March 5th, 2010 Edition

Question: I live in east Houston and can’t seem to ever find a good job. I haven’t had a job since last September. I don’t have any money to spend. I’m almost flat broke. I don’t have a high school diploma. I’m 24 years old way behind. Some of the jobs that I found are always way too far away. In the past I turned down jobs because I felt I couldn’t do them because of my personality. I would always find jobs like cashiers or waiter, but I just can’t imagine myself doing something like that because I’m too shy. All I can do is keep filling applications and never get hired. What a waste of time. What kind of job do you think I should start looking for?

       - Reader in Houston, TX

Answer: You have to get a GED if you want to get better jobs. I hope you’re not always this negative! I used to be shy too, until I realized that no one cares what I do because they’re too busy living their own lives. No one who knows me now believes that I was ever shy.  Have you ever heard someone say, “Fake it until you make it?”  Act confident and you’ll be confident. 

First – you’re broke and you need a job. Focus on what you can do and try things you haven’t tried. You could work as a busboy while you learn how to be a good waiter.  Waiting tables pays well when you do a good job.

The only thing we can control is our attitude.  My Mother used to tell me to complete one task every day that I didn’t want to do. After you do that everything else will seem easy. You’ve turned down so many opportunities to succeed. You need to cowboy up!

Question: I’m living with my parents while I’m looking for a job, and they always mess up my messages. My Dad told me the other day that he “thought” someone had called for me a couple of days before, but he wasn’t sure who it was or why they called. I can’t very well yell at my Dad for not taking good messages, but I don’t have a cell phone right now, and I need to be able to get messages. I think I’m getting an ulcer. Do you have any suggestions?

       - Reader in Tomball, TX

Answer: It must be tough giving up your independence to live with your folks, but think about it, it’s tough for them, too. They’re used to doing things their own way, and that probably doesn’t include taking messages. Put a pen and pad of paper beside each of the phones, and politely let your parents know that you promise to move as soon as you get a job and a paycheck. Just let them know that the messages they take may give them back a guest room.
 

February 26th, 2010 Edition

Question: I had an interview yesterday and I was asked a question that seemed strange to me. I’m pretty sure that I answered it wrong. They asked me, “What kind of learner are you?” I wasn’t sure if they meant how do I learn best or what, so I said, “I like to watch what my supervisors do and then incorporate their technique into my work.” She looked confused and said that she meant how quickly can I learn when there is a lot of ground to cover. Do you think I messed up?

       - Reader in Dallas, TX

Answer: She just asked the question wrong. She should have asked, “Give me an example of a time that you had to learn a lot in a hurry and then utilize that information.” I don’t think you messed up, I think she must not interview very often and doesn’t know the best way to ask that question.
 

Question: I was in an interview a week ago and the company has called me to ask for personal references. I am still worried about one of the questions that I answered in the interview and wonder if I could call the recruiter and explain my answer. He asked what personal weakness I have. I said that I am a great team member, but I don’t feel confident in a leadership role. I realized that sounded weak, so I added that I coach a rowing team and that experience has made me realize that I can lead when I have confidence. Should I call him and explain what I meant?

       - Reader in Houston, TX

Answer: Your answer sounds fine to me. Companies don’t call to ask for personal references unless they are interested in hiring you. Don’t focus so much on one question and answer. Recruiters are seeing the big picture and the whole interview rather than one moment in the interview.
 

Question: I had a guy read my resume to see if it was okay, and he told me to remove the objective and references. Is he right?

       - Reader in Pasadena, TX

Answer: Yes.

February 19th, 2010 Edition

Question: Hello, I’m wondering if you could answer my question? I’m looking into becoming a medical coder specialist, but I’m worried that they will do a credit check first to pre-employment. Are there companies out there that hire not based on credit? I live in Alabama.

       - Reader in Alabama

Answer: I’ve learned a lot through my research into this field, but I didn’t find the answer to this question. I think that you can be certified even if you have bad credit. It appears that the employer is the one who would be setting their own requirements about credit. You are working with payables, and each Dr. may have her/his own rules. Call the school where you plan to go and ask a counselor if every company checks credit ratings. 

It appears that there are a lot of scams out there, and that you should avoid online classes and work from home offers. Be sure to go with an accredited school to get this certification, and do a lot of research before you commit to a specific school. There are lots of jobs for this field BUT they are very hard to get without a number of years experience.

