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April 28, 2009

Be Ready for Happenstance

Four reasons made April 2009 a remarkable month for eNN readers.

First, we learned important details about the effort by Social Security Administration (SSA) to hire 6,000 new employees throughout the country during 2009.

To review the details of that initiative, go to the eSight article, "SSA Is Hiring Across the USA"

This hiring initiative offers a unique opportunity for individuals with disabilities (especially Ticket to Work holders, veterans and students) who may want to get a job or internship with SSA.

It may be your chance to take the next step in your career.

Second, in tracing the career path of Dr. T.V. Raman, a leading-edge expert in Web standards, auditory interfaces and scripting languages at Google Research, we learned more about the computer scientist and computer engineering job sector.

Dr. Raman, visually impaired, is intrigued by how something should work when the user is not looking at the screen, and, with that broad-based perspective, is helping introduce technological breakthroughs that benefit all people.

How he approaches his work is a good example of inclusiveness.

Third, we gained further knowledge about how to do well during a job interview. The two key points: Keep your interviewer's view of you in a positive light and keep your personal problems out of the interview.

Here's how two eSight members fleshed out those two concepts.

Barney Mayse:

"...You are not competing with anyone but yourself for the position. There is no one better than you for the position, and you have to SELL that idea..."

James J. Elekes, M.Ed, MPA, CPM:

"Whenever interviewing, the focus is, ‘It's not about me.' The most significant attribute brought to any interview is what additional value can the organization gain from hiring me..."

Fourth, Susan Boyle, a single, middle-aged woman from a small village in Scotland, defying expectations and blowing away seasoned cynical music judges such as Simon Cowell, became an over-night sensation on the TV show, "Britain's Got Talent."

On April 14, BBC News cited this quote from Susan: "I was slightly brain damaged at birth, and I want people like me to see that they shouldn't let a disability get in the way. I want to raise awareness. I want to turn my disability into ability."

Susan, the unlikely star, won the hearts of millions of people around the world. She kept going despite cat calls and jeers and eye rolling.

She's an example for those of us who may not seem like great prospects in the business world or in education or in whatever we want to do. Despite the odds stacked against her, she stayed focused and was humble but steadfast in her ability to sing. She then expressed gratitude and appreciation for the world's adoration of her ability. She was prepared for happenstance. As you prepare for your next job interview (perhaps with SSA or other governmental agency), think of the people we highlighted in eNN this month and what they're teaching us by example.

Here are some possibilities. Be confident about your ability and your personal strengths. Don't be fazed by people who may or may not want to hire you. Be open-minded and have a positive attitude. Be prepared to sell yourself and be appreciative for the chance you've been given. Express your thanks in a sincere, warm way. You'll probably have to go through many job interviews before you land the job that's right for you.

Dr. John Krumboltz, Professor of Education and Psychology at Stanford University, writes that "luck is no accident." According to his theory, happenstance plays a part in almost everyone's career. And, by being prepared, we can take advantage of that happenstance.

How has happenstance or serendipity played a part in your career?

Posted by Liz Seger at 05:12 PM | Comments (0)

April 21, 2009

SSA Is Hiring Across the USA

You maybe have heard that the Social Security Administration (SSA) is hiring more employees throughout the country during 2009.

You may have seen the announcement on eSight's Community News

And, you may be asking yourself: Specifically what do I need to do to be considered for one of these jobs?

We've done the research and put it together in an article which answers that question.

Go to that article, "SSA Is Hiring Across the USA"

This hiring initiative offers a unique opportunity for individuals with disabilities (especially Ticket to Work holders, veterans and students) who may want to get a job or internship with SSA.

The SSA's goal is to find the best qualified candidates and match their skills with the 6,000 jobs it has open across the country. Will you be one of them?

The eSight community is the one place you can find the support and resources for launching your effort to land the SSA job that's right for you.

Please post your tips about how to increase your chances of being hired by SSA.

Posted by Liz Seger at 06:24 PM | Comments (1)

April 15, 2009

Three Job Interview Tips

Today I want to share with you "The Three H's of Interviewing."

They are: Be Happy. Be Hungry. Be Humble.

Be Happy. Have a positive upbeat attitude when you go into the interview.

Be Hungry. Not physically, of course, but be curious -- open to new ideas, questions put your way and the ones you will ask.

Be Humble. Don't come with the attitude that you’re “so great” and you know it. Be grateful you got the interview and for them taking the time to see you. Sell yourself but don't oversell. Remember your manners (please, thank you, yes sir, yes ma'am). Have a handshake that doesn't crush bones or feel like you're shaking hands with overcooked pasta.

Michele Techman, long-time eSight member, sent in two articles this week about interviewing which each reinforce these “Three H’s of Interviewing.” In the first, "Answering One of the Trickiest Interview Questions," Kip Parent writes, "Focus on positives. For example, if you're going to talk about why you are interested in this position, convey your enthusiasm for the new opportunities -- not that you are looking to get away from your current boss. Keep your interviewer's view of you in a positive light."

The second article is by Sarah E. Needleman of the Wall Street Journal. She tells us, "Recruiters and hiring managers say many unemployed candidates blow the opportunity by appearing desperate or bitter about their situations -- often without realizing it."

She says it’s important to keep your personal problems out of the interview and suggests that it is more productive to "always exude an upbeat attitude."

Read her full article, "The Interview That'll Bag a Job."

What is your tip for doing well in a job interview?

Posted by Liz Seger at 04:41 PM | Comments (3)

April 08, 2009

Computer Science Jobs: Dr. T.V. Raman’s Career Narrative

At Google Research, Dr. T.V. Raman is a leading-edge expert in Web standards, auditory interfaces and scripting languages.

As a computer scientist and engineer, he's intrigued by how something should work when the user is not looking at the screen. You can read Dr. Raman's career narrative, at http://www.esight.org/view.cfm?x=2007

Would you like to learn more about a career in Computer Science?

Where do you find Computer Science jobs? Here are a few suggestions:

During the coming months, eSight will be highlighting other individuals who have created interesting careers for themselves. These career narratives may provide you with the resources you need to explore internships or employment in a similar field.

If you would like to learn more about a particular occupation or have questions about how to manage your career within a particular job sector, please tell us,

"What career path would you like to learn more about?"

Posted by Liz Seger at 03:02 PM | Comments (5)