Community Blog: Jobing.com Community Relations - FW

The SHRM Student Games is coming to the metroplex! Scheduled for Saturday, February 20th at the University of Texas Arlington. Student teams from universities and colleges all across the state will come to compete in a game show style competition to earn the top spot. Students study all year long for this event.  

Volunteers are needed to help in many areas. You don't have to you don't have to live in the DFW area or be an HR Professional to volunteer! And besides, the volunteers get the answers!

So make plans to join us for this all day event on Saturday, February 20th at UT Arlington. It is an event you will definately remember!

For more information contact Matt McKinney at mmckinne@gmail.com or Patty Revis at patty.revis@jobing.com.

It's no secret that a job search can be a little stressful, especially when you are balancing your search with holiday stress. It's important to keep as organized and stress-free as possible to help you have a successful job search. Here are a few tips on how to keep your cool while searching for jobs this holiday season.

Incorporate personal goals with Professional ones - we have talked about having a job search plan to keep you organized and on track. It is important to put your personal goals and obligations in that plan. Sometime job seekers create a great plan, but come to find out it's not realistic based on their other obligations.

Allow flexibility - There are few things more frustrating than creating a plan only to have an unexpected event interrupt the process. It's okay! Things are going to come up that may require you to change your plan. This does not mean your plan is ruined. Be flexible and amend your process when necessary. 

Track your progress - Whether it be daily or weekly, track the progress you are making. Celebrate small wins and look for ways to improve. Remember to ask for feedback, encouragement and accountability when necessary.

Take a breather - This is a busy time of year. Don't put your job search on hold, but don't be afraid to take a breather when you are feeling overwhelmed. Regroup and recharge to stay motivated. We all need a "cheat day" sometimes. 
 

Patty Revis is the Fort Worth Community Relations Director for Jobing.com and the Employment Expert for TXA21. She works with Associations, Non-Profits and Professional Organizations in the metroplex as well as job seeker groups in the area. Contact her at patty.revis@jobing.com for more information on Jobing.com, Job Seeking Advice or other opportunities that just sound fun. Also, you can follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fortworthjobs or on Twitter @jobingfortworth. 

The Mid-Cities Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management has announced the date for their Third annual Employment Law Symposium. Join us as we welcome Human Resource Professionals of all experience levels, small business owners, management employees with Human Resource responsibilities, and in-house counsel to this annual event.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie. Registration is from 9:00am - 9:45am and the educational sessions begin at 9:45am. Lunch is provided as well as refreshment breaks with snacks. The day will conclude at 5:30pm with a Cocktail Reception including heavy hors d'oeuvres and cocktails.

Early bird registration for SHRM affiliate chapter members is $99 and all other guests $115. After Sunday, December 20, 2009, SHRM affiliate chapter members is $125 and all other guests $140.

Register at www.mchra.org. A 10% discount will be offered for three or more attendees from the same company. Receive $5.00 off each registration for online credit card payment at the time of registration (for registrations made on or before Wednesday, January 20, 2010). No cancellations after Wednesday, January 20, 2010. A $10.00 Administrative fee will be charged on all refunds due to cancellations on or before January 20th.

This program has been approved for 6.75 recertification credit hours toward PHR, SPHR, and GPHR recertifications through the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). For more information about certification or recertification, please visit the HRCI homepage at www.hrci.org. An application for 6.75 hours of CLE credit is pending.

With 2009 winding down, it's the perfect time to  reflect on all you have accomplished this past year and turn your focus on your goals for 2010. While you are enjoying time with your friends and family this season resist the urge to postpone your job search until after the new year. Many job seekers will be easing up on their job hunting strategy during this time, which means less competition for you! The new year also tends to bring new training classes and new hire orientations, so employers will be focused on filling those seats before year's end. So, here are a few tips we have gathered to help make your holiday job search even better:

• Create a Holiday Plan - Set specific goals for what you would like to accomplish. How many resumes do you want to send out per week? How many networking events will you attend? How many hours are you going to dedicate to online research? Having a plan will help keep you motivated and moving in the right direction.
  
• Take Advantage of Holiday Events - There seems to be no shortage of holiday parties and events this time of year, which means more opportunities for you to expand you professional network. Keep in mind that holiday events are much more casual than regular networking events, so a more casual approach will yield better results.
  
