The WRTWC, Inc. office serving the Twin Cities and surrounding midwest states has expanded to the Bloomington area at 8400 Normandale Lake Blvd. The contact information continues to be the same at 612-353-5154.
WRTWC, Inc. continues to serve the greater midwest area as Vocational Consultants for a wide variety of cases including Divorce, Personal Injury, Workers Compensation, Long Term Disability, FELA, and Discrimination. We also conduct Vocational Evaluations for the state of Wisconsin and Minnesota Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, as well as Independent Living Assessments, Job Development, and Job Analysis.
Please contact either Ken Ogren or Jesse Ogren at 715-646-2384 and 612-353-5154 respectively for any questions or referrals!
This blog is updated by Jesse R. Ogren, a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with WRTWC, the Return to Work Center.
Monday, October 13, 2014
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Choosing a Career Before College
My occupation requires me to counsel people in their vocational paths and help them achieve their occupational goals. Typically when I see people, they have already worked for several years and need to be retrained or returned to a different career that involves a less physical type of activity. Almost everyone wants to attend a training program to learn something different.
Training programs of all types are available for people; on-line, night classes, two-year, four-year and correspondence courses to name a few. Narrowing down these option is something that I struggle with as I work with my clients, and I am considered a professional. To do this for yourself without professional help, it is important to gain knowledge about the potential jobs and educational paths.
I believe there needs to be a system in place that allows students in high school (or those looking at going back to school for re-training), to adequately research careers and the costs involved. According to any news source, college loan debt is at a disastrous level.
Three initial steps should be considered when doing research on careers, and in any order:
In order to get an adequate feel for how employable your degree path will make you, it is important to look at the current economic conditions of an industry and future growth potential. This information is provided for free by the government, through the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
For instance, here's a job listing for Electrician and all of the information that it includes:
Many people are attracted to jobs based on salary potential, but they often find that their interests do not always fall in line with those occupations. Some examples that I have heard from many people include Salesman and Attorney. In these occupations, stress and long hours can outweigh the potential at high earnings.
1) Informational Interviews
To find out more about a job, the best thing to do is talk to somebody who currently works in that field. One method I have done with Veterans to help with their choice of careers, is to have them call businesses and ask to talk to somebody in their field of choice. It may require some patience to get somebody on the phone, but people usually enjoy talking about their job . Firsthand knowledge is invaluable and you will likely learn more about the profession then you can find on the internet. You can gain inside knowledge for hiring practices, preferred colleges, and career outlook. Also creating networking connections that can be revisited once you graduate.
Here's a link that helps explain the process: http://www.quintcareers.com/informational_interviewing.html
2) Site Visits
A little tougher then just talking to somebody on the telephone, but you can get into a workplace and witness a job first-hand. To do this, contact businesses directly that offer occupations like the one you are hoping to find out about and just ask if you can tour the facility. Often businesses cater to students in ways they would not with other people, so tell the company that you are a student and you wish to see how a business operates.
3) Internships and Internet Research
If you are serious about a career, try an unpaid internship with a company. These are often offered during the summer around school breaks, and can lead to future employment if everything works out. Alternatively, if none of these options seem possible for you, check out websites that detail occupational options. One website offered by the Federal Government is Career InfoNet and links up with various other labor market data sources to provide a range of detailed information.
Other websites for Career Research:
http://careerkids.com/careers/ This site is youth-oriented and offers videos for some occupations
http://www.insidecareerinfo.com/ This site offers first-hand reviews of 285 different jobs
http://www.thecareerproject.org/ This site offers first-hand Q&A's with people in occupations
The variance in costs of training programs is extremely large, ranging from apprenticeships to four year private colleges. The cost for college seems to be ever-increasing, as does the resulting student loan debt. It would be assumed that salaries for college graduates are increasing at a similar rate, but that is not always the case. The college you attend does not determine tuition based on potential salary with your degree. It is increasingly important to make your college decisions with all of these factors in mind.
Here's a chart from CollegeBoard.org and their 2011 Trend in College Pricing:
Without a doubt, the four year college experience is going to cost a lot of money. There is cheaper options in terms of four year colleges, and that should be a factor when deciding when and where to earn your education.
