10 Ways to Ruin an Interview

Maybe you don’t really want that job you are interviewing for or aren’t really ready to go back to work yet. If that’Come s the case try these 10 things to ruin any interview:

1. Be Negative-Tell the interviewer how much you hated your last boss or company. Tell them your horror story of being let go from the company.  The interviewer knows if they hire you, some day you will be bad mouthing them.
   
   
2. Be Rude- Don’t worry about the impression you leave with security personnel or receptionist. There opinion doesn’t matter ….or does it?  When I interviewed with my present company I had to sit and wait for the hiring manager right next to the security guard.  We struck up a conversation and found out we lived only blocks apart.  Turns out he was also friendly with the hiring manager and said nice things about me.  Never be rude to the support staff at a company you want to work.
   
   
3. Come Unprepared- When asked what you know about the company, tell the interviewer you really don’t know anything about the company.  That is you don’t know anything because you didn’t do your research. Coming unprepared shows you won’t do your preparation when hired either. It shows you are interested only in a paycheck, not what you can do for the company.  If you want to look even more unprepared leave your resume and business cards at home as well.
   
   
4. Timing- Show up late or really early if you want to ruin your interview. You should arrive at the appointed time and not more than five minutes early.  Most people understand being late for an interview is bad, then err on the side of arriving really early.  This is bad because you will be interrupting the schedule of the hiring manager.  They more than likely will have to get our of a meeting or drop what they are doing to meet you.  This interrupts there schedule and does make a good first impression.
   
   
5. Inappropriate Dress-  Dressing up too much or not enough can ruin an interview. Do your research to determine the appropriate level of dress for the interview.  A suit or at least a shirt and tie for men are the minimum.  Never dress like you are going to a baseball game.  Being dressed too casually leaves the impression you don’t care or don’t know how to dress properly. Make sure your clothes are cleaned and pressed. 
   
   
6. Acting Too Casual-  Don’t call others by their first name unless invited to do so. Don’t ask personal questions to make small talk with the interviewer. Don’t ask about family, church membership or hobbies to try and establish rapport. Stick to neutral topics like the weather and traffic on the drive to the interview. Don’t accept cell phone calls during the interview. Don’t chew gum.  Take notes and pay attention.
   
   
7. Not Asking Questions-I am always disappointed in a candidate if they don’t ask questions during the interview.  It looks like they only care about getting the job.  If you want to know about the situation you will be getting into you need to ask questions.  Your questions help you to determine if the organization is a good fit for you and if you can be of help to them.  Not asking questions shows you aren’t interested or you have not prepared. Your research will help you to understand the business strategy of the organization, their market share and accomplishments.  Asking questions is a good way to have a conversation that demonstrates how you are the right candidate for the job.
   
   
8. Making Demands-  Here you start telling the employer about the flexible schedule you need, to make your child care work, how you can’t travel during the summer and the days you know right now you will need off.  It is fine to start talking about this when you are offered the job, but you should not bring it up until salary negotiations start. Asking about how soon you will be promoted falls into this category as well.
   
   
9. Money- Start asking about how much you will be paid and how many weeks of vacation you will get. Bringing up money and benefits too soon can ruin an interview.  During the interview you should be showing the company the skills and experience you will bring to their organization. You also want to determine if this job is a good fit for you and if you would be comfortable in the organization. Bringing up money and benefits too soon makes you look self centered. In other words not the ideal employee.
   
   
10. Not Saying Thank-you-  After the interview just leave and wait to hear from the employer. In the meantime another candidate interviewing for the same position followed up the interview with a thank-you note.  All things being equal, who left the best impression?

If you don’t want to ruin an interview be on your best most positive behavior.  Never complain about your former boss or company. Prepare for the questions you will be asked and have some of your own.  Bring copies of your resume.  Bring business cards and get the card of everyone you interview with so you can follow up with a thank you letter. Good luck on your next interview!

Copyright 2009@Summit Training Publications

Why did you leave your last job?

Chris Wodke

www.summittrainingpublications.com

Don’t get tripped up if asked this question.  You want to answer in a way that highlights your career goals and skills.  Here are some do’s and don’ts of answering this question.

Don’t

• Never ever say anything bad about a former company.
• Never ever bad mouth a bad boss.
• Don’t tell someone you were fired for misconduct.
• Don’t dwell on any negative aspects of your employment or how you were let go.

Do

• Focus on the opportunity you gained by moving to another position.
• Talk about what you learned by changing jobs.
• Be honest about why you made a move. You can do this without saying bad things about a former boss or company.
• Focus on what you learned or accomplished and how you would apply that in your new position.
• Be honest if you were laid off due to the economy. It is a common experience many of us have had.

Here is how an answer might sound.  “I really enjoyed my work as a Materials Engineer for ABC Company.  Working in research gave me an opportunity to learn something new as a regular part of my job. ABC could not afford all the equipment we needed to do our research and we had to contract out parts of it to the local university.  I got a chance to move to Dynamic Corporation. They had a bigger research budget.  I not only got the equipment I needed to carry out research I also got a 25% increase in salary.  Unfortunately Dynamic has been hard hit by this economy and has begun closing the Milwaukee division of their research group.  I really want to stay in the area and am looking for looking opportunities using my Research skills. I was attracted to this position because of your company’s leadership in research and development.”

Work on your own answer to this question so you are ready during your next interview.

How long is too long to be unemployed?

