Career and Self Promotion With Video, Audio and Photos

(photo byNick J Adams)

In today's job market, you need to do everything in your powers to get ahead of the competition. This includes personal branding and marketing yourself online to increase your offline exposure and credentials to recruiters. Added benefits of personal branding are the new connections and community you are building and taking part in, as well as the long term affects of having great content on the web.

Utilizing a blog, keeping a portfolio or even having an interactive online resume are great ways to showcase your skill sets and abilities, but if all you are relying on is text, then you are missing out on a very important persuasive power; playing on a human's natural senses.

The senses I am referring to here are sight and sound. On the web it is extremely easy to implement these into your websites, resumes and online marketing arsenal.

Video

Web video is not a fad and not just silly cat videos you receive in a mass forwarded email. In fact, the search bar on YouTube.com is used more that Yahoo.com's main search bar. Producing web videos has never been easier and more beneficial if done correctly. Cameras can be found for around $100 and most digital cameras offer a video recording feature that will more than suffice for web video.

Video Tip* The quality of the production is not as important as the quality of the content. If you are a sales rep, go out and film a sales presentation. If you are an electrician, shoot a quick video on how to put some structure together and make it light up. The goal is to showcase your skills and abilities that you can perform at a given job.

Audio

The web is full of audio, just for kicks there are over 200 million bands on Myspace - that's a lot of music. Just like video however, audio is more than garage bands and hip-hop. Creating Podcasts or audio interviews are a great way to show off personality, authority and speaking skills. A great way to record a phone conversation is by using FreeConferenceCall.com. This can be used to interview a successful person in your industry, to record a mock phone interview or show off your selling skills.

Photos

Pictures make works come to life. Have you presented in front of a room of peers and took pictures of the stage, the room set-up, the catering? Use these images to show off your work much like a web designer shows off the websites that they have built. If you are working on home projects, construction, real estate - whatever - snap some shots and host them online at Flickr.com or Photobucket.com. Be sure to add descriptive titles, descriptions and tags so that people can find your pictures.

Overall Strategy

Using all these online mediums can seem overwhelming at first. Set a goal to get your resume completed first and them look for things that you can highlight in your resume by adding links and media to make it stand out from the crowd.

One other key is to NOT overuse media in your resume, cover letter or interview. Recruiters like a little flash but they still work off the old resume principles, and if they print your resume, they cannot print a video or link.

________________________________________

Ok, Orlando, I want to see your media. Shoot us a comment and let us know your media strategy in the promotion of yourself online. We will feature these in an upcoming post to get you even more exposure (hint* - Orlando area employers read this site all the time!).

Happy hunting and have a great weekend Orlando!

-Greg Rollett

VR&E Program - Which Track Is Right for Me?

This week here on the Orlando JobSpot we have some very special information for veterans and for families of veterans looking to find a job in today's climate. While the job search may be similar to that of a non veteran, there are a few extra resources, Bills and tips that can help accelerate your transition into civilian life. Today we are looking into the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program and the types of tracks offered for Veterans.

Reemployment With Previous Employer

This track is designed for those individuals separating from active duty or in the National Guard or Reserves and who are now returning to work for their previous employer.

What are some of the features of this track?
A Rehabilitation Plan with the goal of Reemployment may involve job accommodations, job modification, case management, coordination and linkages of services with VA health care, reemployment rights advice, work adjustment services and consultation with the employer.

Rapid Access to Employment

Rapid access to employment is targeted to those individuals who have expressed a desire to seek employment soon after separation or who already have the necessary skills to be competitive in the job market in an appropriate occupation.

What are some of the features of this track?
A Rehabilitation Plan with the goal of immediate employment may provide for job readiness preparation, resume development, job search assistance, development of employment resources, job accommodations and post employment follow-up.

Self-Employment

Self-employment is targeted to individuals who have limited access to traditional employment, need flexible work schedules, or who need a more accommodating work environment due to their disabling conditions or other life circumstances.

