Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Career Opportunities With the U.S. Coast Guard

Career Opportunities With the U.S. Coast GuardCareer Opportunities With the U.S. Coast GuardThose who are interested in law enforcement careers with the U.S. Military have quite a few options. In addition to the four primary war-fighting branches, one branch offers a unique merging of law enforcement and national defense the United States Coast Guard. Whatever your interest might be in criminology or criminal justice, the Coast Guard literally has it all. From immigration enforcement to drug interdiction and everything in between, members of the U.S. Coast Guard protect and patrol the shores of America, enforcing both federal and maritime law. They also serve as the preeminent marine search and rescue providers, and they maintain war-fighting capabilities in support of the U.S. Navy. A Brief History of the U.S. Coast Guard The Coast Guard traces its roots to 1790 when a ordnungsprinzip of cutters was created within the Departement of the Treasury, making it one of the oldest law enforcement organizations in the U.S. The agency was tasked with enforcing tariffs and laws pertaining to trade. The service was first called the Revenue Cutters, then system of cutters, and, finally, the Revenue Cutter Service. It was granted the authority to board all U.S. ships within four miles of shore, as well as all foreign vessels within U.S. waters. The Revenue Cutter Service merged with the U.S. Life-Saving Service in 1915, which included a system of safeguards to aid sailors in the veranstaltung of a shipwreck. This new service was named the United States Coast Guardand it has taken a unique place among both federal law enforcement agencies and the armed forces. The Coast Guard was an agent of the Treasury from its inception until it was transferred to the newly created Department of Homeland Security after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The Guard has continued its dual role of enforcing the law and defending the nation since then, patrolling the shores and inla nd waterways of the U.S. and providing wartime support to the U.S. Navy overseas. What the U.S. Coast Guard Does Originally assigned the task of enforcing trade laws and tariffs, the Coast Guards role has expanded over its more than two centuries of existence. The Guard was entrusted with 11 specific and unique missions when it was transferred to the Department of Homeland Security Security of coasts, ports, and waterwaysDrug interdictionProviding and maintaining navigational aid and assistance to vesselsSearch and rescue functionsEnforcing laws related to the protection of the fishing industryMaintaining readiness for national defenseImmigration enforcementEnvironmental protectionIce patrol and ice breakingOther marine law enforcement operations Although its not a part of the Department of Defense, members of the Coast Guard serve both as law enforcement agents and members of the military. By federal law, the Coast Guard is a branch of the five armed forces, predating the U.S. Air Force and even the Navy by some reckonings. Opportunities Available in the Coast Guard You can get lots of experience serving in the U.S. Coast Guard if youre looking for ajob in criminology or criminal justice. The Coast Guard is a great stand-alone career opportunity, or serving here can give you valuable training and experience that can prepare you for other law enforcement careers. Shipmates- as members of the Coast Guard are called- play a vital role in border protection and marine patrol functions. As the agency responsible for protecting the nations coastal and inland waterways, the guard also serves as an important law enforcement partner in counterterrorism efforts. Most people who consider criminal justice careers do so because they want to help others and make a difference. The Coast Guard can offer opportunities to do exactly that while providing excellent on-the-job training and experience. How to Join the Coast Guard You can enlist with the Coast Guard righ t out high school, or you apply to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. Academy graduates earn a bachelors degree and an officers commission, which translates to higher pay and greater responsibility. Enlisted shipmates attend an eight-week basic training program that pushes the limits both physically and mentally. Although the pay might be low for the first year at just more than $15,000, health care is provided at no cost, as well as government housing where available. Additional allowances are available for off-base housing and at-sea pay, and salary increases are earned for promotions and length of service The reserve program can let you earn extra income while you gain valuable training and experience if the Coast Guard interests you but youre not ready to make a full-time commitment. Serving Can Help You in Future Careers All too often job seekers get discouraged because they lack the experience they need for the career they really want. Finding experience for a great job can be tough, to say the least. The U.S. Coast Guard offers exactly the right experience, training, and discipline youll need if youre interested in working in law enforcement. In the meantime, you might just find that working as a Coast Guard shipmate is the perfect criminology career for you.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

