Fired for Fantasy

Investment company to fantasy owners: 'You're fired'

By Andy Behrens

If you happen to be reading this sentence while sitting in your cubicle at Fidelity Investments, then you'd better stop. Immediately.

We cannot guarantee your safety. You're only one click away from creating a fantasy league, and that would be a serious violation of company policy. In fact, it's a fireable offense.

According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fidelity recently axed four league commissioners in the Fantasy Purge of '09.

Cameron Pettigrew, who worked as a "relationship manager in a private client group" (which sounds a lot like the job description of a fantasy commish), was among those terminated:
"Firing a guy for being in a $20 fantasy league? Let’s be honest, that’s a complete overreaction," said Pettigrew, who lives in Grapevine and has an MBA from the University of Texas at Arlington. "In this economic time, especially. To fire people over something like this, it’s just cold."

That does seem cold. But multi-billion-dollar financial services corporations are not generally known for their warmth. Apparently there are anti-gambling rules in place at Fidelity. (Midcap funds, heck yeah! Football leagues, no).

Said Fidelity spokesman Vin Loporchio: "We have clear policies that relate to gambling. Participation in any form of gambling through the use of Fidelity time or equipment or any other company resource is prohibited. … We want our employees to be focused on our customers and clients."

They react to allegations of fantasy involvement swiftly, it seems.

[Pettigrew] said he never sent any fantasy football emails at work or using his work email address. But the investigators found two instant messages that had fantasy football-related material.

"One of my buddies sent me something about how bad Trent Edwards(notes) was playing or something like that," Pettigrew said. "So they called me in and talked to me for about 90 minutes on everything I ever knew about fantasy football."

Honestly, you can't fault his buddy's analytical talent. Edwards really was a disaster. If this blog contributed in any way to misplaced enthusiasm for any Buffalo Bills – which in turn led to ill-advised IMs, which resulted in firings – please accept our sincere apologies.

We would also like to point out – in our professional capacity as fantasy gurus, not as legal advisors – that laws have been passed which define the terms "bet" and "wager," and fantasy participation has been excluded. Here's a link to a million-word legal definition. Whatever else he did, Pettigrew wasn't gambling. Back off, company spokesman.

If Pettigrew actually owned Trent Edwards, then he's suffered enough. Someone please hire the man.


***ATTENTION COACHING SESSIONS AVAILABLE!
Coaching is available through any combination of in-person, telephone, or email support.

Are you prepared to navigate the current job market? If you would like to increase your chances and give yourself a real chance to win the next position. I have developed a simple easy to use and affordable product http://www.mypocketapplication.com/

Email me, or call Dennis Scherer for more information!
630-571-6025

WHY WORK?

I called the Illinois Department of Employment Services, because I was curious on why I can’t find people to fill some of my entry level positions.

Well, I found out why.

I was informed that a person can receive up to $385. 00 a week and if you have dependants you can receive up to another $149.00 a week as well.

With the new extension that has just come out, you can potentially receive this amount of money for 99 weeks.


Not sure why they just didn’t make it an even 104 weeks so people know that they can sit on the couch for a full 2 years now.

So, you can receive $534.00 now these checks are coming with out taxes,(which at the end of the year you are supposed to pay), which means that you are receiving take home money equivalent to some one making around $33,000. And lets see, you didn’t have to drive , pay for gas, wear on your vehicle, sit in traffic, take a bus, buy a lunch, pay for parking, put up with a boss, or any other work hassles. So, that raises the value of your potential needs.

The worse part of this scenario is that many of the people that are on this program never made that much money in a years time.

Oh and lets not forget the other benefits I have heard of for not working. Child care, free phones, link cards, snap cards, health benefits.

In my coaching I work with people to get them back on their feet. I tell them they need to put in a full time effort in seeking a job. With my staffing company I have opportunities that can get them back working. But considering the alternative, why put in the effort to work?

Seems it might be better not to.

I’m sure if it gets any worse there will be soup and bread provided.


Reported by CNN.

The 4-week moving average for ongoing claims fell by 79,500 to 5,886,250.



But the slide may signal that more filers are dropping off those rolls into extended benefits.



Continuing claims reflect people filing each week after their initial claim until the end of their standard benefits, which usually last 26 weeks.



The figures do not include those who have moved to state or federal extensions, or people whose benefits have expired.



The Senate passed a bill Wednesday to extend unemployment benefits by up to 20 weeks. The legislation would lengthen benefits in all states by 14 weeks, and states with an unemployment rate higher than 8.5% would receive an additional six weeks.

Well I hope that people out there really want to be productive, provide for their family, and leave their mark on the world by producing or servicing in the workforce. What is your mindset, its up to you to pick a direction.






***ATTENTION COACHING SESSIONS AVAILABLE!
Coaching is available through any combination of in-person, telephone, or email support.

Are you prepared to navigate the current job market? If you would like to increase your chances and give yourself a real chance to win the next position. I have developed a simple easy to use and affordable product http://www.mypocketapplication.com/

Email me, or call Dennis Scherer for more information!
630-571-6025

NEED MONEY? Looking for people to work NOW!

Interesting enough I have many open positions.

Throughout the month of October into November I have approximately fifty openings for IT people.

So, my blog today is; NEED MONEY? Looking for people to work NOW!

If your looking for work, and or some extra income send me an email with your resume and what you might be interested in.

**** I will have weekend only work as well;

Here is a list of my current and future needs.

Northbrook – Help Desk Support 6 opening
Northbrook – IT repair and configuration 2 openings
Northbrook – office admin, mas90 knowledge

Elgin – Help Desk Support
Elgin – Administration support (password resets)

Niles – Entry level Help Desk Support 3 openings

Rolling Meadows – Full time and Part Time Help Desk Support

Downtown Chicago Every weekend in November and into December Friday after 5:00 PM , Saturday and Sunday, Computer move. 19 people total needed.

Itasca – Every weekend in November 20 people working 12 hour shifts configuring, data transfer and imaging.

