Seeking Employment: Online vs. Walk-In - You Decide What's Best For You!

by Miriam G. Aw

Seeking Employment Today is a Far Cry Away From Yesteryear!

There is no disputing that seeking employment in your specific choice of field can be a difficult chore.  After all, it is the 21st Century, and much of how things were done in the 20th Century looking for employment has become obsolete . . . to a certain degree.

It has always been the contention that "It's Who You Know" as opposed to "Not What You Know" that baffles the minds of many, who are seeking 'the' job. 

Why should anyone be penalized for not knowing anyone, or the right person, who is responsible for hiring individuals at a particular company?

Filling out an online application is a major part of the employment seeking process these days.  For the most part, it can be a blessing, and a curse, depending on your outlook.

However, it is the responsibility of the online applicant to follow-up on every submitted online application with due diligence by checking their email, and/or learning more about the person(s) who heads the department or division of the company.

I remember a time when I made a complete nuisance of myself when I was seeking employment at a particular company.  I made it my business to have my face and name noticed as often as I could without being labeled as a stalker.  It worked! 

However, it is seemingly apparent that such a method is no longer tolerated, or acceptable, if you believe what so-called experts have to say about this form of getting noticed and hired.  Such a practice was done in the 70s, 80s, and 90s.  Somehow after Year 2001 . . . you know, after the horrific attack on U.S. soil (9-11), the determinate nature of seeking employment were treated as acts of terrorism that has ultimately gave way for many employers to cease from interviewing prospective employees face-to-face, and instead, have folks fill out online applications.

Was this an alarmist outcry that helped to change the job seeking process throughout America in the 21st Century?  It has indeed made job searching more intricate and hopeless in the eyes of many Americans.

Unfortunately, there is a seeming problem with many applicants who believe that if you have a name that is not considered 'American,' their online applications are ignored, or simply do not transmit in some form, or fashion, thus kicking them out of the system.



Currently, I'm looking into this alleged act of bias.

The good news is that there are a host of companies today, who've gotten away from their fear for 'face-to-face' interviews, and are resuming 'face-to-face' interviews - choosing that right candidate for the job.  A bold move such as this will indeed bolster employment hires at a much larger rate giving hope to every individual seeking a job.

It is also time to eradicate the practice of many small businesses who hire only their frat brothers, or sorority sisters, lodge members, congregation members, neighbors, immediate relatives, and so forth, and start hiring people who CAN do the job well, and not for the aforementioned reasons.

This foul practice of "Who You Know" versus "What You Know" must come to a halt, if we are to build as a nation who really give a damn about the unemployment crises that face us today.

Now, does this sentiment apply to anyone who believes in sharing information to others whom they know about job hires at their place of employment?  Of course not.  There is a difference between hiring someone whom you're related to because of [blood] kinship, or because of a damn pledge you have taken while in college versus sharing information about job openings where you work, and leaving it up to that person to sell him, or her, self to the employer to get that job position!

A huge difference!

Granted, a lot of people who I know got burned by recommending someone else to work at the same workplace, and ultimately, such a recommendation turned soured.  Such a thing can leave a bad taste in the mouth of the person who do not mind telling others about job openings at their work place.

It is the sole responsibility of the individual who was told of a job opening to help make that person who referred you look good in the eyes of the employer.  He or she did not have to tell anyone about such openings.  The least that anyone can do is to do the best job possible, so that job permanency is inevitable.  And it's one of the best "Thank you" one can ever give to a person who'd pulled their coat-tail about the job.

Are there any statistics that I can present to you based on what I've just said here?  I'm sure that there are . . . somewhere in the cyber-sphere.  But I like to speak about what I know, and express the sentiments of the myriad of people whom I come across on a regular basis about seeking employment, whether it's online, or walk-in.

I hope that each and every one of you will take the time to seek employment with an open mind, heart, and in good spirit.  It is a journey worth taking, and keep in mind that it is your responsibility to make things happen 'your way' the best way possible in a positive way. 

Sometimes you have to do what your gut tells you to do, and not become robotic in your thinking.

Take chances.  Keep a positive outlook.  Stay diligent.  Be resourceful.  Keep the faith.  And give it all you got to get that spot!

M.

Copyright 2012.  All rights reserved.

22 seek interim presidency of S.C. State

The search for an interim president for South Carolina State University moved forward on Friday when the 16-member screening committee met to consider 22 applicants for the position.