Question: Dear employer: I am sending you my resume because I am very interested in your job. Please contact me with more information.
Houston Reader

       - Reader in Houston, TX

Answer: Guess what, Sparky: I don’t think you’re interested in that specific job at all because I can see that you have sent this email to a grand total of 29 employers. You included all of their email addresses, so forgive me if I’m not feeling special. These email addresses show me that you aren’t even being picky about the KIND of job you’re seeking or trying to match your experience and skills with a position. As employers, we like to think that you have an actual interest in our company, and when we see that you are simply sending a shotgun response to everyone for every position, we lose interest in you. While I realize that you are probably just trying to show that you are applying for positions so that you won’t lose your unemployment benefits, it’s obvious that you aren’t really trying to get a job. Seriously, do you think I’m going to contact you with more information?  

Question: I need a short term, evening job so that I can look for work in my profession during the day. Do you think I should let the recruiter know that I want to work for only a few weeks?


       - Reader in Houston, TX

Answer: It depends on the job, the company and the recruiter. Play it by ear.

February 12th, 2010 Edition

Question: I’ll bet you’re tired of resume questions, but I haven’t ever had to have a resume before. I’ve always just gotten jobs because I knew someone at the company or I just walked in and interviewed. I want to work at better places and have better jobs now that I’ve finished my Associates Degree at Lone Star College. I’ve attached the resume that I’ve worked up. Can you look at me and tell me what I should do different?

       - Reader in The Woodlands, TX

Answer: A resume is just like a quick snapshot of your work history. It’s used simply to open the door so that you can walk in to the company and impress them. The resume you sent me is full of misspelled words, grammatical errors, and personal information. Go do some research. There are books about writing resumes, there is information online, and your friends should be able to help you – but make sure that they can spell and their grammar is okay. Don’t be lazy about this because it’s important that you do a good job. Remember the door I told you about? That door will be slammed in your face fast if you send a resume like that.


Question: I get so tired of waiting. I have sent resumes to companies, and they say they will get back with me so I wait. They don’t call. I call companies and they say they aren’t hiring anymore, then I go to their location, and I see signs that say “Now Hiring.” I have talked with companies, and they say I don’t have enough experience. I keep having all of these people telling me to be patient and wait, but I need a job. I have started calling back the companies that said they would call me. They either don’t give me any information or they won’t take my messages. I love to work and am a really dedicated worker. What am I doing wrong?

       - Reader in Spring, TX

Answer: I don’t think you’re doing anything wrong. It sounds like you are following-up with the companies and working hard toward getting a job. I know that it’s hard to wait, and I know it gets frustrating. There are a lot of reasons however: When you see a “Now Hiring” sign, it could be for a different position than the one that you wanted. When they don’t return your call, it could be that they are swamped and just can’t call everyone who sent a resume. I’m not making excuses for recruiters, but there are always two sides to every story. You are applying for jobs that your experience doesn’t match because you don’t have enough experience. You have only had two jobs, one was for just a month and the other one was for three years. You have to realize that they are getting scads of resumes from people with the exact experience they need. Keep on keeping on. That’s all you can do. You’ll find something great and begin to build your resume so that they next time you are job searching, you’ll have more options.

February 5th, 2010 Edition

Question: I have been self-employed for a long time and haven’t had a resume. I did one though now because I’m looking for a job in the northwest part of Houston. When I gave my resume to the interviewer, she told me that I made a mistake to put my social security number and driver’s license number on the top of the resume. Is that right? I thought that they needed that info.

       - Reader in Alvin, TX

Answer: Never include personal information in a resume. Never. The company will ask for that information when they need it in the hiring process. Until then, you are just asking for trouble. And speaking of personal information, please don’t include the name of the hospital where you were born, individual names of your family members, and your elementary school. It’s smart to have someone else read it when you finish so that you can be sure that you didn’t say that you are “contentious” when you meant to say “conscientious.”

Question: I am completing my Masters degree in May, and I have an offer in my field for a job in Alaska, that sounds really good. I have asked a lot of questions and feel comfortable with the answers I’ve received. The issue is that it is the first offer that I’ve gotten, and everyone who is advising me seems to think that I should wait to see what other offers I can get before I accept. I don’t want to let this opportunity get away while I look at other jobs. Do you think it’s okay to accept an offer without more interviews?

