A Government Internship Program with the U.S. State Department

Internship programs are an excellent way to acquire work experience with resume flagship organizations and companies. The U.S. Department of State2013 Fall Student Internship Program is an unpaid opportunity for college students to participate in a 10-week program. It may be an unpaid internship but it provides an intensive educational and professional experience within the environment of America’s principle foreign affairs agency. That is a plus for anyone's resume.

These unpaid internships are available at many over 265 U.S. embassies, consulates and missions to international organizations around the world, as well as at the Department of State in Washington, D.C. The U.S. intern participants will gain first-hand, hands-on experience, and learn the realities of working in and with foreign and civil service professionals.  

As an unpaid intern, you may have the opportunity to participate in meetings with senior level U.S. government or foreign government officials; draft, edit, or contribute to cables, reports, communications, talking points used by policy makers. In addition to helping organize and support events, including international, multilateral and conferences meetings on critical global issues.  

The internship is for the Fall 2013 with the U.S. Department of State and you may even earn educational credit depending upon your college.  

To find out about this intern position and other government jobs, visit USAJobs. You will need to complete the application gateway and please note that the deadline to submit completed intern applications is March 1, 2013.

New Government Grant Workforce Recruitment Program for the Disabled

I was recently notified of this new Employment Grant called Workforce Recruitment from the US Office of Disability Employment Policy.  This grant program offers a government recruitment database to employers so if you are disabled and signup for this program today. Here it is in its entirety.
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 Ask the owner of any thriving business to share the secrets to their success and they’ll likely cite a mix of hard work, tenacity and even luck.  But most will also acknowledge other people—individuals who encouraged them to set and achieve their goals.  Whether a relative, teacher or former boss who believed in their potential, someone positively influenced them along the way.

For many, an early work experience may have played a pivotal role in propelling them forward.  Internships and other short-term employment arrangements offer young people a valuable opportunity to gain skills and learn about their employment options through first-hand experience and trusted relationships with seasoned professionals.  At the same time, they offer employers an easy and effective way to evaluate potential employees and cultivate a pipeline of talent for the future. 

Now, assistance is available for employers interested in recruiting talented interns—and helping to nurture the nation’s future workforce.  The Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP) offers employers of all sizes access to a database of more than 2,000 qualified college students and recent graduates with disabilities seeking internships or permanent employment.  Participants are selected for the WRP by professional recruiters following an extensive application and interview process at colleges nationwide.

If someone made a positive difference early in your career, the WRP offers an opportunity to pay it forward.  Because as employers, small businesses have the power to play a big role in the expectations young people, including young people with disabilities, set for themselves.

Use of the WRP is free for all employers and facilitated through the Employer Assistance and Resource Network (EARN), a service of the National Employer Technical Assistance Center funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy.  To learn more, visit the WRP webpage or call EARN at 1-855-AskEARN (1-855-275-3276) (Voice/TTY).

Do not forget to sign up for additional news and resources through the sign up for ODEP's e-mail updates.
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Visit www.dol.gov/odep/BusinessSense/2013/bsense0113.htm.
Office of Disability Employment Policy, U.S. Department of Labor
1-866-ODEP-DOL (633-7365) | TTY | www.dol.gov/odep/

Insider Tips on How to Find a Job

My new book called " Get Hired! A Recruiter's Inside Guide to Getting a Job" has just been published.  Inside job hunters and the unemployed can find inside tips and strategies on finding a new job. 

•  Learn how to use a recruiter's insider tips to create an attention winning resume 

• Understand how the real hiring process works and what employers and recruiters dislike. 

• Job hunters learn job hunting techniques that maximize job opportunities while networking, at professional events and job fairs 

• Learn interviewing skills and techniques to impress and understand what employers really seek during the interviewing process.

The book is available through Amazon in both hard copy and Kindle.  Kindle users can also access "Get Hired - A Recruiter's Inside Guide to Getting a Job"  free via the Kindle Library. 

Coping with Job Hunting Frustration

Avoid frustration though positive thinking

Maintaining a positive attitude is essential to finding a job. Interviewers will instinctively notice if your attitude is less than positive. Some may interpret the physical signs of frustration and stress as laziness, low self-esteem or poor attitude. A less than positive person is less likely to be hired so it is vital for job hunters to focus on their mental attitude, dress, body language and skill presentation. Despite company and government policies, how you look and present yourself does play an important role in the hiring process.

  

William Knaus in his book “How to Conquer Your Frustrations” describes how frustrations exist “... when our wants, wishes and desires get thwarted or interrupted.” Interviewing is difficult during the best of times, but the financial and emotional stresses of joblessness take their toll as time progresses. To avoid this pitfall of unemployment one must maintain a proactive and positive attitude.  

