Work Opportunity Tax Credit Helps the Unemployed Get a Job

On February 12, 2009, the President signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act). This Act introduced two new target groups: (1) Unemployed Veterans and (2) Disconnected Youth. The Small Business and Work Opportunity Tax Act of 2007 (P.L. 110-28) extended the WOTC program through August 31, 2011. This Act and the Tax Relief and Health Care of 2006 (P.L. 109-432) amended certain target group definitions and introduced new provisions that streamline the WOTC program and make it easier for the business sector to participant. The WOTC can now be as much as:


• $2400 generally for each new adult hire,


• $1200 for each summer youth hire


• $4800 for each new disabled veteran hire and


• $9000 for each new long-term TANF recipient hired over a 2-year period.






For more detailed information, please contact your local employment (security) office or the office/agency which handles your unemployment benefits.

Reason to Hire YOU

Two new tax benefits are now available as part of the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act enacted into law March 18, 2010.  Employers who hire unemployed workers this year may qualify for a 6.2% payroll tax incentive, in effect exempting them from their share of SS taxes on wages paid to these workers after March 18.  In addition, for each worker retained for at least a year, businesses may claim an additional general business tax credit up to $1000/worker.

Five Things You Need to Let Employers Know

Today's job market is highly competitive. If you can't sell yourself, you may have a difficult time finding a job 'super sizing those fries'. You MUST set yourself apart from the competition. Five skills emphasized in "Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters 2.0) are:

•  leadership
• communication
• action orientation
• passion
• cultural compatibility

 Not so long ago, every organization, department, unit, etc. wanted team players - people who could work well together. However, most of these team players are followers-sheep following sheep. Although people need to work together, we are in dire need of people who can motivate and inspire people to do things they didn't think was possible. There are many managers who prod the flock of sheep following each other, along, but there are very few sheep herders who inspire sheep to herd themselves.

 

Being able to clearly write or speak are not easy skills to find. After proofreading doctoral dissertations, I am amazed at how many people cannot complete a sentence without a spelling or grammatical error. Additionally, we have become so obsessed with being politically correct and using soft, 'fuzzy' words that often the message we are trying to convey, is lost. There is a huge difference between being direct versus rude and someone who can express him/herself clearly and succinctly is of value to an organization.

 

Bias towards action....hmmm....how many of us have said we were going to get into shape only to find that months later our diets have not changed nor have we increased our physical activity levels. Winners are people who are not afraid to take action, ask difficult questions (why are we doing 'it' that way) and are not afraid to make a tough decision. Too many of us want to play it safe. Many of today's luxuries that we take for granted were not developed that long ago. It's the people who ask "why not?" rather than "why?" or who say "it can be done" versus "it can't be done" that have developed the products we take for granted, have become famous and/or become major successes. Winners are not afraid to ask "why" or "it can be done" and then "just do it".

 

 When you love what you are doing, you will be a success. Success is not defined as making a huge amount of money. Successful people love what they do and that passion is something which is of benefit to an employer. People who have a passion tend to be more positive, more productive and less 'whiney'.

 

 Winners and winning organizations share a trust, have open communication and get along well with each other. These people move their organization in the same direction in order to achieve the goals and objectives.

 

 Make sure you are able to tell an employer how you can contribute

Five Ways To Make Yourself Different

Today's job market is very competitive and many times, the best person for the job does not get the job.  Today's market requires you to be appropriately different from your competition.  Here are fiveideas you might want to try:

1. Burn work samples to a CD and give them out at the interview in addition to bringing a few samples with you.
2. Have a professional business card with your name, phone, email and a few 'bullets' that indicate you can make a company money, save them money or solve problems.
3. Video yourself as if in an interview and send it out with your resume.
4. Start and maintain a blog.
5. Join professional networking groups and contribute to the group.

Help for People Who Had a Felony Conviction

Today's job market is very competitive, however it will be even more competitive if you have been convicted of a felony.

Here's some helpful advice:

1. Be upfront - on the application note you have been convicted but when asked (in the application) for an explanation, please state "will discuss in private". When it is time to talk to the prospective employer.....

2. Be prepared - bring copies of:

• references - from past employers, your minister, your parole officer - anyone who can share that you are a good worker
• copy of your drug test proving you are 'clean'
• copy of your background check (ask your parole officer or the court to provide a copy - many times there are no fees involved).

3. Find out about the "Work Opportunity Tax Credit" which can provide a substantial tax savings to a prospective employer. Any person convicted of a felony and who has a hiring date which is not more than one year after the last date on which (s)he was convicted or released can benefit from this program.