       - Reader in Dallas, TX

Answer: I know that it’s exciting to have such a cool offer in hand and that it’s tiresome to keep listening to people who want you to be cautious. You have always worked at 2 or more jobs while you’ve been in graduate and undergraduate school – and you’ve maintained a great GPA. In addition, you’ve been involved in college sports. That’s a great example of your perseverance and good judgment. All of that experience means this really isn’t your first rodeo, and you know how to handle employment. In addition, you have covered a lot of issues with the company and their answers have made you confident in what they are offering. Having said all that, I still believe that you need to interview more and do a really close comparison with other positions in Alaska. If you decide that this offer is exactly what you want and that it’s going to give you exactly what you need, ignore all of us and just do what you think is best. But ALASKA???? Good grief, I want you to stay in Texas.

January 29th, 2010 Edition

Question: I’m an unemployed physicist, but I want to work as a data analyst. Most physics positions are funded by grants and are temporary. The high salaries that you see on the Internet are for physicists higher in the food chain than I am.

I got this nice response to a resume for data analyst, but I guess he thinks I’m overqualified for the position: “Thank you for your resume.  You have the mathematical background we need, and I'm glad to see that you’re a Toastmaster, too. I belong to a different chapter. I don’t know if we could keep you challenged, or if our compensation is enough. If you can answer these questions, we might be able to set up an interview.”

Sadly I replied with a very bad email: “Thank you for your consideration.  To alleviate your concerns about “challenging work”; data analysis and graph preparation would keep me engrossed.  The salary you advertised is what I made as a physicist. Thank you for your interest, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.”

I sent it two days ago and still haven’t heard anything. I’m trying to write a recovery email that will help me overcome this bad communication and need help deciding what to say. I also don’t know when to send this letter and would appreciate any help you can offer.

       - Reader in Spring, TX

Answer: His email was warm and welcoming, and yours was icy cold, but It wasn’t all that bad. Pick up the phone and call. Don’t apologize - act like it never happened.  Just talk about Toastmasters or the weather and THEN ask if they are still hiring. Let him see that you have a good personality. Act quickly, and you may be able to salvage this.

Question: I have been interviewing for two months now, and I just don’t get the job. I know that I have a good resume and that I can do the jobs I apply for. What’s going on?

       - Reader in Houston, TX

Answer: I met you on Friday, and I’m just making a wild guess that you don’t dress correctly for your interviews. It’s not a good idea to wear a hat, ragged jeans, a T-shirt with pictures of beer bottles on it, and 6 inch stiletto heels for an interview. I’m sure that you’ve lost the opportunity the minute they see you.

January 22nd, 2010 Edition

Question: How old do you have to be to work in Texas? My son wants to get a job, and he’ll be 15 next month.

       - Reader in Houston, TX

Answer: I checked the Texas State Child Labor Laws and with a few exceptions; it’s illegal to employ a child less than 14 years of age. (One of the exceptions is if your child is a movie actor!) However, there are some permitted occupations for 14 and 15 year olds. They can work in retail, food service, and gasoline service establishments in specific jobs BUT the hours they can work are really limited. I know that both you and he are anxious for him to start working, but you don’t want him to trade his education and his tomorrow for a few dollars today.

Question: Diana, I wanted you to know that I just got a really good job. It’s close to my home and pays the same money that I was making before. I’ll still pick up JobSparx though, because I love your column and Dave Ramsey’s. I’m really happy to be working again and wanted to let you know.

       - Reader in Houston, TX

Answer: I am so glad to hear from you and am really happy that you got a job that fits you so well. You’re a really hard worker and always give 100%. I know the company will be happy they hired you.

Question: Why do some companies use “blind” ads? It makes me mad that I can’t tell who is advertising. What are they hiding?

Answer: Companies run blind ads for a lot of different reasons. Sometimes the search is confidential because someone is being replaced. Sometimes it is a sensitive position, and the company is using a headhunter. Sometimes they want to review resumes and not have to field a ton of calls – they’ll call only people who actually qualify. AND if someone in the company answers the ad, they’ll know that person is not happy. Most blind ads are used to save time and effort on the part of the recruiter.