Chris Wodke

www.summittrainingpublications.com

The recession is easing, but few jobs are being created.  If you were laid off at the beginning of the recession you may still be out of work. Your job search may have stretched over many weeks or even years. In May 2009 there were 792,000 discouraged workers, meaning they had stopped looking for work because they felt there were no jobs for them. Fifty percent of those unemployed were out of work for 15 weeks and 28 percent or 3.9 million were unemployed for 27 weeks.

The longer you are out of work the tougher it may be to get an interview or find work.  The HR screener or hiring manager may wonder why you have been out so long. They may be concerned you will be an unmotivated employee, lack organizational skills or that your job skills have declined.

While it can be hard to be in an extended job search there are some things you need to do.

• Prepare
  Be prepared to discuss what you have been doing during your unemployment.  If you are going back to school to help with a career transition, make sure you state that in your cover letter. If you started a business or have been doing consulting, clearly list this work in your experience section.  This narrows the time you have been unemployed and shows you have kept up your skills. Did you do volunteer work? Be prepared to talk about the skills you used or the skills you learned that you will apply to your new position.
  
  
• Network
  Actively seek employment through your network.  Tell friends, family and casual acquaintances you are looking.  If someone tells you about a job, ask them to take your resume to the hiring manager and put in a good word for you.
  
  
• Shake Things up
  If you have been just looking in the newspaper, try some on line searches.  Try going to local network events, contact a recruiter.  Do something different to keep your job search moving forward. 
  
  
• Resume
  Have a fresh set of eyes look at your resume.  Many of the networking groups will do this for free. If you have not been able to get work in your old industry, have someone take a look at your skills and experience listed on your resume and offers some advice about how to transition those skills to another job.
  
  
• Interview Skills
  Do a practice interview with someone you trust. Video tape it if possible and play it back.  Get feedback on ways you can improve your interview style.  In this market you may not get many chances to interview and you have to be on your game when you do have an interview.
  
  
• Attitude
  Keep an upbeat positive attitude. Being desperate for any job is a turn off for employers.  Be upbeat and confident.  Shed any negativity from your unemployment or job search.  Do take a break from job searching to do something fun or full filling. This keeps the job hunt in perspective and can help you to remain positive.

Summit Training Publications

Do you hate to write training programs? Too much work to do and no time to put together your training program? Asked to deliver training or a presentation and have no idea where to start?

 Let Summit Training Publications take care of your program design needs with our off the shelf training in a box or one of our presentation modules.

Our off the shelf training solutions provide:

-PowerPoint Presentation

-Instructor Guide & handouts

-Student Guide

-Quiz

-Feedback Form

Subject areas include; Communication Skills, Employee Development, Human Resources, Quality, Product Safety, Safety and Supervisor Training.

Titles: Product Safety and Liability, Aftermarket Product Safety,Hazard Analysis, Product Safety Meetings, Warnings, Instructions and Manuals, Product Liability European Union, Obtaining the CE Mark, Risk Assessment, European Union, Product Safety Management Product Safety Audit, Workplace Violence, Substance Abuse, Sexual Harassment, Manager as Coach, Hiring, Firing, Performance Appraisals, Diversity, Americans With Disabilities, Business Etiquette, Security Abroad, International Business Manners, Customer Service, Customer Communication, Terrific Teams, The Manager as Trainer, Coping With Difficult People, Managing Your Boss- Problem Bosses, Malcolm Baldridge Award, Presentations/Public Speaking, Discrimination, Listening Skills, Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Total Quality Management, Motivation, High Achievers, Time Management, ISO 9000 Introduction, ISO 9000 Implementation, Quality Audit, Introduction to the Internet, Stress Management, Telecommuting, Flexible Work Schedules, Creativity and Innovation, Benchmarking, Effective Business Writing, Customer Letters, Motivating Self and Others, Project Management, Managing Multiple Projects, Brainstorming, PERT Diagrams, Train the Trainer, Train the Trainer-Delivery, Train the Trainer-Writing Presentations, Train the Trainer-On the Job Training, Train the Trainer-Using Visual Aids, Project Management, Peer to Peer Feedback, Surviving Unemployment, Interview Preparation

Why did you leave your last job?

Chris Wodke

www.summittrainingpublications.com

Don’t get tripped up if asked this question.  You want to answer in a way that highlights your career goals and skills.  Here are some do’s and don’ts of answering this question.

Don’t

• Never ever say anything bad about a former company.
• Never ever bad mouth a bad boss.
• Don’t tell someone you were fired for misconduct.
• Don’t dwell on any negative aspects of your employment or how you were let go.

Do

• Focus on the opportunity you gained by moving to another position.
• Talk about what you learned by changing jobs.
• Be honest about why you made a move. You can do this without saying bad things about a former boss or company.
• Focus on what you learned or accomplished and how you would apply that in your new position.
• Be honest if you were laid off due to the economy. It is a common experience many of us have had.

Here is how an answer might sound.  “I really enjoyed my work as a Materials Engineer for ABC Company.  Working in research gave me an opportunity to learn something new as a regular part of my job. ABC could not afford all the equipment we needed to do our research and we had to contract out parts of it to the local university.  I got a chance to move to Dynamic Corporation. They had a bigger research budget.  I not only got the equipment I needed to carry out research I also got a 25% increase in salary.  Unfortunately Dynamic has been hard hit by this economy and has begun closing the Milwaukee division of their research group.  I really want to stay in the area and am looking for looking opportunities using my Research skills. I was attracted to this position because of your company’s leadership in research and development.”

Work on your own answer to this question so you are ready during your next interview.

