Employers, Are You Felony Friendly?

Part 2: Felon Friendly? (Hiring and Criminal Backgrounds)


Who does this blog apply to? Whether you’re an employer faced with the decision regarding hiring an applicant with a criminal background, or you’re the one out looking for work with the felony on your record, there’s information in this blog that pertains to you. I’m going to list several very good arguments as to why you shouldn’t automatically pass over that application when you see a yes in answer to the question, “Have you ever been convicted of a felony”? And again, if that’s you and your application, these points, when explained to your potential employer, may help sway his decision as to choosing you.

In a perfect world, we’d like to think we would judge and applicant based on the ability they show regarding the skills needed to perform the job proficiently. And that once a person has ‘paid their debt’ to society, they become at least somewhat forgiven, at least enough to be given a second chance to redeem themselves. But, what happens when there are two applicants applying for the same position, both have the same qualifications and skills required, and all other things being equal, with the exception of one of them was convicted of a felony in the past and the other has no criminal past? In most cases, I think it’s safe to say we have a pretty good idea who’s getting hired. So, now let’s present some valid reasons for that same employer to consider before they make that choice. Again, these are good points to work into your ‘sales pitch’ when you interview or apply, as well as if you’re and employer and have reservations about putting that ‘ex-con’ on your payroll.

Why Should I Hire You??
The first and usually most overlooked benefit of hiring an ex-convict is that they’re eager and hungry to work. Chances are, they have a lot of motivation and desire to re-enter the work force. Terms of their parole or probation require most ex-convicts to either be employed full time or enrolled in school. And once they find employment, they not only have their own personal reasons to succeed, but most likely will be reporting to a parole officer, informing them of where they are employed and the days and hours they work. Most parole officers follow up on this information and periodically check up on their ‘clients’ to see how they’re performing at their job, and to check attendance. Prior to ‘hitting the streets’, most of those who were incarcerated learned some kind of trade, attended training programs designed not only to make them more educated, but also more employable. And not only are these applicants hungry for work, they often know the importance of keeping that job, and aren’t as likely to take it for granted, as your average citizen might do. And finally, they know beforehand that chances are, they’re going to be starting at the bottom of the organizational chain and working up.

As I mentioned, many receive training and education while incarcerated. The range of subjects and work related areas that they may have been exposed to could be anywhere from personal fitness training, assembly work, painting, HVAC, computer software programs, sewing, electrical, just to name a few, not to mention the transferable skills that are often overlooked and under-utilized. Many develop a strong understanding of authority from their incarceration, and have developed an above average ability for coping with stressful situations and environments.

Incentives for the employer
Let’s move away from the personal attributes of the applicant and present a different type of incentive for the employer. Money. An often overlooked, (and under-used) benefit is something known as the ‘Work Opportunity Tax Credit’. This is a tax credit that can be applied to employers who choose to hire certain classifications of people, which in this case is a felon or “an individual who was convicted of a felony and who is hired not more than one year after the conviction or release from prison”. This can be a tax credit of up to $2,400.00 per adult hired. (The same as the tax credit for hiring veterans of the armed forces). This gives an immediate contribution to an employer’s “bottom line” by providing employers with a federal tax break. Additional information regarding this can be found at the U.S. Department of Labor website (www.doleta.gov). I suggest, if you’re out there looking for work, to plan ahead and bring the completed forms with you when seeking work. This gives the employer an opportunity to not only recognize the benefits firsthand, but also shows incentive and follow-through on your part and that you’re ‘on the ball’.

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Another, lesser known program available is a Federal Bonding program which may provide the employer with a short term liability bond of up to $25,000 at NO COST to the employer. These bonds are designed to protect employers from the possibility of theft or dishonesty on the part of an ex-felon, and when combined with the Tax Credit, they can make a very appealing and compelling case for not automatically passing over an applicant just because they answered ‘yes’ when asked about having a past felony.

The United States Department of Labor has also recognized the importance of ex-offenders finding employment, as well as the hardships involved in getting hired. They’ve developed a program called “The Reintegration of Ex-Offenders – Adult Program (RExO), which, formerly was known as the Prisoner Reentry Initiative (PRI), and it’s designed to “strengthen urban communities through an employment-centered program that incorporates mentoring, job training, and other comprehensive transitional services”. Grants are available through this program as well. For more information, please visit the Department of Labor website at: http://www.doleta.gov/RExO/eta_default.cfm. You’ll also find a link on there that for more information on the grants that have been awarded under this project. The National Reentry Resource Center (http://www.doleta.gov/RExO/eta_default.cfm) offers a compressive listing of not only available programs and services for those seeking reentry into the work force, but also has information regarding various government programs that employers can access the gives additional incentives for hiring ex-felons and recently incarcerated individuals. One example is the “Second Chance Act” which was passed into law in 2008, which helps train individuals in technology-based jobs and careers during the three-year period before their release.

