Thursday, November 21, 2019

10 Ways to Get a Job Interview From an Online Job Application

10 Ways to Get a Job Interview From an Online Job Application10 Ways to Get a Job Interview From an Online Job ApplicationOne of the career services offered at Find My Profession is having staff fill out online job applications on behalf of our clients.Well-known LinkedIn influencers often express, Online job applications are a waste of timeOthers say it is, Just like sending your resume into a black holeWe know the process can lead to a job interview. We know due to the client success we have had since launching Find My Professions Career Finder service in 2017.In this post, read how Find My Profession fills out job applications.10. Stop thinking it is a game of speedYou are mistaken if you think being fast and first is the best thing for online job applications.Applying too fast without thoroughly considering the job description often leads to mistakes. Being the fastest application to the reject bin is counter-productive, especially for resume mistakes like belowYes, there may be a large number of job applicants, but the number of quality submissions is much lower.9. Stop treating it like a game of numbersFind My Profession clients who were hired within six-months all had one thing in commonA low number of online applications filled outThinking a large number of job applications somehow improves your chances of getting an interview is merely spraying and praying your resume across job boards.You may leid think its a big deal, but people working in the hiring process notice. Perhaps, this is the reason only 2% of online job applications result in a job interview.8. Go for qualityThe majority of Find My Profession clients hired since September 2017 had this other thing in commonThey had multiple job interviews, phone screenings, and offers.Some received offers they chose to reject. The job was either a perfect, quality fitor it was not.Good things happenwhen no one is wasting anyones time on jobs that do not fit. Time is better spent looking for that next drea m job.Most recently, a FindMyProfession.com client was hired after only two job applications online This is highly rare, and it should be noted her resume was edited ten times before applying.If you are not a fit, do not submit. Be honest with yourself during a job search. It saves time.7. Make sure your resume is easy to readWe have seen highly intelligent people put so much info on their resume that it loses impact and appears disorganized.If you are a genius, dumb down your resume for the non-genius hiring people organizing the process. We all want to help you. You have to explain what you do in a style that makes sense to everyone from recruiter to CEO.And please, do not go crazy with keywords trying to trick an applicant tracking system (ATS).6. Forget job boards and go to the sourceWe highly recommend going straight to the company website to fill out an online job application. You can often use LinkedIn to find the job and company website.It is their database. You went to the companys website. It is their career section.Job boards are seen by millions. Company career sections are seen by the people interested in working for the company.5. Do titelseite letters as part of the resume file or applicationThink of the user on the other side of the screen opening up two files for every 50 job applicants.Every file opened requires organizing where it goes and clicking buttons. It starts to feel like a chore to read two files.Instead, write a cover letter and paste it into the application form.If the application does not allow this, then make it a cover sheet for your resume. Admittedly, we rarely had to do this. When we did, we had success at getting a client an interview.Most of the time, application forms allow for pasting of a cover letter.4. Make broken online application forms work for youYou see a dream job and want to apply. When you go to the online application, fill it out, and it does not work. That is such a shame, and there is only one thing you can do. Contact someone on LinkedIn involved in the hiring process.Explain what happened and see if you can pass your resume along.Note Be honest. Only do this if the online application is truly broken. Lying to get job interviews never works.3. Fill out all the sections of the online applicationAdd all your references, skills, and certifications, even when it is tedious. See if you can add a referral to the application.Attach files that offer evidence you should be hired.You are making the case for hiring you. Show proof in an organized fashion.2. Watch your grammar and typosGrammar.ly and other applications will not catch when you enter the wrong number or email. The recruiter or hiring manager will notice when they try to contact you, and you never reply.Recruiters will not track you down either because there are plenty of other candidates.1. Be as meticulous as possible about everything in the online applicationIf you rush your online job application, leave sections out, ignore cer tain sections you do not understand, or fear it is a waste of time, you will get what you fear most Nothing.Prior to working at Find My Profession, I filled out more than 1000 job applications and made 1000 mistakes in the process.After working here and seeing what is required to do it right, I have filled out less than 1000 applications for many clients.Many got interviews and were hired.Filling out online applications is tiring. If done the right way, it works.

