Reasons to Stop Comparing Your Career to Others - The Muse

Reasons to Stop Comparing Your Career to Otzu sichs - The MuseReasons to Stop Comparing Your Career to Others Theodore Roosevelt once said, Comparison is the thief of joy. Well, Teddy, I cant help but agree. Oftentimes, seeing how you match up against others is a frustrating, discouraging, and simply unproductive use of your time. Sure, sometimes theres bedrngnishing like a little friendly competition to really give you a kick in the pants. But, in most cases, constantly comparing yourself- particularly your career- to others is pretty much a recipe for disaster.Dont believe me? Here are six reasons you should snap out of it and stop analyzing how you measure up to everyone else. Because, honestly, it really doesnt matter. 1. Its Probably Not RelevantYou just heard through the grapevine that your old high school boyfriend just landed this awesome job as an attorney at a high-profile law firm. Instead of feeling happy or proud, youre immediately filled with intense jealousy. Ugh, hes probably making so much money, you think to yourself, I wish I could score a super impressive job like his.But, guess what? Youre not even an attorney. You didnt go to law school, nor have you ever had a desire to work in the legal field. Yet, its essentially human nature to see how you measure up to someone else- no matter how much (or how little) you have in common. Comparing yourself to others is one thing. But, doing so when the other persons background or industry isnt even relevant? Its just a demoralizing waste of time. Instead, pick a few influencers or accomplished professionals in your chosen field who really motivate and inspire you, and work toward achieving that same success. After all, you dont need me to tell you that comparing apples to oranges just isnt constructive.2. It Doesnt Set Healthy GoalsOf course, theres nothing wrong with always working towards something. But, I never recommend busting your butt in order to keep up with the Jones. It simply breeds disconte ntment. So, spend your time chipping away at the personal goals and ambitions that make you better and make you feel accomplished. Thats right, constantly being so concerned with how everyone else is performing isnt doing you any favors. So, set goals thatll help you achieve what you want (and not just what looks impressive on your LinkedIn profile). You might be surprised with the results3. Its DiscouragingComparison is a funny thing. It can either make you feel really miserable and defeated, or really victorious and talented. But, more often than not, constantly matching yourself up against others is incredibly disheartening.Perhaps your college friend just got a big promotion at the tech company where she works. Or, maybe that random acquaintance you Facebook-stalk just posted about that fancy award he received. Good for them But, what does beating yourself over the head with that information really accomplish? Nothing, other than make you feel irritated, unappreciated, and unimp ortant.Sure, seeing that your old college roommate is still scooping cones at her local dairy freeze might lift your spirits. But, that natural tendency is not only mean-spirited its also a little counterproductive. You dont want to spend your time feeling so oben liegend that you neglect to recognize the areas where you can improve and grow. Then, you might just find yourself at the dairy freeze, too.4. Its an Unproductive Waste of TimeThis should be obvious, but something positive and productive rarely comes out of comparing yourself to others. So, its essentially just a colossal waste of the precious time that you could be spending on other, more beneficial things.Put an end to your self-deprecating Facebook scrolling and instead think of some actionable things you can do to actually improve yourself. Does your LinkedIn profile need a polish? Is there a professional workshop or seminar youve been meaning to sign up for? Are there some new projects you should add to your online po rtfolio?Well, do those things now Its a much better use of your time than cyber-stalking your second grade pen pal. 5. Its Not Always What it SeemsIt comes as no surprise that people have the tendency to present the shiniest version of their lives- particularly on social media. So, dont be tricked into thinking that youre the only one who ever falls on hard times or faces an uphill battle.That acquaintance who posted about finally taking the leap from her full-time job in order to freelance full-time? Well, of course shes not going to mention that she was actually let go from her position. That college friend whos taking some time off to travel and explore? Hes probably not going to post about the fact that he found himself in a job he hated, and now needs time to reevaluate his options.Nope, things arent always as they seem. And, theres really no use in comparing yourself to a mirage. 6. Its Not a Measurement of SuccessYes, your career is a huge part of your life. But, how quickly youre climbing the ladder? Its not the only definition of a successful existence.Do you enjoy your work? Do you have a loving and supportive family and group of friends? Are you healthy? Are you happy? If you answered yes to all- or even one- of these questions, then Id say youre doing pretty well for yourself. Its important to always remember that your career is just one slice of the pie. So, dont let it be solely responsible for a rotten taste in your mouth.Ill admit that comparing yourself to others is natural. But, that doesnt mean its valuable. Keep these reasons in mind, shut off that pesky voice in your head, and channel all of your energy into something more productive. At the very least, youll make Teddy Roosevelt proudPhoto of thinking woman courtesy of Shutterstock.