In the final part of this blog, we’re going to look at the important connection between recidivism and employment, the effects it has on the community and a few examples of companies that have extensively been active in putting ex-felons back to work and the success they’ve had.

Written by: Scott Free

The opinions of the writer and this blog are not necessairly the opinions of

Absolute Know It All.

For more information on finding, or posting jobs, please visit: www.absoluteknowitall.com

Felon-Friendly?  Or Not?

            As an employer, or someone in a position to hire, would you consider yourself, or your firm or company policy to be described as ‘Felon-Friendly’? As a job seeker, if you happen to have a background that  includes criminal convictions (misdemeanor or felony), I’m sure  you don’t need to be told how big an obstacle that can be to overcome, or about the brick wall you hit that stops you cold, without ever having  the  opportunity to discuss the matter. So, whether you’re an employer faced with having to make the choice of hiring an applicant with a felony in their past, or you’re out there looking for work and your past is making it more difficult, I believe after reading this blog, you’ll have a better understanding of the problems this can be for either party, and hopefully I’ll give you some food for thought regarding how this effects both sides. Originally, this was going to be directed towards employers and the decision regarding hiring ‘ex-cons’. But because of my past and the experiences I’ve had regarding this matter, I’ve decided to address the issue from the perspective of both sides, because when I was out looking for work, I never considered anything other than the effect it had on my ability to get hired, never from the  employers point  of view. And  I’d be willing to bet if you’re in a position to make  the decision regarding who gets hired, you most likely don’t know what it’s like to be in the shoes  of someone trying  to get  hired that  has that felony in his past.

The Big Question on the application

            I can empathize with those of you who have a ‘not-so-desirable’ past. Especially when you get to that dreaded question that’s on every application: “Have you pled guilty or been convicted of a felony in the past 7 years”? (There are many variations of that question, I’ve come across the wording to include misdemeanors, not including minor traffic violations, as well as having it ask if you’ve EVER been convicted…)While some of these variants are worded to narrowly and others are too broad and ambiguous, they all boil down to the same thing – a big hurdle that you have to deal with.

            I understand, from an employer’s point of view, the  need and desire to know what kind of person you’re about to hire, your concerns about keeping your workplace safe, as well as the  potential for legal problems should the hiring decision result in harm. Checking criminal records of the applicant demonstrates Due Diligence, as opposed to negligent hiring were no background check is ever conducted, and because of that, unforeseen problems could have been avoided.

           

My Story

            I’ve had to address that question quite a few times after being released from prison, and believe me, even though  there’s a little box for you to explain (in detail) the circumstance of your criminal history, (should you have answered ‘yes’ to the  previous question), I’ve found  it to be almost  impossible to adequately do so. In my case, I had both State and Federal convictions, and after doing 60 months of incarceration, I was released in 2001. I found that little ‘explanation box’ wasn’t even big enough for me to list my convictions, let alone try to  describe them in the least damaging light. What where my charges, I’m sure you might be wondering. Well, for the State, I had Attempted Assault 1 and an Arson in the first degree.  My Federal conviction was under the description of: ‘Unlawful possession of an un-registered explosive device (ie: a pipe bomb). So, instead of even trying to figure out how to list my crimes as well as giving a detailed explanation or description, I usually wrote: “Not enough room to adequately and properly explain my past”. That usually got me an opportunity  to talk face to face with  someone about it, whereas otherwise I  doubt my  application  would  have  gotten  any  further  then the  closest trash can. At this point, you’ll have the opportunity to  discuss the  matter and it’s going to be up to you  to put it in the  best possible light and to sell yourself.      

