Talk about a challenge

The Wizard of Oz characters sculpted in the eye of a needle. http://www.willard-wigan.com/
Check out Willard Wigan's art before you decide you just cannot do something J.

Implode a Meter

It is not like you do not already know

http://builder-implode.com/

Part-time and Home based employment for Professionals

The link for Mom Corps is also posted on the right hand side of the Blog under Job Search Resources.

http://www.momcorps.com/about_us/

An Industry-First Business Model for Flexible Employment

Mom Corps is the expert in the flexible employment market. Our mission is two-fold:

We provide companies direct access to a previously untapped market segment of exceptional talent - professionals who have opted out of the traditional workplace.

We enable professionals to work in their respective fields, while simultaneously meeting familial needs and responsibilities.

We execute this mission through the following services:

Staffing Services (Contingent, Project, Permanent)

Online Job Posting Board

Events and Conferences (Coffee Clubs, Own Your Life Annual Conference)

Expert Services for Candidates (Expert Resumes, Expert Coaching, Expert Training)

Corporate Consulting

Interview Preparation

Do Your Homework Before the Big Interview

by John Rossheim
Monster Senior Contributing Writer

• http://career-advice.monster.com/interview-preparation/Do-Your-Homework-Before-the-Big-Int/home.aspx
  

Once upon a time, a job seeker landed an interview, skimmed the prospective employer's annual report, wowed the hiring manager with a few company facts and strolled into his dream job.

That late-'90s fairy tale rarely comes true these days. With employers in more control of the labor market, candidates feel compelled to give it their all when preparing for interviews. And that includes mounting a broad, deep search for relevant information about the position, the company, the industry and even the interviewer.

Luckily for you, diverse resources, many of them free or cheap and available on the Internet, enable you to achieve that competitive edge if you're willing to put your nose to the grindstone -- or computer monitor.

Employers' Web Sites

Your prospective employer's corporate Web site is the best place to see the company as it wants to be seen. Do check out that annual report, but also look for a "press room" or "company news" page that links to recent news releases. As you mull all this information, consider how the open position, as detailed in the job posting, relates to the company's mission.

But don't stop there. Use the company site's search facility to query the names of the hiring manager and any others on your interview dance card. You may retrieve bio pages or press releases that give you insight into their most visible activities at the company. "Learning about the interviewer is probably the most valuable thing you can do," says Ron Fry, author of 101 Great Answers to the Toughest Interview Questions.

Research Employers

Next, get some vital statistics and independent perspectives on your prospective employer. Hoover's Online, for one, provides capsule descriptions, financial data and a list of competitors for thousands of large corporations.

Your 401k or mutual fund account with a major broker likely provides more detailed research on publicly traded companies and industries, free of charge. "You may be able to go to competitors for the prospective employer's financials," says Joyce Lain Kennedy, Los Angeles Times career columnist and author of Job Interviews for Dummies.

News Sources

Now broaden your perspective and see what general-interest and business publications and Web sites are writing about the employer and its industry. You can find a wide range of media outlets at NewsLink, notes Kennedy. Search national publications for news on major corporations; use hometown newspapers to learn about small businesses and how big businesses interact with their local communities. Refdesk and bizjournals.com also offer gateways to journalism on companies and industries.

Trade Journals

Taking cues from your research so far, drill down into your target company and its place in the industry by looking at trade journals and other specialized publications. "Get a few months of the relevant trade journal," advises Fry. "You're going to find out about new products and what the trade is saying about the company."

You may find hard copies of trade journals at university or public libraries. Some journals are available for free or by subscription through their own Web sites; the full text of thousands more is available through periodical databases like ProQuest and InfoTrac. You may even be able to access InfoTrac for free via the Web, using just the membership number on your public library card. Contact your local library for details.

Industry Directories

By now, you've probably got some very specific questions regarding the employer and your potential role there. Go directly to the grapevine by making contact with other workers at your target company or elsewhere in the industry. "If you belong to a professional organization, go to its directory," says Marilyn Pincus, author of Interview Strategies that Lead to Job Offers. If you don't belong, consider joining; check out the American Society of Association Executives' Gateway to Associations Directory.

Of course, you can also use networking services to get in touch with people inside the company.

