By Susan - Sunday 15 Mar 12:45 pm
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Jobs in the Army are readily available for young, fit and energetic human beings. They offer a lifetime of life changing service and many benefits to go hand in hand with their chosen military careers. But what happens when you are no longer young, fit and energetic? Are there jobs in the army that offer suitable retirement packages? The answer is yes.
The military is not only the supplier of a large proportion of jobs in the army, but also a large provider of benefits and compensation for active duty. Throughout your career in the military you will be at liberty to take advantage of fabulous medical, dental, housing and other benefits, but you will also be entitled to arguably the best available retirement benefits across America. Jobs in the army receive a pension that is technically termed “reduced compensation for reduced services” (Sourced from www.military.com). Pension benefits for jobs in the army can be collected from an early age and not necessarily the pre-determined age of retirement of 60 years. If you are no longer able to serve in your chosen field due to injury or consequence, then you may begin redeeming your pension payments as soon as you retire.
Jobs in the army and the predetermined pension received therein vary according to the date that you began service in the military. There are two different types of pension pay that are calculated in slightly differing ways: Final Pay and High 36.
The cap on retirement packages was recently lifted, and members who have served in excess of a certain number of years will receive larger percentages of their base pay after retirement. This recognises the admiration and high level of service for jobs in the army, and ensures that its citizens are awarded accordingly for their years of dedication to duty.
The cap remains in place for employees that are removed from service due to disability. They are entitled to up to 75% of their base pay for jobs in the army. A figure instituted by law.
Your pension is also levied according to these factors:
- The number of dependants you have
- Your current financial situation
- If you are already receiving benefits from Social Security
- If you are in need of hospital care
- If you are housebound and in need of nursing services or home services such as meals on wheels or similar.
There are also specific stipulations for Veterans who served in one of many jobs in the army. These also vary according to whether or not the Veteran is disabled, receiving other benefits etc. All benefits vary according to what jobs in the army were carried out before retirement, and also on your current financial situation and reasons for being discharged. If the recruit is discharged from duty through dishonourable reasons, then all benefits and pension become null and void.
The bottom line is that the benefits for jobs in the army are immense, but the benefits for after service are just as competitive.
Posted in: Army Jobs, Job Search
By Susan - Thursday 5 Mar 4:00 am
Army Jobs are readily available within almost any department or trade you can think of, and they are available all over the world. No matter what your personal skills may be, or what your preferences are, there are a range of army jobs to suit you. It may be found that the one particular job you set your sights on is not the opportunity you receive, this is more than likely due to your skills and abilities being sharper in other areas. This can also be the case if you are looking for army jobs that don’t require you travelling overseas.
Many recruits who enlist for army jobs want to maintain a relatively normal existence in or close to their home towns. They want to be able to sign up for army jobs without travelling overseas. In doing so, they are offering their service to the military without leaving their families and friends behind. There are numerous army jobs that suit this ideal, in fact a very large proportion of civilian jobs are suited to these specifications. For example:
- Administration and Office Staff: This is an army job where employees would be required to be present on the premises of the location that you sign up for. Their duties center on successful and efficient running of the military offices and filing systems, making sure that all documentation is in order for quick and easy reference.
- Chefs: Every base needs a series of trained kitchen staff to ensure that all prepared meals are healthy and nutritious for all recruits and on site staff. This army job would keep chefs in one place at all times.
- Teachers: There is no more important job than that of a teacher. Developed skills are essential in any field, especially in the military, where close attention is paid to honing and developing inherent skills to assist employees in doing their jobs to the best of their ability. Teachers need to be on site for regular programmes.
- IT Technicians and Systems Engineers: Any business runs on computers in this day and age, as does the military. Army jobs within the field of Internet Technology are vast and hugely available. With all services operating on a technological level, IT technicians and computer system’s engineers need to be close at hand to offer support and service.
- Doctors and Nurses: Although doctors and nurses can be transferred or deployed to further reaches of the earth at any moment, there is always a need for them on site too. Every base will have a hospital and every hospital needs a well rounded, experienced and confident team of medical staff.
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to army jobs that don’t require you travelling overseas. Within each field there are more specialized positions available as well as many others in different fields of employ. Staying on your home turf and being recruited for army jobs of your choice is both possible and probable.