4. Talk to your local (un)employment security office and find out about getting bonded - another substantial benefit for a future employer.

5. Have a good resume that sells your knowledge, skills and abilities - tell the employer how you can make him money, save him money or solve his problems.

6. Practice interviewing with people who have been in the position of hiring.

7. Make sure you have researched the prospective company - know what they do and how you can help them reach their goals.

Do You Have Any Questions?

Recently a woman asked me to help her respond when, during an interview, you are asked "Do you have any questions?".

An interview is like a 'first date'. You ask the other person questions and (s)he should be asking you questions. These questions are to see if 'you are a match' - if you have enough interests in common in order to pursue the relationship or end it.

An interview is not any different - both you and the employer are sizing each other up to see if 'you are a fit'. This said, if you were on a date and the other person never asked you anything about yourself, would you be inclined to go out on another date? Did the other person show any interest in what you were about?

This is how a prospective employer views the situation if you don't ask questions. HOWEVER, too many people ask the wrong questions or no questions at all.

You really need to research a company to find out about them. From your research, if you have any real interest in the company and it's future, you should have some real questions. Your questions should be about the products and/or services offered, where the company is now and where they want to be in the future, etc. Your questions should indicate you have an interest in this company, its mission and values, its customers and employees and its future. Let's face it, if you don't take an interest in the company, and its employees don't have a sincere interest, the company will not necessarily be around in the future.

Your questions SHOULD NOT BE about salary, benefits, vacation and sick time. If you ask questions such as just listed, you are only showing you are interested in yourself and quite frankly, that's not too appealing to anybody.

There are plenty of books and websites available to provide sample questions, however you should think of some of your own. Regardless of where you get 'your hit list of questions' however, you need to ask thoughtful questions during the interview process. Otherwise - you will lose the chance to work for that company.

Do you need a lawyer?

If you have questions regarding employment issues, you really should go to an attorney who specializes in employment law. In Oklahoma, you can find such an attorney by visiting http://www.oela.org/

OELA (Oklahoma Employment Lawyers Association) has a hyperlinked tab which, if 'clicked on' will provide a list of attorneys practicing employment law.

BEFORE you mail out your resume....

Before you mail, fax or email your resume,

1. did you remember to add a cover letter?
2. did you remember to obtain a copy of the full job description in order to ensure all pertinent information was included in your resume and/or cover letter?
3. did you remember to call the decision maker to find out if there were any specific skills or abilities he/she might want that were omitted from the job description?

Every Tom, Dick or Harry will see an ad and whip up a resume, but some people do not understand they MUST include a cover letter.

However, most people do not have the gumption to obtain a complete job description and/or talk to the person who will be their supervisor. Many times ads and/or job descriptions are not complete...for a number of reasons....the administrative assistant and/or HR person preparing the classified ad or the job description may not have discussed desired changes with the supervising manager. Hearing what is wanted, from "the horses mouth" will provide valuable information as to what should be included in your paperwork.

Rehab training

Someone asked me recently, "in addition to federal funding and grants found thru universities and colleges, are there any funds and training for people who have been hurt and now have limitations?".

Since I am not a financial aid guru, I would not only ask my local colleges, votechs, universities and state employment offices about approved programs and funding, but I would contact the local state department who handles rehabilitation issues. In our state, the Department of Rehabilitation Services has information about training which is approved as well as funding.

Additionally, many universities and colleges also have a department which specializes in working with people who may need specialized services and funding. You might check with the Affirmative Action/EEOC office who should be able to direct you to someone or an agency/organization, which can provide assistance.

Ordering online? Worried about theft?

A client in my class today, Robert B., suggested people buy a pre-paid credit card if they want to order online (Vistaprint.com. Angel Food Ministries, Sharecolorado.com). You preload the credit cards with a designated amount of money which you are comfortable in paying should your card number be accessed/stolen.

Pre-paid credit cards can be obtained at places such as WalMart, Walgreens, greendotonline.com and make your life much easier (they also make great gifts). Robert shared that there is no interest accrued on these cards which, if you have recently checked your other cards' interests rates, is a substantial savings.

Also, numbr.com also can provide a disposable phone number.

To Give or Not To Give - Your Social Sec. Number

In truth, an employer should only ask for your social security number (SSN) when it comes time to fill out the paper work (W-2) for taxes. However, many employers ask for your SSN on their job applications. Should you give it out? Well...there's a couple of things you need to remember....

1. Did you politely explain that you are concerned about all the identity theft you are hearing about AND "could you provide the last four of your SSN or could you give them your driver's license number?

