Understanding USAJOBs – Career Success

We are back at it … USAJOBs tips and tricks … looking for new employment or deciding to change careers is always a job in itself. I decided to share some information on USAJOBs (Free Job Site), for all to benefit from. USAJOBs is easy to use, but understanding what jobs to apply to, how to apply and how to get follow up information can be a bit tricky. In this video I go over some career success tips and information to better prepare you for understanding the USAJOBs process. Remember, I am here if you have any questions/concerns.

All the best,

Dr. Jaye

O*net Tips and Tricks – How to Find a Job using O*net

O*net has a plethora of information and ways of obtaining job search information for any job seeker. One of the fantastic tools that O*net has to offer is the ability to research open positions for particular position you are looking for.

In this video I discuss research tactics for researching open positions for your next career move. Please let me know if you have any questions comments or concerns. Happy job hunting 🙂

Dr. Jaye

O*net Tips and Tricks – How to Research Compensation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIIkd6y3lHo

There are many questions and concerns when it comes to using O*net www.onetonline.org. This super helpful platform provides specific information for job seekers and those looking to gain additional career information. O*net has a plethora of information and ways of obtaining job search information for any job seeker.

One of the fantastic tools that O*net offers is the ability to research compensation for the particular position you are looking for. In the below video, I discuss research tactics for learning more about compensation and salaries to gain knowledge, skills, and abilities for your next career move. Please let me know if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.

Happy Researching,

Dr. Jaye

O*net Tips and Tricks – How to Research Training Programs

Team Work

There are many questions and concerns when it comes to using O*net www.onetonline.org. This is a super helpful platform that provides some specific information for job seekers and those looking to gain additional career information. O*net has a plethora of information and ways of obtaining job search information for any job seeker.

One of the fantastic tools that O*net has to offer is the ability to research training programs for the particular position you are looking for. In the below video, I discuss research tactics for researching training programs to gain knowledge, skills, and abilities for your next career move. Please let me know if you have any questions, comments or concerns.

Happy job hunting,

Dr. Jaye

Introducing: Kream Shea Shop

Happy March everyone … I am super excited about my new business venture. I recently was inspired by one of my close relatives who started her own business. Those of you that know me, have often heard me discuss issues I have had since a Child of my problematic skin. I have tried tons of products medications (topical and oral) and have had mixed reactions to each trial and error. Since the pandemic and supplies were short of everything (all the time); I decided to pursue my childhood dream to make my own skin product. I researched and discovered what everyone already knows: raw organic shea butter is perfect for problematic skin. I have tried raw shea butter in the past, but it was always difficult to use – is that its original form is pretty hard to scoop for daily use. I started playing around with mixing different oils with shea butter and finally got it … introducing Kream Shea Shop!

The Kream Shea Shop is all about creating all-natural skincare products. The Kream Shea Shop believes in putting our best into creating homemade beauty products. Our specialty is luscious, creamy, whipped shea butter. All of our whipped shea butters include a base of raw, unrefined organic shea butter, organic unrefined coconut oil and premium essential oils. Our whipped shea butters come in a variety of fragrances including natural (no fragrance), in a variety of sizes (1oz, 2oz, 4oz, or 8oz) for individual use or gifts. Kream Shea Shop also creates customized fragrances upon customer request. The sky is the limit to the fragrance(s) of choice. We love to hear what you think about your whipped shea butter and selected fragrance(s). We look forward to creating the perfect creamy, luscious, and smooth whipped shea butter just for you.

Thank you for your support and be well,

Jaye

Make sure to check out the Youtube Premier: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgw7-rvzvhQ

Check out the Kreams https://www.kreamsheashop.com/home

Simple Success Steps

We all have several ideas and aspirations for our future.  Sometimes our dreams come from thoughts, ideas, or experiences that we may have gone through.  We may have had several different types of careers and jobs that never aligned with who we thought we were to be. That is one of the main reasons why it’s important to remain practical, positive, and purposeful in your success journey.