Posted in: Army Jobs, Job Search
By Susan - Monday 4 Aug 11:00 am
Occupational Therapy is to quote: “use of productive or creative activity in the treatment or rehabilitation of physically, cognitively, or emotionally disabled people” (American Heritage Dictionary)
Occupational Therapy Schools in America are quite vast and abundant, due the ever increasing need for Occupational Therapists. The practice is being recognized for its massively beneficial qualities and more and more people are opting to study this trade through occupational therapy schools across America. Most universities offer training and tuition in this field. Here are ten of the best occupational therapy schools that should be considered when making a decision to study OT. They are listed in no particular order:
- Colorado State University: This is one of the best occupational therapy schools in operation today, and has received critical acclaim both nationally and internationally for its profound achievements.
- Boston University (Sargent): This occupational therapy school challenges its students to think laterally, and combines practical hands on training with expert literature and theory programs. Voted tie first with Washington University by US News and World Reports.
- University of Southern California: This internationally acclaimed school has been voted number one for 8 out of 9 years as the best of occupational therapy schools in America, according to US News and World Reports. It established the first ever graduate program in occupational therapy worldwide.
- Boston School of Occupational Therapy (Tuffts University): This school is an historic monument in Boston and offers doctoral and masters degree’s in occupational therapy. They teach their students to narrow their focus towards clinical reasoning with all patients, so as to be independent in decision making and treatment methods.
- University of Illinois, Chicago: This internationally recognised occupational therapy school prides itself on developing top class students who will have an impact on the world through their treatments. It is consistently voted one of the best occupational therapy schools in America and maintains high levels of superior tuition.
- New York University: Always ranked as one of the top occupational therapy schools, NYU has been offering comprehensive and informative training for occupational therapy since 1940.
- University of Pittsburgh: This occupational therapy school ensures that all students are prepared for practice as soon as they graduate and enter into the “real world”, by offering them the skills for work and practice but also for life.
- Washington University in St Louis: According to US News and World Report 2008 rankings, this University has been voted tie first place as one of the best occupational therapy schools in America. It is tie with Boston University.
- University of Kansas, Medical Centre: This University is definitely recognized as a leader within the field of occupational therapy schools, and also offer doctorates and masters degrees in the field.
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill: The primary focus for this occupational therapy school is to enable all people, of all walks of life to enjoy a full and balanced life with the addition of occupational therapy. This is instilled in their students, and carried forward into practice after qualifying.
Posted in: Job Search, Therapy Jobs
By Susan - Saturday 2 Aug 2:26 pm
The Department of Defense is the United States’ largest supplier of employment. There are many military contract jobs available in varying departments, from civilian positions to full service positions.
Determining which arena would suit you is the first step to consider when researching military contract jobs for your particular preference. Here is a breakdown of the diverse sectors and divisions that military contract jobs are divided into today:
- US Army
- Marine Corps
- Navy
- Air Force
- Coast Guards
Within these branches are numerous modes of employ available that can provide a competitive salary for inspiring and self-satisfying work that has many benefits. By consulting this basic guide, you can determine what military contract jobs are available and an estimation of what your possible lows and highs in terms of remuneration would be for positions across the military.
Signing up for a military contract job could earn you between $18000.00 and $21000.00 of basic pay depending on your standing. More or less is given according to your qualifications and rankings and is referred to as special pay. Special pay for military contract jobs can also be allocated to people with advanced or unique skills. Not only are military positions well compensated for, but they come equipped with extensive advantages and rewards, such as housing benefits of between $6000.00 and $17000.00, clothing allowances of between $1300.00 and $1600.00, medical insurance of $3250.00 and dental insurance of $221.00.
*These figures are based on information sourced from the resource listed below.