There's a ton more to discuss on each of these topics and they will probably be broken down further in future posts. Please add any questions or suggestions in the comment section below.
-Jesse
Training programs of all types are available for people; on-line, night classes, two-year, four-year and correspondence courses to name a few. Narrowing down these option is something that I struggle with as I work with my clients, and I am considered a professional. To do this for yourself without professional help, it is important to gain knowledge about the potential jobs and educational paths.
I believe there needs to be a system in place that allows students in high school (or those looking at going back to school for re-training), to adequately research careers and the costs involved. According to any news source, college loan debt is at a disastrous level.
Three initial steps should be considered when doing research on careers, and in any order:
A) Job Availability in Career Path, Following Completion of Training Program
In order to get an adequate feel for how employable your degree path will make you, it is important to look at the current economic conditions of an industry and future growth potential. This information is provided for free by the government, through the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
For instance, here's a job listing for Electrician and all of the information that it includes:
B) Career Research to Determine Fit for Interests, Salary Requirements, Abilities and Job Setting
Many people are attracted to jobs based on salary potential, but they often find that their interests do not always fall in line with those occupations. Some examples that I have heard from many people include Salesman and Attorney. In these occupations, stress and long hours can outweigh the potential at high earnings.
1) Informational Interviews
To find out more about a job, the best thing to do is talk to somebody who currently works in that field. One method I have done with Veterans to help with their choice of careers, is to have them call businesses and ask to talk to somebody in their field of choice. It may require some patience to get somebody on the phone, but people usually enjoy talking about their job . Firsthand knowledge is invaluable and you will likely learn more about the profession then you can find on the internet. You can gain inside knowledge for hiring practices, preferred colleges, and career outlook. Also creating networking connections that can be revisited once you graduate.
Here's a link that helps explain the process: http://www.quintcareers.com/informational_interviewing.html
2) Site Visits
A little tougher then just talking to somebody on the telephone, but you can get into a workplace and witness a job first-hand. To do this, contact businesses directly that offer occupations like the one you are hoping to find out about and just ask if you can tour the facility. Often businesses cater to students in ways they would not with other people, so tell the company that you are a student and you wish to see how a business operates.
3) Internships and Internet Research
If you are serious about a career, try an unpaid internship with a company. These are often offered during the summer around school breaks, and can lead to future employment if everything works out. Alternatively, if none of these options seem possible for you, check out websites that detail occupational options. One website offered by the Federal Government is Career InfoNet and links up with various other labor market data sources to provide a range of detailed information.
Other websites for Career Research:
http://careerkids.com/careers/ This site is youth-oriented and offers videos for some occupations
http://www.insidecareerinfo.com/ This site offers first-hand reviews of 285 different jobs
http://www.thecareerproject.org/ This site offers first-hand Q&A's with people in occupations
C) Discover Training Costs and Requirements
The variance in costs of training programs is extremely large, ranging from apprenticeships to four year private colleges. The cost for college seems to be ever-increasing, as does the resulting student loan debt. It would be assumed that salaries for college graduates are increasing at a similar rate, but that is not always the case. The college you attend does not determine tuition based on potential salary with your degree. It is increasingly important to make your college decisions with all of these factors in mind.
Here's a chart from CollegeBoard.org and their 2011 Trend in College Pricing:
Without a doubt, the four year college experience is going to cost a lot of money. There is cheaper options in terms of four year colleges, and that should be a factor when deciding when and where to earn your education.
There's a ton more to discuss on each of these topics and they will probably be broken down further in future posts. Please add any questions or suggestions in the comment section below.
-Jesse
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Finding a New Job in 2012
The On-Line Job Search
With technology making the job search process easier, actually getting a job has become much more difficult. It seems that with every job opening you can find on-line through monster.com, indeed.com, careerbuilder.com, or other websites, that same job is posted on all of the rest as well. There is even job websites that are available to help you search out jobs within those websites that end up reposting the same job opening as well.