President Obamas Commencement Speech at Howard - The Muse

President Obamas Commencement Speech at Howard - The MusePresident Obamas Commencement Speech at Howard President Barack Obamas commencement address to the 2016 graduating class at Howard University provided insight, instruction, and an opportunity to both reflect and think big. But thats not surprising- when the president delivers a commencement address, you expect it to check off all those typical graduation speech boxes. The fact that he does however, does not make it any less powerful and his message is likely to be one youll be thinking about over the next few weeks. Stressing that although weve come a long way, theres totenstill much work to be done, President Obama seems certain that the best time to be in a position to instigate change is right now. Theres no other time youd choose to be living this life.Acknowledging that, yes, we still have a higher unemployment rate for minorities, and we cant forget about the gender pay gap, President Obama says that these arent insurmoun table challenges. The truth, he says, is that your generation is better positioned than any before you to meet those challenges, to flip the script.The opportunity to flip the script is a powerful message. This could be as simple as a woman knowing what the man being hired for the same position is making. This could be as ongoing as embracing diversity in the workplace or, thinking of how you can help the matter, regardless of whether youre a hiring manager or an entry-level assistant. Think big and outside the box. While President Obama doesnt dismiss the idea of passion as being integral to work, a sentiment thats rather ubiquitous these days, he does note that its not enough to have the passion to want change rather, you have to have a strategy. Not just awareness, but action. Not just hashtags, but votes.And you need not just develop good speaking skills (or, in its place, a large social media following) you also need to know how to listen. For change to really happen, it requir es listening to those with whom you disagree, and being prepared to compromise, Obama explains.While Obama may be somewhat focused on the political sphere of change, I think his message can easily lend itself to people everywhere, both to the graduating classes of 2016 and to individuals working now, Millennials and generations beyond. When he talks about engaging, and learning from the other side, he could be giving concrete advice for how to deal with a difficult co-worker or a future business partner who wants to do things one way while you want to do them another. When he says that change is the fight that happens every day, that its the effort of committed citizens who hitch their wagons to something bigger than themselves and fight for it every single day, think about what that means when you find yourself deeply entrenched in your career. What does your commitment say about you, how are you demonstrating it, and what does it mean for your career path? Now, think bigger than y ou, beyond your personal brand, beyond your hashtags The big picture involves a community and that community is how we see real work accomplished.

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

First Aid for a Bullet-Point Resume

First Aid for a Bullet-Point Resume First Aid for a Bullet-Point Resume How clear job targeting and a full reorganization afford a hospital director new opportunities in executive-level health care positions.Carla Fore, a registered nurse and hospital manager who holds an MBA and a master’s in organizational psychology, has always tended to her own resume over a 30-year career.“I have updated my resume every year and have always done it myself, since I also write,” Fore said. “But after a recent layoff in April, my CV seemed really piecemeal and patchwork. I had been told by recruiters that I was a classic case of ‘death by bullets.’ ”Fore said she was also concerned that her old resume made her look like she’d changed jobs incessantly, particularly at one hospital where she’d actually been given a host of interim director-level positions.“They kept bouncing me all over the place,” Fore said. “I was gaining a ton of management experience across almost every department in the hospital, but it looked like I was job-hopping every few months on my resume.”“Carla had a 100 percent bulleted resume over five pages,” said professionally certified resume writer Andrew Pearl, who works with Ladders. “It needed major reorganization as her resume went back to 1979… All those bullets had the effect of giving almost nothing any emphasis.“It’s like landing a plane on an airstrip at night,” Pearl said. “Having some separation between the lights allows for the runway to be seen more effectively.”Pearl used Fore’s old resume as the basis for the new one. Because Fore had been diligent about putting quantifiable numbers, percentages and results in her old resume, he didn’t need her to complete the worksheet he often uses to help clients fill in the blanks. But Pearl did not hesitate to reorganize, cut and refresh a new resume for Fore that played up her aspirations for a job in hospital management and administration.Multitasker vs. job-hopperSo how did Pearl address the perception that Fore couldn’t s tay in one job for long ? Better organization.“You have to assume that the people reading your resume have a short amount of time,” Pearl said. “So you link the responsibilities together under one company heading, give a short paragraph attached to each job title - with the most important results as the first few bullets - and keep it quick. And you emphasize the job target you are going after first.”In this case, it was for a lateral position as director of emergency services.“The job target is key,” Pearl said. “I always start with the target. In this case, Carla wanted to emphasize her management experience.”In addition, Pearl stressed how including a short paragraph under each company she worked for sets the context for showing results. “You want to succinctly give a general premise for the company: who you managed, how many people, why you were hired, what was the day-to-day environment,” Pearl said. “You are setting up a narrative that you then reinforc e in the results-centered bullets. It’s a one-two punch.”Fore has been tremendously pleased with the results. She received the new resume in late May and already had four interviews by the second week in June.What most impressed Fore about her new resume?“The Areas of Excellence, ” she said. “They took everything I had wanted to say and boom! - three lines near the top that summed it all up… And I was really happy with the language used, with words like ‘bolstered’ and ‘spearheaded’… The new CV is so much better.”Pearl said the Areas of Excellence section Fore likes so much helps break up the page visually, locks in some scannable keywords and plays on how people really read.“It’s like a newspaper with its organization,” Pearl said. “When you have something to latch on to while you are reading, you will go there.”“The thing is that I was initially targeting other director of emergency positions,” Fore said. “But after the new CV, I am getting recruited for positions two levels above director - positions like chief nursing officer and CEO. It’s something I’ve never, never seen before.”It doe sn’t hurt that Fore is willing to relocate from New Mexico to almost any warm state in the U.S., nor do her credentials, experience and tenacity.“A professor of mine once said something in a class, and I now take it as my personal philosophy,” Fore said. “‘Change is inevitable; struggle is optional.'”

