Jobing.com: Phoenix Community Blog

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, DONT GIVE A GIFT TO A THIEF - Elida Sarmiento - Social Security Administration

Thu, 3 Dec 2009 16:22:51 GMT

It’s been said that the true spirit of the holiday season is in giving, not receiving. With this in mind, it’s likely that you will be spending a bit of time shopping for presents, your credit card flying out of your wallet or purse like wind-blown snow.

But as you shop in stores and online, be sure you’re not giving a surprise gift to an identity thief. Because the surprise will be on you — and it won’t be a good one.

Sometimes when you do business, you may be asked for your Social Security number. In many cases, those asking don’t really need it. If anyone asks for your Social Security number or other identifying information, ask them why they want it and whether they absolutely need it. They can refuse you service if you don’t provide it, but consider whether the service is worth the risk.

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America . Someone who steals your Social Security number can use it to get other personal information about you. Identity thieves can use your number to apply for more credit in your name. Then, they use the credit cards but leave the bills for you. Falling victim to identity theft can ruin your credit rating and make things difficult for months or years to come.

Identity thieves can obtain your Social Security number, credit card numbers, and personal information in a number of ways, including:

Stealing wallets, purses, and mail;

Intercepting personal information you provide on an unsecured website, from business or personnel records at work, and personal information in your home;

Rummaging through your trash, and public trash dumps, for personal information;

Posing as someone who needs your information, such as a government agency, employer, bank, or landlord; and

Buying personal information from store clerks, employees, or other individuals who have the information.

There are things you can do to protect your identity. Don’t give out your Social Security number to just anyone. Don’t carry your card in your wallet or purse; keep your Social Security card locked away in a safe place with your other important papers. Check your credit reports once a year, which you can do for free at www.annualcreditreport.com.

Want to learn more? Read our online fact sheet, Identity Theft And Your Social Security Number, at www.ssa.gov/pubs/10064.html.

If you think someone is using your number or identity, contact the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft, or call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338) (TTY 1-866-653-4261.)

Protect your information this holiday season, and you’ll enjoy a little more “peace on earth” in the year to come.

RETIREMENT ESTIMATOR EVEN BETTER THAN BEFORE - Elida Sarmiento - Social Security Administration

Thu, 3 Dec 2009 16:20:23 GMT

Improvements to one of the most popular online services in government — the Retirement Estimator, located at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator — allow more people than ever before to get a personalized and instant estimate of future Social Security retirement benefits.

Since its launch last year, the Retirement Estimator has provided more than four million personalized estimates, and is one of the most highly rated online services in government.

The most recent customer satisfaction numbers are at an all-time high. The latest report from the American Customer Satisfaction Index for E-Government ranks the Retirement Estimator as the top service at 91 percent. It is followed closely by Social Security’s online retirement application, with a 90 percent customer satisfaction rating and the Medicare Extra Help application, with an 87 percent rating. These three Social Security services are the top three online services in government.

You may be wondering: if the Retirement Estimator is the most popular online service in government, what can be done to improve it?

One major improvement is that more people will be able to use it. Previously, people who had not yet filed for monthly Social Security benefits but who were already enrolled in Medicare were not able to take advantage of the service. Now they can. So if you have Medicare coverage but have delayed filing for your Social Security benefits and you would like to get an estimate of your future benefits, just visit www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.

Other improvements are coming soon. Next year, the Retirement Estimator will be the first online service available in Spanish.

Would you like to get an immediate and personalized estimate of your retirement benefits right now? Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator. To get an estimate, you’ll need to enter your first and last name, date and place of birth, Social Security number, and mother’s maiden name. If the information matches Social Security’s records, the Retirement Estimator combines this information with the information that Social Security has on record, including your yearly earnings, to provide a quick and reliable online benefit estimate.

While you’re checking out the most popular online service in government, try out some of our other online services and information as well. You can find it all at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Job Searching Frustration Part 2 - Time for a new approach to networking! - Karen Austin - Jobing Career Services - Phoenix

Wed, 2 Dec 2009 16:23:04 GMT

Part 2: Networking

How are you using your network?

a. People I know from my old job know I am looking - but I haven't talked to people outside of my current professional circle.
b. I sent out a blanket email to everyone on my email list - but nobody responded.
c. I am not sure where to start. People know I am looking, but I don't know how to get the help I need from them.

