Your Employment Network

Your Employment Network

A Division of
Human Solutions, LLC
You are here: Home / Archives for Lisa Brown Jordan

How to Dress for a Formal or Casual Interview

By Leave a Comment

By Alison Doyle at TheBalancedCareers.com

The first impression you make on a potential employer is incredibly important. When you meet a potential employer for the first time they immediately form an opinion of you based on what you're wearing and how you carry yourself. Regardless of the work environment, it's important to dress professionally for a job interview because how you dress can either make or break the job interview.

In general, the candidate dressed in a suit and tie, or dress and heels, will make a much better impression than the candidate dressed in jeans and sneakers.

That said, different industries have different expectations of how candidates and employees should dress. The appropriate dress code can vary greatly depending on company, industry, and location. For example, a tech start-up in Silicon Valley might frown on someone who dresses too formally, while a Fortune 50 company on Madison Avenue might frown on someone who dresses too casually.

Here's a breakdown of what to wear for a corporate position and what to wear for a more laid-back casual position. In both cases, being well-groomed with clean, untattered clothes is always required.

How to Dress for a Corporate Interview

Men's Interview Attire

Here are examples of interview outfits for men. Men should always default to wearing a suit. All clothes should fit well and be free of stains.

  • Suit in a solid color such as navy, black, or dark grey
  • Long sleeved shirt that is white or color coordinated with the suit
  • Leather belt
  • Tie
  • Dark socks and conservative leather shoes
  • Little or no jewelry
  • Neat, professional hairstyle
  • Limited amount of aftershave
  • Neatly trimmed nails
  • Portfolio or briefcase

Women's Interview Attire

In general, fashion for women is more complicated and varied than it is for men who have fewer options. This makes assembling an interview outfit a bit more challenging for women than for men. For instance, if you're wearing a dress or skirt, you need to decide if you should wear pantyhose or if bare legs are acceptable. Women also need to consider interview accessories and choose an appropriate purse. The best interview bags are ones that are professional and large enough to fit a resume but aren't flashy.

Here are the fundamental building blocks of what women should wear to a professional interview:

  • Suit in navy, black, or dark grey
  • Suit skirt just below or above the knee
  • Coordinated blouse
  • Conservative shoes
  • Limited jewelry
  • No dangling earrings or arms full of bracelets
  • No jewelry is better than cheap jewelry
  • Professional hairstyle
  • Neutral colored pantyhose
  • Light make-up and limited amount of perfume
  • Clean, neatly manicured nails
  • Portfolio or briefcase
  • What Not to Bring to the Interview
  • Gum
  • Coffee or soda
  • If you have lots of piercings, leave some of your rings at home (earrings only is a good rule)
  • If possible, cover tattoos

You can bring your smartphone but make sure it's on mute or vibrate during your interview. This avoids the risk of getting a distracting loud text alert or phone call mid-interview.

Alison’s article also provides great tips on how to dress for a more casual interview, as well as appropriate attire for other interview situations. In addition, she shares general tips on looking your best for that important interview, along with several links for additional resources. To read the full article, click here.

A final word…. The key takeaway here is to dress like the top-notch professional you are, keep it conservative, and put your best foot forward (preferably in nicely polished shoes!)

5 Tips for Making Your Resume Rise to the Top of the Stack

By Leave a Comment

Whenever I advertise for a new position here at Human Solutions, I’m always amazed at the variety of resumes I receive. There’s so much talent out there, and so many qualified people ready to become part of a team. As I wade through the resumes, sorting the levels of qualifications and matching them to my needs, I usually end up with several very viable prospects. So how do I decide which ones I want to take to the next step in our interview process?

While your skills, talents and experience are foremost to highlight on your resume, there are other, more subtle things that we look for, as employers. And oftentimes, these are the things that separate those we want to contact from those we file away. Below is a candid view from an employer's perspective on how to increase your chances for an interview.