Chicagoland Area Two Network Engineer postions both working offsite at client locations.

So if you or someone you know is looking for work , I have it. Let me know what you qualify for send me a resume and I will see if your skills fit our needs. Thank you

I can be emailed at dennis@jobcostaffing.com

***ATTENTION COACHING SESSIONS AVAILABLE!
Coaching is available through any combination of in-person, telephone, or email support.

Are you prepared to navigate the current job market? If you would like to increase your chances and give yourself a real chance to win the next position. I have developed a simple easy to use and affordable product http://www.mypocketapplication.com/

Email me, or call Dennis Scherer for more information!
630-571-6020

Love to Hear Success Stories

This is a letter from one of my past employees that was on our contract to hire program.

I wanted to share this because it shows that working with a “temp” firm can work for you in getting a full time career. Also it show that attitude, focus and taking risk is also part of your career path.

You know anyone looking for work?? Email me at dennis@jobcostaffing.com




Dear Dennis,

The best part of the job is that I telecommute and work from home nearly full-time.

I could not have gotten to this point without the help of Jobco and your broad understanding of the IT world and knack to get the right people to the right places.

I will always be grateful to you and your company. I remember when you called me and opportunity knocked on my door while I was looking for work.

It was 50 - 50 for me. I was sitting in my car outside of Jewel, it was cold and rainy and I was going through a job / career transition that was becoming more tenuous each day.

The best decision was to say Yes.

I have met a lot of people who are looking for work. Important advice - keep things positive. I have seen more people who exude negativity, make critical comments, diminish other people's work and, thus eliminate themselves from any contention for a job. I can't say it enough - Jobco was the company that helped me get my foot in the door and stayed with me so I got going in the right direction. You have my eternal gratitude for that.

I hope Jobco has been able to navigate its way through the current recession. All I can say to other job candidates is stay positive, don't blame other people, stay honest, and try to understand how you fit in the situation so that you can see the next step on the career path.

Jobco is one of the best employment agencies in the business. When I find myself in another job transition I know that Jobco is the first company on the list to send my updated resume.

***ATTENTION COACHING SESSIONS AVAILABLE!
Coaching is available through any combination of in-person, telephone, or email support.

Are you prepared to navigate the current job market? If you would like to increase your chances and give yourself a real chance to win the next position. I have developed a simple easy to use and affordable product http://www.mypocketapplication.com/

Email me, or call Dennis Scherer for more information!
630-571-6025

Have you expired?

Have you gone out to the Job Boards and updated your resume?

Have you made changes or taken a second look to make sure it still reads and looks well?

As a recruiter, I have narrowed the days I will look at since the last update.

If you haven’t updated your resume, we might not find you in the search databases of Monster, Yahoo or Careerbuilder.

If I do a search for a skill, and list that I only want to see resumes from last 60 days, and you haven’t up dated in 6 months you will not show up in my search.

Also, If you haven’t been getting calls from your resume this is a good time to make sure there isn’t a mistake keeping you from getting a call

People are hiring, I know we are!!!!.

You know anyone looking for work? Email me at dennis@jobcostaffing.com

Written by Dennis Scherer.

***ATTENTION COACHING SESSIONS AVAILABLE!
Coaching is available through any combination of in-person, telephone, or email support.

Are you prepared to navigate the current job market? If you would like to increase your chances and give yourself a real chance to win the next position. I have developed a simple easy to use and affordable product http://www.mypocketapplication.com/

Email me, or call Dennis Scherer for more information!
630-571-6025

You know, that Dude

Dale Carnegie wrote this in his principles from, "How to Win Friends and Influence People."

“Remember that a person’s name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language.”

I just had a candidate lose out on a position, because she flubbed up on the people's names that she interviewed in the company. There are many ways of remembering who you met with, write it down, repeat it, but when you have a chance make notes so you can recall the information.

I can tell you that I prep people for interviews, and have them contact me immediately afterwards. I will ask, "So who did you meet with, and I get,"Well, it was 2 guys and 1 woman."

You need to make the effort to remember the details. This is your livelyhood. You need to raise the bar, make it a priority to engage fully into the efforts of getting work.

It is the simple things that might be keeping you from getting a new position.

Written by Dennis Scherer.

***ATTENTION COACHING SESSIONS AVAILABLE!
Coaching is available through any combination of in-person, telephone, or email support.

Are you prepared to navigate the current job market? If you would like to increase your chances and give yourself a real chance to win the next position. I have developed a simple easy to use and affordable product http://www.mypocketapplication.com/

Email me, or call Dennis Scherer for more information!
630-571-6025

My latest Hotjobs AD

Dear Job Seeker,

I am looking for people that really want to work, that want to get off the couch and work in a stable corporate environment.

I need people, not excuses.

So here it is

The work is in Northbrook , you need to make it up there everyday, I will not be driving you or getting you a Limo

I need you to be able to work set shifts that will flex, you will know your shifts and can adjust your life according, if you must work 8 to 5 this is not the job for you.

This position is 16 dollars an hour, if that is not enough for you, then I’m happy for you, and please don’t apply so I can find the people that really want this position.

If you enjoy working in a friendly, attractive and fast paced environment where award winning customer service is practiced and recognized, then this is the place for you. We are seeking only flexible high-energy professionals with excellent people skills.

RESPONSIBILITIES

You will provide assistance to retail store managers with any questions regarding Hardware and software having any of the following knowledge in IT, Unix, AS400, POS, Printers, Satellite systems, Fuji and Kodak Photo Units, Cash registers, Telxon scan guns, Email systems, Outlook. Is a plus.

First level of support for hardware, software, communication, and procedural related issue

Responsible for providing solutions via problem identification, analysis, and appropriate troubleshooting

Understand and use correct interdepartmental procedures and policies when interfacing with other departments within the company.


QUALIFICATIONS
Any previous Help Desk Support, Call Center Support, Customer Service positions is a plus but not required.

Excellent PC skills, utilizing multiple screens

Can fully follow directions, process, and procedures

Ability to multi-task and prioritize.

