatment at Community Based Health Care Organizations and VA medical treatment facilities. VR&E eligible servicemembers with a memorandum rating of a least 20% are entitled to an evaluation for VR&E benefits regardless of their expected discharge date. While servicemembers cannot participate under Chapter 31 until VR&E eligibility is determined, Chapter 36 services are provided to transitioning servicemembers who are within six months of discharge from active duty or within one year following discharge from active duty.

Application Process
Servicemembers and veterans without a VA memorandum rating need to complete VA Form 28-0588, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment - Getting Ahead After You Get Out*. A copy of your medical records must be included along with this form. An application for VR&E services, VA Form 28-1900 Disabled Veterans Application For Vocational Rehabilitation*, needs to be completed as well. Please submit both VA Forms (28-0588 and 28-1900) along with medical documentation to a VA VRC, a Military Service Coordinator, VA Coming Home to Work Coordinator or deliver to a local VA Regional Office.

Servicemembers and veterans do not need to have a disability to participate in Chapter 36, Educational and Vocational Counseling. Chapter 36 services are a valuable tool to help identify strengths and assist in selecting a career. To participate in this free service, complete VA Form 28-8832, Application for Counseling*. This form may also be mailed or delivered to a local VA Regional Office, given to a VA VRC, Military Service Coordinator or a Coming Home to Work Coordinator.

Benefits

• Provides a seamless transition into Chapter 31, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment.
• Provides assistance with finding and maintaining suitable employment that will not aggravate your disabilities.
• Provides access to training programs to include degree and certification programs.
• Provides career exploration that may include a Non-Paid Work Experience (NPWE).
• Collaboration with medical rehabilitation team to ensure medical appointments come first.

For more information about Coming Home to Work, please contact your local CHTW Coordinator.
Disabled Transition Assistance Program (DTAP)
To view the Disabled Transition Assistance Program
(DTAP) presentation, please visit: http://vetsuccess.gov/dtap/

-Greg

Click on the picture to enlarge

This week here on the JobSpot we have some very special information for veterans and for families of veterans looking to find a job in today's climate. While the job search may be similar to that of a non veteran, there are a few extra resources, Bills and tips that can help accelerate your transition into civilian life. Today we are looking into the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program for veterans.

(Check out Parts 1 and 2 of FAQ's on the VA Bill.)

What Is the Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program?
This program’s primary function is to help veterans who have service-connected disabilities become suitably employed, maintain employment, or achieve independence in daily living.

Who is Eligible for VR&E Services?
To receive an evaluation for vocational rehabilitation services, a veteran must:

• Have received, or eventually receive, an honorable or other than dishonorable discharge
• Have a VA service-connected disability rating of 10% or more
• Apply for vocational rehabilitation services

The law generally provides for a 12-year basic period of eligibility in which services may be used. The 12-year period begins on the latter of these dates:

• Date of separation from active military duty or
• Date the veteran was first notified of a service-connected disability rating

A Comprehensive Evaluation is completed with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor that includes:

• A full assessment of the veteran’s interests, aptitudes, and abilities to determine whether the veteran is “entitled” to VR&E services
• An assessment of whether service-connected disabilities impair the veteran’s ability to find and/or hold a job using the occupational skills already attained
• Vocational exploration and goal development

How is Entitlement Determined?
A VA Counselor decides if a veteran has an employment handicap based upon the results of the comprehensive evaluation. Entitlement to services is established if the veteran has a 20% service-connected disability and an employment handicap. If the disability is 10% service-connected, then a serious employment handicap must be
found to establish entitlement to vocational rehabilitation services.

After an entitlement decision is made, the veteran and the counselor will work together to develop a rehabilitation plan.

What is a Rehabilitation Plan?
A Rehabilitation Plan is a written detailed outline of services provided under the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program. The following service delivery options may be provided under a Rehabilitation Plan:

1. Reemployment with previous employer
2. Rapid employment services for new employment
3. Self-employment
4. Employment through long term services
5. Independent living services

How To Apply
You can apply through the Internet for VR&E benefits by going to the VONAPP web site at: http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp

The VONAPP (Veterans On Line Applications) website is an official U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website, which enables veterans to apply for benefits using the Internet. U.S. military veterans and some service members within six months of separation or retirement can apply for compensation, pension, and vocational
rehabilitation benefits.

