How Desperation Hurts You in a Job Interview

How Desperation Hurts You in a Job Interview How Desperation Hurts You in a Job Interview Job hunting can be downright demoralizing. You send out resume after resume without getting anything in return. Why didnt the hiring manager like what they saw? Did they even see it?After sending so many resumes into the void, even a rejection email can become a welcome acknowledgment. Its natural for desperation to seep in if it wasnt already the driving force behind your job hunt. Once you finally break through, part of your job interview preparation must be to leave desperation behind.Interviewers dont trust someone whos desperate, says Rachel Beohm, a nonverbal communication and job interview coach, who took the time to chat with Jobscan. It reduces your credibility.Rachel emphasizes that combatting nerves and desperation is more about changing your mindset than masking any specific tells. Nervousness and excitement are physiologically almost identical, the only difference is your thought pr ocess.Desperation is a symptom of need rather than want. Interviewers will pick up on which is motivating you. Need is desperation, want is joy and enthusiasm and passion, says Rachel. If you can approach it from a place of want versus need, thats going to change how you communicate.Below, Rachel helps us combat two primary sources of need and desperation that can keep many job seekers from having great interviews.1. You need moneyWhen times are tough and your rent is overdue, the instinct for self-preservation can override everything, but you dont want the interviewer to know youre in survival mode.If your entire livelihood is riding on the outcome of this interview, chances are youll do anything to get the job, says Rachel. If the interviewer catches on, you lose credibility. You say, This is the perfect job for me, but theyre not necessarily going to believe it or any other claims you make.Rachel shares a story from her former consulting firms hiring experiences in which an ideal candidate nailed the phone interview only to blow it as soon as the in-person interview began. Why do you want this job? asked the interviewer. Well, began the applicant, I need a job.That was it, recounts Rachel. The interview was over. The firm wasnt about to hire someone who only wanted the job because they needed any job.That said, sometimes it is a matter of needing any work. How can applicants in this situation approach ajob interview sincerely?Do a little bit of research, says Rachel. Find something about either the company, the work, the product, the location, whatever it is, find something about it that you can get behind that is real and personal and then communicate that.2. You need this job to be happy or advance your careerDesperation can interfere even when its not a matter of putting food on the table. When a dream job or great career opportunity seems within reach, a common trap is to get too attached, believing that this job is the key to personal or professional f ulfillment.You dont want to have your whole identity and happiness and sense of self-worth riding on the outcome of that one specific interview, says Rachel. You need to be present and grounded in order to go in and have a good interview, which means you need to be aware that this is one out of many opportunities.Rachel believes the key to this is striving to be 100% invested, 0% attached. Its a matter of surrendering control.Whether or not they choose you, that is outside of your control, so you let that go, she says. What can you control? Showing up and just being yourself, and accessing your expertise and your excitement and your experience.Jobscan thanks Rachel Beohm for her time. Find more communication tips on her nonverbal communication blog.Get your resume in front of the people that matter by utilizing Jobscans resume optimization tools, then study up on common job interview questions and use Rachels job interview tips to make yourself, as she says, someone who shows up ful ly, is grounded, real, confident, credible, but not attached.

