tag:blog.womenforhire.com,2009://1 2009-06-30T18:57:51Z Movable Type 3.31 tag:blog.womenforhire.com,2009://1.1293 2009-06-30T17:44:55Z 2009-06-30T18:57:51Z

By Kate Louise Johansen I pretty much stopped thinking about Michael Jackson in 2005 after his famous trial, when he was acquitted of child molestation charges. In my mind, regardless of the outcome, something had gone on at Neverland between...

Guest Corner By Kate Louise Johansen I pretty much stopped thinking about Michael Jackson in 2005 after his famous trial, when he was acquitted of child molestation charges. In my mind, regardless of the outcome, something had gone on at Neverland between Jackson and children - and it probably wasn’t anywhere near as G-rated as he and his lawyers claimed. By Kate Louise Johansen I pretty much stopped thinking about Michael Jackson in 2005 after his famous trial, when he was acquitted of child molestation charges. In my mind, regardless of the outcome, something had gone on at Neverland between Jackson and children - and it probably wasn’t anywhere near as G-rated as he and his lawyers claimed. Yet I recall thinking that the public humiliation and financial hardship he suffered had definitely punished him enough. To be the King of Pop and have your name dragged through the dirt, forever associated with such a hateful act, is as demeaning as any prison sentence would have been. Understandably, the outcome of the trial didn’t satisfy those who claimed he hurt them, but I was always a bit suspicious of the charges and the people who brought them. There was plenty of sleeze all around. But since his sudden death last week, which has shocked me, not an hour has not passed since I have not thought about him, his genius and his legacy. How much pleasure he and his music gave me when I was a kid in the 80s and he had one hit after another. His famous trial barely registers in my mind. Reading and watching all the coverage about his life, I can’t help but be sympathetic; clearly, Jackson had his demons stemming from his famous over-the-top childhood stardom, his demanding (to say the least) father and a supersized life infused with too much money and too many greedy hangers-on. Too much of everything. But there’s no arguing about the breadth and depth of his talent -- from his moonwalk and dazzling choreography to his unforgettable music and plaintive lyrics to his on-target brilliance as a pure entertainer. In the car the other day, I stumbled across a special Michael Jackson tribute channel on Sirius XM radio. I couldn’t stop listening, amazed at how so many of his songs have a permanent place in my mind, how effortlessly I am able to mouth so many of his brilliant lyrics. Unlike most of us, Michael Jackson never needed anyone’s help finding his calling. He was a once-in-a-lifetime talent, a genius who did what he loved with passion and intensity that must command everyone’s respect. No matter how old or young you are, when a Jackson song comes on the radio you’ll recognize his distinctive voice and lyrics. What a career. tag:blog.womenforhire.com,2009://1.1292 2009-06-29T22:18:11Z 2009-06-29T22:27:45Z

There's something called The Survivor Syndrome, in the aftermath of downsizing and trauma experienced by employees left standing. You know, it's like the, "Why me?"...

Vivacious Vicki There's something called The Survivor Syndrome, in the aftermath of downsizing and trauma experienced by employees left standing. You know, it's like the, "Why me?" There's something called The Survivor Syndrome, in the aftermath of downsizing and trauma experienced by employees left standing. You know, it's like the, "Why me?" Sometimes during lay offs the people who remain are impacted severely and are often overlooked in terms of counseling. Morale is low yet productivity has to be high: they just saw some members of their work family let go, so they can only wonder when they'll be next. I saw it first hand. When I was let go I was fortunate to have incredibly compassionate co-workers reach out and offer kind words of encouragement. But I could also sense there was a sense of guilt, like why was I let go and not them? The tables were turned, though, as I found myself consoling them. Fortunately, I looked at this as an incredible opportunity to forge new beginnings and get myself out of a comfort zone I had become too accustomed to (have to spice things up sometimes, you know?) but others aren't so lucky. Colleagues left standing tend to work tirelessly and anxiously since they are unsure if there will be another round or when. They can't sleep or eat that well and camaraderie can often morph into cutthroatness. As much as I'm grateful I was in Round 1, I can't even imagine having survived to see work family members drop one by one. There's nothing pretty about downsizing since all facets of the workplace are impacted. If you were the one left standing, did you have emotions to deal with that you hadn't prepared for? If you were let go, did you sense the guilt from your co-workers? tag:blog.womenforhire.com,2009://1.1289 2009-06-25T17:01:20Z 2009-06-25T17:03:55Z