Experience handling multiple lines and phone calls.

Accurate typing, written, and verbal communication skills.

Show initiative and good decision-making skills.


EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
High-school diploma or equivalent

If you made it this far and actually read the Job Description, I would like to see if you qualify.

I need you to contact us at 630-571-6020, I need you to be prepared to tell me why I should hire you and why you would make a great end user support person.

Written by Dennis.

***ATTENTION COACHING SESSIONS AVAILABLE!
Coaching is available through any combination of in-person, telephone, or email support.

Are you prepared to navigate the current job market? If you would like to increase your chances and give yourself a real chance to win the next position. I have developed a simple easy to use and affordable product http://www.mypocketapplication.com/

Email me, or call Dennis Scherer for more information!
630-571-6025

Objective or Objection

An Objective is your goal or your purpose in getting new employment. This well meaning statement can be a hiring managers objection.

Even when you have it written generically, which I find a waste of resume space, there can be words or indications that create a picture for the hiring managers that you would

not be a fit for their environment.

I just had a candidate that has the skills, and past employment would qualify him for this job, but he listed that he was interested in utilizing his skill “in a professional retail environment”. OBJECTION!

I know he would have fit but the manager felt his objective did not meet their objective.

Dennis

***COACHING SESSIONS
Coaching is available through any combination of in-person, telephone, or email support.

Are you prepared to navigate the current job market? If you would like to increase your chances and give yourself a real chance to win the next position. I have developed a simple easy to use and affordable product that I sell for $4.99 send me an email and I will tell you more at dennis@apvantage.com

Email me or call Dennis Scherer for more information!
630-571-6025

Focus on what you can give versus what you can get

I was listening to some of my motivational tapes and this subject came up, and I started thinking how true this can be when looking for a new career.

Of course people want work; they want a paycheck, they want to be productive.

The key is you will receive this if you genuinely give of yourself. If you do, it will come across to the people that want to hire you. They will unconsciously feel that you have interest in them the company and that you have a desire of serving them.

For that service, you will receive the work, the paycheck, and the opportunity to contribute and be productive.

So before you call for a position, or an interview, review in your mind what do you have to offer? How you can benefit this company? This position? What skill, characteristics, and abilities do you have to give?

By reviewing and focusing on those attributes, you will come across as giving of yourself without expecting a return.

Dennis

***COACHING SESSIONS
Coaching is available through any combination of in-person, telephone, or email support.

Are you prepared to navigate the current job market? If you would like to increase your chances and give yourself a real chance to win the next position. I have developed a simple easy to use and affordable product that I sell for $4.99 send me an email and I will tell you more at dennis@apvantage.com

Email me or call Dennis Scherer for more information!
630-571-6025

Get the Bat phone

An email address tells a lot about someone, this particular email was batman@....com and I should of known by the email that this position wasn’t for them.

We have a job opening that requires flexible shifts, where people are REQUIRED to be available till Midnight. This was clearly stated in the ads we posted. Now I know this schedule is not for everyone but Batman sent in his resume.

We sent him an application and he filled that out and he looked qualified for the position.

We go to set him up for an interview, and Batman tells us that he can only work till 6:00 p.m.

Well, I should have known that he needs to be available just in case Commissioner Gordon calls.

P.S. Thank you again for wasting my time… please refers to yesterday’s blog. Because I am sure that this is the type of person complaining on the Job Boards about nobody offering him a position.

P.S.S The good candidates of the world should be aggravated as well since this person is taking my time , time that I could be spending on getting you work.

Dennis

***COACHING SESSIONS
Coaching is available through any combination of in-person, telephone, or email support.

Are you prepared to navigate the current job market? If you would like to increase your chances and give yourself a real chance to win the next position. I have developed a simple easy to use and affordable product that I sell for $4.99 send me an email and I will tell you more at dennis@apvantage.com

Email me or call Dennis Scherer for more information!
630-571-6025

Thank you

I have been reading on a variety of Job Boards that as a Recruiter or HR representative that I am supposed to take my time and call each of you and give you continuous status on your e (internet) application or on the resume that you sent me.

I have also read as well about how after we place you or we see you for an interview that we should send you a thank you letter. And lastly I read that if you worked for me and the assignment “ended” that I need to keep in touch with you.

So here it is THANK YOU for:

Sending me a resume that doesn’t fit my job specification
For misspelling words in your resume
For not attaching your resume
Applying to a job posting weeks after I posted it
For applying to a position you are over qualified, under qualified or not specifying why you would be qualified
For not including your email on your resume
For not including a working phone number
For not returning my call when I do call you
For not showing up for interviews I have scheduled
For showing up late for an interview
For dressing in your worst clothing for an interview
For accepting a job and not showing on the first day
For not passing the drug screen
For lying about your Background
For no call no shows
For calling off
For being tardy
For quitting without notice
For getting terminated, and wondering what else I can send you to!

For thinking I have nothing better to do, I THANK YOU.

I know people are frustrated when they can’t find something, but in most cases the person to blame is the one in the mirror. I do call the most qualified candidates, and yes, I get them work. And I will get them more work as long as they worked well for me.

And when I read that it is good PR and builds loyalty, give me a break! If you had the chance to be loyal to a recruiter that called you back or make $5 bucks more an hour you will take the $5 bucks.

So next time your looking for a Thank you, why don’t you make the recruiters job easier and they will thank you!!

WITH A NEW POSITION

Dennis

***COACHING SESSIONS
Coaching is available through any combination of in-person, telephone, or email support.

Are you prepared to navigate the current job market? If you would like to increase your chances and give yourself a real chance to win the next position. I have developed a simple easy to use and affordable product that I sell for $4.99 send me an email and I will tell you more at dennis@apvantage.com

Email me or call Dennis Scherer for more information!
630-571-6025

Circumstantial Evidence

I know you are trying to better your life. I know you are trying to give yourself options. I applaud you for going back to school, to learn and be more.

All these good things could be keeping you from getting work.

How could school keep you from a new position????