There were a few common aspects that all successful people have. First, successful people don’t wallow in their failures. They use their failures as a tool for their next success. Second, successful people do not blame others for their inability to be successful. We all understand that there are things beyond our reach when it comes to being successful in certain professional arenas, but the good thing is we all still have a choice to choose what arena we want to play the game in. Finally, third; successful people get up each day physically or emotionally from whatever failure they’ve had and realize the blessing of the failure in disguise.

Success is more than just the ability to get what you want when you want it. Success has a lot to do with self-control and being able to understand the difference between what you want right now and what you need to do to get what you want later.

I wish all the success in the world for you and I,

Dr. Jaye

Resources:

Canfield, J. (2005). The Success Principles. Retrieved from https://www.jackcanfield.com/images/stories/the-success-principles-2-chapters.pdf

Edwards, V. (n.d.). Life Design Workbook. Retrieved 2021, from https://www.scienceofpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Life-Design-Workbook-.pdf

Seligman. (2015). Workbook for Goal Setting. Retrieved from https://wholebeinginstitute.com/wp-content/uploads/MC-Goal-setting-Workbook-Complete.pdf

How to Answer Key Interview Questions: Future Plans

When you are interviewing you will be asked about your future and what your plans are. This is a tool that selecting officials use to see where you plan on “being” in a determined amount of time.

You may be asked: What are your long-term goals? What are your long-term career objectives? This is not an opportunity for you to “spill your guts” keep it professional and stay focused. Think about this question before you interview, you shouldn’t take more than 5 – 7 minutes. Talk about your professional goals and what educational aspirations you have. DON’T talk about your personal life or what personal projects you are working on.
Selecting officials want to know: How you plan to achieve your career goals? They don’t want details, this question is meant for them to see if you know how to lay out and achieve goals. This is also a tactic to see how well you focus on objectives and how you plan to achieve objectives. Again, keep it professional not personal – stay focused.

You may be asked: What do you see yourself doing in five years from now? What plans do you have for continuing your education? These questions help selecting officials to determine what kind of professional “drive” and motivation you actually have. It is my personal advice to answer all appropriate interview questions, keep in mind you can “respectfully” decline to answer any interview questions that you don’t feel comfortable answering. If you don’t plan on continuing your education or haven’t thought about what your goals are for the next five years, it’s okay – use your imagination and stay focused on the professional conversation.

Reference:  Armstead, J. (2013). Pep Talks: Answering Training Questions. Retrieved from https://www.amazon.com/Pep-Talks-Answering-Training-Questions/dp/1492834203/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1546981419&sr=8-5&keywords=jenice armstead pep talks

Practice Makes Perfect,
Dr. Jaye

 

Client Business Information Solutions

Smarter Not Harder, LLC
Dr. Jenice Armstead
Client Business Information & Solutions

Easiest way to market and advertise your goods/services

Use other Social Media outlets with Twitter to maximize your social presence
• Upload photos and dates of events
• Show Products
• Use # to advertise on other “hot topics”

Groupon Merchant Services – Free Advertising
https://merchants.groupon.com
https://www.groupon.com/merchant/resources

• Create a Groupon Campaign
• Submit/Approve Campaign (Cost, Point of Contact Info, etc.)
• Use bullets for Campaign keep potential client’s attention
• Receive payments easily
• Use your social security to number for sole proprietary businesses
• Use Groupon Merchant App to quickly redeem vouchers
• Groupon supplies itemized lists of payments

Create customized business cards and marketing materials (reasonable cost)

Create Business Plan – http://www.va.gov/osdbu/docs/vepbusinessplanoutline.pdf

• Use business plan template
• Outline services and fees
• Detail customized packages for clients
• Offer a “free” gift” or “discount” for referrers/returning clients

O*net – http://www.onetonline.org

• Outline Tasks, Duties, KSAs
• Create job descriptions for employees
• Knowledge
• Skills
• Abilities
• Work Activities
• Median Hourly/Salary
• Review Market and Advertising

Available for consultations

Dr. Jenice Armstead

Thank You Barnes and Noble: Local Book Author Event 2016

Thank you to everyone for coming out to the Barnes & Noble Local Author Event this past Saturday, May 21. I was overjoyed and excited to be apart of the Barnes & Noble 2016 Local Author event. It was a day filled with reconnecting with fellow friends & authors, interacting with amazing people and sharing the knowledge of the books I have written. Thank you so much to Barnes & Noble for inviting me to be one of the local authors featured in this years’ WireGrass at the Shops Barnes & Noble Local author event for 2016. I look forward to next year.