January 15th, 2010 Edition

Question: I’ve been looking for a job here in Alabama and have had absolutely no luck. One of my friends told me that Houston is a good job market, and I should move there. What do you think? Is Houston a better job market than Birmingham, Alabama?

       - Reader in Birmingham, AL

Answer: Yes, it is. I saw a list called The 10 Hardest Cities in Which to Find a Job, and Birmingham was ranked number 9. Houston has not been as impacted by the recession, but everything depends on your skills and experience. You don’t want to just move here and be unemployed in a strange city. Do you know anyone in Houston? If you do, find out if you can stay with them while you job search (make that a short stay so you’ll still be friends when this is over!) Do your homework ahead of time by researching jobs – www.JobSparx.com – sending resumes and talking with recruiters. Arrange a number of interviews so that your time in Houston will be productive. Let me know how you do.

Question: It’s practically impossible to get a job in this economy. What hints do you have? I’ve been sending my resume to every single ad that I see, and I’m not getting any call backs. I’m getting depressed.

       - Reader in Dallas, TX

Answer: You are depressing yourself by applying for jobs you can’t get. You have to apply for the jobs that are at a fit for your experience and skills. My Goddaughter, who is graduating with a Masters Degree in Speech Pathology, has job offers in hand as we speak – of course she applied only for Speech Pathology jobs. If you are sending your resume to everybody and her dog, you’re not going to get a response. If I’m advertising for a Rocket Scientist, I’m not going to respond to a rock singer. If I’m advertising for an Electrical Engineer, I’m not going to hire an electrician. READ the ad. If you are qualified, respond. If you are not qualified, move on to the next ad. This is going to save you a lot of frustration and get you more real responses.

Question: I’m getting ready to retire after 30 years as a chemical engineer, but I really don’t want to stop working. I don’t have hobbies, and I think I’d go crazy not working. I might want to work just part time. Do you think there are opportunities out there for a 57 year old guy?

       - Reader in Houston, TX

Answer: Sure there are. Companies love experience, and you’ve got that. You must have lots of contacts in the industry. Contact some of them to see what’s shaking. Just remember that you have the time to find exactly what you want.

January 1st, 2010 Edition

Question: Can you be an ultrasound tech if you have a misdemeanor?

         -Reader from Great Falls, Montana

Answer: I don’t know.  It’s difficult to research the regulations for Ultrasound Technicians in Montana.  The best bet is to contact the Montana Board of Medical Examiners.  They regulate Acupuncturists, EMT’s, Nutritionists, Physicians (including Residents), Physician’s Assistants, and Podiatrists.  The State Radiology Board  might regulate Ultrasound, but their web page shows Radiology.  If I were you, I would call a Montana commissioner’s office and ask them if you have a problem.  And then I would resolve to stay out of trouble.

Question: I know the job market is tough right now, but I have decided that my 2010 New Year’s resolution is to get out of this job and find a new one.  I will stay until about March because we get our 2009 bonuses in February instead of January.  I’ve been here for three years and have been unhappy for the last year and half.  That’s when we got a new manager who does not respect any of his employees.  He talks to everyone like he’s a king or something.  I was promoted in September and have to work with him more closely than before, and he’s driving me crazy.  When should I give my notice?

Answer: You give notice when you have a new job.  Remember that you owe your current company your best work while you are on their payroll – keep on doing a good job.  You have to go on interviews, but play fair – don’t lie to get time off (don’t tell them you’re sick).  Use your vacation days to interview – you won’t need them if you’re leaving the company.  Get your resume updated and don’t discuss your move with ANYONE at work.  Even friends with the best intentions will spill the beans.  You might end up without a job if your boss finds out that you’re looking for something else. 

Question: I graduate in May 2010 with a BS in Chemical Engineering and am getting anxious about starting to search for a job.  Is it too early for me to start looking?

Answer: It’s not too early, but you’ll have to find companies that can wait that long before you start.  It might be a good idea to get a part-time job with a company that wants to hire you full-time after you graduate.  Congrats on the BSChE!
 

December 18th, 2009 Edition

Season’s Greetings:
One of the real joys of the Holiday Season is the opportunity to say
Thank You to our readers.
Celebrate Each Day!

Happy Holidays from Diana and all of us at JobSparx.