Hiring managers are hiring for their position, for now, and for the future. If they are going to train you, they are not looking for someone to leave them for a better position or pay.

By going to school it shows that you want out of what type of work your doing. So why would they hire you?

They are looking for long term commitments!

In your resume or in an interview you come across with your focus “schooling” in a different direction they might pass on you.

I have seen it happen many times, I just had a person get passed on a warehouse position because they were studying at night for their HVAC position. Could he have gotten the position based on past skill? Yes! But the manager figured once he was HVAC certified he would leave, so she chose someone else.

So what can you do? Don’t tell them!! What does it matter what you do after hours if its not interfering with your potential work schedule? What is the difference?

Let your work history speak for itself.

Again continue to improve yourself and your chances, when it comes to getting work, get it with the information that matters.

Dennis

***COACHING SESSIONS
Coaching is available through any combination of in-person, telephone, or email support.

Are you prepared to navigate the current job market? If you would like to increase your chances and give yourself a real chance to win the next position. I have developed a simple easy to use and affordable product that I sell for $4.99 send me an email and I will tell you more at dennis@apvantage.com

Email me or call Dennis Scherer for more information!
630-571-6025

Hiring Manager 'just not that into you

Maybe it’s not the recession.

Maybe you just have a “I am everything attitude”.

Hiring managers see right through the pay me now, I will show you what I “bring” to the table later.

There is a fine line between cocky and confident, especially when presenting yourself for positions.

The hiring managers are trying to find people that fit the position. They are looking for all the skills and price range, and someone that will work with their current staff well.

Coming in with “I am everything attitude” or "this position is under me," might make you come across as to good for the company and turn off Hiring managers.

So you know you have all the skills, you probable are over qualified, so how can you present your skills??

If you haven’t noticed, you are being rejected. – just not directly.

You don’t change or feel you need to change.

However, by changing your approach, YOU CAN OPEN DOORS.

There are ways to improve your chances to obtain a job!

Dennis

***COACHING SESSIONS
Coaching is available through any combination of in-person, telephone, or email support.

Are you prepared to navigate the current job market? If you would like to increase your chances and give yourself a real chance to win the next position. I have developed a simple easy to use and affordable product that I sell for $4.99 send me an email and I will tell you more at dennis@apvantage.com

Email me or call Dennis Scherer for more information!
630-571-6025

Failure to find a job

Woman survives polar bear mauling at Berlin Zoo Photo: WENN

Teacher who survived polar bear mauling at zoo 'was depressed over job'

On Monday it emerged that she is a teacher who had been driven to despair by her failure to find a job.

Her former boyfriend - identified only as Lars, the Danish father of her seven-year-old daughter - said: "She loved caring for kids and really enjoyed all the special trips that she could arrange for them like going waterskiing in summer and swimming after school.

"It really affected her when she lost her job and she just couldn't see any future," he added.

Rifles had already been issued to marksmen and Heiner Kloes, a zoo spokesman, said: "This woman's behaviour not only put her life in danger but also that of the staff who had to rescue her.

"However, we do have guns and we would have been prepared to use them without hesitation if it was felt it was the only way to save the woman."

The woman - named only as Mandy K - was mauled and bitten by the polar bears after climbing over safety walls and swimming out to meet them at feeding time. She was saved when zoo keepers pushed away one of the animals when it attacked her.

The keepers' bravery was praised after they dragged the 32-year-old German mother out of a moat for the animals. They had to shove the animal out of the way after one of four polar bears dived into the water and attacked her, inflicting serious bites to her legs and arms.

There are other ways to improve your chances to obtain a job!

Dennis

***COACHING SESSIONS
Coaching is available through any combination of in-person, telephone, or email support.

Are you prepared to navigate the current job market? If you would like to increase your chances and give yourself a real chance to win the next position. I have developed a simple easy to use and affordable product that I sell for $4.99 send me an email and I will tell you more at dennis@apvantage.com

Email me or call Dennis Scherer for more information!
630-571-6025

Twitter gets you fired 140 characters or less

A little bird told your boss you think he sucks.

The 'it' social networking tool of the hour streamlines your humiliation

By Helen A.S. Popkin




Why waste valuable social networking hours getting yourself "Facebook fired," when Twitter allows you to humiliate yourself quickly, and in 140 characters or less?

A recent tweet by one would-be Cisco employee proves that when it comes to placing a permanent black mark on your resume via the Internet, Twitter is now the tool of choice. To illustrate, here’s the tweet the now Web-infamous "theconnor" shared with the world:

"Cisco just offered me a job! Now I have to weigh the utility of a fatty paycheck against the daily commute to San Jose and hating the work.”

It wasn’t long before Tim Levad, a "channel partner advocate" for Cisco Alert, shared this open response:

"Who is the hiring manager. I’m sure they would love to know that you will hate the work. We here at Cisco are versed in the web."

Was "theconnor’s" job offer rescinded? Nosy netizens have yet to suss that out — but they’re doing their darndest to make "theconnor’s" life miserable in the meantime. It didn’t matter that "theconnor" almost immediately set his Twitter account to private and deleted all information from a home page. It was already too late.

This social networking comedy of errors spread like dancing hamsters across Twitter. In the retelling, "theconnor" earned the nick, "Cisco Fatty." Before the work day ended, Web sleuths revealed "theconnor's" true identity. "Theconnor" was lampooned in a popular YouTube meme. And thanks to Google Cache, the deleted content of "theconnor’s" homepage resurfaced on CiscoFatty.com, a Web site erected to commemorate this cautionary tale.

Even if the good folks at Cisco somehow see their way past "theconnor’s" monolithic lack of inner monologue, there’s a lesson here: The Internet can get you fired.

Unfortunately, it’s also a lesson even people apparently smart enough to get offered a "fatty paycheck" are incapable of learning. So let’s review: The Internet is not your BFF. Everyone has a "My boss sucks" moment. But the prudent know to express this sentiment away from the keyboard because they also have the "My boss knows how to use the Internet” sense they were born with.