If any of the statements above describe you, you may benefit from revisiting some of the basics of networking:

1. Be a giver. 2. Ask for help - directly. 3. Act on help and follow-up.

Be a giver: The best networkers I know are amazing at providing value to the people they are connected to at every opportunity. Whether it is sharing an interesting article, a piece of new information, a new contact - they always collect and share what is of value to others. Give to your network and it will give back to you.

Ask for help: Once you are connected and begin bringing value to your network, there is a strong chance those in your network will want to help you back. Have a clear, short statement to share with people in your network (personally - not in a spam email) about what you do and what type of job/contact/help you are looking for. Good examples are:

example 1. I am a materials engineer and I am looking to make a contact with someone who works in the XYZ industry.
example 2. I have worked at salons for 10 years and I am looking for small business owners to talk with about what I need to do to get started on my own.
example 3. I have recently graduated with a liberal arts degree and I am looking for an entry level position with a growing company.

Act on help and follow-up: The most important step of networking is to use help that is offered to you and thank the person who has provided it. This means you need to reach out to the contacts you have been introduced to, read the information people have shared, or go to the events that people have told you about. After you've received help or information, follow-up with your contact and send a sincere thank you. Include specifics about what was most helpful to you. If the help lands you a job or something of substantial value, a thoughtful gift or dinner might be a nice gesture too! Gratitude is great to receive and makes it more likely that a person will help you again in the future.

My next blog post will uncover opportunities for improvement in Interviewing ...

Karen Austin is a Certified Job and Career Transition Coach (JCTC) and resume writer for Jobing Career Services. For more information about Jobing Career Services or to get professional help writing a resume - email resumereview@jobing.com or visit our information page at www.jobing.com/careerservices.

I9 Audits...are you compliant? - Derek Johnson - Phoenix Physicians Services

Wed, 2 Dec 2009 15:48:30 GMT

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has launched a bold, new audit initiative by issuing Notices of Inspection (NOIs) to 652 businesses nationwide. The notices alert business owners that ICE will be inspecting their I-9s and hiring records to determine whether or not they are complying with employment eligibility verification laws and regulations.

This is a start of ICE holding Employers accountable for their hiring practices to ensure legal hiring practices. Out of the 652 notices that were sent out to employers 142 notices were sent to employers in Arizona and California .

During an I9 audit employers can be fined anywhere from $100-1,000 for each incorrect or missing I9 forms which can add up quickly. An employer can be fined $250-$2,000.00 per unauthorized alien if the offense occurred before September 29, 1999 and not less than $275 nor more than $2,200.00 for each unauthorized alien offense which took place after September 29, 1999.

If after an audit you are found to have improper I9s you can be subject to open your company to other audits down the road through ICE or DOL.

Things to remember when doing an I9 audit and Employee file audits

Original I-9s. Forms I-9 must be retained for three years after the date of hire or one year after the date of termination, whichever period is longer.

Retain Everify records with the I9, any tentative non-confirmation.

Employee files should not contain any Driver license or social security cards, unless driving is an essential function of the employee’s position.

Keep separate medical files for employees. Any PTO request pertaining to Dr. appointments or other sickness for the employees or their children should not be in their regular employee file.

For more information about I9 or HR audits please contact Derek djohnson@pps247.com or 602-685-9500 x 420

Holiday Gifts for Employees that Cost Nothing - Marnie Green - Management Education Group

Wed, 2 Dec 2009 08:47:52 GMT

According to The Gallup Organization there are 22 million disengaged employees that cost the American economy up to $350 billion per year in lost productivity, including absence, illness, and other problems that result when workers feel unappreciated. Ninety percent of voluntary resignations are due in part or initiated because the employee feels under appreciated by their manager.

What a waste! Recognizing employees for their unique contributions is easy and doesn't have to cost a penny. In these challenging economic times, we need to look for ways to let employees know that they are valued more than ever. Here are ten ideas to try:

1. Invite an employee to join you. You can convey your value for a team member by inviting them to join you at important client meetings or higher level team meetings. By exposing them to a new group and new discussions, the employee gains a new perspective and you have a chance to show them off to others.

2. Spend some time together. Good old fashioned dialogue can go a long way when the conversation is with a boss who is busy. Once a week take 15 minutes to chat with an employee you haven't spent much time with lately. Ask open ended questions and show your interest. Use their name. Your attention is worth gold.