            Whenever possible, when given an application to fill out, or even if I have to complete it before talking with the person doing the interview or hiring, I go directly to the  question regarding my arrests and say something like this: “This question here, regarding whether I’ve ever been convicted  of a felony…….Let’s talk about that first, because if that ends up being a deal-breaker for you, I don’t want to waste your  time, because I’m sure it’s valuable, and I certainly don’t have the time to waste;  because  I  need to be spending mine on getting  hired, and if it’s  not going to be here, then I need to be on my way  to my next interview.” The other advantage of approaching it this way, is instead of trying to cram an explanation into a small box using 2 or 3 sentences explaining my charges, I’m now in a much better position to be  able to have some control as to  where this  conversation goes. Plus, I find, if  I’m the one to bring the matter up, and I’m that  up front about it and not trying to hide it, I’m showing  that I’ve taken  responsibility for  my  past actions, and the  openness about it goes a long way with a much more  desirable result. I’d usually explain what I  was convicted  of, and before they get the chance to ask,  and then tell them the honest truth:  It was during  a time in my life that I wasn’t making  good choices, (obviously), that I  wasn’t the most enjoyable period in my life, including being  incarcerated, that  I  wasn’t angry  or bitter, and that I’ve taken the opportunity  to have made numerous changes during that time and I’m confidant  I’m not  going to be repeating  those mistakes again and now it’s time for  me to put that part of my life behind me, make positive choices and become a ‘productive member of society’.

            You might  be thinking, with the severity of my crimes and  having  both  State and Federal, convictions, I  wouldn’t be  able to get  a job at McDonalds. And you wouldn’t be that far from the truth. I’ve found that the larger corporations were absolutely the hardest to get hired.at, and I learned real quickly not to waste my time there. Instead, when I was given the opportunity to actually talk with the person making the hiring decision, I had about an 80% success rate, if not better. Prior to the economy going south and the  housing  market crashing, I  had a position as a Computer Aided Drafter, (which, by  the  way,  was a trade I learned in prison), that paid $57k a year. I know finding a job in this economy is a bitch, and having  a felony on your  record makes  it harder, but it doesn’t  make  it impossible.

Part 2 of this blog will address the question:  “Why should I hire YOU”?

This will provide you with some  very useful  tips and information’s regarding improving your  chances of landing that job, and if you’re an employer reading  this, I’m going  to point out some very convincing reasons  as to why you’d want that  guy with the  felony on your payroll. Including a tax credit of over $2000, as well as recidivism and the connection it has to employment, and how this affects the community, in which you live. Stay tuned….

Written by:  Scott Free

The above is not necessairly the opinions fo Absolute Know It All.  Please visit us at:
http://www.absoluteknowitall.com/

Internships For High School Students: Getting Ahead in Your Career

By Lily Henderson

We are asked from a very young age what we want to be when we grow up. Our parents and teachers don't really expect us to know what we want to do for the rest of our life, but that doesn't seem to stop them from asking. Most of our answers are far fetched and unrealistic (I think my answer was that I wanted to be a princess). As I got older I really didn't give much thought as to what I wanted to be "when I grew up," not until my freshman year in college was I forced to make the decision to choose a major. At the time I chose nursing because several of my friends had chosen nursing. I never gave it a second thought as to whether or not I wanted to be a nurse. I figured it was wise to go into a profession that seemed to be recession-proof. After graduating with my degree, passing the licensing exam, and began looking for work did I realize that I absolutely had no desire to be a nurse. What had I done? All of this education was a waste. I often wondered, if I had taken more seriously their question of what I wanted to be when I grew up, could I have set forth the motions to get there far sooner than three weeks after college graduation?

Laying the Ground Work

I have been a writer since I was 5 years old. And before I could write the words down I would tell stories for hours to anyone who would listen. Creativity has flowed from my fingers for longer than I can remember. When I had told my mother that I had chosen nursing as my major in college she was shocked. She thought that I would have chosen Journalism, or at the very least, English. But I never thought that it was practical to make a living as a writer. I had heard the term "starving artist" enough time to know that I didn't want to wait until after my death to be recognized for my literary contributions. If only I had laid the ground work beforehand I could have been published before even leaving high school.

The first step is to answer the age old question: what do you want to be when you grow up? Its okay to be unsure of what you want to be, or even to be unsure of what you would excel at. Discovering what you are good at may take some time to figure out. When I took the first few steps from transitioning from nursing to a career in sales, and then to a career in writing, each step was a far greater challenge for me than what it would have been had I prepared myself beter for the future. If I would have taken the queues from my childhood I would have known to begin looking for intership opportunities at the local paper or newsroom, or any place I could have been able to find experience in writing and the publication process.. Interniships are successful in preparing you for your future because it allows you to find your niche, the career field for which you would be most successful.