When you use this site to complete and send an application to VA, your application will be sent directly to the VA office with jurisdiction over your application. Processing will begin and you will receive an automated e-mail response from the VA office letting you know that it received your application.

Applying by Mail
To print an official blank VA Form 28-1900, Disabled Veterans Application for Vocational Rehabilitation, Benefits Administration website using this link: http://www.va.gov/vaforms/. Fill out the form and mail to the nearest VA Regional Office.

To find out the address of the VA Regional Office nearest you, go to http://www1.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp. You may also call the VA at 1-800-827-1000 and request that a VA form 1900 be mailed to you.


For more information on a Veteran's Transition, please pick up a copy of the Veteran's Transition Guide brought to you by the www.EmploymentGuide.com. This special issue can be found at all Workforce locations in Central Florida as well as Military Institutions and Bases in the area.

-Greg

If you're anything like me, you woke up this past Monday to realize that this work week is ending with a three day weekend to celebrate Memorial Day. Thoughts of hot dogs & hamburgers (or their veggie alternatives, if that's your thing), swimming pools and beaches and cookouts went dancing through your head even before you clocked in to start the week! But, just because you're getting ready for the party, doesn't mean you should throw your job search on the backburner, next to the grilled zucchini that almost never gets eaten. Memorial Day cookouts and parties are perfect opportunities to do some good ol' fashioned networking and person-to-person job searching!

 

Not sure what I mean? Here's some tips to help make your Memorial Day fun and fruitful.

 

Carry along copies of your resume to cookouts and parties.

Especially if these cookouts are being thrown by your friends or they're neighborhood mixers, you're likely to run into people who may be able to tell you about jobs in their particular companies. Having your resume on-hand is a great way to get the word out about who you are to these companies without ever stepping foot into their office! Pack it into your picnic basket next to a cool fruit salad, or brownies, and you're not even going out of your way to make sure you're stlil on the job search even on a holiday!

 

Network, network, network.

I'm not telling you to be all-business on a holiday; in fact, you should be sure to take time out from your job search on your three-day weekend. But if you're there, and they're there, you may as well throw your name into the mix, right? Meet new people at every party you go to. Make sure to remind a few friends that you're looking for a job. Chances are they'll be able to point you out to at least one person at the cookout who is a great contact for you to add to your list!

 

Have fun!

Memorial Day Weekend is a great time to recharge and get your summer started. It's also a great time to get your creative juices flowing to dive back into the job search. Be sure to pack plenty of sun screen, keep hydrated and most of all - have fun! When you're happy, you're more likely to be productive. You're not a robot, so take time to relax, breathe and let good things come to you!

 

Be sure to check out one of our "Putting America Back to Work" job fairs this summer, too! We've got 58 exciting job fairs scheduled between now and November 10th. Stop by one in your city and see why The Employment Guide® is Your Guide!

It's been said that the best new ideas are the best old ideas.

In other words, there's no need to reinvent the wheel in your job search if others before you have found ways to succeed.

What if I told you there was a success "system," invented by Benjamin Franklin in the 1730s, that helped create millionaires in the 1930s, when unemployment stood at 25%?

Do you think it might help you find a job faster today, with unemployment at less than 9%?

If you're interested, I'll describe this system, which can make sure you stay on track and do more of the right things each day, getting you hired faster for the job you want.

You'll need two items: a small notebook and a pencil. An Excel spreadsheet is a very helpful third component, but don't let the lack of one stop you from getting started.

What are you going to do?

Track, analyze, and improve how you spend your time every working day.

Because your time is your life. Do the right things with your time, and you'll get the right results in your life. In your case, the result you seek is a new job.

Here are the 5 simple steps to this ingenious system ...

1) Carry a small pocket notebook around from the time you wake up until you stop your job-search efforts in the evening.

2) Record how you spend your time in increments of 5 minutes. Examples:

    6:00-6:25     Wake, exercise
    6:25-6:45     Breakfast
    6:45-7:00     Shower
    7:00-7:30     Watch TV news
    7:30-8:10     Answer e-mails
    8:10-9:30     Search online for job listings

3) Each evening, add up the minutes you spent on each activity and organize them into three categories: Productive, Personal, and Wasted.