Summit Training Publications

Do you hate to write training programs? Too much work to do and no time to put together your training program? Asked to deliver training or a presentation and have no idea where to start?

Let Summit Training Publications take care of your program design needs with our off the shelf training in a box or one of our presentation modules.

Our off the shelf training solutions provide:

• PowerPoint Presentation
• Instructor Guide & handouts
• Student Guide
• Quiz
• Feedback Form

Subject areas include; Communication Skills, Employee Development, Human Resources, Quality, Product Safety, Safety and Supervisor Training.

Titles: Product Safety and Liability, Aftermarket Product Safety,Hazard Analysis, Product Safety Meetings, Warnings, Instructions and Manuals, Product Liability European Union, Obtaining the CE Mark, Risk Assessment, European Union, Product Safety Management Product Safety Audit, Workplace Violence, Substance Abuse, Sexual Harassment, Manager as Coach, Hiring, Firing, Performance Appraisals, Diversity, Americans With Disabilities, Business Etiquette, Security Abroad, International Business Manners, Customer Service, Customer Communication, Terrific Teams, The Manager as Trainer, Coping With Difficult People, Managing Your Boss- Problem Bosses, Malcolm Baldridge Award, Presentations/Public Speaking, Discrimination, Listening Skills, Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Total Quality Management, Motivation, High Achievers, Time Management, ISO 9000 Introduction, ISO 9000 Implementation, Quality Audit, Introduction to the Internet, Stress Management, Telecommuting, Flexible Work Schedules, Creativity and Innovation, Benchmarking, Effective Business Writing, Customer Letters, Motivating Self and Others, Project Management, Managing Multiple Projects, Brainstorming, PERT Diagrams, Train the Trainer, Train the Trainer-Delivery, Train the Trainer-Writing Presentations, Train the Trainer-On the Job Training, Train the Trainer-Using Visual Aids, Project Management, Peer to Peer Feedback, Surviving Unemployment, Interview Preparation

Is your name keeping you from finding a job?

Chris Wodke

www.summittrainingpublications.com

If you have an African American or minority sounding name the answer may be yes.  MIT and the Chicago School of Business sent in 5000 resumes to 1,250 advertised openings as part of a study. 

Tamika and Brendan were two of the names submitted for administrative and sales positions.  Greg, Emily and Anne got 50 percent more responses than Tamika and Brendan in both Chicago and Boston. White Family names for Emily, Greg and Anne were Baker, Kelly, McCarthy, Murphy, Murray, O’Brien, Ryan, Sullivan and Walsh. Tamika and Brendan used African American last names of Jackson, Jones, Robinson, Washington and Williams.

The applicants with white sounding names got one call, letter or email for every 10 resume’s mailed.  Those with African American names got one response for every 15 resumes mailed.  The study head Sandhil Mullainathan designed the résumés to match in terms of skills. Mullainathan is an associate professor of economics at MIT.

The researchers also tried then tried to give the resumes an advantage with unbroken employment, volunteer activities and other skills valued to see if they would then get if this made a difference.  Candidates with superior resumes got 30 percent more response than superior resumes with African American sounding names. 

It is not known if the companies did not look past the names or discounted the skills listed because they were listed on resumes with African American sounding names.  This is really troubling if employers are screening out non white applicants.

If you are in this position you can try using initials with you last name. It is quite common in the work place to see this.  It is also important to use your network. If you can get a recommendation from someone within the company, that can overcome the name barrier.  Also work as an intern can get you in the door where the company will be familiar with your work.  Internships are often arranged with the candidate’s school so there is no resume screening by the company. The proposed intern at least get the chance to make a favorable impression in an interview.

Summit Training Publications

Do you hate to write training programs? Too much work to do and no time to put together your training program? Asked to deliver training or a presentation and have no idea where to start?

Let Summit Training Publications take care of your program design needs with our off the shelf training in a box or one of our presentation modules.

Our off the shelf training solutions provide:

• PowerPoint Presentation
• Instructor Guide & handouts
• Student Guide
• Quiz
• Feedback Form

Subject areas include; Communication Skills, Employee Development, Human Resources, Quality, Product Safety, Safety and Supervisor Training.

Titles: Product Safety and Liability, Aftermarket Product Safety,Hazard Analysis, Product Safety Meetings, Warnings, Instructions and Manuals, Product Liability European Union, Obtaining the CE Mark, Risk Assessment, European Union, Product Safety Management Product Safety Audit, Workplace Violence, Substance Abuse, Sexual Harassment, Manager as Coach, Hiring, Firing, Performance Appraisals, Diversity, Americans With Disabilities, Business Etiquette, Security Abroad, International Business Manners, Customer Service, Customer Communication, Terrific Teams, The Manager as Trainer, Coping With Difficult People, Managing Your Boss- Problem Bosses, Malcolm Baldridge Award, Presentations/Public Speaking, Discrimination, Listening Skills, Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Total Quality Management, Motivation, High Achievers, Time Management, ISO 9000 Introduction, ISO 9000 Implementation, Quality Audit, Introduction to the Internet, Stress Management, Telecommuting, Flexible Work Schedules, Creativity and Innovation, Benchmarking, Effective Business Writing, Customer Letters, Motivating Self and Others, Project Management, Managing Multiple Projects, Brainstorming, PERT Diagrams, Train the Trainer, Train the Trainer-Delivery, Train the Trainer-Writing Presentations, Train the Trainer-On the Job Training, Train the Trainer-Using Visual Aids, Project Management, Peer to Peer Feedback, Surviving Unemployment, Interview Preparation

Should you take a pay cut?