Question: I am a first class petty officer in the Navy with 10 years in. I have an AS degree in automotive applied sciences. I have held a TS clearance and was on a submarine for 4 years as a FT2 (Fire Control Technician). Then I was on a destroyer for 2 years as a QM1
(Quartermaster). Now I work security as a patrolman on NSA Norfolk naval base. My EAOS is June 18, 2010 and I would be able to start a new job in late May. I am interested in all positions that I may qualify for.

            -Reader from Norfolk, Virginia
        
Answer: Your experience translates into several different civilian occupations. One of the best websites that I found is www.acinet.org/acinet/moc  which is sponsored by the US Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration and translates your military job into jobs for civilians. They also have www.CareerOneStop.org/MilitaryTransition . I also like the GI Jobs website, www.gijobs.com , which includes advice about how to use your terminal leave the most effectively.

In addition to these resources, you can visit Military OneSource at www.militaryonesource.com  or call 1-800-342-9647. This is a no cost, Department of Defense website for active duty military.
If you are interested in offshore positions here on the Texas coast, you can find jobs operating Semisubmersibles, Drillships and Jackup rigs and other similar jobs by researching Houston-based drilling companies.

If I find any more information, I’ll email it to you. Good luck and thank you for your service.

Question: My boss is so difficult that everyone in the industry automatically asks me how I’m doing and how it’s possible for me to work with her. The odd thing is that she and I get along fine. I’m a trader in a crude oil and natural gas transportation company and have been in this industry for years. I already knew her reputation before I came here and was nervous, but she’s been great to me. When I tell people that I like her, they always imply that I’m just a “teacher’s pet.” Actually they use less polite language, and it’s starting to get to me. How do I handle this?

Answer: Wow, you say they use “less polite language.” I had to clean up your question just a little and wonder how much more impolite the language could be than the language you included! Let your detractors know that you are aware that your boss is regarded as difficult. You just need to tell them, “I know her reputation, and I know she can be a pain. I also know that she and I work well together.”

December 11th, 2009 Edition

Question: Pre employment background check: Do they check your driving record and would a failure to appear hurt your chances of getting hired?
 
         -Reader from Montgomery, Alabama

Answer: There must be a lot of background checks going on right now. Usually your driving record is checked. Whether a “failure to appear” would hurt your chances is strictly up to the hiring company.

Question: I was trained to be a shipboard fireman when I was in the military. What jobs would be a good match for that experience? Also, I had a misdemeanor before I went into the military and got deferred adjudication, and it didn’t keep me out of the Navy. I have one other misdemeanor for trespassing that I got after I left the Navy, but that was really a misunderstanding. Do you think these minor things will keep me from getting a job?

Answer: Your experience can be used by offshore marine companies and your fire-fighting experience would probably give you a good start on a job with a municipal Fire Department. Any company that runs a background check will uncover the misdemeanors. You need to face this head-on and tell the company that you have two misdemeanors and a little bit about the offenses. Recruiters hear these stories every day, and the decision is made based on company policy and the nature of the offense. If you wait to explain until after the background check, it will look like you’re trying to hide it (and it really can’t be hidden.) I know that it’s sometimes hard to talk about something like this but handling it the right way will give you answers sooner and make your job search more worry-free. Thank you for your military service.
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Question: I am a Professional Engineer and have never been without a job since I left college. In fact, I’ve worked at only two companies in the last 20 years. I’ve been at my current company for 17 years and have been promoted 4 times. I’m hearing rumblings that sound like layoffs may be coming, and I’m a little panicked. I don’t know the first thing about looking for a job, and I feel that I would be at a real disadvantage against new graduates because they would have lower salary expectations. What would you do to get ready for this layoff?

Answer: Congratulations on your great career for the last 20 years! Where are you hearing these rumblings? Go to someone who is in a decision-making position and ask if the rumors are true. Many times people who are in the “know” don’t want to give that information, but since you have been there for so long, I’m sure that you have great relationships with management. You wouldn’t be competing with new grads because your position is not an entry-level one. You would be competing with others at your pay scale. It would be a good idea to get a resume together and start contacting recruiters who work in your industry. They will know if there are opportunities and which opportunities would fit you. Don’t panic until it’s time to panic.

If you have any questions about interviewing, hiring, or work, just email Ask Diana. I’d love to hear from you.

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