Productive time is anything that produces job leads. Examples: calling friends to network, meeting other job seekers to help each other, interviewing employees of your target employer to learn about the corporate culture, etc.

Personal time is anything spent on yourself and not your job search. Examples: eating, running errands, exercise breaks, etc.

Wasted time is anything that served no useful purpose. Examples: checking sports scores, idle chatter, checking e-mail every 15 minutes, etc.

Add up your time in these three areas on a sheet of paper or use an Excel spreadsheet.

4) At the end of the week, analyze your efforts. Here's where you'll get insights that can change your life.

Example: When I first tracked my time, I found I had spent 360 minutes in one week reading and answering e-mail. That works out to 24 hours -- one full day of life -- every month pecking away at email. Unacceptable.

So I resolved to check e-mail only twice a day. And I easily cut that time down to 240 minutes, saving two hours a week and 8 hours per month. Better.

But I never would have known where I was wasting time had I not tracked each day in detail.

Tip: After speaking to thousands of job seekers over the years, here's where you're probably wasting time each day:

• Checking e-mail several times an hour. Twice a day is enough -- morning and late afternoon. Anyone who really wants to reach you will call.
• Doing personal errands or chores. Running to the store for milk or mowing the lawn won't get you hired. Only meeting with hiring authorities will get you hired.
• Failure to network. Networking is like exercise: You have to do it every day to produce results. Block off at least two hours a day for calling people and being useful to them while reminding them of your job search.

5) Finally, commit to taking more productive actions each day, fewer personal ones, and none at all that are wasteful. Will you succeed perfectly? No. Will you improve simply by observing your efforts? Yes.


This system has its roots in "The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin," in which Franklin described tracking his time daily in a notebook, with the goal of adopting 13 virtues as new habits.

You'll also find a variant of it in chapters 3 and 19 of "The Success System That Never Fails," by W. Clement Stone, who started amassing a fortune selling life insurance during the Great Depression.

Now, if scribbling in a notebook every few minutes and reviewing your day every evening seems onerous, don't worry. It gets easier as you go, thanks to this fact of physics: It takes more energy to overcome inertia and get moving from a standstill (your old habits) than to maintain that movement (your new habit of tracking time).

Try this system for 21 days. You will be pleasantly shocked at how much more efficient you become in all that you do, starting with your job search.


Kevin Donlin is contributing co-author of "Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters 2.0." Since 1996, he has provided job-search help to more than 20,000 people. For a free Guerrilla Job Search audio CD, visit MyNewJobHunt.com.

 

The Baltimore Employment Guide May 18-May 24

Check out this week's great career opportunities:
C&S Wholesale Services
Baltimore County Office of HR
Durham School Services
North American Trade Schools
All-State Career
Alban Tractor
Dedicated Too
Baltimore School of Massage

Like I have stated before that the recession is slowing, but it is far from over. Oregonians are seeing that for the first time in a while. These numbers are still very high for us, but they did not continue to climb after March. Its reports like this one about Oregon High-Tech stabilizing that validate what I am saying and what many are reporting that the numbers may not be pretty but at least they aren't snowballing. Right now there are a reported 242,550 Oregonians that are unemployed and that is more than double the number that were unemployed last year in April. Right now a lot of industries are losing jobs but it appears that government, education, and health services are all hiring due the US Census Bureau's population census that come out every decade.

With the unemployment rate being the way it is many people have looked elsewhere to gain the necessary skills that it takes for the job market today. Community Colleges have been flooded with many trying to gain any kind of edge they can in the job market. Though it has not seem to help much with how things are in Oregon, it is still preparing people for when companies start to hire again.

Just recently, Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski called upon legislation to shift about $90 million of the state's unemployment trust fund to create an emergency job program for 12,000 unemployed people. These projected jobs are set to begin July 1st and pay from anywhere between $8.40 and $10 an hour helping local food banks, clearing brush in parks, and restoring habitat. This program would be very similar to when Franklin D. Roosevelt introduced the Civilian Conservation Corps. that put many people back to work during the Great Depression. This is very good news for those on unemployment looking to get back on their feet somewhat.