Chris Wodke

www.summittrainingpublications.com

Many firms and even local governments are asking employees to take unpaid leave or are cutting hours.  If  this is a temporary move and you like your job it makes sense to stay put.  What if you are job hunting and the offer is less than your expectations. I would suggest it is ok to take a pay cut under the following circumstances:

• Relocation
  You may be moving from an expensive area like New York or San Francisco, to a less expensive area like Dallas or Milwaukee.  If the cost of housing is much less to your new area, then you can afford a pay cut.  Do you homework and check the cost of living index.  Your salary should be in line with others in your field with similar experience in your new hometown.
  
  
• Changing Role
  If you are going from being a manager to an individual contributor the salary offered might be smaller.  It may be easier to find a non supervisory job. If there is room for growth in your new organization it may make sense to take the opportunity and work prove yourself to your new company.
  
  
• Career Transition
  If you are moving into a new field you may not have the experience to command a high salary.  The field you are moving to may have a lower salary range. You may start out at the lower end of the position pay range. If there is room for salary growth, this may be a good move. If you are moving from the business world into teaching, expect a lower rate of pay. 
  
  
• Quality of Life
  May be you are tired of 60 hour weeks, working holidays and weekends. If this new job gives you a better quality of life, it may be worth a cut in pay.  Jobs that are dangerous have long hours or rotating shifts pay well because of the disruption to your personal life. If you want better hours, weekends off and less risk a pay cut may be worth it.
  
  
• Non Profit
  Are you at a point in your career where you are financially secure and you want a job that is more rewarding. If you want a chance to contribute to a worthwhile cause, then working for a non profit might be a good fit. They also usually pay a lot less than for profit organizations.  The non tangible rewards may be worth the pay cut.
  
  
• Growth Opportunity
  If you are joining a start up company or a new industry (think computers or the internet 20 years ago) the salary might be low. Companies often offer stock options or other perks. If the company takes off you will share in the success. Because of the potential for payback it may make sense to come in at the lower pay.
  
  
• Benefits
  Look at the overall benefit package. A little lower base pay, may be off set by a great benefit package.  Are there flexible hours?  Is there an opportunity to telecommute?  How much paid leave is offered?  Look at the whole package to determine your total compensation.
  
  
• Contract to Permanent
  If you work on contract or are a consultant you will be compensated at a higher rate than in house employees because you are not paid benefits. If you want the stability and benefits of permanent employment it makes sense to take a pay cut.
  
  
• Downsizing
  If you are in an industry that is downsizing, pay may be decreasing throughout the industry.  Opportunities in industries like manufacturing and airlines can be limited. Compensation and benefits are decreasing.  If you don’t want to transition to another industry it may make sense to take a lower compensation package then you have had to land a job.
  
  
• Over Compensated
  Some firms pay higher than market rates to secure the best talent. If you are downsized out of such an organization you may have to take a pay cut.  Do your research to find out typical compensation for others in your field in your area.  This will help you to know the average pay range to expect. If you were on the very high end, you may have to accept a smaller base salary.
     
  

Sometimes in a tough job market you may have to take a pay cut or fewer responsibilities to secure a position.   Do your research for typical salaries for your skills and experience.  If you accept a lower salary, it may take some time to catch up to your old salary. Typical increase is 2-3% in most companies. You will have to weigh if you can afford to stay out of the work force or if you really need to get back to work to support your family.

Summit Training Publications

Do you hate to write training programs? Too much work to do and no time to put together your training program? Asked to deliver training or a presentation and have no idea where to start?

Let Summit Training Publications take care of your program design needs with our off the shelf training in a box or one of our presentation modules.

Our off the shelf training solutions provide:

-PowerPoint Presentation

-Instructor Guide & handouts

-Student Guide

-Quiz

-Feedback Form

Subject areas include; Communication Skills, Employee Development, Human Resources, Quality, Product Safety, Safety and Supervisor Training.

Titles: Product Safety and Liability, Aftermarket Product Safety,Hazard Analysis, Product Safety Meetings, Warnings, Instructions and Manuals, Product Liability European Union, Obtaining the CE Mark, Risk Assessment, European Union, Product Safety Management Product Safety Audit, Workplace Violence, Substance Abuse, Sexual Harassment, Manager as Coach, Hiring, Firing, Performance Appraisals, Diversity, Americans With Disabilities, Business Etiquette, Security Abroad, International Business Manners, Customer Service, Customer Communication, Terrific Teams, The Manager as Trainer, Coping With Difficult People, Managing Your Boss- Problem Bosses, Malcolm Baldridge Award, Presentations/Public Speaking, Discrimination, Listening Skills, Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Total Quality Management, Motivation, High Achievers, Time Management, ISO 9000 Introduction, ISO 9000 Implementation, Quality Audit, Introduction to the Internet, Stress Management, Telecommuting, Flexible Work Schedules, Creativity and Innovation, Benchmarking, Effective Business Writing, Customer Letters, Motivating Self and Others, Project Management, Managing Multiple Projects, Brainstorming, PERT Diagrams, Train the Trainer, Train the Trainer-Delivery, Train the Trainer-Writing Presentations, Train the Trainer-On the Job Training, Train the Trainer-Using Visual Aids, Project Management, Peer to Peer Feedback, Surviving Unemployment, Interview Preparation

Do this if you want to join the unemployed

Chris Wodke

www.summittrainingpublications.com

The economy is tough. There are some things you can do to safeguard your job. There are also some things you can do that may help you land in the unemployment line. Avoid these job behaviors:

Calling in Sick
Call in sick when you are really ill. Don’t come to work and infect others.  If you call in sick when you are healthy you are risking your job, especially if you are dumb enough to tell someone about it. If you tell everyone about the big concert you are going to and call in sick the next day no one is going to believe you are sick. You are likely to irritate your co-workers who have to now do your work. Companies are less likely to tolerate mental health days when there are lots of qualified job seekers. So when it is cold and dark in the morning, don’t be tempted to stay in bed.