What are some of the features of this track?
A Rehabilitation Plan with the goal of self-employment may provide for analysis of the viability of a business concept, development of the business plan, training in the operation of small businesses, marketing and financial assistance and guidance on obtaining adequate resources to implement the business plan.

*Bonus Tip* - For those looking into self employment, I would recommend finding your personal brand, your skill set and desires for getting into self employment.

Employment Through Long Term Services

Long Term Services are targeted to individuals who need specialized training and/or education to obtain and maintain suitable employment.

What are some of the features of this track?
A Rehabilitation Plan with the goal of training and /or education may provide for on-the-job training (OJT), apprenticeships, internships, job shadowing, work monitoring, work-study, public-private job partnering, or higher education sufficient to obtain suitable entry-level
employment.

Independent Living Services

Independent living services are targeted to individuals who may not be able to work right now and need rehabilitation services to live more independently.

What are some of the features of this track?
A Rehabilitation Plan with the goal of independent living may include assisted technology, independent living skills training, connection to community-based support services, etc.

What Other Benefits May Be Provided?

After a plan is developed, the counselor will assist the veteran to implement the plans to achieve gainful suitable employment or independent living. The counselor or case manager may provide medical and dental referrals, coordination of training allowance, tutorial assistance, adjustment counseling, or other services necessary to achieve rehabilitation

Summary

In summary, a veteran who is found eligible for the VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program and who has an employment handicap is entitled to vocational rehabilitation services. Following the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor’s determination that a veteran has met the entitlement criteria, the counselor and veteran will jointly develop a plan for a rehabilitation program with a goal typically leading toward employment. In some cases, the
plan goal may be related to an independent living need. This plan will provide all of the needed services and assistance identified through the initial evaluation.

In those cases when a veteran is not found to be entitled, the VA Counselor will assist him or her to use the information gathered in the initial evaluation to identify other options, goals, and programs that should contribute to sound vocational adjustment, for example, referral to the
State Vocational Rehabilitation program, information about financial aid, and referral to the Department of Labor’s DVOP program.

-Greg

The Coming Home To Work Program

This week here on the JobSpot we have some very special information for veterans and for families of veterans looking to find a job in today's climate. While the job search may be similar to that of a non veteran, there are a few extra resources, Bills and tips that can help accelerate your transition into civilian life. Today we are looking into the Coming Home to Work Program.

(photo by Beth Rankin)

The Coming Home to Work (CHTW) Program is Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment’s (VR&E’s) primary early intervention and outreach program. Through this initiative, all VR&E services are available to eligible servicemembers and veterans. Participants work with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) to determine eligibility and entitlement to VR&E services. Once entitlement is established, the VRC and the servicemember or veteran will work as a team to decide which employment track is most suitable based on each participant’s individual needs. VR&E’s goal is to assist eligible servicemembers and veterans obtain and maintain suitable employment that will not aggravate their disabilities. This program does not replace or conflict with medical treatment or military requirements.

Program Goal
The goal of CHTW is to provide rehabilitation services to VR&E eligible servicemembers pending medical separation and veterans receiving treatment at Community Based Health Care Organizations and VA medical treatment facilities. VR&E eligible servicemembers with a memorandum rating of a least 20% are entitled to an evaluation for VR&E benefits regardless of their expected discharge date. While servicemembers cannot participate under Chapter 31 until VR&E eligibility is determined, Chapter 36 services are provided to transitioning servicemembers who are within six months of discharge from active duty or within one year following discharge from active duty.

Application Process
Servicemembers and veterans without a VA memorandum rating need to complete VA Form 28-0588, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment - Getting Ahead After You Get Out*. A copy of your medical records must be included along with this form. An application for VR&E services, VA Form 28-1900 Disabled Veterans Application For Vocational Rehabilitation*, needs to be completed as well. Please submit both VA Forms (28-0588 and 28-1900) along with medical documentation to a VA VRC, a Military Service Coordinator, VA Coming Home to Work Coordinator or deliver to a local VA Regional Office.

