TAOnline Transition Insight Newsletter

A Resolution You Will Want to Keep

Nation's Largest Assisted Living Provider to Hire 1000 Veterans, Military Spouses

NEWS RELEASE - Emeritus Senior Living

You are a Vet. You are starting a business. What’s First? What’s Next?

Author: National Veteran Small Business Coalition
Date: February 2013
Source: http://nvsbc.org/

As a service member you acquired the basics of a good business owner - discipline, dedication, creativity, and problem solving skills. Now you are looking to sell your product ideas and services back to the Federal government. This often means finding the right mentorship and business model. For Veterans continuing to serve their nation... Read More

UPS pledges support of those who serve

by Senior Airman Christina Bozeman
94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

2/13/2013 - ATLANTA -- Air Force Reserve officers joined with UPS senior executives and other guard and reserve military branches in continuing a 40-year-old Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve mission of gaining and maintaining employer support for guard and reserve members. "It's great to have UPS recognize our military's dual purpose," said Brig. Gen. Merle Hart, special assistant to the Vice Commander, Headquarters Air Force Reserve... Read More

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Looking for IT or Project Management certification? Need help with your job search, resume, or interviewing skills? Not sure what to expect in the civilian workplace? The Veterans' Technology Program at Syracuse University is delivered entirely online, at no-cost to post 9/11 veterans. Apply online at http://get-vet.syr.edu - the application deadline for the April session is February 25th!

A Resolution You Will Want to Keep

© Tom Wolfe, author; all rights reserved; excerpts from Out of Uniform: Your Guide to a Successful Military-to-Civilian Career Transition; used with the permission of the author and publisher, www.potomacbooksinc.com.

A frequent topic of conversation in the beginning of every year is the New Year's resolution. You know the drill. Loose weight. Get in shape. Clean out the closets. Eat healthy foods. Be a better friend. Pay down debt. Quit smoking. Find a hobby. Read more. De-clutter. Unplug. Organize the garage. Keep a journal. Although 45 percent of Americans make New Year's resolutions, only 46 percent of those resolutions survive through June. (Journal of Clinical Psychology, Scranton University, December 13, 2012). Whether you make them or not, or keep them or not, if you are in career transition and looking for a job, now would be a great time to make this one and stick to it:

I resolve to take a fresh look at all aspects of my transition and job search plan and make adjustments that will enhance my chances of success.

Here are 11 ways to help you implement and keep that resolution:

Resume. Have you tweaked it recently? When was the last time you had a fresh set of eyes review it? Does it reference the year 2012? Maybe that needs to be changed to 2013. Job title and description updates? Achievements? Did you receive any awards or accolades at the end of 2012 that should be added? Address change? Phone number still good?
Wardrobe. Had your suit been cleaned recently? Is it possible that you need to update your interviewing attire? Maybe a new suit is not in the budget, but a new shirt and tie or blouse will make the old suit look like a new one. Take a look at your shoes. Polished? Heels and soles in good shape? Laces frayed?
Physical appearance. Take a look in the mirror. Would you hire that person? Would you even want to meet that person? Military personnel are known for excellent grooming and pride in appearance. Do you live up to that expectation? Hair cut? Facial hair? Nails?
Reference list. Review the people on that list. When was the last time you checked in with them? Do they know your search has started and continues? Has their contact information changed? Have they changed their preferred method of being contacted? Do they remain willing to act as a reference for you? Do they need any information from you that will assist them in giving a reference if asked?
Network. Review your network. Has it gone stale? Does it need a jump-start? Did you give up on some of those contacts? Did some of them suggest you reconnect after the first of the year? Make some new connections. Alumni associations? Professional societies? Job fairs? Networking events? Friends? Family? Social networking? Neighbors? Your church congregation? Do not be afraid to ask for help and advice. Remember: who you know and who they know can have a big impact on developing leads and getting your foot in the door.
Your Online Identity. Google yourself. What comes up? When was the last time you did some housekeeping on your social networking pages? Inventory those pictures and make sure you are comfortable sharing them with a potential employer. Do you have a presence on LinkedIn? You should. It can be a powerful job search tool. In addition to crafting a profile that represents you well, identify and join any special interest groups that have to potential to expand your network.
Professional reading. What books are on your nightstand or in your e-reader? Are you keeping up with trends in your industry or specialty? Do you read business periodicals? Professional or trade journals? How about job hunting and career transition guides? Special interest groups and postings on social media sites?
Health and fitness. Do not neglect your personal needs. Job-hunting is a stressful time in your life. It requires a lot of mental and physical energy to support it. Take thirty to sixty minutes out of every day to move your body. Get the blood flowing. Walk, run, jog, bike, swim, stretch, . . . The physical and mental benefits of this short break in your daily routine are equally important.
Volunteer. It is very easy to get tunnel vision during a job search. It is perfectly natural to focus on selfish issues. It is also easy to get down on yourself when things are not going well. You need to shake it off if it happens to you. The physical activity mentioned above will help, but so will a little bit of give-back. Get involved in community service. Most people feel better about themselves when they are helping others. Although it should not be your sole motivation, volunteering is also a good way to expand your network.
Organization. How are you keeping track of your search activities? Journal? Log book? Paper? Digital? What have you done, when did you do it, what happens next? Are you keeping track of contacts made? Follow-up activity? Expected action? Suspense dates? Can you find and provide information quickly if asked? A place for everything and everything in its place.
Reconnect. For many companies a new year also means a new budget. Maybe they could not fund that job last year but now they can. Just because a company could not hire you in 2012 does not necessarily mean that 2013 is out of the question. Follow-up on previous interviews. Re-apply at the company's website. Review past correspondence to see if additional follow-up might help.