Opportunity Favors Those Who Prepare Themselves

When planning for your future you will find greater opportunities come your way if you are the one with more experience. The most challenging thing that I found when I first became a writer was that the compitition was stiff. Agencies and Corporations where hiring for entry-level positions and wouldn't even offered an interview to anyone without a portfolio. If this was an entry level position, why was I expected to have enough experience to have a portfolio? Thats when I realized: I wasn't prepared. I had to start from the bottom and work my way up, and "entry-level" was NOT the bottom. Before attempting to apply for another position I began to compile some of my work. I was surprised in the areas in which I already had writing experience. In sales I was often required to create my own marketing collateral. I had even found sales letters I had written that were perfect for my portfolio. It wasn't until I had put together all of my work that I realized that I had already been a writer, I just wasn't getting paid for it directly. I offered my writing services at no charge for a few small businesses in my local area so that I could continue to add to my portfolio. After I was confident that I had the portfolio that might just land me an interview for work as a writer I put myself back on the market, and before I could even get an interview I was hired for my first paying, freelance gig. The snowball rolled down hill from there. I never did land the corporate job, but I have been able to find consistant work for myself, and in this economy, I count that as a success. It was more of a struggle than it needed to be, but that was simply because I hadn't started early enough. I hadn't gotten an intership that would have taught me the skills necessary to advance more quickly in my field.

Volunteer Work is Experience Too

Another great way to find out what it is that you may want to do as a career would be to volunteer. Local orginizations are always looking for someone who can donate some time, and in exchange offer valuable work experience. Any job that involves dealing with the population, whether paid or unpaid, teaches you customer service skills, and fundamental qualification that almost ALL employers look at in a potential candidate.

Volunteering is valuable for more reasons than just the experience that you gain from on-site training. It looks good to college admissions boards as well as potential employers. It allows you to fill your resume with experience, and skills, and provides you with a way to network yourself, long before you are even ready to join the work force.

When planning for your future you must consider the big picture. You don't have to get paid for learning certain skills to be able to reap the benefits of learning those skills. Whether you are working as an intern or as a volunteer the responsibilities that you take on in that position can offer you fundamental skills required to be better prepared in the future. Finding internship programs aren't difficult. You may ask yourself where would be a good place to begin looking these opportunities. High school guidence counselors will have information about internship programs offered to local students. There are even websites dedicated to finding these programs for students as well. You could even talk to your parents about opportunites offered at their place of employment. There are many different programs offered, you just have to take the initiative to put yourself in a position to be better qualified then the compitition that you will soon face when entering the work force.
　
　
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Teen Jobs: Finding Your First Job

By Lily Henderson

In many of my articles I have discussed how to market yourself by using your work history and educational background to secure just the right job. But what about people who have never had a job before? Looking for a job without any work history can seem like a challenge. For teens the idea of finding your first job may not seem that difficult, but many teens find themselves stuck babysitting or lawn mowing waiting to land their first minimum wage job. It may seem overwhelming when you have had no experience in a workplace, have never been through an interview, and don't know how to write a resume, or even if a resume is necessary. You may ask your parents for advice, but do they really know what its like to look for a first job in this economy? It isn't as simple as going down to the corner store and asking for a job, like when they were young. Even the laws are more strict about teens having a job than when your parents were young. Each state varies, but nationally kids between the ages of 14-16 are only allowed to work a few hours a day, and never more than 18 hours a week. Teens between the ages of 16 to 18 can work longer hours, but cannot sell alcohol, firearms, or tobacco. With all of these obstacles, teens find themselves asking, "how do I go about finding my first job?"

The problem that many teens face in this generation is that with a less than booming economy a lot of the minimum wage job are being filled with adults who are willing to earn less money for the sake of bringing in some kind of income. This means that jobs that were generally reserved for teens are now being filled with adults. The national unemployment rate is currently 9.2% which is the highest it has been in decades, but don't be discouraged teens, there are still employers that look to hire only teens.

Where To Find Work

Many employers who hire teens aren't looking for people with years of job experience, they are looking for a body to fill a position so that their business can operate. So who is it that hires teens? Fast Food Restaurants are probably the first thing that somes to mind. When I was a teenager I knew that I didn't want to work a job at a fast food restaurant. I didn't want to come home smelling of griddle grease and fryer oil. So I drove around, looking for signs reading "now hiring" and stopped in and filled out an application. I must have filled out a dozen applications with no luck. After only a few weeks of searching I found my first job, working in the front office of the local roller skating rink.