In closing, if you ever find yourself wondering if you should just take any job in this econmy, well here is a bit of Q & A on the subject from Spherion Career Blog.

This week here on the JobSpot we have some very special information for veterans and for families of veterans looking to find a job in today's climate. While the job search may be similar to that of a non veteran, there are a few extra resources, Bills and tips that can help accelerate your transition into civilian life. Today we examine part 2 of 2 on the G.I. Bill that was introduced post 9/11 (For part 1 please click here).

(P.S. Tip: The Department of Veterans Affairs is the only resource that can answer your personal and specific GI Bill entitlement questions. Call 1-888-GIBILL-1 for questions concerning the Post 9/11 GI Bill. The answers given below have been derived from interviews and VA documentation. However, many questions remain, and much is still to be determined.
Will my $1,200 enrollment fee be refunded?
Yes, MGIB (chapter 30) contributions (excluding $600 buy-up) will be refunded at a proportional amount [based on the number of months remaining under MGIB at time of Post 9/11 GI Bill (chapter 33) election] of the basic $1200 contribution. This refund
will be included in the last monthly stipend payment when chapter 33 entitlement exhausts. Individuals who do not exhaust entitlement under chapter 33 will not receive a refund of contributions paid under MGIB.

Does the Post 9/11 GI Bill have an expiration date?
Yes, your eligibility to use the Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits expires 15 years from the date of the last discharge or release from active duty of at least 90 consecutive days.

Are there stipulations to my eligibility?
Yes, in order to retain eligibility, after meeting the previously listed service requirements, you must:

• Be honorably discharged from Armed Forces; or
• Be released from Armed Forces with service characterized as honorable and placed on the retired list, temporary disability retired list, or transferred to the Fleet Reserve or the Fleet Marine Corps Reserve; or
• Be released from Armed Forces with service characterized as honorable for further service in a reserve component; or
• Be discharged or released from Armed Forces for a medical condition which existed prior to service(EPTS), Hardship (HDSP), or a condition which interfered with duty (CIWD); or
• Continue on active duty.

The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) was limited to 36 Months of benefits, is there similar limit for the Post 9/11 GI Bill?
Yes, like the MGIB you are generally entitled to 36 months of educational assistance. You may not receive benefits under more than one VA education program at the same time. If you are entitled to more than one GI Bill program you may be eligible for a maximum of 48 months of entitlement when using benefits under two or more GI Bill programs.

What types of education programs are approved for the new Post 9/11 GI Bill?
The Post 9/11 GI Bill differs in some ways from the MGIB when it comes to the types of programs that can be used. Under the Post 9/11 GI Bill you may receive educational and training assistance for any program of education that is approved under MGIB (chapter 30) and offered by a college or university. This includes vocational training programs that are offered by accredited colleges and universities only. However, if you were previously eligible for the MGIB, MGIB-SR (1606), or REAP (1607) you may continue to receive educational assistance for MGIB approved programs not offered by colleges and universities (i.e. flight, correspondence, APP/OJT, preparatory courses, and national tests).

Will I be able to switch back and forth between the MGIB and Post 9/11 GI Bill?
No, in simple terms, you will no longer be eligible under the MGIB or other programs, after you elect to switch to the Post 9/11 GI Bill (chapter 33). Any contributions being made under MGIB (Chapter 30) will cease the month following the election.

Can I transfer my GI Bill benefit to family members?
Yes, but the details for doing so have not been completely clarified yet. Transferring Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits: The Department of Defense (DoD) is authorized to allow individuals who, on or after August 1, 2009, have served at least 6 years in the Armed Forces and who agree to serve at least another 4 years in the Armed Forces to transfer unused entitlement to their dependents (spouse, children).

The Department of Defense may, by regulation, impose additional eligibility requirements and limit the number of months transferable to not less than 18 months. Transfer of Unused Education Benefits Under MGIB (Chapter 30), 1606, or 1607 to Family Members. The Department of Defense is authorized to allow individuals who have served at least 6 years in the Armed Forces and who agree to serve at least another 4 years in the Armed Forces to transfer unused entitlement to their dependents (spouse, children) under chapters 30, 1606, and 1607. The Department of Defense may, by regulation, impose additional eligibility requirements and limit the number of months transferable to not less
than 18 months.