Submitting an application or resume to those job openings can feel like an exercise in futility. Given that much exposure, there is likely to be many thousand of resumes and applications to sort through and yours may not even get looked at with human eyes. Many of the websites now ask for scannable resumes, which are basically resumes without any of your fancy formatting that may have helped your resume standout. The scannable resumes reduces your resume to a search for buzzwords that the HR computer believes strongly fits that job opening or the search criteria the company hopes to find.
Searching for Job Openings Directly Through the Company
One way around this method of job search is to seek out companies individually. Since almost every company has a website these days, you may be able to find job openings directly from the source. Look at company websites and find links for Careers, or Employment. Sometimes these links will be hidden in the About Us link, or Corporate Information.
Search for Job Placement Companies and Recruiters
After many of my friends graduated from college and graduate school, they often ran into trouble turning that degree into a job within their field of choice. It seems many majors at college do not lead to obvious employment options, and most employers want some level of experience for job openings. Job Placement agencies are often the answer. These agencies often have relationships with a variety of employers and usually large employers with a wide range of job openings. Many times these companies will work to improve your resume if it does not meet their standards.
This is an easy way to bypass the time spent searching and applying for jobs on-line. Placement agencies set-up interview with companies that they deem to be fits with your skills and background, and allow for feedback to help steer your search in the right direction. Every major metropolitan area has plenty of these companies that can be found with a simple google search of "placement agency" or "(job of choice) recruiter".
Using Social Networking to Find Employment
With the wide range of Social Networking that is available these days, there is no limit to how you can use or abuse your free time. Most companies realize this and have their own presence on facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and others. The most important part of using this method is to create your on-line presence in a manner that will be attractive to future employers. Take down pictures of yourself that are not professional flattering, remove questionable posts and group affiliations, and remove any political or controversial posts.
Once your profile is clean and ready to be viewed by employers, seek out companies that offer the jobs you want and start networking. Some companies offer services through LinkedIn that will post appropriate job openings directly to your profile. Many companies use Twitter to post jobs and there are many job search aggregate websites that pour job openings on Twitter. Often times companies will have their HR department or Specialist on Twitter to interact with people.
Another method of using Social Networking is to combine it with traditional methods, including Job Fairs. Every time an HR person from a company gives you his or her business card, find out if they are on Twitter, or LinkedIn and connect with them. Keep everything professional, but let them know it was nice to meet them and inquire about job openings as you would at a Job Fair.
Links to Websites Offering Advice and Strategies
BankRate.com has a list of testimonials that different people offered as strategies they used to find jobs outside of the normal methods. They mainly consist of people bypassing the normal methods of submitting resumes and cover letters, by trying to find a more personal method.
JobHuntersBible.com is a website that offers continually updated information in the basic areas of job search. This website is a supplement to the book What Color is Your Parachute? that is annually updated and re-released.
Monster.com has a Job Search Strategy checklist that is much aligned with what I have found works well. This list coincides what I have written above and offers an overall narrative that discuss post-graduation options, and career goals.
Next: Creating a Resume that appears professional and clearly demonstrates your skills and attributes.
-If there are any questions regarding the information posted, write it the comments and I'll answer them.
With technology making the job search process easier, actually getting a job has become much more difficult. It seems that with every job opening you can find on-line through monster.com, indeed.com, careerbuilder.com, or other websites, that same job is posted on all of the rest as well. There is even job websites that are available to help you search out jobs within those websites that end up reposting the same job opening as well.
Submitting an application or resume to those job openings can feel like an exercise in futility. Given that much exposure, there is likely to be many thousand of resumes and applications to sort through and yours may not even get looked at with human eyes. Many of the websites now ask for scannable resumes, which are basically resumes without any of your fancy formatting that may have helped your resume standout. The scannable resumes reduces your resume to a search for buzzwords that the HR computer believes strongly fits that job opening or the search criteria the company hopes to find.
Searching for Job Openings Directly Through the Company
One way around this method of job search is to seek out companies individually. Since almost every company has a website these days, you may be able to find job openings directly from the source. Look at company websites and find links for Careers, or Employment. Sometimes these links will be hidden in the About Us link, or Corporate Information.