Personal Business
Keep your business and professional life separate. Get your work done while at work. Don’t spend work time, paying bills, planning your wedding, studying, and web surfing or otherwise conducting your personal life. Keep your personal phone shut off during work hours. 

Personal Emergencies
Keep these to a minimum.  Everyone has a sick family member that needs attention or a tooth that needs filling. These should always be legitimate. Don’t leave work early to get to the game or some social appointment. You never know who from work you might bump into.

Padding Expense Reports
Never ever lie on expense and mileage reports. If you bill clients or charge projects, do so accurately. Exaggerating expenses or billable hours can be grounds for dismissal. Don’t be tempted to use the company charge card for personal expenses ever.

Playing Political Games
Do not spread rumors, they can be traced back to you. Do not blame others for mistakes or spread false information to make yourself look good.  People will figure out what you are doing. You need to work well with others to be successful. Those with poor interpersonal skills are good candidates for termination.

The market is tough out there.  There are on average 6 job candidates for every opening.  Don’t make yourself vulnerable for termination with inappropriate behavior.



Summit Training Publications

Do you hate to write training programs? Too much work to do and no time to put together your training program? Asked to deliver training or a presentation and have no idea where to start?

Let Summit Training Publications take care of your program design needs with our off the shelf training in a box or one of our presentation modules.

Our off the shelf training solutions provide:

-PowerPoint Presentation

-Instructor Guide & handouts

-Student Guide

-Quiz

-Feedback Form

Subject areas include; Communication Skills, Employee Development, Human Resources, Quality, Product Safety, Safety and Supervisor Training.

Titles: Product Safety and Liability, Aftermarket Product Safety,Hazard Analysis, Product Safety Meetings, Warnings, Instructions and Manuals, Product Liability European Union, Obtaining the CE Mark, Risk Assessment, European Union, Product Safety Management Product Safety Audit, Workplace Violence, Substance Abuse, Sexual Harassment, Manager as Coach, Hiring, Firing, Performance Appraisals, Diversity, Americans With Disabilities, Business Etiquette, Security Abroad, International Business Manners, Customer Service, Customer Communication, Terrific Teams, The Manager as Trainer, Coping With Difficult People, Managing Your Boss- Problem Bosses, Malcolm Baldridge Award, Presentations/Public Speaking, Discrimination, Listening Skills, Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Total Quality Management, Motivation, High Achievers, Time Management, ISO 9000 Introduction, ISO 9000 Implementation, Quality Audit, Introduction to the Internet, Stress Management, Telecommuting, Flexible Work Schedules, Creativity and Innovation, Benchmarking, Effective Business Writing, Customer Letters, Motivating Self and Others, Project Management, Managing Multiple Projects, Brainstorming, PERT Diagrams, Train the Trainer, Train the Trainer-Delivery, Train the Trainer-Writing Presentations, Train the Trainer-On the Job Training, Train the Trainer-Using Visual Aids, Project Management, Peer to Peer Feedback, Surviving Unemployment, Interview Preparation

Many uninsured are un-employed

Chris Wodke
www.summittrainingpublications.com

 Many numbers have been thrown around during the health care debate about the number of u-insured in the United Sates.  The actual number of Americans without coverage is far lower than the 45 million often quoted. A recent article in American Spectator discusses some facts about the uninsured and the reasons for lack of coverage.

Un-employed
Often when someone loses their job they lose their health coverage. The option is there to purchase from the former employer through the COBRA. This can be an expensive option and many decide to go without insurance while they are without work. Once employed most of those employed full time regain health coverage. For most this is a short term lapse in coverage. If the cost of health insurance is lowered more unemployed would choose to remain covered.

By Choice
Some people choose to gamble and go without health insurance. Census figures show that over 18 million Americans under the age of 34 have chosen to go without insurance.  Some are in school or working part time and do not qualify for employer insurance. Some workers without insurance work for small businesses, but probably make enough to buy coverage.  According to researcher Sally Pipes 17.6 million workers without insurance make more than $50,000 and 9 million make more than $75,000.  38% of the uninsured U.S. population earns more than $50,000 per year. Do we really need a government option for people who can afford coverage, but choose not to be covered?

Unused Benefits
Many currently eligible for government paid benefits do not use them.  A 2003 study by Blue Cross Blue Shield association found 14 million of the un-insured were eligible for Medicare or other health care benefits.  They would be covered if admitted to a hospital.  A Georgetown health policy study found 7 out of 10 uninsured children were also eligible for government insurance coverage.  All their parents had to do was sign them up for it.

The actual number of the uninsured is actually closer to 8 million. Most of the uninsured are non citizens. They uninsured do have access at any emergency room. They cannot be legally turned away. The majority of uninsured citizens are unemployed, uncovered by choice or have not taken advantage of current benefits. Since many are uncovered by choice do we need another expensive entitlement program? Let’s at least use honest numbers during the debate.

