OFCCP Issues NPRM for Section 503 - Changes to include Affirmative Action Goals for People with Disabilities

The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) is proposing to revise the regulations implementing the non-discrimination and affirmative action regulations of section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

The proposed regulations would:
- Strengthen the affirmative action provisions, detailing specific actions a contractor must take to satisfy its obligations.
- Increase the contractor's data collection obligations
- Establish a utilization goal for individuals with disabilities to assist in measuring the effectiveness of the contractor's affirmative action efforts
- Revise the non-discrimination provisions to implement changes necessitated by the passage of the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008

DATES: To be assured of consideration, comments must be received on or
before February 7, 2012.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by RIN number 1250-AA02, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.

Networking – Back to the Basics

Many professionals, who are job searching, have this idea that networking is about asking for jobs or just collecting business cards at networking events. Well, I’m here to tell you that that is not the case. Let’s start by defining what networking really is.

Networking is about establishing and maintaining relationships with people who are connected to you and to each other. It’s a reciprocal process that allows you to give, as well as gather information and leads, thus enabling you to build ongoing mutually beneficial professional relationships.

There are many reasons why you should network and stay connected, even after landing a job. Remember, networking is not difficult, unless you make it so. Networking the right way will give you access to the hidden job market, help you meet new people and broadcast your availability.

Here are some tips you can start using when creating your networking strategy.

• Create your contact list: It’s extremely important that you write down and track your contact list. Don’t just rely on a digital contact list (ie, Linkedin or your cell phone contacts), create an actual list or spreadsheet. Remember to segment your list into 3 categories: A-level contacts , individuals that could hire you or create a position for you; B-level contacts, influential individuals who can open doors for you within target companies; C-level contacts, individuals who possess some potential to be an A or B level contact.

• Arrange a meeting: Decided how you will attempt to contact your list whether it be by phone, email or in person. Be ready to briefly describe yourself. Also, the best way to arrange a meeting to get an introduction from another contact.

• Manage the message: If you haven’t done so already, prepare and practice your 30-second commercial and public statement. Be able to cover 3-5 key achievements, a list of potential target companies and have some insightful questions to ask. Make sure you have an agenda with questions to ask and, if possible, obtain some background info on the person before your meeting.

• The Meeting and Follow-up: This is your time to shine! Don’t forget to bring your marketing collateral (resume) and arrive at least 15 minutes early. Think of ways you can give back to your contact because networking IS a reciprocal process. Show appreciation, ask for input and ask thoughtful questions. During the meeting, ask to check back in (periodically) with an update and what you can do for them. Always, always, always send a “Thank you” note or message. After meeting with a referral, call them to them to say “thank you”. The goal here is to create a long-term relationship with your contact. Let them know when/where you landed.

Networking – Back to Basics

Newland Associates presents the first of a two part series that is designed to provide an overview of networking, what it is and why it’s important for you. If you’re new to networking this will take the mystery out of the process and give you the tools you’ll need to get started.

What you will learn in this 60 minute presentation:
• How to create a 30 second commercial.
• The importance of maintaining a networking contact file.
• How to establish a professional networking objective.
• How to effectively approach and communicate with your network.
• How to start managing your career through networking.

Luigi Frascarelli is a Certified Career Coach and former executive recruiter. He has experience in management, business development, marketing, training and research in the real estate, banking and the financial services industry. Newland Associates, is Career Partners International firm, world leaders in Executive and Career Coaching and the Official Career Transition Partner of the Central Florida Human Resource Association. Our career and job search practice has helped 100's of professionals and executives to effectively manage and market their career in order to obtain better employment opportunities within or outside their current employers.

For more information on the event, please visit:
http://www.cfhra.org/cde.cfm?event=341805

Join our industry specific group on LinkedIn - "Newland Associates - Central Florida HR Jobs & Forum"

Make sure you follow us on LinkedIn @ www.linkedin.com/company/newland-associates

We also created an industry specific group for HR professionals. This group is a place to find HR jobs in Central Florida and discuss relevant topics with colleagues. This is a private group for HR professionals.

The holidays are approaching…start networking!!