Vanessa Helmer - The Balance

Vanessa Helmer - The BalanceVanessa Helmer - The Balance

These are the most common things people lie about on their resumes

These are the most common things people lie about on their resumesThese are the most common things people lie about on their resumesSometimes, resumes have to be massaged. Tweaked to fit the job listing. Walked back a little. But none of tooling around is a lie, right? As it turns out, only 5% of all people said theyd song on their resumes but Millennials do it twice as much as anyone else. In that category, 11% of adults ages 25-34 admitted to lying on their resumes at least once.GOBankingRates conducted a surveycarried out by ConsumerTrack Inc. of 1,003 people to ask them if and why they lied on their resumes.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreOf the 5%, of course, it depends on what one does and doesnt call a lie. An embellishment of start dates? A slight brush-up on skills? Still, of the 5% of liars, half had lied on their resume before.An additional 9% had never lied, but h ad considered the proposition. Generation Z welches the most tempted, at 14%.Jenny Foss, a job search strategist, told GoBankingRates, Its rare that I encounter someone who completely fabricates something on their resume. Foss said that truth-stretching which is not exactly a lie, but still sort of is was more commonplace.The most common things to lie about on a resumeWork experience 38%Dates of employment 31%Job title at previous role 16%References 15%College education 11%Responsibilities at previous role 7%Its true when it comes to working experience, sometimes ones familiarity with Google Analytics must be strrreeetched a bit, a job history altered to fit the circumstances. Interestingly, men lied about this much more than women, at 46% and 31%, respectively.And no one likes long gaps in employment. When it came to employment dates, women lied far more than men 41% to 19%, respectively.All jokes aside, history is littered with many big shots whose fall from grace was that they lied on their resumes some of them for decades, and over basic details costing them their jobs. Ex-Yahoo CEO Scott Thompson, who said he had a computer science and accounting degree, lost his job when it came to light that he only had the accounting degree. No one cares that he only had an accounting degree, just that he lied.In 2014, Wal-Marts top spokesman was forced to resign over an old lie on his resume that said he had a bachelors degree from the University of Delaware when he actually hadnt finished enough coursework to graduate. This lie was discovered during a background check while he was up for a promotion.Marilee Jones, the dean of admissions at MIT from 1997 to 2007, told one heck of a whopper for 28 years she stated she had three degrees when in fact, she had zero. She was found out through an anonymous tip and had to leave as a result.And even more embarrassingly, celebrity chef Robert Irvine lied about designing Prince Charles and Princess Dianas wedding cake. As a result, he was fired from his own show on the Food Networks Diner Impossible. He had only picked fruit for the cake.Perhaps those bigwigs could all relate to the following chartYou might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

Sleeping in this position may hurt your relationship

Sleeping in this position may hurt your relationshipSleeping in this position may hurt your relationshipWe now know that sleeping in a certain position can have adverse effects on your health as well as your motivation and overall mood when you wake up but it turns out, the direction you face when you sleep can literally have an impact on your romantic relationship. Whoa.According to that same survey by The Sleep Judge of1,021 people if you and your partner sleep back to back 11% said they were unsatisfied with the relationship. This welches the highestlevel of unsatisfaction (11%) compared to couples that slept in the spooning position, both facing the same direction (AKA loose spooning) and both on their stomachs.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreIt was the little spoon and the big spoon for the win as they reported a 99% satisfaction rate.Back it upNow before you never sleep ba ck to back again (except then how can you hide the fact that you are eating cookies in bed from your partner?) it should be noted that those back to backers who said they slept well were, for the most part (37%), content when they woke up.Only 1% behind a couple that slept in the same direction but not spooning. And as has been emphasized throughout this survey sleeping on your stomach once again proved to be bad for you in yet another way as when couples do this 19% said they were grumpy the next day and only 30% were content.Check out the graphic below for more results on couples and sleeping positions.The study did not note how long these couples had been together.Perhaps the spooners get all the credit for being hot and heavy but relationship psychologist Corrine Sweet says that couples that go back-to-back without touching are connected and secure in themselves. This position shows both closeness and independence in the relationship.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