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Free Entry-Level Pest Control Resume Templates

Free Entry-Level Pest Control Resume Templates Free Entry-Level Pest Control Resume Templates An entry-level pest control resume puts the focus where it belongs: you and what you can offer. Its basic design shows that you are serious about starting your career. Study the sample provided to learn the ins and outs of mastering such an important document.Create ResumeEntry-Level Pest Control ResumeCustomize ResumeIndustry SnippetsBy reading through the entry-level pest control resume, you will gain insight on the best skills to include in your own resume. Also, you will have a clear direction. Entry-Level Resume Pros and ConsThis style is ideal for entry-level candidates. You can highlight your education, accomplishments, and hands-on experience acquired through internships, student work, or volunteer work. But, does this style fit your needs?Pros: This format is safe; its widely acceptedPros: Easy for employers to readCons: Format is not memorable whatsoeverCons: You cant inject your personality into itResume TextCharlesS. Dillon123 Street,City, ST, 12345 (123) 456-7890 (H) (1 23) 456-7890 (C) email@isp.comProfessional SummaryKnowledgeable Pest Control Technician with a background in treating residential and commercial properties. Highly-trained in integrated pest management with success in adopting new approaches to pest control through continuous professional development. Experienced in cockroach, termite, mosquito, bedbug, silverfish, beetle, pest ant, bee, wasp, and fly control.Skill HighlightsIntegrated Pest ManagementInsect ClassificationSite InspectionsCustomer EducationPersonal Protective EquipmentBusiness Development Education and CertificationUniversity of Florida 2014Undergraduate Certificate: Urban Pest Management Distance LearningCoursework in Principles of Entomology, Biology and Identification of Urban Pests, Principles of Urban Pest Management, Insect Classification, Urban Vertebrate Pest Management, and Insect Pest and Vector ManagementPest Control Operator CertificatePest Control Management TrainingEntomologyExplored theories and concept s underlying general household pest management.Learned insect classification by understanding general external and internal insect anatomy and physiology.Investigated impact of insects on man and environment, including adaptations to habitats.Pest Control and ManagementEvaluated inorganic insecticides and synergists, insecticide formulations, and insecticide modes of action.Studied urban insecticide application equipment, pest control laws and regulations, and pesticide safety.Examined urban insecticide application techniques, including baiting, structural fumigation, commodity fumigation, and termiticide applicationProfessional Experience9/1/2014 CurrentPest Control TechnicianBug-Be-Gone, LLC Durham, NCPerform onsite inspections and interview customers to assess urban and residential pest control needs; discuss scope of services provided and additional service options.Identify insects, pest harborage areas, and conducive conditions.Use high quality and environmentally responsible products to reduce, eliminate, and prevent infestations of unwanted pests; sell and upsell services to support pest control goals and drive business sales goals.Schedule appointments with customers for initial and follow up inspections, and coordinate with pest control team to ensure optimal customer satisfaction.Maintain accurate records and files of services provided, pest management approach, and equipment and supplies used.

