Health Insurance for Job Seekers Alternatives to Lame COBRA

Health Insurance for Job Seekers Alternatives to Lame COBRA When I got laid off I was offered the opportunity to pay for COBRA, which I understand to be my same health insurance benefits that I would pay for.  They were somewhere around $1k/month.  Heres a great page to explain the what and why of COBRA. Im sorry but the weak benefits my company offered, and that price, where completely unrealistic.  The only real benefit that I can see from this legislation is for people who have pre-existing conditions, which is a term that allows insurance companies to act worse than the mafia. Ask me how I really feel about all this stuff. Anyway, when I blogged about my sons encounter with the tetherball pole (we now have more information on HOW it happened, and why it was so severe (a poorly placed screw actually swiped his head, causing the long and deep gash)), I got emails and calls from people asking about our insurance. Heres what we have to cover stuff like this: an accident policy (Im not sure what its technically called, but thats what Ill call it here). We were researching different insurance options and one policy we liked had a $5k deductible. The insurance agent recommended we get a $5k accident policy to cover stuff like this from $0 to $5,000.  Weve only used it once this will be our second time. I think we pay around $50/month. I wish I could rep this plan and the company, but I would have to be an insurance agent, or something like that.  I called them and they said if people are interested they could check out the website (Value Benefits of America) OR they could call the 800 number (800-366-2467) and ask for more information. Even if we got an insurance policy like I had at work, I would keep this type of policy its been awesome.  (If that changes, Ill blog about it :)) Health Insurance for Job Seekers Alternatives to Lame COBRA When I got laid off I was offered the opportunity to pay for COBRA, which I understand to be my same health insurance benefits that I would pay for.  They were somewhere around $1k/month.  Heres a great page to explain the what and why of COBRA. Im sorry but the weak benefits my company offered, and that price, where completely unrealistic.  The only real benefit that I can see from this legislation is for people who have pre-existing conditions, which is a term that allows insurance companies to act worse than the mafia. Ask me how I really feel about all this stuff. Anyway, when I blogged about my sons encounter with the tetherball pole (we now have more information on HOW it happened, and why it was so severe (a poorly placed screw actually swiped his head, causing the long and deep gash)), I got emails and calls from people asking about our insurance. Heres what we have to cover stuff like this: an accident policy (Im not sure what its technically called, but thats what Ill call it here). We were researching different insurance options and one policy we liked had a $5k deductible. The insurance agent recommended we get a $5k accident policy to cover stuff like this from $0 to $5,000.  Weve only used it once this will be our second time. I think we pay around $50/month. I wish I could rep this plan and the company, but I would have to be an insurance agent, or something like that.  I called them and they said if people are interested they could check out the website (Value Benefits of America) OR they could call the 800 number (800-366-2467) and ask for more information. Even if we got an insurance policy like I had at work, I would keep this type of policy its been awesome.  (If that changes, Ill blog about it :)) Health Insurance for Job Seekers Alternatives to Lame COBRA When I got laid off I was offered the opportunity to pay for COBRA, which I understand to be my same health insurance benefits that I would pay for.  They were somewhere around $1k/month.  Heres a great page to explain the what and why of COBRA. Im sorry but the weak benefits my company offered, and that price, where completely unrealistic.  The only real benefit that I can see from this legislation is for people who have pre-existing conditions, which is a term that allows insurance companies to act worse than the mafia. Ask me how I really feel about all this stuff. Anyway, when I blogged about my sons encounter with the tetherball pole (we now have more information on HOW it happened, and why it was so severe (a poorly placed screw actually swiped his head, causing the long and deep gash)), I got emails and calls from people asking about our insurance. Heres what we have to cover stuff like this: an accident policy (Im not sure what its technically called, but thats what Ill call it here). We were researching different insurance options and one policy we liked had a $5k deductible. The insurance agent recommended we get a $5k accident policy to cover stuff like this from $0 to $5,000.  Weve only used it once this will be our second time. I think we pay around $50/month. I wish I could rep this plan and the company, but I would have to be an insurance agent, or something like that.  I called them and they said if people are interested they could check out the website (Value Benefits of America) OR they could call the 800 number (800-366-2467) and ask for more information. Even if we got an insurance policy like I had at work, I would keep this type of policy its been awesome.  (If that changes, Ill blog about it :))

Is Not Writing Address on Resume Something That You Should Be Worried About?

