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The Buzz Archive 2005

Former Buzz Items: 2005

  • Operation Uplink - A wonderful way to show members of our Armed Forces that you care is to purchase prepaid phone cards so they may call home. This is a great idea for our active-duty military or hospitalized veterans who are away from home for the holidays. This unique program is provided by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Learn how to participate by linking to http://operationuplink.org.

  • New USO Lounge at DIA - Are you coming through Denver International Airport on personal business or for NVTI training? All active-duty, Guard and Reserve members and retired military members are welcome to go to the new USO Lounge on Concourse A at DIA. The USO also has several programs to support the troops this holiday season, including their own prepaid phone card program. Check out the USO website at www.uso.org.

  • Veteran Population Stats - In America, the average military veteran is about 58 years old, is likely to be overweight, but is less likely to be unemployed. There are 24.5 million veterans in the U.S. (Source: Scripps Howard News Service) In addition from the U.S. Census Bureau:
    - Total number of veterans in the U.S. ...... 24.5 million
    - Women veterans ...... 1.7 million
    - Veterans 65 or older ...... 9.5
    - Vietnam-era veterans ...... 15%
    - Number of states with 1 million or more veterans ...... 6

  • Don't Forget Homeless Veterans - In this holiday season, don't forget those who are less fortunate--our nation's homeless veteran population. The U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) says homeless veterans are mostly males (2 percent are females). The vast majority are single, most come from poor, disadvantaged communities, 45 percent suffer from mental illness, and half have substance abuse problems. For information about this needy population see National Coalition for Homeless Veterans or VA Programs for Homeless Veterans.

  • Flash News Veterans' Day Message - Did you receive your Flash News email from NVTI? This special Veterans' Day message was distributed 11/11/05.

  • UJS News & Studio Photos - Yes! It really is happening, folks. NLC's* production team has been in the studio, filming The Ultimate Job Search for the 21st Century. Producer Greg Davis expects the filming and editing to continue into December. Watch for the UJS set and interactive, on-line workbook to be available by February 2006.

    An informational UJS CD will be available by mid-December and will showcase the UJS project and accompanying on-line workbook. This will be great to show your managers or supervisors who may not know about this outstanding resource.

    The price for the closed-captioned DVD or VHS presentations will be $85 for agencies affiliated with the Department of Labor as well as other non-profit organizations. Contact NVTI or NLC for the price for for-profit corporations and businesses.

    Those familiar with the original UJS series know that it included four-parts and later an additional, separate presentation was added, Job Tips for People with Disabilities. As of now that presentation has not been tapped for updating/revision, although it may in the future. That presentation will be made available for purchase on DVD.

    NVTI is maintaining a pre-notification list for those who wish to be contacted as soon as UJS is ready. We cannot take prepaid orders at this time. Call (800-451-5759) or email the Resource Center if you wish to be included on the list. If you email, send your name, agency name, email address, phone number, DVD or VHS format and quantity.

    Check out the photos from the most recent filming session.

    *Remember, it is the National Learning Center who is producing this project. NLC is NVTI's parent center at the University of Colorado.

  • Entrepreneur Resource - We've recently come across a fabulous resource for self-starters! It's a plethora of helpful information, articles, and resources for entrepreneurs and small business owner-wannabes. Have a look at www.entrepreneur.com.

  • Need Resource Help? Don't Forget OVS - For hundreds of helpful links, contacts and the best resource at your fingertips, don't forget NVTI's valuable Orientation to Veterans' Services site. We try to keep it up-to-date. Let us know if something is not working. Link to OVS at http://www.nvti.cudenver.edu/orientation.

  • Request DD-214 On-Line - Do you or any of the veterans you help, need a copy of their DD-214? The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) has provided the following website for veterans to access their DD-214 online: http://vetrecs.archives.gov

    Military veterans and the next of kin of deceased former military
    members may use an on-line military personnel records system to
    request documents. Other individuals with a need for documents must
    still complete the Standard Form 180 which can be downloaded from the
    on-line web site.

    Also, because the requester will be asked to supply all information
    essential for NPRC to process the request, delays that normally occur
    when NPRC has to ask veterans for additional information will be
    minimized.

  • TAOnline.com - Have you explored one of the first on-line recruiting sites for job seekers from the military community (active service members, veterans, DoD civilians, spouses, family members and others)? For nearly a decade, TAOnline.com has successfully placed military talent in civilian jobs. Founded by former military personnel, the site has been recognized by industry experts as a leader in providing veteran jobs. Check it out at www.taonline.com.