All the Best,
Dr. Jenice Armstead

Dr. Jenice Armstead  Barnes and Noble Book Signing 2016  Photo by: Flex Casiano

Dr. Jenice Armstead
Barnes & Noble Local Author Event 2016
Photo by: Flex Casiano

Dr. Jenice Armstead Barnes and Noble Book Signing 2016  Photo by: Flex Casiano

Dr. Jenice Armstead
Barnes and Noble Book Signing 2016
Photo by: Flex Casiano

Million Women Mentors Guest Speaker

I would like to thank Vivian Clinton, Department of Veteran Affair for inviting me to speak at the Million Women Mentors Program. I spoke to the group about “Human Capital Worth and Scientific Management,” the session focused on understanding management of business management.

Million Women Mentors is a national movement that supports women and girls to pursue and succeed in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and health care careers through mentoring. Million Women Mentors is working to provide a million STEM mentors by 2019 to girls and women across the nation.

Million Women Mentors aims to increase the number of girls and women planning to pursue an education in STEM. MWM also aims to increase the number of girls and women to obtain bachelor’s degrees in STEM, as well as increase retention of women within STEM fields post-graduation.

About the HCPS Mentoring Program
Hillsborough County Public Schools has registered 100 schools that need a minimum of one mentor per site who is willing to meet regularly with up to five selected female students in grades 5-12 throughout the 2015-2016 school year. The program requires 20 hours of mentorship for each student and/or group. This equates to approximately two hours per month.

You can learn more about MWM at MillionWomenMentors.org

Vivian Clinton Dr. Jenice Armstead Million Women Mentor Event

Vivian Clinton & Dr. Jenice Armstead
         Million Women Mentor Event

 

All the Best,
Dr. Jenice Armstead
United States Navy Veteran

How to Understand Government Job/Career Pay Scales

Many people know that government jobs pay well, but most people don’t know much more than that. The truth is government jobs pay includes “Locational Pay.” With most government positions, there is a increase in pay for where you are geographically located. Government agencies have different pay scales i.e. GS (General Schedule) positions.

The key to selecting a government agency to apply to is to research and find out as much as possible. You must research the agency and the pay scales of the agencies. Find out about the locality pay, hazard pay, or any other positional pays that may be associated with the desired position.

We all know that pay is an important aspect of any career selection. There are benefits to earning a position with the government. It is not so different than any other position you may have applied for in the past. There are a few exceptions…the government has great benefits that no other civilian company may or may not be able to match.

Where people get confused is with the General Schedule Step grades, GS pay scales for the Office of Personnel has pay grades within the pay grade are called STEPs. Meaning, there are “STEPS” to earning promotion within the pay grade. When you review the GS Pay scale on OPM website you will see basic, locality and then there is also a pay scale that combines basic pay and locality depending on the location of the position. Among the pay scale are the STEPS of the pay. Steps are normally given to the pay grade employee depending on “time in grade” the normal promotional time period is 1 year per pay scale and STEP.

Here is a web site for the Office of Personnel Management that will give you more insight on how this agency categorizes its pay grades and locality pay. For more information click on: Government Pay Scales

Happy Government Job Hunting,
Jenice

Barnes and Noble Book Signing Event: May 21st at Wiregrass the Shoppes

Location: Barnes and Noble, at Wiregrass the Shoppes
Date: May 21st
Time: 2pm – 4pm

Jenice Armstead will be having a “Book Signing” event at Barnes and Noble for their annual “Local Author Event” on May 21st, from 2pm – 4pm at the Barnes and Noble Wiregrass the Shoppes. The Complete “Pep Talks Book Series” consists of 5 practical books which display a new way of interviewing and obtaining a job in today’s competitive market. The Pep Talks Book Series is all about giving the reader an advantage over their competitors when working toward the goal of gaining more knowledge and understanding in this new job market.