Two Weeks Notice Resignation Email Message

Two Weeks Notice Resignation schmelzglas MessageTwo Weeks Notice Resignation Email MessageTheres a certain etiquette involved when, for whatever reason, you decide to quit your job. Its best totell your boss in person, if possible, that you are resigning from your job, and then follow up with a formal resignation letter. It is also best to give your employer at least two weeks notice when you are planning to leave. If you need to alert your boss to your resignation right away, you might have to send a resignation emaille instead of a letter. Even if you send an official letter or tell your boss in person, you may choose to send a follow-upemail after. Read below for information on why you should give two weeks notice, how to write a resignation email, and a sample email message. Why Give Two Weeks Notice? Its important to provide your employer withtwo weeks noticeif you can. This is a standard practice when resigning. It provides enough time for you to transition out of the offic e and to finish up any projects you can. It also gives your employer time to begin to hire (and possibly train) your replacement. However, two weeks notice is not legally required. If you have a union agreement oremployment contractthat states how much notice you have to give, definitely follow those rules. Otherwise, do your best to give two weeks notice. This is a good way to maintain a positive relationship with your employer, which you may need should you ever need to ask them for a recommendation. Circumstances that might require you to leave before giving two weeks notice include a personal emergency or unbearable (or unsafe) work conditions. Tips for Writing a Resignation Email Message State the date.In the letter, include the date you plan to leave the company. This will give your employer a clear sense of your timeline.Dont go into details.Theres no need to go into a lot of detail in your resignation letter - its most important to convey that you are resigning, and when your last day will be.Express gratitude.Remember to thank your employer for the opportunities you have been given during your tenure. This is also a good moment to express your gratitude for the years you have worked there. Offer assistance.Offerto help the company during the two-week transition. You might offer to train a new employee, for example, or to write a description of your daily work responsibilities and / or unfinished projects for your successor.Ask any questions.This is also an opportunity to ask any questions about compensation or benefits, such as where or when you will receive your last paycheck. You should send the email to both your employer and to the Human Resources office. Human Resources will be able to answer these kinds of questions. Provide contact information.You might want to include any non-company email address or other form of contact information, so that your employer can get in touch with you in the future.Edit, edit, edit.Be sure to thoroughly proof read your email, fixing any spelling or grammar errors. Also make sure that the date you gave for your last day of work is correct. Even though you are leaving the company, you want your last email to be professional and polished. Two Weeks Notice Resignation Email Message (Text Version) Subject LineNotice of Resignation - Jane DoeDear Ms. Smith,I am writing to notify you that I am providing two weeks notice and will be resigning from my position as Customer Service Representative with ABCD Company. My last day of employment will be January 15.Please let me know if I can provide any assistance with the transition. I would be glad to provide whatever support I can during my remaining time with the company. You can also contact me with any questions on my non-work email, JaneDoefirstnamelastname.com, or my cell phone, 555-555-5555.I wish you and the company success in the future. Thank you so muchfor all the support you have provided me during my tenure with the company.Best regards,J ane Doe ExpandMore About Quitting Your JobHow to Quit a JobResignation Letter SamplesResignation Letter Writing TipsResignation Dos and Donts