The Honest to Goodness Truth on Uf Resume Help

The Honest to Goodness Truth on Uf Resume Help The ideal career advice the certified resume writers of SoCalResumes can offer on how best to recover from losing your occupation is to concentrate on the future. If youre attempting to acquire work in accounting or finance you require averystrong resume. The good resume builders online will not just give you the best tools required for completing a winning resume of your own, but theyll also offer you help in locating a fantastic job for you. With a little preparation and a deep comprehension of the local job market, its possible to easily simplify your work search. Put simply, youve just a matter of seconds at your disposal to convince the work recruiter that youre an exceptional fit for a ort. As an example, you didnt lose your work, youve been given the chance to find your fantasy job. When many candidates are asking for work, they have a tendency to believe that their prospective employer will automatically know that theyre a n ideal alternative. Also show youre a well-rounded worker. Simply take a while to think what activities will fit the work description. Keeping a positive attitude in the surface of unemployment may be a difficult, but necessary endeavor. Needless to say, simply because you opt not to use a resume writing tafelgeschirr at the start of your job hunt, doesnt mean that you cant enlist their help later on. Exercise is an excellent way to decrease the stress that comes with losing work, whilst forest bathing was proven to boost relaxation and result in clearer thinking both will result in you presenting a happier, more positive image to potential new employers. You are aware of what they say, job hunting is similar to fishing, whenever you have the proper bait, you are more inclined to catch something than the other way around. Contrary to what you might think, having real life experience under your belt doesnt increase your likelihood of passing the exam, you merely have to study for it the proper way. The History of Uf Resume Help Refuted Job seekers deserve to discover decent content quickly. You also ought to chat about past experience. Work experience examples will incorporate each of the jobs and internships that youve had previously. Once an employer fails to understand your contact info, theres no way hell reach you thus your odds of getting information are minimized. Think of what you require, make a list, and begin asking. Tweaking your resume based on the position youre applying to or as stated by the position you want, may provide you with a huge advantage over others. You might already know the position you need and the steps which you want to take to get there. Top Uf Resume Help Secrets Maybe you have some family members youll be able to circulate your CV to get them provide feedback. Raising funds for a family locally whos in need. Guests that are jobless just need resume assist. Someone might be seeking help (or a sort of help ) for the very first time, and might not know about every available or appropriate support. Personal branding Spending time at the helm of your business, you will have the opportunity to develop your individual brand. Locate a connection between what the organization is about and you. Perhaps youre planning to obtain a senior position at an incredible web development company where you are able to lead a group of brilliant coders and make amazing digital products. The health care industry can be quite competitive. There are various types of resume builders that a person can utilize. The employers prefer to experience the video rather than going through the piles of paper resume, as its more proficient. Resume Help Examples, suggestions, and a template to create a resume.

Join Deloitte for an exclusive women in tech event.