• Reach out to Your Network - The holiday season is a great time to reach out to you professional network. Sending a short note thanking your contacts for thinking of you when opportunities arise, is a good way to stay top of mind and send a little holiday cheer!
  
• Review, Refresh, Recharge - Don't forget to celebrate! You have worked hard this year, take the time to review all of your accomplishments. The end of the year is the perfect time to update your resume to include any skills or training you have gained. Explore new resumes styles and templates or work on a new 30 second pitch. Refreshing you job search materials will help keep you engaged and motivated.

Just posted some new content to my Facebook page. If you are not a Fan yet, no worries, now is your chance! Just click here and hit the Fan button. It's a great way to get the most informative and concise job seeking information in the Metroplex.

But don't stop there! I want to hear from you. Please comment and tell me what you are thinking about, what your frustrations are, or SHARE good News! It's a great way to get all of your burning questions answered.

So check it out now! What are you waiting for??

Fort Worth - http://www.facebook.com/fortworthjobs

Dallas - http://www.facebook.com/dallasjobs

Patty Revis is the Fort Worth Community Relations Director for Jobing.com and the Employment Expert for TXA21. She works with Associations, Non-Profits and Professional Organizations in the metroplex as well as job seeker groups in the area. Contact her at patty.revis@jobing.com for more information on Jobing.com, Job Seeking Advice or other opportunities that just sound fun. Also, you can follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fortworthjobs or on Twitter @jobingfortworth.

   

 

As we begin the holiday season, it is of course a time to being reminded of our priorities. We all have things to be thankful for and grateful about. And of course people to be thankful for. In looking back on 2009 so far really take a look at who has helped you in your job search, what things you have been able to do either as a full-time job seeker or someone who was employed and is now looking for new work or a new journey. And, who have YOU helped or impacted as well. That thought alone can be enough to refresh and motivate you. I'll just bet that you have touched someone and helped them along the way too. Take a moment to celebrate the small successes and accomplishments.

This time is a great opportunity to reach out to your network and wish a happy season to your colleagues. In the process keep you on the top of their mind during this busy time of year.

What skills have you acquired (this could be through formal training or hands-on experience)

What networking groups did you join/influential people have you met

What have you accomplished so far and what do you still want to achieve 

Send thank you notes to all who have helped you (even is it was earlier in the year, sending out a thanksgiving note can help keep you top of mind for future opportuinities)
I am very grateful for the work I am able to do and even if I can only touch one job seeker in the process it makes it all worthwhile. Happy Thanksgiving Y'all. -Patty

The room was abuzz with excitement as the 2009 Pinnacle Awards, sponsored by ADP, were announced during a luncheon at the SHRM Leadership Conference in Washington, DC. Each year, the Pinnacle Awards recognize outstanding projects designed and implemented by SHRM chapters and state councils. Each award carries a $1,000 prize for the chapter/council as well as a special Pinnacle lapel pin. Projects are judged by an internal SHRM staff committee and an external committee made up of SHRM members. This year saw entries from 45 chapters and eight state councils. A total of nine awards were presented—seven to chapters and two to state councils.

Winners of the 2009 Pinnacle Awards are:

Evansville-Area Human Resource Association (Indiana)

Human Resources Management Association of New Orleans (Lousiana)

Human Resources Management Association of New Mexico (Albuquerque)

Susquehanna Human Resource Management Association (Pennsylvania)

Austin Human Resource Management Association (Texas)

Mid-Cities Human Resource Association (Texas)

Raleigh-Wake Human Resource Management Association and Triangle SHRM (North Carolina)

New Hampshire SHRM State Council

Garden State Council – SHRM, Inc.

North Texas: Wide Open for Sustainability & Growth!
Profit! People! Planet!

Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: The University of Texas at Arlington, Riverbend Campus,
7300 Jack Newell Boulevard, S., Fort Worth, TX 76118

Growing the Texas economy is a priority for Governor Rick Perry.
 
As an expression of that commitment, the governor's office is sponsoring a complimentary one-day event on November 18, 2009. The event is organized by the Small Business Development Center for Enterprise Excellence headquartered at UTA's Riverbend/ARRI campus in NE Fort Worth (www.arri.uta.edu ). 
 