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

What To Include In An Email Cover Letter

What To Include In An Email Cover Letter What To Include In An Email Cover Letter Nowadays, sending an email cover letter has become very common. Sending cover letters and resumes as soft copies are preferred by many companies. An email cover letter should contain the same things as any other cover letter. The difference lies in the format of the letters. What To Include In An Email Cover Letter The subject line should include your name and the job position you are applying for. As for example, Jane Smith-Cover Letter. The email message should consist of a formal greeting at the beginning. If you know the person who is going to read the letter, mention his or her name. It is actually better if you take some time to figure out the name of the person. Rather than just writing To Whom It May Concern, mentioning the name is more effective and leaves a strong impression. The body of the message should have a short but engaging content. The main aim of this part is to sell yourself as a desired applicant. Mention your strengths and how you are a great fit for the team. The closing of your message should be as formal as possible. Use  professional closings such as Sincerely. In the end, you need to provide your signature. Here, below your signature, you need to provide your contact information: full name, phone number, email address. What you generally provide at the beginning of a normal cover letter, you need to write it at the end of an email cover letter.

Monday, November 18, 2019

A Look Back at Tucker The Man and His Dream

A Look Back at Tucker The Man and His Dream A Look Back at Tucker The Man and His Dream A Look Back at Tucker: The Man and His Dream Francis Ford Coppola is known for The Godfather series and Apocolpyse Now much more than anything else. So it might be easy to forget about Tucker: The Man and His Dream. However, if you believe in innovation, this 1988 gem is one not to miss. Seen by many as representative of how Coppola felt about the film business, it portrays real-life Preston Tucker, a man who some say tried to change cars, while others say tried to scam the public. With 25 years passing since the premier of the movie, it may be worth a look back at the car and the movie. This was a completely new design, says Jay Follis, marketing director of the Gilmore Car Museum. After World War II, car companies were putting out similar models to what was available before the war. Tucker was offering something different. If it was a scam, I don't think they would have found 40,000 blueprints. I think he clearly had plans. Preston Tucker. But what plans went into action? Safety features were a big part, says Follis. A pop-up safety windshield, the first padded dash, no sharp items in the interior where one could get impaled, and collapsible steering. There were other nice touches, too, he says. You could get in and out of car with your hat on because of the roof line. It had better control for a big heavy car. It went 0-60 in 10 secondsthat was good then for a big car. As far as the scam accusations, it came partly from Tucker selling key features of the vehicle instead of the full automobile in an attempt to raise money. One of the advantages is that people would have those features right away when the car was ready, he says. But Tucker wasn't able to build them. Around 50 original models were created and number 47, in a shade of light blue called Waltz, sits at the Gilmore Car Museum. The movie created gigantic interest, with the last Tucker selling for around $3 million at auction, Hollis says. There are also around 400-500 people in the Tucker Automobile Club. Preston Tucker’s blue “Waltz” like the model shown above, sits in the Gilmore Car Museum. As for the film, Carrie Rickey, who was a critic for the Philadelphia Inquirer for more than 20 years, says it's a standout. The movie shows how that car revealed what's in front of youthe car looked so different, so streamlined, that clunky roundness looked like an incredible spaceship. Of Jeff Bridges' lead performance, she says, it had great energy and enthusiasm. You understood the charm Tucker had. She also noted the work of Martin Landau, who was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar. One key moment in the movie was Landau explaining that he thought his mother told him not to get too close to people because you'll catch their dreams. Later, he learned she said germs. But he'd caught Tucker's dream without a doubt. The film could have chosen a somber tone at the end as the car mogul died only a few years after his trial, one where he was found innocent of fraud. Instead, he's doodling a vision of a refrigerator made for holding just a couple of items. Bridges played Tucker as almost always an optimist, and, his family, which included Joan Allen as the wife and Christian Slater as one of his sons, was shown as dutiful and believing in him and the philosophy of progress. And the cars, according to the film, kept their shine through the years. In fact, it stated almost all the Tuckers were still drivable a near 40 years after production, calling to mind Tucker's motto, Buy a Tucker. Don't let the future pass you by! Eric Buterman is an independent writer.The movie shows how that car revealed what’s in front of you- the car looked so different, so streamlined, that clunky roundness looked like an incredible spaceship.Jay Follis, marketing director, Gilmore Car Museum