Join Deloitte for an exclusive women in tech vorstellung. This is an invite-only event for women in tech with 3+ years of experience. If you think that this event would be a good fit for you, please email hipowertofly.com to be considered for an invitation.Deloitte, in partnership with PowerToFly, is assembling an exclusive event for Nashvilles women in technology to connect with Noreen Cohen-White, Deloittes Global Technology Managing Director, and their Chief Technology Director, Keith Landau. This invite-only evening will include a panel with additional leaders from Deloitte, as well as an inside look into the companys technology neuheits and culture where women can thrive.After the program, we will leave time for you to network with top women in your field and team members from PowerToFly.To learn mora about the Information Technology Services group and Deloitte, please visit https//usrecruiting.deloitte.com/-its-recruiting-for-experienced-hires.Agenda (Subject to Change)600pm - Check-In Networking over Light Food Drinks625pm - Event Kickoff with PowerToFly630pm - Welcome Opening Remarks by Keith Landau, Deloittes Chief Technology Director640pm - A video presentation featuring Deloittes Information Technology Services employees 645pm - Fireside Chat featuring Noreen Cohen-White, Deloittes Global Technology Managing Director700pm- Panel Discussion featuringTami Deakins, Deloittes Program Management Office LeaderDanielle Whittaker, Deloittes Engagement ManagerKeith Landau, Deloittes Chief Technology DirectorNoreen Cohen-White, Deloittes Global Technology Managing Director715pm - Audience QA with the Panel740pm - Closing Remarks740pm - Networking resumes over light food drinksAlthough this is a networking event (you dont have to be looking for a job to attend), Deloitte is hiring. Deloitte is committed to recruiting, developing, and promoting a diverse workforce while providing unique opportunities across our businesses. Deloitte has been recognized by Wor king Mothers as one of the 100 best companies for multicultural women. Their benefits include up to 16 weeks of Paid Family Leave, pension plans and gym health subsidies. Create Your Free Profile on PowerToFly and follow Deloitte for updates about about more events and open roles. About our Events All RSVPd attendees are welcome, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, or age. If you require accommodation to fully participate in this event, please email hipowertofly.com, and we will contact you to discuss your specific needs.Unfortunately, PowerToFly and the company it is holding an event on behalf of cannot admit outside recruiters to that particular event. Please email hipowertofly.com if you have any questions about this policy.Related Articles Around the Web Deloitte Women in Leadership Deloittes commitment to gender equality 30% fe male leadership by ... Inclusion Deloitte US One of the biggest challenges in almost all industries today is achieving gender parity. Gender diversity provides huge benefits in the workplace. pWhile some industries have made significant advancements in gender diversity, some industries lag further behind... and the construction industry is well-known for being in the latter category. If someone says, construction workers, youll likely picture a group of men in yellow hard hats analyzing an architects plans or laying bricks on top of a scaffold. And men at work signs only help to reinforce this image.pThis stereotype is rooted in reality. When was the last time you actually spotted a woman on a construction site? Or hired a female plumber or carpenter? Your answer is most likely never. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statisticsreports that only 3.4% of the total of 8.3 million construction employees are women.pBut the construction industry has a lot more to offer than steel-toed boots and hard hats, and it needs women to help advance the industry in this era of rapid change. Here are 5 reasons why women joining the workforce or looking to make a pivot should consider a career in construction.h21. Fuel Innovation/h2pNot only is diversity the socially and morally right thing to do, but it is also actually an excellent business strategy. pResearch presented in the Harvard Business Reviewshows that diverse teams develop more innovative ideas. This is further supported by a study conducted by Gallupon the performance of gender-diverse teams versus single-gender teams, which found that the difference in backgrounds and perspectives led to better business performance and problem-solving. h22. Capitalize on Demand/h2pThe construction industry is currently experiencing a labor shortage. The industry itself is booming and projected to be one of the fastest-growing industries, with total spending projected to exceed $1.45 trillion in 2023/a. However, most construction companies are unable to meet the rising demand. pAccording to the Associated General Contractors of America/a, more than 80% of contractors are experiencing difficulties filling hourly craft positions that represent the bulk of the construction workforce.pAnd demand isnt limited to individual contributor roles. Given the industry boom, there are a number of open stable and high-paying roles (any project managers out there?) waiting for the right candidateh23. Leadership Opportunities/h2pAccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics/a, women compose only 7.7% of the total 1 million managerial positions in construction.br/pBut given the highly collaborative nature of construction work, more women in leadership roles would help drive innovation and enhance productivity.Furthermore, as a woman in construction in a leadership position, youd have the unique opportunity to drive change fo r the industry and make it a more attractive option for other women.h24. High-Income Potential/h2pSalaries for many skilled positions in construction are on the rise, making a construction career a prime choice for women looking for a high-paying job,pThe 2018 Construction Craft Salary Surveyconducted by the National Center for Construction Education and Research revealed that salaries for many skilled craft areas are increasing. Project managers and project supervisors topped the list at $92,523 and $88,355, respectively. The next set of highest-paying jobs include those of combo welders ($71,067), instrumentation technicians ($70,080), pipe welders ($69,222), power line workers ($68,262) and industrial electricians ($67,269). Of the 32 categories of workers in the survey, 19 positions earned an average salary of $60,000 or higher.h25. Sense of accomplishment/h2p The construction industry can give employees a unique sense of achievement. Yes, the job is stressful and the work can b e demanding, but nothing beats the feeling of being able to build something from the ground up. pHow many professionals in other industries can point at a school, a hospital, or a skyscraper and say I helped build that?pThe construction industry has a long way to go in combating gender bias and supporting women in the workforce, but given the current demand for workers, theres no better time to pick up a sledgehammer (figurative or literal) and smash the gender stereotypes plaguing the construction industry.