The goal of this conference is to provide North Texas business owners and entrepreneurs with new skills, ideas and examples to grow profitable, sustainable businesses. The keynote speeches and workshops throughout the day focus on the wide-open opportunities to achieve the 3 Ps: Profit, Planet & People which translates to growing your business, sustaining your business & our global community as well as advancing your company culture to enhance your best resource – your people!

Click here for More Information or to Register! 
Growing the Texas economy is a priority for Governor Rick Perry.
 
As an expression of that commitment, the governor's office is sponsoring a complimentary one-day event on November 18, 2009. The event is organized by the Small Business Development Center for Enterprise Excellence headquartered at UTA's Riverbend/ARRI campus in NE Fort Worth (www.arri.uta.edu ). 
 
The goal of this conference is to provide North Texas business owners and entrepreneurs with new skills, ideas and examples to grow profitable, sustainable businesses. The keynote speeches and workshops throughout the day focus on the wide-open opportunities to achieve the 3 Ps: Profit, Planet & People which translates to growing your business, sustaining your business & our global community as well as advancing your company culture to enhance your best resource – your people!

Keynote speakers include:

·        Richard Greene, former regional administrator for the EPA, discussing climate change and its accompanying business opportunities and challenges.
·        David Vinjamuri, author of the popular book “Accidental Branding” (www.accidentalbranding.com) shares stories of how entrepreneurs accidentally created companies like Burt's Bees, Baby Einstein and Craigslist.
 
Workshops focus on the Profit, Planet & People:

·        Profit 101 teaches you how to grow sales profitably.
·        Go Green to See More Green demonstrates waste reduction methods with case studies and tips for your business.
·        Creating a Culture for Improvement teaches the principles of Servant Leadership used successfully by Southwest Airlines and other local companies.
 
This event is the perfect way to prepare your company for wide open sustainable growth in 2010!
 
Register Now

Jobing.com is proud to announce a newly formed state wide resource and partnership for returning Veterans who are entering the workforce.

Operation Job Match is a collaborative effort between the Society for Human Resource Management (TXSHRM) State Council, Harrington Strategies in San Antonio, Intelligent Compensation in Austin, Jobing.com along with a variety of local workforce agency partners. The entire site is devoted to putting our returning armed forces in Texas back to work and it offically launces today. 

There are thousands of military veterans in the State of Texas currently seeking employment. Part of the problem in getting veterans hired is that there is a significant gap between Military Employers and many U.S. Employers concerning workforce readiness assessment, skill defiintion, job requirement relevancy, and the use of a common language to communicate and bridge relevant qualifications.

Spread the word and check out the site!
 
http://www.operationjobmatch.com/ 

One of the most useful things you can do is develop relevant and timely questions for the job interview. Asking a nice balance of questions about the company, its culture, the position and the interviewer's background is a great way to leave a lasting impression. Whatever you do, don't ask a goofball question that has no real "umph" to it.
 
Tonight we are talking about questions that job seekers should ask during a job interview. Not just at the end, but the things that information you should lead with. Often there may be a statement rather than a question too.
 
Questions such as:
 
How did this position become available?
What qualifications did you see on my resume that you liked and what are some that you feel I lack?
I'm interested in a long-term career here, where can I move up to from this position?
(If this is not a brand new position) What are some areas that need improvement by the next person in this role?
(If this is a brand new position) What occurred that created a need for this new position?
What is the retention rate in this organization?
What are your expectations of a new person in this role?
(If this is a public company) What is the stock doing today? (but be careful on this one)
Where do you see the growth of this company in the next 10 years?
 
Statments such as:
 
Tell me about the culture of the company.
Please share with me how you got your job here and what you like most about it.
Tell me about the business philosophy of the executive leadership at this company.
Share with me what you see as your number one challenge in a day.
Tell me why someone would want to join your organization.
Tell me why you enjoy working and what gets you excited.

As we take a day on Wednesday, 11/11 to celebrate Veteran's Day, I wanted to take a moment to thank all the Vet's in North Texas. If you are a Vet returning to work after active duty, remember that there are many sources to support you in your job searche. Of course here on Jobing. However in adition, mMany Workforce Centers in Tarrant, Dallas and North Central Texas have specialists who can assist as well. For a list of them, check out our Community Resources Page.