My 12-year-olds have been anticipating camp for months now. Pretty much every day we have had some discussion about an aspect of their upcoming one-month stay. This is their first time and they picked the place on their own. We...

Tory Johnson My 12-year-olds have been anticipating camp for months now. Pretty much every day we have had some discussion about an aspect of their upcoming one-month stay. This is their first time and they picked the place on their own. We checked it out, talked to the camp owners and all looks fine. My 12-year-olds have been anticipating camp for months now. Pretty much every day we have had some discussion about an aspect of their upcoming one-month stay. This is their first time and they picked the place on their own. We checked it out, talked to the camp owners and all looks fine. When a friend who advises parents on camps told me there was no air-conditioning in the bunks, I said, “Great.” But now, as Sunday's drop off looms, Jake is getting cold feet. He is worried about being home sick, terrified that something terrible – like us dying – is going to happen to my husband and me. He has slept with us all week. He asked me to take him out to dinner – alone – for the past two nights. Just to talk. Over Thai noodles, he fumed that camp was Emma’s idea and maybe she could just go alone. This has taken both me and Peter by surprise, since if we had any concern about how either of my kids would fare being away from home, Emma would be the one. She has always been more emotionally fragile and sensitive than Jake, who always seem to let troubles roll of his back. Plus, Jake is bunking with a best friend, Jonah, who is now in his third year at the camp. Jonah helpfully pointed out to Jake earlier this week that he "only" cried five times his first night at camp. He predicted Jake would only cry three or so times that first night because he, Jonah, will be there to keep him company. Appreciate that, Jonah. Tonight, Jake and Emma are dining with my brother and sister-in-law. Jake’s idea. It’s like his Long Goodbye. I want next week to be here now. I want that three sentence letter from Jake that says having a great time, send a care package, that’s all for now. tag:blog.womenforhire.com,2009://1.1287 2009-06-18T16:59:28Z 2009-06-18T17:12:17Z

Since unemployment seems to be the new black, recruiters are taking a different stance on gaps in the resumes they review. I used to do it 24/7: see a six-month gap of employment here, a three-month gap over there. Immediately,...

Vivacious Vicki Since unemployment seems to be the new black, recruiters are taking a different stance on gaps in the resumes they review. I used to do it 24/7: see a six-month gap of employment here, a three-month gap over there. Immediately, questions. Was this person let go due to performance issues? Slacker perhaps? Or merely a case of bad timing and luck: last one in, first one out? Now, given the state of the economy, it is deemed understandable, no questions asked. that on the resume? I used to think of unemployment as the ability to sleep 'til noon, workout during Oprah, and hey, of course look for a job. But the en vogue thing seems to be getting out of the zone, thinking outside the box (um, cubicle?) and putting yourself in a position to market your skills for both your past work experiences and new ones. While it seems opportunities are slowly opening up, the key is patience. And being productive with the gift of time. ]]> tag:blog.womenforhire.com,2009://1.1286 2009-06-18T16:11:17Z 2009-06-18T16:20:59Z

Six million jobs have been lost. Unemployment is at a 25-year high. More than 14 million people are out of work. If you're not trying to find a job you're probably trying to keep one. Good news? If you're a...

