Big Book of Jobs Spring 2023

BIG BOOK OF Job search... START

Spring

GETTING HIRED AFTER YOU SERVE

Chart your next career stop once your time in Veterans leave the service with a number of critical experiences and skill sets that should make getting

Impressive careers in the military can provide a great leg up in your job search, but often times veterans don’t know where to start.

Searches of online job forums may reveal companies that are specifically looking for people with a military background. Consider discussing how your personal service experience can be better showcased in meetings with a career counselor or resume writer. In some cases, applicanttracking systems might work in your favor if you can incorporate key search term items that they’ll be familiar with. There are also helpful programs to smooth the way. Take advantage of the Credentialing Opportunity OnLine Program, and

government assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs, among others.

PLAY IT COOL

The Credentialing Opportunities On-Line program, otherwise known as COOL, is designed to assist veterans with translating military skills into a civilian job. Every branch of the military gives veterans a distinct skill set, and this program connects them with career opportunities through needed certifications and licenses. In some cases, the program pays for needed courses and exams.

GOVERNMENT HELP

The Department of Veterans Affairs and other government entities have created specific programs aimed at curbing veteran unemployment, which has hovered between 3% to 4% in recent years. The VA’s Veteran Readiness and Employment program assists with training to qualify for certain job opportunities. Apply online through eBenefits.va.gov. America’s Service Locator can also connect U.S. military veterans to other services offered. The Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program assists with education and training for highdemand jobs, including associate degrees, certificate programs and noncollege degrees. (The Department of Labor determines what’s considered a high-demand job.) Disabled veterans can also receive help through state vocational rehabilitation agencies, which provide critical job-search assistance, along with information on telecommuting and self-employment opportunities.

OTHER RESOURCES

Reach out to area recruiters, professional networks and social media to learn more about high-paying jobs that are uniquely suited to those with — and in some cases require — military experience. Classified advertising may also specifically mention your specific qualifications as a veteran.

TURN OFF THE COMPUTER

In 2023, most job hunting takes place online. From finding a job to researching it to interviewing—the internet is a job hunter’s best friend. However, there are still things that can and should be done the old-fashioned way.

What sort of tasks can be done once you close your computer and turn off your WiFi? You can attend job fairs, conduct in-person networking, use career counseling services, volunteer with service and charitable organizations or work at an internship.

JOB OR CAREER FAIRS

Job fairs, also known as career fairs, are events where representatives from multiple companies—or sometimes multiple hiring managers from a single company—gather for a day to meet with potential job candidates.

The most common type of job fairs are those organized for students so those who are graduating can connect with representatives of companies from around the country. The other common type of job fair are when a single organization is planning to do a lot of hiring because they’ve opened a new location, added services or are a start-up.

NETWORKING

While much networking can be done online, nothing replaces the impression that you make when you meet someone face-to-face. Get out in your community and in the places where people you want to work with are. Social hire recommends the following for off-line networking: be fearless, be cheerful, be energetic, ask people about themselves and really listen to the answers and track people down.

CAREER COUNSELING SERVICES

Career counseling can help you find a new career or adapt your skills to be more competitive in your current career.

Thriveworks, an organization that connects people with counselors, describes career counseling as good for anyone who is thinking about a change in their career or who is just getting started with their work life. They describe career counseling as something that is:

• Designed to help you make informed occupational and education decisions.

• Participatory — the counselor won’t do all the work for you or make decisions for you.

• Multi-faceted and varying from person-to-person depending on their needs and skills.

• A place where you might take an IQ or personality test as a way of discovering potential career paths.

VOLUNTEERING

Volunteering is a great way to learn new skills, meet people and beef up your resume. It can also be a personally rewarding experience.

Do you belong to a religious organization? Most synagogues, mosques and churches have opportunities for volunteering whether it is working on the building or grounds, doing clerical work or helping serve people in the community.

What are your interests? You may be able to match your personal passions and interests to a volunteer opportunity in your community. If you like reading, consider volunteering as a tutor to help people learn to read or help refugees learn English. Perhaps there is a reading program in one of your local schools where you can read to students. Do you enjoy the performing arts? Perhaps you could be an usher. Do you like working with others? Health care organizations, senior centers and community centers are often looking for volunteers.

INTERNSHIPS

While most internships don’t pay well — or at al — they can be a springboard into a long-lasting career. It is an opportunity to learn skills needed for a career that you want, make contacts and put valuable experience on your resume.