Medical Coder Pay in Los Angeles

Medical Coder Pay in Los AngelesMedical Coder Pay in Los AngelesWhen it comes to hiring medical coders in Los Angeles, speed is a huge factor, according to staffing expert Lindsay Jarett. Almost every day we see employers who dont make decisions fast enough, she says. By the time many of them finally make an offer, their top choice has already accepted another job.Why the high demand for candidates? Jarett, practice manager at Accountemps Healthcare Practice in Los Angeles and Orange County, points out that there are a lot of people who need medical services. More than 200,000 licensed and active-care medical doctors treat over 10 million residents in the city and eponymous county - the second-largest bevlkerung center in the U.S.With major employers like Cedars-Sinai Hospital, UCLA Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente - plus myriad doctors offices eager to staff open positions - hiring managers in LA have a lot of competition. Good talent is only available for a short time, somet imes just a few days, says Jarett.For employers, this creates the need to speed up their hiring process, especially as competition gets even more intense. The number of health IT jobs, including medical coder roles, is expected to increase by 19.6 percent across California between 2014 and 2024 according to the California Employment Development Department.According to the 2019 OfficeTeam Salary Guide, Los Angeles has a market variance of 32 percent above the national average, mostly to compensate for the citys high cost of living.The midpoint salary for a certified coding specialist or certified professional coder in LA sits at $69,960. Candidates with multiple certifications or specializations, such as ambulatory surgery, cardiology or oncology, could earn even more.Medical coding managers, who oversee professional coders, have a midpoint salary of $87,450. At the midpoint, candidates have average experience with the necessary skills to meet the job requirements, and the role may b e in an industry where competition for talent is moderate.GET THE 2019 SALARY GUIDEWhat to look forAs with the rest of the country, demand for medical administrative professionals in Los Angeles is driven by constantly evolving regulations and an aging bevlkerung in need of medical care. Top medical coder candidates tend to have the followingA high school diploma or an associate degree, although a bachelors degree is preferable for supervisory rolesAt least three years of coding experienceExtensive knowledge of various coding systems, including EM, HCC, ICD-10, CPT and HCPCSExperience with electronic medical records programsUnderstanding of HIPAA regulations and complianceAbility to keep up with changing coding and billing guidelinesStrong analytical skillsAttention to detailAdded expertise and trainingOf course, employers should expect to pay more for candidates with relevant certifications. Professionals with a certified coding specialist (CCS) or certified professional coder (CPC ) certification from AAPC, formerly the American Academy of Professional Coders, are good to look out for.AAPC also offers other specialized certifications, including certified outpatient coder (COC), certified risk adjustment coder (CRC) and certified inpatient coder (CIC).Adapting to new techAmong the challenges employers in the healthcare industry face, the rise of new technology is at the forefront. As medical offices upgrade to new, more efficient programs, it pays to hire a candidate with experience in the latest versions of electronic medical records and coding systems.Act fastConsidering the demand for administrative healthcare professionals in the Los Angeles area, timing is everything. Need help with your talent search? Take a look at our Los Angeles medical coder candidates.