  1. Check spelling and grammar! This can make the difference in your resume moving to the top of the list or being shoved under the bottom of the stack. I know this seems obvious, but I see more spelling and grammar errors on resumes than I care to count. Be sure to check and double-check! It’s even a good idea to have someone else look over your resume for you; an extra set of eyes is always helpful!
  1. Speak in language that's comfortable for you. While your cover letter should be professional, you don’t want it to sound too stuffy. I’m not suggesting you write too informally or use slang language, but it sounds and feels awkward when someone is writing in language that's too formal. The cover letters that stand out the most for me are always the ones that are more conversational in nature, and speak about the importance of the qualities I’m seeking and how they can meet those needs. Bottom line - be yourself!
  1. Customize your resume to fit the position you’re applying for. If you’re using one standard resume and cover letter and for all positions you’re applying for, I guarantee you it's not going to compete in today’s job market. Employers are searching for specific skills and experiences, and when they have dozens of resumes to review, they don’t have time to read through your entire history to get to the part they’re looking for. Make sure your resume highlights the needed skills up front. Customizing is an absolute MUST!
  1. Send a Cover Letter. This may be difficult if your submitting online, but when you can, send one unless you're told not to. If an employer does ask for it, be sure the instructions are followed carefully. Why? Because it shows you’re paying attention and following instructions, which is often one of the criteria used to sort out good candidates based on the job description. If you’re mailing your resume, you should always include a cover letter even if the employer isn’t requesting one. And make it count! Use it to further showcase your talents and why you believe you are a good fit for the position.
  1. Use Your REAL Name. While it may be funny (and memorable) to have an offbeat, slang descriptive as part of your email address, I recommend that you NOT use this as your contact when submitting resumes to potential employers. It's easy to sign up for a new email account to use for your job search activity, and it can help you avoid any misinterpretations or pre-judgments an employer may make about you. The same goes for using your nickname. Your resume, cover letter and other materials, along with your email address should identify you as a professional in search of a career position. While an employer may remember you because of that quirky email address, it doesn't send a clear message of who you are. First impressions are everything; make sure yours is exactly what you want it to be!

Human Solutions Client Satisfaction Survey

By Leave a Comment

Here at Human Solutions we value your input.  In keeping with our goal of offering you the finest quality service for the Ticket to Work Program, we’d like your feedback on ways we can enhance our program and services.

We recently created several brief client satisfaction surveys with questions that relate to where you’re at in the program. We kindly ask that you take a few minutes to complete the client satisfaction survey once you receive it via email. The information we collect will be analyzed on an ongoing basis. As our valued client, we want to make sure that you are equipped with the support and resources you need to help reach your employment and professional goals.

The Human Solutions team appreciates your time and thoughtful response to these important surveys. Please watch for the survey in the week ahead.

Success is yours to be had in 2018! Thank you!

The Human Solutions Team

Lisa, Charmaign, Juan, Lauren, Kevin and Lynda

 

Interviewing Strategies: 3 Simple Steps to “Connect” with Your Interviewer

By Leave a Comment

For many people, going on a job interview can be as unnerving as a Stephen King novel. But if we look at the interview in a different light, you might be surprised that they aren’t as scary as you think.

First, you need to know that most interviewers don’t like interviewing candidates any more than you like going on one. Oftentimes, they’ve not been trained on how to conduct an interview, so they simply read off the same questions they ask everyone else. Good news! You can use this to your advantage!

The following are three steps that are going to build confidence, help you express your skills, and develop rapport with your interviewer. First, let’s look at the “Big Picture.”

Getting a job is a little like playing a game of chess. Your objective is to use strategies that keep you motivated and moving forward. Imagine you have just been told by a close friend that you need to meet their friend, who runs a company in the same industry you’re in. The company is struggling, and they need a new manager for their production team. Since you’re an expert in that area, you agree to meet with them to offer advice on how they might fix the issues they’re having. What I’ve just described to you is an interview!

Now, let’s break this down into the steps you’ll need to follow during the interview.

Step #1: They want to get to know you!

An interviewer wants to find out what kind of experience you have. Are you qualified to fix the problem? They are going to see if you can do one of three things - either make or save money or save time. When you answer the questions giving specific details on accomplishments in these three categories, an interviewer starts seeing dollar signs!

Let’s bring this back to interviewing. Most managers want to make sure you have an in-depth understanding of the job and duties, but they also want to know you are trainable, coachable and able to get along with the coworkers. Be sure to provide solid examples to each question detailing your successes as well as how your knowledge would benefit the company.

Step #2: You want to get to know them!