Job hunters may avoid this pitfall of lengthy job search by looking at the positive aspects of their career and the benefits they can offer a company. One way of maintaining a positive attitude toward yourself is to write down the best of your qualifications and read them daily. Network with former colleagues and professional organizations in your field, these personnel contacts will improve your job hunting outlook and possible provide you with a company introduction. Volunteer for charitable events in order to network with others. Isolation is your enemy while job hunting.      

Another is to see how your skills translate to other industries where jobs are plentiful. For example, a receptionist who has excellent people skills may wish to look for positions in healthcare field where strong office skills are required. This may mean some re-education but this proactive approach to job hunting will help to prevent job hunting frustration.

 
Remember learning to cope with job hunting frustration is a major factor in a successful job hunt. Think proactively to avoid job hunting frustration. 

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Build Job Experience with Internships

An Internship Access Card Opens Doors to Jobs (Photo credit: davidciani)

Many companies offer college students internships which often turn into real jobs.  Taking advantage of these internships takes planning but the opportunities for real work job experience with reputable and resume noteworthy companies and organizations is essential for a successful post college life. 

I often receive notifications from companies and other organizations with updates on current intern opportunities just by registering  my email with company job notification mailers, government agencies and industry newsletters. Internships are often nonpaying but the opportunities to promote and network yourself  within a company while gaining real job experience is priceless.   

The example below is an intern announcement I received on May 28th from the State Department notice the registration is for their spring 2013 session.


"We are pleased to inform you that we are now accepting applications for the U.S. Department of State's Spring 2013 Student Internship Program.
Click here (http://careers.state.gov/students/programs) to read more about the Student Internship Program, and to start the Gateway to State online application process. Please note that the deadline to submit completed applications is July 02, 2012.
To be eligible for this program, you must be:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be a full- or part-time continuing college or university junior, or graduate student (including graduating seniors intending to go on to graduate school).
• Have good academic standing
• Successfully complete a background investigation
• Be able to receive and maintain either a Secret or Top Secret clearance.

Please read the entire vacancy announcement carefully for all qualifications and requirements.
You can also visit our Student Programs forum (http://careers.state.gov/engage/forums/student-programs) to post questions or read discussions about this program.
We appreciate your interest in a career with the U.S. Department of State."


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Find a Government Job by Registering Your Email

Seal of the United States Department of State. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Staying up to date with government jobs openings is easy and fast.  You just have to register with the Government Department where your job interests and experience are best marketed.  I'm registered with State Department and they regularly send emails of positions they have open.  Each government agency is required by federal law to publicly post their potions so visit each agency's government website to find out how to receive free government job ads and information. When applying for such positions make sure to follow ALL application directions.


State Department Job Notification Email for 5/24/2012


Hello:

We are pleased to inform you that we are accepting applications for the U.S. Department of State's Foreign Service Information Resource Officer positions.
Click here (http://careers.state.gov/specialist/vacancy-announcements/iro) to read the vacancy and to start the Gateway to State online application process via USAJobs. The deadline to submit completed applications is July 06, 2012.

All potential applicants are strongly urged to read the entire Vacancy Announcement to ensure that they meet all of the requirements for this position before applying. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and at least 20 years old to apply, be available for worldwide service, and be able to obtain the necessary security, medical and suitability clearances.


Please visit our forums if you have any questions, or to search for answers regarding the Foreign Service Specialist selection process. The forums can be found under Engage on the careers.state.gov website. 

We appreciate your interest in a career with the U.S. Department of State.

How to Find a Job Using a Business Card - part three

Silas Peirce's Business card circa 1822 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

How to Use It-  Network!  Network! Network!

Carry your personal card wherever you go so when you find yourself chatting with someone you can mention you are looking for a job. Recruiters use a similar technique to network with perspective employment candidates. I have often started conversations with people while waiting in lines at the grocery store, amusement park and other places in order to recruit them for future career opportunities my clients may offer. How many times have you talked to someone while waiting in line? 

These job-networking opportunities can only increase your chances of getting a job and getting a personal referral from someone you may have just met may increase your chances of getting a job interview. You never know they may have a job opening in their company or know of a job opening. If the conversation clicks then that is when you hand them your job handbill or personal business card. 

It is essential to remember that once you have your  personal business cards made that make sure to carry it with you every time you go out in public. Also remember personal grooming and image is important when using this job search technique so only try it when you are looking your best. Standing in line half drunk at a bar or shopping without makeup is not a good time to use it.