Is Not Writing Address on Resume Something That You Should Be Worried About?Did you ever wonder why not writing address on resume is an issue for you? It's definitely not a bad thing to learn how to write an address on your resume. You will be able to demonstrate how much you know about the company that you are applying for.If you are applying for a job, you need to show your passion and interest for the job. Although you do not have to be very accurate with your writing, you still have to have a good connection to the job. In this way, you are more likely to get a job in the company. You can do this by writing a resume that looks good, but it will not have the address on it.You might find it a bit annoying when you read one resume that has the address written on it. The truth is that having the address on the resume is just something that the employers want you to do. If you do not put the address on your resume, then it means that you will not be able to prove your qualifications a nd experience.Most companies do not mind you not writing the address on your resume. There are a lot of advantages that they can gain from this. This is because you cannot use your experience or education that you gained as a resume to help you land a job. So, they need to see your work history as a proof that you are fit for the job.This can also make you look less intelligent and less professional if you are not writing address on your resume. This is actually something that you should do to impress them. You should not write anything that looks unprofessional, especially if you are applying for a job that does not require you to use the address. However, this is not the case for most jobs.When applying for a job, do not worry too much about not writing the address on your resume. A simple thing like this is something that you can fix with some simple organizing. But if you find that you have to leave the address on your resume every time, then you need to take a look at the conte nts of your resume and you need to see if there is something that you are forgetting to include.In this case, if you cannot remember what you wrote for the address, then you need to make a note. Then, change your address so that it would look like you have actually included it. Make sure that you put the correct address first and the complete name of the person who is responsible for the job. At this point, you can take out the address from your resume, fill it in, and write something else.Make sure that you pay professional attention to the content and format of your resume. When you write this information down, then it will be easier for you to remember and for your employer to read.

What Would You Do to Get the Benefits You Crave

What Would You Do to Get the Benefits You Crave When I would complain about a tough day at the office, my father always used to say, “Well, that’s why they call it work” (yours did too?). As Americans we constantly humble brag about overwork while trying to impress our peers and fathers, but it’s a bad habit. And in general, there seems to be a tendency to prize the almighty dollar over silly comforts like health care, future financial stability, or time with those little kids who always seem to need attention. So, what if you could trade cash for sweet benefits like a better schedule? Would you go for it? A recent study by LendingTree took a look at over 1,500 Americans at the beginning of 2017 to see how they weigh what benefits they feel are important. Take This Job and Improve It. Ever turn down a job because the benefits package wasn’t up to snuff? Turns out over a third of people have done just that. While that may not be you â€" it does mean that you have more leverage with an employer when it comes to benefits than you might think. If benefits look thin, threatening to walk might not be that bad of a strategy. Employers are aware that talented people look for more than just cash up front. Your Money or Your Life According to this poll, where employees desired improvement most in their benefits packages was in health coverage and 401(k) matching. Interestingly there is a relatively significant gender divide on this point. More women are focused on health care concerns while more men tend to be thinking toward retirement. Stretch it out One current employment trend is to look toward flexible hours. Amazon is even piloting a 30 hour week that they believe will make employees work smarter. And this young idea is actually trending older. Millennials are more likely to look for perks like a gym membership than the ability to make their own schedule. Check out the LendingTree article for more statistics on which benefits people favored and some startling news on how paid time off in the U.S. stacks up against other countries (spoiler alert: we get hosed).