Google

Finally, if you hope to have a company ogling you, try Googling them first. You just might come up with a nugget you would have missed otherwise.

While you're at it, Google yourself to make sure you and the interviewer are on the same page. Because if he's savvy, he's doing unto you as you've just done unto him and his company.

Evaluating niche job boards

If you are looking for online resources for a specific skill set, Alexa.com might be helpful.

You can use their directory/business/employment and select a professional or skill area for a list of job boards and their rankings. This will help you determine what kind of traffic a site actually attracts. Obviously,the more traffic a site attracts, the better the chance you may find an opportunity or an employer might find your resume.

http://www.alexa.com/browse?CategoryID=1

Early Voting Information for GA

If you are interested in voting early, the following link will take you to the Secretary of State page for information:

http://sos.georgia.gov/elections/advanced_voting.htm

Hello after a break

I have not posted in a while as I have been busy. Sitting watching the coverage of Hurricane Ike I feel so blessed to be home and safe. I lived in New Orleans for five, pretty quiet, hurricane years but still remember what a strong rain storm could do to the area. My ex-husband worked out of Houma for a while and I hear the levees have been breached there.

I hope all of you are home, safe, and counting your blessings. I know layoffs have continued at JWH&N and feel for all of you who have lost jobs or fear the loss of a job. Wish everyone the best. Enjoyed working with all of you.

General Interest to Homebuilding Community

List of Imploded Builders and builders to watch:

http://builder-implode.com/#tiny

Purchasing and Facilities Manger Opening

Purchasing and Facilities Manager position - Atlanta GA

The position is a Purchasing and Facilities manager in our Atlanta Ga. We are looking for someone with at least 3 year of experience in purchasing,procurement, or vendor management. They will need to have strong negotiation skills in a fast paced environment. I have attached the job description below.
JOB DESCRIPTION: Purchasing & Facilities Manager
REPORTS TO: Director of Procurement & Facilities
POSITION SUMMARY: Negotiate and administer vendor contracts, agreements and purchase orders.Develop and maintain the Vendor Management Program (including gathering critical supplier information and maintaining data spreadsheet and files for audit). Maintain Great Plains purchasing system and processes, including receiving and logistics. Manage the effectiveness and efficiency of the Office(s) work environment.
PERFORMS A COMBINATION OF THE FOLLOWING DUTIES ACCORDING TO DEPARTMENTALGUIDELINES:
1. Negotiate, administer, and maintain vendor contracts, agreements,and purchase orders. Leverage national account supplier agreements companywide to maximize cost savings and overall value (costs, service,quality) for areas inclusive of, but not limited to computer hardware,software, peripherals, and maintenance agreements; telecom hardware and services; Security systems and low voltage; travel program; leasehold improvements; office supplies, equipment, and furniture; printed forms, stationery, and business cards; marketing agreements; vending and break-room supplies; and any other requested areas of need.
2. Manage the purchase order process in Pivotal in an accurate, timely and efficient manner as required.
3. Manage the effectiveness and efficiency of the Office(s) work environment, including the Reception, Mailroom, and all common areas.
4. Manage relationship with building Property Management according to the real estate lease (utility invoices), facility and employee needs and requirements.
5. Develop and maintain the Vendor Management Program, including gathering critical supplier information and maintaining data spreadsheet and files for audit.
6. Develop and maintain information regarding Supplier Diversity, Buy American Act, and any other Government Contract requirements. Distribute reports and information as required.
7. Maintain Great Plains purchasing system and processes, including shipping logistics, receiving and matching of purchase orders.
8. Manages the implementation, maintenance, and administration of purchasing policies and procedures.
9. Develops and maintains purchasing reports for management perusal.
10. Provides excellent communication, as well as efficient and polite customer service to all SecureWorks, and affiliate personnel and associates.Communicates and maintains knowledge of product pricing and delivery times regarding goods and services.
11. Completes other required tasks and special projects accurately and on-time as needed.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Perform other essential duties as assigned KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
1. Experience required in negotiation and execution of national agreements.
2. Excellent verbal and written communications skills with the ability to converse with all levels within the organization
3. Extremely organized and detail-oriented.
4. Self-directed, self-motivated and capable of working with little direction
5. Excellent prioritizing skills, the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously, as well as problem solving skills and the use of initiative to finalize tasks.
6. Computer literate, especially in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio and the Great Plains financial system.
7. Multi-tasking and project management capabilities are essential.
8. Ability to recognize and support the organization's preferences and priorities.
9. Results and people oriented with sound judgment and the ability to balance other business considerations.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
1. Bachelor's Degree preferred
2. Preferred five years of experience within management & purchasing agent or buyer role
3. Preferred IT Industry experience
4. Proficient in Microsoft suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, & VISIO)
5. Experience in working with Financial systems such as Great Plains,SAP, or Peoplesoft