I am a member of the Selected Reserve, has the expiration on my MGIB-SR benefit been extended?
Yes, effective as of June 30, 2008, the 14-year period of eligibility for members of the Selected Reserve has been rescinded. If you are a member of the Selected Reserve with remaining entitlement under MGIB-SR (chapter 1606), you will remain eligible until the date you separate from the Selected Reserve. If you had remaining MGIB-SR entitlement and reached a delimiting date, you may receive benefits for training pursued on or after June 30, 2008. However you may not receive benefits for training pursued between their original delimiting date and June 30, 2008 - in other words no retroactive payments will be made.

What if the new Post 9/11 GI Bill isn’t enough to cover my online post-graduate studies?
Under the new Post 9/11 GI Bill, you will have two options. First is to decline the Post 9/11 benefits and continue to use the MGIB. This is one reason why the new law included a 20 percent increase in the current MGIB (chapter 30) benefits. The other option is called the “ Yellow Ribbon Program.” Under the Yellow Ribbon Program, colleges and universities may voluntarily enter into an agreement with the Department of Veterans Affairs to fund up to 50 percent of the established charges not already covered under chapter 33. VA will match each additional dollar funded by the school. Only individuals entitled to the 100 percent benefit rate (based on service requirements) may receive this funding.

Many veterans may face a difficult choice next year. You will need to carefully weigh your options. You may find that declining the Post 9/11 GI Bill and sticking to the MGIB will best serve your needs. Ultimately the choice is up to you, take your time and be sure to consider all the facts before making your decision. Remember, you have a year, and a lot can change between now and August 1, 2009.

Has the current MGIB payment rate been increased?
Yes, effective August 1, 2008, the MGIB payment rate will be increased to $1,321 for full-time enrollment, a 20% increase over the 2007 rate.


I hope this information was useful. Tomorrow we will take a look at the Vocational Rehab and Employment Programs offered to veterans. Later in the week you will hear testimonials from former soldiers, resources and more all in a salute to our Veterans as we approach Memorial Day.

All of these articles and more can be found throughout the state of Florida in our Veteran's Transition Guide. A complete list of Central Florida locations will be available by the end of the week, and you can always grab a copy at Workforce Central Florida.

Please let us know if you have any comments or additions and we'll be sure to address them.

-Greg Rollett

This week here on the JobSpot we have some very special information for veterans and for families of veterans looking to find a job in today's climate. While the job search may be similar to that of a non veteran, there are a few extra resources, Bills and tips that can help accelerate your transition into civilian life. Today we examine part 1 of 2 on the G.I. Bill that was introduced post 9/11.

(P.S. Tip: The Department of Veterans Affairs is the only resource that can answer your personal and specific GI Bill entitlement questions. Call 1-888-GIBILL-1 for questions concerning the Post 9/11 GI Bill. The answers given below have been derived from interviews and VA documentation. However, many questions remain, and much is still to be determined.

When does this new benefit go into effect?
The Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) goes into effect on August 1, 2009.

Is this benefit retroactive?
No. The Post 9/11 GI Bill will only cover classes and programs completed after July 31, 2009.

Am I eligible for this new benefit?
You are eligible if you served a minimum of 90 days on active duty after September 10, 2001. This covers active duty served as a member of the Armed Forces or as a result of a call or order to active duty from a reserve component (National Guard and Reserve) under certain sections of title 10. However, some periods of active duty service are excluded. Periods of service under the following do not count toward qualification for the Post 9/11 GI Bill:

• NOAA, PHS, or Active Guard Reserve;
• ROTC under 10 U.S.C. 2107(b);
• Service academy contract period;
• Service terminated due to defective enlistment agreement;
• Service used for loan repayment; and
• Selected reserve service used to establish eligibility under the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB chapter 30),
• MGIB for Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR Chapter 1606), or the Reserve Education Assistance Program (REAP chapter 1607)

Does the length of time served after 9/11 effect my level of benefits?
Yes, the amount of tuition and stipends paid under the Post 9/11 GI Bill will vary depending on your state of residence, number of units taken, and amount of post Sept. 11, 2001 active-duty service. Here is a quick reference showing the percentage of total combined benefit eligibility based on the following periods of post 9/11 service:

• 100% - 36 or more total months
• 100% - 30 or more consecutive days with Disability related Discharge.
• 90% - 30 total months
• 80% - 24 total months
• 70% - 18 total months
• 60% - 12 total months
• 50% - six total months
• 40% - 90 or more consecutive days

What are the benefits of the this new educational assistance program?
The Post 9/11 GI Bill offers several education assistance benefits. The three major benefits include up to 100% paid tuition, a monthly housing stipend, and a stipend of up to $1,000 a year for books and supplies. If you attend less than full-time you will receive a portion of the payment based on the number of units of study. These payment rates are paid according to the length of your period of service as listed in the previous question.

Are there additional benefits?
Yes, the additional benefits include the following, which are not charged against your 36 month entitlement:

• Tutorial assistance may be paid up to $100 per month, not to exceed a total of $1200;
• One licensing and certification test may be reimbursed, not to exceed the cost of the test up to a maximum of $2000; and
• Work-study is authorized for individuals training at 3⁄4 time or higher.
• A one-time payment of $500 for veterans using the Post 9/11 GI Bill to pursue a program of education if the claimant—
• Resides in a county with 6 persons or less per square mile (as determined by most recent decennial Census); and either
• Physically relocates at least 500 miles; or
• Travels by air to physically attend an IHL if no other land-based transportation exists.

Is the a limit to the benefits if I go to school half-time?
Yes, there is a limitation on Educational Assistance for Training Pursued at Half-time or Less and for Active Duty Members. If your attend training at 1⁄2 time or less you are not eligible for the monthly housing stipend. You are eligible for an appropriately reduced stipend for books. The amount of educational assistance payable is the applicable percentage mentioned in an earlier question at a rate the lesser of:

• Established charges; or
• Highest amount of established charges regularly charged in-State undergraduate students for full-time pursuit at an in-State public college or university.

I am on active duty, is there a limit to my benefits?
Yes, active duty members are not eligible for the monthly housing stipend or for the book stipend. The amount of educational assistance payable is the lesser of the:

• Established charges; or
• The Top-up amount not covered by military tuition assistance.

I was promised the College Fund when I joined, will I still get that extra benefit?
Yes, individuals eligible for a kicker (College Fund, Reserve Kicker) will remain eligible for such kicker under the Post 9/11 GI Bill. If eligible, you will be paid the kicker each month as an increase to your housing stipend, even on active duty. Although as an active duty service member, or a veterans training at 1⁄2 time or less, or you are pursuing distance learning, you will receive your monthly kicker payment.

I elected to make additional contributions under the “Buy-Up” program, will I get the additional benefit?
No, you will not receive an increased amount for additional contributions ($600 buy-up) paid under chapters 30 or 1607 and you will not be refunded this amount under the Post 9/11 GI Bill.


I hope this information was useful and tomorrow we will continue to look at the G.I. Bill and how it can help jump start you career. Later in the week you will hear testimonials from former soldiers, information on vocational rehab, resources and more all in a salute to our Veterans as we approach Memorial Day.

All of these articles and more can be found throughout the state of Florida in our Veteran's Transition Guide. A complete list of Central Florida locations will be available by the end of the week, and you can always grab a copy at Workforce Central Florida.

Please let us know if you have any comments or additions and we'll be sure to address them.

-Greg Rollett

1.Why do you want this job?
Basically the interviewer is asking "Why are you here?" The purpose of this interview question is to make sure that you are looking for the same job that the employer is trying to fill. It is exploring your passion for this business and this work. Why are you interested in this type of work? Provide examples of specific aspects of the work that interest and excite you. Convince the interviewer that you are looking for exactly the type of work that this position is offering. Rephrase in an enthusiastic and positive way the things you have learned about the job from the interviewer, the recruiter or the job posting and your background research. Highlight how your skills and abilities fit in with these job requirements.

2.Tell me about yourself
The interviewer is trying to find out if you will fit in with the rest of the team and the company. This job interview question also explores what motivates you and whether it is consistent with the position and company. Again avoid just repeating what you have written on your resume. What makes you uniquely qualified to do this job? Try to describe yourself objectively focusing on your key skills and abilities that will be of value in this job. Describe your character as it relates to the inherent job requirements. If you are not sure of what behaviors are required in the position you can use general work-related adjectives such as diligent, persevering, hard working, enthusiastic.

