With so much emphasis on the “how-to” of interviewing, one area lacking in the market is extracting valuable feedback. Of course, if you’ve gotten the job, there’s always an opportunity to ask, but what if you felt you “nailed it” in the interview, and then……..nothing? How do you know what, if anything, you’ve done wrong? More importantly, what on earth do you fix if you have no idea what’s broken?
A plethora of sites will tell you to ask for feedback and they are right you should ask. Just don’t expect to receive it because you have. There are a few standards that hold true when interviewing for positions:
1. Make sure you are an excellent fit for the position, and don’t be afraid to tailor your resume in ways that highlight the keywords an employer has placed in the job posting, so long as you are not inflating your qualifications.
2. Preparation is still key in the interviewing process this includes having at least two questions ready for the interviewer that are relevant and hopefully uniquely tailored to exemplify some of your skills in the “wrap-up” section of the interview.
If you get that dreaded rejection call or email after the interview, ask for feedback right then, but remember to be mindful of your tone, interviewers are less likely to provide feedback if you’re confrontational, or argumentative. At all costs keep in mind that this is a courtesy and not a requirement for an interviewer to provide. With so much emphasis in the Human Resource arena being placed on avoiding litigation, do not be surprised if the employer respectfully declines your request.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Camp Lejeune Vets
The situation regarding the Vets who were stationed at or worked at Camp Lejeune is one that has become personal for me. A very dear friend of mine is one of those Veterans. For those of you that are not familiar with the issues regarding Camp Lejeune, a little bit of history is necessary.
The attached map shows the waterways, water treatment plants (Tawara Terrace and Hadnot Point specifically due to contamination levels studies), and the contaminated wells, which is the focal point of the health related problems facing those stationed at or working on the base and their families in housing surrounding the base.
From 1957 to 1985 Marines, and their families stationed here drank their morning coffee, cooked their meals, and bathed themselves and their children in water contaminated with TCE (trichloroethylene), PCE (perchloroethylene), and Benzene just to name a few well know human carcinogens. The contamination at Camp Lejeune has been called the worst toxic contamination in the history of the United States public water systems and a betrayal of epic proportions by the Marine Corps for the lack of disclosure and length time the water was contaminated.
With little media attention given to the contamination, those who served at Camp Lejeune could have no idea that their health issues may be related to water contamination and for those that have found out that the water was contaminated, usually by accident or luck, even more red tape awaits them for filing claims.If they're lucky they may learn that there is a registry they should join to be kept abreast of developments and information related to, or stemming from, the contamination and that their claim for disability, if applicable, should be filed directly through the VA if they are a patient at one. Then there is a tort claim (if applicable), Form SF-95 which will need to be filed with the JAG office listed in the attached packet as well.
Today, like every day for the last week, I decided to the leg work that one looking to file a claim would go through, made those calls, consulted those attorneys, (all of whom claimed to specialize in Veterans Affairs Claims and one even listed the Camp Lejeune contamination on its website) and after a runaround of BIBLICAL proportion I came to the conclusion that the system we expect our veterans to navigate to find the information they need absolutely stinks and there are nowhere near enough VA Advocates to help. Time after time, organization after organization, I was referred to the JAG office (someone should give a medal to the poor soul who put up with my incessant calls with questions as to how this process should work and why I SHOULD NOT have wound up calling the JAG office; although all the agencies are giving out their phone number like free supermarket samples). The JAG office was very helpful in explaining the importance of the registry, the purpose of the VA for claims and what its Advocates should be able to assist Veterans with filing, and the information required for the Camp Lejeune Claims packet, but ultimately the claim for those who were enlisted had to be handled by the VA.
There is also a class action suit, but Im still in the process of locating information on how one would become a party to it, particularly if they were enlisted at the time. It is my hope that over the course of completing this story I will be able to assemble a single stop location for any Veterans looking for the information they need regarding their time at Camp Lejeune and how their health may have been affected and what they need to file a claim.
If you know anyone who was enlisted and stationed at Camp Lejeune during the time frame above, please forward this to them or their families and if you have any information you would like to share regarding sites that may not have been added to the blog yet or about the claims process, please comment the blog or email me and I will follow up and add it to the list.
Addendum to above
There was a bill in the Senate presented to provide healthcare for those who had been injured, but it has been tabled indefinitely from the information I have been able to find.
The attached map shows the waterways, water treatment plants (Tawara Terrace and Hadnot Point specifically due to contamination levels studies), and the contaminated wells, which is the focal point of the health related problems facing those stationed at or working on the base and their families in housing surrounding the base.