9 awesome work situations to get excited about

9 awesome work situations to get excited about9 awesome work situations to get excited aboutWe all want to be compensated well at ur jobs. But, as we covered in our previous post, work can make us miserable even with a fat paycheck.There are workplace situations that, for some, come by so rarely that they are worth their weight in gold, and they have nothing to do with the salary These are the things that make any person wake up excited to go into work and mora likely to work harder to perform their best.Before you only look at the pay and number of vacation days when mulling over a job offer or even if youre decently content at your job and are just curious check out these 9 awesome work situations that make you say YES.Team bondingGoing to work every day is more fun if you like your co-workers. And having friendly, interesting people working alongside you is a nice bonus in the workplace and makes a dramatic difference in job satisfaction. Being able to bond with people who have similar personalities and who are nice and funny can make even a boring job more colorful and enjoyable and ranks up there as one of the best things to have at work.Crushing a projectAhead of schedule. Under budget. Greater return on investment than expected. All of these are what we crave to hear. Nothing makes a dedicated employee who has given their all more excited than knowing the project theyve been working on is a rousing success When it happens, it pays to enjoy it to the fullest extent.Invitations to playSome companies sponsor an employee baseball or basketball team, while others have scheduled bowling nights, pool tournaments, and bridge games. If your company gives employees an opportunity to have fun and play, you can feel confident that youre an integral part of the company AND that your company understands that friendly competition is a great boost to employee morale. Another bonus? Youve been woven into the company culture along with your co-workers. CongratsParty at the bosss houseMost of the time, an employees interaction with their superior is at work under professional boundaries. Getting a chance to throw some burgers on the grill and chill out with the big kahuna is a fantastic opportunity. With a more relaxed vibe, you can show your personality and get to know him or her better without the constraints of normal work hours and stressful deadlines.Workspace ZenAmple room for your desk and laptop close to your team members promotes collaboration and creativity. As does interesting wall art, nice use of color, comfortable furniture and even the presence of pets at work. The work environment has A LOT of impact on creativity and stress management, so keep an eye out for intentional ways a company makes life better for employees through the work environment itself.Appreciation inspirationEveryone wants to feel appreciated for job well done. Extra bonuses, employee awards, recognition lunches, and other special perks for giving 110% are importan t to an employees morale and overall job satisfaction. Your boss showing appreciation with a $10 gift card or a note of thanks goes a long way toward feeding your fire to jump the next hurdleBodacious brainstormingWhile long, unproductive meetings make us pull out our hair, a burst of creativity has the opposite effect. When teams come together and bounce ideas around until one of them formulates into a plan, everyone involved gets excited. Figuring out a way to shave a percentage off of a costly process, nailing a branding message, or figuring out a way to serve clients better has us all pumping our fists and yelling YESFamily picnicsCompanies that fosters a culture of caring about and considering their workers personal lives deserve a big hearty YES. Employees who get to know their coworkers spouses and kids benefit from feeling like they are part of a big company family. Periodic picnics where family members are included, along with other family-friendly activities and events enr ich the work experience and build stronger team bonds.Philanthropic participationWe spend most of our time with co-workers actually AT work, so its a treat when we get to change it up. Its an awesome day when a manager says lets go make a difference in the community Whether its serving the hungry in a soup kitchen, building a playground, or walking in a race to raise money, giving back to community charities makes everyone feel good.Choosing where to work is a big decision and your answer shouldnt be only because of the salary involved. By asking probing questions you will be able to learn more about the way your daily life would unfold as a company employee. These 9 work situations would make your life happier and more productive, and help you say YES to your career.This article was originally published on Kununu.com.