3. Start a Red Plate routine. Find a plate (or basket or bucket) and fill it with something yummy. This could be homemade cookies, candy, or healthier treats. At a staff meeting, give the plate to the one person who had a great week. Tell them publicly why you appreciate what they did. Tell them that their job is to watch their peers over the next week and be prepared to present the plate, refilled of course, to a teammate who excelled that week. The plate will continue to be passed from team member to team member and the recognition becomes the responsibility of the group and not just the responsibility of the manager. You can substitute the red plate for a stuffed animal, a fun trophy, or other item of interest.

4. Duh...say thanks. In a recent survey sixty-three percent of employees ranked "a pat on the back" as a meaningful incentive. Saying thank you and meaning it is easy to do and can earn extensive goodwill. Call the employee to your office and just say thanks for a specific thing they've done. Nothing else should be the topic of the conversation.

5. Post a Note. Write a quick thank you on a Post-It or other informal piece of paper and leave it on the employee's chair or on their desk. Be sure to write it in your own handwriting and be specific about what the employee did to receive your recognition.

6. It's in the Name. When an employee creates a new form, process, approach, or other creative idea, name it after them. At staff meetings, in emails, and casual discussion, refer to the innovation as "Steve's form," "Judy's process," or "Jenna's tool."

7. You're a Lifesaver. When an employee does something that really makes a difference for you or for the team, give them a pack of LifeSavers candies. Make sure you combine the gesture with a note or comment about what the employee did to save your life and why it's important to you.

8. Ring the Bell. When a team member does something of note or when a customer expresses thanks for someone's work, ring a bell for the whole team to hear. Follow the ring with a quick announcement to the team about the person's accomplishment.

9. Ask Them. Meet with each employee individually and tell them that they are a valuable part of the team. Ask them what they would like to do in the course of their work that would be new, different, enriching, and/or exciting. Then, do what is possible to give the employee an opportunity to pursue this interest.

10. Listen. We all need to know that what we have to say is important to someone. Each day, focus your attention on an employee conversation with the sole purpose of just listening to what they have to say. Enter the conversation with curiosity about how they view the world and how that viewpoint can enrich the team.

Recognition doesn't have to be costly and it can go a long way to establishing a culture that is supportive, innovative, and productive.

You can also reply to this blog with your comments, send me an email, or visit me online at www.managementeducationgroup.com. I'd love to hear from you!

CBS 5 Weekly Employment Update - Theresa Maher - Jobing.com Community Relations - PHX

Wed, 2 Dec 2009 07:59:28 GMT

This morning's CBS 5 Who's Hiring segment has an extra long list of positions! If you missed it, be sure to tune in next Wednesday at 6:20am for more great opportunities!

Cox Communications

As the leading telecommunications provider in Arizona, Cox Communications has built quite a name here in the Valley. Here are a few of the many positions they are currently hiring for on both the part-time and full-time level.

    * Bilingual CSR - Part Time
    * Manager, Business Intelligence
    * Manager, Customer Retention
    * Sales Operation Support Team
    * Digital Store Rep
    * Inbound Sales Rep
    * Outbound Sales Rep

More jobs at Cox Communications

Auralog

Auralog is the publisher the award winning language software, Tell Me More. They are looking for candidates who are passionate about language and who will enjoy their great benefits package which includes reimbursement for qualified job-related trainings and certifications, as a well as free language learning for employee's families.

* Business Developer
* Trainer - FILLED

Southwest Ambulance

Southwest Ambulance is a premier private ambulance learning provider and on of the nation's largest medical transport providers. They are looking for heathcare professionals with a variety of specialties to join their team today.

    * Customer Service Rep
    * Paramedic - Part-Time
    * Paramedic - Full -Time
    * Reserve Firefighter
    * Dispatcher/Communications
    * Registered Nurse

Promise Healthcare

Promise Healthcare is one of the largest long-term acute care hopsital organizations in the country. They specialize in the treatment of complex, acute and chrinic conditions due to catastrophic illness or severe injury. They are expanding their team with candidates who have a true passion for helping people.

    * Physical Therapy Assistant
    * Physical Therapist
    * Registered Nurse
    * RN ICU
    * Occupational Therapist
    * Certified Nursing Assistant

Jobs of the Week - Liz Massey - ASU Alumni Association

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:48:02 GMT

Every Monday, we bring you a fresh set of opportunities directly from the ASU Alumni Association’s Sun Devil-centric job portal. Many postings are posted exclusively to the portal, which is powered by Jobing.com.