  • Mom was Right! It pays to say thanks. Fifteen percent of hiring managers surveyed by CareerBuilder.com said they would not hire a candidate who did not follow up with a thank-you note. And 32 percent said they'd think less of the person who did not write. Anything you can do to push the odds in your favor is worth considering in the job search. For more job search ideas, watch for the Ultimate Job Search for the 21st Century, now in production.

  • New VPL About LVER and DVOP Responsibilities - Veterans Program Letter (VPL) 11-02 has been replaced by VPL 7-05. This information outlines the responsibilities of the LVER and DVOP. Link to VPL 7-05 here.

  • FCJL Clarification - NVTI has recently learned that the one piece of P.L. 107-288 legislation (the Jobs for Veterans Act) that did not get codified in the Code of Federal Regulations is the section on Federal Contractor Job Listings (FCJL). Therefore, the stipulations, (meaning contracts of $25,000 or more need to list any job openings with either the local job service or with Americas Job Bank) prior to this are still in effect until the new revisions are codified. The following web sites will give you more information. When you go to the NVTI website, there are links allowing you to access contracts which have been awarded by the Federal government. Until the new regulations are published, listing with America's Job Bank does meet the listing requirements.

    http://www.dol.gov/esa/regs/compliance/ofccp/faqs/emprfaqs.htm#Q6
    http://www.dol.gov/vets/contractor/main.htm#A-4

    Once the new law is codified, NVTI will let you know as soon as possible. We are sorry for any confusion which may have existed over this issue. See the complete law for section 4212 of title 38 here. Also reference the FCJL information from the VETS national office. Here is an additional resource for Federal contractors.

  • Cameras Are Rolling! The Ultimate Job Search for the 21st Century is roaring into production right now! NVTI has received so many inquiries about the project that we decided to give you a quick update. The filming portion of the production is underway and our instructional design team is developing the job seeker's interactive workbook which will accompany the program. Remember, you'll be able to purchase the sets in either DVD or VHS format. Pricing information is yet to be finalized, but be assured it will be affordable. Look for further updates in upcoming weeks.

  • PTSD Concerns Growing - Recent news reports have begun highlighting the serious issue of PTSD in servicemembers returning from the conflict of war. Should you encounter individuals with PTSD or addiction, the goal is not to treat them yourself, but to refer them to appropriate venues for help. The best thing you can do for these great men and women is know who and where to refer them to. Your local office has resource contacts as well. Check out these links below for more PTSD information:

    National Institute of Mental Health - PTSD
    VA National Center for PTSD

  • 2005 Competitive Grantees Photos - Grantee awardees were in Denver August 8-11. View photos of their conference here.

  • How to Fill Out a Federal Job Application - NVTI gets some of the best resources from our friends and partners in the field. So it is with the PowerPoint presentation from Charlie Griswold, Veterans Program Specialist for Riverside County Economic Development Agency, Jorge McCall, DVOP (VESS) and Don Froman, LVER (VWS) representing State of California Employment Development Department, Veterans Unit. They have put together a very helpful, step-by-step presentation on how to complete a federal application. Included is a workbook that explains the process in detail. If you use the presentations in your workshops, please do give proper credit where due! Very nice work, all involved.

    How to Fill Out a Federal Application PowerPoint presentation
    Federal Job Application Workbook

  • Acting ASVET Ciccolella's Testimony - On July 14, 2005 Charles "Chick" Ciccolella appeared before Congress as part of the confirmation process. What did he say about VETS' program's and his goals for its future? Read the complete testimony.

  • Questions to Ask at the Interview - In the last The Buzz we suggested some questions that you should not ask at your next interview. Want some tips on appropriate questions? Check these out:

    - What are the daily duties of this position?
    - If you hire me, what are some of the things you'd want me to accomplish first?
    - Can you describe the working environment here?
    - What is your management style?
    - Are there opportunities for advancement in this position?
    - Does the company plan on any major changes in the near future?
    - Can you tell me about the employees who work here?
    - Is there anything about the company that you would change if you could?
    - Does this company promote and support professional development?
    - What is the company's stance on work/life balance?

    Want more? Stay tuned! The UJS for the 21st Century video project will have lots more suggestions for helping your customers in their job search.

  • NVTI Wants to Know - "What is the most common employment barrier you have with your veteran population?" Please answer this question on NVTI's Discussion Board. Thanks for your input! Remember the discussion board is the place to interact and exchange ideas and resources with your professional peers across the country.

  • Latest VETS NET is available! - Find out what's been going on with VETS and NVTI. Click here to go to the newest edition of VETS NET.

  • Questions NOT to ask at the interview - What do job applicants ask employers in an interview situation? There are some good questions skilled candidates should ask that shows they have interest in the company. But here is a list applicants may want to stay away from.