This new job market is all out unconventional ways of obtaining knowledge while gaining employment. The Pep Talks Book Series explains how the new Job market knowledge and understanding how to better improve the chances of being “individually recognized” as a professional are vital.

Mark your calendars for May 21st, from 2pm – 4pm to come out and meet and ask Jenice Armstead your employment questions and get your copy of “Pep Talks” the series.

Pep Talks Vol 5

Pep Talks Vol 5

Pep Talks Vol 4

Pep Talks Vol 4

Pep Talks Vol 3

Pep Talks Vol 3

Pep Talks Vol 2

Pep Talks Vol 2

Pep Talks Vol 1

Pep Talks Vol 1

PRESS RELEASE: SIMPLE ACADEMIC OVERVIEWS VOL. 1, 2 & 3

Dr. Jenice Armstead published “Simple Academic Overviews: Vol. 1, 2 & 3” on Dec 21, 2015. Dr. Jenice Armstead provides an historical overview of the development of management principles during the Scientific Management Era, the understanding of the concepts of performance management as they are related to organizational development theory and organizational leadership theories that exist with the implication of creating better leaders within an organization.

For more information click or go to: Simple Academic Overviews: Vol. 1, 2 & 3

Vol 1 2 and 3 Cover

How to Write Government Application KSAs (Knowledge, Skill and Ability’s)

Federal government applications evaluated by a human resources specialists. They will review your responses to the User Information, Core Questions, and Vacancy Questions. The job specific questions will relate to the knowledge, skills and abilities required of the position. Many applications are “thrown out” because of a lack of KSAs addressed by the applicant.

IMPORTANT NOTE: ALL federal positions are advertised on www.usajobs.gov. DON’T be fooled by “other” websites that promise to advertise federal jobs for a “small cost.” Many of these “other” websites charge applicants to view federal positions and merely re-route the job links, but rest assure that these “other” websites are “pulling” information from www.usajobs.gov to get information about advertised federal positions.

No matter what agency you are applying to, the advertised job will have KSAs or Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. You need to read the entire job announcement. At times, federal agencies require applicants to submit addition information about specific job announcement KSAs. (Go to the PRINT PREVIEW button to view the entire announcement requirements)

Example job announcement KSAs:
• Knowledge of the laws and regulations governing the realty program and the ability to use sound professional judgment to resolve conflicts with other resources.
• Skilled in understanding laws and regulation and analyzing realty programs
• Ability to evaluate and process realty applications and proposals and conduct compliance examinations on authorized actions.

This statement is ALWAYS in federal job announcements:
ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS MUST BE SUPPORTED IN YOUR RESUME. If your answer(s) are not supported in your resume, or you fail to follow the instructions for the question(s), you will have your answer(s) adjusted to reflect what is provided, for failure to follow instructions.

This means if your resume does not “match” the required KSAs within the advertised job announcement, the agency may manually lower your application score. Federal applications are scored from 0 points to 100 points. Your goal is to receive as many points as possible. Human resources specialists review applications with the highest scores first.

Overall, KSAs are important and you will be evaluated based the information submitted to the job announcement. The key to writing government KSAs is to put the EXACT KSAs which are found in the job announcement within your resume or application WORD-FOR-WORD. Then go into detail about how your qualifications meet the KSAs.

Happy Job Hunting,
Jenice

How to Apply for Government Jobs

There are many benefits to applying and earning a government position. In this economy people are looking for job stability and benefits. The government has job security, benefits and more.

