Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Reason #1
You have given him/her what they want by reading the job description completely. Know why you are sending your resume to the recruiter/hiring manager? Do you have what it takes? Are you qualified?
Reason #2
Your resume is clean and concise! No 2-toned colors! No Pictures! No frames around your text! Use the BOLD to highlight your old company's name, what industry they are in and what you did. No Rambling! Get to the point.
Reason #3
Include in your resume important phrases that stand out in the job description. If the recruiter/hiring manager doesn't know that you have the appropriate qualifications as described in the job description, why would they call you?
Some tips, GOOD LUCK!
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Monday, December 28, 2009
According to the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) (1998):
the key to providing quality services to customers with disabilities is to remember that all customers are individuals. Persons with disabilities come in all shapes and sizes with diverse personalities, abilities, interests, needs, and preferences --- just like every other customer. Etiquette considered appropriate when interacting with customers with disabilities is based primarily on respect and courtesy. Listen and learn from what the customer tells you regarding his or her needs. Remember, customers with disabilities will continue to patronize businesses that welcome them, are helpful, are accessible and provide quality products and/or services at competitive market prices.
Today, a lot of customer service takes place with voice calls over the telephone and Internet; however, there are other synchronous methods for communicating when individuals are not face-to-face, such as text and instant messaging. For the purposes of this document, non face-to-face methods of communication are referred to as real-time communication. Although the same general rules of etiquette apply when communicating with customers face-to-face, there may be additional issues to consider when communicating in real-time. The following discusses general etiquette issues as well as some issues unique to communicating in real-time.
All Disabilities
Use proper language when referring to a person with a disability. For example, make reference to the person first, then the disability. Use terminology such as "a person with a disability" rather than a "disabled person."
Newer technologies such as instant messaging (IM) and short message service (SMS) text messaging are increasingly popular real-time communication methods. In all situations, be prepared to repeat information using words or phrases instead of common abbreviations, and allow extra time for individuals to complete messages.
Keep in mind that in most cases, the best way to learn how to accommodate customers with disabilities is to ask them directly. However, do not ask unnecessary questions; ask only what you need to know in order to serve the person effectively. In addition, individuals may choose to use different communication technologies for various reasons. For example, communication technologies traditionally used by individuals with hearing impairments may also be helpful to individuals with speech impairments.
Speech Impairments
People with speech impairments may stutter, slur words, sound hoarse, have unintelligible speech, or be non-vocal. When communicating verbally with a person who has speech impairment:
- Listen attentively, be patient, and avoid speaking for the person or finishing his/her sentences.
- Never pretend to understand if you are having difficulty understanding; ask the customer to repeat what was said and then repeat it back to the customer to make sure that you understand it.
- When necessary for clarification, it is appropriate to ask short questions that require short answers.
- Voice clarity can sometimes be achieved by adjusting the frequency of the incoming voice.
- If the person is non-vocal, he/she may use a communication aid, which generates synthesized speech or a prerecorded voice. A person using a communication aid may need additional time to effectively operate the device.
- If no solution to the communication problem can be worked out between you and the customer, ask if there is someone who could interpret on the customer's behalf.
Cognitive Impairments
People with cognitive impairments may have problems with memory and concentration, understanding oral communication, and learning. When communicating in real-time with a person who has a cognitive impairment.
- Be prepared to provide an explanation more than once.
- Be patient, flexible, and supportive; take time to understand the customer and make sure the customer understands you.
- Be prepared to follow up in writing.
- Take time to break long explanations into small, numbered, and sequential steps.
Fine Motor Impairments
People with fine motor impairments may have limited use of one or both hands or no use of the hands and fingers. When communicating over the telephone with people who have fine motor impairments:
- Be prepared to allow extra time for the person to write notes or to use alternative input devices to document notes, numbers, and additional information.
- Be aware that if the person uses speech recognition software for computer keyboard functions in place of handwriting, the individual must speak directly to the computer and may need additional time away from the conversation to inactivate the telephone receiver and perform computer functions by speech.
Vision Impairments
People with vision impairments may use alternative equipment, such as screen reading software and screen magnification software, to access their computers. When communicating in real-time with people who have vision impairments, it is useful to know how alternative equipment works:
- Screen magnification software may distort “typical” Webpage or document settings. What is visible to one individual on a screen may be wrapped or truncated to an individual using this software. Directional cues may need to be adjusted to effectively direct the individual through screens or other functions.
- Screen reading software allows text to be converted into computer synthesized speech. Screen reading software reads the information on the screen in a certain order that is usually controlled by how the document was designed. Customer service representatives should familiarize themselves with how the major screen reading software products work so they will know how to assist customers with vision impairments who use the software. It may be useful to contact the companies that market these products and ask for a demonstration. For more information on vendors of screen reading software, go to: http://www.jan.wvu.edu/cgi-win/OrgQuery.exe?Vis11
Hearing Impairments
People with hearing impairments may have mild to severe hearing loss or may be completely deaf. When communicating with people who are deaf or hard of hearing, keep in mind that:
- For some individuals with mild hearing loss, it might help to raise your voice.
- Other individuals may use hearing aids or amplified telephones, which can sometimes result in high-pitched feedback on the telephone. If you hear feedback, let the customer know so he/she may be able to make simple adjustments to minimize the noise.
- Other individuals with more severe hearing loss may use a TTY (teletypewriter), which is a telephone device that enables individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to make and receive telephone calls to other TTY users. Businesses should have a TTY or TTY software on site. Customer service representatives should be trained on how to use a TTY and proper TTY etiquette.