The committee is made up of representatives from the board of trustees, the cabinet, the faculty and staff, alumni and students.

Acting Board Chairman John Corbitt asked the committee to come up with the top six candidates.
“The board wants three candidates to interview in person,” he said. “I am requesting that we identify the top six people in case somebody has dropped out,” he said.

Criteria:

The following criteria may be considered in South Carolina University’s search for an interim president:

1. Former/sitting president; or individual with extensive higher education administrative experience
2. Earned doctorate from a nationally recognized accredited institution
3. Experience in business, fiscal and budgetary management
4. Comprehensive experience in academia with an understanding of shared governance
5. Distinguished record of published articles in peer-reviewed journals
6. Demonstrated leadership in relationship building toward fundraising (planned giving and endowments)
7. Knowledgeable of SACS requirements and other accrediting bodies
8. Experienced visionary leader with tangible performance results
9. An appreciation of S.C. State’s distinctive culture and values, its special niche in higher education and an understanding of the mission of an 1890/research institution
10. Proven record in increasing student enrollment, retention and graduation rates
11. Effective listening and team-building skills
12. Ability to interact with a diverse group of constituents (board, faculty, staff, students, parents, community, alumni, state and federal governments, corporate executives and all other stakeholders)
13. Passionate about the university’s environment and commitment to a top-rated, healthy and safe educational experience

Boeing creates opportunities locally

As the North Charleston Boeing facility rolled out its long-awaited 787 Dreamliner Friday, local economic development and government officials said the ripple effects could be felt here.
“It is a special day for the entire state,” Orangeburg County Development Commission Executive Director Gregg Robinson said. “It is a sign to the world that products like the Dreamliner, a state-of-the-art aviation product, can be made right here and that it can be done on time and under budget.”

The aircraft is the first completed at the $750 million plant that opened last year. Robinson said he expects to see more activity from Boeing suppliers now that the first plane has been built.

“Now you are really going to see some of the new opportunities coming to South Carolina,” Robinson said.
Robinson expressed his confidence that the Orangeburg County area will be a significant player in aerospace.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for I-95 and the entire region as a whole for us to capture a number of tier 2 and tier 3 suppliers,” he said.

In Orangeburg County, Zeus Industries is a Boeing supplier.

Read more: http://thetandd.com/business/boeing-creates-opportunities-locally/article_f779eb5a-90e3-11e1-b79a-0019bb2963f4.html#ixzz1tL10GhC0

Happy Bless New Year To All of You!

written by Miriam G. Aw

It's now Year 2012, a number #5 year that depicts freedom of movement, partaking in joyful events, exercising patience by avoiding hasty and impulsive use of words and actions, but equally important, this is the year to think and act "outside-the box" when it comes to seeking employment, starting a business, or revamping your existing business model in order to generate lucrative income!

Granted, most folks will read this and believe that what I say has no validity, nor reason, due to the many decades of hype portrayed in mainstream media that seemingly dictates what you should, or should not do based on what so-called experts in their field of expertise have to say about what to wear, eat, or relationships, just to mention a few.

For far too long, our society have been duped into believing mainstream media reports about the economy, and how it continues to either decline, or rebound, despite what we think or believe what's really going on - especially since it is us who are feeling the brunt of the country's economic woes.

There are statistics being thrown at us left and right with adamant tones that are design to make us believe that whatever is being said regarding anything that affect us, as a whole, should be taken as 'gospel.'  But you and I know that we need to have honesty in reporting.  

How many times have you learned about pertinent information that is beneficial for us to know at a later time when such information was available for us to get at an earlier time?  Especially when such information was already revealed by a so-called friend, relative, congregant member, neighbor, etc., but somehow you got it through 'the grapevine.'  

If no one else told you, please allow me to share with you on what I've been observing for at least 7 to 10 years, and what I've just learned about last week.  

If you are seeking employment, or if you are interested in attending medical school, for example, it will behoove you to check outside the U.S.A., for employment and/or schooling.

Yes, the opportunities of employment and schooling are out there for you to partake in, whether you are single or married with, or without children!


Last Monday (day after Christmas), I met a nice young man in the hospital emergency room.  My husband took ill, and this lovely fella took my husband's EKG.  As always, and at the risk of sounding bias because I love seeing young people, especially young black males, working in the medical profession in any capacity, I asked him which school did he graduate from, and whether if he aspired to go higher in the medical profession.