Monday, November 18, 2019

The Blue-Collar Job Makes a Comeback

The Blue-Collar Job Makes a Comeback The Blue-Collar Job Makes a Comeback The Blue-Collar Job Makes a Comeback Would you trade a career in a cubicle for a job with a hammer and screwdriver? In the current economic downturn, some may consider making such a switch, if just to bring in money while they're unemployed. But others are rediscovering the value of blue collar jobs, such as skilled tradespeople, laborers, and machine operators. Blue-collar work never died; it merely lost its loftier status after the country's shift from a post-World War II industrial-based economy to the current knowledge-based economy. The increased emphasis on college education largely left blue-collar jobs to those who didn't attain college degrees. The current recession hasn't been very kind to the U.S. workforce, especially those without college degrees. Government statistics say the jobless rate for those without a college education is double that of workers with some college experience or associate degrees. The gap is even wider when compared with workers who have bachelors' or advanced degrees. But as many more Americans have opted to attend and graduate from college before seeking jobs in the knowledge-based economy, there is a question that has mostly gone unasked over the last 20 or 30 years: Who will do this work? According to Manpower, Inc., that question is tough to answer. A recent survey by the global human resources consultancy found that four of the 10 hardest-to-fill jobs in the U.S. are blue collar: skilled trades, laborers, technicians, and machinists/machine operators. So, while more parents have steered their kids toward college campuses, there's a dwindling pool of skilled people who can help build an addition to your house or fix a business's air-conditioning system. But, as this article from Fortune Magazine notes, that may be changing, especially as we move toward the development of green jobs. That shift can give people with those blue-collar skills a distinct advantage when someone needs to install solar panels or repair a hybrid vehicle's power train. As Heather Honea, a professor at San Diego State University, notes in the Fortune piece: The transition from blue collar jobs to green collar jobs will be far easier than going from white collar to green collar. If you're in a white-collar job, would you consider trading it in for blue-collar work, or maybe green? Share your views with us.

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Why Hiring an ADHD Job Candidate is a Smart Business Strategy