In summary, stay active and be positive. Dedicate a significant piece of each day to some aspect of your transition and job search efforts. Resolve to do this and stick to it. This is one New Year's resolution you cannot afford to break. GOOD HUNTING!

By Tom Wolfe, Career Coach

© Tom Wolfe is an author, columnist, career coach, veteran, and an expert in the field of military-to-civilian career transition. During his career he assisted thousands of service members in their searches for employment, placing more than 3000 in their new jobs. Prior to civilian life, he graduated from the U. S. Naval Academy and served as a surface warfare officer. He teaches transition courses, gives seminars on career and job change, writes about the career transition process, and continues to counsel current and former military personnel. His book, Out of Uniform: Your Guide to a Successful Military-to-Civilian Career Transition, was published by Potomac Books in 2011. Tom lives on the North Carolina coast with his wife, Julie, and their Chesapeake Bay retriever, Maggie.

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Nation's Largest Assisted Living Provider to Hire 1000 Veterans, Military Spouses

NEWS RELEASE - Emeritus Senior Living

Seattle, Wash. - Feb. 4, 2013 - With the unemployment rate for veterans significantly higher than that for the overall population, the nation's largest assisted living and memory care provider plans to hire at least 1000 former members of the military and military spouses over the next five years. This endeavor by Emeritus Senior Living is the first such veteran recruiting program in America's senior living industry. It has been launched to honor and assist veterans seeking employment as well as pay tribute to the many retired military residing at Emeritus. Emeritus Senior Living, which operates over 470 senior living communities in 44 states, has a workforce of more than 28,000.

The January, 2013 jobless rate for all post-9/11 veterans was 11.7 percent. Seventeen percent of women who served abroad or at home during that period are unemployed. Military spouses are facing a 26-percent unemployment rate, even though over 80 percent of them would like to work.

"We wish to show our proud support of the military by offering veterans and military spouses a career with our company," said Granger Cobb, president and CEO of Emeritus Senior Living. "We hope this initiative will be of value to those who have served our country. We know that their talent and commitment will be tremendously beneficial to our residents and our entire organization."

Because the largest hurdle for veterans seeking civilian work is explaining the relevance of their military experience, Emeritus has identified company positions that correlate to a variety of those in the armed forces. For example, the work of a military chef is similar to that of an Emeritus dining services director. Other opportunities within Emeritus could include maintenance director, driver, resident care director, wellness nurse, medication technician, certified nursing assistant and a range of administrative positions.

The size and scope of Emeritus offer advantages to military spouses as well as veterans, Cobb said. "Unless their careers are portable, many spouses must quit their jobs to move when their husband or wife is transferred and they have to start their employment search all over again in a new city where they don't have any contacts," he said. "With more than 470 communities nationwide, we can offer military spouses transfers within the United States. This way, they not only remain employed, they keep building their careers with Emeritus."

Emeritus has established www.emeritus.com/employment/military, a website dedicated to veterans and military spouses seeking employment with the company. It includes general information on why Emeritus is a good fit for transitioning military and spouses along with testimonials from current Emeritus employee veterans.

Emeritus has also started a LinkedIn group to assist veterans and military spouses who are coming aboard the organization.

"This helps new Emeritus employees with the transition from the military into their first civilian job and assists with building relationships with other Emeritus employees with similar backgrounds," Cobb said.

The company hopes to evolve the initiative by establishing a program that connects employee veterans with resident veterans.

"We piloted this concept at one Emeritus Senior Living community and it was very well received," Cobb said. "We're certain it will prove to be a wonderful endeavor throughout our organization."

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You are a Vet. You are starting a business. What’s First? What’s Next?

Author: National Veteran Small Business Coalition
Date: February 2013
Source: http://nvsbc.org/

For Veterans continuing to serve their nation through entrepreneurship and selling goods and services to the Federal government The Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Act of 1999 established a 3% annual government contracting goal for service-disabled Veterans-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs). The Veterans Benefits Act of 2003 allows Federal contracting officers to restrict competition to SDVOSBs and award a sole source or set-aside contract where certain criteria are met. Presidential Executive Order 13360, signed in October 2004, calls for a significant increase in Federal contracting and subcontracting opportunities for SDVOSBs. This helps, but is neither a right nor an entitlement there’s a lot that you have to do.