You’ve applied and applied — now what?

Proactive job searchers with great qualifications still sometimes fail to garner interviews.

It may just come down to how you’re approaching the process. Often times, we grow comfortable with what we’ve done before, or fail to notice common mistakes in our paperwork because we’ve had a copy laying around for so long.

These little things can turn into big stumbling blocks, in particular if you’re applying for job with a long line of other similarly qualified applicants. Here’s a look at trouble areas that often trip people up along the way.

READ AND REVIEW

When applying, pay close attention to the required qualifications. Read carefully to make sure that your experience and education match up with what potential employers are looking for. If not, your application will be quickly passed over for someone who is more suited to their needs. Review all of your social media accounts and delete content that is unprofessional or presents you in a poor light. Nearly 80% of companies surveyed by the Society for Human Resource Management said they use online resources for recruiting —

so that means they’re far more likely to stumble across postings or photos that might disqualify your candidacy.

FOLLOW DIRECTIONS

Application processes and the required submissions can vary wildly. In many cases, submitting your cover letter, resume and application might simply be a first step in the process. For instance, hiring managers may ask for examples of certain work product. It’s important to closely follow these special instructions when applying in order to be considered for the position. Aside from providing more insight into a potential candidate, these additional requirements give employers a sense of how detailed oriented and responsible you are.

RESUME PROBLEMS

Consider contacting an expert to discuss customizing your resume with suggested keywords, while highlighting specific work experience that syncs with the job requirements. Read and re-read to make sure there are no spelling or grammatical errors, since that would damage your candidacy. If you’re not confident in your ability to catch your own mistakes, try grammar- and spell-checking software. Make sure everything is up to date, and that nothing is embellished. Finally, test that your resume can be opened once it arrives. Email copies to friends and ask them to attempt to open it on a variety of platforms to make sure it can be accessed after you apply.

Port Isobel Captain/Educator

TheChesapeakeBay Foundation seeks aPort Isobel Captain/Educator in the Education Department to be field based in Tangier,Virginia.

WE ARE COMMITTED TO DIVERSITY,EQUITY,INCLUSION, AND JUSTICE

Just as biodiversity is the key to athriving ecosystem, human diversity is the key to saving the Bay. Salary: $55,000 ne gotiable with possibility of asigning bonus. Jobisresidential on site. To apply, please send resume and cover letter through job posting on www.cbf.org/join-us/ This position will be open until filled.

CBF is proud to be an equal opportunity employerand allqualified applicants will receiveconsideration for employment without re gardtorace, color,religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability,age, or veteranstatus.

Correctional Officer -$46,638

Responsible formaintaining security within the County’s Detention Center.

Mechanic II -$46,638

Experienced mechanic forCounty MaintenanceShop locatedonKentIsland to perform diagnostic tests, preventativemaintenanceand repairs forvehicles and mobile equipment.

EquipmentOperator I-$40,965

Performs avariety of duties relatedtothe maintenance of County Roads. Must have aClass BCDL license.

MaintenanceWorker I-Custodial -$35,983

Performs avariety of duties relatedtothe maintenance and cleaning of County buildings. Excellenthealth benefits, paid time off,pension and tuition reimbursement.

ThePort

Isobel Captain/Educator is responsible foroperating &maintaining the 50 ft USCG inspected vessel and providing educational experiences forparticipants that includes activities such as setting crab pots, dredging foroysters, and scraping the nearbyunderwater grass meadows.

KNOW THE COMPANY

You should be deeply familiar with the company’s broader goals and strategies, and how everything works in concert toward success. Make sure you’re familiar with its place in the wider business ecosystem, and what challenges come with what it does. Find out as much about the leadership team as is possible, and how they arrived at this point in their career.

Corporate websites often have staff directories that will include biographical information. They will also help you put a name with a face, which could be critical when it’s time for meet-and-greet opportunities. If you can’t find these details online, connect with professional groups in the same field to learn more.

UNDERSTANDING GOALS

Knowing what a company hopes to accomplish and understanding the corporate culture it has created will help you craft better answers when you discuss your own goals for a potential position. It may also give you crucial insight into whether this particular job is right for you, long before you apply. The best jobs find workers and their employers pushing toward the same shared goals. If everything matches up, sharing those goals will make for a far more satisfying career. If they don’t, you want to know that sooner rather than later. Don’t risk getting stuck in a role that you’ve learned to regret.

