Explaining Work Experience

Posted on February 18, 2014 by Jenice Armstead

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 a 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.

They 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

Interview Questions that Count

Posted on February 18, 2014 by Jenice Armstead

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.

If you have questions or comments, feel free to email me

Happy Job Hunting,

Jenice

Two-Cent Tuesday

Posted on February 18, 2014 by Jenice Armstead

Interview Like a Pro

Are you looking for more interview guidance that will actually work and get you that job? There are a few key items that must be taken into careful thought. It is important to realize that in today’s job market you must have some type of people skills. You must know how to have a conversation with just about anyone at just about any time. The truth of the matter is that today’s job market is full of unconventional opportunities. You must be ready for any type of interview, at all times. You have to be personable, approachable and presentable at all times.

When I say all times, I mean at ALL times. For example, while shopping for groceries in a super market you could be approached by a random person that strikes up small talk with you, and before you know it you find yourself in a “mini interview” situation. You could even have a small conversation with someone at a gas station. Gas station!? You ask? I say with great affirmation, YES! You could have a “mini interview” even at a gas station. Managers and recruiters are everywhere.

It is a good practice to keep business cards and resumes with you at all times. I have business cards for just about everything, including when I meet a new friend and want to exchange information with them. I have a business card for my academics, photography business and for my personal websites. You must always be ready for the unexpected interview or networking opportunity anywhere, with anyone and in any situation at all times. This is one of the reasons why I have created these easy to use and follow booklets.

With the Pep Talks Book Series, you can be ready at all times. With helpful inside, interview tips and advice, examples and interactive questions to help with the interview process toward getting the position that you have been dreaming of. You have just opened “unseen” doors for yourself, and your interviewing skill sets will improve with using the Pep Talks Book Series.

Book Excerpt: Pep Talks Business Series

Pep Talks: Business Series

Knowing What to Look For: Government Positions

Posted on February 17, 2014 by Jenice Armstead

The federal job search is not an easy task; to many it can be down right intimidating and most never complete their first application. Federal applications have unfamiliar language and regulations related to them. There are two main elements to look for when applying for federal employment opportunities, and those are “Public” or “Merit” positions. Simply put, “Public” job announcements are those positions whom any United States Citizen may apply for. Keeping in mind, the eligibility and qualification factors. “Merit” job announcements are those positions whom current federal workers, prior federal workers, past federal workers, displaced federal workers, or United States Veterans may apply for.

In the search, you may conduct an advance search for these key works to cut down on wasted time searching threw every federal position on the site. This is a critical element when searching for job announcements, at any given time a job seeker could spend a minimum of 8 to 10 hours a day searching through jobs without using this step to narrow down the job announcements they are eligible for. For instances, if you are looking for a Administrative Officer position, in Tampa, FL go to the “Advance Search” and type in “Administrative Officer, Tampa, Fl, salary range, and public or merit.” This will eliminate all the Administrative Officers that are not in your criteria and save you a ton of time and efforts that could be put toward a different search for more federal employment job opportunities.

Excerpt from: 10 Tips for Apply to Government Jobs

Press Release: Pep Talks Answering the Hard Questions

Posted on December 30, 2013 by Jenice Armstead

Pep Talks: Answering the Hard Questions

The final book of Jenice Armstead’s first business series is finally here. Pep Talks: Answering the Hard Questions is the final book of a 5 part book interactive business series. This final book of the series addresses the “Hard Questions” interviewees may be asked during an interview.

The Pep Talks book series clarifies difficult interview questions as the reader focuses on their goals. This business series gets the reader moving in the right direction, and saves the reader time and efforts, with helping the reader narrow down what areas they may need assistance with the most. The series addresses all types of difficult interview questions that may be asked of the reader during an interview or during a conversation being had by an interviewer.

The Pep Talks book series are designed to assist the reader in planning, executing, and managing career goals and potential growth in the field of choice. Each section has interactive “fill in the blank” area for guiding the reader with critical thinking examples to assist with brainstorming and “Confidence Boosting Affirmations” providing the reader with constant motivation for obtaining the “dream career.”

The Pep Talks Book Series can serve the newly looking or the long-term job seeker with methods that will assist with the career search and provide motivation for future endeavors.