Servicemembers and veterans do not need to have a disability to participate in Chapter 36, Educational and Vocational Counseling. Chapter 36 services are a valuable tool to help identify strengths and assist in selecting a career. To participate in this free service, complete VA Form 28-8832, Application for Counseling*. This form may also be mailed or delivered to a local VA Regional Office, given to a VA VRC, Military Service Coordinator or a Coming Home to Work Coordinator.

Benefits

• Provides a seamless transition into Chapter 31, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment.
• Provides assistance with finding and maintaining suitable employment that will not aggravate your disabilities.
• Provides access to training programs to include degree and certification programs.
• Provides career exploration that may include a Non-Paid Work Experience (NPWE).
• Collaboration with medical rehabilitation team to ensure medical appointments come first.

For more information about Coming Home to Work, please contact your local CHTW Coordinator.
Disabled Transition Assistance Program (DTAP)
To view the Disabled Transition Assistance Program
(DTAP) presentation, please visit: http://vetsuccess.gov/dtap/

-Greg

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Programs - Memorial Day Week Special

(photo by Andi♥)

This week here on the JobSpot we have some very special information for veterans and for families of veterans looking to find a job in today's climate. While the job search may be similar to that of a non veteran, there are a few extra resources, Bills and tips that can help accelerate your transition into civilian life. Today we are looking into the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program for veterans.

(Check out Parts 1 and 2 of FAQ's on the VA Bill.)

What Is the Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program?
This program’s primary function is to help veterans who have service-connected disabilities become suitably employed, maintain employment, or achieve independence in daily living.

Who is Eligible for VR&E Services?
To receive an evaluation for vocational rehabilitation services, a veteran must:

• Have received, or eventually receive, an honorable or other than dishonorable discharge
• Have a VA service-connected disability rating of 10% or more
• Apply for vocational rehabilitation services

The law generally provides for a 12-year basic period of eligibility in which services may be used. The 12-year period begins on the latter of these dates:

• Date of separation from active military duty or
• Date the veteran was first notified of a service-connected disability rating

A Comprehensive Evaluation is completed with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor that includes:

• A full assessment of the veteran’s interests, aptitudes, and abilities to determine whether the veteran is “entitled” to VR&E services
• An assessment of whether service-connected disabilities impair the veteran’s ability to find and/or hold a job using the occupational skills already attained
• Vocational exploration and goal development

How is Entitlement Determined?
A VA Counselor decides if a veteran has an employment handicap based upon the results of the comprehensive evaluation. Entitlement to services is established if the veteran has a 20% service-connected disability and an employment handicap. If the disability is 10% service-connected, then a serious employment handicap must be
found to establish entitlement to vocational rehabilitation services.

After an entitlement decision is made, the veteran and the counselor will work together to develop a rehabilitation plan.

What is a Rehabilitation Plan?
A Rehabilitation Plan is a written detailed outline of services provided under the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program. The following service delivery options may be provided under a Rehabilitation Plan:

1. Reemployment with previous employer
2. Rapid employment services for new employment
3. Self-employment
4. Employment through long term services
5. Independent living services

How To Apply
You can apply through the Internet for VR&E benefits by going to the VONAPP web site at: http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp

The VONAPP (Veterans On Line Applications) website is an official U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website, which enables veterans to apply for benefits using the Internet. U.S. military veterans and some service members within six months of separation or retirement can apply for compensation, pension, and vocational
rehabilitation benefits.

When you use this site to complete and send an application to VA, your application will be sent directly to the VA office with jurisdiction over your application. Processing will begin and you will receive an automated e-mail response from the VA office letting you know that it received your application.

Applying by Mail
To print an official blank VA Form 28-1900, Disabled Veterans Application for Vocational Rehabilitation, Benefits Administration website using this link: http://www.va.gov/vaforms/. Fill out the form and mail to the nearest VA Regional Office.

To find out the address of the VA Regional Office nearest you, go to http://www1.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp. You may also call the VA at 1-800-827-1000 and request that a VA form 1900 be mailed to you.

