How to Answer Personal Interview Questions

Posted on July 11, 2014 by Jenice Armstead

What Important Rewards Do You Expect from Your Career?

IInterview questions are vital to the hiring process of any company, the key to answering interviewing questions is to practice answering them over and over again with professionalism and honestly.

When answering personal questions, it is important to keep a professional mindset while deciding how to answer the question. Personal questions about work ethic, work life, and over all work experience are not inappropriate. These are considered personal questions in relation to work. Remember that any personal questions dealing with sexuality, religion and political party preference or any other topics not allowed, under the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission (EEOC) these topics should not be asked during any interview.

This is a random personal work question that may or may not be asked by many employers. It is important to focus on the main subject of this question. The main subject is “important rewards” this is the main subject of this question because if you don’t plan on receiving any awards then that should be stated, but ensure to back it up with something positive such as “I don’t plan on receiving any awards because most of my work is behind the scenes and the work I complete for my clients is reward enough.” Your answer doesn’t have to be that cheesy, but it is important to always back a negative perceived answer with a more positive response.

If you have already received rewards from the work you have completed or done for previous employers it is important to mention this as well. Make sure to give details of what work was completed and the specific reward and time period for which the reward was received. Taking in mind that some positions on your resume are shorter than others, if there are awards you have received from related work or a retired status make sure to mention these awards for the position time frame. This helps the interviewer to realize that you take your work seriously and strive for greatness.

This is a difficult interview question to answer, but if you come mentally prepared to answer this question or a similar question, you are sure to impress the interview panel 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.

For more information go to “Pep Talks” the series

Welcome to “Smarter Not Harder LLC”

Posted on July 7, 2014 by Jenice Armstead

Dr. Jenice Armstead started “Smarter Not Harder HR” to provide a necessary and innovate service for growing human capital value and organizational management.

Smarter Not Harder LLC provides services to both individuals and businesses. Individual services include: mentor coaching, resume development, government job application assistance, business proposal assistance and help with how to start a business. Business services include: human resource management, human resource development, implementation and training courses for organizations to grow their human capital value.

Smarter Not Harder LLC portfolio includes management and technical resources, providing solutions devoted to job description development, job classification, job Stress Management, Affirmative Action Plans, Diversity & Inclusion and Government Regulation/Compliance. Our focus is to assist organizations manage human resources management, occupational safety standards and increase productivity.

Smarter Not Harder LLC delivers customer-value through addressing the challenges of a changing economy. Showing organization strategies as the foundation for human capital value to constantly grow and develop employees. The workplace is ever changing.

Smarter Not Harder LLC provides interactive subject matter expert knowledge for business solutions that make organizations more effective and efficient. Smarter Not Harder has all of your human resources management needs in one place.

Smarter Not Harder LLC Services Include:

Individuals: Cover Letter & Resume Services, interview preparation, professional portfolio development (Subject Matter Expert in Federal Hiring/Interviewing)

Organizations:

Employee Handbook Review, Customized Employee Handbook, Workplace Policies, Customized New Hire Booklets, Customized Separation Booklets, Evaluation Program Development, Disciplinary Actions, Performance Management, Complete HR Library with Customized Documents

Special Projects:

Compliance Audit, Termination/ conducted on-site, New Hire Orientation, Candidate Screenings, Workplace Investigations, Sexual Harassment Trainings, Management Trainings, Job Description Development, Department Development and On-Site Support

For more information about Smarter Not Harder LLC:

contactme@jenicearmstead.com

For more information about Smarter Not Harder HR services email:
Jenicearmstead@gmail.com

Press Release: Simple Academic Overview Vol. 3

Posted on June 27, 2014 by Jenice Armstead

This book provides the understanding of the comparison and contrast of three theories of organizational leadership, including their core concepts, strengths, and limitations. Each theory helps an organization develop effective leaders for the 21st Century. Human resources professionals use insights from each theory to craft organizational policy.

For more information go to “Simple Academic Overview Vol. 3”

Press Release: Simple Academic Overview Vol. 2

Posted on June 25, 2014 by Jenice Armstead

This book provides the understanding of the concepts of performance management is related to organizational development theory. Includes a description and critique of at least four key strategies of performance management. Human resource professionals are the point of contacts for explaining how to support organizational development through application of performance management strategies.

For more information go to “Simple Academic Overview Vol. 2”

Press Release: Simple Academic Overview Vol. 1

Posted on June 23, 2014 by Jenice Armstead

This book provides an historical overview of the development of management principles during the Scientific Management Era. Including key scholars, principles, and insights, as well as notable critiques of scientific management. Human resources managers today, explain principles of scientific management as the topics are related to organizational policy, organizational development and also promote organizational growth.