Off the Shelf The Female Brand: Using the Female Mindset to Succeed in Business (Davies-Black). "Women are naturally 'wired' for career success, says Kaputa, a personal branding expert. ]]> The Female Brand: Using the Female Mindset to Succeed in Business (Davies-Black). "Women are naturally 'wired' for career success, says Kaputa, a personal branding expert. Drawing on brain research and gender studies, Kaputa debunks old and misguided workplace myths -- women must think and act like men to succeed, for one -- and shows women how to leverage their innately female strengths in today's recession and beyond: 1. Tune in emotionally. Women are especially intuitive and empathetic, thanks in part to higher level of hormones such as estrogen and oxytocin. Kaputa's advice: Use these emotionally driven strengths to be open and responsive to others' feelings and build strong and healthy work relationships. 2. Create an attractive package. Attractive people not only make more money, but are viewed as being smarter and more competent than others. Women possess an advantage here, too, having naturally better instincts, as well as more "visual aids" to work with than men do. Kaputa's advice: Accentuate your best features, and develop a distinct look with a signature color, accessories, shoes, or whatever fits your style and personality. 3. Reach out. The larger your network, the more career capital you'll amass -- great news for women, who are natural-born networkers and team builders. Kaputa's advice: Make and keep friends. Ask others for help, ideas, and feedback. And continually grow your network of colleagues, advisors, and mentors. 4. Speak Up. Women routinely outscore men on oral and written tests because they instinctively tap both hemispheres of the brain -- left and right -- to process verbal, visual, and emotional stimuli. (Men tend to use only the left side of the brain.) Kaputa's advice: Ask great questions, listen with attunement, and hone your business conversation and presentation skills. Become known for being a master communicator in both speaking and writing. 5. Be inclusive. Choosing inclusion over exclusivity is an inherent female strength and a powerful advantage in today's diverse, globalized workplace. Kaputa's advice: Commit to inviting as many perspectives as possible and extending goodwill to everyone -- friends and foes. Cultivate strong alliances, and be loyal. ]]> tag:blog.womenforhire.com,2009://1.1285 2009-06-18T15:27:28Z 2009-06-18T15:43:20Z

A new survey finds that 29 percent of companies have modified or will change matching contributions in their 401(k) plans this year. One in five will eliminate the match entirely. “Clearly, the economic downturn is causing many companies to reevaluate...

Workplace Buzz A new survey finds that 29 percent of companies have modified or will change matching contributions in their 401(k) plans this year. One in five will eliminate the match entirely. “Clearly, the economic downturn is causing many companies to reevaluate their 401(k) plan design carefully," says Grant Thornton's Gary Gross, who co-authored the survey. "The highest anticipated action reported by all respondents is the complete elimination of the match, which will generate the most cash savings for the plan sponsor.” A new survey finds that 29 percent of companies have modified or will change matching contributions in their 401(k) plans this year. One in five will eliminate the match entirely. “Clearly, the economic downturn is causing many companies to reevaluate their 401(k) plan design carefully," says Grant Thornton's Gary Gross, who co-authored the survey. "The highest anticipated action reported by all respondents is the complete elimination of the match, which will generate the most cash savings for the plan sponsor.” “The survey results also illustrated certain trends by industry and by the revenue levels and work force size of the companies,” said Grant Thornton co-author Mark Ritter. “We found that companies in the health care and not-for-profit industries were less likely to make changes during 2009, while companies in the technology, retail/trade and financial services/banking industries were generally more likely to make changes during 2009. Larger employers, whether classified by revenue levels or the size of their work forces, were generally more likely to make changes during 2009.” “Companies are expecting 2009 to continue to be a challenging year for business growth and financial stability,” Gross said. “The impact on 401(k) plans appears to be greater consideration of lower, and more prudent, spending on matching contributions in order to address cash and profit constraints. To download a full copy of the survey, go to www.GrantThornton.com/cbc. tag:blog.womenforhire.com,2009://1.1284 2009-06-17T22:21:52Z 2009-06-17T22:59:42Z

If you've been to an Abercrombie and Fitch store you've seen the buff young shirtless men who greet you at the door. But in London, a young woman who got a job at a A&F flagship store (and who didn't...