_________________________________________

For more information on a Veteran's Transition, please pick up a copy of the Veteran's Transition Guide brought to you by the EmploymentGuide.com. This special issue can be found at all Workforce locations in Central Florida as well as Military Institutions and Bases in the area.

-Greg

G. I. Bill FAQ Part 2 - Memorial Day Week Special

(photo by donjuanna)

This week here on the JobSpot we have some very special information for veterans and for families of veterans looking to find a job in today's climate. While the job search may be similar to that of a non veteran, there are a few extra resources, Bills and tips that can help accelerate your transition into civilian life. Today we examine part 2 of 2 on the G.I. Bill that was introduced post 9/11 (For part 1 please click here).

(P.S. Tip: The Department of Veterans Affairs is the only resource that can answer your personal and specific GI Bill entitlement questions. Call 1-888-GIBILL-1 for questions concerning the Post 9/11 GI Bill. The answers given below have been derived from interviews and VA documentation. However, many questions remain, and much is still to be determined.
Will my $1,200 enrollment fee be refunded?
Yes, MGIB (chapter 30) contributions (excluding $600 buy-up) will be refunded at a proportional amount [based on the number of months remaining under MGIB at time of Post 9/11 GI Bill (chapter 33) election] of the basic $1200 contribution. This refund
will be included in the last monthly stipend payment when chapter 33 entitlement exhausts. Individuals who do not exhaust entitlement under chapter 33 will not receive a refund of contributions paid under MGIB.

Does the Post 9/11 GI Bill have an expiration date?
Yes, your eligibility to use the Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits expires 15 years from the date of the last discharge or release from active duty of at least 90 consecutive days.

Are there stipulations to my eligibility?
Yes, in order to retain eligibility, after meeting the previously listed service requirements, you must:

• Be honorably discharged from Armed Forces; or
• Be released from Armed Forces with service characterized as honorable and placed on the retired list, temporary disability retired list, or transferred to the Fleet Reserve or the Fleet Marine Corps Reserve; or
• Be released from Armed Forces with service characterized as honorable for further service in a reserve component; or
• Be discharged or released from Armed Forces for a medical condition which existed prior to service(EPTS), Hardship (HDSP), or a condition which interfered with duty (CIWD); or
• Continue on active duty.

The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) was limited to 36 Months of benefits, is there similar limit for the Post 9/11 GI Bill?
Yes, like the MGIB you are generally entitled to 36 months of educational assistance. You may not receive benefits under more than one VA education program at the same time. If you are entitled to more than one GI Bill program you may be eligible for a maximum of 48 months of entitlement when using benefits under two or more GI Bill programs.

What types of education programs are approved for the new Post 9/11 GI Bill?
The Post 9/11 GI Bill differs in some ways from the MGIB when it comes to the types of programs that can be used. Under the Post 9/11 GI Bill you may receive educational and training assistance for any program of education that is approved under MGIB (chapter 30) and offered by a college or university. This includes vocational training programs that are offered by accredited colleges and universities only. However, if you were previously eligible for the MGIB, MGIB-SR (1606), or REAP (1607) you may continue to receive educational assistance for MGIB approved programs not offered by colleges and universities (i.e. flight, correspondence, APP/OJT, preparatory courses, and national tests).

Will I be able to switch back and forth between the MGIB and Post 9/11 GI Bill?
No, in simple terms, you will no longer be eligible under the MGIB or other programs, after you elect to switch to the Post 9/11 GI Bill (chapter 33). Any contributions being made under MGIB (Chapter 30) will cease the month following the election.

Can I transfer my GI Bill benefit to family members?
Yes, but the details for doing so have not been completely clarified yet. Transferring Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits: The Department of Defense (DoD) is authorized to allow individuals who, on or after August 1, 2009, have served at least 6 years in the Armed Forces and who agree to serve at least another 4 years in the Armed Forces to transfer unused entitlement to their dependents (spouse, children).