Scotland Gets Serious About Tidal Energy

Scotland Gets Serious About Tidal Energy Scotland Gets Serious About Tidal Energy Scotland is intent on exploiting the fantastic potential along its shorelines for converting tidal energy to electricity. The Scottish government is helping to fund a number of tidal power sites around the Orkney Islands, Pentland Firth, and the Shetland Islands. Some of these are expected to generate as much power as a nuclear power stationabout 1.2 GW of green energy, enough to power up to 750,000 homes.Studies suggest one-third of the United Kingdoms total electricity needs could be met by tidal power alone.Scotlands power sites are located in narrow sea channels that have some of the worlds strongest tidesspeeds of up to 16 knots, or 19 mph, have been recorded.Two of the most promising projects to date are the MeyGen Project in the Pentland Firth and the Shetland Tidal Array off the Shetland Islands.MeyGen ProjectPentland Firth andOrkney Waters, along the northern coast of mainland Scotland, encompa ss 50 percent of the UKs tidal resurce and 25 percent of Europes tidal resource. It is also the location for theMeyGenproject, the worlds largest tidal stream array project. Operated by Edinburgh-based tidal developerAtlantis Resources Limited, when completed the project will deliver 398 MW of energy from offshore tidal stream turbines to the UK National Grid by 2020.Percentage of gross Scottish electricity demand supplied by renewable sources. Image MeyGenTidal stream generators work similarly to wind turbines, but instead of air currents they draw energy from waves. Four 1.5-MW turbines, weighing nearly 200 tons each, make up leiter 1A of the project. Atlantis teamed up with Lockheed Martin Corporation to design its biggest turbinethe 1.5-MW AR1500, with a rated capacity of 1.5 MW at 3.0 m/s. It also has pitching blades and full nacelle yaw rotation capability to facilitate operation in highly energetic deployment locations. Other features include variable pitch rotor blades for m aximum energy capture, integrated gearbox and bearing-less permanent magnet generator, fast deployment and connection system, and multiple, fully redundant electrical systems for long-term operation subsea.The turbine stands 15 meters tall and with blades 18 meters in diameter.Turbines are first installed on their foundation structures before being deployed in Pentland Firth. Once construction of the array is complete, the MeyGen tidal farmwill consist of 269 turbines that generate enough electricity to power 175,000 homes in the United Kingdom.A 30-kW Nova 30 tidal turbine. Image Nova InnovationShetland Tidal ArrayEdinburgh-basedNova Innovationsturbine development project in Yell Sound, off the Shetland Islands, has already delivered tidal-generated electricity to the power grid. After installing the first turbine in March, the second in a series of five 100-kW turbines welches deployed in August. The third will be installed at the start of 2017, which will complete the first phase of the array. Then were looking to add another two devices in 2017/2018 to bring the array up to five devices, with a capacity of 500 kW, indicates Simon Forrest, managing director of Nova Innovation. The first turbine has delivered electricity on a commercial basis into the local electricity grid soon after it the turbine was installed.Novas M100 tidal turbine features a rotor diameter of 9.5 meters and is a gravity-mounted device that docks with a substructure that sits on the seabed in about 30 meters of water with draught clearance of about 15 meters. The complete system, including ballast, weighs around 140 tons.Novas technology is designed for safety, reliability, and minimum lifetime cost of energy, notes Forrest. The Nova M100 device builds on the valuable learning we gained from an earlier prototype deployed in 2014, he says. The plug-and-play modular designwhich enables it to be easily transported and deployed in a wide range of locations around the worldand our ongoing f ocus to improve reliability by reducing components create exciting challenges and opportunities for our engineers.Potential as Strong as the TidesTidal power is an untapped source of clean, green, and reliable energy. What distinguishes it from other sustainable sources is that it is predictable hours, months, years, even decades ahead. And, with the turbines anchored to the sea bed, there is no visible blemish on the landscape once they are deployed.The UK-based Carbon Trust estimates the global tidal energy market will be valued at about US $166 billion by 2050. Atlantis Resources, Nova Innovation, and other companies are planning to develop more sites off the Scottish coast as demand grows.Our vision is to utilize this abundant resource to improve energy security, eradicate carbon emissions, and ultimately delivering low-cost predictable power, says Forrest. This can be achieved in Scotland and across the world by using tidal turbines in offshore tidal sites, estuaries, and run-o f-river locations.Scotland is at the forefront of capturing power from the tides and waves, indicates Jenny Hogan, director of policy at Scottish Renewables. The country is already home to some of the most advanced marine energy technologies anywhere, as well as the European Marine Energy Center, arguably the most advanced marine energy proving site in the world. With companies like Nova and others all working on developing this cutting-edge technology, the sector holds huge promise for the future.fruchtfleisch Crawford is an independent writer.Learn more about the latest energy technologies at ASMEs Power and Energy. For Further Discussion

If You Read Nothing Else Today, Read This Report on Ad Resume

If You Read Nothing Else Today, Read This Report on Ad Resume AD Resume templates or CV templates are available anywhere on the web, such as job websites. Whether or not you take advantage of a CV or resume, you must thoroughly edit yur document. Frequently, the application instructions for a specific position will state whether or not a CV or resume is requested. Utilizing a resume template has turned into an acceptable and smart practice for quite a few reasons. You may promote your services on many of on-line job communities although referrals are the ideal source of chances for self-employed Home Health Aides. Even should a veteran has 5 or 10 points as a result of disability, it is necessary that your resume get you Qualified, if you are supposed to benefit from veterans preference programs. Your resume must stick out from dozens or even hundreds of different applications if you would like to find a call back. It is essential that the HR specialist binnensee the months and years of your latest assignments, so they can see in case you have One Year of Specialized Experience in the specialty of work of your intended announcement. Along with targeting your resume, youll need to target your cover letter similarly. You may then save or print your cover letter online when you have finished the practice. After you are online, you merely click to load the cover letter builder to start the approach. A cover letter builder is perfect for practically any job-seeker, whether you are trying to get part-time work or whether youve got an established reputation and youre browsing for a more permanent position. Keep in mind that you will probably need to incorporate a cover letter, too. Its possible for you to follow resume examples to get inspired, but you have to never copy somebody elses work. If you want to relocate for work, you fruchtwein likely already know its most effective to leave your present address off your resume. You will also need to inclu de things like all your work and education details. You will just have a couple seconds to convince him that you ought to be considered for an interview. The resume summary is only a bridge to have the hiring manager in your experience. It is possible to explain anything more in the work interview. Its possible to post your resume online by making a totally free account and a work alert. Ad Resume The previous point to improve your resume is your very own human voice. The users input is a significant facet of our reviews. If one of these categories is a space in which you excel, visit its precise page to learn how resume skills may be used to your benefit. The peak of your resume should includecritical key phrases and a fast snapshot of your core strengths, Leavy-Detrick states. Type of Ad Resume You need to demonstrate the hiring manager that youre a professional candidate. Its highly unusual for your very best candidate to be capable of every little point on such list . Irrespective of your employment preference, you will need to prepare a strong resume to find the job that you desire. Check our job listings page to learn what roles you may be interested in. Just clarify your requirements, which means that your prospective star can discern whether yours is the most suitable job, for the correct salary, in the correct atmosphere. In a CV, as an example, if youre asking for work in education, you may want to set your teaching experience on top of your CV. The content of your resume has to be relevant to the job that you are applying for. The Key to Successful Ad Resume When it isnt pertinent to your intended job objectives, reconsider its place on your resume. Getting the most of a resource that wont only help save you time, but is shown to elevate your opportunity of scoring a work simply is logical. A strong resume is the very first step to gaining the interest of hiring managers and receiving your foot in the door for a fantastic adverti sing agency. When you wish to find the best resume help, it is possible to simply follow our lead. Things You Wont Like About Ad Resume and Things You Will Then, the applicant made a section because of his core qualifications. Thus, it gets only logical to learn to compose a functional resume in the simplest way, so the recruiter can merely skim through the document and establish the specific traits they are on the watch for, suiting their requirements. Resumes arent translated concerning duties and duties from military terminology into federal job duties. They are written based on the fitness evaluations.