Sunday, November 17, 2019

3 Easy Ways To Network Over Age 50 That Really Work

3 Easy Ways To Network Over Age 50 That Really Work 3 Easy Ways To Network Over Age 50 That Really Work Wouldn’t it feel great to land a job today as smoothly as you did 20 years ago? You know, back when you networked your way into everything, showed a few people your resume when they asked for it, and went on a handful of interviews? So what happened to good, old-fashioned networking? We have the Internet now, which seems like it would make networking easier, but the reality is all the Internet does is put you smack dab in the middle of 98% of the exact people who are competing against you for the same job you want. The other problem with the Internet is it makes you way too comfortable. As in, sitting in your bedroom watching CNN or Fox while letting your fingers do the walking around LinkedIn and Glassdoor. You also can’t comfortably rely on the Internet putting you on the fast track to where you want to go. But you also can’t comfortably rely on the networking approaches you used in the past. I say a big must, then, if you need to land a job over age 50, is to get uncomfortable. The competition is only getting stiffer, you (and everybody) are only getting older, and the stakes (translation: your salary) should only be getting higher. All those elements being the case, now is the time to get out of your comfort zone. I know nobody wants to do that, but nobody wants to be job searching for a year and a day either. So let’s talk about 3 simple ways to network over age 50 that actually work, so you can land the job you want. Cast A Wide Net (Just Not The Way You Think!) Typically, casting a wide net has to do with applying for several (too many) different job titles, under the belief that you can adapt to practically anything. That’s another imposter job search strategy to address on another day. Casting a wide net when it comes to networking, though, means blanketing literally everyone you know â€" EVERYONE. Just like how weight loss experts say people who keep a food diary lose more weight, start writing a log of everyone you come into contact with when you pass out of your front door: every single person. Then look at your log and think about who you run into regularly. Your networking contacts need not be limited to people you know from work.The conversations you begin can be casual. Don't stir up anxiety in your own mind trying to figure out how to ask the mail carrier if he knows the VP of IBM. Be normal. Be natural. Be social. You Know More People Than You Think You Know Expand your definition of “know” to include “know of.” And more importantly, think of the reverse: more people know of you than you even realize â€" especially if you’re in a church or social club. Consider yourself as knowing those people even if you haven’t had a conversation with them yet. You know them simply by virtue of being in the same community. These are not strangers. Leverage those people. People are naturally happy to be of help. After helping, they walk away feeling good. They do not turn around and say, Gee, Steve looked really desperate. I can't believe he asked me about a job. Most people do not think negatively to that degree. Share And Share Alike “What seems to work for other people just isn’t working for me. I’m networking, but the people I’m coming into contact with are not decision makers, and they’re literally half my age.”Networking doesn't work when you're either in front of the wrong crowds, or saying the wrong (translation: totally unspecific) thing. Your goal is not to network with other jobseekers, necessarily you're all in the same boat. Your objective needs to be to network with a purpose.When you do have a conversation, instead of keeping things general and worried about asking for too much or looking desperate, think about what to say that is both not long-winded and specific. It takes all of 2 sentences to tell people what you want. “I’ve been in technology sales for the last 10 years, so ideally I’d like to come on board with a company like Salesforce, McAfee, or Adobe. If you know someone at the VP level there, that would be helpful.” Clear and concise. There are any number of situations in which people say they wanted to help, but didn't know what to do. So here you have an opportunity to tell them exactly what you need. Use the language above to turn your networking into a vehicle that drives you towards not just whomever that's how you end up only meeting people who are half your age and can't help you, but towards relevant people who can impact the decision to hire you. Job search can take the average person 22 weeks or more. And if you're over age 50, tack on 20% more time to that. But you don't have to be average. And there's no way your job search has to take anywhere near that long. Find out the 5 Secrets Smart Jobseekers Age 50+ Know That Make The Job Search EASY! See how candidates age 52, 56, and 59 all got hired in less than 6 weeks. Learn, so you can do the same thing.