Workplace Buzz hide her prosthetic arm, but didn't exactly wave it during the interview) was banished to the stockroom after a manager spotted it and wouldn't allow her on the main floor. ]]> hide her prosthetic arm, but didn't exactly wave it during the interview) was banished to the stockroom after a manager spotted it and wouldn't allow her on the main floor. He claimed she didn't have the right "look" that the firm requires of all employees. The woman, Riam Dean, 22, is suing the retailer for discrimination. A&F recently settled a similar lawsuit here. What do you think? Should an employer have the right to a "look policy" and pick and choose whomever it finds pleasing to the eye? Let us know..]]> tag:blog.womenforhire.com,2009://1.1283 2009-06-17T21:55:15Z 2009-06-17T22:04:47Z

The dreaded "R" word is a blank check for bosses to fire anyone. They use a recession as an excuse to get rid of the highly paid people who would ordinarily be hard to fire. In other words, a recession...

Stephen Viscusi The dreaded "R" word is a blank check for bosses to fire anyone. They use a recession as an excuse to get rid of the highly paid people who would ordinarily be hard to fire. In other words, a recession climate is used as an excuse to clean house. Bulletproof Your Job, (HarperCollins) I share 50 trade secrets on how anybody can seduce their boss into helping them save their job. Yes, I said seduce. Like the idea of how American Express' black card “seduced” you in to wanting one, even though it was expensive. Keeping a job today is hard enough – finding a new one is even more difficult. You may represent the upper echelon of the job seekers, but it can be tough to sell your expertise when someone else will do the job for less. So, here are some tips on getting back to work fast. “Lowball” yourself. Take the lower salary – don’t scare away a company with your past “Rolex” wages. Get your foot in the door, and when this economy turns around next year you will be in the driver’s seat to renegotiate or find a new job entirely. Loose lips sink ships. Everyone is looking for a job today, so ears are everywhere. Every networking group you go to, everyone you talk to may be applying for the same jobs. You’d be shocked at who else has their eyes on your perfect job. Have you ever seen that show in which the actors steal auditions from one another? It’s no different in the executive suite. Keep it quiet. Never act desperate. Always look like you deserve a six-figure job. If you’ve been making six figures, you’d better have a resume template that screams, “Hire me!” Then, don’t mess it up by dressing like you’re headed for an open casting call for the next Real Housewives. You’re dressing for an interview, not for your 15 minutes of fame. ]]> tag:blog.womenforhire.com,2009://1.1282 2009-06-17T15:45:15Z 2009-06-17T21:23:56Z

Jean Tobin Zawlocki wrote HELP! My Company's Going out of Business, What do I do now? (Authorhouse) She says she wrote the book after losing a job for the second time. "I decided to share reactions of what other people...

Off the Shelf HELP! My Company's Going out of Business, What do I do now? (Authorhouse) She says she wrote the book after losing a job for the second time. "I decided to share reactions of what other people have done when they’ve been in a worst case employment scenario." Jean shared some other thoughts with Women For Hire. "I’ve worked at some great companies and there were a couple of companies that provided the information that helped me become more knowledgeable." ]]> HELP! My Company's Going out of Business, What do I do now? (Authorhouse) She says she wrote the book after losing a job for the second time. "I decided to share reactions of what other people have done when they’ve been in a worst case employment scenario." Jean shared some other thoughts with Women For Hire. I’ve worked at some great companies and a few of them provided information that helped me become more knowledgeable about how businesses work. I wrote this book to give warning signs about when a company is in danger of going bankrupt. At two of my former employers, we had a sense they were insolvent. Having had these experiences, I believed it’s important to share the information to others. These days, employees should be prepared. If you’re worried that your employer is going out of business, there are a few warning signs that you should look for. Let’s say you work for a training company and presentations are very important to the business. You begin to notice that there are no supplies or significantly reduced supplies to do your job effectively. That may mean the employer is low on funds and is holding off as long as possible purchasing supplies. Another sign might be that your employer’s checks are no longer being accepted by vendors and that supplies must be paid for in cash on delivery. Be aware of changes in the moods of senior managers, especially if rumors are swirling and they aren’t talking to employees about their concerns. Rumors may have an element of truth. What does your gut tell you? Pay attention, if you have an immediate reaction that something doesn’t sound right, believe your gut. It’s the second brain. The biggest assumption that any employees can make is assuming they’re fully covered under health insurance or unemployment insurance. Make sure that your company is up to date with health insurance and unemployment insurance payments? Don’t be complacent. Be prepared. Always have an updated resume, a list of co-workers phone numbers and alternative medical insurance carriers if you can’t afford COBRA payments if you’re suddenly laid off. ]]> tag:blog.womenforhire.com,2009://1.1281 2009-06-16T21:27:48Z 2009-06-16T21:30:30Z