"Cisco Fatty" and all those who came before, and those who will inevitably come after, are breaking the cardinal rule of the Internet: Never post anything you wouldn’t say to your mom, boss and significant other. Alas, if that message hasn’t sunk in by now, it never will. And thanks to Twitter further eroding the wall between your big mouth and a moment required to download some good sense, the Internet is now empowered to get you fired faster than ever.

It’s like virtual Darwinism. The "Cisco Fattys" of the world are damned by their own senselessness. It’s only a matter of time before each they stumble on the Twitterific platform of their ruin.

It almost makes one misty for the early era of Web 2.0, way back when getting yourself “Facebook fired” took a couple of days following an unfortunate post … or at least a couple of hours, before your co-workers, boss, friends and/or family caught on. Sigh.

Who doesn’t have fond memories of the Kevin Colvin Halloween Pixie Fail of aught-eight? He’s the young man who took time off work for a “family illness” only to turn up in a time-stamped Facebook photo at a costume party in full fairy regalia.

Why it was just last week Philadelphia Eagles stadium employee/football fan Dan Leone lost his job of six years for this overzealous complaint posted to his own Facebook profile that read:

"Dan is [expletive] devastated about Dawkins signing with Denver ... Dam Eagles R Retarted!!"

Sure Leone’s got a potty mouth and his inability to spell an archaic adjective is unfortunate, but that’s no reason to fire a guy — especially a guy so passionate about his employer. It’s not like "theconnor," whining about Cisco’s "fatty paycheck" and hating the work.

Whether unfairly "Facebook fired" in the past or "Twitter fired" in the future, what’s fair won’t change the fact that you didn’t think before you posted, and now you can’t pay the rent.

Internet culture smarty pants Clay Shirky speaks of a day in the not-too-distant future when human resources departments will have the wisdom to look beyond social networking faux pas — at least in some small part because by then, everyone will have made at least one.

One only need look to the government to see this may already be happening. The government, where Twittering through the president’s speech to Congress results in nothing more damning than a perturbed mom pointing out to Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo. that such behavior is simply rude.

In the government, even compromising the security of a Congressional delegation in Iraq via Twitter is no biggie. Back in February, Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Mich., tweeted this as-it-happens update regarding his group’s location and destination:

"Moved into green zone by helicopter Iraqi flag now over palace. Headed to new US embassy Appears calmer less chaotic than previous here."

Such a status update on old-timey Facebook wouldn’t have been nearly as potentially deadly. Happily, it seems, guys who may wish America ill weren’t following Pete’s feed. But I bet he’s getting a good ribbing from his fellow Congressmen for that one. As the Cisco Internet meme demonstrates, sometimes the possibility of losing a job (or your life) may not be as painful as the humiliation that ensues.

Another government guy who failed to get fired for his Twitter blab might agree. In early February, Jeff Frederick, chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia, thwarted his own party’s coup with this tweet:

Big news coming out of Senate: Apparently one dem is either switching or leaving the dem caucus. Negotiations for power sharing underway.

Unfortunately Frederick never figured the Democrats were following his feed, and said negotiations were quickly quashed. While this historic loss of Republican power may mean Frederick’s eating his lunch alone for a long long time, Frederick still has his job. and like "Cisco Fatty," he’s experienced one inalienable truth: Live by the social, die by the social. © 2009 msnbc.com Reprints


***COACHING SESSIONS
Coaching is available through any combination of in-person, telephone, or email support.

Are you prepared to navigate the current job market? If you would like to increase your chances and give yourself a real chance to win the next position. I have developed a simple easy to use and affordable product that I sell for $4.99 send me an email and I will tell you more at dennis@apvantage.com

Email me or call Dennis Scherer for more information!
630-571-6025

I am watching you

Who am I …

I am
your future boss
your next career
your future coworker
the person who will be interviewing you

I have the software, the search engine, the videos, the pictures. I can see your friends. I can tell what you like, dislike, what sport teams you cheer on. I can tell your political views. I can see your work history. I can see what people say about you, and what you say about others.

I can track everything you let me track, and once I started tracking, I can continue.

I am following your social networks.

Thank you for allowing me into your world, now let me think about hiring you.

Dennis

***COACHING SESSIONS
Coaching is available through any combination of in-person, telephone, or email support.

Are you prepared to navigate the current job market? If you would like to increase your chances and give yourself a real chance to win the next position. I have developed a simple easy to use and affordable product that I sell for $4.99 send me an email and I will tell you more at dennis@apvantage.com

Email me or call Dennis Scherer for more information!
630-571-6025

You are what you say you are

I have talked about email addresses reflecting who you are in the past. I have a staffing firm, maybe it's me, that I see so many mistakes on resumes and applications. Maybe not. You decide.

I was with my family over the weekend. As am talking to my sister and she tells me their company is hiring and she is in charge of doing the initial review of resumes, since they got so many for the position.

She tells me she found a candidate that had all the qualifications she was looking for. She then goes on to tell me, as she went to call her, she noticed her email address; “sweetlittlebitch@---.com. My sister then said, "I’m sure she is and she won’t be working for me."

I invite you to submit your funny stories. Well, they might be funny to us but the actions people make are keeping them from working.

I hope that if people see that it is the simple things that are easily corrected, they will increase their chances of getting a new position.

Submit stories to dennis@apvantage.com

Dennis

***COACHING SESSIONS
Coaching is available through any combination of in-person, telephone, or email support.

Are you prepared to navigate the current job market? If you would like to increase your chances and give yourself a real chance to win the next position. I have developed a simple easy to use and affordable product that I sell for $4.99 send me an email and I will tell you more at dennis@apvantage.com

Email me or call Dennis Scherer for more information!
630-571-6025

Need to be confident

MASSILON, Ohio — Evidence of the slumping economy is stacking up at an Ohio school which has nearly 700 applications for one open janitorial job.

Officials at Perry Local Schools near Canton in northeast Ohio say they've extended the deadline until Monday to accommodate the overwhelming response to the week-old posting.