Saturday, November 16, 2019

How to Get the Most from an Informational Interview

How to Get the Most from an Informational Interview How to Get the Most from an Informational Interview 10Want to learn more about a specific company, an industry, or a particular type of job? An informational interview can be the answer. By talking with someone with first-hand experience, you can get the inside scoop that may help influence your career decisions. Students choosing a path of study and career changers exploring new possibilities often find them particularly useful, but all types of job seekers and workers can benefit. Securing an informational interview can be challenging, so be sure to make the most of the opportunity when granted one. Here are some suggestions on how to get the most from an information interview: Prepare. Don’t waste valuable chat time asking questions easily answered on the Internet. You’re looking for insight, not common knowledge. “Do your research  prior on the company website, press, and social media channels to learn the history, the industry, the brand, and the competition, then dive deeper to probe during the informational interview,” says Tammy Perkins, chief people officer with Fjuri. Read the interviewer’s LinkedIn profile prior to the meeting for a better understanding of this person’s career trajectory and current role. Also, practice your elevator pitch in order to make a good first impression and convey pertinent information about yourself. Develop questions. While the conversation may take on a life of its own, come in with a list of questions. Creating such a document forces you to contemplate what you really want to find out (and can be a lifesaver if awkward silences arise). It also shows that you’re treating the meeting seriously, which people who are providing their precious time appreciate. Possible things to ask include: What types of people are successful in this industry (role, company, etc.)? What are the biggest challenges currently facing your company? What do you like most and least about your job? How would you describe your company’s workplace culture? What does a typical day for you look like? How have you seen this field change during your career, and where do you think it’s headed? Be professional. Dress appropriately for the setting in which the informational interview takes place, which typically translates into business casual or better. Be attentive, and display your best body language and manners. If the interview takes place via phone (and many do), secure a quiet, distraction-free environment. Behavior now can have large implications in the future when attempting to land a job at this company or calling upon this person again. Express gratitude. Finally, set the stage for continued interaction with this person. Whether or not your paths cross again remains to be seen, but smart networkers always keep the door open. “Show appreciation, and follow up with a thank you email within 48 hours,” Perkins says. In your message, consider summarizing some of the things you learned during the conversation. You also can talk about action you’re taking based on the meeting, such as reading a book the person mentioned or contacting someone they recommended. As time progresses, consider dropping a brief update on your career decisions. People like to know their guidance made an impact. And if you end up looking for a job in that industry or at that individual’s company, your past polite, professional interaction paves the way for the person possibly wanting to help out once again! Know someone looking for a job? Refer a friend to with this link- you’ll get a month free service and they’ll get 30% off!