Summit Training Publications

Do you hate to write training programs? Too much work to do and no time to put together your training program? Asked to deliver training or a presentation and have no idea where to start?

Let Summit Training Publications take care of your program design needs with our off the shelf training in a box or one of our presentation modules.

Our off the shelf training solutions provide:

-PowerPoint Presentation

-Instructor Guide & handouts

-Student Guide

-Quiz

-Feedback Form

Subject areas include; Communication Skills, Employee Development, Human Resources, Quality, Product Safety, Safety and Supervisor Training.

Titles: Product Safety and Liability, Aftermarket Product Safety,Hazard Analysis, Product Safety Meetings, Warnings, Instructions and Manuals, Product Liability European Union, Obtaining the CE Mark, Risk Assessment, European Union, Product Safety Management Product Safety Audit, Workplace Violence, Substance Abuse, Sexual Harassment, Manager as Coach, Hiring, Firing, Performance Appraisals, Diversity, Americans With Disabilities, Business Etiquette, Security Abroad, International Business Manners, Customer Service, Customer Communication, Terrific Teams, The Manager as Trainer, Coping With Difficult People, Managing Your Boss- Problem Bosses, Malcolm Baldridge Award, Presentations/Public Speaking, Discrimination, Listening Skills, Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Total Quality Management, Motivation, High Achievers, Time Management, ISO 9000 Introduction, ISO 9000 Implementation, Quality Audit, Introduction to the Internet, Stress Management, Telecommuting, Flexible Work Schedules, Creativity and Innovation, Benchmarking, Effective Business Writing, Customer Letters, Motivating Self and Others, Project Management, Managing Multiple Projects, Brainstorming, PERT Diagrams, Train the Trainer, Train the Trainer-Delivery, Train the Trainer-Writing Presentations, Train the Trainer-On the Job Training, Train the Trainer-Using Visual Aids, Project Management, Peer to Peer Feedback, Surviving Unemployment, Interview Preparation

Flu shot or your job?

Chris Wodke

www.summittrainingpublications.com

Many healthcare workers are being faced with the decision to get a swine flu shot or lose their jobs. The State of New York is mandating all healthcare workers be vaccinated or be fired.   The State Hospital Review Board in New York adopted emergency regulations to require all hospital workers to get the swine flu shot or lose their jobs. This regulation affects everyone employed in healthcare from janitors and food service workers to doctors and nurses.  Even workers in financial areas and offices have to get the shot if they have any contact with a health care provider.

MedStar in New York is going the farthest. They require all 25,000 of its employees to get the shot. In addition 5000 associated doctors, volunteers and employees of suppliers are required to be vaccinated, even if they do not have direct patient contact.

The measure is meeting resistance. The New York Nurses association which represents 37,000 nurses in New York has opposed mandatory policies in the past and still does according to spokesman Mark Genovese.   Many states are considering similar rules.

The government says the rules are needed because such a small percentage of healthcare workers get vaccinated.  Only about 50% of healthcare workers get the seasonal flue shot each year. Many healthcare workers are worried about the safety of the Swine flu vaccine because it was rushed into production. In 1976 500 cases of Gullian Barre’ Syndrome resulting in death for 25 people were caused by a reaction to the vaccine.

Some question whether the vaccine will even be affective.  The seasonal flu shot is no guarantee you will not get the flu. Many do not feel the risk is worth the benefit. Unions say masks may be more effective at stemming the spread of the disease. For most the flu is not a big deal. You get a sore throat, fever, cough, congestion, chills etc.

Resistance is also fueled by current mis-trust of the government. Many are worried everyone will be required to get the shot and see the rules as an assault on their personal freedom. Medstar and the State of New York allow exemptions for employees with medical or religious reasons to skip the shot. 

On the other side many believe ethics demand healthcare workers do everything necessary to protect patients. They feel patient welfare should come before personal concerns. Washing hands before patient contact would not be tolerated so they feel this should not be tolerated either.

Tracking and enforcement may be a nightmare. Terminating employees for non compliance may be a mistake since there will already be a shortage of workers if an epidemic hits.

Is the Swine flu so serious that employees have to risk their job if they decide not to get vaccinated? Is the government overreacting? What would you decide?  I’m glad I’m not in that position…..yet.

 

Summit Training Publications

 

 

Do you hate to write training programs? Too much work to do and no time to put together your training program? Asked to deliver training or a presentation and have no idea where to start?

Let Summit Training Publications take care of your program design needs with our off the shelf training in a box or one of our presentation modules.

Our off the shelf training solutions provide:

• PowerPoint Presentation
• Instructor Guide & handouts
• Student Guide
• Quiz
• Feedback Form

 

Subject areas include; Communication Skills, Employee Development, Human Resources, Quality, Product Safety, Safety and Supervisor Training.