    10. What do you people do here?
    9. Am I getting paid right now?
    8. Is the coffee free? What else is free?
    7. You can be honest. Does anyone really buy your products?
    6. Since this is a dot-com, how long before I get laid off?
    5. Did you get a copy of my resume? Then why did you make me fill out all of the same information on this stupid employment application?
    4. Is there a bathroom here? Or do I have to go to the corner gas station and fight with the locals to use it?
    3. Have you thought about a nose job?
    2. Does your health plan cover bi-polar manic-depressives with a history of aggression?
    1. What is your drug policy?

    Source: From the new Ultimate Job Search for the 21st Century video series.

  • UJS Survey - We want to know! What format do you need the new Ultimate Job Search for the 21st Century in? What did you like or not like in the original series? What do you want to see in the new one? Let us know! Complete a short (trust us, it is short) survey and tell us about it.

  • The Ultimate Job Search for the 21st Century - As you may have heard through the grapevine, NVTI / NLC is currently is in the process of scripting and producing the new Ultimate Job Search video series and workbook. This series will include all of the items our clients have been screaming for--on-line resumes, the electronic job search, with fully updated techniques and methods.

    The series will be available in a DVD format, but also in VHS for those who still use that equipment in their offices. With DVD, it will allow you to move anywhere around the series quickly and efficiently. The workbook will also be available on-line with fill in the blank information, including a resume builder, skills identifier, financial fill-in-the-blank forms, mock real-life interview simulations and other great tools for you to assist your client with.

    We hope you are excited as we are! With that, we have 2 questions;
    1) what format would you need to use in your office (DVD or VHS)?
    2) what ideas or information would you like to see in the new series?

    Let us know by emailing the NVTI Media Group with the format you're most likely to need and with other ideas for the series.

    As with the previous series, this will be YOUR job search video tool and we will take, review and seriously consider any and all suggestions and ideas.

    This series will be in production over the summer-months and will be hopefully available to you in the fall. Look for announcements on ordering and purchasing in the upcoming months. The price will again be at a very reasonable rate. We hope you enjoy the new series and we look forward in getting this to the field as soon as we can. Thanks for all you do.

    The NVTI Media Group

  • Resume Flaws - According to a national poll of 150 senior executives, including those from human resources, finance and marketing departments of the nation's largest companies, here are the most common mistakes they see on resumes:

    Typos or grammatical errors - 34 percent
    Including too much information - 22 percent
    Not listing achievements - 17 percent
    Poor layout and/or design - 17 percent
    Including too little information - 7 percent
    Other/don't know - 3 percent

  • Military Spouse Career Center - A new Military Spouse Career Center commissioned by the Department of Defense Office of Military Community & Family Policy launched recently. The new resource connects America's 1 million military spouses with education options, scholarships, training programs, career planning tips and employment opportunities.

    The new Military Spouse Career Center offers an extensive job board that includes hundreds of thousands of jobs from the public and private sectors. A list of Military Spouse-Friendly employers is included, and will grow as more employers step forward to participate.

    For those exploring career options, the Military Spouse Career Center has a "Career Advice" section outlining a step-by-step approach to career planning. Tools and tips for assessing personal goals, skills and interests are included. This section culminates in tips for job searches, resumes, interviews, and starting a career, as well as, family support resources that can be key enablers to pursuing a career. Topics include career counseling, licensing and certification, childcare and youth programs.

  • What's Hot and What's Not in Job Search - Focused strategies seem to be the best bet when it comes to looking for jobs in today's employment market. Open this PDF document to see which methods are better to use and which are better off retired. Click here.

  • ASVET Juarbe Announces Plans for Departure

    Click here for a message from ASVET Juarbe.

    WASHINGTON -- U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao announced Friday, April 15, that Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment and Training Frederico Juarbe Jr. has submitted his resignation. Juarbe is departing his post at the Department of Labor May 31, 2005 to pursue other opportunities.

    "As head of the Veterans' Employment and Training Service in President Bush's Administration, Fred has been deeply committed to enforcing the laws that protect the re-employment rights of our nation’s veterans," said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. "Fred is to be commended for his dedication to helping ensure that all of our nation’s veterans have access to the training they need to successfully transition to the civilian workforce. We all wish him the best as he enjoys the time he so richly deserves with his family and pursues other new and exciting challenges."

    Prior to joining the Department of Labor, Juarbe served for 23 years as director of the National Veterans Service at the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Juarbe has also worked closely with federal and state agencies in formulating policy beneficial to veterans, their dependents and survivors. In addition, Juarbe has served on numerous federal task forces and advisory committees, such as the President's Steering Committee on Help through Industry (HIRE).