Many Federal agencies continue to fall short of these congressionally mandated acquisition goals. Veteran small business advocacy groups such as the National Veteran Small Business Coalition (NVSBC) make it their mission to ensure that Veteran businesses are given first consideration for Federal prime and subcontracting procurement opportunities. At their annual outreach event, the Veteran Entrepreneur Training Symposium (VETS), the NVSBC’s event recognizes Federal agencies and prime contractors that met or exceeded the 3% goal of providing opportunities to Veteran-Owned (VOSBs) and SDVOSBs. Winners for 2013 will be announced in the spring, but you can take a look at the 2012 award recipients right here to get an idea who are the VOSB/SDVOSB contracting stars in the government.

What does that mean for you? There are many Veterans striving to do business with the Federal government and to be successful, you need to stand apart from the crowd. Our advice to keep you on course and stay ahead in the Federal contracting arena?

Network More. Connect with peers, colleagues, and Federal agencies and build the relationships that can help grow your business.
Make Personal Connections. Take advantage of one-on-one sessions and meet face-to-face with Primes and Federal agencies.
Stay Updated. Hear the latest small business news and trends from leading industry experts during expert panel discussions and roundtables.
Be at the Right Place at the Right Time. Team up with the perfect company; find primes and partners that need to meet their contracting goals.
Beat the Competition: Gain a competitive advantage receiving up-to date and relevant news first hand in a fast changing Federal market.
Reach a Group: Join a community of business professionals aiming to advance Veteran businesses.
Listen to Your Customer: The Government customers tell you what they need and when they plan to buy.
Think Big by Thinking Small: Get past performance. The Department of Defense alone spends more than $9B per year in simplified acquisitions. That’s a lot of ways to show what you can do and earn the right to larger procurements.

There is no easy and one fits all solution to become successful in government contracting. But remember that you are not alone. Your fellow Veteran entrepreneurs are eager to share, learn, and grow with you every step of the way.

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UPS pledges support of those who serve

by Senior Airman Christina Bozeman
94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

"It's great to have UPS recognize our military's dual purpose," said Brig. Gen. Merle Hart, special assistant to the Vice Commander, Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command. "Being a citizen Airmen is a very difficult job. This recognition is duly observed and much appreciated."

Since 1972, the ESGR, a Department of Defense agency, has been advocating relevant reserve employment initiatives; this includes increasing awareness of applicable laws, recognizing outstanding support and resolving conflict between employers and service members.

"The parallel between the military and UPS is that we both have men and women everywhere in uniform," said James Rebholz, ESGR national chairman. "Without the guard and reserves, we could not operate as freely as we do. You've always answered our call, and we appreciate it."

As a veteran, guard or reserve member, finding employment can be challenging. Having companies like UPS maintain its faithfulness to its military members is incredibly important. Veterans currently make up 7.5 percent of UPS's global workforce, and they hired more than 10,400 veterans in 2012.

"This is a special day for UPS because it gives us a chance to say thank you to the more than 23,000 employees who have served, or are now serving in the guard or reserves," said Scott Davis, UPS chairman and chief executive. "Your leadership and selfless service inspire us all."

Among the 23,000 veterans employed by UPS, about 2,200 are currently on leave from UPS and actively serving in military status. The military members know that UPS supports them and that their jobs will be waiting for them when they return, which is one less thing to worry about when deployed.

"UPS has a history of hiring vets," said Col. Steven Clayton, 94th Airlift Wing Operations Group commander, Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga. "I worked for UPS from 1979 to 1982, and we had a lot of veterans back then."

UPS also has a long military history itself. One of the founders, George Casey, served in the Navy during WW1 as a Petty Officer Third Class storekeeper, which is today ironically called a Logistics Specialist. There are three prior UPS chief executive officers who were military members as well.

"It should be no surprise that UPS, the global business and shipping logistics leader, has a history rooted in military logistics," said John McDevitt, UPS senior vice president of human resources and labor relations.

UPS has received the ESGR Freedom Award, the nation's highest recognition for employers supporting guard and reserve members, twice; in 1996 in Central Florida, and in 2002 via UPS Airlines.

"UPS participates in programs like these not just out of altruism, but because it makes good business sense," Davis said. "At UPS, we value integrity, good judgment and accountability. These values are also core values in our armed forces."

All military branches were represented at the ceremony. Guests of honor included World War II veteran Lt. Col. "Hap" Chandler, Tuskegee Airman Tech. Sgt. Val Archer and Maj. Gen. Jim Butterworth, adjutant general, Georgia National Guard.

"UPS has a long legacy of supporting military members," Butterworth said. "That's appreciated without a doubt."

Partnered with ESGR, UPS continues to be one of the biggest military supporters to date and, by the looks of today's ceremony, will continue to be a solid partner to veterans and service members everywhere.

"This longstanding relationship with UPS recognizes that the military makes good stable and valuable employees," Clayton said. "This partnership is key for military members returning to their communities, and transitioning back to their regular way of life."

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