 

Titles: Product Safety and Liability, Aftermarket Product Safety,Hazard Analysis, Product Safety Meetings, Warnings, Instructions and Manuals, Product Liability European Union, Obtaining the CE Mark, Risk Assessment, European Union, Product Safety Management Product Safety Audit, Workplace Violence, Substance Abuse, Sexual Harassment, Manager as Coach, Hiring, Firing, Performance Appraisals, Diversity, Americans With Disabilities, Business Etiquette, Security Abroad, International Business Manners, Customer Service, Customer Communication, Terrific Teams, The Manager as Trainer, Coping With Difficult People, Managing Your Boss- Problem Bosses, Malcolm Baldridge Award, Presentations/Public Speaking, Discrimination, Listening Skills, Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Total Quality Management, Motivation, High Achievers, Time Management, ISO 9000 Introduction, ISO 9000 Implementation, Quality Audit, Introduction to the Internet, Stress Management, Telecommuting, Flexible Work Schedules, Creativity and Innovation, Benchmarking, Effective Business Writing, Customer Letters, Motivating Self and Others, Project Management, Managing Multiple Projects, Brainstorming, PERT Diagrams, Train the Trainer, Train the Trainer-Delivery, Train the Trainer-Writing Presentations, Train the Trainer-On the Job Training, Train the Trainer-Using Visual Aids, Project Management, Peer to Peer Feedback, Surviving Unemployment, Interview Preparation

 

 

Sites for Researching Companies

Sites for researching companies

Here are some of the sites you will want to check out when reasearching companies for your job search or for interview preparation:

All Business                            http://www.allbusiness.com

Associations                            http://www.associations.com

General Business                     http://www.business.com

Corporate Information            http://www.corporateinformation.com

Dun and Bradstreet                http://www.dnb.com/us

Forbes                                     http://www.forbes.com/lists

Fortune 500                             http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune

Hoovers                                   http://www.hoovers.com

Inc.500                                    http://www.inc.com/inc5000

Moodys                                   http://www.moodys.com/cust/default.asp

NASDAQ                               http://www.nasdaq.com

Thomas Register                     http://www.thomasnet.com

Wall Street Research               http://www.internetnews.com/bus-news.

ZDBet Company Finder         http://www.zdnet.com

Google Search                         http://www.google.com/

Wall Street Journal                  http://online.wsj.com/home-page

Wikapedia                               http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page

News Organizations

General Newspapers               http://www.newspapers.com

New York Times                     http://www.nytimes.com

Washington Post                     http://www.washingtonpost.com

CNN                                       http://www.cnn.com

NBC                                        http://www.msnbc.com

Fox News                                http://www.foxnews.com/

Salary Sites

Salary                                      http://www.salary.com

Job Star                                   http://www.jobstar.org

Abbott-Langer                                    http://www.abbott-langer.com

Monster                                   http://www.monster.com

Salary Source                          http://www.salarysource.com

Riley Guide                             http://wwwrileyguide.com/offers.html

Summit Training Publications

Do you hate to write training programs? Too much work to do and no time to put together your training program? Asked to deliver training or a presentation and have no idea where to start?

Let Summit Training Publications take care of your program design needs with our off the shelf training in a box or one of our presentation modules.

Our off the shelf training solutions provide:

-PowerPoint Presentation

-Instructor Guide & handouts

-Student Guide

-Quiz

Feedback Form

Subject areas include; Communication Skills, Employee Development, Human Resources, Quality, Product Safety, Safety and Supervisor Training.

Titles: Product Safety and Liability, Aftermarket Product Safety,Hazard Analysis, Product Safety Meetings, Warnings, Instructions and Manuals, Product Liability European Union, Obtaining the CE Mark, Risk Assessment, European Union, Product Safety Management Product Safety Audit, Workplace Violence, Substance Abuse, Sexual Harassment, Manager as Coach, Hiring, Firing, Performance Appraisals, Diversity, Americans With Disabilities, Business Etiquette, Security Abroad, International Business Manners, Customer Service, Customer Communication, Terrific Teams, The Manager as Trainer, Coping With Difficult People, Managing Your Boss- Problem Bosses, Malcolm Baldridge Award, Presentations/Public Speaking, Discrimination, Listening Skills, Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Total Quality Management, Motivation, High Achievers, Time Management, ISO 9000 Introduction, ISO 9000 Implementation, Quality Audit, Introduction to the Internet, Stress Management, Telecommuting, Flexible Work Schedules, Creativity and Innovation, Benchmarking, Effective Business Writing, Customer Letters, Motivating Self and Others, Project Management, Managing Multiple Projects, Brainstorming, PERT Diagrams, Train the Trainer, Train the Trainer-Delivery, Train the Trainer-Writing Presentations, Train the Trainer-On the Job Training, Train the Trainer-Using Visual Aids, Project Management, Peer to Peer Feedback, Surviving Unemployment, Interview Preparation

Unemployed Seniors draining Social Security

Chris Wodke

www.summittrainingpublications.com

There are a lot of Seniors among the 9.8% unemployed in this country.   It is tough to find a job if you are over 50 even in a good economy.  Many unemployed Seniors are choosing to apply for Social Security benefits and this is causing the system to pay out more money than it is taking in over the next two years.

Due to the high unemployment many Seniors are retiring earlier than expected causing applications for benefits to be 23 % higher than a year ago.  Many Seniors had not counted on retiring but have been laid off and cannot find work.

This situation could become even worse. 55% of workers 60 to 64 are still in the work force. Hits to the stock market are keeping Seniors in the workforce.  Many want to wait until they are 67 to start collecting benefits to get bigger checks. However many are being forced to start collecting early due to layoffs and inability to find a job.

The system is already hurting due to the drop in payroll taxes being paid because of high jobless numbers. If the recession continues, more Seniors may opt to start drawing benefits when they can’t find work, further straining the system.

 

Do you hate to write training programs? Too much work to do and no time to put together your training program? Asked to deliver training or a presentation and have no idea where to start?

Let Summit Training Publications take care of your program design needs with our off the shelf training in a box or one of our presentation modules.