For information go to Pep Talks Book Series

Monday Morning Mindset

Posted on December 16, 2013 by Jenice Armstead

In an economy where you must “find a way or make a way,” it is important to understand your professional value. We all bring different attributes to “the table” when it comes to our field of choice, what we are good at and what we love to do. What are you good at? Take some time to find out. It is important to spend some quality time finding out what you are good at and what you are not so good at. One of the best ways to do this is to simply try.

That simple word, “Try!” Has been used many times in the negative condensation that it is perceived as a “bad word.” How may times have you heard someone or yourself saying “At least I tried!?” That gives the impression that it was all you could do. It is saying of defeat, when that is not the case at all. Succeeding isn’t in the “trying” it is in the “doing.” It is in the “doing” that you find out what you are good at.

Doing is how you find out if you have a natural gift for something, or if you need to practice. People that are good at what they do, either have a gift or have to practice. Either way, it is in the doing that they are truly successful. The key to success is in failing and then finding yourself. Failure is not a bad thing, it allows for you to see how you can improve yourself. Step out and find out, it is time to do more than try. It is time to do!

All the Best,

Jenice

Two-Cent Tuesday

Posted on December 3, 2013 by Jenice Armstead

Employment may by be difficult to find, especially if you are a veteran of the military forces. The website Vet Jobs, assists veterans to decipher between private-sector jobs and public-sector jobs. This website allows veterans to determine the type of positions that they want to apply for and go directly to the website and apply for the positions. Understanding the different types of jobs veterans are eligible to apply for can be a little difficult to understand.

The key for applying to positions as a veteran is to look at the eligibility and qualifications section. This section of the job announcement gives more clarification to section ability. Make sure to always look at the eligibility and qualification factors when applying to any job announcement. Happy job hunting.

For more information: Vet Jobs

Jenice

Frantic Friday Frenzy

Posted on November 29, 2013 by Jenice Armstead

Today starts the infamous “Black Friday” craze, where everyone stays up to the wee hours of the morning and shops until they drop. But, the real question is: Do you really have to go out to get the deals that you want? The answers is: no! With “Gray Thursday, Black Friday, Cyber Sunday and Monday, and Small Business Saturday” you can almost guarantee that you will still get the deals you want throughout the Thanksgiving weekend and week after as well.

The key to a successful shopping experience during this time of year is having a strategy. Know where you want to go, have a budget, make a list, print out and bring coupons, and research “BOGO” sales. Buy one, get one sales are more popular than ever before. Many stores and businesses offer BOGOs on products you already use and want. They want your return business. This shopping season is all about getting and keeping YOU, the customer wanting more. Be mindful when shopping this holiday season.

Have a good time and be financially responsible. Remember, that credit card statement will be waiting for you at the end of the month. Make sure that you are not setting yourself up for end of year “Holiday Dread” of paying for everything that you think you needed, and could have waited to purchase.

Jenice

Two-Cent Tuesday

Posted on November 19, 2013 by Jenice Armstead

Two-Cent Tuesday

June 26, 2013, was a historical day in our great Nation. The Supreme Court ruled that Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was unconstitutional. Marriage is being re-defined as simply “Loving Relationships.” On Nov 14, 2013 in a private ceremony I wedded my beloved “Husbian.” We have been together for 11 years and in the span of those 11 years anything could have happened. In the 11 years my “Better Half” and I have been together we have been through many trials. Our military careers were threaten, my “Better Half” had 3 major surgeries which disabled her from walking for up to 3 – 6 months each surgery, we were not covered by any spousal benefits, no income tax acknowledgements and a series of other personal dilemmas came against us. But, you know what “they” say? Love will always prevail!

Many of those whom are legally married are protected and afforded rights and liberties; we still have along way to go for marriage to be legal for everyone in all states and countries. The world has a lot to change, including worrying about who I love and who loves me unconditionally. Rights and liberties are for all, not only for those who feel they deserve them – but each and every one of us. Until this is fully understood, how love is defined love will continue to be divided.