LOOKING ELSEWHERE

Don’t forget to look elsewhere, too. Limiting your search to the leadership team and companies where you’re actually applying could mean missing out on key insights. A deeper dive will help you get a better handle on what’s working for others, gather innovative ideas and important details on what isn’t working in your field. All of it will help you put things in better perspective, before you apply, when you interview, and as you work toward a lengthy tenure with the company.

Be prepared for anything during your interview

Chances are, they won’t simply be discussing job duties. You should also work to understand the company, its place in the industry and its corporate structure. Hiring managers may be evaluating your candidacy based on how familiar you are with these critical elements, so do your research prior to sitting down with them.

Having a firm grasp of the larger picture could move your resume to the top of the pile in a competitive hiring situation.

JOB-SEEKING GOAL LIST

Finding these positions will require diligence when researching classifieds, job boards and wordof-mouth references from friends.

The process of finding your dream job doesn’t always happen overnight. It can take time to find the ideal company, group of experts and industry you want to join for your career.

Taking steps with small, achievable goals, however, can make progress more rewarding, and help you avoid becoming discouraged when things don’t go your way. When creating your goal list, consider these tips from the Idaho Center of Excellence.

BE SPECIFIC

Rather than declaring that you desire a new career path, go into detail with the path you want to take. Decide on a few industries that you are qualified for or plan to pursue further education to enter a new field. When deciding which type of job is right for you, consider factors like salary, benefits, the responsibilities and if it would be a rewarding path for you.

MAKE OBTAINABLE GOALS

Once you have chosen the type of career you want to pursue, the next set of goals should include how you plan to obtain it. For instance, if you have chosen to enter the healthcare industry, you should narrow down the specific job and aim to apply for a certain number of openings per week.

Keep in mind, applying for numerous positions each week can lead to discouragement if you aren’t invited to interviews. Try to think positive during your search and change your application strategy if you notice that your current documents aren’t receiving positive feedback.

ARE YOUR GOALS REALISTIC?

To avoid burnout and disappointment, make sure your goals are realistic for your qualifications and work experience. If you are attempting to enter a field for which you are not trained, more qualified candidates will generally be chosen.

You can avoid frustration by only

applying for positions where you would make a good fit based on your knowledge. If you are passionate about entering an industry that you are unfamiliar with, make an appointment with a career counselor to discover the education and skills you need to land a job.

CREATE YOUR TIMELINE

Make a promise that you will be hired for a career in your chosen industry by a specific date. A timeline is a beneficial way to hold yourself accountable for achieving the small goals you set to ultimately acquire your dream job.

You should be honest with the timeline you create to avoid a sense of failure if things don’t work out the way you anticipated.

REVIEW YOUR GOALS

If your job search isn’t as productive as you foresaw, you may want to review your goals. During the hunt, keep a journal of where you applied.

You can document any feedback you received after a hiring manager reviewed your application or follow-ups from interviews. Consider the things you learned and adjust your plans accordingly.

Another beneficial way to remain positive throughout the job search is to lean on family members or friends. Especially if you have a loved one in the same situation, share experiences with each other about what you have learned throughout the process. It may open the doors to a perspective you didn’t consider.

WORKING FOR UNCLE SAM

It may be surprising how many agencies are looking for people like you

If you’ve tired of the public work space, consider signing on for employment with the government. There are as many options as there are work profiles. Interested in the great outdoors? Consider parks and recreation. Good with numbers? There may be a place for you with revenue or social programming. Feeling patriotic? Look into political or defense positions. Good with project work? Seek out positions in infrastructure.

GETTING STARTED

Sometimes, having a military background can smooth the way when looking for government work — but it’s not always required. Instead, high-level work experience, upstanding history and a focus on helping others is sometimes all that’s needed. Those looking for federal work should begin by creating a USAJOBS account, since applicants must apply through that website. Check for other government job openings on sites like makingthedifference.org, where you’ll likewise find detailed information on available positions and how to apply. Discuss your goals with family and friends, who may know about specific work opportunities. Connecting with those who already have government jobs can help you gain invaluable insights into the processes for applying, interviewing and conducting interviews for these jobs.