Our off the shelf training solutions provide:

• PowerPoint Presentation
• Instructor Guide & handouts
• Student Guide
• Quiz
• Feedback Form

Subject areas include; Communication Skills, Employee Development, Human Resources, Quality, Product Safety, Safety and Supervisor Training.

Titles: Product Safety and Liability, Aftermarket Product Safety,Hazard Analysis, Product Safety Meetings, Warnings, Instructions and Manuals, Product Liability European Union, Obtaining the CE Mark, Risk Assessment, European Union, Product Safety Management Product Safety Audit, Workplace Violence, Substance Abuse, Sexual Harassment, Manager as Coach, Hiring, Firing, Performance Appraisals, Diversity, Americans With Disabilities, Business Etiquette, Security Abroad, International Business Manners, Customer Service, Customer Communication, Terrific Teams, The Manager as Trainer, Coping With Difficult People, Managing Your Boss- Problem Bosses, Malcolm Baldridge Award, Presentations/Public Speaking, Discrimination, Listening Skills, Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Total Quality Management, Motivation, High Achievers, Time Management, ISO 9000 Introduction, ISO 9000 Implementation, Quality Audit, Introduction to the Internet, Stress Management, Telecommuting, Flexible Work Schedules, Creativity and Innovation, Benchmarking, Effective Business Writing, Customer Letters, Motivating Self and Others, Project Management, Managing Multiple Projects, Brainstorming, PERT Diagrams, Train the Trainer, Train the Trainer-Delivery, Train the Trainer-Writing Presentations, Train the Trainer-On the Job Training, Train the Trainer-Using Visual Aids, Project Management, Peer to Peer Feedback, Surviving Unemployment, Interview Preparation

No degree-No problem for your job search

 

 

Chris Wodke

www.summittrainingpublications.com

 

 

Searching for a job is tough, even more so when you don’t have a degree required for a position. Some jobs like pharmacists, doctors and nurses absolutely require a degree. Other occupations like training and sales sometimes allow entry without a degree.

 

Here are some things you can do if you don’t have degree for the type of job you want.

 

Key words
Check job listings. Let’s say you want a training job, but don’t have a degree in Adult Education.  Check for experience key words you can put in your resume. If the job posting lists development training materials, highlight your writing experience on your resume. Highlight your skills with key words that match the job listing.

 

Experience
Degrees are crucial when first entering the job market.  If you have experience you can sometimes get away without having a degree.  If you are looking for a sales job, the most important thing you can list on your resume and talk about in your interview is your sales experience.  Focus on the sales results and the number of clients you obtained.  Results will get you the interview and the position.

 

 

Career Change

If you have successfully transitioned careers once before in your career, leverage that experience. Any of the efforts you did before can be used again. Making a transition once shows you have the ability to learn the new skills needed.  Talk about the transition you made and how you did it.  For instance I made a transition from engineering to Product Safety. I had changed from one branch of engineering to another earlier in my career. I showed I was able to learn a new field and would be able to learn Product Safety as well.

 

 

Volunteer Work

I got my start as a trainer by doing training for the National Ski Patrol.  I had years of experience working with adults  The experience I had as a volunteer more than made up for my lack of degree. I was able to function very successfully as a trainer based on my volunteer experience.

 

 

Network

Use your network to find out about openings before they are advertised. Companies will be more flexible about requirements before a job is posted.  Use any contacts you have inside the company to give you a recommendation. This will carry allot of weight and can make up for the lack of a degree.

 

 

If you have the skills and experience you can make up for a lack of a degree. Just be ready to show you have the skills needed to make you successful.

 

 

Copyright 2012 @ Summit Training Publications

 

 

Do you hate to write training programs? Too much work to do and no time to put together your training program? Asked to deliver training or a presentation and have no idea where to start?

Let Summit Training Publications take care of your program design needs with our off the shelf training in a box or one of our presentation modules.

Our off the shelf training solutions provide:

• PowerPoint Presentation
• Instructor Guide & handouts
• Student Guide
• Quiz
• Feedback Form

Subject areas include; Communication Skills, Employee Development, Human Resources, Quality, Product Safety, Safety and Supervisor Training.

 Titles: Product Safety and Liability, Aftermarket Product Safety,Hazard Analysis, Product Safety Meetings, Warnings, Instructions and Manuals, Product Liability European Union, Obtaining the CE Mark, Risk Assessment, European Union, Product Safety Management Product Safety Audit, Workplace Violence, Substance Abuse, Sexual Harassment, Manager as Coach, Hiring, Firing, Performance Appraisals, Diversity, Americans With Disabilities, Business Etiquette, Security Abroad, International Business Manners, Customer Service, Customer Communication, Terrific Teams, The Manager as Trainer, Coping With Difficult People, Managing Your Boss- Problem Bosses, Malcolm Baldridge Award, Presentations/Public Speaking, Discrimination, Listening Skills, Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Total Quality Management, Motivation, High Achievers, Time Management, ISO 9000 Introduction, ISO 9000 Implementation, Quality Audit, Introduction to the Internet, Stress Management, Telecommuting, Flexible Work Schedules, Creativity and Innovation, Benchmarking, Effective Business Writing, Customer Letters, Motivating Self and Others, Project Management, Managing Multiple Projects, Brainstorming, PERT Diagrams, Train the Trainer, Train the Trainer-Delivery, Train the Trainer-Writing Presentations, Train the Trainer-On the Job Training, Train the Trainer-Using Visual Aids, Project Management, Peer to Peer Feedback, Surviving Unemployment, Interview Preparation