Family Medical Leave Act FAQs

Family Medical Leave Act FAQsFamily Medical Leave Act FAQsThe Family Medical Leave Act, or FMLA as its often referred to, can be terribly complex and therefore many people do elend take advantage of this important employee benefit. With the amount of misinformation thats out there, it can be difficult to find the right answers. Here, weve compiled some of the top things that you may not know about FMLA, so you can be a more informed employee and take an approved leave when you need it the most. Is FMLA Paid Time Off? No, and yes. While the Family Medical Leave Act provides job-protected leave for a period of time for eligible employees, this time off may or may not be paid by the employer. This all depends on if the employee is entitled to paid time off through their individual employers. For example, an employee may be eligible for 21 days of paid time off each yearbut has used 4 days of this for personal reasons. Therefore, the employee may use his or her remaining paid time of f of 17 days (or 136 hours) during the time of the FMLA leave period. The remaining time off is unpaid, so the employee will need to have other resources during this time, such as an automatic savings account or a spouses income. Do I Get Paid While on FMLA? During an approved FMLA period, your employer is not obligated to pay you wagesbut is required to continue all your other benefits, such as health insurance, retirement benefits, and profit sharing. Your job is protected and you are guaranteed that it (or an equal job) will be waiting for you when you return to work again. As stated above, you are eligible to use any earned paid time off during your FMLA leave, so you should be able to support yourself using other financial resources once the PTO ends. How Do I Become Eligible for FMLA? To get approved for an FMLA, first, your company must meet certain criteria, also known as a covered employer. This means your employer must have at least 50 or more employees working w ithin a 75-mile radius. So, even if your employer has 200 employees, but only 49 work at five brand offices separated by 75 miles or more, you could be turned down for an FMLA. However, most employers will still offer an FMLA, and there are state and county laws that can make you eligible. Second, you must also have worked at least 12 months (they dont have to be consecutive), and for at least 1250 hours (around 24 hours per week). Note that you cannot count periods of unemployment of 7 years or more in between. Certain employees who work in aerospace and for public agencies and schools are required to work fewer hours to become eligible. How and When Do I Request an FMLA? Its very important to notify your human resource department as soon as you know you need to use your FMLA benefit. In fact, you are required to provide at least a 30-day written notice to take an FMLA leave, or it may be refused by your employer. In the case of an unexpected event, like an accident or illness of a child or spouse, you may need to provide medical documentation to request this leave and get it approved. Your employer must give you an answer within five geschftliches miteinander days of your initial request for an FMLA leave. Is FMLA the Same as Short-Term Disability? No, while an FMLA is similar to taking time off for other reasons, its not the same as short-term disability. An FMLA is designed for the purposes of allowing an employee to care for the birth or annahme an kindes statt of a new child, a seriously ill spouse or family member, or a close family member who is an injured active military member. A short-term disability leave is designed to take care of a personal injury or illness of oneself for a medically approved period of time. How Long Can You Miss Work on an FMLA? Typically, the length of time that you may be eligible for an FMLA is up to 12 job-protected weeks, with some approved up to 18 weeks (for military personnel). But how long you decide to ta ke an FMLA is up to you and your spouse if he or she also plans to take a leave. For example, a new father may decide to take 3 weeks off, while his wife takes the full 12 weeks off from work to recover after childbirth. Is FMLA Medical Leave Pay? Again, an FMLA is not designed as a way to recover from a medical need due to an injury or extended illness, nor is it a form of insurance. Medical leave pay is an employee benefit that is extended to some employees. If the injury or illness is as a result of some work event or accident, then the medical leave is generally covered under a workers compensation insurance claim processand could be for many weeks or months depending on the progress of recovery. Can Both Parents Take an FMLA? Yes, in most cases both. This all depends on if both parents employers are covered employers under FMLA law and if they have worked the required number of hours and months to qualify. For example, the new mom may work for a covered employer and hav e worked the required number of months and hours before requesting the FMLA. The dad may have worked for a covered employer, but since he just started his job 4 months ago, he cannot take the FMLA. If both parents are eligible, they should notify their employers and request the leave as soon as they know they need the time off. What Conditions Are Covered Under FMLA? An FMLA leave is intended for specific purposes when an employee needs to take an extended period of time off. These conditions includepregnancy or adoption of a new child, the placement of a child in adoption, the serious illness and medical care of a spouse, child, step-child, foster child, parent, or other legal dependents. The FMLA also covers close family members of in injured active duty military person, so a parent may take care of an adult child or an employee may care for a cousin. What Happens If I Cannot Come Back to Work from an FMLA? This is a concern that many have when it comes to an FMLA leave. W hy? Because the recovery period or certain complications may extend beyond an approved 12 to 18 weeks of leave. While this is rare, employees must do their best to work this out with their employer as soon as they know they may need more time off. In some cases, an FMLA extension may be granted by an employer for a valid reason, or the employer may ask the employee to work at least part-time or from home during this time. Likewise, you can also come back to work sooner if you desire. What Agency Enforces FMLA If I Have a Problem? Sometimes, problems and questions come up when on an FMLA approved leave. The US Department of Labor is the government agency that enforces FMLA, therefore if you cannot get answers from your employer or if you believe you have been denied a leave but are eligible, you can contact your state division of this agency. Companies that fail to follow FMLA guidelines are subject to stiff fines and penalties. If you have more questions, you can download a free Employees Guide to FMLA as offered by the Department of Labor.