3.What are your weaknesses?
With this interview question the interviewer is evaluating your self awareness and insight rather than your actual weaknesses. Acknowledging a weakness is seen as a sign of maturity and wisdom. Refer to a valid and sincere weakness but turn it into a positive by describing it as an area for development. In your answer detail the steps you have taken to try and improve.

4.Where do you want to be in five years?
The interviewer is looking for a match of expectations between your hopes and goals and what the job and company can offer you. Referring to goals and aspirations unrelated to the work you are applying for demonstrates a lack of interest in the current position and sends up red flags for the interviewer. It is best to avoid mentioning specific job titles and specific time frames. Refer in a general way to what you enjoy, the strengths you have that you would like to develop, what you hope to learn from your work experience, realistic challenges and opportunities you expect in your chosen career field.

5.Why should I hire you?
With this top interview question the interviewer is looking at your objective assessment of your suitability for the position. Link up your work experience to the requirements of this job. Describe the immediate relevance of your past experience. Provide examples of your transferable skills. Refer back to your strengths and how they will benefit the position and the company. Focus on your key skills and expand on how you will use them in this position. Offer a couple of examples to explain why you are so enthusiastic about the job, the work and the company.

More and more reports are coming out saying that layoffs are slowing down, but does that mean that more businesses are hiring? Things are still pretty touch and go for a lot of people, but that doesn't mean that things can't turn around. I also know that we see reports like this every summer when college kids get of school, and it has not changed much since I graduated. Hang in there and keep chasing down every lead. So with that said, here is a great check list to follow compliments of Spherion Career Blog, so that when businesses do start hiring again you will be ready:

- Make sure your resume is up to date and in order, listing your most recent experience and skills.

- Start making connections by networking and meeting professionals and peers in your line of work.

- Stay in touch with those from your last place of employment - they may be able to hire you back.

- Practice your interview skills and consider taking a couple of course to refresh or learn new skills.

- Get your interview clothes in order.

- Pound the pavement. Don't just rely on job boards and web sites, make personal visits to companies and visit job fairs that will surely become more and more frequent if the job market is turning around.

- Also, take a minute to make a plan of action. Outline the type of job you want and narrow in on industries or employers that most interest you.

Have you ever wondered if the Portland area has enough land to accommodate future jobs? Well Metro in Portland is trying to figure that out. They have estimated that there will be between 1.25 million and 1.7 million more jobs in Portland region by 2030. If all goes according to plan this will be great news for the region in the next 20 years, but the debate is whether or not they need to expand urban growth boundary. So there is a lot to discuss going forward on this issue.

So Portland, if you have any tips you would like to add about job recovery or the current issue that Metro is facing please feel free to leave your comments below.

The Baltimore Employment Guide May 11th-May 17th

Check out this week's career opportunities:
North American Trade Schools
Gallagher Services
All-State Career
AEX Group
Lighting Express
Oak Crest
Chimes
Stella Maris
American Beauty Academy

Click on the image below to view a copy of this week's edition of The Employment Guide in Portland.

Do you feel stress at work? Do you carry your stress home with you at night?
Here are some tips that will help you achieve success over stress. You can reduce stress on the job.

1. When making phone calls, as you pick up the phone and dial, take three slow deep breaths. Concentrate on pushing tension out of your lungs as you exhale.
2. Sit down to eat. (Do not eat while standing or driving in your car) Focus on relaxing and enjoyable talk at lunchtime. If co-workers only insist on rehashing all of the negative stuff at work, insist on eating alone.
3. When you drive your car to your business or your job, listen to something enjoyable or motivating.
4. On the way home from your business or your job, listen to enjoyable or relaxing music.
5. Take a few minutes each day to thank God, in whatever form is consistent with your belief system, for the glorious sunrise. At sunset, do the same. If you are at work while the sun is setting, take a quick break to watch the sun set and again, thank your concept of "God" for the glorious sunset.
6. Take a few minutes at work to think of people who may have harmed you in any way. Breathe deeply, relax, and push out all of the tension surrounding those thoughts. Wish for them the same success and happiness you wish for yourself.
7. Live today as if it where your last day. Make your last day, your best day!