Search for Job Placement Companies and Recruiters
After many of my friends graduated from college and graduate school, they often ran into trouble turning that degree into a job within their field of choice. It seems many majors at college do not lead to obvious employment options, and most employers want some level of experience for job openings. Job Placement agencies are often the answer. These agencies often have relationships with a variety of employers and usually large employers with a wide range of job openings. Many times these companies will work to improve your resume if it does not meet their standards.
This is an easy way to bypass the time spent searching and applying for jobs on-line. Placement agencies set-up interview with companies that they deem to be fits with your skills and background, and allow for feedback to help steer your search in the right direction. Every major metropolitan area has plenty of these companies that can be found with a simple google search of "placement agency" or "(job of choice) recruiter".
Using Social Networking to Find Employment
With the wide range of Social Networking that is available these days, there is no limit to how you can use or abuse your free time. Most companies realize this and have their own presence on facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and others. The most important part of using this method is to create your on-line presence in a manner that will be attractive to future employers. Take down pictures of yourself that are not professional flattering, remove questionable posts and group affiliations, and remove any political or controversial posts.
Once your profile is clean and ready to be viewed by employers, seek out companies that offer the jobs you want and start networking. Some companies offer services through LinkedIn that will post appropriate job openings directly to your profile. Many companies use Twitter to post jobs and there are many job search aggregate websites that pour job openings on Twitter. Often times companies will have their HR department or Specialist on Twitter to interact with people.
Another method of using Social Networking is to combine it with traditional methods, including Job Fairs. Every time an HR person from a company gives you his or her business card, find out if they are on Twitter, or LinkedIn and connect with them. Keep everything professional, but let them know it was nice to meet them and inquire about job openings as you would at a Job Fair.
Links to Websites Offering Advice and Strategies
BankRate.com has a list of testimonials that different people offered as strategies they used to find jobs outside of the normal methods. They mainly consist of people bypassing the normal methods of submitting resumes and cover letters, by trying to find a more personal method.
JobHuntersBible.com is a website that offers continually updated information in the basic areas of job search. This website is a supplement to the book What Color is Your Parachute? that is annually updated and re-released.
Monster.com has a Job Search Strategy checklist that is much aligned with what I have found works well. This list coincides what I have written above and offers an overall narrative that discuss post-graduation options, and career goals.
Next: Creating a Resume that appears professional and clearly demonstrates your skills and attributes.
-If there are any questions regarding the information posted, write it the comments and I'll answer them.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Determining Earning Capacity During a Divorce
The Vocational Expert has a role in Divorce proceedings that can save time and money for each side. While determining Spousal Maintenance, a Vocational Expert can be hired to conduct a Vocational Evaluation on either or both parties. This Vocational Evaluation is aimed at finding an earning capacity for the individual based on their education, work history and past earnings.
There are two basic methods the Vocational Expert uses to determine the Earning Capacity. The first method is to look at Actual Earnings. Second would be to determine the Potential Earning Capacity.
1. Actual Earnings
The Actual Earnings of a person allows the Vocational Expert the most amount of Face Validity possible in his or her report. The Earnings of a person are easily found in their tax records and from their previous employers, and are obvious evidence of Earning Capacity.
The argument that can be made against the Actual Earnings of an individual can be that the job is no longer available, or that the person would not be able to return to the same type of work and make a similar wage. The Vocational Expert must weigh this knowledge as they craft their report. For example, a plumber with an acquired back injury and lifting restrictions below 10 pounds, would not be able to return to work as a plumber.
Disability is one item that can limit the ability to use Actual Earnings to determine earning capacity, others include Age, and Geographical Locale.
2. Potential Earning Capacity
The Potential Earning Capacity of an individual is based on what the fair market value for their skills and abilities would provide. Essentially, even though a person may have never earned a dollar in their life, they may have the potential to earn.
To determine Potential Earning Capacity, the Vocational Expert weighs different information regarding the person's past. Education, Work History, Volunteer Work, and Hobbies can play a role in determining vocational possibilities.