Do You Need a Cover Letter With Your Resume - Career Sidekick

Do You Need a Cover Letter With Your Resume - Career Sidekick Do You Need a Cover Letter With Your Resume? Cover Letters / https://www.edenscott.com/blog If youre wondering, Do I need a cover letter with my resume? then this article is for you. And youve probably been told some bad information about this topic in the past! Ill explainThe reality is: There are only a few specific cases where a cover letter is necessary and important.And many job seekers are wasting HOURS sending cover letters their job applications when its not needed.So in this article, Im going to walk you through exactly when you need a cover letter, and when you can send your resume without one.Lets get startedThe Truth: Are Cover Letters Necessary?Many people on LinkedIn and other sites will tell you that you should include a cover letter every time because it cant hurt, but thats not trueHeres how it CAN hurt youWriting a great cover letter takes a LOT of time and mental energy. So if its not making a difference, or not even getting read, then itis hurting you in terms of wasted time and energy (Id argue that writing a cover lette r is the toughest and most time-consuming part of the process for many job seekers).Writing a resume is tough, sure. But once you get it, youre done. You spend 5-15 minutes tailoring it for each specific job you apply for, but thats it.Cover letters take a lot of time EVERY time (at least when done right).When You Need a Cover Letter With Your Resume:There are a couple of specific scenarios where cover letters matter, and you should send one. This article by Harvard Business Review says it best:In those cases, according to Harvard Business Review, you can boost your chances of getting the interview by writing a short letter to point out similarities between your resume and the job requirements (e.g. why youd do well in their job) rather than leaving the analysis entirely up to the hiring manager.But this is only worth doing if you meet one or more of the criteria above, or a few other situations Ill explain belowTwo more cases where it makes sense to send a cover letter:First, you s hould send a cover letter if an employer specifically says its required on their website or job application form (however, having an optional field to include it is not the same as asking for it or saying its required).And second, you should send a letter if you have a large gap in employment or something unusual in your background that you feel the need to explain, and you dont feel your resume explains it well enough on its own.(Although I do like addressing gaps in employment directly on your resume employment history section when possible. For example, if you took a year off to raise a kid, you could say: 2018-2019: One-year break from work to raise first child. So do try to explain this type of thing on your resume if you can!)When You Dont Need a Cover Letter:If you dont fall into any of the situations we looked at above, then a cover letter is not needed.For example, if youre just applying for jobs online via job boards, via LinkedIn, on company websites via their careers pag e, etc., then Id skip it! Send your resume and let it speak for itself. (And if you dont have a great resume yet, you can get help here.)In my opinion, the extra time and effort just isnt worth it when youre applying online with no prior relationship, no referral, and no special knowledge of the hiring manager or job requirements that you can use to make your case for why they should interview you.This is one reason I love LinkedIn EasyApply as a part of an online job search because a cover letter is not required or even expected.Of course, the final judgment call is yours!If youre applying to your dream employer and you dont mind spending an hour writing up a great cover letter, then go ahead! It cant hurt in a one-off scenario like this.But the main point Im trying to make here is:You should be selective about when to send a cover letter, rather than feeling obligated to send it by default.Conclusion: How Important is a Cover Letter?There isnt a one-size-fits-all answer to: do yo u need a cover letter?Cover letters do matter in some cases. But that doesnt mean that you always need one. And after reading the information above, you should have a good blueprint to follow for when its needed and when to skip it.And as mentioned earlier, the main benefit of this approach is time savingsWhen you look at how much time and effort goes into writing each of these letters, it can add up to hours or days of wasted time if youre sending cover letters without analyzing whether its necessary in the situation.Tips for Writing a Good Cover Letter:Here are some tips and resources to help you in situations where you decide a cover letter is needed:First, Id always recommend keeping it brief, easy to read (no huge paragraphs or blocks of text without spacing), and personal.It should feel like youre talking directly to them! That means start with Dear Bethany, (for example), not with, Dear Hiring Manager or Dear Recruiter.(Recruiters almost never care about a cover letter anyway . It should be for the hiring manager).Also, make sure youre saying the word you at least as often as you say the word I. Talk about their needs and their company, not just about yourself.The purpose of your cover letter is to point out similarities between your background and the employers job requirements. You want to demonstrate why youre likely to succeed in their specific role, to sell them on interviewing you! And you cannot do this without researching their job and understanding/discussing their job. So this letter isnt just about you, its about them just as much.To help you further, weve published two articles here on Career Sidekick with great cover letter info:3 steps to writing a cover letter that stands outHow to write a cover letter with no experienceIf you follow the steps above, youll save time in your job search and maximize the number of interviews you get for the effort you put into your job applications!