In this economy, the government sector is hiring all types of positions. Many government agencies are still receiving stimulus money to create new jobs in all career fields. Government agencies are having problems finding the people to apply for the positions. That’s right, agencies are having problems finding people, because the public isn’t applying for government jobs as they did in the past. There are positions that need to be filled such as: Grounds Keepers, Administration Assistants, Administrative Secretaries, Engineers, Forest Rangers, Information Technicians, Clerks, Legal Assistants and the list goes on and on and on and on.

There are some keys factors to completing government job applications. First of all, you need to create or update a personal profile on the main free government website: www.usajobs.gov. This is a “free” website that all government jobs are posted on, no matter what government department it is. There are a ton of scams that “say” they need a payment in order for you to gain access to federal positions. This is false! It is completely FREE to search and apply for government jobs. Although, many federal agencies fill jobs using private sector personnel, USAJOBs allows applicants looking for specific positions to “searches” tailored to the seeking candidates needs.

One of the main factors is to review “eligible and qualified” factors of a job announcement you want to apply for. This part can be a bit tricky; the key is to go to the “Who May Apply” and “Requirements” tab at the top of the job announcement. Review the information. There is where the details of “Who May Apply” for the position and what the “Requirements” are for the position. If you feel you meet the requirements move on to the next step and “Apply” for the position.

Remember, when using USAJOBS your profile information is “attached” to your application when you submit it. Make sure to complete your USAJOBS profile before applying for any positions on USAJOBS. Supplemental documents are also “attached” to any application you submit via USAJOBS. Make sure that all your documents i.e. DD214, SF 50, unofficial transcripts, cover letter or training certifications are all attached to the document section of your profile.

Happy USAJOB Hunting
Jenice

How to Answer Key Interview Questions: Education

We all know that education is vital in today’s job market. The fact is education comes in all arrays of quality and may be obtain in a variety of ways. You don’t have to have a degree to be considered educated, but you do have to have proof that you completed an educational program for which you are claiming you acquired the knowledge from.

During your interviews selecting officials may want to know: What courses you liked most while attending school? What courses did you like least? These questions are steered toward the selecting official finding out more about you and what types topics interests you. This could be a mode of examining your personality traits or rating your ability to be trained on the job you are interviewing for.

The next possible question: Why did you choose your course of study? This question is geared toward the selecting official gaining a deeper understanding of your professional agenda. This question is asked with the intentions of understanding the applicant’s passion for the field. Be honest and be short. Don’t give a long answer; the selecting official doesn’t want to know your entire educational background, only what pertains to the position you are applying for. Keep it short and sweet unless asked additional questions. Examples of experiences with training programs should show what you learned and how you applied the knowledge.

Selecting officials want to know if you prepared for the interview. Make sure to practice answering these questions on your own or with a friend. It is helpful to use an audio device for you to review and critique yourself. This will improve you interviewing skills.

Happy Job Hunting,
Jenice

How to Answer Key Interview Questions: Training Information

Training and education are core elements of the job force. Without training and education work experience will only get you so far. With training, education and experience you will practically be handed more opportunities than you will know what to do with. But, inflating education and training accomplishments on your resume will hurt you in the long run. Be honest and factual with what you have been trained on and what you need training in. Always include On the Job Training (OJT), this is as valuable as formal education.

Some questions you will be asked: What training have you had including grade school or college? Many applicants are finding that they need additional education and training, but experience goes hand and hand with education and training. With this question you need to elaborate on any certifications you many have as well as any courses online you have taken as well. Online courses from an accredited school are important to discuss. There are ways of obtain knowledge if you have not obtained formal education

Interviewers will also ask you: What workshops, OJT or other training do you have? This is an open-ended question targeted toward learning more about ability to be trained. If you are human resources professional, they will want to know if you have been to any staffing or employee relations workshops. If you are information technology professional they will want to know if you have been to any fiber optic, customer service or trouble shooting workshops. If you haven’t been to any workshops or OJT, state that and also state your interest in developing your skills for the benefit of the company. The new job market wants to understand your ability to want to learn and grow as well has your past training background.