Come to find out that this young man, whose name is Germaine, attended and graduated from South Carolina State University, which is located in Orangeburg, S.C., and he further his education in Aruba!  Yes child, Aruba!  Well, I was taken back a bit when he went on more about how much he learned, and that there myriad of schools that provide great education, but only if you are up to the task of really wanting to learn without being spoon-fed everything like some spoil rich kid!

In other words, you have to work for what you want, and ask questions if you don't know the answers by using your God-given common sense.  And besides, who cannot learn anything in an environment that provides great weather every step of the way?!?

Out of curiosity, I asked him if he happen to convince, or at best, inform other youngsters who are in his peer group about attending medical school, or any other type of school in Aruba, or in any other part of the Caribbean, and much to my surprise, his answer astounded me, to say the least.

He stated that the majority of the people whom he shared his information with did not express any interest of doing the same, yet they continue to struggle with schools that they are unhappy with as a result of their teachers not giving enough 'instruction' on their class courses, and their extreme displeasure on the cost of books needed for their courses.

Unfortunately, paying through the nose for college books is a normal complaint.  And if you are receiving a grant, most of your grant money goes to paying for the books and tuition, thus leaving practically nothing else for the remaining semester to use for much needed things (i.e., food, gas, apartment, etc.).

Although I cannot provide hard evidence of statistical data for your reading pleasure, I assure you that what I say here is a national problem . . . well, at least that is the problem here in the State of South Carolina.

Personally, it would behoove every young male and female to get their four-year degree at their local, regional, or national college/university, and then further their field of interest in the Caribbean, or some other country that offers superlative education.  There are a host of great schools that offer a lot giving more bang to your buck.  After all, this is a GLOBAL world, and no longer can any of us afford to remain isolated, or ignorant, to facts.

In fact, you can learn a lot about other countries, and what they can offer you by watching one of my favorite programs "House Hunter International," which is a HGTV program (Channel 229 on Directv).  On this program, you will see how so many Americans left their home state, and home town, to live abroad to become gainfully employed, and/or attend school.  


Also, Google Search "Caribbean Medical Schools," where you will find a list of schools in this part of the world.  You must do your research.  No one else can do it for you.  Take the initiative, and start anew, or renew what you already know.


And if you decide that leaving the States is not your cup-of-tea, then you need to prepare yourself to undergo a major overhaul in your priorities regarding employment, school, money, family, comfortability, and so forth, that will allow you the freedom to enjoy life the way you want it.


With that said, may you have a Happy Bless New Year 2012, and may all of you aspirations are fulfilled, and your dreams realized with good spirits.

Peace & Blessings,

Miriam
BCD21CGN  

Careers You Need To Look Into Doing!

Choose Wisely In Your Career Choice!
Create Your Own Business Choice To Serve Your Neighbors and Community!
by Miriam G. Aw

Let's face facts: The economy sucks!  Year 2011 has become a nightmare for so many individuals who are seeking employment, have lost their jobs, and as a result of this despicable trend of employers not wanting to hire more people at their place of business is downright shameful!  But then again, who is really to blame for this crisis?

While many of you are still figuring out whom to blame for our present economic condition, I urge all of you who are contemplating on a career choice to delve into, the following career choices that I believe will catapult your horizons by increasing your chances of getting hired, especially since a few of my suggestions are not palatable to some, or create for yourself, may prove to be beneficial in the long run.

Please think about the following fields of interest to choose as your next opportunity to gain into the work force, and/or run as your own entrepreneurial business:

• Mortuary - Yes, as morbid as this may seem to you, it is without a doubt a profession that is sure to be a career choice of longevity.  After all, death upon us all is inevitable.  It's not an easy choice to consider, and it is not an usual choice to entertain.  Applying make-up, dressing the body, styling hair, etc., to the decease may be an excellent choice for someone who is in the cosmetology field, or who like to see people look well, dead or alive.  I don't mean to be flip about this, however, it is a reality that all of us will one day need this type of service.  So why not look into this field a bit more to learn what is required of you to know, and do.  Check with your local mortician, or the County Coroner's office.  Many of these businesses will be happy to show you the ropes as to what to do in their employ.  And of course, attending school is not a bad idea also.  Anyone who is in the medical field can also find this field interesting.  
• Freelance Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner - You are now your own boss with a purpose!  Many people who are finding themselves without work can definitely 'clean up' by cleaning other people's carpets and furniture.  There are so many great products on the market, such as carpet cleaners, to clean sofas, chairs, carpets, draperies, etc., that you may find your business a bit more easier to operate than you first thought.  Give it a shot.  The holidays are coming up, so I will get cracking if I was you!
• Neighborly Babysitter - Although lately in the past two to three years this title has received a bad rep in many media news outlets, babysitting someone's child[ren] is still a honorable profession.  But don't get greedy or needy.  Handle only the amount of children your body and mind can handle.  To do this job well, you must look upon the children you are caring for as if they were your own children needing love, guidance, and unconditional love.  In other words, you really have to "give a damn" about the children you are hired to look after in your care.  Be fair (and low) in your pricing.  Be flexible with the parent(s) with their work hours.  Be considerate by 'listening' to the parent(s).  The economy is affecting everyone.  And every once in a while, mom and dad need a break also away from the kiddies.  It's only human! Therefore, become that 'bridge of sanity' for these parents.  There is nothing wrong in being a good neighbor, and there is definitely nothing wrong in being a good human being.  In my humble opinion, if we had more neighborly babysitters in the world, I believe that there will be LESS children harmed, or killed, MORE mom & dads rekindling their love for each other, and LESS to NONE talks about separations, or divorces.  Like I said, in my humble opinion.  Become a neighborly babysitter by checking out the parents, first, and provide your references regardless on how well you think they know you.  Be professional, compassionate, and observant - Go for it!
• School Bus Stop Attendant - Everyday there are more children who are walking to school bus stops alone, with their siblings, or with a few friends, in the early morn when it is still dark.  Frankly, many parents shutter to think the worse when they find themselves having no other choice but to send their child[ren] out early to catch the school bus simply because they have to be at work.  And for parents who have to be at work at such an early time, it can be nerve wracking, to say the least.  Thank God for cell phones, but what good is a cell phone when a pedophile is on the loose near your child during these lonesome hours in the day?  Much like a 'Neighborly Baby Sitter,' this, too, is an invaluable asset that I believe many parents will not mind paying to have 'peace of mind' in their daily lives knowing that their precious bundle of joy are being looked after going to, and coming from school, on a regular basis.  Get to know the parents and children in your area.  Provide your references and expertise in this area.  Show how invaluable you can be when in the care of these parents' children.  Get to know the local school officials, the Safety Police, and anyone else who is involved with the children.  A peace of mind is very precious.  Go for it, and be there for the children - coming and going!

 The following are other suggestions that you should seriously think of pursuing as your career choice for Year 2012, 2013, and so on:

1. Health care 
2. Utiltities - Meter reader, basically anything in the utilities department.  Gas, Electric, Propane, etc.
3.  Education - Become a private teacher/tutor for home-school children, homebound children with disabilities, work at a local recreational center to teach language, etc.
4. Law Enforcement - F.B.I., Security Officer (Armed and Unarmed)
5. Computer Technology - Become a computer programmer (health care, utilities, educational content programmer for various courses in English, language, mathematics, and so forth).

 

SC gov announces rebranding of workforce centers 

Gov. Nikki Haley on Monday touted a rebranding of more than 50 centers that serve the unemployed in South Carolina, saying the shift is part of her efforts to tackle the state's high jobless rate.
The announcement of the change from SC One Stop to SC Works comes after the July unemployment rate increased to 10.9 percent, tying as third-worst nationwide.
"What we're saying is we're revamping the way we do things," Haley said.

Jobs by SimplyHired

Virtual Job Fair in South Carolina

Post a Job! $75 for 3 days

EMPLOYMENT EXPO

On-Site Event & 7-Day Virtual Job Fair


WIS is hosting an Employment Expo and Online Virtual Job Fair on wistv.com starting on Wednesday, August 24th.  Employers from all over the Midlands will be participating with plenty of open job opportunities.


This is NOT a one day event. You'll have a FULL WEEK to attend wistv.com's Virtual Job Fair.  You'll be able to find a link to the Virtual Job Fair on wistv.com starting the morning of August 24th. The Virtual Job Fair lasts until August 31st.

Where is the On-site event?

Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center

1101 Lincoln St.     Columbia, SC

When is the On-Site Event?

Wednesday, August 24, 2011          

Where is the Virtual Event?

Include link: http://wistvjobfair.ashtondata.com/

When is the Virtual Event?

