Unemployment Job Search and Work Requirements

Unemployment Job Search and Work RequirementsUnemployment Job Search and Work RequirementsWhen you are collecting unemployment, you must be available for work and actively seeking employment. You must be ready, willing, available and able to work, and you may be required to report on your job search activities. Because the unemployment job search and work requirements vary by state, you should check your states website to verify your compliance, but there are some general guidelines. You Have to Look for Work While Collecting Unemployment While the rules regarding looking for work vary from state to state,unemployed workers collecting benefitsneed to be searching for a job. Unemployed workers are often required to report on their job search to their state unemployment department. Also, they may be required to keep a job search log to provide to the unemployment office upon request. Unemployment job search requirements vary based on regulations in the state from which you are coll ecting benefits, as well as on the type of benefits you are collecting. Unemployment Available for Work Requirements Workers who are unemployed must be must be available forsuitable workand actively seeking suitable employment. At the minimum, this includes being ready to accept work immediately if a job is offered to you. You must also be willing to accept employment for all shifts and days that are normal for your occupation. You must accept the wage most employers in your area pay for your occupation for someone with your qualifications and experience, and you must be willing to commute a reasonable distance to work. The travel to work requirement considered reasonable could be as much as an hour to an hour and a half each way. The requirements vary based on how long you have been unemployed and if you are collecting extended benefits. In some cases, you may be required to accept any work you are capable of performing, notlage just a similar job in the field you were laid of f from. Unemployment Work Search Requirements While the rules and requirements vary by state, many states expect unemployed workers to register, keep a running log of their job search and report on it periodically. This can vary from weekly submissions to monthly accounts. In Washington state, for example, unemployed workers are required to keep a job search log for each week they claim unemployment benefits. There must be a combined total of three employer contacts or approved job search activities each week. The log must contain company information, how the contact was made (in-person, phone, online, email, fax), contact name or confirmation of application, and the type of contact. New York, as another example, requires unemployed workers to apply to or contact several prospective employers each week. You must also keep a record of your work search that includes the employer name, address, and phone number, date of contact, a method of contact, position applied for, whether an application was accepted, and the result of the contact. Reporting Requirements For unemployment job search and reporting requirements in your state, check with yourstate unemployment officewebsite. Whatever the state requirements, you should keep apersonal accountof your job search activities, to help you keep track of your applications and follow up correspondence. Unemployment Work Requirements for Union Workers In most cases, you do not have to personally seek work if you belong to a union that does not allow you to seek work on your own in your occupation. However, you must be in good standing with the union and on the union referral list for work. Make sure to notify your union if you lose your job, and let them know you are seeking a new position. Unemployment Tips If you find yourself unemployed, remember to file as soon as possible forunemployment benefits, as a delay will cause a delay in receiving assistance. Check your states website for the specific rules a bout benefits and requirements, and dont hesitate to call or visit the office should you have any questions or need clarification about any of the procedures. Yourstate department of laboris there to help you get financial assistance if you are unemployed, but also importantly, to help you find a new job and get back to work.