  • Workforce Innovations - Mark your calendars! Workforce Innovations 2005: a Declaration of Innovation will be held July 11-13 at the Pennsylvania Convention center in Philadelphia.

    Sponsored by Employment & Training Administration and co-sponsored by the American Society for Training & Development (ASTD), Workforce Innovations is the nation's premier employment and training conference. This annual conference showcases integration, transformation and innovation with int he world of workforce investment. Over 2,500 workforce investment professionals are expected to attend the event. To register visit the conference web site at www.WorkforceInnovations.org.

  • 2005 Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents - This annual resource about programs and benefits for veterans and their dependents is available from NVTI's Resource Center. E-mail us your name, position and mailing address to request a copy. Or you may call the RC at 800-451-5759. The handbook is also available for download. Be aware it is a 129-page PDF document.

  • "Until Then" - If you have Flash installed on your computer (download it free) you will surely enjoy this presentation in support of our U.S. soldiers on duty in Iraq. It's a moving and beautiful presentation. Turn up your speakers.

  • Strategies for Implementing Priority of Service to Veterans in DOL Programs - This 54-page report was prepared by the Urban Institute in Washington, D.C., for the Department of Labor. The report provides background information, analysis of current methodologies and presents strategies for the future. The report is available here in PDF format.

  • Enduring Freedom / Iraqi Freedom Help - Are you aware that VA has a special website for returning Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve service members of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom (and other theatres of operation)? It provides benefits information and assistance to eligible veterans. Here's the link.

    Do you have other resources that you're using to help returning service members in your local area? Share them -- email links/information to us!

  • "NVTI Wants to Know...." - The latest question that we'd like to get some feedback from you about is "NVTI wants to know are you seeing an increase in PTSD issues in the veterans you help? How do you help them? Where are you referring them?" Please respond on our Discussion Forum.

    We had an email from an LVER that said he's been taking in a high number of Vietnam veterans into VA for PTSD-related issues. He believes some of this may be due to the media images presented from the Middle East. Is this also the case in your office? Or are you seeing PTSD problems in the Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom veterans you're helping?

    The "NVTI Wants to Know...." feature can be a great tool for exchanging ideas. Please think about this issue and respond. It may enable your peers to garner ideas to better help their veteran clients.

  • Vets4Veterans - This web site contains numerous resources specifically for veterans. And it was created by an NVTI participant! Use this site to access a variety of resources for veterans you work with. And if you have something you've created, let us know and we'll highlight the good work you do.

  • Brush Up on Your PowerPoint Skills - NVTI's trainers have created a basic how-to for creating PowerPoint presentations. Learn how to start your presentation, add graphics and transition from page to page. It's a great, easy-to-understand primer if your PowerPoint skills aren't quite where you want them to be. In no time you'll be creating great presentations! The pdf is here -- NVTI's PowerPoint 101.

  • Learning About the GI Bill - Are you educated about the Montgomery GI Bill? Do you know who can use it and for what? Did you know there's an apprenticeship and job training component? Do you have helpful sites to share? Let us know! Check out some of these sites and see what you can learn:

    - www.gibill.va.gov
    - www.gibill.va.gov/education/entship.htm
    - www.military.com/Resources/ResourcesContent/0,13964,32674,00.html

    The House Committee on Veterans Affairs has a great section on the history of the GI Bill, which turned 60 last year. Check that out at www.house.gov/va/benefits/gi60th/title.html.

  • What You Think About the Orientation Site - So many veterans' service providers in the field are logging on to use the Orientation to Veterans' Services site that we thought we'd share some of the comments with you. We appreciate all comments, constructive and complimentary! Here's are few:

    "This is a great website. I'm glad I have another resource to help me learn and do my job better."

    "Great information. Excellent refresher for "old timers"'

    " I'm ashamed to say that I was not aware of the Resource Folder. While I have used many of those listed I find this format very convenient, helpful and it has increased my knowledge of available resources. I had gotten away from the pratice of checking the NVTI site and was amazed to see how it has evolved. I will be visiting it much more frequently in the future. Thank you."

    "I will definately be able to use this valuable resource daily in service to our veterans! I bookmarked numerous web sites and encouraged our DVOP to go through the resource. He was also smitten by the wealth of information provided. Thanks NVTI staff!"

    "You may want to ask more than six questions at the end of the course. There was a significant amount of material."

    "Just a thought, but I benefitted from actually reading Wagner-Peyser and USC Title 38, chapters 31 and 41. Perhaps a link wouldn't hurt, just to make it easy for the computer and/or internet impaired novice."