Many employers will listen to your concerns and may very well give you permission to use the last four of your SSN or your driver's license number.

2. Did you ask how old applications are destroyed? If an employer throws out old files, this is a concern because a dumpster diver could find the info and there is a potential to steal your identity. If the employer sends the documents to a shredding company, you might ask if a background check is done on the employees who work for the shredding company. Again, this is a potential problem for an employer should the documents land in the 'wrong hands'.

3. Also, ask why your SSN is needed prior to being hired. Some employers do not realize that they do NOT need a SSN to do a complete background check on a potential employee - they do need your complete legal name(s) and your birthdate, however a SSN is not needed. However, be nice and polite when asking the purpose for the request and do NOT be a smart Alec.

4. For online applications, I ask companies if there is a unique number they can assign since any site can be hacked into.

5. Also, I have asked if I could handle the SSN issue in any other way. I have found employers to be very receptive to my requests.

HOWEVER, today is a 'buyers market' and some employers may not be receptive to your questions. You now have a choice, to fill out what is requested on the application, get the interview and land to job.....or not get the job.

I know of someone who insisted that a prospective employer was not going to be given her SSN. She lost the job opportunity which was not a smart move, especially in today's job market. ASK nicely and EXPLAIN your reasons. A reasonable employer will meet you at least half way. And please do not be a smarty pants because you will not get the job and you will not look professional.

Construction Examples for Business Cards

* Over ____ years experience

* Commercial * Residential

* Blow torches *Forklifts * Levels * Manlift or personnel lift *Power drills, saws & grinders * Stump cutters

* Willing to: * travel *work overtime, holidays and/or weekends

* Reputation for completing jobs on or before deadlines and under/on budget

* Supervised crews of up to ____ workers

* Able to work with diverse personalities

Oil Field Examples for Business Cards

* Worm * Roughneck *Roustabout * Driller * Toolpusher

* Bronco * Key Energy *Company *Company

* Hoists (Air & Electric) * Lifts * Power grinders (Deck & Handheld)

* Over ___ years experience

* Trained, hired & evalated ______

* Supervised crews of up to __ workers/employees

* Reputation for completing jobs on or before deadlines

* Willing to work overtime, holidays, weekends

* Able to travel

* Excellent safety record

Money, Money, Money

If you are in a dead-end career, your industry trends indicate work will continue to be outsourced, or it's just time to look into another type of work, now is the time to do so.
Funding is available for retraining, however you need to ask and to research.

One of the first places I would go, to seek funding, is the school(s) I am interested in attending. Please make an appointment with a Financial Aid Officer (FAO) who can point you to several funding sources. Right now, with the economy and the number of layoffs, I am uncomfortable suggesting you take out a student loan. Therefore, talk to your Financial Aid Officer about grants, scholarships, and workforce investment act funds. There are most likely many other types of funds, however your FAO will be the best person to guide you but please emphasize you are not seeking a loan due to your layoff, etc.

Also, many of the State agencies (employment or unemployment offices) work with agencies which are awarded Workforce Investment Act (WIA) funds. Call your local office to locate the agency handling these funds and make an appointment to visit the WIA Specialist.

There may be requirements you need to complete prior to visiting the WIA Specialist. Again, your employment/unemployment office can direct you most likely. You may be required to be signed up with your local (un)employment office, you may need to take some pre-assessments, you may need to have a completed resume, etc. Follow the directions you are given - if you are speaking to a representative, take notes and at the end, summarize your understanding. If the representative has handouts, get them, read them and highlight the requirements.

The people I know have a list of jobs which are in demand and are funded - jobs which are not in demand, are dead-end, are likely to be outsourced probably will not be funded (this makes sense - why would someone train for a job that will not be there in the near future?).

Some of the in-demand jobs may not be familiar to you. Look them up at:

http://online.onetcenter.org.

Also, do not forget that some groups which service specialized populations, may have funding available. If you are over 45 years of age, you may want to look at AARP. Business organizations which support underrepresented populations may have funding. Also, look at the larger companies who are seeking a diverse workforce - there may be funding available for continuing one's education.