The Department of Defense may, by regulation, impose additional eligibility requirements and limit the number of months transferable to not less than 18 months. Transfer of Unused Education Benefits Under MGIB (Chapter 30), 1606, or 1607 to Family Members. The Department of Defense is authorized to allow individuals who have served at least 6 years in the Armed Forces and who agree to serve at least another 4 years in the Armed Forces to transfer unused entitlement to their dependents (spouse, children) under chapters 30, 1606, and 1607. The Department of Defense may, by regulation, impose additional eligibility requirements and limit the number of months transferable to not less
than 18 months.

I am a member of the Selected Reserve, has the expiration on my MGIB-SR benefit been extended?
Yes, effective as of June 30, 2008, the 14-year period of eligibility for members of the Selected Reserve has been rescinded. If you are a member of the Selected Reserve with remaining entitlement under MGIB-SR (chapter 1606), you will remain eligible until the date you separate from the Selected Reserve. If you had remaining MGIB-SR entitlement and reached a delimiting date, you may receive benefits for training pursued on or after June 30, 2008. However you may not receive benefits for training pursued between their original delimiting date and June 30, 2008 - in other words no retroactive payments will be made.

What if the new Post 9/11 GI Bill isn’t enough to cover my online post-graduate studies?
Under the new Post 9/11 GI Bill, you will have two options. First is to decline the Post 9/11 benefits and continue to use the MGIB. This is one reason why the new law included a 20 percent increase in the current MGIB (chapter 30) benefits. The other option is called the “ Yellow Ribbon Program.” Under the Yellow Ribbon Program, colleges and universities may voluntarily enter into an agreement with the Department of Veterans Affairs to fund up to 50 percent of the established charges not already covered under chapter 33. VA will match each additional dollar funded by the school. Only individuals entitled to the 100 percent benefit rate (based on service requirements) may receive this funding.

Many veterans may face a difficult choice next year. You will need to carefully weigh your options. You may find that declining the Post 9/11 GI Bill and sticking to the MGIB will best serve your needs. Ultimately the choice is up to you, take your time and be sure to consider all the facts before making your decision. Remember, you have a year, and a lot can change between now and August 1, 2009.

Has the current MGIB payment rate been increased?
Yes, effective August 1, 2008, the MGIB payment rate will be increased to $1,321 for full-time enrollment, a 20% increase over the 2007 rate.

______________________________________

I hope this information was useful. Tomorrow we will take a look at the Vocational Rehab and Employment Programs offered to veterans. Later in the week you will hear testimonials from former soldiers, resources and more all in a salute to our Veterans as we approach Memorial Day.

All of these articles and more can be found throughout the state of Florida in our Veteran's Transition Guide. A complete list of Central Florida locations will be available by the end of the week, and you can always grab a copy at Workforce Central Florida.

Please let us know if you have any comments or additions and we'll be sure to address them.

-Greg Rollett

What the G.I Bil Means to You - Memorial Day Week Special

(photo by Army.mil)

This week here on the JobSpot we have some very special information for veterans and for families of veterans looking to find a job in today's climate. While the job search may be similar to that of a non veteran, there are a few extra resources, Bills and tips that can help accelerate your transition into civilian life. Today we examine part 1 of 2 on the G.I. Bill that was introduced post 9/11.

(P.S. Tip: The Department of Veterans Affairs is the only resource that can answer your personal and specific GI Bill entitlement questions. Call 1-888-GIBILL-1 for questions concerning the Post 9/11 GI Bill. The answers given below have been derived from interviews and VA documentation. However, many questions remain, and much is still to be determined.

When does this new benefit go into effect?
The Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) goes into effect on August 1, 2009.

Is this benefit retroactive?
No. The Post 9/11 GI Bill will only cover classes and programs completed after July 31, 2009.