4 Video Interviewing Etiquette Tips for Hiring Managers

4 Video Interviewing Etiquette Tips for Hiring ManagersWith unemployment hovering around 8.2 percent and the market flooded with applicants, it becomes easy to ignore bewerberinterview etiquette. Hiring managers arent disregarding the advice of Miss Manners on purpose the problem is they are more stressed and busy than ever before. A packed schedule, however, is no excuse for ignoring proper video interview etiquette.The war for talent is still raging, and even though there are more candidates in the marketplace, doesnt mean all candidates are created equally. You need to be impressed by your candidate in a video interview, but they should also be impressed with you and your company. If theyre not, your company will miss out on the top talent they need to succeed in todays idea-driven economy.As a hiring manager or recruiter, you represent the first insight into your company and its culture. Therefore, you need to be positively representing your workplace. Here are a few simple etiq uette tips for video interviews which will keep candidates on the edge of their seats hoping for a job offerCheck your connectionThe most important preliminary step you need to take before your live video interview is to check your internet connection to make sure its not lagging. Its tough to have a stellar video interview if youre on a faulty connection. Keep in mind you are the person who invited the candidate to this video interview, and therefore there should be no technical kinks from your end. Before conducting the interview, double-check your world wide web connection and maybe even perform a test interview with a coworker to make sure everything is working smoothly.Find the correct webcam placementDepending on what kind of computer youre using, you may need to adjust your web camera settings. Its important for the candidate to be able to binnensee your face. After all, you want your live video interview to approximate the experience of meeting in-person. Its important both parties can see each other for better communication, both verbal and nonverbal. Since non-verbal accounts for a full 55 percent of all communication, you need to see and be seen. Conversely, make sure to position your webcam so your face is visible but not overwhelming the whole screen. You might be ready for your close-up, but candidates would prefer to see you at a professional distance.Staging is importantA vital piece of video interview advice given to all job seekers is to pay attention to staging. As a hiring manager, if you see a candidates pile of dirty laundry in the corner of their otherwise excellent video resume it will make a negative impression. The same, however, is true for you. Candidates are evaluating your company based on their research and the scant information they can glean from their video interview.Make sure to choose a clean, professional background to perform your interview. Your desk might be a mess because youre swamped, but if it ends up in frame itll l ook like youre disorganized instead of busy. Take some time to clean out your interviewing space and focus on making sure you have the correct lighting. You want the image you present to top talent to be poised and professionalnot chaotic.Be presentThe most important tip of all is to be present in your video interview. Its easy to aufgabe into the trap of assuming a candidate wont notice when your attention has wandered because they arent sitting in the chair across from you. But candidates know when you arent listening and nothing will leave a worse impression on top talent.Even if youre the busiest person in the company, the video interview is not the time to surreptitiously check your email or glance at your phone. You might not think a candidate will notice because of the video format, but be assured theyve made a mental note of your drifting attention span. The best way to combat this is to be 100 percent present during your video interview. Make plenty of eye contact and ask thoughtful, relevant follow-up questions. This way, when youve found a great candidate, youre already well on your way to building a positive relationship.There might be more talent entering the applicant pool than ever before, but you still need to meaningfully engage in the interview to secure the best. Remember the interview is the first glimpse of the company most candidates will get. You want this to be a positive experience that will leave them wanting more.What are some more video interview etiquette tips for hiring managers? Share in the comments