Vocational Testing can be completed during a Vocational Evaluation that may help determine the skill and ability level of a person, or an interview and file review can be conducted. Often these methods are used together to produce a complete picture of a person and their Vocational Abilities. The report produced by the Vocational Expert needs to address how the individual's background would affect their Potential Earning Capacity.
For more information on determing Earning Capacity or to set-up a Vocational Evaluation, contact the experts at WRTWC.
There are two basic methods the Vocational Expert uses to determine the Earning Capacity. The first method is to look at Actual Earnings. Second would be to determine the Potential Earning Capacity.
1. Actual Earnings
The Actual Earnings of a person allows the Vocational Expert the most amount of Face Validity possible in his or her report. The Earnings of a person are easily found in their tax records and from their previous employers, and are obvious evidence of Earning Capacity.
The argument that can be made against the Actual Earnings of an individual can be that the job is no longer available, or that the person would not be able to return to the same type of work and make a similar wage. The Vocational Expert must weigh this knowledge as they craft their report. For example, a plumber with an acquired back injury and lifting restrictions below 10 pounds, would not be able to return to work as a plumber.
Disability is one item that can limit the ability to use Actual Earnings to determine earning capacity, others include Age, and Geographical Locale.
2. Potential Earning Capacity
The Potential Earning Capacity of an individual is based on what the fair market value for their skills and abilities would provide. Essentially, even though a person may have never earned a dollar in their life, they may have the potential to earn.
To determine Potential Earning Capacity, the Vocational Expert weighs different information regarding the person's past. Education, Work History, Volunteer Work, and Hobbies can play a role in determining vocational possibilities.
Vocational Testing can be completed during a Vocational Evaluation that may help determine the skill and ability level of a person, or an interview and file review can be conducted. Often these methods are used together to produce a complete picture of a person and their Vocational Abilities. The report produced by the Vocational Expert needs to address how the individual's background would affect their Potential Earning Capacity.
For more information on determing Earning Capacity or to set-up a Vocational Evaluation, contact the experts at WRTWC.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Finding Jobs for People with Disabilities - Vocational Rehabilitation
There is a little known state agency called the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) available to help people with disabilities find employment. This program allows people with any type of disability to apply for services, and then they will be matched with a counselor who has a wide variety of resources available to help them find work. Although these agencies are often backlogged with people seeking services, there are still many people with disabling conditions that are not aware of its existence and the extent that it can potentially help. Below is a brief description of what DVR can do to help people return to work following injury, or go to work for the first time.
Different services that DVR can offer include; Job Placement, Vocational Evaluation, Vocational Training, and Workplace Accommodation.
Job Placement services allow for the participant to work directly with a Job Placement professional who often has contacts with area businesses. Before reaching that point, however, the participant is trained in methods of producing successful resumes and presenting themselves well in job applications. The participant can also be trained to succeed in job interviews, and with written correspondence following interviews.
We at WRTWC conduct Job Placement for our clients, and are also contractors for DVR in Minnesota for this service.
Vocational Evaluation allows for clients to be sent to a contractor that specializes in Vocational Assessments, and provides a report detailing the clients skills and abilities as they relate to the world of work. The testing usually completed at an evaluation includes, Interest, Aptitude, Academic, Basic Skills, and Simulated-Work Samples. The goal of this testing is determine a vocational goal for the participant that is based on their ability and skill level, as well as their areas of interest.
Once again WRTWC offers Vocational Evaluation services in both Wisconsin and Minnesota for DVR as well as any other service provider. Our experts provide different levels of testing based on the requirements of the service provider, as well as personalized reports that aims to provide answers to any referral questions that may be asked.
Vocational Training is something that DVR can offer to participants that require more than the basic services to help them find a job. The DVR counselors will work with the participant to determine what type of training program would be most beneficial given their proximity to schools and the job market. The end goal of Vocational Training is to return to work in a physically and mentally appropriate situation, so the counselor must be knowledgeable about the job market.