Office of Personnel Management Same Sex Marriage Benefits

All the Best,
Jenice Armstead-McGinnis

Two-Cents

Two-Cent Tuesday

Posted on November 12, 2013 by Jenice Armstead

What is “Job Classification” you ask? I am glad you did. Job classification & qualifications are the “well oiled engines” that make a human resources department run smoothly. Job classification is how job descriptions are created for organizations employees. Job classification determines employee job responsibilities, duties, pay grade level and other important aspects of employee rights. Many employees are unaware of how job descriptions are created. Simply put, job descriptions are created by using job classifications.

Job classifications are ever changing and developing with the needs of an organization. Job classification is the outline for how and what a job description will state for employee development and promotion. Job or position classification standards include a plethora of information such as determining employee work schedule, Fair Labor Standards Act information, grade/wage promotion ability and exempt or non-exempt position status. In all, job classification is a full time, skilled ability that takes many years to perfect. With economy changes, job classification changes for organizational structure.

For more information on job classification check out the government site: Office of Personnel Management

Jenice

Two Cents

Easy Proofreading

Posted on November 9, 2013 by Jenice Armstead

Proofreading can be dry and mundane, but when you have some simple steps for proofreading it has the tendency to almost be fun. Truth be told, proofreading is not just for writing, it can be used for anything from note taking to daily sticky notes. You don’t know how many things have been taken out of context just because I didn’t take the time to do a quick proofread of a note I left for someone.

The first step toward great proof reading is to use a checklist. A checklist allows for a quick outline of the important things that you want to convey. It is used much like one would use an “outline” to start writing or developing a plan. It seems like over doing it, but believe me a checklist is vital for developing great proofreading skills.

The second step is to fact check, too many times people accidentally plagiarize. This can cause some serious creditably issues. Make sure to check your work and fact check every thing you write.

The third step toward great proofreading is to spell-check. There is no reason not to spell-check in this day of advanced technology; there are dictionaries and thesauruses everywhere. You can easily down load an “app for that” and make sure to use it each time you proofread.

A step that has saved me more than once is the fourth proofreading step, read your writings aloud. Reading aloud is different than reading something to yourself. Often, if you read silently you will miss content, context, tenses or similar words such as their, there, and they’re.

That brings us to the fifth step toward great proofreading, focusing on one line at a time. This one goes along with reading aloud. While reading aloud you can take the time to focus on one line at a time. Invest yourself in each line by developing powerful sentence structure.

Attention to formatting is the sixth proofreading step. Formatting can be difficult, remember to utilize formatting options online for easier understanding of what is best for your writings.

Which brings us to proofreading step seven, which is start all over again and proofread your edits. If you take the time to embrace each and every step, your proofreading skills will improve.

Happy Proofreading Writing

Jenice

Reference: Proofreading Helpers

Two-Cent Tuesday

Posted on November 5, 2013 by Jenice Armstead

As an employer or employee it is always good business sense to keep up with your knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) of your field of choice. There are plenty of business sites for increasing your knowledge and skill base. O*Net is a great place to start. O*Net has every and any job description you can think of which exists. Not only will you gain a healthy knowledge of the job description, but the site gives you information about similar jobs and salary or wage grades for the position. Empower yourself with knowledge and check out onetonline.org.

Press Release: Pep Talks Vol 4: Answering Training Questions

Posted on October 31, 2013 by Jenice Armstead

I am so exited to announce my latest book: PEP TALKS Vol 4 – Answering Training Questions! The “Pep Talks” Book Series, are a compilation of advice, insight, examples, sample interview questions and professional advice.

The Pep Talks Book Series clarifies difficult interview questions as the reader focuses on their goals. The Pep Talks Book Series gets the reader moving in the right direction, and saves the reader time and effort, along with helping the reader narrow down what areas are in need of professional enhancement. The Pep Talks Book Series addresses all types of difficult interview questions that may be asked of the reader during an interview or during a conversation being had by an interviewee.

It is important for the reader to understand that an interview can seemly happen at any given time or place, so it is good practice to have some “pre-set” answers to some of these questions to provide a more fluid professional appearance. Nervousness often happens during interviews or with conversations with people whom are unfamiliar.

The Pep Talks Book Series are designed to assist the reader in planning, executing, and managing career goals and potential growth in the field of choice. Each section has interactive “fill in the blank” area for guiding the reader with critical thinking examples to assist with brainstorming and “Confidence Boosting Affirmations” providing the reader with constant motivation for obtaining the “dream career.”