Health Insurance Penalty and What it Means for Employers

Health Insurance Penalty and What it Means for EmployersHealth Insurance Penalty and What it Means for EmployersHealth Insurance Penalty and What it Means for Employers Berkowitz, Esq.After months of debate, weeks of political wrangling and a dramatic last-minute flurry of activity, the country now has a new law pledging wide-spread health care reform.Widely praised or condemned depending on party lines, there is no doubt that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act means big changes for health care providers, insurers, drug manufacturers, the uninsured, employees, small geschftlicher umganges and large employers. In other words everyone.Trying to make sense of all 2,400 pages of the bill can be daunting.This is particularly true for employers, who will likely need to begin to respond by auditing their workplace and revising their policy changes.So, what does an employer need to know about complying with the law?The health care bill requires nearly all Americans to obtain heal th insurance. The law expects that most workers will get that coverage through their employers and has created a system of subsidies and penalties to make this possible.If youre an employer, the size of your workforce is significant, as the law has different requirements depending on the number of employeesthat your business employs.The major aspectsof the health care bill as it relates to business are described belowWhat is a small business?Under the Act, a small business is not specifically defined, but a number of sections of the law apply only to entities with fewer than 25 employees (for more detail landsee below.) However, under some sections of the law, the effective company size is 50 or 100 employees.What are insurance exchanges?Beginning in 2014, health insurance will be available to individuals and small businesses through state-run exchanges. behauptung will require insurance companies to compete for business in the marketplace. The objective is to make it it easier for individuals and small businesses to obtain health insurance at a lower price.The exchange program for small businesses, known as the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP),will allow small businesses to pool together to increase their purchasing power. This will allow these businesses to offer health insurance to their employees at rates similar to those available to large corporations.SHOP is available to small businesses with up to 100 employees, although states have the option to limit participation to businesses with 50 employees or less until 2016.If a business participating in SHOP grows to over 100 employees, it may continue to take advantage of the program.Beginning in 2017, states may opt to allow businesses with more than 100 employees to participate in SHOP as well.The exchange program is also important because larger employers may be penalized if some of their employees opt to obtain insurance through an exchange and not through the companys insurance plan (for mor e detail see below.)Are employers required to provide health insurance to their employees?Businesses with fewer than 50 employees are exempt from having to provide health insurance.However, as explained above, such smaller employers may opt to offer health insurance at a reasonable cost by participating in a SHOP exchange.Larger businesses are subject to a number of requirements and potential penalties, depending on the number of employees they have and the type of coverage they provideAutomatic enrollment Employers with more than 200 employees are required to enroll new employees in their health care plan, subject to any waiting period.Employers must provide notice of employees right to opt out of automatic enrollment.Notice of coverage options Employers must give employees notice about the availability of an insurance exchange.Penalty for not providing insurance Employers with over 50 employees that do not provide insurance must pay a penalty of $2,000 for every employee in the co mpany if even one employee opts to obtain insurance through an exchange. However, the first 30 employees are not counted in calculation of the penalty.Example an employer with 75 employees would pay the penalty for 45 workers, or $90,000 (45 x $2.000).Penalty for providing insurance that is too expensive Employers with more than 50 employees that do provide insurance must pay a penalty if any of their employees obtain a subsidy to help pay for insurance.The penalty equals $3,000 per worker who uses the subsidy OR $750 for every employee at the company, whichever is less.Is there help for small businesses to provide insurance for their workers?From 2010 through 2013, businesses with fewer than 25 employees and average annual wages of $40,000 or less may be eligible for a tax credit of up to 35% if they pay for at least 50% of their employees health insurance costs.Beginning in 2014, small businesses that purchase health insurance for their employees through SHOP can receive a two-yea r small business tax credit of up to 50% of the cost of the premiums.While small businesses are not required to obtain insurance for their employees through the exchanges, the available tax credits will likely spur many smaller employers to purchase coverage for their workforce.What special rules cover employers with fewer than ten employees?Tax credits are available for small businesses on a sliding scale depending on the number of employees and average annual wages.Businesses with 10 or fewer employees and average annual wages of $20,000 or less are eligible for the full 35% credit between 2010 and 2013 and then a 50% tax credit beginning in 2014.What is the reconciliation bill?As if the law itself werent complicated enough, the Act could not become fully effective until the Senate also passed a second bill which reconciled its version of the law with the version passed by the House. The Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act, H.R. 4872, makes various technical changes to th e law as originally passed by the Senate.For example, it amends the size of certain employer penalties for failing to provide affordable health insurance.The complexity of the Act will likely lead to the need for additional answers about how various sections of the law will be implemented over the coming weeks and months.will continue to report on changes or clarifications to the law as they become available.None of the information provided herein constitutes legal advice on behalf of Monster.