Creative Resume Writing Services For Sales Professionals

Creative Resume Writing Services For Sales ProfessionalsCreative resume writing services for sales professionals are also necessary for a career that is about getting ahead and achieving success. The primary goal of a resume is to be a means to an end, but if you do not put yourself in front of the best sales people, then you are missing out on many opportunities.In order to ensure that you are getting the most out of creative resume writing services for sales professionals, you need to look at the bigger picture. Most of the time, when someone asks what creative resume writing services for sales professionals are, they are really referring to the overall presentation. The sales person needs to know that their resume is creating a business relationship, so that they will be able to apply the right steps in the job application process.It is not always about your work history. Sometimes, your resume may show off your credentials, but without any sales skills, it will do little to help your chances of landing a job. This is a critical thing to remember if you want to get ahead. Although a job applicant does not have to have sales experience in order to get hired, they do need to show that they have the necessary skills.With creative resume writing services for sales professionals, you can include a bullet point list of skills that show how well you meet the demands of your new position. Some examples of skills could be anything from telephone etiquette to customer service. If you get an experienced professional to draft your resume, they will also include some creativity that will make sure that it looks appealing to the hiring manager.When you are considering using creative resume writing services for sales professionals, make sure that you get some feedback. Be sure that you give them an idea of what kind of work they should include. You might ask them to send you a sample resume so that you can see whether or not they have what it takes to write your personal o ne. When you hire someone to write your resume, you want to be sure that you can trust them with the job. If they are not willing to take feedback and look at samples before sending out your resume, then they probably do not know what they are doing. They may be bringing in bad copywriting advice from someone else. It is vital that you can trust the person that you hire to write your resume.Sales personnel have an individualized perspective when it comes to skills and experiences. Therefore, it is important that you give the person writing your resume as much input as possible. Find out what their goals are when they are working on your resume and make sure that you meet them. Remember that your job is to find a path towards success, and if the sales person is just doing what they want, then you will find yourself back in the same situation in a few months.It is very important that you get creative resume writing services for sales professionals so that you can use them on your own. If you are thinking about getting some services for your resume, then you should begin by sending the sample resume to see if they are good. Then, you can try different things with creative resume writing services for sales professionals so that you can get the most out of the service.

#70 - A Day in the Life of a Content Strategist - Kimmoy Matthews CareerMetis.com

#70 - A Day in the Life of a Content Strategist - Kimmoy Matthews â€" CareerMetis.com The Career Insider Podcast Apple Podcasts | Android | Email | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | TuneIn | RSSForEpisode 70of The CareerMetis Podcast, we will learn about:A Day in the Life of a Content Strategist â€" Kimmoy Matthews.Guest Introduction â€" Kimmoy MatthewsevalevalKimmoy Matthews is a content strategist.She began her professional career pursuing engineering after a recommendation from one of her teachers, only to find that it wasn’t the best fit for her once she got her “dream job”.She began looking up writing courses for a creative outlet, when she stumbled upon technical writing as a career, which then set her on the path to what she does today.She explains what a content strategist does, what their role is, and how she goes about doing her job.She also explains how the job can vary from company to company, and how the content may differ, but the overarching goal is the same: Clearly explain how a product or feature works.She also explains that content strategists and content marketers are not doing the same job, and why.Episode Summary1. Kimmoy describes a day in a content strategist’s life, and the various tasks and jobs she would undertake.eval2. She explains the process of learning a product inside and out in order to deliver the best possible explanation of how to properly use the product, and what benefits come from use.3. She explains some of the challenges, including getting content translated into 44 languages and hoping it would make sense afterward!4.She talks about the parts of the job she enjoys the most: the variety each day holds, the various things she gets to see and learn behind the scenes, she also enjoys being a part of a positive customer experience.5. On the flip side, she explains that the fast paced environment and issues with translations are easily the biggest challenges she faces in different work environments.eval6.Kimmoy explains the traditional career path to become a content strategist, she also explains how compa nies differ, and how important practice is in the field.7. She also explains the future of the career, where it may be going, and what’s in store for people who are entering into the content strategist role.Quotes“A part of me feels that starting college at the age of 17 was too early”“You want to be able to have a good experience with any product you come in contact with”“The core of it all is knowing how to talk to users”“You have to do the work you want to do, before you get the work”“Do the work that you are interested in doing before you actually get hired, and that will build the portfolio.”“Once you have a portfolio,that will show the recruiters and hiring managers that you have experience and are interested in that career”“Whatever career path you are interested in, share it with the world”Links ResourcesevalTo learn more about Kimmoy Matthews, you can visit her website Keeping up with Kimmoy.You can also connect with him or follow her onKimmoy MatthewsIntro Music provided courtesy ofAccelerated Ideas(www.accelerated-ideas.com). Soundtrack â€"Siren KickbackEnding Music provided courtesy ofAccelerated Ideas(www.accelerated-ideas.com). Soundtrack â€"No Need to Rush