Isn’t it important in a friendship that both people like each other? Of course it is! This also applies to a job. Most people feel more at ease when they talk about themselves, so when the interviewer asks if you have any questions, be sure to answer Yes! This is your interview now! It is okay to ask the interviewer work-related personal questions like, “How long have you been with the company?” “What position/department did you start in?” and “What are your long-term goals for the company/department?” You can find out a great deal of information just by asking those basic questions. Do they have high turnover or loyal employees? Do they promote from within and “grow” their managers or bring in fresh people with new ideas? Is your new supervisor a visionary and does that vision sound exciting to you? Be sure to find out!

Step #3: Take the lead!

Jobs aren’t usually given out on the spot, so this is an opportunity for you to get actively involved in the process. If appropriate, ask, “Who else can I meet?” or “Would it be possible to take a tour?” This shows excitement and wanting to take the next steps. In addition to leaving a lasting impression, you’ll also have a chance to get a better feel for the company culture, dress code, and the energy of the employees and company. You may think the company and what they do are a perfect match, but if you walk around the production floor and people look miserable, this might be a warning sign! Introduce yourself to potential co-workers and gauge their response. That’s usually a good sign. I’ve even asked to meet one of the top performing employees, so I can gauge what it might take to do a good job. Just by asking that one simple question, it shows that you’re interested in being a top performer, too. If you’re hired, this may be an opportunity for a mentorship situation.

If you feel this is the right position, company, and atmosphere for you, ask when they plan to have the right person on board. This will clarify their sense of urgency and give you a time line to follow up. I always leave saying that “I strongly hope my skill set and abilities will be considered for the position.” And, “When may I call you to find out your decision?” Send a written thank you note following the interview, and don’t forget to call! Interviewers are often evaluating candidates even after the interview. Don’t miss an opportunity to further display your professionalism and fit for the job.

Why Keeping Good Records is Essential for SSA Beneficiaries

By Leave a Comment

Good recordkeeping is a great habit for anyone to practice, but especially if you receive Social Security disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) communicates valuable information through the letters and notices it sends to you and keeping track of those letters is an important part of managing your benefits.

As a Social Security beneficiary, being a good recordkeeper involves keeping copies of notices SSA sends you, as well as copies of forms and information you submit to SSA. It also includes documenting when and how you report information, and who you speak with from SSA. Staying organized is important!

We hope you are already utilizing the folder provided by Human Solutions as a tool to practice good recordkeeping and store your important documents. This article will serve as another tool for helping you recognize what information and documents you should be keeping to stay organized and worry-free …

Letters and Notices from Social Security: You should always keep any letters and notices you receive from SSA, and also send a copy to your Career Specialist so we are aware of any changes to your benefits and can advise you appropriately. These letters often have information about:

  • Changes in your benefit amount;
  • Decisions that Social Security has made regarding your eligibility for benefits or your work incentives usage (like the Trial Work Period, etc.);
  • Notices regarding the need for or result of a medical review; and
  • Medicare entitlement and coverage.

Be sure to read through every letter as soon as you receive it so you don’t miss an important deadline! If the letter is informing you of a decision that you don’t agree with, Social Security will give you an opportunity to dispute or appeal the decision, but only if you tell them you disagree within a limited timeframe. If the letter requests that you submit information or attend an appointment that’s been schedule, you want to be sure you don’t miss it. Organize and keep all the letters you receive in a safe place (like your Human Solutions folder) so you can refer to them at any point, if needed. 

Paystubs/Proof of Wages: It is important to keep documentation that serves as proof of any income you receive from employment or self-employment. If you’re employed – that means copies of all of your paystubs. If you’re self-employed – this means copies of checks, copies of receipts for business expenses, and profit and loss statements. You’ll need to report information about your wages to Human Solutions and to the Social Security Administration, so you’ll want to have this information organized and easily accessible. 

Copies of Information Reported to Social Security: As a recipient of benefits, it’s your responsibility to report to Social Security about any changes in your situation that may impact your eligibility for benefits; this could be change of address, living arrangement, marriage, employment status, etc. You should report changes like these in writing whenever possible and keep a copy of anything you submit to Social Security.