The Importance of Documentation in Human Resources

The Importance of Documentation in Human ResourcesThe Importance of Documentation in Human ResourcesDocumentation is the written and retained record of employment events. These records are made up of government and legally mandated elements, documents required by company policy and practice, documents suggested by best human resources practices, and formal and informal record keeping about employment events. Documentation About an Employment Record An employees record of documentation is a written account of his or her actions, discussions, performance coaching incidents, witnessed policy violations, disciplinary action, positive contributions, reward and recognition, investigations, failure to accomplish requirements and goals, performance evaluation, and more. Maintaining unterstellung records allows the employer and employee to preserve a written history of the happenings and discussions that occurred around a specific event. Documentation of the employment relationship provid es a written record that may be necessary to support such actions as employee promotion, employee pay raises and disciplinary action- including employment termination. Documentation about employees, when necessary, is generally both positive and negative. It is factual, bedrngnis judgmental. It describes events as they occur, not based on the beholders opinions and thoughts about the event. The documentation also describes the actions that were taken in notable instances such as providing formal employee recognition or taking disciplinary action. Remember, you need to create documentation as close to when the incident occurs as possible so that records are timely, detailed and accurate. In a legal proceeding, documentation about an employees past performance is often critical to the outcome the employer experiences from the event. Putting forth a fair picture of the employees performance without focusing purely on the negative happenings is the goal. Types of Documentation Polic ies, procedures, the employee handbook, and performance development plans are also forms of documentation that record expected employee behavior and workplace requirements to maintain an orderly, fair workplace in which employees know what is expected from them. Records are also the written statements of the accused, the accuser and witnesses to hostile workplace events that involve employee misconduct such as sexual harassment. This documentation also includes permanent records such as the signed employment application, written employment references, application materials such as resumes and cover letters, and background checks. Kept aside from the employee personnel file, other paperwork such as the I-9 form (that verifies the employees eligibility to work in the U.S.)is also maintained, as are medical records, FMLA records and so forth. Documentation may also be informal as in a managers record of his or her discussions with an employee over the course of a year. It is important that managers maintain this documentation on all of their reporting staff members. No employee should be singled out because of performance. This could be construed as discrimination at a later date. Documentation may be formal and retained in the employees personnel file. Employees are expected to sign this documentation to acknowledge they have received a copy, and have reviewed the contents in their entirety. Note The signature does not signify agreement with the statements in the documentation. Use of Documentation Documentation of critical incidents, whether positive or negative, is also recommended so that managers have a record of employee performance spanning a period of time. Organizations can use the documentation they keep in other ways. These may include procedures, work instructions, and computer software instructions to name a few, but for purposes of the human resources function, these are the common uses of documentation. The next section outlines instructions ab out how to document appropriately. Performance Documentation Samples Documentation about an employees performance will allow you to discipline, terminate, or fairly promote, reward, and recognize employees. Without documentation, making a case for any of these actions is difficult, and potentially risky for the employer. The employer must avoid any potential accusation about discriminatory treatment of employees. All legalities aside, good employers want to create a work environment that is fair, consistent and supportive of employee goals and career plans. This environment is supported by the managers professional documentation of employee performance- both laudatory behavior and actions in need of correction or improvement. How to document these was discussed earlier in detail. The following situations give you more examples of appropriate documentation. Documenting Lateness and Absenteeism Wrong Mark is usually late for work. Mark misses too much work. Right April 1 Mark called in sick and missed eight hours of work. April 4 Mark arrived at work at 10 a.m., two hours late from his scheduled start time. April 6 Mark scheduled a doctors appointment and then, stayed home to have a new furnace installed. April 12 Mark called in sick and missed eight hours of work. Documenting Performance Wrong Mary is unreliable. She hardly ever does what she committed to do. Right May 2 Mary promised the first draft of the product proposal would be available for review at todays weekly meeting. Mary did not produce a draft document as expected. Said she had been too busy and the people whose help she needed hadnt gotten back with her. Manager responded What help had you needed? Information?Who has not gotten backtoyou and what did you need from them? Carl and Michael needed to update Mary about their progress. What is making you so busy that you didnt have time to follow through on your commitment? Makes too many commitments with limited hours to fulfill them. What can I do to help you? When will you make the draft document available for review? These samples provide an overview of what effective documentation looks like versus documentation that is written incorrectly. Follow this advice to effectively and legally document policies, performance, and events in your workplace. haftungsausschluss The information provided, while authoritative, is not guaranteed for accuracy and legality. The site is read by a world-wide audience andemployment lawsand regulations vary from state to state and country to country. Please seek legal assistance, or assistance from state, federal or international governmental resources, to make certain your legal interpretation and decisions are correct for your location. This information is for guidance, ideas, and assistance.