So, besides fast food, where else do they hire teens? Amusement parks, books stores, casual dining restaurants, coffee shops, movie theaters, retail stores, summer camps, and for those who live in or near a rural area, you can even find work as a farm-hand. Liepold Farms in Boring, Oregon hires teens year round to handle the more menial tasks of farming. If you have trouble finding a job just turn to the world wide web, the one HUGE benefit teens of this generation have that even the teens of the most previous generation did not. There are website that specialize in teen employment, and list all the local jobs for teens. Hireteen.com and snagajob.com have a section for teen employment, and soon absoluteknowitall.com will have an entire section dedicated to teens, with help on finding a job, good internship ideas for teens, and preparing yourself for the future. As for anyone who is looking for a job, the key to success is research.

"Do I Really Need a Resume?"

Sometimes when looking for work it doesn't take much research, but it is important to be prepared. Many first time job seekers don't believe that they need a resume, or think that because they have nothing to put on their resume that it is better not to have one at all. This is not true. It is important to have a resume. True, you may not need it to get that fast food job, because they are going to have you fill out their standard application, but being prepared with a resume tells the employer one thing: This job seeker put some effort into finding a job, meaning they will put in some effort into the position when hired for the job. Walking into an establishment with a resume will never hurt your chances of getting the job, so being prepared to present one to the prospective employer is always a good idea.

The question now is what do you put in your first resume? We know that having a printed resume will set you apart from the crowd, even if you have no work experience, because it allows you to showcase the things about you that you want to employer to remember about you. Even if your only experience is babysitting it is important for you, as a teen to list the work you have done. Emphasize the skills you learned, challenges you faces, and solutions you used to overcome these challenges. Think of your resume as an advertisement of you and your abilities, strengths, and work ethics.

The Interview

Now that you have done the research, know where you want to apply, and have some idea on how to display your qualifications, the interview is the next crucial step to obtaining your first job. Appearance is the most crucial element at this point in finding a job. Whether you have decided to get a job at a fast food restaurant or the local mall you must look professional, even for a non-professional job interview. You don't need a suit and tie, but it is important to be well groomed, well dressed, and look presentable. In many cases, teen jobs consist of positions that are the "face" of the business. Who do you see when ordering that extra large bucket of popcorn at the movie theater? Probably the kid from science class who always smells like cheese. But take a look at him now, groomed, in his uniform, being polite and prompt. Why do you think that he was able to secure a job? (And maybe you understand now why he always smells like cheese.)

Following Up

This is probably the most important part of getting a job. Employers are looking for candidates who have the ability to follow up with customers, because it shows a willingness to get involved and be responsible. Always make a follow up call or get in touch with the potential employer. Usually, it's best to wait about a week to make a call, and when you do, make sure to get on the phone with the person who will be hiring. Don't rely on someone else to leave the right message for you.

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Education Vs. Experience: Making The Grade

By Lily Henderson

A debate has gone on for years about the importance of an education verses real world job experience. Many people are convinced that they will not be considered for a job that they want to apply for because the job posting states that they want someone with a Bachelor’s degree. While we all know that you won’t be able to become a doctor, or lawyer, or even a Certified Nurses Aid or Paralegal without some form of education, however, in most industries there is some leniency as to the requirements. Education vs. experience can be debated by both sides endlessly, but much like the topics of religion or politics, the answer is just as obscure; it depends on the one making the decision.

The Importance of Experience

When I first graduated from college I thought that I would be getting job offers left and right, almost effortlessly. I graduated from a university, I had my degree in hand, along with all of the knowledge that I had obtained. I had a solid work history as a server, with recommendation letters from both my employer and the Dean from the university. I just knew that someone would hire me immediately. I based this on the experience my sister had when she graduated from college. The difference between me and my sister was that she had gone to a trade school to become a paralegal.

My sister had earned an Associate of Arts degree as a paralegal, making her slightly more marketable than a paralegal with only a trade certificate (also sufficient to become a paralegal in the state of Oregon). Yet it wasn’t her degree that helped her land her first position as a paralegal, it was the on-the-job internship required for graduation. That was something that my fancy four year university had not required. The lawyer that she worked with for her internship offered her the job before she had even graduated, and she has been working with the same lawyer for more than 10 years. I, on the other hand, worked as a server for a year and a half after graduation before I landed my first professional position. What was the difference between me and my sister? Experience.

Education: The Sound Investment

I can make the same argument for education. When I began looking for work after graduation I had begun to apply for jobs that were only in my field of study, health science. As time wore on, and I greatly desired a professional career verses my current serving job, I contacted the career counselor I had worked with briefly before graduating from the university. I asked him what I should do about finding a job. He cited the falling economy and rising unemployment rate, which in 2004 was only 5.5%, compared to the national unemployment rate of 9% today. He said that I would need to apply for jobs outside of my field of study. I was confused. Why spend tens of thousands of dollars on an education if a degree didn’t matter? That’s when he corrected me; it wasn’t that education isn’t important; he wanted me to understand that I wasn’t limited to jobs in science.