Workplace Accommodation refers to the ability for DVR counselors to help ease the transition for someone to work through adaptations in their work setting. Accommodations can be as simple as a new chair for someone with a bad back, or raised computer screen. Often though, these types of Accommodations can be fairly technological and it has actually created its own niche industry. Some examples of what can be done is from the University of Wisconsin-Stout website: http://www.uwstout.edu/svri/tech.cfm They also conduct evaluations of their own to help determine what type of Accommodations would be most effective.
If you have any questions regarding anything listed here, contact your State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation office, or comment down below.
Different services that DVR can offer include; Job Placement, Vocational Evaluation, Vocational Training, and Workplace Accommodation.
Job Placement services allow for the participant to work directly with a Job Placement professional who often has contacts with area businesses. Before reaching that point, however, the participant is trained in methods of producing successful resumes and presenting themselves well in job applications. The participant can also be trained to succeed in job interviews, and with written correspondence following interviews.
We at WRTWC conduct Job Placement for our clients, and are also contractors for DVR in Minnesota for this service.
Vocational Evaluation allows for clients to be sent to a contractor that specializes in Vocational Assessments, and provides a report detailing the clients skills and abilities as they relate to the world of work. The testing usually completed at an evaluation includes, Interest, Aptitude, Academic, Basic Skills, and Simulated-Work Samples. The goal of this testing is determine a vocational goal for the participant that is based on their ability and skill level, as well as their areas of interest.
Once again WRTWC offers Vocational Evaluation services in both Wisconsin and Minnesota for DVR as well as any other service provider. Our experts provide different levels of testing based on the requirements of the service provider, as well as personalized reports that aims to provide answers to any referral questions that may be asked.
Vocational Training is something that DVR can offer to participants that require more than the basic services to help them find a job. The DVR counselors will work with the participant to determine what type of training program would be most beneficial given their proximity to schools and the job market. The end goal of Vocational Training is to return to work in a physically and mentally appropriate situation, so the counselor must be knowledgeable about the job market.
Workplace Accommodation refers to the ability for DVR counselors to help ease the transition for someone to work through adaptations in their work setting. Accommodations can be as simple as a new chair for someone with a bad back, or raised computer screen. Often though, these types of Accommodations can be fairly technological and it has actually created its own niche industry. Some examples of what can be done is from the University of Wisconsin-Stout website: http://www.uwstout.edu/svri/tech.cfm They also conduct evaluations of their own to help determine what type of Accommodations would be most effective.
If you have any questions regarding anything listed here, contact your State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation office, or comment down below.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors as Neutral Vocational Experts
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors typically hold at least Master's
degrees which enables them to work as counselors and evaluators with state and
federal agencies, or in private practice. The experience of working as a
Counselor, placing people in jobs and gaining familiarity with the vocational
landscape, enables them to serve in court proceedings as a Vocational Expert.
Vocational Experts are able to testify in court cases that determine Earning Capacity such as in a divorce-maintenance dispute, changes in Earning Capacity in cases regarding injury, and presumed Earning Capacity in cases involving injury to children.
The Vocational Experts have a variety of tools at their disposal including vocational testing, work and educational histories, labor market information and their own experience with the job market. Above all else, the Vocational Expert is held by ethical standards to provide testimony as evidence that is neutral to both parties, despite being hired by only one of them.
The goal of the Experts at WRTWC is to provide testimony regardless of the source of our payment. By operating in this fashion, our experts have gained the trust of judges and have even been hired by both sides of divorce cases to produce Earning Capacity reports.
By striving to stay neutral and testify based on the facts of a case, our experts have been able to provide useful testimony that helps move cases toward a conclusion. Our testimony has proven to be helpful in divorce cases as it can save money for each party. With neutral, fact-based testimony, our findings can be quickly accepted by both sides, without further argument.
If there is any questions you have regarding a case that may be require a vocational expert, please contact me at jesse.ogren@wrtwc.com, or at 612-353-5154.
Vocational Experts are able to testify in court cases that determine Earning Capacity such as in a divorce-maintenance dispute, changes in Earning Capacity in cases regarding injury, and presumed Earning Capacity in cases involving injury to children.