Friday, November 15, 2019

20 Companies Hiring Like Crazy in November

20 Companies Hiring Like Crazy in November 20 Companies Hiring Like Crazy in November With just two months left in 2018, the year is winding down to an end - but that doesn’t mean that your job search has to! With unemployment at the lowest rate since 1969  and 7.1 million open jobs ,   it’s a definite job seeker’s market. However, it’s important to remember that this market won’t last forever. So this month, in between creating your Thanksgiving dinner grocery list, planning for  Black Friday and enjoying the autumn weather, make sure to  apply to a job at one of these companies with tons of open positions! Spreetail Where Hiring: Lincoln, NE; Omaha, NE; Austin, TX; Dallas, TX & more. What Roles: Site Merchandising Specialist, Transportation Analyst, Inventory Control Liaison, Stylist, Principal Front End Developer, Accounting Manager, Photographer, DevOps Engineer & more. What Employees Say: “Above all else, the thing sets Spreetail apart is the people you have the opportunity to work with. Spreetail does a wonderful job of vetting candidates before they’re hired, and when they say they put a priority around the culture fit, they mean it.” - Current Employee Affirm Where Hiring: New York, NY; San Francisco, CA; Pittsburgh, PA & more. What Roles: Operations Specialist, Software Engineer, Risk Operations Agent, HR Business Partner, Senior Accountant, Director of Data Science Growth, Marketing Compliance and Fair Lending Officer, Training and Development Specialist, Engineering Manager & more. What Employees Say: “Affirm is great. I have never been surrounded by so many talented and hard-working people. As someone who just left the Military, I was looking for an organization that gave me a sense of purpose similar to what I felt in the military. Affirm has given me purpose, as well as provides me the ability to make a true and meaningful change to the entire company.” - Current Employee Revature Where Hiring: Seattle, WA; Columbus, GA; Clearwater, FL; Madison, WI; San Antonio, TX; Raleigh, NC; Henderson, NV & more. What Roles: Junio Web Developer, Entry Level Software Engineer, Entry Level Programmer, Java Developer, Entry Level Systems Engineer & more. What Employees Say: “Well established company with friendly work environment. Very good trainers and mentors who are supportive from day one. Lots of opportunities to grow with the company. Management provides their full support when you fulfill all their expectations. Compensation is good to [start] and I have started recommending the company to my friends.” - Current Employee The Cheesecake Factory Where Hiring: Seattle, WA; Boston, MA; San Francisco, CA; Dallas, TX; Portland, OR; Kansas City, MO; Littleton, CO & more. What Roles: Restaurant Managers, Kitchen Managers, Line Cooks, Prep Cooks, Dishwashers, Bussers, Cashiers, Hosts & more. What Employees Say: “What I like about this company is that you are given the chance to [prove] your work capabilities and once proven to management you have unlimited potential to make money. My colleagues are my family and my managers are just as kind. I love how the company actively participates in giving back to the community.” - Current Employee Kindred Healthcare Where Hiring: Kansas City, MO; Las Vegas, NV; Perris, CA; Houston, TX; Louisville, KY; Tampa, FL; Westminster, CO; Westminster, CO & more. What Roles: Education Coordinator, Quality Assurance Analyst, Clinical Documentation Specialist, Director of Licensure & Certification, Accounts Receivable Representative, Senior Financial Reporting Analyst, Registered Nurse (RN), Chief Clinical Officer & more. What Employees Say: “Very thorough care to patients. Pay attention to details and follow Medicare guidelines very carefully. Focused on providing the [best] care to patients in their home.” - Current Employee Tuesday Morning Where Hiring: Beaverton, OR; Jackson, MS; Quakertown, PA; Prescott, AZ; Venice, FL; Murphy, TX; Milwaukee, WI; San Luis Obispo, CA; Dallas, TX & more. What Roles: Store Manager, Compensation Analyst, Allocation Analyst, Full-Time Assistant Manager, Marketing Coordinator, Assistant Buyer, Part-Time Store Associate, Cash Specialist, Staff Accountant & more. What Employees Say: “This job will gain you customer service experience, and firing people seems to be unheard of. Many opportunities for advancement.” - Current Employee 3M Where Hiring: Maplewood, MN; Valley, NE; Albany, NY; Springfield, MO; Salem, NH; Murray, UT & more. What Roles: Executive Administrative Assistant, Application Development Engineer, Senior Research Scientist, Supply Chain Analyst, Application Support Representative, Plant Financial Analyst, Sourcing Specialist, Production Operator & more. What Employees Say: “3M is as transparent, honest and up front a company as I have ever worked for in the 35 years I have been in the workforce. They pay a fair and reasonable salary for what you do and I am always amazed at how long people have stayed with the company.” - Current Employee Children’s of Alabama Where Hiring: Birmingham, AL What Roles: Specialty Clinic Nurse Pulmonary, Credentialing Specialist, Staff Nurse PICU, Office Assistant, Steril Process Eqt Technician, Patient Registration Rep, Quality Utilization Reviewer, Applications Engineer & more. What Employees Say: “This is the best place I’ve ever worked. Everyone there is so friendly, helpful, and understanding.” - Former Employee One Medical Where Hiring: San Francisco, CA; San Diego, CA; Walnut  Creek, CA;  New York, NY & more. What Roles: Family Medicine Physician, Nurse Practitioner, Product Design Manager, Senior Engineering Manager, Administrative Assistant, Primary Care Provider & more. What Employees Say: “The people at One Medical are the kindest, hardest working bunch on the face of the planet. The team takes the culture seriously and works very hard to deliver on our value proposition for patients.” - Current Employee Kforce Where Hiring: New York, NY; Atlanta, GA; Houston, TX; San Francisco, CA; Grand Rapids, MI; Riverwoods, IL; Arlington, TX; Denver, CO & more. What Roles: DevSecOps,   Senior / Lead Software Engineer, Manager of Internal Audit, Senior UX Designer, 3D Print Metal Field Service Engineer, Senior DevOps Engineer, Data Scientist & more. What Employees Say: “Amazing leadership ranging from Market Managers, Directors, and VP’s. Culture is something the company takes seriously (which is awesome) and they work hard to preserve it.” - Current Employee Scoop Technologies Where Hiring: San Francisco, CA What Roles: Technical Recruiter, Business Analyst, Head of Enterprise Marketing, Strategic Partnerships, Senior Product Analyst, Senior Graphic Designer, Brand Marketing Manager, Head of Strategic Enterprise Sales & more. What Employees Say: “Work/Life: Another culture value at Scoop is ‘Sustainability is key’. It’s key to the model (carpooling is better for the environment) and it’s key to the culture (burnout isn’t sustainable). At Scoop there is a real emphasis on professional AND personal responsibility.” - Current Employee Palo Alto Networks Where Hiring: Plano, TX; Reston, VA; Santa Clara, Columbus, OH; Bellevue, WA; Norwalk, CT; Los Angeles, CA & more. What Roles: Systems Engineer, IT Technology Business Analyst, Manager of Support Delivery, Sales Support Specialist, Security Researcher, Technical Account Manager, Global Benefits Analyst & more. What Employees Say: “Plenty of opportunities to apply skill sets, and learn new ones as the company evolves its portfolio and reach. Outstanding alignment across the leadership team on mission, vision, and strategy.”- Current Employee TransUnion Where Hiring: Boca Raton, FL; San Luis Obispo, CA; Chicago, IL; Atlanta, GA & more. What Roles: Global Analytics Lead, Mortgage Analytics Analyst, Lead Engineer, Data Developer, Application Engineer, Agile Product Owner, Associate Product Manager, Analytics Intern & more. What Employees Say: “I’ve worked at TU for several years. The culture just keeps getting better. Things are fast paced and continuously evolving (which I prefer). You are rewarded by thinking differently and going above and beyond. You are given opportunities to pursue cool projects or work outside your SME area.” - Current Employee US Department of Veteran Affairs Where Hiring: Baltimore, MD; Phoenix, AZ; Saint Paul, MN; Houston, TX; New York, NY; Johnson City, TN; Chicago, IL & more. What Roles: Veterans Service Representative, RN, Social Worker, Women Veterans Program Manager, Pharmacy Technician, Staff Psychologist, Medical Technologist, Physician, Nurse Manager & more. What Employees Say : “Stable and personally rewarding job. Great management that cares about their employees. Excellent team concept to work under.” - Medical Instrument Technician Madwire   Where Hiring: Fort Collins, CO What Roles:   Graphic Designer, Sales & Marketing Consultant, Digital Marketing Manager, Web/Graphic Designer, DevOps Engineer & more. What Employees Say: “This job is an incubator for success. You’ll quickly learn many things that are useful in the business world and in life. I’ve developed a skill set in my 9.5 months working here that would have taken me years to develop at another company…   You have an ability to learn from any department and the best part is, this is encouraged. I can learn video editing, coding, and marketing all in a days work if I wanted to, amazing.” - Current Social Media Manager Index Exchange   Where Hiring: New York, New York; Toronto, ON (Canada); Los Angeles, CA; San Francisco, CA What Roles: Field Solutions Consultant, Account Manager, Agile HR Project Manager, Director â€" Strategic Partner Development, Email Marketing Manager, Client Service Manager, Product Marketing Manager & more. What Employees Say: “Describing how great working at Index Exchange is has always been challenging for me because unless you work there, you truly do not understand how special it is. What makes it special? The people…   Imagine working at a company that employs incredibly talented people and those incredibly talented people all utilize their individual strengths to come together to foster a positive working environment while producing the best results that will help move an industry forward. That’s Index Exchange.” - Current Employee Oden Technologies Where Hiring:   New York, NY; Chicago, IL What Roles: Hardware Operations Manager, Demand Generation Marketing Manager, Senior Back-End Engineer, Senior Front-End Engineer, Account Executive, DevOps Engineer, HR/Recruiting Coordinator & more. What Employees Say:   “The rewarding aspect of Oden that differentiates it from other tech companies I know of is the mission and values of the company. Oden as a company, as a product, and as a team works very hard to create a great, usable product that customers will use and positively benefit from. I am not really conflicted as to the benefits of my work, as are some of my peers at the large bluechip companies; I truly believe what I am working on will positively impact manufacturing through insights into efficiencies and optimizations and reductions in waste and energy usage. The direct benefits of this culture and mission are a team of people who are great to work with, who are genuinely excited about their work, who stay late trying to improve the product, and this leads to a place that makes it worth spending my day at.” - Current Software Engineer Citrix Where Hiring: Fort Lauderdale, FL; Raleigh, NC; Santa Clara, CA; Alpharetta, GA; Bethesda, MD; Parsippany, NJ & more. What Roles: Product Support Specialist, Reporting and Data Analytics Engineer, Technical Program Manager â€" Product Certifications, Professional Services Consultant, Sales Representative, Cloud Success Readiness Manager & more. What Employees Say:   “Work hard play hard. Great diversity of culture, smart people and state of the art technology.” - Current  Partner Account Manager Torch Technologies Where Hiring:   Huntsville, AL; Baltimore, MD; Los Angeles, CA; Colorado Springs, CO & more. What Roles: Programmer / Software Design Engineer (Entry Level), Unreal Game Developer, Hardware/Test Engineer â€" Optical Sensors, Senior Administrator, Systems Engineer â€" Reliability, MDA Lab Infrastructure Support & more. What Employees Say:   “Employees own the company. Very employee centric due to this. Incredible benefits, and an even better culture.” - Current Employee PitchBook Where Hiring: Seattle, WA; San Francisco, CA; New York, NY What Roles: Research Associate, Customer Support Specialist, Technical Data Analyst, Production Assistant, Director of Recruiting, Customer Marketing Specialist, Copywriter, Machine Learning Engineer & more. What Employees Say: “Great environment, already seen a ton of growth opportunity. Work feels meaningful with a lot of supporting peers and leadership.” - Current Senior Account Manager