When I expanded my job search to include other fields I found that I was going on a lot more interviews, and eventually landed my first professional job. I was hired as a Customer Relations Specialist for a co-op buying program for independent restaurant owners; a job that had absolutely nothing to do with my education, but that I never would have been considered for if I hadn’t graduated with a Bachelor’s degree.

What Employers Look For From a College Graduate

The main reason why an employer would list that they are looking for someone with a college degree is that the position they look to fill requires it; as in the case of doctors, lawyers, accountant, etc. Yet, there are more positions that don’t necessarily require a degree, but the employer wouldn’t consider anyone without an education, as in my case with my first professional position. This is based on the personal bias of the employer. They believe that someone with an education would make a better applicant because it proves that the individual has a proven ability to analyze problems and produce solutions, has the ability to learn complex subject matter, and has drive, motivation, and better interpersonal skills. They tend to believe that having a degree proves intelligence, and ensures the applicant has more credible qualifications.

We all know, however, that this is just personal biases that the employer has, and does not necessarily define one’s ability and qualifications to be successful at the job they are seeking. So, take the time to properly identify the required abilities, knowledge and skills necessary for the position, and make sure that your experience proves more valuable by reflecting these qualifications. Make sure that your resume reflects these skills, regardless of your education. Apply for the position, even if it states that it requires a degree, and if given an interview, sell yourself on your experience. If the topic of education does come up bring the employers attention back to your experience and qualifications. You could even pose the question: Do you really think I am any less qualified because my education comes from on-the-job experience?

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Negotiating For A Better Salary

A “How To” Series on Marketing Yourself to Employers

By Lily Henderson

How much are you worth? Have you determined your value yet? If you are unemployed it is easy to feel worthless, but that is a cop-out. By determining that you are worthless, you are stating that IF you ever find a job again, you will work for any amount of money they will pay you, even if it were under the table at the median income of a third world country. I know that it can be challenging to put a dollar amount on your worth, but what it truly takes is some research.

Along with your research you must also consider the other factors that impact your salary, besides your work history and educational background. These factors include where you live, what field you are in, the size of the company you work for (or will be working for), and especially how well you can “sell” yourself to the employer. While it may not seem fair, you will be judged by the person interviewing you, based on personality. So when determining your worth you must evaluate every factor that establishes your worth.

What Factors Determine Your Worth?

In my article last week, “How To Estimate Your Worth” I discussed figuring out how much you need to earn to pay your bills, reflecting on what your experience is worth, and the importance of being honest about your background. It’s easy to know how much you need to make, and it shouldn’t be too difficult for you to be honest. But what can you do to translate your experience into your true worth? Salary survey web sites can be helpful when looking for this information. Another great tool would be to talk to other people in the same field.

Discover what the difference in pay scale between entry, senior and executive level positions. How many years do you have to be in a position before you are no longer considered “entry-level?” Or do you only move up after receiving a curtain number of achievements within that position? These answers can vary greatly, usually depending on the company you work for, and which position within that company that you hold. If you are unemployed, just review your resume, and reflect on how long you spent at your last position. How did you grow within that position? What additional skills and experience did you gain with your time with that company? Do you now have the know-how to move up from an entry-level position to a senior-level, or to an executive position? Don’t underestimate yourself. If you have spent 5 or more years at any one position, or combination of two different positions in the same field, you probably have the experience to move up to the next professional level. The only thing left is to convince yourself that you are worth it, and begin applying for those positions. You may just surprise yourself with the results.

Evaluate Your Position

To evaluate your position you first need to ask yourself what you bring to the table. The best way to do this is to assess your professional progress. Have you received any positive work evaluations, or exceeded any goals? Have you received any awards or special recognitions? These are the things you should be documenting. Keep them in your employment file, and when it comes time for your job search and interview you will have this information readily available to let the employer know that you have the evidence to back up why you feel that you are worth that salary you will be asking for.