One of the many advantages of working at SecureWorks is the exceptional benefit program which includes: medical, dental, vision, 401K with company contributions, flexible spending accounts, sick and disability benefits,life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). SecureWorks is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse work culture, M/F/D/V.Listed duties, responsibilities, requirements and functions are not meant tobe all inclusive. Please forward candidates and leads to Leslie Humphries Thanks and Make it a Fantastic day! Leslie Leslie Humphries Human Resources Manager - Generalist & Recruiting SecureWorks 404.638.0632 office 404-327-8835 - fax

Accounting Job Posting

If youknow of some one that may be interested they should contact Nancy Blythe our Director of Human Resources or myself.

Dianna MillerWalton Communities, LLC
2181 Newmarket Parkway
Marietta, GA 30067
678 303-4133
678 303-4134 Fax


Walton Communities, LLC
JOB DESCRIPTION

Position: Property Accountant

Reports to: Debbie Larsen, Controller

Job Location: Community Support Office - CSO

Job Grade: TBD

Job Summary:
Provide support services to the Controller by auditing/managing the integrity of the financial data generated at the properties. Ensure the timely reporting of financial information by managing critical accounting dates and training property staff on key accounting functions.

Reporting Relationship:
The Property Accountant reports to the Controller and will have regular interaction with the Property Managers.

Duties/Responsibilities:

I. Accounts Payable:
· Process for payment & file all invoices for all Properties
· Process Monthly Escrow Payments, utility transfers, miscellaneous deposits originated for the properties at CSO and record journal entries
· Process all Sinking Fund Payments from schedules monthly
· Receive all NSF Checks from the bank, record and report to the proper property for collection and processing.
· Prepare Cash Report weekly for all Properties.
· Prepare Owner Distribution Checks by end of each month.

II. Property Lease Audit/Aged Receivable Audits:
· Make sure all leases are received on move-ins for each Property from the weekly activity report.
· Audit all Leases to make sure that information has been accurately entered into Yardi. Audit would include verification of:
o Dates
o Security Deposits
o Washer/Dryer
o Storage
o Garages
o Pets, etc.
o Move-in prorations
· Audit the Aged Receivable Report weekly to ensure that prepayments are being applied to open charges and that we are receiving timely payments from our subsidies.
· Proactively provide training to property staff in problem areas identified during the audit process



III. Walton Communities/Owners Associations/Misc Partnerships:
· Process invoices for payment and file all checks
· Handle corporate VISA reconciliation
· Track intercompany receivables to ensure that Walton is property reimbursed
· Track predevelopment costs for new projects to ensure that Walton is reimbursed at closings
· Prepare annual budgets and bill appropriate parties

IV. Other Responsibilities:
· Bank Reconciliations
· Utility transfers for One Point
· Assist with updating Accounting Procedure Manuals
· Maintain General Liability/Workers Comp certificates for annual audit
· Prepare annual business license renewals
· Maintain property tax schedules to be used for potential appeals
· Other projects as assigned


Personal Competencies:

Education & Certifications:
· Accounting degree preferred
· 2 years minimum accounting experience

Experience:
· Proficient in Excel/Outlook required
Property Management experience a plus
Yardi experience a plus

Core Competencies:
Team Player
Detail Oriented
Deadline Driven
Takes Initiative
Oral and Written Communication