5 Lessons From Marie Kondo to Help You Tidy Up Your Job Search

5 Lessons From Marie Kondo to Help You Tidy Up Your Job Search5 Lessons From Marie Kondo to Help You Tidy Up Your Job Search5 Lessons From Marie Kondo to Help You Tidy Up Your Job SearchAfter youve tidied up your living space, take the time to tidy up your job search.It seems like all of America is decluttering after binge-watching Netflixs latest hit, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo.Kondo, a Japanese organizer extraordinaire, travels across the U.S. and shares her KonMarie method of tidying, which involves mountains of clothes, lots of little boxes, and a mesmerizing folding technique. Its a joy to watch, and itll make you want to dive deep into your closet and dredge out all your dirty cluttered secrets. But once youve tackled that chore, you can apply a few of these tidying techniques to your job search.Think about it By taking some of Kondos organizing techniques and applying them to your job search, you could find standorts that fit you better, organize your inbox, and maybe even sc ore that dream job without all the stress.All it takes is a little tidying magic. Start with these five tips, inspired by our favorite professional organizer.1. Create a clear image of what you wantKondo encourages her clients to visualize their end goals. This helps alleviate some of those overwhelming feelings you might have when first abfluging your journey of tidying up or starting your job search.Like decluttering, searching for a job can quickly become overwhelming, but before you get lost in thousands of job listings, take a moment to visualize what youre looking for. Think of your dream job. What does it entail? Here are a few ideas to get the process rollingA company with a mission you feel strongly aboutA company culture that promotes creativityA manager who values your work and actively shows appreciation and gratitudeA flexible schedule that allows you to take time off when the kids are sickA position that allows you to utilize your best skills each dayWhatevers on you r wish list, take a few moments to clearly picture the life you could have with this new opportunity. By taking time to create this vision now, youll be able to stay grounded in your job search not get lost in a sea of openings that dont fit your needs and wants.2. Take your job search one step at a timeKondo encourages her clients to declutter one category of their home at a time clothing, books, papers, Komono (miscellaneous items), and then sentimental items. Cutting the process down into these categories helps keep the process manageable.You can take your job search one step at a time, too. Rather than immediately launching into listing after listing and frantically sending out applications, hash out a game plan. The process will look different for everyone, but the PLAN method can fit almost everyones needs. It looks like thisPlanLearnActNetworkDuring the planning phase, youll ask yourself basic questions, many of which youve probably already addressed when creating a clear im age of what you want. Assess your strengths, your weaknesses, your professional experiences, and your end goals.During the learning phase, youll start researching. Dig up information and news about your industry and your profession. Jot down names of companies and important contacts. Take organized musiknotes either in a notebook or a Word document to keep track of your findingsDuring the acting phase is when youll start applying to jobs and reaching out to the contacts youve gathered.Finally, youll maintain momentum by networking and staying connected to important people in your industry.By approaching your job search in this four-step fashion, you can help mediate some of your anxieties.3. Everything has a homeThe job-search process can get really messy. This is where Kondos more tangible advice can be applied.Think about where you save those dozens of variations of cover letters and resumes. Are they all on your desktop? How do you keep track of those? If we had to guess, you p robably dont. Its important to give these documents a home in a designated folder.Once youve submitted each cover letter and resume, rename the files. For example, if you applied to a marketing job with Company X, you could rename the file, CompanyX_Resume or CompanyX_CoverLetter. Then, when youre looking through your folder, youll know which variation youre looking at. When theres a similar job youre applying to, click open that variation for reference.Once youve organized your documents, start organizing your process. Create an Excel sheet to keep track of all the jobs youve applied to. Create columns to showcase the company name, the position title, the URL of the job listing, any contact information, and the status of the application.Be sure to note the date you applied. Then, a week or so later, you can grab the contact information and shoot an email off to follow up on your application. If youre offered an interview, use the Excel sheet to keep track of dates, times, and phone numbers. If a company politely declines, note that in the application status so you dont make the mistake of applying again. This Excel sheet can become your job-search home base, allowing you to more easily navigate the process.RelatedHow to Follow Up on a Job Application 4. Apply to jobs that spark joy for youWhen youre looking for a new job, its easy to get caught up in the frantic need for income. Youve taken Kondos advice to visualize exactly what you want, but be sure to keep that in mind throughout this process.Just like the clutter in your home, take a moment to hold onto each job listing (not literally, of course) and ask yourself if it sparks joy. Is this a job you could actually see yourself enjoying? Does the companys mission align with your ideals? Do your qualifications match? Do you feel excited while exploring the companys website? If so, apply.If you dont feel that spark of joy, hold off for now. You dont want to waste your time with interviews or get tangled in a job thats not the right fit. As cheesy as it sounds, stay true to yourself in this process and follow your heart.5. Thank the opportunities that dont work out then move onIf youre applying to jobs, chances are youre going to get one of those disappointing, Sorry, but youre just not the right fit emails. Thats OK Just like Kondo encourages her clients to thank each item theyre getting rid of, you can thank each job that doesnt work out.You can show this gratitude within yourself or, if you felt strongly about the position, you can respond to the job rejection. Be polite and concise then leave the ball in their court. Having some closure on your end might help move the process along. Maybe the company will email back with some tips to help your future applications or even give you a second chance.Applying Kondos tips to your job search can help alleviate a lot of the stress, pressure, and even extra hours that come with applying to jobs. Taking a minute to breathe and remember these tips can help you create a more streamlined and less stressful experience.Click on the following link for more advice on getting ahead.Does your resume spark joy? If it doesnt, it might just be time for a professionals help. Try out our resume-writing services todayRecommended Reading5 Job-search Steps to Shorten the hundAll in a Days Work Prepping Your Resume10 Apps to Get You Organized and Improve Your Productivity