The Pep Talks Book Series can serve the newly looking or the long-term job seeker with methods that will assist with the career search and provide motivation for future endeavors

I know how hard the job market is, and I started this series to give you the “Pep Talk” that you need to keep your focus on your dreams and career goals!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOVE and SUPPORT! For more information about the Pep Talks book series go to Amazon.com

The Government Shutdown is Finally Over

Posted on October 18, 2013 by Jenice Armstead

The government shutdown is finally over, for now. The Senate and the House of Representatives only delayed the debit instead of implementing a debit increase. This simple means that the United States still has to pay its bills. If the bills are not paid, there will be another government shutdown in December. Just in time for the holiday season. I’m sure Jesus never wanted to celebrate his birthday by putting millions of people in a state of anxiety, depression and upset. The fact of the matter is there are government legislation bills that must be implemented now in order to prevent another government shutdown happening.

Thinking about this gives people some real perspective on how to make small changes for the better in the financial stability of their own household. If we take this as a learning opportunity, then everyone must take a hard look at his or her financial backbone. How are you spending your money? Are you spending in more places where you should be instead saving it? Have you used your credit card like an imaginary money dispenser? Do you know what the APR is on each credit card(s)?

Here is your challenge: Take some time out and do a budget for yourself or for your family. Write down the monthly expenses and payments you make on your loan(s)/credit card(s). You will be surprised at what you don’t know about your finances. Be empowered, and learn from the federal government shutdown. You have the power to change your life for the better.

For more information on creating a budget go to: Creating a Budget

Budget

Unemployment Benefits: Putting to Rest the Rumors

Posted on October 11, 2013 by Jenice Armstead

The 2013 Government Shutdown has caused many federal agencies to send workers home without pay or until further notice. The question has come up if employees are eligible for unemployment benefits? The answer to this question is: YES! If you are ever fired or displaced from a position due to any other content other than your own accord you are eligible for unemployment benefits. Unemployment benefits are just that … a benefit and a right of the worker. Each state regulates for employers to pay unemployment insurance for all workers. Contrary to what the news or peers may say, you are eligible for unemployment benefits under these circumstances:

If you are fired from your job
If you are laid off from your job
If your company furloughs your position
If your company conducts a Reduction in Forces (RIF)

Unemployment is processed differently depending on the state you file your claim in. The unemployment amount depends on how much you earned at the position you are displaced from. Overall, filing for unemployment insurance for most states starts with filling out an online application.

Know your rights. For more on unemployment insurance go to the Department of Labor

The Difference between an Administrative Furlough and a Shutdown Furlough

Posted on October 7, 2013 by Jenice Armstead

There are many misconceptions on what a furlough actually is and how a furlough works in reference to federal employees. There are two different types of possible furloughs. There are administrative furloughs and a government shutdown furlough. The long and short of the different is administrative furloughs are planned events and a government shutdown is an unplanned event.

Administrative furloughs can be by government agency that has scheduled reductions in force (RIFs) for budgeting reasons, not enough work for employees, a lawsuit or other foreseeable situation. It is up to the budgetary funding on which employees would remain receiving pay and those that would not. In most cases of administrative furloughs pay is reimbursable.

In the case of a federal government shutdown, government agencies, which have reserved funds for mandatory employees budgetary funds, would use this method in case of an unscheduled shutdown. This is technically namely called a “emergency” shutdown. “In a shutdown furlough, an affected agency would have to shut down any activities funded by annual appropriations that are not excepted by law.” In most cases, unless the federal agency has reserved funds for such an event, employees will be ordered to shutdown and not return to work until mandated to do so.

Either way, both furloughs have lasting effects on the Nations economy and the United States citizens as a whole. For more information on government furloughs go to www.opm.gov

Professional & Career Affirmations

Posted on September 9, 2013 by Jenice Armstead

Professional affirmations assist with thinking and being positive in order to motivate and focus your attention on the best ideas for what you chose for your future. Write these affirmations down and read the aloud to boost your confidence. Here are a few affirmations I have used to assist in achieving success in my career and life goals.