With the holidays fast approaching, many job seekers may be thinking about “taking a break” and putting their job search on hold until after the first of the year, since “no one is hiring right now anyways”. Wrong! Don’t be one of those people! The holiday season offers a great opportunity to expand your network and make valuable contacts that can assist in securing your next position. There are numerous social events that offer an excellent and informal opportunity to meet people that may be in a position to help you in your search. Your spouse’s employer, your professional organization, community and volunteer groups, your church or place of worship, your vendors, your customers, your college, fraternity and alumni groups are just a few examples of organizations that often have year end holiday parties or get togethers. Take advantage of these opportunities to meet new people, share ideas and leads, and make contacts. Experts agree that 75-80% of jobs are unadvertised and located through networking.

Networking: A path to the hidden job market.

Pools of unadvertised jobs are referred to as the "hidden job market" and are filled by people who know and inform other people, in other words, by those involved in the networking process.

It is sometimes said the best jobs don't make it to the "open market"; they are filled by word of mouth quickly or exclusively. Networking is your vehicle directly into the hidden market.

The Hidden Job Market is vast, as it contains:

1. Positions that soon will result from impending reorganizations
2. Planned openings as a result of new and unannounced corporate plans
3. Anticipated openings from emerging organizational or procedural problems
4. Jobs due open from impending retirements, resignations or from staff expansions
5. Jobs that will be advertised next week
6. Last month's jobs that weren't filled
7. Jobs released to only one placement agency

Remember, you are “not working” if you are “not networking!.”

Excerpts from Career Partners International - Bringing Great people and Great companies Together

How to hande the panel or group interview.

Panel and group interviews are becoming a common practice for many companies as they try to reduce the bad hiring decisions and assess the talent from different angles. In panel interviews, a candidate will be interviewed by two or more individuals. This type of interview is typically a question and answer session, but be prepared to simulate potential work scenarios. In group interviews, where there are several candidates in a room, the company wants to see a strong candidate who knows how to work well with others and can truly sell themselves.

Here are some tips that can help you NAIL the group or panel interview:

• Preparation is the key to success with any type of interview. Research the company, learn any pertinent news about the organization and try to find out their expectations for the position (via networking).
• Engage everyone in the group when you are answering or asking questions.
• Be prepared to answer the tough questions, especially “Why should we hire you instead of everyone else in the room?”.
• If you are in a group interview environment, it’s better to lead than to follow.
• During group and panel interviews, be prepared to demonstrate your leadership skills, your ability to handle stress and pressure and how well you take/give criticism.
• Make sure to thank everyone who interviewed you and send them a “Thank you” letter after the interview.
• SELL yourself! Be passionate and sincere with your answers and make sure you demonstrate value to the organization.

Managing Your Career - Today!

Managing your career is not just for the present, but for the future as well. You must be proactive if you want to be successful with your career transition. And a meaningful career should serve only one purpose – to give you the life you want and deserve. Both programs will inspire you to identify your values and goals in order to pursue a new career that will promote a healthy and rewarding life achievement. Transitioning into a career requires work and dedication, and having the tools and resources will simplify the process for you.

Here are some recent questions from our clients in regards to managing their career.

Q. I resigned from a position to relocate here in Orlando. When I had a friend do a verification of employment with my former supervisor, she did verify employment but declined to answer any character questions. She has some resentment because of my resignation. How do I handle this?

A. The best approach for this is to have another former colleague in the organization that is willing to provide an unofficial character reference. Hopefully you can find someone in a position of leadership to do this. You might get probed further during the interview about your direct supervisor relationship. Be honest. Explain that she did not take your resignation well, and that you can understand that. However, you are a great prospective employee and that other managers are willing to attest to that.

Q. How soon should you send a thank you note after an interview? So far, I have sent email thank you's right after the interview, and, so far have received a polite response. Does it seem that I am too desperate when I send a thank you right away?

A. There is nothing wrong with sending a thank you note right away. You will sound desperate if the frequency of your thank you’s, follow-up calls and emails is over the top.

Q. What is the best way to schedule job interviews in another city when you have a current job, which you do not want to be aware of your interest in an alternate occupation?

A. Most recruiters will work with you to schedule them after hours. Ask for this. If you are a valuable prospect, a smart company will understand your predicament and work with you to resolve it.