The full-time position at Edison Junior High School pays $15 to $16 an hour plus benefits.

Superintendent John Richard says many applicants are laid-off workers with heart-wrenching stories about the tough economic times.

Forty-nine-year-old Donna Croston says she applied after losing jobs at two nearby factories that closed.

Croston says her chances of being hired amid the hundreds of applicants are slim, but she's hoping to get lucky.


_________________________________________________________________________________
Believe the job is yours

As you can see, there is a lot of competition for positions.

How do employers pick one person out of 700? Well, they start by eliminating the unqualified.

1) Do they have any applicable skills – guessing most do, but which ones have the closest skills or background that is listed and obvious in the resume or application?

2) After narrowing it down, they will review applications, if they see a mistake or empty fields they will probable consider the application incomplete and pass on the person.

3) They will then interview people to see if they have the meet the demeanor and characteristics of what they are looking for in a new employee. They are looking for people that can make this a career, not just a stop over. They are looking for positive attitudes and a desire to work.

Read the bottom of the article again.

Forty-nine-year-old Donna Croston says she applied after losing jobs at two nearby factories that closed. Croston says her chances of being hired amid the hundreds of applicants are slim.

What ever you think, you are right. If that is her thoughts that is what she will probable get.

I feel that people need to be confident that the position is theirs. That they want it , they can do it and that they are the right person for the job.

Dennis

***COACHING SESSIONS
Coaching is available through any combination of in-person, telephone, or email support.

Are you prepared to navigate the current job market? If you would like to increase your chances and give yourself a real chance to win the next position. I have developed a simple easy to use and affordable product that I sell for $4.99 send me an email and I will tell you more at dennis@apvantage.com

Email me or call Dennis Scherer for more information!
630-571-6025

Why can't I get a job!

Dennis: I see your have sent us your resume

Jobseeker: Yes

Dennis: Are you currently employed?

Jobseeker: No

Dennis: What type of work are you looking for?

Jobseeker: What do you have?

Dennis: Okay, tell me about your background.



Jobseeker: It’s on the resume

Dennis: Thanks for applying.

Spruce up your résumé for FedEx’s free copies day

Hello!

I found this today. Nice and thoughtful of Fed Ex.

Dennis

As the recession deepens and the stock market drops, some U.S. corporations are offering a helping hand to those most afflicted -- job seekers.

February job losses brought the nation’s unemployment rate to 8.1%, so there are plenty of people out there looking -- another 651,000 joined the jobless ranks last month, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

If you’re one of these people -- and even if you’re not -- you can get copies of your résumé made at the FedEx Office (formerly FedEx Kinko’s) store near you -- for free.

On Tuesday, March 10, all customers can have 25 résumés copied free during regular business hours at any FedEx Office Print and Ship Center. The one-day-only event is good for black-and-white copies and valid only for orders placed and picked up at the store. Orders may be submitted in printed format or as a digital file; copies will be printed single-sided.

“We understand that the economy has affected many people in a very profound way, and we want to help,” said Brian Philips, president and CEO of FedEx Office, in announcing the offer. “Printing résumés is one small way we can use our resources to help those who need it.”

Bravo!

To find the FedEx Office center closest to you, visit FedEx Office or call 1-800-Go-FedEx (1-800-463-3339).

***COACHING SESSIONS
Coaching is available through any combination of in-person, telephone, or email support.

Are you prepared to navigate the current job market?

Email me or call Dennis Scherer for more information!
Dennis@apvantage.com
630-571-6025

Recruiter P.H.D.

I understand that things are awful, that the economy is not doing well, that you might have financial struggles. I want to see you succeed.

One way to succeed is not to utilize recruiters, human resource personnel, or any hiring personnel, as your therapist.

Lately, I have been getting calls for positions we have posted and I can tell by their words and their tone that they are frustrated, tired, depressed and stressed.

I understand those feelings. But when you call or get a call regarding a position, you need to keep your personal situation separate from your professional wants and needs.

If you are being contacted and connect with some one this is your opportunity to impress.

You will improve your situation financially by getting back to work.

So, going forward in your search, when you get these calls “act” positive and "focus" on the task at hand, which is to get a new position.

I can tell you that it is one of the most disheartening things I have to do is to tell someone that is not sounding positive that there isn’t that many available positions, or that they are not qualified.

I have been working with a variety people one on one to help them with their psychology regarding their work search and they have seen improvements dealing with their search and just their life attitude in general.

I know it can be rough but if you find you can focus on what you want and strive for it , soon it will come to you. It will take a full time effort, If you find yourself down you might want to search out some help or some groups to get you through these times.

Dennis

***COACHING SESSIONS
Coaching is available through any combination of in-person, telephone, or email support.

Are you prepared to navigate the current job market?

Email me or call Dennis Scherer for more information!
Dennis@apvantage.com
630-571-6025

Dress for Success

I have had the question come up a lot lately.

How do I stay motivated?

How do I get going?

I’m having a tough time staying focused.

If your looking for work, I am sure you ask yourself similar questions. I find that you need to get your mind and body in a state that will help you be more productive with your search.

One of the ways that many of my clients have found successful is Dressing for Success. I suggested that they put on their work clothes. Get the suit out, put on the tie the shoes.

Get ready for a day of working for you. Working on you.

Yes, looking for a new position takes work! If you change the way you feel by changing our clothes, you will find that you will see a shift in attitude. That shift can lead you to being more productive, more focused, and yes more motivated! It will also put you back in the mind set that you are working.

I also suggest that you schedule time for your search as you would if you were working. When your done take off the work clothes as you would during a regular work week.

One of my clients took it a step further, he actually dresses for work takes a drive gets his cup of coffee and comes back home to work on his search. It has improved his motivation, his attitude, his focus and his outlook.

Dennis

Bank intern busted by Facebook

I saw this article and had to laugh, this will follow him for sometime in his career. Not only are employers looking at their current employees the are looking before you get hired. They are searching on your name, and email address from your resume, to see what they can find.