From 1957 to 1985 Marines, and their families stationed here drank their morning coffee, cooked their meals, and bathed themselves and their children in water contaminated with TCE (trichloroethylene), PCE (perchloroethylene), and Benzene just to name a few well know human carcinogens. The contamination at Camp Lejeune has been called the worst toxic contamination in the history of the United States public water systems and a betrayal of epic proportions by the Marine Corps for the lack of disclosure and length time the water was contaminated.
With little media attention given to the contamination, those who served at Camp Lejeune could have no idea that their health issues may be related to water contamination and for those that have found out that the water was contaminated, usually by accident or luck, even more red tape awaits them for filing claims.If they're lucky they may learn that there is a registry they should join to be kept abreast of developments and information related to, or stemming from, the contamination and that their claim for disability, if applicable, should be filed directly through the VA if they are a patient at one. Then there is a tort claim (if applicable), Form SF-95 which will need to be filed with the JAG office listed in the attached packet as well.
Today, like every day for the last week, I decided to the leg work that one looking to file a claim would go through, made those calls, consulted those attorneys, (all of whom claimed to specialize in Veterans Affairs Claims and one even listed the Camp Lejeune contamination on its website) and after a runaround of BIBLICAL proportion I came to the conclusion that the system we expect our veterans to navigate to find the information they need absolutely stinks and there are nowhere near enough VA Advocates to help. Time after time, organization after organization, I was referred to the JAG office (someone should give a medal to the poor soul who put up with my incessant calls with questions as to how this process should work and why I SHOULD NOT have wound up calling the JAG office; although all the agencies are giving out their phone number like free supermarket samples). The JAG office was very helpful in explaining the importance of the registry, the purpose of the VA for claims and what its Advocates should be able to assist Veterans with filing, and the information required for the Camp Lejeune Claims packet, but ultimately the claim for those who were enlisted had to be handled by the VA.
There is also a class action suit, but Im still in the process of locating information on how one would become a party to it, particularly if they were enlisted at the time. It is my hope that over the course of completing this story I will be able to assemble a single stop location for any Veterans looking for the information they need regarding their time at Camp Lejeune and how their health may have been affected and what they need to file a claim.
If you know anyone who was enlisted and stationed at Camp Lejeune during the time frame above, please forward this to them or their families and if you have any information you would like to share regarding sites that may not have been added to the blog yet or about the claims process, please comment the blog or email me and I will follow up and add it to the list.
Addendum to above
There was a bill in the Senate presented to provide healthcare for those who had been injured, but it has been tabled indefinitely from the information I have been able to find.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Vintage Pin Up Hairstyles - Welcome Back Sexy!
Looking back through history, It's hard to ignore the "pin-up era" of Bettie Paige, Marilyn Monroe, and who could ever forget Alberto Vargas and his Vargas Girls.
Pick an adjective; classy, cute, flirty, sexy, graceful, bombshell, siren, vixen....they would all fit and do so without the stripped down, sex sells, in-your-face blatancy that we see far to much of in our daily lives.
The hair: perfectly set, the clothing: flirty and cute, the effort: not as bad as you think (trust me on this one ladies, its well worth a try), and if you have hips, thighs, and curves you're already ahead of the game. Size zero's need not apply for this fashion trend. (Don't you love hearing that for a change?)
Pin Up Tips for the Beginner:
After you get comfy with your new technique, send me a picture and tell me about your experience! (I've got mine down to about 3 minutes start to finish now.)
Happy Hairstyling!
Pick an adjective; classy, cute, flirty, sexy, graceful, bombshell, siren, vixen....they would all fit and do so without the stripped down, sex sells, in-your-face blatancy that we see far to much of in our daily lives.
The hair: perfectly set, the clothing: flirty and cute, the effort: not as bad as you think (trust me on this one ladies, its well worth a try), and if you have hips, thighs, and curves you're already ahead of the game. Size zero's need not apply for this fashion trend. (Don't you love hearing that for a change?)
Pin Up Tips for the Beginner:
- Relax, don't go overboard, just breathe, DO NOT attempt this one hour before going out for the evening as your first trial. While the techniques can be simple, you need to practice a few times before you're ready for your debut.
- Start with your hair, after all, this is the crown jewel of the entire look, and can even be worn with your regular clothing. You'll need a few supplies, but they wont cost you much and you can pick up accessories as you go.