I am professionally focused on progress

I am choosing to develop myself in my field

I am professionally admired in my field

I am moving in the direction best for me

I am able to work with anyone

I am skilled and talented in my profession

I am needed for my abilities and skills

I am outstanding in my field of human resources management

For more information check out my book 10 Tips for Applying for Government Jobs

Get Your Foot in the Door with Federal Internships

Posted on September 6, 2013 by Jenice Armstead

The federal government has become a “career-builder” and any federal government job opportunity can be looked at as a “leg up” on the competition. The federal government sector, like many private sector businesses have started utilizing more internship programs as a means of “growing employees” into positions. Simply put, government internships are all paid positions. They may be part-time or full-time positions depending on the program. The Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP) is a program to assist with helping current students gain work experience while still going to school. The benefit to the internship program is the flexible and opportunity to make additional income for the student. The agency keeps track of educational milestones of the employed student and graduation dates. In many cases the STEP Intern will be offered a position based on their time-in-position, generally an entry position with the possibility of growth for the future. Many executives received their “in” by utilizing internship programs such as the STEP program.

Another internship program is the Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) is a program focused on exposing the student to the career field, which the student is focused. Normally, an entry position this program allows for students to learn from their peers and supervisors in their educational field they are currently studying.

With both programs there are eligibly and qualification requirements for a potential candidate selection. Not all interns are offered a permanent position with the federal government agency, yet these programs are a method for potential permanent federal government employment and getting a “foot in the door.”

Basic STEP/SCEP Eligibly Requirements:

Current Student

Field of Choice

Copies of Transcripts

Agency Student Contract

Part-Time or Full-Time Academic Program Status

To read more about applying for federal positions check out my book:

10 Tips for Applying for Government Jobs

For more information on Federal Internship Programs:

http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-authorities/students-recent-graduates/

Using Veteran Educational Benefits

Posted on September 3, 2013 by Jenice Armstead

Online degrees have come a long way from your basic degree, now there are a variety of different options for degree programs with excellent online universities. Now, with technology you can earn your degree in more than one way.

Online degrees are becoming the new way for people to go to school and still work. Going to school online is a great way to “get ahead” in your career and to make yourself more value and stay competitive. Here are some tips for you to start or continue to earn your degree online. There are tons of online schools. Some schools have special “Military scholarships” for active and veteran military personnel.

The Montgomery GI Bill and Post September 9/11 educational programs allow for all military personnel serving during that time also received 9/11 educational benefits. Another excellent educational program for veteran graduate students is the Yellow Ribbon Program. These benefits are transferable to other military dependents from any active duty or veteran military personnel. Many online schools can offer up to 50% military scholarships to all undergraduate degree programs and a 20% military scholarship to all graduate degree programs. There are time stipulations on utilizing your military educational benefits. Make sure to check the termination of time requires before you begin a program.

Many online schools have regional and national accreditations. It is important to know whom your school is accredited through in case you want to transfer or get a job in a different state than the school you are attending.

For more information check out www.va.gov and www.saintleo.edu

Applying for Government Jobs

Posted on August 15, 2013 by Jenice Armstead

Job security is important. People need job stability and benefits. There is job security in government positions, along with providing benefits and more. Many government agencies are receiving special hiring funding for creating new jobs in all career fields of the federal sector.

Government agencies are having problems finding eligible and qualified people to fill the positions. That’s right! Government agencies are having problems finding candidates, because the public isn’t applying for the government jobs. The positions that are needed to be filled range from: grounds keepers, administration assistants, secretaries, engineers, forest rangers, information technicians, legal assistants and the list goes on and on. Many people who are taking advantage of opportunities, being found qualified, and ultimately hired into the governmental industry, and you can too.

There are some keys factors when it comes to applying to government positions. First of all, you need to create or update a profile on the main “free” government website USAJOBs. Most federal government jobs are posted on this website for the public to apply for. Although, some federal agencies fill jobs using private sector staffing agencies, most use USAJOBs as their main job announcement forum. USAJOBs allows applicants to look for specific positions, and the application process is extremely easy to follow.

Search for your desire job, directly apply to any job announcement that is posted to the public and upload your documents. Applicants can conduct an advance search which allows for exact location and salary preferences to be determined by the applicant. For more information on how to apply for government jobs, check out my book “10 Tips for Applying to Government Jobs.”

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