Stress Busters

1. Get organized - list what can be done now, what can be done later and what can be done if there's time. Use a planner and limit the time you spend on distasteful tasks and give more time to tasks which are less stressful.
2. Get into a healthy lifestyle. Exercise. Eat right. Limit caffeine and alcohol intake.
3. Make a list of the good things in your life.
4. Schedule time to be with people are good for you and stop hanging out with people who drain the life out of you.
5. De-clutter your life. Clean the garage, attic and/or basement. Items which are still good, either donate or have a garage sale.
6. Get 8 hours of sleep.
7. Get a hobby. (Whining, moaning and groaning are not considered hobbies)
8. Make a list of your attributes or strengths.
9. Take time to do something for yourself that you have not done because.....
10. Learn what you can control and forget the rest.
11. Learn to say 'no'
12. Tell the truth
13. Think positive - if you are what you eat, you become what you think.
14. Unplug phones or don't turn them on once in awhile.
15. Slow down
16. See a funny movie or read a good book
17. Volunteer - helping someone often makes us feel better.
18. Take a walk in the park, on the beach or somewhere you haven't visited for awhile.
19. Build in rewards for finishing distasteful tasks.
20. And my favorite, laugh, eat brownies and ice cream once in awhile, watch Dancing With The Stars, get a Frisbee and toss it around with a friend (or your dog), stop beating yourself up (there's plenty of people which will do that for you), and remember, in a hundred years, it won't matter, it barely matters now and if this doesn't work, I've got a ton of stress reducing yard work you can do (hey, sunshine and exercise have been shown to be stress reducers).

Good Article to Read

Click on the link below - found some interesting 'things' to think about.

http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/storysupplement/flyp/index.htm

Ways to Save $$$

1. Plan out a weekly menu
2. Watch for the grocery ads/sales and use coupons
3. Buy and cook in bulk - freeze part for another meal
4. Stay away from restaurants and fast food places - their prices are rising and the portions are becoming smaller
5. Stop using your your credit cards - pay in cash or use your debit card
6. Ask your utility companies to average your bills
7. Don't buy what you do not NEED. If you self sooth by shopping, learn to ask 'do I need it or is it nice?'. If it's 'nice', don't buy it or return it.
8. Turn off lights and appliances when not in use
9. Have garage sale - all the 'junk' and outgrown clothes can be cleared out and sold - and this is not reportable income (usually - consult your tax advisor if in doubt).
10. Grow a vegetable garden - it's cheaper, more nutritious and delicious and gives you plenty of fresh air and sunshine.
11. Trim the entertainment - instead of going to the movies, swap DVDs and videos with the neighbors. Have a movie night at home and pop your own popcorn.
12. Have a family night - now you have time to do fun things like crafts, play board games, etc.
13. Carpool and/or plan your travels so as to cut your gasoline costs.
14. Rent out an unused room.
15. Ask your older neighbors if they need help with their yard work, heavy chores, etc. Negotiate a fee or barter for services.
16. Check out services offered through local churches and synagogues
17. Shop at the thrift shops - rich people donate items that have been gently used or not used at all - some good bargains can be found.
18. Check out local discount stores.
19. Make your gifts. Let's face it - a batch of homemade cookies is often more appreciated that a do-dad that they didn't want or need but don't want to tell you so.
20. Check with your local nonprofit agencies - some of them will provide food or other types of vouchers if you give them a helping hand.

Sample Electronic Resume

Although I have not used an electronic resume a great deal, Maxine Kent does a marvelous job with her sample.

Visit:

http://www.personalmarketingtools.com/images/maxine-kent.txt

Electronic Resumes

Electronic resumes, also known as e-resumes or online resumes, are NOT the same as a paper resume handed to an employer.

A good site for more information is found in the link noted on this post. However, here's some basic tips....

1. Only use Arial as the font or letter style - not all computers read the same fonts
2. Keep the font size 11-14 points
3. Line length should be 65 characters which means, letters, symbols and spaces
4. Do not use bullets - I personally use the minus sign (-) or an asterisk (*)
5. Use upper and lower case letters - capitalize the job title and the section headings. Do NOT capitalize more than 3 words in one grouping/phrase.
6. Use key words (industry buzz words)
7. Align all lines on the left - do NOT justify both margins.
8. Spell check - at least 2 or 3 times
9. Do not use a tab bar - use your space key instead

Job Hunting Approaches and Success Rates

A friend and I found the following information from a variety of resources. Mull this information over - are you using your job search time in the most beneficial way?

SUCCESS RATES JOB HUNTING APPROACH
86% Creative approach - self reflection, company research, identifying the decision maker, interviewing

69% - 84% Cold call from the yellow pages

47% Cold call by walking into a business and speaking with the key decision maker

33% Talking to friends, family and neighbors

14% Working with government agencies (employment security commissions within each state)

12% Talking to former teachers

8% Working with a union hall

5-7% Responding to classified ads

7% Responding to a trade journal

5-24% Private agencies (but you will need to call them every day in order for them to remember you. Remember - temp and private agencies are dealing with hundreds if not thousands, of people right now).

1-7% Using the Internet