Veterans Day is an annual American holiday honoring military veterans. Both a federal holiday and a state holiday in all states, it is usually observed on November 11. However, if it occurs on a Sunday then the following Monday is designated for holiday leave, and if it occurs Saturday then either Saturday or Friday may be so designated. It is also celebrated as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other parts of the world, falling on November 11, the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice.*

*According to Wikipedia.

Stalled in your Job Search? We'll give you some enhanced information to re-energize you search by providing information that is not readily available in the DFW area. This event will feature advanced lectures on relationship building, understanding advanced resume technologies, the importance of personal branding and expanding your digital footprint, as well as other timely and relevant topics for the savy job seeker. You are not alone. We are here to help.

Saturday, October 31
8:30am - 1:00pm
Trinity Vineyard Fellowship Church
1401 W. 5th Street
Fort Worth, 76012

Registration is required. To register go to www.careersearchnetwork.org and click on the Seminars/workshops page.

International Business Coach, Scott Carley, and Nationally recognized Real Estate and Motivational Speaker, Chad Goldwasser have announced that they have scheduled a stop in the metroplex for their next supercharged event. It will be held at the Arlington Convention Center, 1200 Ballpark Way on Thursday, November 12. The all-day event will provide an excellent training opportunity for emerging and seasoned sales professionals alike.

In addition to motivational topics, the pair will cover the mind set of the sales person, how time thieves arrest your productivity, tools, tips and techniques that apply to supercharging your sales career and answer the age-old question of "what does netWORKING really mean?"

For more information and a registration form, go to www.highovoltagesalestour.com.

What does it mean to “sell yourself”? It’s ensuring that your resume makes it to the top of the stack, or that your name is on the short list of preferred candidates. Sure it starts with a good cover letter. But does it really start there? It’s having confidence in yourself and your abilities in order to convince others that you are the perfect person for that incredible job that you really want.

In order to be the best, you have to know that you’re the best, and that means you have to do your homework. That’s right, education. There are many jobs out there but you may not have the right background. Well get it. You may be busy with a job that you don’t really want, but it pays the bills. Or you may be collecting unemployment for the time being, but that won’t last forever. Take a big tug on those bootstraps and earn the education that you need to better position yourself, professionally.

Going back to school… the idea is quite inspiring, really. But where will you find the time? You have it… you just need to carve it out of your schedule. The good news is that you live in the day-in-age of the Internet and what an awesome tool that is. Because of its widespread access, there are some really great online education options out there that offer you the opportunity to study wherever and whenever you want. The fact of the matter is, online education is booming right now and because of the competition, you have some excellent options.

So here’s the drill: finish your bachelors, get your masters, differentiate yourself with a specialized certificate in an up-and-coming field like Sustainability Leadership, Software Engineering and Networking, or go global with an international business doctorate. Do your homework. Research your options. You may be surprised at the educational opportunities that exist today within our pivotal global economy.

Sell yourself with confidence, knowing you have the right education. Research your educational opportunities at JobingEducation or learn more about one of our sponsored schools, UC Irvine - Extension (http://dallas.jobing.com/companyprofile.asp?i=127019) (online certificate programs) or California Intercontinental University (http://dallas.jobing.com/company_profile.asp?i=127036)  (CalU – online master’s and doctorate degrees). Use your time wisely to better your life and let the bidding begin!

Imagine this scenario, you have always been paid by the hour and all the sudden you are faced with an opportunity but the offer is given to you in salary numbers. Or, you have always earned an annual salary and the offer is made in an hourly wage. Conversion is super easy!

Generally speaking and on average, if you double the hourly wage on a full-time position and 50 weeks per year, you will get the annual wage. Conversely, if you split the annual salary amount in half, you get the hourly wage.

For example:

$8.00 per hour X 40 hours per week = $320 per week
$320 per week X 50 weeks in a year = $16,000 per year
Thus doubling $8.00 per hour would be $16,000.

Now, naturally this is a ball park. Unless you can do exact quick math in your head, this is a great tip to get you a quick pay range and you'll know where to start negotiations.