For more information go to “Simple Academic Overview Vol. 1”

Resume Service Package

Posted on May 2, 2014 by Jenice Armstead

A resumé remains the most acceptable means of self-promotion, alongside having a hype man lead call-and-response chants about your GPA. Make an first-time impression with a great resume package.

Jenice Armstead, has over a decade of experience helping job applicants pin point what hiring managers are looking for in their resume. After submitting a current resumé and filling out a questionnaire on career goals and accomplishments, applicants work one-on-one with a writer to craft a resumé that’s clear, concise, and attractive to interviewers. This business expert also boost clients’ chances of getting hired with extra-mile services, such as O*Net job descriptions, job analysis and creating possible job descriptions for the clients.

Professional writers increase your chances of employment by creating a smart new resumé targeted to specific employers.

$99 for a Professional Resumé Package with a Cover Letter and Thank You Letter ($250 Value). For more information contact jenicearmstead@gmail.com

Free Business Consultations – Smarter Not Harder LLC

Posted on April 4, 2014 by Jenice Armstead

Dr. Jenice Armstead started “Smarter Not Harder LLC” to provide a necessary and innovate service for growing human capital value and organizational management.

Smarter Not Harder LLC Services Include:

Individuals: Cover Letter & Resume Services, interview preparation, professional portfolio development (Subject Matter Expert in Federal Hiring/Interviewing)

Organizations: Employee Handbook Review, Customized Employee Handbook, Workplace Policies, Customized New Hire Booklets, Customized Separation Booklets, Evaluation Program Development, Disciplinary Actions, Performance Management, Complete HR Library with Customized Documents

Special Projects: Compliance Audit, Termination/ conducted on-site, New Hire Orientation, Candidate Screenings, Workplace Investigations, Sexual Harassment Trainings, Management Trainings, Job Description Development, Department Development and On-Site Support

For more information about Smarter Not Harder LLC:

contactme@jenicearmstead.com

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

Two-Cents Tuesday

Posted on March 11, 2014 by Jenice Armstead

There are some key aspects to understanding when and how to apply to federal jobs. Federal jobs can be local, state and Nationally announced positions. You need to understand the position for which you are applying for by doing some research on the position, you will gain a better idea for what the job will entail and how the organization functions. Contrary to what economics may portray, the economy is growing. The middle class is all-apart of strengthening the entire economy. Start with www.usajobs.gov, there you can do a “Job search” for the field for which you are interested. There are plenty of opportunities to apply for. The federal hiring process can be a bit confusing, but with research and dedication you can find the career that you are qualified.

For more on the Federal Hiring Reform go to : Office of Personnel Management

Or you may contact me directly
Jenice Armstead

Two-Cent Tuesday

Posted on March 4, 2014 by Jenice Armstead

In the military, military personnel have had many jobs they have obtained while on active and reserve duty. Many military personnel are being discharged from the military with little to no information on how to convert their military experience into tangible information for the civilian sector. There are key words and phrases that will make you a “stick out” in the civilian world than the typical military terms a militant person is use to using. There are easy ways to convert your military experience into a civilian resume. This article will assist you with doing just that.

At first you as a military person may feel that your experience makes perfect sense and is easy to read, but it’s not. I am a 10 year military veteran whom realized once I as honorably discharged from the United States Navy how different the military was from the civilian sector in speaking of experience. I had to learn the hard way that the civilian sector is nothing like the military. All of my (KSAs) knowledge, abilities and skills were vastly different and diverse. I had to break my experience down by what it was, instead of the time period. Many military person work in different positions during a duty station and this experience should be broadcasted by the experience instead of by time period.

I served as a Yeoman Second Class with a Seabee Combat Warfare specialty. If you’re confused in reading this, so were the civilians whom received my resume. They didn’t know what a Yeoman Second Class was equivalent to in the civilian sector and that’s where I had to start. I went to the library or online and I got the book: Job Search, Marketing Your Military Experience By David G. Henderson. This book gives excellent information on how to convert your military experience into civilian jargon that anyone will be able to understand. This book is for all military forces not only Navy.

Next, do some research on your specialty and get detailed in explaining your exact experience. If you Google “Job Descriptions” you will find a ton of examples of free pre-written job descriptions. Copy and paste the job description and use it to help you make a resume template for yourself. It works and it’s easy.