Am I eligible for this new benefit?
You are eligible if you served a minimum of 90 days on active duty after September 10, 2001. This covers active duty served as a member of the Armed Forces or as a result of a call or order to active duty from a reserve component (National Guard and Reserve) under certain sections of title 10. However, some periods of active duty service are excluded. Periods of service under the following do not count toward qualification for the Post 9/11 GI Bill:

• NOAA, PHS, or Active Guard Reserve;
• ROTC under 10 U.S.C. 2107(b);
• Service academy contract period;
• Service terminated due to defective enlistment agreement;
• Service used for loan repayment; and
• Selected reserve service used to establish eligibility under the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB chapter 30),
• MGIB for Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR Chapter 1606), or the Reserve Education Assistance Program (REAP chapter 1607)

Does the length of time served after 9/11 effect my level of benefits?
Yes, the amount of tuition and stipends paid under the Post 9/11 GI Bill will vary depending on your state of residence, number of units taken, and amount of post Sept. 11, 2001 active-duty service. Here is a quick reference showing the percentage of total combined benefit eligibility based on the following periods of post 9/11 service:

• 100% - 36 or more total months
• 100% - 30 or more consecutive days with Disability related Discharge.
• 90% - 30 total months
• 80% - 24 total months
• 70% - 18 total months
• 60% - 12 total months
• 50% - six total months
• 40% - 90 or more consecutive days

What are the benefits of the this new educational assistance program?
The Post 9/11 GI Bill offers several education assistance benefits. The three major benefits include up to 100% paid tuition, a monthly housing stipend, and a stipend of up to $1,000 a year for books and supplies. If you attend less than full-time you will receive a portion of the payment based on the number of units of study. These payment rates are paid according to the length of your period of service as listed in the previous question.

Are there additional benefits?
Yes, the additional benefits include the following, which are not charged against your 36 month entitlement:

• Tutorial assistance may be paid up to $100 per month, not to exceed a total of $1200;
• One licensing and certification test may be reimbursed, not to exceed the cost of the test up to a maximum of $2000; and
• Work-study is authorized for individuals training at 3⁄4 time or higher.
• A one-time payment of $500 for veterans using the Post 9/11 GI Bill to pursue a program of education if the claimant—
• Resides in a county with 6 persons or less per square mile (as determined by most recent decennial Census); and either
• Physically relocates at least 500 miles; or
• Travels by air to physically attend an IHL if no other land-based transportation exists.

Is the a limit to the benefits if I go to school half-time?
Yes, there is a limitation on Educational Assistance for Training Pursued at Half-time or Less and for Active Duty Members. If your attend training at 1⁄2 time or less you are not eligible for the monthly housing stipend. You are eligible for an appropriately reduced stipend for books. The amount of educational assistance payable is the applicable percentage mentioned in an earlier question at a rate the lesser of:

• Established charges; or
• Highest amount of established charges regularly charged in-State undergraduate students for full-time pursuit at an in-State public college or university.

I am on active duty, is there a limit to my benefits?
Yes, active duty members are not eligible for the monthly housing stipend or for the book stipend. The amount of educational assistance payable is the lesser of the:

• Established charges; or
• The Top-up amount not covered by military tuition assistance.

I was promised the College Fund when I joined, will I still get that extra benefit?
Yes, individuals eligible for a kicker (College Fund, Reserve Kicker) will remain eligible for such kicker under the Post 9/11 GI Bill. If eligible, you will be paid the kicker each month as an increase to your housing stipend, even on active duty. Although as an active duty service member, or a veterans training at 1⁄2 time or less, or you are pursuing distance learning, you will receive your monthly kicker payment.

I elected to make additional contributions under the “Buy-Up” program, will I get the additional benefit?
No, you will not receive an increased amount for additional contributions ($600 buy-up) paid under chapters 30 or 1607 and you will not be refunded this amount under the Post 9/11 GI Bill.

______________________________________

I hope this information was useful and tomorrow we will continue to look at the G.I. Bill and how it can help jump start you career. Later in the week you will hear testimonials from former soldiers, information on vocational rehab, resources and more all in a salute to our Veterans as we approach Memorial Day.

All of these articles and more can be found throughout the state of Florida in our Veteran's Transition Guide. A complete list of Central Florida locations will be available by the end of the week, and you can always grab a copy at Workforce Central Florida.

Please let us know if you have any comments or additions and we'll be sure to address them.

-Greg Rollett