WOB Contract Opportunities for Women in Construction

WOB Contract Opportunities for Women in ConstructionWOB Contract Opportunities for Women in ConstructionWhen President Obama signed the economic stimulus package into law in 2009, one of the side benefits to female entrepreneurs was increased opportunities for women-owned construction businesses. It sounds wonderful on the surface, but opportunities simply means more construction jobs that women can bid on - the same jobs male-owned businesses can also bid on. If you guessed that male-owned/run businesses still get the lions share of all federal government contracts youd guess correctly.It is not due to a lack of women-owned businesses (WOBs) in construction, in fact, the number of heavy construction companies owned by women is steadily on the rise. In 1994 Congress passed legislation that requires the federal government to award a minimum of 5% of all government-wide contracts to certified women-owned businesses.By 2015, more than 20 years after the mandate, that 5% had never been met even once. Even with existing guidelines, contract fulfillment quotas for WOBs, and anti-discrimination laws, theFederal government still fails to target or award many qualified women-owned businesses (WOBs) with any government contracts in hundreds of industries, but local governments often encourage women construction business owners to bid on contracts. Leveling the Playing Field Penny Pompei, executive director of Women Construction Owners and Executives, a national organization, said work still needs to be done to level the playing field.A 2012 interview by Lee Fehrenbacher shared reasons why she thinks WOB construction companies still face major challenges I think the biggest problem is public perception, she said.Pompei said that people often think of women-owned construction companies as small painting or landscaping contractors.If you tell them that women-owned construction companies build bridges and airports and high-rise buildings, and we have manufacturing compa nies that make the curtain wall systems that are used in high-rises thats where the surprise is, she said. Its the perception that women dont own major companies, when the reality is we have our fingers in everything. Local Governments Encourage WOBs in the Construction Industry Local governments (state, county, city) are more concerned with discrimination lawsuits than the federal government and often have initiatives that require a certain percentage of construction work be awarded to women business owners or subcontracted through WOBs. These initiatives may even require officials to solicit bids from women entrepreneurs actively. But to qualify, your business needs to be certified as a women-owned business enterprise, and in most cases, appear in the Central Contractor Registry. What is the Central Contractor Registry? The Small geschftliches miteinander Administration (SBA) maintains a database called the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). The CCR is a massive listing of co mpanies that wish to do business with the U.S. Federal Government. Any company or organization that wishes to do business with the U.S. Federal Government must first be registered in the CCR.What is Small Business Certification? Certification of a small business is a review process that gives formal acknowledgment that the business is owned and operated by a qualifying person, which is under-represented in an industry. Not all businesses can receive certification. Self-Certification of Women-Owned Businesses. Federal law permits first-time women bidders on government contracts to self-certify if they meet certain conditions of being a women-owned business. However, this self-certification can be challenged upon procurement award. If this happens, the procuring agency may request proof of the firms WOB status, or even require certification. If you fail to comply, you could lose the award. Resources and Support for Women-Owned Construction Businesses Here are three organizations s pecifically of interest to women entrepreneurs in the construction business National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) This organization lists networking, apprenticeships, allows members to post job resumes, and offers a variety of scholarships and educational opportunities to women in the construction industry.Women Contractors Association (WCA) This organization offers monthly networking events, and a variety of opportunities and resources for women business owners and executives to learn more about growing their construction industry-related businesses.Women Construction Owners and Executives, USA (WCOE) This organization supports and advocates for women business owners in the construction industry. Resources DJC Oregon, Women-Owned Construction Firms on the Rise Despite Public Perception.