If you must report by phone, you’ll want to document the date you call Social Security and ask for the name of the person you speak with. Basically, you always want to have records proving what you reported, when you reported, and how you reported. Then, if Social Security ever asks you to provide proof or asks you to resubmit something, you’ll have exactly what they need! This includes keeping copies of any forms Social Security sends you and asks you to complete. It’s not uncommon for SSA to lose forms or documents you send them, and keeping a copy for yourself can sometimes prevent you from having to repeat the work. 

Documenting Communications with Social Security: Have you ever tried contacting someone at Social Security repeatedly with no response? Or contacting Social Security with a question only to receive incorrect or inconsistent information? Unfortunately, this does happen, but documenting all of your communications with Social Security can help you if you ever find yourself in a sticky situation. Keep a log of any communication you have with SSA; whether in-person at your local office or on the phone. Document the date of contact, the type of contact (local office visit, phone, etc.), the name of the individual you spoke with, and a summary of the information you received from the interaction. 

And always remember that the Human Solutions team is here to help if you need assistance!

Part 2: Tips for Completing the SSA Work Activity Report

By Leave a Comment

We begin with a recap of exactly what the SSA Work Activity Report is, and who receives it:

The Social Security Administration (SSA) Work Activity Report (form SSA-821) is a standard form and an important tool used by SSA to make accurate decisions about Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) and your work incentives usage. If you are a beneficiary of disability benefits, and you have had some type of work activity, you will likely be required to complete this form at some point in time.

Part 1 of our discussion on the Work Activity Report included tips on how to complete the first sections of the form—personal contact info, along with wage and employer information.

The questions you’ll see throughout the latter sections of the form are looking to determine if certain work incentives like subsidies/special conditions and Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE) may apply. These work incentives can be beneficial for you because they allow Social Security to not count a portion of your earnings when making SGA decisions. Basically, the less earnings SSA counts, the better for you!

Take time to consider whether you received any types of special conditions, accommodations, or support in obtaining the job or while working, and for which employers. If you’re not sure, please reach out to your Human Solutions Work Incentive Specialist to review your case. Also, note any expenses you incurred or still incur that are related to both your disability and your work. For example, medication co-payments or costs for adaptive equipment. If you have any expenses to report, note the costs and the timeframe when you incurred them. If you aren't already, be sure to utilize the green folder Human Solutions sent you to store and keep track of receipts for these expenses! If you’ve had previous employment you’re reporting on, be sure to also indicate if you stopped working, reduced your hours or earnings, or had to change the type of work you were doing for a disability-related reason. Collectively, all of this information will be important for Social Security to determine if these potentially beneficial work incentives apply.

A few final tips before you submit your Work Activity Report! First, it is important to know that by signing the SSA form you are providing consent for Social Security to directly contact your former and/or current employer in order to verify earnings and obtain any additional information that might be needed. If you do not wish for SSA to do so, you will want to submit the form unsigned and attach a written statement explaining your reasoning for not signing. Be sure to attach copies of your paystubs and copies of receipts for any disability and work-related expenses you indicate within the form.

Finally, always keep a copy of the form for your own records and be sure to submit the form before the indicated deadline; usually 15 days from the date it is received.

That’s it, now you are ready and prepared to tackle the Work Activity Report! No sweat, right?! But remember, don’t hesitate to contact Human Solution’s Work Incentives Counselor if you need additional support or have questions as you work through this Social Security form.

Part 1: Tips for Completing the SSA Work Activity Report

By Leave a Comment

If you receive Social Security disability benefits, getting a letter or forms in the mail from Social Security can often be stressful and scary; especially if you have worked or are currently working. For beneficiaries like yourself, who have had some type of work activity, there is one form in particular that you’ll likely receive from the Social Security Administration (SSA) at some point in time. The form is called a Work Activity Report (form SSA-821), and it can be somewhat intimidating at first glance. But, have no fear! The Work Activity Report is a standard form and an important tool used by SSA to make accurate decisions about Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) and your work incentives usage.

Here are some tips for how to best complete this form and ensure you provide the SSA with all the information they need to make accurate decisions related to your work and benefits.

When Social Security receives information to suggest that you have worked after entitlement to benefits has begun, they will send a Work Activity Report (form SSA-821) to gather more information about the work and earnings. Each section of the form asks for specific information that will help SSA determine if your earnings represented SGA and whether you are eligible to continue receiving benefit payments. Submitting a completed Work Activity Report is your opportunity to take advantage of some potentially beneficial work incentives. It can be to your disadvantage if you do not complete and submit this form, or if you only provide some of the information being requested So, let’s talk more about what kinds of information the Work Activity Report asks for to be sure you’re prepared.