The Vocational Experts have a variety of tools at their disposal including vocational testing, work and educational histories, labor market information and their own experience with the job market. Above all else, the Vocational Expert is held by ethical standards to provide testimony as evidence that is neutral to both parties, despite being hired by only one of them.
The goal of the Experts at WRTWC is to provide testimony regardless of the source of our payment. By operating in this fashion, our experts have gained the trust of judges and have even been hired by both sides of divorce cases to produce Earning Capacity reports.
By striving to stay neutral and testify based on the facts of a case, our experts have been able to provide useful testimony that helps move cases toward a conclusion. Our testimony has proven to be helpful in divorce cases as it can save money for each party. With neutral, fact-based testimony, our findings can be quickly accepted by both sides, without further argument.
If there is any questions you have regarding a case that may be require a vocational expert, please contact me at jesse.ogren@wrtwc.com, or at 612-353-5154.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Modern Job Search
As a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, I spend countless hours working with people to find employment. This continues in my personal life as I always get stuck in my friends business as they look for jobs themselves. I have learned a few things from all this time spent looking for job openings and I want to start by sharing five things that I believe have changed since our evolution to a digital world.
1. Every job post listed on a job search website receives a million applicants.*
This might be hyperbole, but nonetheless you better be the exact candidate they are looking for with a pristine application or resume and near the top of the stack if you expect to find a job through these means.
2. Resumes written off of templates through Microsoft Office will not stand out.
This is the easiest way to produce a resume and is probably 90%* of what Human Resource managers see. A simple web search will provide many different resume formats that are more creative, and will be able to highlight your job and educational experiences more readily.
3. Companies use scanning devices to quickly weed through resumes, for rejection purposes.
Large companies that usually offer the best salaries, and benefits are also the most competitive for hiring. They have it down to a science where they are able to sift through thousands of applications and resumes quickly, using computers that reject applications for such reasons as poor spelling and grammar, poorly worded descriptions of experience, and lack of job specific buzz words.
4. Networking is more important than ever, and much easier through social media.
Being on websites such as LinkedIn is vital when searching for a job. Being on websites such as Facebook, Twitter, and various other social sites can be helpful, but can also be detrimental. In the age of "googling yourself", every person looking for a job needs to learn to manage their on-line presence.
5. Staffing agencies are a normal way to find a job.
With the amount of job posting websites and on-line applications, using a staffing agency to get your foot in the door with a company is essential. These companies are paid to place people, and have several companies that use them instead of hiring their own HR staff.
The future of this blog will address these areas as well as many others. Thank you for reading and stay tuned for future posts.
* Statistics not based on any research, and likely overblown.
1. Every job post listed on a job search website receives a million applicants.*
This might be hyperbole, but nonetheless you better be the exact candidate they are looking for with a pristine application or resume and near the top of the stack if you expect to find a job through these means.
2. Resumes written off of templates through Microsoft Office will not stand out.
This is the easiest way to produce a resume and is probably 90%* of what Human Resource managers see. A simple web search will provide many different resume formats that are more creative, and will be able to highlight your job and educational experiences more readily.
3. Companies use scanning devices to quickly weed through resumes, for rejection purposes.
Large companies that usually offer the best salaries, and benefits are also the most competitive for hiring. They have it down to a science where they are able to sift through thousands of applications and resumes quickly, using computers that reject applications for such reasons as poor spelling and grammar, poorly worded descriptions of experience, and lack of job specific buzz words.
4. Networking is more important than ever, and much easier through social media.
Being on websites such as LinkedIn is vital when searching for a job. Being on websites such as Facebook, Twitter, and various other social sites can be helpful, but can also be detrimental. In the age of "googling yourself", every person looking for a job needs to learn to manage their on-line presence.
5. Staffing agencies are a normal way to find a job.
With the amount of job posting websites and on-line applications, using a staffing agency to get your foot in the door with a company is essential. These companies are paid to place people, and have several companies that use them instead of hiring their own HR staff.
The future of this blog will address these areas as well as many others. Thank you for reading and stay tuned for future posts.
* Statistics not based on any research, and likely overblown.
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