Ways to Embark on a Successful Career Without College

Ways to Embark on a Successful Career Without CollegeWays to Embark on a Successful Career Without College44Make no mistake, job searching without a college degree can be challenging. The earnings gap is closing when it comes to how higher education affects salaries, emerging research shows- although, according to employment projections from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, higher education remains a factor.Still there are many reasons why college isnt for everyone, from lack of interest to the many career paths where a college degree isnt a prerequisite. With the advent of workplace flexibility, theres no shortage of flexible jobsoffering healthy salaries, opportunities for career advancement, and great work-life integration.High-payingjobs without college requirementscan be found in fields like transportation, law enforcement, healthcare, the culinary arts, and insurance, to name a few.In lieu of a college degree, many employers consider a host of other factors when looking to hire candidates with great long-term potential, such as aptitude, motivation, and trainability.And if youre a job seeker looking for a career without college, theres a huge upside you may be more likely to launch your career unencumbered by the often crushing debt of college loans.Here are a few ways to embark on a successful career without college1. Earn a relevant certification.One of the best steps to take if youre aiming for a great career without college is to to get vocational or other specialized training at a trade school, through a training program, or perhaps at your local community college.Consider a specialized curriculum that offers certification that will help you gain find a flexible, entry-level job in the field youve chosen.2. Know your career aptitude.Just because you dont have a college degree doesnt mean you shouldnt have a clear understanding of the kind of work for which you may have an aptitude, and a firm grasp of any transferable skills that may help you find just the right job. offers it members access to more than 170 skills testsdesigned to help gauge professional strengths and guide job seekers to opportunities that are a good fit.3. Look for on-the-job training.If youre venturing into new career territory, consider searching for a flexible job might help you learn new in-demand skills, or sharpen existing ones.Starting with an entry-level job is one of the best ways to position yourself to learn as you go in your career, and forge a fantastic career without college.4. Try for an adult internship.Internships arent just for college students. If your goal is to establish a career without college, an internship- even an unpaid one- can help you earn the kind of experience that employers in some industries may weigh as heavily as post-secondary education.So-calledadult internships can be a feasible option if youve decided not to pursue a college degree, and are looking for job openings that dont require a college education.Check out these sample job titles for flexible work that can offer a great career without collegeAdvertising and PRdigital marketer, traffic manager, public relations assistant, event promoterInsuranceinsurance claims specialist, insurance verification representative, operations assistantManufacturingquality technician, data specialist, final inspection associateRetailmerchandise coordinator, retail ausverkauf consultant, appointment setterTechnical Supportservice desk technician, field service professional, computer lab assistantMortgage and Real Estatecurative specialist, data entry clerk, rental relocation consultantAdministrative administrative assistant, patient access representative, receptionist, records clerk, research assistantSports and Fitnesssite manager, group fitness instructor, athletics administrative assistant, athletic trainerMedical and Health pharmacy technician, phlebotomist, medical coder, health unit coordinator, pharmacy clerk, radiology technician, lab assistantFood and Beverage chef, tasting room retail merchandise associate, brewery associate, assistant product developerEntertainment and Mediadigital technician, sound technician, photographerStart Your Job Search