The first sections of the Work Activity Report will ask you to provide detailed information about any employers and earnings you’ve had since a particular date that will be shown on the form’s cover letter. You’ll need to provide the name, contact, and wage information for each employer and should include copies of paystubs, whenever possible. If you have paystubs, take some time to review each one and take note of any pay you may have received in addition to your regular pay; for example, sick or vacation pay or bonuses. These and other certain types of pay are not counted by Social Security, so if you received any of these types of pay during the time period being evaluated, you’ll want to be sure and specify them in the appropriate section of the form. If you have been sending your paystubs in to Human Solutions, we can also provide you with a summary copy of what we have.

Be sure to read our next edition of Solutions-NOW! for Part 2 of our recommended tips for completing the Work Activity Report!

Reporting Wages

By Leave a Comment

Many of our clients have questions about who, what, when, where, how, and why they need to report their wages. All great questions! Let’s break it down and address each one.

Who needs to report wages?

If you are working and receiving a Social Security Disability benefit (SSDI, SSI, or both) then you need to report your wages every month. There are no exceptions. If anyone ever tells you not to report, do not believe them! Overpayments occur 99.9% of the time due to failure to report wages.

What do I need to report?

You need to report all, repeat—ALL earned income for the month. You also need to include all receipts for any approved Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE) you have on file with Social Security. Social Security’s work incentive policies are different for SSDI and SSI. Under the SSDI program, Social Security is looking at when the work was performed, not when you received the paycheck. This can be confusing because sometimes pay periods bridge between two months. You will need to use that same paystub to report for both months. Under the SSI program, Social Security does look at when you received the money. This is a little easier because you simply need to submit a copy of each paystub dated in the month you are reporting. For those who receive both SSDI and SSI, you will need to report to each unit separately every month.

When do I need to report my wages?

You need to report your wages every month, by the 6th of the following month. This ensures that all earnings are accurately applied, and any work incentives are correctly implemented. Late reporting leads to overpayment.

Where do I report my wages?

Unless Human Solutions is reporting your wages for you, you should report your wages to your local Social Security field office, as well as submitting a copy to Human Solutions. Providing a copy of your paystubs to Human Solutions allows us to monitor your situation and make sure that: 1) You are in compliance with the “Timely Progress” requirements for Ticket to Work; 2) Any work incentives that you are eligible for are being correctly implemented; and 3) We can inform you when you are approaching a significant touchpoint, such as the end of your Trial Work Period, so you are not caught off guard by any changes to your benefits.

How do I report my wages?

This is actually very simple. You need a copy of all of your paystubs for the month (plus any receipts for IRWE, if applicable.) Then you can either stuff them all in an envelope, mail them to your local SSA office, and hope that they get it right. OR, you can use form SSA-795 to record what it is you are actually reporting. Not only does this make life easier on the folks at Social Security, but it provides you with a clear record of what you have submitted. If you are ever in a position where you need to dispute an incorrect determination by Social Security, having these records can make the difference.  Form SSA-795 is essentially a blank sheet of paper, upon which you can write anything you wish to report to Social Security. You can find a sample, complete with text for reporting your wages, at the Human Solutions website: www.youremploymentnetwork.com. If you feel like you’d like some assistance with reporting, feel free to reach out to your Career Specialist or Work Incentives Counselor. That’s why we’re here.

Why do I need to report my wages?

You need to report your wages so you do not wind up with an overpayment. Every year the IRS shares its income records with Social Security. If you’ve worked and filed an income tax return, Social Security will find out. If you fail to report your wages to them every month, they will have to retroactively apply any policies when they get your earnings information from the IRS. This can result in a serious overpayment. Don’t let that happen. Report your wages to both Social Security and Human Solutions every month. Social Security so you don’t get an overpayment, and Human Solutions do we can guide you through your return to work, keeping you informed of any potential changes to your benefits along the way.