The Power of Networking

When I first began to work as a freelance writer one of the toughest things I had to do was to determine how much I should charge my clients for my writing services. I bought a few books on how to make it as a writer, and each of the books I read had a “price list” of services, each differing vastly. One book was written by an author from New York City, another from Chicago. I knew that I would not be able to command the same fees that these other writers were asking. Not to mention, I was an entry-level freelance writer. While my work history had given me many opportunities to grow as a writer, I had absolutely no idea what each service should cost for my client. I overcame this by speaking to other writers in my area. I was amazed at how forthcoming they were with the information, thinking they would view me as their competition. However, they were all more than willing to help, and several writers recommended me for assignments that they knew they wouldn’t have the time to complete before their client’s deadline. It was a great way for me to network with others in my field.

The Art of Negotiating

“Let’s get down to the brass tax.” My favorite line from the movie, Bruce Almighty. While I know it was a popular adage long before Bruce Almighty hit the big screen, every time I read it I hear Jim Carrey’s voice repeat those words, with the character expression that only he has mastered. If you haven’t seen the movie, I strongly recommend it. Not for its power of negotiations, but simply for its humor and lessons of good will. Yet, the character Jim Carrey portrayed was one of a push-over, knocked around by life until “God” gave him some of His heavenly power, at which time the character suddenly had the confidence to get the big promotion he had been longing for. Was it his sudden boost of power, or was it his new found confidence that was his power. Now the moral to that story was not how to negotiate, but some of the lessons are still good ones to take away from the movie.

Timing is one of the most essential aspect to consider when negotiating your salary. If you are making this negotiation at the time they offer you the position the employer is anticipating, in most cases, that you may want to ask for more than what they have listed as the approved salary for the position. This is when you should bring up your professional achievements. But it is important to first discuss the job before bringing up the salary. Once you have negotiated the job, that is when you should start negotiating salary.

If the employer has not yet discussed the salary for this position it is perfectly acceptable for you to ask the question, “how much is the salary for this position?” Employers don’t expect you to work for free, yet so many people will leave an interview, even a second interview, and have no idea what the pay is for the position for which they just interviewed. Some employers will even use this as a test. If an employee never mentions salary, when it does come time to discuss the pay the employer already has it in his mind that you will take whatever number he throws out. Take a little initiative, and ask how much they think the position is worth. You may find they are willing to pay you more than you expected, but in most cases you will be worth more than the price they quote you. Before throwing out another number, ask, “is there room for negotiations?” If the salary is set in stone, having been voted on by a board of trustees, then you can move on to discussing the benefits package. But if there seems that there is room to negotiate the employer will follow your question with another question. Most likely, “Well, what were you thinking the salary should be?” Again, be careful. You don’t want to be the first person to throw out a number. This would be the perfect time to mention your achievements. Site specific reasons why you are worth more than what they are offering, without putting a price tag on your work.

Also, you should never be afraid to turn down a job offer. Just as you shouldn’t take a job that you are overqualified for, you should not take less than what you are worth. Set a “walk-away” amount, and know that you can NOT work for anything less. You are a professional, and should be paid accordingly.

Visit http://www.absoluteknowitall.com/ for the latest job postings in your area.

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How To Estimate Your Worth

A “How To’ Series on Marketing Yourself to Employers

By Lily Henderson

In my article last week I touched up briefly on the importance of knowing what your qualifications are. This week I want to discuss not only being able to list your qualifications, but knowing what value your job experience has brought to you, your former employer, and soon to your new employer. This will help you in how to conduct a proper job search, how to create a polished resume that reflects your value, and give you the confidence to know what you are worth.

How Much Do You Need To Earn?

A very important decision you need to make when looking for a job is how much money you need to earn. There will obviously be limitations to what you can earned, based on past job history and educational background. But knowing how much you want to earn will help you pin point your search and help you to find the job that suits you best. While it may not seem like much of a “decision” it is important for you to determine your “asking price.” What is the minimum salary you need to earn to pay your bills? Do you need to earn the same as you did at your last job? Are you in a position to take an offer to earn less money if you stand to gain more in the future, such as experience in a new field, or more benefits with a lower income? When you begin your job search these are things you need to consider. Whether you are currently unemployed, or looking for a change from your current career, you have to first know what you are looking to earn.

If you are unemployed it may seem like any job is worth applying for, no matter what they are willing to pay, but I urge you to be careful of falling into this frame of mind. An Account Executive who is custom to making $70,000 annually should not take a job working for minimum wage at a local fast food place, unless of course it is the absolute last resort. The last resort being that every Account Executive, Sales Rep, or Administrative Assistant position in your area is filled. Save the fast food jobs for teenagers and college students. Can you really afford to take less than what you are worth for the sake of employment? If the answer to this question is “yes” then apply to any and every job you come across. Just be prepared to continue your job search, on a part-time basis, until you find the job that truly reflects your worth. Ultimately, I would encourage you to hold out for the better job, because if you do beginning your minimum wage job, you won’t have enough time to do a thorough job search, and may miss out on a better opportunity.