Why Hiring an ADHD Job Candidate is a Smart Business Strategy Why Hiring an ADHD Job Candidate is a Smart Business Strategy ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is defined as “a chronic condition marked by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and sometimes impulsivity.” So, why is hiring someone with ADHD a smart strategy for your business? I explain the reasons why below. Early years When I was 10 years-old, I was diagnosed with dyslexia, and a motor-visual impairment that made it difficult for me to copy the lessons teachers would write on the blackboard into my notebook. My ADHD diagnosis would arrive twenty years later. To counter my dyslexia, my parents were advised to give me a portable typewriter, a Brother EP-44 with a futuristic two kilobytes of RAM. Yes, you read that right. Not gigabytes, not megabytes, but KILOBYTES. In other words, I could type exactly 2048 characters before the memory was full. But all technological limitations of 1982 aside, there was a much darker part of having to lug a seven-pound word processor with me wherever I went: I was immediately labeled as “different”. When you’re 10 years-old, being “different” is the kiss of death. Years of few friends, lots of bullying, and constant “I don’t want to go to school” arguments with my parents ended finally when I got into the famous LaGuardia High School of Music and Art and Performing Arts. And guess what, everyone there was different! Benefits of being different Do you know what came out of those years of hell? Superpowers. In addition to typing well over 100 words a minute as an adult, there was one huge benefit that I did not realize was being planted in my young brain at the time: I was learning to not only accept being different, but to use it to my advantage for the rest of my life. I can attribute the majority of my success, both personal and professional, to the fact that I’ve never been “normal.” By having teachers and initial employers who considered me “damaged,” I was able to outshine, outmaneuver, and outgun “normal” students and colleagues at every turn. When you’re different When you are different you learn to handle all sorts of things quicker, better, and more to your benefit than “normal” people. For example: You grasp concepts better You’re less likely to let fear prevent you from trying new things You fix mistakes quicker than others You learn to pivot faster and with less drama Most importantly... You learn to not give a damn about what other people think about you or your actions. We’re stronger than you could ever imagine While mild disabilities such as dyslexia, ADD, ADHD, and OCD can be traumatic for kids, and even for adults if undiagnosed or untreated, if utilized correctly, the life-skills learned from coping with them can be a gift to the grown-up employee or entrepreneur. Those with some kind of learning disability have tremendous amounts in common with brilliant entrepreneurs and employees. We’ve had to “learn how to learn” in a different way. Much like a blind man who learns to “see” with his other senses, those with learning disabilities learn to “learn” in different ways. These different ways used to result in me getting in trouble in school for not arriving at the answer the “right” way. Now, they are exceptionally helpful in the entrepreneurial world, where sometimes you just need to get things done right now. And it doesn’t matter how. What makes hiring those with disabilities a smart strategy Those with disabilities have usually figured out the shortest way to get from point A to point B within five seconds of being given the task. We’re the most upfront and honest people you’ll ever meet. When I start working with someone, they know within five seconds that I’ve got ADHD, and I work “faster than normal.” I’m up-front about why I’m different. And I’m the first person to tell you that I am and why it’s a benefit. I do this, not because I believe I’m better than anyone else, but so that others understand how I work, why I work the way I do, and how it can be useful to both of us, as long as some simple guidelines are followed. If you want me to get something done Tell me what it is, give me a deadline, then leave me the hell alone. You’ll get it perfect the first time, definitely on time, and most of the time early. People with ADHD RARELY miss deadlines because we require them. For someone with ADD, ADHD, or most any kind of learning disorder, chaos is our worst enemy. Organization is our best friend. Once we learn that, a whole new world opens up for us. We can work in certain ways to guarantee that certain things get done when they should. We’re not rushed when we do it. The problem comes when we’re not given a deadline. In our world, “soon,” isn’t an actuality. Give me a deadline, and I guarantee you’ll have it in your hands before it’s due. It will probably be perfect. As long as we trust you to truly listen to us We’ll be the most honest people with whom you’ll ever work. Those with ADD/ADHD have one fear: That when we need to express ourselves, we’re not truly being listened to. This is a problem for multiple reasons, but the main one is that we need to feel like we’ve said what we had to say and were truly heard. This way we can file it as completed and move on. If we trust that you’ll truly hear us when we talk, we’ll never lie or withhold information from you, ever. ADHD is not a negative term We’ve been told that our disability is a negative so many times that we’ll work harder than anyone else. We want to prove the world wrong. The first time I sold a company in 2001, I was over the moon with happiness, not just because of the sale, but because it was a moment in my life where I was able to prove every single doubter wrong. I’ve used that fuel and that passion to start and sell three companies in total, as well as write two best-selling books. Because we’ve been put down so much, in the end, we truly want to succeed. And we want people around us to succeed, as well! At the end of the day We know what it’s like to fail. More importantly, we know what it’s like to be told that we’ll never succeed at anything. It’s exactly because of that, that we want to succeed, we will work harder than anyone else to get there. And if we’re working with you or for you, we will be your biggest cheerleader, as long as we know you have our backs. In the end, we love the rush we get from success and an ADHD employee or business leader will do almost anything to get it. That makes working with us a smart business strategy. If you are an employee or business leader with ADHD You will enjoy Faster Than Normal: Turbocharge Your Focus, Productivity, and Success with the Secrets of the ADHD Brain, and the award-winning podcast containing interviews with tons of successful people with ADD and ADHD who share tips, secrets, and keys to using their gift as their biggest asset.