Dont Be the Office Oaf - Be Aware of Office Etiquette - Jane Jackson Career

Dont Be the Office Oaf - Be Aware of Office Etiquette - Jane Jackson Career Don’t Be the Office Oaf â€" Be Aware of Office EtiquetteWe have all experienced the Office Oaf who regularly blunders his or her way through the working day, disregarding the sensitivities of others, causing discomfort or irritation and regularly oversteps the socially acceptable norm.   Should anyone make mention of it, the Oaf tends to become defensive and deny any wrongdoing.   Often this is because the Oaf is either totally unaware of what would be good manners or simply is too self-absorbed.  Office etiquette is a set of rules of conduct, which are designed to make working in an office more enjoyable and productive for all.   This is different from business etiquette, which is the code of conduct applied to business relationships and doing business professionally.  For example, knowing how to write a business letter is business etiquette.   Opening a door for a coworker carrying a load is office etiquette.  Office etiquette is based on good manners.   This is what helps peop le feel happy and comfortable in their office environment.As a general rule, people should behave as they expect others to behave with them, and be mindful of the way they interact with others, and of the impact their attitude and activities have on coworkers. People who are courteous, polite, and thoughtful in an office environment will tend to be valued as employees and coworkers.Office etiquette revolves around making the physical environment of the office pleasant for everyone. A few pointers to remember are: ·             Avoid strong scents, which includes perfumes and foods, which may distract or cause allergies to flare. ·             Clean up after yourself, whether you are preparing a cup of tea in the kitchen or leaving a room after a presentation. ·             Keeping your workspace neat and clean. ·             Keep dirt and your rubbish in office kitchens and bathrooms under control. ·             In an open plan office be aware of the volume of your voice when speak ing with others or on the phone so as not to disturb others. ·             Put your mobile on silent or vibrate.   ·             Always put your phone on silent during meetings out of respect for others. ·             If you like to listen to music while working, use ear or headphones. ·             Avoid office gossip, politics and long, personal conversations during company time. ·             Ask permission before borrowing items and always return them promptly. ·             Ask permission, or knock, before entering another’s workspace or office. ·             Avoid conducting personal business during company time. ·             Follow the office dress code.   If there isn’t one, dress neatly and professionally to project a positive image to all those you come in contact with.Professionalism goes a long way in an office environment.    Avoid being the Office Oaf.   Office etiquette is all about being respectful of others and helping to make the work environment a pleasant place to be for everyone.Jane is a career coach, life coach and director of Style Success, coaching for success.   Contact jane@janejacksoncoach.com or get regular inspirational and job search tips:  https://www.facebook.com/janejackson.careercoachJust click ‘like!’

Hiring Secrets from a Headhunter - Hallie Crawford

Hiring Secrets from a Headhunter Certified Career Coach, , has been featured in Skip Freemans new book, Headhunter Hiring Secrets 2.0: How to FIRE Up Your Career and Land Your IDEAL Job! Over 50,000 job hunters used the ground-breaking, revolutionary tactics and strategies featured in the international best-selling job hunting book  Headhunter Hiring Secrets: The Rules of the Hiring Game Have Changed . . . Forever!  (first published in 2010) to aid them in their job search during one of the most challenging job markets in generations. Now comes the much anticipated sequel to this widely popular job-hunting book,  Headhunter Hiring Secrets 2.0. In this completely updated and totally revised edition of the original book, author  Skip Freeman, one of the nations top headhunters, once again shows todays job hunters  precisely  what they must do to effectively compete in the still challenging job market. He shows them how to be  thoroughly  preparedbefore  even thinking about venturing into the job marketand how to dramatically improve their chances of landing an exciting new job. Look for it now on Amazon!