Learn How to Answer Job Interview Questions About Travel

Learn How to Answer Job bewerbungsinterview Questions About TravelLearn How to Answer Job Interview Questions About TravelIf youre applying for a job that will require some regular travel, you should prepare for that question in your interview. If an interviewer asks this question, its to see if youre willing and able to travel as much as the job requires. If youve applied for a job like this, its a good idea to think about how to answer questions about travel. When answering this or any other interview question, you need to be honest with your answer. Think about how much you can travel and whether or not you can be flexible or if you have family ties or other obligations that require you to plan ahead when it comes to making travel plans. How to Answer Interview Questions About Travel Know the travel requirements beforehand. Ideally, you should know if the job requires travel before you apply. If you know you absolutely cannot travel for work, simply dont apply for those sorts of jobs. Be honest about your ability to travel. Its important to answer this question honestly. There is no reason to say youre willing to travel if youre not. State any travel limitations you may have.If you have any limitations that might restrict travel, be sure to state them clearly. For example, if you have to be home with your family on weekends, youll have to explain that you can only travel Monday through Friday. Again, you should be as honest as possible in your answer, so you dont get hired for a job you ultimately have to turn down. Ask the interviewer clarifying questions.Questions about your willingness to travel give you the chance to ask questions about the type of travel required. Even if youre willing to travel, you can ask follow-up questions to learn more about the travel that may be required. For example, you might ask how much travel is involved (if the job listing didnt state this). You can also ask how the travel is broken up, for example, will you travel one day every week, or for one month every year? You might also ask where youll have to travel, or whether or not weekends are included. With this information, you can provide a more honest answer to the question. This will also keep you from being surprised about the amount of travel later on. Explain how youve traveled in the past.When answering questions about traveling, explain how and where you traveled for previous jobs. Answers like this show that you have experience with this kind of travel. Focus on how you can help the company. When answering questions about travel, avoid answers that explain how you benefit from travel. For example, dont say that you love free hotel rooms or the chance to travel the world on the companys dime. Instead, emphasize why you think travel is important for the job. Sample Answers Im very willing to travel. I have worked as a sale representative in the past, and that work required 50 percent travel time. I know this job requires 25 percent trave l time, and Im willing and able to travel when needed for this company. Im definitely willing to travel. I believe its extremely important to meet regularly with my clients face-to-face to develop our working relationship. However, could I have a bit more information on the type of travel required for this job, to get a better sense of the job schedule? Would this travel be weekly, or once every few weeks or months? While childcare commitments require me to stay in town on the weekends, Im very flexible with my schedule on weekdays. I traveled extensively for my previous job and am comfortable with a high percentage of travel days. Would the travel for this job be on weekdays only or on weekends as well? More Job Interview Questions and Answers While questions about travel are important to answer appropriately, there will be many more questions to answer. Familiarize yourself with these potential interview questions and answers so youll feel more comfortable and confident during your interview. Your interviewer will also expect you to have several questions about the job or the company in general. If youre not good at coming up with questions, take a look at this guide about interview questions to ask your interviewer.