I love finding good deals or bargains at my favorite stores. Summer is also a great time to find sizzling hot deals and give-a-ways. Let's be honest: the recession has been great for finding deep discounts....

Magic Hands I love finding good deals or bargains at my favorite stores. Summer is also a great time to find sizzling hot deals and give-a-ways. Let's be honest: the recession has been great for finding deep discounts. I love finding good deals or bargains at my favorite stores. Summer is also a great time to find sizzling hot deals and give-a-ways. Let's be honest: the recession has been great for finding deep discounts. The other day Jimmy Choo had 50% off everything! Even at 50% off, all I could afford was a stupid key chain. If you’re living my reality and still can’t afford Jimmy Choo’s at 50% off, here are list of websites that give you the head's up on the hottest deals going. They’re also great resources if you’re going to a new city and want to save. There are lots of free give-a-ways and samples galore. Put on your Payless and get saving. www.cozywallet.com From free samples to cheap vacations. www.gasbuddy.com- Just plug in your state and fill up for less. www.Coupons.com – From pet food to vitamins. www.Smartsource.com - Coupons listed by zip code. www.CouponCabin,com - Coupons for all major stores from Kmart to Bose. www.aaa.com - The benefits of joining are endless. Discounts on travel, Lenscrafters and car insurance. http://www.entertainment.com/discount/home.shtml - The Entertainment book is a great way to find new places in your area and pay less at the same time. RetailMeNot.com. – Tons of savings for almost every retail store. http://www.cheapparking.us - Put in the area you want and find great savings. http://www.cheapassfood.com/ - This is geared towards the NY area and also good for a few laughs. A must for broke college students. www.beatmyprice.com - Kind of like ebay without having to wait for the auction to end. tag:blog.womenforhire.com,2009://1.1280 2009-06-15T19:27:53Z 2009-06-15T19:49:45Z

In the just-released I HATE PEOPLE! Kick Loose from the Overbearing and Underhanded Jerks at Work and Get What You Want Out of Your Job (Little, Brown and Company) Jonathan Littman and Marc Hershon offer an irreverent guide to outfoxing...