There is an abundance of different military contract jobs available to suit everyone’s tastes and background, although a large degree of placements are according to the need within that domain. Full training is given in all departments to ensure that positions are fulfilled to their optimal potential. This is known as Advanced Individual Training and can take place in a number of different ways, for example: in a classroom situation, by eLearning, simulation, practical learning or through distance learning. Some of the extensive avenues in which military contract jobs are offered are:
- Accounting Services
- Business Administration
- Avionics – Helicopter Pilots, Airplane Pilots, Air Traffic Controllers, Flight Engineers, Technicians
- Media – Graphic Designers, Desktop publishers, Audiovisual Specialists, Journalists
- Combat Operations
- Construction – Electricians, Plumbers, Building Specialists, Civil Engineers
- Teaching
- Social Work – Psychologists, Counsellors
- Health Care and Medical Care – Nurses, Dentists, Doctors, Opticians, Pharmacists, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Dieticians
- Engineers
- Intelligence
- Information Technology
- Security and Law Enforcement Officers
- Fire Fighters
- Lawyers and legal specialists
- Chefs and Culinary Specialists
- Transportation and Logistics – Couriers, Drivers
This summary is a small indication as to the world of opportunity available within military contract jobs. With such a diverse and complete range of careers to choose from, excellent salaries, comprehensive training and added benefits and allowances, it is not difficult to understand why such a large percentage of the employment across America is commanded by military contract jobs.
Posted in: Army Jobs, Job Search
By Brad - Saturday 12 Jul 1:05 pm
No matter how perfect a person is for a job, potential employers cannot find them without an effective resume. Invigorate your job search with these ten resume updates.
1. Use keywords. Spend any time searching the internet and you notice that the more specific your keywords, the more likely you are to find what you want. The same is true for your job search. Many companies use resume scanning programs that search your resume and cover letter for keywords. Make sure you use what employers are seeking.
2. Limit jargon. While a resume requires effective keywords it should not be buried in jargon. The first person to screen your resume may be a human resources contact or manager with little experience with the jargon. Don’t set your job search up for failure by being unclear or generic.
3. Be honest. Don’t lie on your resume.
4. Use active verbs. With active words your resume will illustrate what you’ve done and won’t look like every other applicant claiming they are organized, self-motivated or responsible.
5. Be specific with short, simple sentences.
6. Leave lots of white space. Don’t jumble or overload your resume. Most initial scans of resumes last less than fifteen seconds. Let your resume demonstrate you are organized and efficient in a single glance.
7. Make it relevant. Don’t put irrelevant jobs on your resume unless they fill a questionable gap in your work history. Provide detail for the skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for.
8. Focus the objective or skills summary to the employer’s needs. Be clear and concise. Vague or extravagant objectives with no focus serve no purpose for the employer. Employers want to know that you can fill their position not that they can fulfill yours.
9. Provide numbers and statistics. When including, for example, that in your previous position you improved customer service, the statement becomes imminently more effective when you say “Improved customer service by five percent in two year period”. Share proof of your accomplishments.
10. Consider a resume critique. Nothing helps your job search better than a second pair of objective eyes looking at your resume.
Make your resume work for you with clear, active statements that the future employer needs to know. Choose quality substance instead of gimmicks and your resume will boost your job search.
Posted in: Job Search
By Brad - Sunday 6 Jul 11:02 am
Job searchers can get stuck searching for months with no results. Finding a job takes more than just posting your resume. Follow ten steps to turn your job search into a job.
- 1. Focus your job search. Don’t submit as many applications as possible. Apply for jobs if you meet the stated qualifications and are truly interested.
- 2. Know what you are looking for. The better you know your goals, the more likely you are to choose accurate keywords and focus your job search.
- 3. Present a professional package. Your cover letter and resume should be clear and concise. Have someone else edit for spelling, typos and inappropriate language. Avoid gimmicks, bright colors and flashy designs.
- 4. Be prepared for responses. You want callbacks so provide accurate and professional contact information. This means no funny voicemail messages and no caller tunes. Choose a standard ring and professional message for the duration of your job search.
- 5. Get out of your comfort zone and network. There is truth to the statement it’s not what you know but who you know. Employers hire people they know and like. Join professional or service organizations in your area to show dedication to your field and get your face in front of potential employers.
- 6. Prepare for the interview. Be prompt and dress professionally. Preparation also includes doing some research about the company. Show them you are interested in them and they will be interested in you.
- 7. Sell your strengths. Potential employers won’t know what you have to offer unless you are able to communicate your strengths to them.
- 8. Take risks. This doesn’t mean applying for a dream job you have no qualifications for. Stay informed with what’s up and coming in your industry and look to the smaller companies or start-ups for opportunities.
- 9. Follow-up. If you haven’t heard back, let them know you are still interested with a follow-up card or email. Consider a thank you after an interview. Don’t be a pest but remind employers you are out there.