Job Posting for an Estimator

Georgia State University, located in Downtown Atlanta, GA is seeking a Construction Estimator (Vacancy #0600499) who will perform construction estimating work involved in large scale projects ranging from half a million and above. This position relies greatly on professionalism, both in the actual estimating and in the everyday dealing with clients, and outside contractors. Will accurately forecast the scope, cost and duration of construction projects, develop the cost information for the management and continuously monitor the projects and track actual costs relative to bid specifications as the project develops.Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in the field of Construction Management, Construction Science, Industrial Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field and 5 years experience in commercial/institutional construction estimating field. A combination of work experience, including training and education, may be substituted for degree. Preferred Qualifications: Experience working with hardline competitive public and private bids. Proficient in word processing and spreadsheet program. Must be able to coordinate several projects simultaneously and able to prioritize workload to meet deadlines. Must be familiar with project scheduling software package such as Microsoft Project or Suretrace(Primevara). Effective communication skills both verbally and in writing with superiors, colleagues, and contractors. Effective analytical and problem solving skills, attention to detail. $51,658.00 to $78,603.00If you meet these skills, please immediately go to https://jobs.gsu.edu and enter Vacancy #0600499, to apply.For an overview of the Benefits of working here at GSU, please feel free to click on the link below:http://www2.gsu.edu/~wwwhre/benefits/index.htm

Many thanks to Sheronda Rankin for passing this along!

Basic Assessments available at Careerbuilder

These are very basic and may be helpful to some of you. More detailed assessments are frequently available, for a reasonable fee, through local colleges or technical schools.

http://www.careerpath.com/careerassessmentquiz/careertestingcenter.aspx

Internet Job Search Tips and Resume Review

Sorry for the late notice on this one, I just got it:
Tues, March 11th - Special Dual Workshop "Internet as a job search tool

Please pass our March 11 schedule, which includes a special dual workshop tolocal job seekers.Career Quest, the oldest active and most experienced job network in Atlantais staffed by heads of local businesses, division heads of majorcorporations and other self starters. We offer self-help workshops designedto provide job seekers with the basic tools to locate jobs and have an edgewhen applying for jobs. Time is also available for networking with other jobseekers. Direction and detailed descriptions of our workshops and Bios ofour facilitators are available on our web site:<http://www.st-ann.org/career_quest.php>

CURRENT SCHEDULE: (all sessions are on Tuesday evenings starting at 7:45PM, no one is allowed into the building until 7:30 PM)March 11, 2008 Internet as a job search tool, or advancedinterviewing including roll playingLed by: Barb Pisano and Phil VerstraeteBarb is top notch Project Manage well versed in all aspects of the internetand its use as a networking tool. Phil is the Southern Region Retail Sales Manager for Fitness Resource, oneof the world's largest dealers of high quality exercise equipment. He hasbeen in management for over twenty years, holding a variety of positionsincluding business owner. Phil's areas of expertise include staffmotivation and training, sales productivity and the hiring process. Phil is a published author in the fields of exercise, sales training and employeemotivation

One-on-one resume reviews are available every Tuesday with experienced Human Resource executives from major local companies. Our resume review and mentoring team is led by John Marotto, former VP of HR for the MarriottInternational hotel chain. St. Ann's is located on 4905 Roswell Road/ 120, (at the intersection ofBishop Lake and Roswell Rd./Rt.120) Marietta Ga. 30062. EVERYONE is welcome. There is no charge and dress is casual. Drive around the back ofthe Church and park near the swing set and enter the building through thedoor under the overhang; our room is on your right. Call 770-552-6400 ext.6104 for more information.

Scream Free Parenting Seminar

The seminar is being offered at our Church this Saturday for $10/adult. Looks excellent! There are support groups that meet for several weeks afterward. Childcare and refreshments are free.

Please contact North Atlanta Church of Christ for more information.

http://www.screamfree.com/media_events/calendar.php?op=viewevent&event_id=327

Get A Job - Video from Fox

If you cannot use the link, the video is posted with the Fox Network video section, entitled "Get a Job", How to beat unemployment as employers slash jobs by Michael Irwin with Careerbuilder:

Inexpensive Entertainment

Try this at home and see how it works!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayOCYhMh490

Mobilizing an Unplanned Job Search

From the Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120430513855303309.html?mod=CarJMain_middledeco

Mobilizing an Unplanned Job Search

First, don't panic. When you're faced with the prospect of an unexpected job search, you'll need to act deliberately -- not just fast.
By TODDI GUTNER Special to THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

Ramping up to land a new job quickly after a layoff, a downsizing, or company relocation takes thoughtful planning despite the urgency of the task. More professional and middle managers have been laid off since March 2007 than in the previous three years, according to Right Management, an outplacement and career transition consulting firm. "The trick to a successful transition is not to panic," says Doug Matthews, President and CEO of Right Management. "You don't want to hit the market in a chaotic fashion," he says.