Off the Shelf I HATE PEOPLE! Kick Loose from the Overbearing and Underhanded Jerks at Work and Get What You Want Out of Your Job (Little, Brown and Company) Jonathan Littman and Marc Hershon offer an irreverent guide to outfoxing underminers, micromanagers and backstabbers who prowl the corporate minefield. Women For Hire asked them Five Questions.]]> I HATE PEOPLE! Kick Loose from the Overbearing and Underhanded Jerks at Work and Get What You Want Out of Your Job (Little, Brown and Company) Jonathan Littman and Marc Hershon offer an irreverent guide to outfoxing underminers, micromanagers and backstabbers who prowl the corporate minefield. Women For Hire asked them Five Questions. 1) Generally speaking, how do overbearing and underhanded jerks treat women differently from men in the workplace? If the jerks in question happen to be men, their behavior can tend to be more aggressive because they may typecast the female employee as a weaker opponent. The Bulldozers may be louder, the Spreadsheets may whip out a bigger rulebook and Smiley Face may bare more teeth. 2) Either by nature or nurture, what hurdles do women - as opposed to men -- have in dealing with jerks at work? In the case of many of our Ten Least Wanted, the behavior of the archetypes can often be seen as a dysfunction. Those women with a nurturing personality may fall into the trap of trying to fix the jerk. Don't bother. It's not your job. Focus on your projects and your career. 3) What works best for women when dealing with jerks? Anger, emotion, none or both? None. An emotional response tends to intensify the conflict. The key to effectively dealing with the Ten Least Wanted is to never let them get under your skin. If a particular jerk proves especially problematic, a report filed with Human Resources can do wonders without ever having to confront said jerk directly. 4) My boss is a man and a jerk and after considerable thought I have decided to act. I need a few do's and don'ts before I confront him. Make sure you've got your ducks in a row. Depending on the jerk's transgressions, is there an e-mail or paper trail? Are there dependable witnesses - other employees that can back up your story? It's important to know what kind of jerk you're dealing with up front. If the boss is a Stop Sign, prone to shutting down your every idea, your confrontation may never get off the ground. Make sure you've got enough ammo going in. On the other hand if the boss is a Liar Liar he'll try everything he can to attack your story. That's why you need the witnesses or the smoking gun e-mail. 5) My boss is a woman and a jerk. Ditto some do's and don'ts. When it comes to jerks their sex isn't as important as just knowing that they are simply jerks. The remedy for their behavior is frequently the same regardless of whether you are dealing with a man or a woman. If the female jerk is a Spreadsheet, for example, often it pays to embrace their love of the rules and The Way Things Must Be Done. By giving them minor tangents to Spreadsheet about, you often can find your way clear of their more distracting interferences. ]]> tag:blog.womenforhire.com,2009://1.1279 2009-06-08T20:51:51Z 2009-06-08T20:53:24Z

Many women’s groups have applauded President Obama for nominating U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Sonia Sotomayor for the Supreme Court – which would make her the first Hispanic on the high court and only the third woman. But she has...

Workplace Buzz Many women’s groups have applauded President Obama for nominating U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Sonia Sotomayor for the Supreme Court – which would make her the first Hispanic on the high court and only the third woman. But she has taken lots of flak in recent days from critics for saying in a 2001 speech at a Berkley Law lecture: "I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn't lived that life.” Do you think that statement should disqualify her for the high court? Let us know what her nomination means to you – and for all women. Many women’s groups have applauded President Obama for nominating U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Sonia Sotomayor for the Supreme Court – which would make her the first Hispanic on the high court and only the third woman. But she has taken lots of flak in recent days from critics for saying in a 2001 speech at a Berkley Law lecture: "I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn't lived that life.” Do you think that statement should disqualify her for the high court? Let us know what her nomination means to you – and for all women. tag:blog.womenforhire.com,2009://1.1278 2009-06-02T15:11:15Z 2009-06-02T15:16:32Z

Once upon a time, the telephone interview was a preliminary step in the job hunting process: a chance for recruiters to size up a candidate before offering a more probing, in-person interview. No more. These days, companies have raised the...

Workplace Buzz The Wall Street Journal reports. ]]> The Wall Street Journal reports. ]]> tag:blog.womenforhire.com,2009://1.1277 2009-05-21T17:44:28Z 2009-05-21T17:49:45Z

A woman wrote womenforhire.com this week to report that she was denied a promising job at the last minute after a credit check revealed some late payments -- making her ineligible for hire. Has this happened to you or a...