What you have on your “social network” might effect your career.

Dennis

Your Privacy Is An Illusion By Owen Thomas

Kevin Colvin, busted by Facebook

Who says Facebook is the province of the young? Increasingly, the 30something bosses of naive recent college grads are proving adept at turning the social network against its earliest adopters. Kevin Colvin, an intern at Anglo Irish Bank's North American arm, was busted when he told his manager, Paul Davis, that he'd miss work due to what colleagues took to be a "family emergency". Davis turned up the photo above, freshly posted to Facebook from the Halloween party Colvin apparently missed work to attend, and attached it to his reply, copying the rest of the office as he did it. The email thread is now spreading around the net. After the jump, the entire exchange, and the incriminating photo.

It's a Conspiracy - Stealing your time

"Companies are just out there trying to waste my time! It must be a conspiracy!" Now that's a common (and ludicrus) sentiment I hear from candidates I coach.

I'm not sure how this conspiracy started, perhaps in the backrooms of a big corporation one day. Maybe it started just as a joke, and then spread to other corporations.

I can see it now... managers sitting around with HR people, laughing, about how they post job ads, receive resumes, make phone calls, set up and conduct interviews, have applicants fill out paperwork, take notes and make applicant files, and in truth, It's all fake! There's no job opening. They're not wasting their time, they are wasting yours. Oh my! I can see how funny this must be. How productive it is for the company!

From a candidate's point of view

They took:

Ten maybe fifteen seconds to click on a job posting

Three to five minutes on a phone interview

Time for the commute both ways

Thirty minute interview

Then they get rejected and think to themselves, "What a waste of time. They brought me in just to reject me!" They "wasted" two hours of your time collectively, yet how much time did they "waste" writing job postings, screening applications, reading resumes, making phone calls, scheduling interviews, conducting interviews, deciding on who (one person out of many) to hire, and filing necessary paperwork?




Something tells me that for the ONE person that got the job, it wasn't such a waste.

Maybe you need to be the ONE or notice why your not, in lieu of thinking the company is out to waste your time.

Dennis
(Video snip is property of IBM corporation)

American Idol

Yes, I watch American Idol. Why? I find it entertaining, funny, and it shows the psychology of the way people think, act, and how others respond to them.

It is great to watch the judges and their initial response to people auditioning. Let us look at the bikini girl, which is all over the news and internet. If you watch Simon, he already had her picked to be “in”. She didn’t have to even sing, and Simon seemed to like what he saw.

If you watch the judges, they respond to the contestants based on how the dress, how they walk in. Do they have the right attitude, confidence? How do they address and impress the judges all on the few seconds up to them saying hello.

Then they tell a short story. The judges ask “Tell me about yourself”, or “Why are you here”, and “Are you the next American Idol?”

That’s funny! These are very similar questions that are asked by hiring managers when they are judging you for a new position.

So at this point either you are winning them over, have lost them or are neutral.

Now comes to the singing, their skill, their craft, what they do. If they are winning a good to great performance might get them to move forward. If the are neutral chances are less. If they start off losing the judges, only a great performance might sway them to have the singer to move on.

When you watch the show, of course for TV entertainment, your only seeing the really good and the really bad.

What happens to the other ten’s of thousands? Well, they get prescreened, they never make it to the final judges, the never get the chance.

Taking out the entertainment value of seeing the bad performers. This is similar to the hiring process. We filter people, screen them, then the final few make it to see the hiring managers.

Just realize that your initial presentation is setting the tone and direction for the rest of the hiring process.

Total of 2.6 million jobs lost

Below is the latest results from the Labor Department.

I don’t believe it will be getting better anytime soon. So, the question I have for you is what are you going to do to make your self outstanding?

There are companies still hiring, and in the future they will hire again. Are you going to be prepared to stand out above the rest of the crowd? Realize it is a big crowd. Are you going to put in a full day effort, every day?

I read a statisic that less then 10% of people find jobs on the classified ads, this includes Monster, Careerbuilder, and the internet postings. Let us say the statisic is wrong and 15% of people find jobs online. That still leaves 85% of the job openings being filled in other ways.

Do you how those other 85% of others are getting noticed? Do you know other ways of being hired besides internet? If you are getting calls on your resume or even interviewing, are you getting hired? Why not?

As a career coach I will ask you, when would now be a good time to get yourself some help? Do you buy a book, join a club, get advice, or hire a coach? I have had people tell me I can’t afford it. Well, you can’t afford not to have it.

I hope you have found my blog useful, and maybe I can help you one on one in the near future.

Dennis



BREAKING NEWS
updated 1 hour, 13 minutes ago

WASHINGTON - The U.S. unemployment rate bolted to 7.2 percent in December, the highest level in 16 years, as nervous employers slashed 524,000 jobs. The labor market is expected to remain weak as mass layoffs continue.

The Labor Department's report, released Friday, underscored the terrible toll the deepening recession is having on workers and companies, and highlights the hard task President-elect Barack Obama faces in resuscitating the flat-lined economy.

For all of 2008, the economy lost a net total of 2.6 million jobs. That was the most since 1945, when nearly 2.8 million jobs were lost. Although the number of jobs in the U.S. has more than tripled since then, losses of this magnitude are still being painfully felt.

Hello, My Name is

Hi Dennis! How are you???

If I only interviewed one or two people a year, I might recognize your voice. Otherwise when you call, I probably don’t know who you are. I know you might think you are the only one applying for the position, but I hate to break the news to you, your not.

We are not your career psychologist; we are not mind readers, we don’t know you before you call. Help us, and stop asking questions I can’t answer without twenty more questions like:

• Did you get my resume I emailed it 2 minutes ago (again I don’t know your name)
  
• Are you hiring?
  
• Can I work from home (when I list a location)
  
• Is this part time (when I list it is full time)
  
• Telling me I’m un-American because I want bilingual speaking people
  
• What kind job is this (its on the posting)
  
• Where is it (again on the posting)
  
• Your life story and your full work history (breathe, pause let us ask you questions
  

Here are some things to use to make your communication clearer if you are responding to a job posting or inquiring about a job.