What Is Your Experience Worth?

In 2004 I graduated college ready to step into the work force. Bright eyed and bushy-tailed, with my fancy college degree in hand, I was sure that the first job I interviewed for would hire me on the spot. 15 months later I was still working as a cocktail server, making more money than any of the entry-level positions I applied for. I felt stuck and frustrated. When I had interviewed for what seemed like the 700th time for a job that had nothing to do with my major in college I was completely amazed when they called me back and offered me the job. It was a job in sales, working for a company that offered a co-op buying program for independent restaurant owners. My official title was Customer Relations Specialist, and for the first month on the job I wasn’t even sure what my responsibilities were. All I knew on my first day was that I was being paid $15,000 more a year than I had made the previous year as a server. As I learned the position, and what my boss expected of me, I also learned how to streamline my work, increase program membership, and boost the company’s profitability. As my experience within the position grew so did my worth to the company. Four years later, I was making twice what I had earned as a server. When I had made the decision to move out of state and leave my position my boss even offered to pay me more to keep me at the company. Why? Because he knew that I had made him a lot of money, and that losing me would cut into his profits. When I began my job search after moving to Portland, Oregon I realized that I was worth more than an entry-level salary, and began applying for jobs in senior-level positions. It took me less than 3 weeks to find work in Portland. After a year at my senior-level job I had set my sights on an executive level position. I approached my bosses, tried to negotiate myself a better position, and when I was turned down for the promotion I began to shop for my executive level job. Within a week I was recruited by a local telecommunications company in an executive-level position. Just as we matured from infancy, so does the experience we gain as we continue on in our careers. As you learn and grow within your position so does your value as an employee. This offers excellent tools for negotiations.

Negotiating Your Pay

So many people are afraid to negotiate, especially when it comes to asking for a higher salary. It is an unfortunate side effect of being an American. We live in a “price as marked” society, where people are conditioned not to negotiate a better deal. What happens when you visit the marketplace in another country? If you take a step back from your shopping and observe how the locals shop you will see patrons negotiating with the merchants in almost every transaction. In our country car shopping is one of the few transactions where American’s find it acceptable to negotiate. If you are someone who can get a great deal on a new car you are someone who can negotiate a higher income for yourself at an interview. If you are not someone comfortable with negotiating be prepared to take whatever they are willing to give. If you can muster up the courage to negotiate your worth, you might just possibly recognize your value. I will touch up more about this in an article next week, but it is important to mention this week as well. Knowing your value is crucial for negotiating your worth.

Why Not To “Bend” The Truth

When it comes time to update (or create) your resume, or go on an interview you must be able to sell yourself to the employer, this doesn’t mean that you should lie to get the job. Most people will offer the “Hollywood Spin” when speaking about their past experiences. Making yourself seem appealing to the employer by exaggerating your expertise is acceptable, however you can’t say that you have experience in a field that you have never worked. Giving the Hollywood Spin is not the same as bending the truth. The Hollywood Spin would be to say that you have extensive knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite when maybe you are an expert with Word, Excel and Outlook, but are not familiar with operating Access. Bending the truth would be to say that you have payroll experience, when the only payroll experience you have is cashing your own pay check, or summiting your direct deposit paperwork. I have beautiful, mesmerizing brown eyes. Well, I have brown eyes, and when I apply make-up just right they really stand out. Both statements are true, but if you were to read only the first statement, it suggests that my eyes are effortlessly stunning. I’m not lying, or bending the truth, I am simply leaving out unnecessary details. Lying would be to say that I have the most beautiful brown eyes of anyone in the world. It’s important to know the difference between lying and amplifying your experience when marketing yourself to employers. You don’t want to gain the reputation of a “fool’s gold” salesman.

When you are looking for a job it is important to know what you are worth. If you have limited experience look for work in an entry-level position. If you want to make a change in your career path, don’t underestimate what your past experience has to offer. If you have been unemployed for so long that you begin to question your worth you may forget that you have value as an employee. Whenever you feel unsure of what someone with your background should be making I encourage you to do some research. There are websites that will tell you what someone in your field with your years of experience in your local community should be making. Once you see the numbers you will begin to appreciate your worth to an employer.

For more information, please visit:  www.absoluteknowitall.com