Guest Corner A woman wrote womenforhire.com this week to report that she was denied a promising job at the last minute after a credit check revealed some late payments -- making her ineligible for hire. Has this happened to you or a friend or a relative? How do you feel about companies using your credit history against you in the hiring process? Please email us and let us know. Here's the woman’s story: I was recently turned down for a management trainee job with rent a car firm. A woman wrote womenforhire.com this week to report that she was denied a promising job at the last minute after a credit check revealed some late payments -- making her ineligible for hire. Has this happened to you or a friend or a relative? How do you feel about companies using your credit history against you in the hiring process? Please email us and let us know. Here's the woman’s story: I was recently turned down for a management trainee job with rent a car firm. I made it through the phone interview and then the group recruiting manager set up an observation and second interview with the area manager. The recruiting manager called me the next day and said the interview went well and that they wanted to set up the third and final interview. I was briefed on the salary I would receive and the hours I would work, but the recruiting manager wanted to make sure I was still interested. Of course I was. The very next day she called and said she had some unfortunate information for me: I did not pass their minimum required credit history and that there would be no third interview. Imagine my dismay -- not to mention my surprise and humiliation. They never even checked any of my references, my qualifications (I have impeccable recommendation), nothing. They simply based their decision on my credit report. Everything except two things on the report are all medical. I even emailed the recruiting manager and told her that I had a lengthy stay in the hospital in the later part of 2007 and that because of it I had fallen short of paying some of my bills and was trying to rectify this situation. She wrote back saying, essentially, that it did not matter. Thank you for listening. P.S I hope that this issue about credit deciding whether you are qualified to do a job gets changed – and quickly. I need to work and have more than 10 years management experience that right now means nothing. tag:blog.womenforhire.com,2009://1.1276 2009-05-20T15:39:05Z 2009-05-20T16:01:39Z

In 2001 Kathryn Troutman wrote Ten Steps to a Federal Job, which was honored as the "Best Career Guide of 2002" by the Publishers Marketing Association. Kathryn has more than 35 years experience in guiding careers and has written six...

Off the Shelf Ten Steps to a Federal Job, which was honored as the "Best Career Guide of 2002" by the Publishers Marketing Association. Kathryn has more than 35 years experience in guiding careers and has written six career guides. She recently updated Ten Steps to include information on how to get a federal job in the Obama Administration. Women For Hire asked her Five Questions. ]]> Ten Steps to a Federal Job, which was honored as the "Best Career Guide of 2002" by the Publishers Marketing Association. Kathryn has more than 35 years experience in guiding careers and has written six career guides. She recently updated Ten Steps to include information on how to get a federal job in the Obama Administration. Women For Hire asked her Five Questions. 1) You wrote the first Ten Steps to a Federal Job in 2001. What has changed so much that you felt you needed to update? The 2001 version was based mostly on the paper Federal Resume. The 2nd edition is all about the online federal resume, the USAJOBS federal resume. Today, 95% of all federal resumes are submitted through an online resume builder at USAJOBS and other federal websites. Also another important element that is still important -- always has been -- is the inclusion of keywords from the vacancy announcements. Jobseekers are still not reading announcements closely and they struggle to understand the language in the announcements. 2) If I am thinking about going from the private to government sector, what is One Big Thing I should know going in? The private industry resume is an average one or two pages; the federal resume average is four pages. This is amazing to most resume writers becuase it has always been the practice to keep your resume short and concise. But with the fedreal resume, the document is expanded into more descriptions, more keywords and more accomplishments. This is important because the HR specialist/reviewer has to see information that proves you are qualified for the position. 3) I have been laid off after many years from a large for-profit corporation. Why should I consider a government job? The government benefits are excellent. I devote a chapter to benefits in the book. 4) The small (under 50 employees) firm where I worked for the past 20 years folded and I am looking for a change. What opportunities are there in the government sector for people like me? USAJOBS just posted a brand new search page, the Basic Search page. It is so interesting. You can see in just one minute the total number of jobs that are open by agency, state and occupational series (career series).You will see why you would want to learn about federal jobs by looking at these numbers. 5) Are there avenues in the government these days that might be considered “ripe” for employment opportunities? For example, we hear a lot about “green” initiatives? Are a lot of green jobs going to evolve in the government? What other government areas are hot? The green jobs will be in the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Energy and other environmental agencies. There are many recovery jobs that are part of the Recovery Act. You can search for recovery jobs in the Basic Search box. This is very interesting to see so many new positions supporting the Stimulus Act. Positions are in every occupation. ]]>