First READ the ad. Now I know that takes a minute of your life but trust me it will help you with understanding what kind of candidate they need and if you qualify.

When calling, let us know this;

• Who you are, not just first name, for I know a lot of Bobs
  
• What you are calling for.
  
• Hello, My name is ….. “I am calling in regard to…….” I feel I would be a great fit because I have …… skills”
  

Be clear, direct and to the point.

Why do I write this article? Because we have received over 200 resumes and almost as many calls from a local craigslist ad we placed. The phone was ringing non stop. I understand you want work, and I want to hire someone. To be that someone , please help me out, by letting me know how you fit the job.

Dennis

Do we recognize the talent in an unexpected context?

A man sat at a metro station in Washington DC and started to play the violin; it was a cold January morning. He played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, since it was rush hour, it was calculated that thousands of people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.

Three minutes went by and a middle aged man noticed there was musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried up to meet his schedule.

A minute later, the violinist received his first dollar tip: a woman threw the money in the till and without stopping continued to walk.

A few minutes later, someone leaned against the wall to listen to him, but the man looked at his watch and started to walk again. Clearly he was late for work.

The one who paid the most attention was a 3 year old boy. His mother tagged him along, hurried but the kid stopped to look at the violinist. Finally the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk turning his head all the time This action was repeated by several other children. All the parents, without exception, forced them to move on.

In the 45 minutes the musician played, only 6 people stopped and stayed for a while. About 20 gave him money but continued to walk their normal pace. He collected $32. When he finished playing and silence took over, no one noticed it. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

No one knew this but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the best musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written with a violin worth 3.5 million dollars.

Two days before his playing in the subway, Joshua Bell sold out at a theater in Boston and the seats averaged $100.

Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of an social experiment about perception, taste and priorities of people. The outlines were: in a commonplace environment at an inappropriate hour: Do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize the talent in an unexpected context?

One of the possible conclusions from this experience could be:

If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world playing the best music ever written, on one of the finest instruments in the world - how many other things are we missing?

Readers, I find this to be an amazing example of perception and what we do and don’t pay attention to. Here is a person that was worth $100 a seat two days earlier and no one will pay him, in his subway presentation. What is different?

This is a great example of what Apvantage is based on, the fact that the way you are perceived by people that want to hire you, that want to pay you, is based on your presentation.

It isn’t your talents, Joshua Bell is very talented, but he received little attention that day in the subway. And only received a little money all based on how people perceived him at that moment. Make sure your presentation is always worthy, so people can recognize your true talent.

Dennis

Clearly Stated

If you are going to scan a resume, make sure people can view it.

FREE CAREER ADVICE FORUM

If you are in the Chicagoland area.

Greetings! After 10 years of providing recruiting and staffing services, we are expanding our services.

It's a new year. For some of you it might be a new year for a new career. As someone that has applied for or has worked for Jobco Staffing Professionals we would like to offer you this opportunity to attend our FREE CAREER ADVICE FORUM.

With unemployment being so high and open positions becoming more scarce, getting great career advice will be critical for you to WIN the next position.

After a decade of running Jobco, Dennis has expanded his efforts to help jobseekers find employment. His new company, Apvantage, the Applicant Advantage, is performing seminars and forum to help you understand and learn what it will take to succeed in this current employment market. After years of observing hiring managers' unspoken expectations and witnessing surprisingly common applicant mistakes, he discovered his mission is to educate, coach, and motivate job seekers to find work quickly and efficiently.

It may have been a few months or a few years since we've worked together. We'd like to catch up to see how you're doing. If you are currently unemployed or know someone who is, you are invited to attend our :

FREE CAREER ADVICE FORUM

Join us every Monday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

1000 Jorie Blvd. Oak Brook, Il 60532

At our conference room in the 1000 building is down the hallway from our office.

• Get answers to your questions about resume writing, jobsearch techniques, interviewing etiquette, communicating effectively, andmore.
  
• Meet and talk to other people looking for work, discussing best practices.
  
• Learn about future Apvantage group coaching events and individual coaching sessions.
  

SPACE IS LIMITED & REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

PLEASE RSVP BY PHONE OR THROUGH OUR WEBSITE!

630.571.6025 or www.apvantage.com

If you are currently in the job market, we invite you to resubmit an updated resume. Our new and improved software will allow us to quickly and accurately match your skills to our available job openings at www.jobcostaffing.com

Sincerely,

Dennis Scherer

A great time to set those career goals

I set goals often, and have utilized a variety of goal setting means taught to me by some of the best motivators out there. I am going to give you a list of goal setting exercises you can try. I believe that you will find doing any of these will get your mind set in the right direction.

So here is some bases for setting goals:

Stated in the positives

I believe what you focus on you will get, you set your mind into action and you start to bring information into your awareness. This is so true when you see a new dress or looking at a new car, That all of a sudden you start to see it everywhere.

The downside is true as well. If you if your focus on what you don’t want you will get that as well. The mind does not calculate don’t. It has to make a picture of what it is that you “do” not want

If I ask you don’t think of the color blue. What happens? You have to think of the color blue to not think of it.

If your not wanting to be unemployed, you need to change that into being employed.

We are in control of only ourselves, our own behavior and our own feelings;initiated and maintained by you, the individual. You maintain the quality of all rapport systems.

Set your goal and the state you desire so it is something you can see happening, something you can hear happening, and something that you will feel happening.

Here is one exercise if find valuable at the beginning of a new year.

Write down what you want quickly of what you want. What you want to accomplish, what you want to have financially, spiritually, physically, and relationship.

Just let the pen flow take about 5 minutes. Then pick out 5 goals you are committed to having happen in then next year. Write those goals out clearly why you will accomplish these goals. And then take the paper and with the 5 goals and the list of why you want each goal. Now take that list and seal it in an envelope to open next year, it will amaze you that you have either accomplished or are on your way to getting these goals.

Happy New Year,
Dennis