    Thank you to everyone who took the time to evaluate the site and make comments or suggestions. We always appreciate the feedback!

  • NVTI Wants to Know.... - We hope you're enjoying the Buzz feature on our web site. If you are a frequent visitor, and we hope you are, you have noticed we change the hot "buzz" items regularly. We are introducing a new feature to the buzz in which we want you to participate. We're calling it "We want to know...." In it, we'll ask questions about what you, your office or state is doing about various topics to help out veterans or do your job better. The idea behind this to help you learn from each other, just like in the classroom! We are posting the question on NVTI's Discussion Forum. Please respond with your answers there.

    The first question is: "We want to know, what you are doing for returning Guard and Reserve members coming home from their military duty. What programs do you have or offer when they return? Are there transition seminars they are encouraged to join? Do you offer them a job club or workshop specifically designed for them? What are you doing for our returning men and women from the Guard and Reserve duty?"

  • Helping Veteran Business Owners Succeed - Most people have heard about the U.S. Small Business Administration and it's Veterans Business Development section, both of which are extremely valuable resources for veteran entrepreneurs. Add the National Veterans Business Development Corporation or simply "The Veterans Corporation" to your resource list.
    The Veterans Corporation provides veterans, including service disabled veterans the tools they need to be successful in business. The Veterans Corporation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, was created in 1999 by Public Law 106-50, which also set a 3 percent goal for federal procurement to Veterans including service disabled veteran-owned businesses. Check all them out!

  • Do you understand Priority of Service? - Priority of service is something that should always be of utmost importance to all veterans' representatives. NVTI's trainers have provided some information to help you better understand what it's all about.

    "Priority of service" means that eligible veterans shall be given priority over nonveterans for the receipt of employment, training, and placement services provided under any qualified job training program, notwithstanding any other provision of law. In other words, veterans will be considered before nonveterans. The key being that the veteran has to be eligible for the program. Veterans' priority is not intended to displace the core function of the program. For programs with existing targeting provisions, the veterans' priority must be applied by assessing a person's status in light of both the existing program provision(s) and the veterans' priority provision.

    A "qualified job training program" means any workforce preparation, development, or delivery program or service that is directly funded, in whole or in part, by the Department of Labor.

    Priority of service for veterans has been around for many years. It was previously written into the Code of Federal Regulations. It gave priority of service to veterans in referral to jobs. Typically through the 80's and 90's most states provided veterans 24 or 48 hour referral to job openings before nonveterans. The passage of "priority of service" for veterans has now been written into statute, section 42 of Title 38 United States Code, that has and will make an impact on many Department of Labor Programs. There is a laundry list of programs affected by a passage of the law - ETA programs, and it is ETA's responsibility to give guidance for how priority of service for veterans will work in each program. Further guidance per program is at http://www.doleta.gov/programs/VETs.
    -- Information provided by NVTI's Training Staff

  • NVTI's DVOP/LVER Locator - Do you know about The DVOP/LVER Locator (also called The Networker)? It's a great networking tool for your use. You can find DVOP and LVER staff, managers, some VETS staff and others who are entered into our database. Say you have a newly transitioned service member sitting at your desk wanting to move out of the state and wanting someone to get in touch with in the new city. Use the Locator! Most of the listees have attended NVTI training. To use the Locator, enter a city or state, a zip code, or a last name--whatever information you have--as little or as much information as you know. Then hit the "Run Report" button to see what the database system finds for you. As always, our Locator is only as good as you help us to be. If you find errors or omissions, please let us know so we can make corrections or additions quickly. Thanks for your help in keeping this wonderful resource as up to date as we can! Check out the DVOP/LVER Locator.

  • USERRA 101 Basics - With so many Guard and Reserve personnel activated, leaving jobs and returning home again, many have logged into NVTI's USERRA 101 site, which was created for VETS staff and Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Ombudsmen. For other service providers seeking to get a basic idea of what USERRA (The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act) is and how it works, the basic on-line course is very useful. Our records show that a variety of users ranging from managers, military personnel, business owners, as well as VETS personnel have utilized the information found in USERRA 101.

  • TAP Facilitator Network Update - NVTI's TAP Facilitator Network site--the place exclusively for facilitators--has undergone a makeover! The helpful site has the current manuals, handouts, PowerPoint slides and other helpful resources that will make your job of presenting facilitation workshops easier! Have a look at the revamped TAP Facilitator Network.

  • Current Buzz Archive

    The Buzz Archive 2008

    The Buzz Archive 2007

    The Buzz Archive 2006

    The Buzz Archive 2005

    The Buzz Archive 2004
 
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