Hopefully this article has shed some light on the reasons for and the importance of reporting your wages. If you need any assistance or have any questions feel free to schedule an appointment with your Career Specialist or your Work Incentives Counselor at: https://humansolutions.setmore.com/bookappointment

Strategies for Maintaining Momentum in 2018

By Leave a Comment

The new year has arrived, with all the anticipation and excitement that comes with a new beginning! Each new year provides you with another opportunity to find your new career, learn new skills, give back to your community, or improve your health or other areas in your life. That’s what setting goals is all about.

Establishing your goals may be the easy part. Accomplishing them requires an entirely different mindset. Oftentimes, as the year takes off, even with your best intentions, the goals you’ve set tend to lose their sense of importance or get put on the back burner while you focus on the “higher priority” items. So how can you avoid this lull in momentum? It helps to have a strategy for success—a detailed, specific plan for reaching the desired result.

Below are a few tips to help you along the way.

  • Create a written list of your goals. As a reminder of where you’re headed, keep the list close by throughout the year—on the wall, on your computer desktop, or taped to your bathroom mirror. Keeping it front and center will help you keep up the momentum during those busy times.
  • Visualize the end results. For instance, if one of your goals is to increase the number of applications or resumes you submit, first picture in your mind what that would look like. Imagine yourself updating your resume, researching potential companies, and then tracking where you submit so you reach your weekly goal.
  • Focus your time and energy on positivity. The biggest threats to maintaining momentum are “energy drainers.” These are negative things that tend to zap your mental and physical strength. They might include negative people, no-win situations, or other things that take your focus away from your goals. Avoid these energy drainers, and instead, surround yourself as much as possible with “energizers”—positive, supportive people and situations that will help advance your goals. Examples might include a daily routine for your job search, quiet music, or lunch with friends.
  • Review and adjust on a regular basis. Let’s face it. Things happen. When you find yourself facing the unexpected, simply review your goals, and adjust accordingly. Do what it takes to keep yourself on track without getting discouraged and giving up. Adjusting your goals isn’t a failure; it’s called being flexible, and it’s a sign of determination and commitment, both of which are reasons to celebrate! And, if you do happen to let go of a goal, use it as a learning experience. Find the takeaway and use it to your advantage the next time around.

These tips can help put you on the right path to stay focused and keep your momentum going. At the end of the year, you’ll look back with a real sense of pride at what you accomplished, and you’ll be ready to create a new set of goals for the next year!

 

Developing Good Habits – It’s Easier Than You Think!

By Leave a Comment

Developing good habits is the perfect way to make positive changes in your life. We all have things we want to improve about ourselves and our daily routines. Some are work related, some are health related, such as eating better, or exercising more. Yours may be entirely different.

From tips for creating good habits, to maintaining momentum once you've started working on one, here's your guide to developing good habits.

  1. Keep It Simple

One of the biggest challenges people have with making habits stick is that they try to do too much. That's why our tips for good habits include starting small and going with simple changes to your daily routine.

For example, let's say that you want to make exercising a habit. If you don't exercise much right now, jumping to 90 minutes per day is a lot to ask of yourself. A better option would be committing to physical activity every day, without any time minimum. This gives you more flexibility to do a bit less on occasion without feeling like you've missed your mark.

  1. Commit to 21 Days to Create a Habit

There's a popular myth out there that it takes 21 days to create a habit, but it is just that…a myth that gained popularity and ended up becoming a “widely accepted theory.” You can actually form a habit in more or less time than that.

Still, 21 days is a good initial goal. It's long enough that you can adapt to a new routine, but close enough that you can reach it by staying dedicated for only a couple weeks.

After you hit that 21-day mark, you'll probably have formed that new habit. Even if your habit takes a bit longer to stick, those 21 days will get you off to a great start.

  1. Work on Your New Habit Every Day

Turning a behavior into a habit is all about maintaining momentum. The best way to keep it rolling is to make the behavior an everyday activity.

It's harder to create a habit if you only do the activity every couple of days. Take a situation where you're trying to read more. If you focus on reading for at least 10 minutes every day, it's much easier to build momentum than if you tried to read 30 minutes every other day. Working on something every day helps it become consistent for you.

When you start developing a habit, you may need to force yourself to do it each day. The more days you do it in a row, the more natural it will become. For some people, noting it on a calendar is helpful so they can track their daily progress. Keep at it, aim for that 21 days and you'll have your new habit before you know it.

s2Member®