Then, combine all of the experience together and make three resumes. Make a 1 page resume that is an overview of all of your experience to date. Make a 3 a page resume with a little more detail. Then make a resume with all of the experience you have starting from your very first job ever. If you need more information, or have a question you may contact me anytime. Happy job hunting.

10 Tips for Applying to Government Jobs – Book Excerpt

Posted on February 19, 2014 by Jenice Armstead

The job market has changed; it has changed for the better in many ways. This economy has bounced back from one of the worst economic down falls of this century. The job market is flooded with new job seekers and excellent opportunities for the taking. The need for fresh talent is apparent; the need for new ideas is infectious. New graduates, new job seekers and new ways of understanding this new job market are more concentrated than ever before … these are all apart of the new equations of obtaining employment opportunities for the job seeker.

The federal sector are hiring, let it be clear that the federal sector has created jobs and internships. There are a few things that job seekers must understand about obtaining employment in this federal sector job market. The federal sector is more organized than ever before. The federal sector has gone through a reform of implementing new job hiring practices. The federal sectors new job hiring practices include: the use of extensive interviews, panels of board members, personality tests, demonstration of work knowledge, skills, abilities and job experience.

There are some great ways for job seekers to “stand out” from the competition, but first the job seekers needs to understand what some of the loop holes are when it comes to finding and applying for federal employment in this new job market. Do not be discouraged in this new job market. You are the human capital fabric of the economy.

This new job market requires the creation and use of multiple resumes, live website links to electronic resumes, resume social media sites, job seekers to keep the information up to date at all times, and most of all for the job seekers to have a full understanding of what their “digital finger print” looks like. When I say “digital finger print” I mean, understanding what public information is available for potential employers to search and find on job seekers via the internet. It is good practice to “Google” or look up oneself on the internet to see what information is publicly available for all to view. Just as one would conduct a “Credit Score” clean up, a “digital finger print” is just as important to conduct on a quarterly basis.

Federal government positions are not as difficult to apply for as most believe they are.
Many times there are document requirements, time requirements, and pre-qualifications to read carefully before job seekers can complete the federal government job application. Most federal government job announcements are conducted completely online at www.usajobs.gov. A computer and Internet connection are two initial requirements of the federal hiring process. This may sound like a lot, but in fact once you read this book you will realize that it sounds a lot scarier than it is to complete. The federal sector job hunting experience is all about organization and attention to detail.

You have come to the right place to get your 10 Tips for Applying for Government Job announcements. The federal hiring process is all about due process, time requirements, deadlines and required documents. One of the main keys is to read the entire job announcement applying for. It is a good practice to print the entire job announcement out and use a highlighter to ensure all of the “T’s” are crossed and “I’s” are dotted.

In the government hiring process, entire applications can be completely removed or trashed if the application package is not completed by the candidate, by the deadline. There are not “if, ands or buts,” hiring managers are not legally required to extend deadlines unless there is a viable reason to do so. In most cases, only disabled personnel have this benefit. In this case, the disabled candidate must provide documentation for the disability in receiving an application extension.

These are only a few of the topics that are covered in 10 Tips for Applying for Government Jobs. This book was created for the job seeker to keep this book on hand to organize, keep track of and provide a greater understanding of the government hiring practice.
This book will start you off in the right direction with giving the job seeker 10 tips for applying for federal government job announcements and positions.

Book Excerpt: 10 Tips for Applying to Government Jobs

Key Training & Education Interview Questions

Posted on February 19, 2014 by Jenice Armstead

Training and education are core elements of the job force in this age. 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.

Some questions you will be asked: What training have you had other than course in grade school or college? Many applicants are finding that they need additional education and training, but experience goes hand and hand together 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 are not frowned on as they once were in the past; in fact more companies realize that employees are more loyal the more education they have.

Interviewers will also ask you: What workshops have you attended? This is a open-ended question that is targeted toward what your specialty is. 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, state that and also state your interest in developing your skills for the benefit of the company.

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 way 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 do put every single detail on your resume because it won’t give you as much justice as you would do talking about your own self.

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 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

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

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

October Events

Posted on September 29, 2013 by Jenice Armstead

Fri
04
Oct
2013

Travelogues Event
7pm - 9pm
Tampa's Cafe Hey

Wanna hear all about Jenice Armstead’s stories from her childhood of being a military brat? On Oct 4th, Jenice Armstead will be speaking during the Travelogue event. This is a monthly travel storytelling series, with two new speakers sharing two unique places every first friday at downtown Tampa’s Cafe Hey. More information can be found at vesselcollective.com

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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

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Travelogues Event

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