Take stock of your finances. Identify and prioritize your bills and debt. An immediate need for cash flow may require you to take a temporary assignment. "It can give you a sense of productivity and give you some good experience," says Mr. Matthews who notes that the number of people taking temp work has risen 10% in the last two years.

Create a planned job search strategy. Despite the need to mobilize a quick job search "you don't want to send out a bunch of things into the marketplace without any thought behind it," says Mr. Matthews. Take some time to step back and create a thoughtful and measured approach to your job hunt. Be specific about the position you want and target the companies where you want to work.

If there is an onslaught of professionals in your field who are flooding the market, think creatively about where to apply for your next position -- consider a smaller company or another industry that may need your skills.

Determine your market worth. Conduct research with several executive recruiters, career coaches and others in similar positions to the one you're seeking to determine what salary and benefits you can request. If you happen to be in an industry that is in general contraction, make a checklist of your skills and identify those that are transferable to other industries that are in a growth mode.

Practice your pitch. No matter how quickly you need to land a job, make sure you take at least 72 hours to process your emotional reaction to job loss. You don't want to jump in immediately, but rather practice your pitch until it is devoid of as much anxiety and negative emotion as possible. Try it on friends or family, then a trusted colleague or mentor. A successful job search is partly about how you present yourself. "You've got to be out there telling people about yourself," says John A. Challenge, president of outplacement firm Challenger, Gray and Christmas.

Polish and post your resume. A resume is your window and calling card to the world of work. Make sure it highlights the position you want, your key accomplishments and measurable results of those accomplishments. Post your resume on the Internet at general and industry specific job boards as well as social networking sites like LinkedIn. Make sure it gets in the hands of executive recruiters as well. "You don't want to leave any stone unturned," says Mr. Challenger.

Network, network, network. An estimated 42% of people found their job through a networking contact, according to a Right Management survey. To that end, make a list of contacts from your college or university and former companies, to charities and volunteer organizations. Reach out and tell them what kind of position you would like, but "never ask anyone for a job," says Mr. Matthews. "Instead ask them for information and referrals." Find a contact who can introduce you to a decision maker at companies where you want to work. And take heart, nearly two-thirds of the 21,000 professionals that Right Management serves annually end up finding a job within 90 days.

MORE 90 DAYS

• 90 Days: Planning a Move to Your Second Job
• 90 Days: Finesse a Flexible Work Schedule
• 90 Days: You're the New Boss, Now What?
• 90 Days: What to Do After a Layoff
• 90 Days: Make the Most of a Promotion

Faith Based Encouragement

The North Atlanta Church of Christ, located in Dunwoody, has a job search support group that is open to all and meets at 10:30 every third Sunday in a theatre area attached to the church building. The support group this coming week will be addressing "Networking" and I would love to see some of you there!! http://www.nacofc.org/index.shtml

In addition to the support group, which meets again next Sunday, March 16. I have attached some links to sermons that might be of particular interest depending on the issues with which you may be struggling.

One of these "Oh the places you go" is taught by Major Boglin (Major L. Boglin, Ph.D, LMFT Executive Director Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
and addresses how God takes us through difficult situations to learn and develop our character. It is one of my favorites when I decide that life, at any given time, is just too darn hard: http://69.15.236.170/past_sermons/2007_10_07/2007_10_07.htm then select "Oh, the places you'll go".

Today's sermon was another good one for those of us rebuilding and I will post the link once I have it. Hope you all have a lovely day and a terrific week.

Department of Labor

This is a link to their page on surviving a layoff:

http://www.dol.state.ga.us/js/survive_layoff.htm

There are resources available through the DOL but you will have to take the initiative to find them and use them. Dealing with our government is not for the faint hearted, keep the poster below in mind!!

Resume writing

I do not have any personal experience with this group but several people have asked for potential resources. In addition to this group, there is information pertaining to DBM in the archived older posts, links to those are posted at the bottom of the page.

http://bridgecareermanagement.com/

I have no idea what the fees may be. If you use this group, please let me know whether you have a positive experience so I will know how to advise others.