- 10. Hold out for a good match. Don’t accept the first offer if it isn’t the right offer. When times are tough and competition is fierce sometimes you have to take a near fit and that is okay. Just be aware that you are compromising your job search and remain open to finding the perfect fit in the future.
Posted in: Job Search
By Brad - Wednesday 2 Jul 12:39 pm
In less than a decade more than 75 million people have established a job search account at Monster.com. Millions more have used sites like Careerbuilder.com and Hotjobs.com or some other website dedicated to employment opportunities. With all these people searching no one wants to get lost in the crowd. Consider these five approaches to making your job search effective.
1. Focus the search with keywords. Don’t waste time and energy searching too wide a variety of job listings or applying for jobs you don’t want. Know what you are seeking then use keywords to focus your search.
2. Use multiple sites. Limiting your search to one job search website limits your opportunity. Employers don’t list on every available site; it isn’t cost effective. Some industries have their own career websites. Look around or consider a site like Indeed.com when you begin your search. Indeed.com and others search multiple job sites at the same time which may speed up your job search.
3. Market yourself professionally. Employers who list online screen applicants to weed out a large portion before they even start planning interviews. Don’t get eliminated for an unprofessional package. Prepare cover letter templates and resume ahead of time in plain text document so they can be read no matter what programs the employer is using. Have them reviewed and edited to avoid typos and errors. Establish an email address for your job search that is simple and professional. Some employers are just as savvy online as you are and can easily check your social networking page. Drunken photos, sexual innuendo (or worse) are not professional and may cost you the chance at a second look.
4. Follow directions listed in the job listing. Employers do not want to hire people who cannot follow instructions. Read the job listing and follow the instructions regarding what they are looking for and how they want that information. Many toss out any applicants who do not follow instructions without even glancing at the resume.
5. Apply for positions you are qualified for. Don’t waste time – yours or the employer’s. Know whether you are qualified and apply only if you meet the employer’s basic needs.
In order to make your online job search effective you should use the tools to your advantage. Start with these five simple rules and your search will yield more advantageous results.
Posted in: Job Search
By Brad - Thursday 5 Jun 6:24 pm
The most important step in your job search starts with you. Knowing what you want in a job is the first priority. Without a goal in mind your job search will be unfocused and haphazard. While a broad search may get results it may not yield positive results.
Whether you are beginning your first search or your fifteenth the same rule applies. Find out what you want. To do so follow some basic steps:
1. Ask yourself why you are searching. Are you just out of school? Have you recently been laid off? Are you tired of your current position and looking for a change? Do you need more money? Your answer is the first step to deciding what you are looking for in your job search.
2. List your strengths. What do you have to offer an employer? Be honest with yourself. If you don’t have experience in a new field can you afford to start in an entry level position? Do you have other strengths to offer that may outweigh your inexperience? Know what you have to offer.
3. Research your options. If you know you want a job in management or insurance for example – start researching to narrow your job search. Type in the keyword management in a job search engine and watch hundreds of jobs appear. Don’t waste hours sorting through these choices. Choose a more specific keyword search for better results.
4. Know what you don’t want. Knowing what you are not willing to live with is just as important as knowing what you want. Make a list of items you will not compromise – be it “I won’t wear a suit every day” or “I hate cubicles”. Avoid the items on your list so you don’t waste your or the employers’ time.
5. Prioritize what you want. Make a list of what you want in your next job and rank the list.
6. Be patient. Finding the right job for you takes time. By limiting your job search to what you really want it may take longer. It might be quicker to do a broad search and take any position you can get but a job you hate will send you back to another job search fast.
Searching for a job takes time, energy and patience. Make the experience more fun and efficient by taking the first step to decide what you want in a job.
Posted in: Job Search
By Brad - Thursday 5 Jun 6:24 pm
Beginning a job search can be overwhelming whether a person has been recently laid off or is considering options for a growth opportunity. Keep a few simple options in mind and your search will prove successful.
1. Develop an organized system. If you don’t take your job search seriously why would anyone else. Searching for a job is similar to having a job. Set up a schedule for searching, posting resumes, networking and making follow-ups. Make your search a professional priority is taking the first step.
2. Go to the source. If you are looking for a specific position in an industry do not limit yourself to large and generic job search sites. Head directly to the employers you are interested in and apply via their site or human resources department. Do not limit yourself to only the well known employers in your field either; try small and mid-size companies as well.