Here are the week’s top jobs:

Program Coordinator

Physician Assistant/Nurse Practitioner

Behavioral Coach

Graphic Designer

Visitors to the portal can post their resume to the site, and employers can post jobs online at the site, as well, tapping into ASU’s talent pool for very reasonable prices.

You never know what you’ll find until you visit http://asu.jobing.com!

ASWA Community Service Project - Save the Family Foundation - Laura Mangan - American Society of Women Accountants - Mesa

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 23:46:19 GMT

This year the American Society of Women Accountants Mesa East Valley Chapter has expanded our Community Service Projects to give our members more opportunities to support our local community. Our November Community Service Project is the “Thanksgiving Dinner Basket” for the Save the Family Foundation. Our Community Service Director contacted the organization located in Mesa and signed our chapter up to provide a basket filled with the necessities for a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner. Members volunteered to bring a few items on the list and together we were able to support a family in need. The

Save the Family Foundation helps children in homeless families by treating the whole family with programs to break the negative cycles of poverty, abuse, and homelessness. They strengthen the Valley's communities by facilitating the transition of families to financial and emotional self-sufficiency. Consider supporting one of their holiday sponsorships, clothing drives or welcome home projects. This is a great way for groups to work together and support the community. Visit www.savethefamily.org for more details on volunteer and donation opportunities.

CBS 5 Weekly Employment Update - Theresa Maher - Jobing.com Community Relations - PHX

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:11:33 GMT

I am so thankful for these Valley companies who are making an effort to fill their positions among the candidates in our Phoenix community. I am also thankful for our partners at CBS 5 for helping us get the word out about these great opportunities. If you missed this morning’s Who’s Hiring segment on CBS 5, join us next Wednesday at 6:25am!

Arizona Key Magazine

Arizona Key Magazine boasts the title of Arizona’s best statewide travel guide and offer a monthly publication, annual cactus league spring training special edition, online presence and much more. They are currently looking for outside sales reps interested in controlling their own financial destiny. A reliable means of transportation is required.

• Outside Sales

Charles Schwab

A well known leader in Financial Services, Charles Schwab focuses on Investor Services, Advisor Services, Corporate and Retirement Services. They have a variety of positions available from senior management to entry – level. Be sure to check the Campus Recruits post if you are graduating from a college degree program this academic year!

•    Sr. Finance Manager
•    Campus Recruits - Technical Associate
•    Brokerage Services Representative
•    Broker Trainee Program

Norwegian Cruise Line

They are innovators of the cruise industry; growing fast and constantly looking to improve their services. Norwegian Cruise Line is looking for candidates who are customer service and sales oriented who are interested in building relationships and selling cruise vacation products. These positions offer a base salary plus commission at their east Mesa location.

• Personal Cruise Consultants
• Personal Vacation Planners

Visiting Angels

Visiting Angels is a family alternative to assisted living facilities and nursing homes, dedicated to the best in-home care. They have an immediate need for live-in caregivers and CNAs who are looking for full-time, part-time, or weekend shifts. Experience and a passion for providing one-on-one care are required.

• Live-in Caregivers and CNAs

Our gift to you: Members get in free at Dec. 1 Women in Business mixer! - Liz Massey - ASU Alumni Association

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:59:08 GMT

We're at the start of the holiday networking season; and to start things off on a festive note, the Arizona State University Alumni Association is giving its graduates a little thank you present!

The Alumni Association's Women in Business group holds quarterly networking mixers at area restaurants. These gatherings are places where successful female graduates of ASU can meet new friends and business contacts, share ideas and enjoy their mutual connection to the university.

Next Tuesday, Dec. 1, Women in Business will host a Wine and Networking Event from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at La Bocca, 699 S. Mill Ave. in Tempe. There will be complimentary appetizers, fine wine and a cash bar at the event, and Alumni Association members get in FREE!

If you'd like to check out our women's network before committing to the Alumni Association, the cost for this mixer is $10 for non-members. Don’t miss a chance to catch up with your classmates and forge new Sun Devil connections! RSVP Today.

Want get invited to free networking mixers like this one? Join the Alumni Association today!