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Kim Luu: @John. The probation status might be due to employment law within that state. For some states, unless you have a clear probation period, you end ...More@John. The probation status might be due to employment law within that state. For some states, unless you have a clear probation period, you end up with long lengthy lawsuits to fire anyone.
It's hard to know whether someone is real or not as well from the viewpoint of the employer. I've had to fire a CEO within 3 weeks. She looked perfect on paper when the hiring committee picked her but her abilities were obviously inflated when she actually had to do the job. Despite our state's employment law, it was still a 6 months process to clean up that mess and massive legal costs. 75 weeks ago
Kathryn Smith: just saying "no probabtionary period" isn't really a realistic counteroffer if the probationary period is a hardline company policy. The hiring ...Morejust saying "no probabtionary period" isn't really a realistic counteroffer if the probationary period is a hardline company policy. The hiring manager and HR representative may not have any control over it. Express your concerns by first saying that you are enthusiastic about the position and ready to come to work for the company and then seeing what they can do to make things more comfortable for you. Be prepared that they may not be able to budge - again, company policy can get in the way. If they cannot budge, you need to think about whether it is feasible for you or not. If it is not, politely decline. If it is, go for it. 75 weeks ago
John C
Does anyone know what the current market is for contract specialists, administrators and managers (government and commercial contracting)? I'm a current paralegal looking to expand my horizons a bit (but don't want to go to law school for various reasons) and have experience with contracting and contract management. Can anyone think of other positions, industries and careers that a paralegal might be a good fit for?
Sara Gallagher: Absolutely! For department heads, we look for 5 to 15 years experience, but for an instructor 3 years is fine. We've already hired someone to ...MoreAbsolutely! For department heads, we look for 5 to 15 years experience, but for an instructor 3 years is fine. We've already hired someone to manage our program, but we might be adding an instructor in the next year. I'll keep your name in mind should an opportunity arise. In the meantime, start looking in your area. 89 weeks ago
Ken: The US Government hires a wide range of professionals. My agency processes benefit claims for veterans, and a solid understanding of law and the ...MoreThe US Government hires a wide range of professionals. My agency processes benefit claims for veterans, and a solid understanding of law and the ability to follow process and procedure that you learned as a paralegal would be a huge asset. The VA and most other agencies post jobs on USAJOBS.GOV. 82 weeks ago
John C
Most entry-level HR positions require or prefer a BA or MA in HR. As a current paralegal (with exp. in workers' comp, employee claims, misc. HR duties within my company) with a mere English degree, how would you evaluate the following methods to supplement my education: obtaining Certificate in Human Resources Mgmt from my state's university; taking accounting, economics, etc. courses at a comm. college; or biting the bullet and pursuing an MBA program? Is there anything else I should consider?
Bryon Ownby: I agree with Arielle that any type of entry role usually does not require an advanced degree. My opinion, getting involved in an organization ...MoreI agree with Arielle that any type of entry role usually does not require an advanced degree. My opinion, getting involved in an organization such as SHRM for networking and pursuing the PHR would be a good transition to this field. The only thing a certificate would provide is a confirmation of the experiences that you have already obtained this far and provide any gaps of training that you have not experienced in the "real world" that you might have obtained while getting an undergrad degree in HRM. An advance degree in the HR field would be good if you wanted to move into upper management or director level. (I'm almost in the same situation, taking certificate program or to go for an advanced degree in HRD to finish my career transition from accounting to training/development). 87 weeks ago
Elizabeth Marling: A MERE English degree?? I am so sick of degree-bashing. I don't think we would have the plethora of written content bursting forth on the web ...MoreA MERE English degree?? I am so sick of degree-bashing. I don't think we would have the plethora of written content bursting forth on the web every second if it were not for those 'dime-a-dozen' English degrees. 87 weeks ago
John C
Most entry-level HR positions require or prefer a BA or MA in HR. As a current paralegal (with exp. in workers' comp, employee claims, misc. HR duties within my company) with a mere English degree, how would you evaluate the following methods to supplement my education: obtaining Certificate in Human Resources Mgmt from my state's university; taking accounting, economics, etc. courses at a comm. college; or biting the bullet and pursuing an MBA program? Is there anything else I should consider?
Sarah K. Shinkle: SPHR or PHR certification: www.HRCI.com, or list your HR skills right from ...MoreSPHR or PHR certification: www.HRCI.com, or list your HR skills right from the start in your resume/cover letter. I'm in the same situation with an I/O Psych MS which is not an MBA but it is related. I like to highlight my talents and knowledge over the degree because experience is often more valuable to potential employers anyway. (at least it is to me!) I hope this helps 88 weeks ago
John C
Does anyone know what the current market is for contract specialists, administrators and managers (government and commercial contracting)? I'm a current paralegal looking to expand my horizons a bit (but don't want to go to law school for various reasons) and have experience with contracting and contract management. Can anyone think of other positions, industries and careers that a paralegal might be a good fit for?
Dr. Paul D. Giammalvo: Hi Ben,
Contract Managers is a job title and there most certainly is or should be a demand for that skill set.
At least for construction, I would ...MoreHi Ben,
Contract Managers is a job title and there most certainly is or should be a demand for that skill set.
At least for construction, I would look to the Construction Specifications Institute, (CSI) and obtain their Certified Contract Manager credential and you should be good to go in any one of a number of private sector or governmental positions,
John C
Does anyone know what the current market is for contract specialists, administrators and managers (government and commercial contracting/procurement)? I'm a current paralegal looking to expand my horizons a bit (but don't want to go to law school for various reasons) and have experience with contracting and contract management. Also, can anyone think of other positions, industries and careers that a paralegal might be a good fit for?