Saturday, November 16, 2019

How to Sell Yourself During a Job Interview

How to Sell Yourself During a Job Interview How to Sell Yourself During a Job Interview What does it mean to perform well during an interview? Well, you’ll need to show that you have the right background and experience, as well as being a good match for the role and the company’s culture. Think of this as an amped-up, in-person version of the same work you did on the job application to obtain an interview. But youll need to do more than check off the boxes on your interviewers list - you want the person you speak with to feel excited about making an offer. That means selling yourself to interviewers, to make it clear that you’re a strong candidate. Sound overwhelming? Here’s how to get started. Carry Yourself With Confidence If you feel unsure about yourself during the interview, it’ll show. Do everything you can to outwardly project confidence when you meet with interviewers. What you say in response to questions is essential (more on that later) but how you say it, as well as your overall appearance and how you carry yourself, is also meaningful. Here are a few things to keep in mind: Mind Your Body Language Are you slumped in the chair? Fidgeting? Avoiding eye contact? These no-nos can make you appear unfocused, uninterested in the job, or unsure of yourself. Maintain good posture, make eye contact when you shake hands, and sit in a position that radiates engagement with the conversation. Here are body language tips to follow during your next interview. Watch Your Word Choices Nerves can make verbal tics even more prominent. Try to avoid saying um or like too much- and, curb any tendency you have to engage in up-talk- speaking with a rising tone at the end of each sentence. Uptalk is a speech pattern which can make you seem immature. Recording yourself practicing interview questions- or having a friend practice with you- can help you identify these habits. Choose an Industry and Interview-Appropriate Outfit There is no one answer for what to wear during an interview. Do wear something you’re comfortable in (if you have an itchy seam or keep tugging at a hemline, interviewers may notice) but also choose an outfit that’s suitable for the specific interview. What’s appropriate for an interview at a fashion magazine, tech start-up, and retail job differs. Practice Answers, but Make Sure to Develop Ones That Are Specific and Memorable It’s good to practice what you’ll say in response to common interview questions. Interviewers will expect you to be prepared. But just because the questions are common, doesn’t mean your answers should be! Remember: you want to sell yourself during the interview, and no one is eager to buy a humdrum product. Aim to be memorable, so your responses stick in the interviewer’s memory, even days after a conversation. As you practice your responses, keep these tips in mind: Be specific when you give an example. Don’t just say, “My work on that project saved the company money.” Tell interviewers how much money and what you did to save it. Avoid vague answers Tell a story as you relate something you have done or experienced. It’s easy to say you’re a team-playing, detail-oriented self-starter. These buzzwords come up in job listings, but it’s your job to translate them into stories about yourself. That proves you have the quality. So instead of saying “I’m a self-starter,” say, “When I came on board, there was a paper- and digital-based workflow for the monthly report. I researched, and removing the paper-based workflow resulted in 10 percent savings and also removed duplicate work. I presented my findings to the executive team, and we transitioned to a new, digital-only routine the following month. The staff was relieved, and we’re all happy to spare the environment.” Keep It brief in your replies but answer the direct question. Don’t ramble in your answers. It’s better to pause for a second to frame your thoughts than dive in and wind up babbling for minutes upon minutes. Be respectful of interviewers’ time, and pay attention to cues. (If interviewers seem bored, they probably are - wrap it up!). Following these strategies will help you avoid bland responses. Know What Interviewers Want In some ways, what interviewers want is obvious: a candidate who can do the job well, and fit in with the company. But this will vary across positions, industries, and companies. To gain insight into employer wants and needs, research the company and industry. If it’s been a while (say, since you wrote your cover letter) analyze the job description. Think always: What can I do for the company? Will you help them sell more widgets, resolve customer complaints faster, streamline the workflow, or make sure customers are happy? Figure out how you’ll be beneficial, then make sure it’s clear in your interview question response. Put Your Strengths on Display Interviews are not the time for modesty! Rather, it’s a moment when it’s appropriate to say “I did XYZ” or “My work helped do ABC.” Avoid saying “we” and make sure to mention your accomplishments. If this feels uncomfortably like bragging, consider framing accomplishments in terms of other peoples comments: My co-workers voted me best team player two years running.In my annual review, my manager was grateful for my organizational abilities. Follow these steps, and you’ll be sure to impress interviewers with your confidence and suitability for the position.