- Individuals who are severely hearing impaired or deaf may use a relay service, which is a 24 hour, 7 day a week, free assistance service that allows TTY users to call people who do not have a TTY. To use a relay service, an individual uses his/her TTY to contact a relay operator who also has a TTY. The operator then calls the customer service center and serves as an interpreter. When the individual at the recipient end of the call answers, the operator explains his or her role in the call and from that point forward will relay the communication between the two parties exactly as stated by both parties. When using the relay system, keep in mind that the relay operator types everything you say so do not make comments that you do not want the customer to hear.
- Some individuals may use a video relay service to communicate. Individuals can communicate through a sign language interpreter by placing a video relay call. Video relay calls are made using a high-speed or broadband Internet connection and a videophone, Web camera, or similar technologies. The person who is deaf signs (e.g., using American Sign Language) to a video interpreter (communications assistant), who then communicates with a hearing person by relaying the conversation between the two parties. For more information regarding video relay services, see the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) "Consumer Facts Sheet: Video Relay Services" at http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/videorelay.html
References
Office of Disability Employment Policy. (1998). Providing Quality Services to Customers with Disabilities. Retrieved December 17, 2009, from http://www.dol.gov/odep/pubs/ek98/provide.htm
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Sunday, December 13, 2009
Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP)
How to File a Complaint
Individuals who are protected by OFCCP may file a complaint if they believe they have been discriminated against by federal contractors or subcontractors. A complaint may also be filed by organizations or other individuals on behalf of the person or persons affected.
If a complaint filed under Executive Order 11246, as amended, involves discrimination against only one person, the OFCCP will normally refer it to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Such referrals are made under a Memorandum of Understanding between the two federal agencies.
Complaints that involve groups of people or indicate patterns of discrimination are generally investigated by the OFCCP. The program also investigates individual or group complaints filed under the disability and veterans laws.
Executive Order 11246, as amended, complaints must be filed within 180 days from the date of the alleged discrimination unless the time for filing is extended for good cause shown. Complaints alleging violations of Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, as amended (38 U.S.C. 4212), must be filed within 300 days unless the time for filing is extended for good cause shown. Extensions of the filing time require approval by OFCCP's Deputy Assistant Secretary.
Persons filing complaints should include a description of the alleged discrimination involved and any other related information which would assist in an investigation of the complaint.
Complaint Filing Process
A complaint may be filed with the OFCCP by completing the "Complaint of Discrimination in Employment Under Federal Government Contracts" form (Form CC-4). To file a complaint, the complainant can opt to:
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complete and file the CC-4 complaint electronically with the appropriate OFCCP Regional Office, and your required signature will be obtained at the time you are interviewed; or
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complete the CC-4 electronically, download and sign the complaint form, and fax or mail the form to the appropriate OFCCP Regional Office; or
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complete, sign and file the CC-4 in person with any OFCCP District & Area office.; or
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download the CC-4, manually complete and sign it, and fax or mail it the appropriate OFCCP Regional Office
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The appropriate OFCCP Regional Office location is the office that covers the location where the alleged discrimination occurred.
It is important to note that, whatever method is used to file a complaint, the complaint cannot be considered valid without the required signature of the complainant. However, the required signature needed to validate the complaint will not necessarily alter the effective complaint filing date.
Accessing E-Complaint Form CC-4
Step 1:
In order to "view" the Form CC-4 you will need what is referred to as a "reader". The reader is software that converts PDF files to viewable documents that will appear on your monitor. There are several software publishers that provide free reader software for downloading. For your convenience we have provided a link to the free downloadable software provided by Adobe Systems Incorporated. This link is in no way an endorsement of either Adobe Systems Incorporated or Adobe Software.
Step 2:
Download the electronic Complaint of Discrimination Form
If you have questions about the complaint process, would like to discuss the complaint, or would like to learn where to file a complaint, just call or visit any OFCCP District & Area office.
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Saturday, October 31, 2009
This is an example of a Cover Letter that you may use for an Advertised Position
Your Street Address
City, State, Zip
Today's Date
Mr. John Doe
Cheif Financial Officer
ABC Bank
123 Madison Avenue
New York,NY 12345
Dear Mr. Doe,
Through disABLEDperso.com, I learned that you are accepting applications for a Financial Analyst with experience and interest in Cash Management. After reading the position announcement and reviewing your announcement, I would like to be considered for this position.
Even before I returned to graduate school, I was aware of ABC's as a financial institution. At (your university's name) I've had the opportunity to study your corporation in detail. Everything I've learned about your bank has increased my respect for it. I'm enclosing a resume and some samples of my work for your review. As you will see, I graduated from (your university's name), then had the opportunity to work at RTKL bank, where I was exposed to large- scale Cash Management.
This May I will complete a Master in Business Administration with a Certificate in Certified Treasury Professional at the (your university's name). In addition to improving my skills, the program has provided outstanding training in an integrative approach to Cash Management. Most of my work has involved projects in Daily Cash Flow. My skills include Fiancial Analysis, Cash Management, Corporate Finance and Internal Auditing. I work well in an interdisciplinary team setting, and enjoy communicating with clients.
I would welcome an opportunity to meet with you in person to review my backround and discuss how my skills and experience might meet your needs. I will be in New York from March 12-14. If it is convenient for you, perhaps we might meet sometime then. I will call you at the end of the week to inquire. Meanwhile, if you would like to a hard copy of my degrees and certificates, I'll be happy to send it. Should you wish a candid evaluation of my work, a list of instructors, critics, and former employers who would be happy to provide it is enclosed.
Thank you very much for your consideration.
Sincerely,
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