INSIDE THE PROCESS

Many of these positions will require a resume and cover letter that’s specifically tailored for the position in question, so be prepared to rework your application. Some roles may also require applicants to fill out

a comprehensive “Knowledge, Skills and Abilities” questionnaire that’s simply referred to as a KSA. This will help narrow your search even further. Sections with headings like “Who May Apply” will help you determine your eligibility.

Pay close attention to the qualifications section of any job listing, and skip over openings that don’t meet your specific employment and education history. Some government jobs, including engineers, social workers and accountants, require a certain level of college. If you’re still in college, contact university career services in order to discuss potentially securing government jobs or internships. Counselors there may have established relationships with recruiters or special agencies.

BIG BENEFITS

Beyond the feeling of serving the public good, government jobs are also typically very competitive in terms of salary and benefit packages when compared with other job markets. Beyond the base pay, these positions typically include top-tier insurance options and great retirement benefits. So you’ll be making our nation stronger and safer, while securing your own bright future.

Consider acareer with an electric cooperative

SMECOisa customer-owned cooperative that is committed to ensuring that the organization is the employerofchoicefor the Southern Maryland region. SMECOis dedicated to acultureofinclusion and valuesthe diversityofits membersand staff while promoting performanceexcellence.

SMECOtakes an active roleindeveloping and implementing progressive programs, maintaining acompetitive benefits package, and providing value-added services.

To learn more about career opportunities, visit us onlineat: smeco.coop/careers

APG Chesapeake is a thriving media company providing print, digital, and social solutions across the Chesapeake region and beyond. With 11 of fices and over 200 associates in Mar yland alone, our people empower brands by connecting them with the audiences that enable them to grow. When you par tner with APG Chesapeake, you will find that our people make the dif ference.

EXPERIENCED ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT (EASTON, MD)

APG Media is seeking an energetic candidate for our busy corporate accounting of fice. This fast-paced role entails:

Accounts payable printing, coding, scanning, and inputting. Customer payment input utilizing multiple software applications. Scanning of daily deposits to bank.

Maintenance of individual cash sheets in Excel format. Reconciliation of bank account information. Both full or par ttime hours are available for the right candidate.

Please submit resume and cover letter to dspurr y@adamspg.com.

ANSWERING TOUGH QUESTIONS

Nobody really knows where they’ll be in five years. You’ll be asked anyway. Interviews allow hiring managers to get a broader idea of who you are than any resume could ever provide. This question in particular allows them to understand your goals.

WHAT THEY’RE LOOKING FOR

The question of where you see yourself in five years is meant to measure both motivation and planning skills, and to gauge how you match with the prospective role. Companies want to know what value you’ll bring as a person, beyond your experience, and how determined you are to keep learning and achieving. Your answer also frames your place in the company, as a valuable team member or perhaps an emerging leader.

People who think too little — or too much — about moving into management can find themselves on the outside looking in when a hiring decision is made. The five-year query goes directly to the heart of that decision. If you’re under-qualified or under-experienced and argue you should be the CEO in a handful of years, your answer has illustrated a certain professional immaturity. Veteran employees with a lengthy job history but no ambition to move up may be signaling a lack of engagement or work ethic.

HOW TO ANSWER

Start with a key goal or two, connecting these benchmarks with qualities you’re trying to convey to the hiring manager. Then transition to how you plan to get there and why it’s important to you. Conclude by stating how this all fits into your large career arc. Don’t make a joke, imply that you don’t intend to be with the company that long or make it clear that you’ve never really considered the question before. Maybe you’ve realized that this isn’t your dream job. Or maybe you just don’t know where you’d like to be in five years. It’s OK to say that, but it won’t create the clearest pathway to being hired.

Instead, try to tailor your job search so that it fits into the real answer. If that’s not immediately possible, consider how this position can help you build needed and desired experience for later. Deeper understanding of this job, or this company, could eventually open doors to other employment opportunities that better fit your goals. Maybe it’s just a chance to grow personally, as a professional or as a manager. That can become a cornerstone of your long-term plan in the meantime.

BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF

Too often the question of where you’d like to be five years is considered from an external point of view. But the answer is about more than looking good during a job interview with a prospective employer. Set realistic career expectations, and you’ll sell them on your candidacy — while also laying out an achievable set of benchmarks for yourself.

Where you see yourself in five years could, if approached the right way, become your professional destiny. For instance, if you’re a naturally ambitious person, some jobs may simply be too unfulfilling to pursue. If the position doesn’t align with or advance your larger professional goals, then you may need to keep looking.