One of the last questions you WILL be asked is: Do you have any skills that are not listed on your resume or in your application? This is a great opportunity for you to “talk yourself up.” This means that you have an opportunity to talk as much about you and your skills and how unique you are. This is your time to shine, so don’t put every single detail on your resume. Give yourself some “room” to talk about yourself.

Happy Job Hunting
Jenice

How to Answer Key Interview Questions: Work Experience

We all have had an interview at one time or another in our professional careers. Interviews are hard enough as it is with getting through the first cuts of other qualified applicants, now that you have the interview all set up there are some questions that will be asked of you during the interview. The key to an interview is not one single thing, yet many items that you will be evaluated on.

Work Experience

Your work experience will be the first items up for “conversation” after the small talk with a selecting official. They will want to know: Why are you interested in the job? This isn’t a trick question; it’s a question the selecting official really wants to know. Are you looking for a career change? Are you looking for a new position because you were laid off? The key to answering this question is to be honest, don’t give your whole life story – but be honest.
Many government agencies like to know that the applicants have done some research on the organization. So, the next question will likely be: Why are you interested in working for this organization? This is an open ended question that can be short and sweet. You should make some kind of reference to the research you have done on the organization. For example, if you are interviewing for a Fire Fighter position – you could answer with something to the reference of “I am interested in working for this organization because I agree with the mission statement of saving lives and preserving the wild life.” Yes, it is cheesy, but if it’s true you should say it. Again, you need to be as professionally honest as possible. This will also come into handy with the next question: What do you know about the company? You will be able to elaborate on the previous answer you gave about the previous question.

The next question is vitally important: What do you feel you can contribute to this organization? This is a question that you MUST answer with YOU in mind for what YOU can contribute to the company. For many selecting officials this question is a “make or break” factor. If an applicant starts with what they feel they need from a company instead of what they CAN and WILL contribute to a company, the interview will be cut short. The key is to stay focused on what YOU can BRING to the COMPANY, not what you want from the company.

There are a series of questions that are often asked in conjunction with each other: Why did you leave you last job? What would your last employer say about you? Would your last employer re-hire you? And Give me an example of a situation where you had to make a decision? What was the situation? What was the decision? And what was the result? Now, these questions are called “character questions.” These are designed to “weed out” the real applicants from those whom have not been so honest during the interview. The best advice I can give is to be honest, have professional examples in mind before the interview and take your time answering the questions. You can ask the selecting official to re-state the questions, you can write the questions down and you have all the time in the world. REMEMBER: YOU are there because they saw something in your resume, phone interview or overall application that they liked.

Happy Job Hunting,

Jenice Armstead

Interview Questions – How to Answer The Hard Ones with Ease

How do you work under pressure?

Interview questions are used to help the selecting official of a business or company to make a decision on whom would be the best pick for a job position. There are many varieties of questions that may be asked to include: General questions, yes or no questions, behavior questions, Open – ended questions, scenario questions, and general questions. The question of “How do you work under pressure?” is sure to come up during the duration of an interview.

This is a question that causes many people to feel intimidated because they are not exactly sure what to say or what not to say. Working under pressure is a skill, not everyone is able to work under pressure. It is important to state that. By stating this fact, you are showing the interview panel or manager that you have an understanding of what working under pressure consists of. You are showing them that you understand that not everyone is able to work under pressure; this is where you show off your skills and start to talk about what working under pressure means to you. You can give examples of times where you were required to work under pressure.

While you speak about your experience with working under pressure it is important to give specific time and job positions where you worked under pressure. This shows the interview panel that you took that situation seriously and that you are more than capable of working under pressure. Even if you are not asked to do so, be sure to give the situation of when you worked under pressure, the outcome of your working under pressure and what the result was of the event, which you were working under pressure.

This is a difficult interview question to answer, but if you come mentally prepared to answer this question you are sure to impress the interview panel or manager as well as give yourself a reminder of how competent you are and reaffirming your professional ability. Happy job hunting, you can do or be anything you want with persistence.