- Keep your hair healthy! regular haircuts can go a long way to keeping your hairstyle looking sleek and polished as opposed to the "finger in a light socket" look.
After you get comfy with your new technique, send me a picture and tell me about your experience! (I've got mine down to about 3 minutes start to finish now.)
Happy Hairstyling!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Exploring Michigan's Upper Peninsula - Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
In May 2011, a friend's daughter graduated in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. While making the five hour drive, my mind wandered to what explorations of this beautiful area of the State I may experience. Sault Ste. Marie is known for its beautiful coastline, Soo Locks, amazing community of artists and writers, and hidden treasures. Taking a trip here reminds me in many ways of my time in Santa Barbara, California, so for me summertime visits here are almost like coming home.
The beaches beckon you to visit, and inspire such a peacefulness and comfort while you do that it is very hard to leave them.
The art community abounds and several of the shops across the street from the Soo Locks feature local art work and the opportunity to watch local artists as they paint the beauty and elegance of the Upper Peninsula. The strand near the Locks is filled with breathtaking shops featuring everything one could dream of to commemorate their visit and the knowledge of the local residents regarding the history of the community is unparalleled. Simply asking anyone what they would recommend you see on your visit can result in the journey of a lifetime. I am fortunate to have a wonderful inside source for visiting the area, as a lifelong friend and her family are residents.
On this visit, the agenda included a trip to one of the best kept secrets in the area and a surprise view of an Indian Burial Ground just before our arrival. Tribe members sites are marked with an array of accoutrement and offerings as well as spirit houses. This particular Cemetery, just before the Dancing Crane, is closed to the public, for obvious reasons, but the view from outside the fence allows for an amazing view of the contents.
Tucked away on Lakeshore Drive, sits the Dancing Crane Coffeehouse, owned and operated by Jim and Cathy Leblanc. Looking at the outside of the log cabin structure, one may underestimate what lies within....a word of advice....don't be that one. The coffee is exceptional, the smoothies are absolutely amazing, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting. It is one of the few times in recent memory that I have seen my daughter enthralled without any technological gadget involved. Who knew that sitting in a coffeehouse, playing card games could be so much fun?
After leaving the Dancing Crane, we continued our journey to Mission Hill Cemetery, which offered exceptional views overlooking the lake as well as the opportunity to take a trip through shipwreck history. The entire area is rich with Native American history and, as macabre as it may sound to include a trip to a cemetery in a vacation trip, to not would rob one of the beauty and reverence with which the local tribe hold members who have passed.
We ended our adventures for the day at the lake shore where the sunset was breathtaking, I could not have asked for a more perfect day.
The beaches beckon you to visit, and inspire such a peacefulness and comfort while you do that it is very hard to leave them.
The art community abounds and several of the shops across the street from the Soo Locks feature local art work and the opportunity to watch local artists as they paint the beauty and elegance of the Upper Peninsula. The strand near the Locks is filled with breathtaking shops featuring everything one could dream of to commemorate their visit and the knowledge of the local residents regarding the history of the community is unparalleled. Simply asking anyone what they would recommend you see on your visit can result in the journey of a lifetime. I am fortunate to have a wonderful inside source for visiting the area, as a lifelong friend and her family are residents.
On this visit, the agenda included a trip to one of the best kept secrets in the area and a surprise view of an Indian Burial Ground just before our arrival. Tribe members sites are marked with an array of accoutrement and offerings as well as spirit houses. This particular Cemetery, just before the Dancing Crane, is closed to the public, for obvious reasons, but the view from outside the fence allows for an amazing view of the contents.
Tucked away on Lakeshore Drive, sits the Dancing Crane Coffeehouse, owned and operated by Jim and Cathy Leblanc. Looking at the outside of the log cabin structure, one may underestimate what lies within....a word of advice....don't be that one. The coffee is exceptional, the smoothies are absolutely amazing, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting. It is one of the few times in recent memory that I have seen my daughter enthralled without any technological gadget involved. Who knew that sitting in a coffeehouse, playing card games could be so much fun?
After leaving the Dancing Crane, we continued our journey to Mission Hill Cemetery, which offered exceptional views overlooking the lake as well as the opportunity to take a trip through shipwreck history. The entire area is rich with Native American history and, as macabre as it may sound to include a trip to a cemetery in a vacation trip, to not would rob one of the beauty and reverence with which the local tribe hold members who have passed.
We ended our adventures for the day at the lake shore where the sunset was breathtaking, I could not have asked for a more perfect day.
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