Facing Financial Hardship While Unemployed

 Unfortunately, one of the realities of unemployment is the loss of income. This is especially difficult because our finances are often tied to our personal identities. When unemployed we sometimes overlook signs that we are getting into financial trouble until it is too late because we are so focused on finding new employment.  One of the central themes in my book “ A Recruiter’s Inside Guide to Getting a Job” is the need not to seem desperate while interviewing. Desperation  can be avoided if you cut back on expenses as soon as your income is limited. Here are some questions that indicate that you should consider a debt management or settlement program.   

• Are you shuffling the bills? Do you find yourself never paying the full amount billed or  late in paying your bills   
• Do you use cash advances to cover your family’s living expenses? If you are doing this, STOP immediately! Many cash advance businesses now garnish checking accounts for their payments.
• Are medical expenses such as a dental and doctor visits put off? Do not defer healthcare needs, contact your state’s Medicaid offices to see if you qualify for a medical assistance program.   
• Do you worry about your home mortgage? Call your mortgage company immediately to let them know of your situation.  Many companies offer deferred or reduced payments until you find work or for a short period.

 You have many options to help with finances while unemployed. Debt Settlement is one  way of reorganizing your finances so that your credit score and history doesn’t hold the stigma of a bankruptcy. Just remember to review your current budget and cut out the extras such as entertainment expenditures, sports fees, beauty procedures such as getting manicures and eating out. Do these reviews before you make any major decisions on how to handle your new financial reality and remember financial desperation gives off a vibe that many hiring managers notice.  

College Graduate Resume Format

People just graduating from college often have little experience in their chosen profession as a result their resume should be formatted in a way that highlights their special qualities. For college juniors, I highly suggest you find an internship program in your specific field.  The work experience in your field will greatly benefit you after graduation and if you network properly while interning you may find yourself placed in your career before you even graduate.

This quick look at how your resume should be formatted.  Make sure to include any certifications and academic honors that pertain to your degree under Education.   Never provide references without it being requested by a perspective employer and always inform  (and thank!) your references that you have used them. Do not forget to embed key words and phrases related to your career within the text of your resume.  This will increase your chances of getting pulled during a human resource resume database search

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EDUCATION Elm University, Chapel Hill, NC    2013 M.A. in English Thesis: “The Accessibility Debate of Content in the Online Context” Oak Tree University, Raleigh, NC           2011 B.A. Honors in English Areas of Concentration: Journalism, Proposal Writing Minor: French Honors Thesis: “The Female Betrayed and Modern Media” AWARDS President’s Fellowship, Oak Tree University Excellence Grant, Oak Tree University TEACHING EXPERIENCE Teaching Assistant – to Professor Garth Fort in “Advanced Rhetoric” Collaborated on curriculum and exam development, met with students upon request, and graded all written work, including final exam papers. RELATED EXPERIENCE Lucerne Publishing, Raleigh, NC Editor Provide as needed editorial support remotely, including developmental and copy editing of their internal online and printed documentation. Trey Research, Raleigh, NC User Interface Design Consultant Provided content design feedback to program managers to create accessible segue between English and French versions of related content. PUBLICATIONS AND PAPERS “The Cross-Cultural Communication Epidemic of the 21st Century” Guest speaker at the Global Communication Convention, Los Angeles, CA LANGUAGES English – native language French – speak fluently and read/write with high proficiency Spanish and Italian – speak, read, and write with basic competence MEMBERSHIPS American Society of English Honorees Western Society of Women Writers REFERENCES References available upon request

How to Apply for a Retail Job

Retail jobs help people gain work experience, pay for school or re-enter the workplace after an extended layoff period. Many companies offer limited benefits to their employees and a reasonable starting wage. Most of the large retailers now have automated applicant systems so it is important to prepare a few things BEFORE applying for a job. At smaller retailers, you may meet the hiring manager at the time you pick up an application so it is important to be polite and well groomed. Nothing ruins a first impression more than poor hygiene.

Creating a fact sheet about yourself and your past work experience helps when filling out multiple applications. You can bring your fact sheet along to remember employers, dates, addresses and work experience.

Information on your fact sheet should include:

• Your total educational experience including certification classes you have attended. Make sure to include the addresses of the all the schools you have or are now attending.

• List all your work experience or what you have been doing for at least the last ten years. It is important to have all the information concerning your work history or lack of it. Make sure to list the jobs you have held, the dates you worked at each job and a bullet list of your duties for each job. If you have been unemployed for any periods make sure to state when and why. For example, if you have been staying at home to raise kids, going to school, or taking care of a sick parent list it.  

• Many people ignore private awards or reconditions and only list work related awards. This cheats you, so make sure to include all charity work, awards, or special reconditions you have received in the last decade.  Students should include Student Honor Roll and any sports played as accomplishments.

• Make sure you have three references who are not family, their address, permission to use them as a reference and their contact numbers.  

Most automated systems will ask the hours you are willing to work. If you really need the job, you must be willing to work at least one weekend day. Most employers require their employees to have flexible work hours.  

Filling out an application is your only way of getting an interview, so remember to use keywords in your responses. You can find those keywords in the job description used to promote that specific job. For example, if they are looking for stock help use that phrase instead of inventory control. It is also important to complete everything on the application, if you have a question about something during the application process ask the person overseeing your job submission. 

Once you get in for an interview, remember check your attitude at the door, be open and willing to listen, dress in a conservative manor, and leave the trendy stuff at home for when you are on your own time.  By doing these things you will increase your chances of getting a job.

A Guide to Getting the Teaching Job of Your Dreams

I enjoy reading books pertaining to recruiting and job hunting and I just finished reading "A Guide to Getting the Teaching Job of Your Dreams"  I found it very helpful to anyone looking for a teaching position.  The book was written by a teacher and it provides an insider's view and tips on obtaining a teaching position.  

Are you ready for your teaching interview?

..............................................................................................................

An interviewer asks you to describe your weaknesses.  What do you say?

(Answer on page 57 of the book)

A human resources office says they have your paperwork on file, but you've never been called for an interview.  Why not? 

(Answer on page 15 and 73 of the book)

How many interviews will you have to pass before you get the job?

(Answer on page 40)

What are the top 3 mistakes candidates make when creating their teaching portfolio?  (Find out on page 38-39)

What's the secret for making an inexperienced candidate seem like an experienced teacher-- without lying?  (Answer on page 43)

If an interviewer asks you what challenges teachers today have to face, what should you NOT say in your response? 

(Answer on pages 64-65)

An interviewer asks, "Do you have any questions for us?" at the end of an interview.  What types of questions should you ask? 

(Answer on page 68)

What education buzzwords should you know and be able to use?

(Answer on pages 69-70)

An interview committee invites you to teach a sample lesson in front of students!  How do you prepare?

(Answer on pages 47-48)

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