In today's economic environment, with a St. Louis metropolitan area unemployment rate of 9.2%, you have plenty of competition for virtually any opening. It's time to think out side the box, and consider multiple positions that utilize your already-there skills and hopefully the responsibilities that you've enjoyed most in your work life.

What are Transferable Skills? They are the skills you've gathered through various jobs, volunteer work, hobbies, sports, or other life experiences that can be used in your next job or new career. In addition to being useful to those changing careers, transferable skills are also helpful to new graduates who are looking for their first job, and to those re-entering the workforce after an extended absence.

Identifying your transferable skills is not as easy as it seems. But it is vital to the next step in your job search; choosing the jobs that fit within your skill set. To make things a little easier, it's important to dissect each job you've held in order to discover what skills you actually use to get the job done. If you are entering the workforce for the first time you'll have to look at your life experiences to get this information. Once you have them written out in front of you, it's time to organize and rate them. Below are examples of transferable skills that can stretch across many different career opportunities:

• Deal with obstacles, crises, and/or customer complaints
• Multi-task
• Manage time
• Repair equipment or machinery
• Keep records
• Coordinate fundraising activities
• Coach
• Utilize computer software (specify programs)
• Train or teach others

When making a career change you should do a thorough self-assessment to determine what career is most suitable for you. Part of this self-assessment involves finding out what careers best utilize your skills. To learn more about various careers and what skills are required you can do the following:

• Gather occupational information.
• Read job descriptions in help wanted ads and postings.
• Contact professional associations.

Once you've identified your transferable skills and you know where you can use them, it's time to convince potential employers. Simply presenting your job titles on your resume won't do the trick since those titles track your old career path. One way to do this is to write an objective that tells which skills are applicable to the position you are seeking. The other way is to write a skills based resume- either a functional or combination resume. A functional resume describes each of your skills. A combination resume combines a functional resume with a chronological resume, listing your work experience in addition to your skills.

As you search www.Employmentguide.com's job postings, be sure to note the Related Categories content towards the bottom of any posting. These industry classifications will help you think outside the box to begin that multiple position job search.

 

Facebook. Twitter. LinkedIn. These and literally hundreds of other networking sites on the Internet, with new ones popping up everyday, have seen dramatic increases this year in both traffic and news headlines. Pittsburgh area jobseekers and recruiters are just now realizing the advantage of using these newer tools in their recruitment and search mix (along with the rest of the country).

Well according to Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, we should start pulling out of the recession and start growing by the end of the year. This is excellent news if his prediction is right and we all know Oregon could use some good news! Though the growth may not start up again until the end of the year, it is just nice to hear some good news and not bad for a change. It will still take time to come back to strength once the recession is over and people should be patient and understand that even though it is difficult. Oregon received some good news that supports what Bernanke stated in that it is recovering but still three to six months away from righting the ship. There is a possibility of growth in the second half of the year, but it all hinges on the drop in the housing market. Just hang in there and good things will happen.

On a sad note, the Portland Lumberjax will no longer call Portland home after this season. This just goes to show you that the recession is still here for the time being when you have corporate sponsors in Portland not willing to spend money. This effects several people in that there are jobs lost in the front office all the way down to the concession stands and ushers. Hopefully the MLS will do better here.

Other big news in the Northwest is that Microsoft is having more layoffs. This is apart of the first major layoff in the companies history, which is troubling for those who live in the Seattle area.

Also, be aware of a new "WebHosting" scam that is going around when you are checking your emails. Many of you that are job hunting know that your email account can be very useful so make sure to open only email that you are expect from someone.

So Portland, with the summer months fast approaching and nicer weather just around the corner, here are some job hunting tips that you can use while on vacation. Also remember that the Employment Guide is having another job fair on June 4th. Please leave your comments below.

The Baltimore Employment Guide May 4th-May 10th
Check out this week's great career opportunities:
Genesis Healthcare
Capital City Nurses
Chimes
North American Trade Schools
American Beauty Academy
United States Park Police
All-State Career
Logistics One

Click on the image below to view a copy of this week's edition of The Employment Guide in Portland.