3. Work with a staffing firm that services your industry. If you’ve sent your resume to the companies you are interested in or if you’ve searched several sites and found no openings, you may need professional help for your job search. Consider a headhunter or staffing service that specializes in your industry. These services have direct and up-to-date contact with potential employers. They will also review your resume and provide insider information about what potential employers are looking for.
4. Network at industry events and through professional organization websites and forums. No matter how old-fashioned you think networking is or how you think the internet has improved job searching, there is little substitute for getting out and making your self known to potential employers.
5. Send cover letters and resumes to a specific person not “to whom it may concern” or to the “hiring manager”. Employers and human resources departments receive resumes and applications by the hundreds. You will be just another number added to the pile or scanned then disposed of unless what you offer stands out. The first step in getting noticed is to get your information to the right party then wow them.
Follow these five simple steps and your job search will begin the journey to a new job in the right direction. Just remember to be consistent and keep following up, you will get the job that is right for you.
Posted in: Job Search
By Susan - Thursday 6 Mar 10:00 am
Occupational Therapist Employment is an involved business, and requires highly skilled individuals to carry out the practice. A 4 year study is normal for receiving the adequate qualifications to be able to embark in occupational therapist employment. Being that the studying is no walk in the park, and the actual practice of occupational therapy is so precise and focussed on being correct, the remuneration of occupational therapist employment is quite substantial.
Depending on where you work or what kind of practice you are entering into will also determine your monthly or annual salary. There are many different levels for occupational therapist employment as well as many different arenas to enter into.
If you started your own private practice you could decide what rate is applicable to you and what you need to command to cover your costs and make a profit.
According to salary.com, these are the base ranges for different types of occupational therapist employment that are available, so in other words this is where the salaries would start:
An Occupational Therapist can earn roughly between $60000.00 annually and $90000.00 annually. This is all influenced by your location in America and the company you work for. The figures given for each location as split into regions for occupational therapist employment are as follows:
- West: Starting at about $67000.00
- North East: Starting at $66500.00
- Middle Atlantic: Starting at $66500.00
- South: Starting at $63300.00
- Midwest: Starting at $62900.00
Accepting occupational therapist employment as an assistant can earn you a base salary of between $35000.00 and $50000.00 annually. As per location, the salaries differ as noted below:
- West: Starting average of $44300.00
- North East: Starting at $44500.00
- Middle Atlantic: Starting at $43600.00
- South: Starting at $42300.00
- Midwest: Starting at $41900.00
Occupational therapist employment specializing in home care is assistance geared towards people who are unable to come to hospitals or your practice for treatment. It allows you to have the freedom of conducting business from anywhere and not having to work out of one space everyday. Because travelling is involved, remuneration can be slightly higher, ranging from a base salary of about $57000.00 to $76000.00 annually. These figures, like the others, differ according to your location:
- West: Starting at $67700.00
- North East: Starting at $68200.00
- Middle Atlantic: Starting at $66900.00
- South: Starting at $65800.00
- Midwest: Starting at $62400.00
Occupational therapist employment in a nursing home will return slightly higher rewards on a monetary scale, and far higher rewards on a scale of job satisfaction. Being able to help people that are confined to a home will bring a small sense of achievement to them and hopefully improve their living conditions and lifestyle. On average, occupational therapists working in nursing homes will receive a base salary of between $60000.00 and $76000.00 annually.
According to region:
- West: Starting at $68900.00
- North East: Starting at $68400.00
- Middle Atlantic: Starting at $68200.00
- South: Starting at $67900.00
- Midwest: Starting at $65600.00
Choosing occupational therapist employment as an occupational therapists assistant in a nursing home will also present you with a competitive salary as opposed to other areas. With a base salary ranging from $43000.00 to $56000.00 annually, here are the figures by region:
- West: Starting at $51000.00
- North East: Starting at $50600.00
- Middle Atlantic: Starting at $50700.00
- South: Starting at $49900.00
- Midwest: Starting at $47400.00
Judging by these figures, job satisfaction is not the only thing you can gain by opting for occupational therapist employment. A competitive salary and decent annual remuneration is also a part of the package.
Posted in: Job Search, Therapy Jobs
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