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Military Chow Halls and Food Allowance Guide

Military Chow Halls and Food Allowance Guide Military Chow Halls and Food Allowance Guide The military promises to feed you, and they do so primarily by using three separate methods: chow or mess halls, basic allowance for subsistence, and meals-ready-to-eat. If you are enlisted and reside in the dormitory or barracks, in most cases, you will be given your meals for free. Different services have different names for this. In the Air Force, its called being on a Meal Card (although physical cards are rarely used anymore). Most chow halls offer four meals per day: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a midnight meal. Some are open 24 hours a day. For the health conscious, there is a heart-healthy  menu, as well as a salad bar. For breakfast, you  can choose anything between a small fruit cup to a full-fledged made-to-order omelet with all the side dishes. Take-out  cartons are freely available in many chow halls. Some military dining facilities even have drive-through windows. In recent years, the military has been trying to reduce the number of chow halls at its facilities, as the size of the Armed Services has shrunk. And the menus are becoming more and more healthy, which may deter some younger troops from partaking, especially if inexpensive fast food is readily available nearby.   KP Duty in the Military Other than a few exceptions at some military training centers, boot camp, while embarked on a vessel, while deployed, etc., kitchen patrol, or KP, duty is a thing of the past. Most military dining facilities are contracted operations, so troops arent assigned to KP. Although there are procedures to be reimbursed for missed meals, they are paperwork intensive and usually require justifications and explanations to the first sergeant and or the commander. Enlisted and officers receive full-rate BAS after initial entry training. However, for those required to consume meals in the dining facilities, most of the BAS is automatically deducted from their paychecks.   Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) For officers and enlisted people who do not reside in the dormitories, the military pays a monetary allowance for food. BAS is an allowance, not  pay. It is not taxable.  Officers are paid less BAS than enlisted personnel.   The allowance is not designed or paid to provide any subsistence to family members. It is solely for the subsistence of the military member.   It used to be that when an enlisted member deployed, and they received BAS, they would lose the BAS during the time of deployment (because they received free meals at the deployment location Chow Hall). However, responding to complaints of many service members following the first Gulf War, Congress passed a law requiring the military to continue to pay BAS to deployed members, if the member received BAS at their permanent duty station. Enlisted members who receive BAS are usually authorized to eat in the dining facility (they have to pay for the meal), but the number of meals they are allowed is restricted. Officers may only eat in the enlisted mess for special purposes, requiring special permission (for example, a commander checking on the quality of meals). Military Meals Ready to Eat (MRE) No article on military food would be complete without mentioning MREs. These have replaced the old C-rations and field rations.  MREs are sealed, foil envelopes and can be heated or eaten cold. The packet contains an entree, a side dish, crackers and cheese spread, a dessert item, cocoa powder, and a few other misc. snack items. There are several choices of entrees. Every couple of years the  Department of Defense  surveys military members to find out which MREs were popular and which were not. Unpopular menu items are taken out of service, and new menu items are introduced all the time.   You dont have to join the military to try an MRE if youre so inclined. They are available in many camping stores  and most  military surplus stores.