August 24 at 3pm – August 31, 2011 at midnight

Employers attending:                                            


AMCOL                                                                       
ARCLabs/Metalskills
AVON 
Banker's Life & Casualty
Brandi Companies/Pitt Stop
Centura College
Colonial Life
G & P Trucking (virtual event only)
Insphere Insurance Solutions                                       
InterMedical Hospital
ITT Tech
Jewelry Warehouse                                                     
Jim Hudson Automotive Group
Lexington Medical (virtual event only)                           
Lexington/Richland District 5 – Transportation
Life Careers                                                                
McDaniel's Acura
McEntire Produce (virtual event only)
Michelin                                                                      
Newberry College
Open Range Communications                                       
Palmetto Health
QSSI, Inc.
Recruiting Solutions
Richland School District One                                         
Roper Staffing
SC Dept. of Corrections                                                
SC Federal Credit Union
Sysco Foods                                                               
The TRUE Group
Time Warner Cable                                                     
Waste Management
Woodmen of the World




Fort Mill company holds job fair today, 500+ positions to be filled this year

(WBTV) - A South Carolina company will hold a job fair on Wednesday and they have hundreds of positions to fill by the end of the year.

This is good news as the unemployment rate in both Carolinas is currently higher than the national average.

Red Ventures in Fort Mill is one of the fastest growing companies in the Charlotte region and around the country.

The company has been growing steadily since it relocated to South Carolina in November 2009.

Red Ventures has done so well, the Charlotte Business Journal named the company the Best Place to Work.

The job fair on Wednesday will be only for inside sales positions.

Jobs by SimplyHired

Post a Job! $75 for 3 days

The ' Old West' meets The 'New West' in the 21st Century!

Thinking Like the 'Old West' Seeking A New Frontier in the 21st Century!
by Miriam G. Aw

Back in the days of the 'Old West' when men and women rode for miles through rough terrain, along with their children, to seek their own land, and fair justice to build a home, find employment, or start a business of their own, many of them succeeded in their quest toward achieving freedom and happiness.  

Today, in the 21st Century in Year 2010, it is very much like the Old West:  Families across all racial, economic, religious, cultural, and educational lines are riding through rough terrain called "The Economy," along with their children, seeking to keep their land by getting fair justice to keep their home, find employment, or start a business of their own, which many of whom are not succeeding in their quest toward achieving freedom and happiness.




Case in point is that we can no longer afford to remain using past explorations of conquering obstacles when it involves finding employment, or saving our home from becoming foreclosed, or have our children receive lack of knowledge in their educational pursuits, so that they can rise above what their parents and grandparents endured to hold on what they have achieved in life.  Unprecedented times calls for unprecedented measures whether you like it, or not!  It is called sacrifice, plain and simple!


How much are you willing to sacrifice so that you can be put into the position to become gainfully employed, start your own business, become an actress/actor, own land and/or buy a house with a little piece of land, home-school your children to ensure that they receive all what they need to be academically prepared technologically in the 21st Century, and discipline yourself to make wherever you live a happier place to enjoy life to the fullest?


Don't get caught up in the hype of doing what does not work anymore when you're seeking employment.  Be creative, diligent, and observant of what goes on around you, if you are willing to make positive changes in your life.  The family and friends you have in your life will understand your need to better yourself, and your family.  If you move away, they will come to visit.  You will make new friends.  Your family will now have another place to visit to use you as a reason to take vacation time!

Passionate health writers wanted. Write for Examiner.com on the local and national stage. Join us.

With that said, I hope that you will take advantage of all what is being offered on The Employment Blog Network site, so that you can explore terrain you have never thought of doing before to find yourself, so that you can tap deep within yourself to learn things that you may have thought have disappeared, or died.  All of us have a God-given inherent natural born talent and gift to excel in our chosen endeavor in life.  But you must make the effort, and take the time to find what it is that lies within you to achieve betterment in quality of life!


Seek and Ye Shall Find!  Just Do It!  God Bless the Child Whose Got Its Own!  There's No Business Like Your Business!  ALL OF THESE APHORISM, or phrases have meaning, so put it to good use!  




And to put my two cents in, my philosophy is very simple that can be found in one of my "Conversations in Poetry" books:  " . . .'Preserve Your Sanity At All Cost!' "   


May you seek and find happiness in your endeavors!


Miriam G. Aw
The Employment Blog Network


Copyright 2010.  All rights reserved.














Climber is like dating for jobs. Sit back

and let the company of your dreams find you.