Empowering People To Change

Carvechi a premier managed solutions and professional search service is seeking a Director of Insurance & Risk Management.

The position will manage the company’s insurance programs, travel programs, credit card administration and real estate portfolio. Interacting with the legal and commercial staff to gain a complete understanding of the terms and conditions and contract process (indemnities) to appropriately ensure that risks mitigated.

Will also work with insurance underwriters and brokers to ensure prices are market value and manage the global travel process and real estate portfolio.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance preferred
• Min. of 5 to 7 yrs experience in a similar role (Manager or Director level in Risk Management, capital markets, and finance
• Computer Proficiency and software skills (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Knowledge of Concur desired
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written)

• Management of global insurance programs, global risk management and insurance budget.
◦ Management of global travel program including Assist employees in trouble shooting Concur issues, Run and monitor management reporting, Communicate and resolve Concur file exceptions
• Management of global real estate portfolio

For more information send your resume to dcarson@carvechi.com

Where the Jobs Are

Usually people associate dining out with fun, pleasure and a relaxed atmosphere. All true statements until you are trying to land a job while going out for lunch. Candidates normally asked themselves why an employer would want to conduct an interview over a meal. There are many reasons why. The hiring manager may not want the office to know they are interviewing for a certain position. The position may require heavy client interaction and business meetings and not only are you being considered for the position but also you are being observed on how you perform in an open environment. It doesn’t matter what the reason is, but in an extremely tight job market you the candidate need to be prepared.
Here are a couple of Do’s and Don’ts to keep in mind.

The Do’s
 Shut off your cell phone – I know it’s very tempting to check you blackberry or phone but resist temptation. Even if your interviewer is checking their phone do not check yours.
 Learn the Restaurant – Find out something about the restaurant that can be associated with something you are interested in. Engage your interviewer about the restaurant ask a question “Have you been here before?” “What do you recommend?”
 Inquire about your interviewer – You need to break the ice, ask questions such as “What do you like most about the company?” “How did you get your position here?”
 Keep your guard up – Remember this is an interview not a social setting. Keep focused on what’s at stake. Some companies will send an employee that is similar in age and background that will try to possibly stay something that you should not have.

The Do Not’s
 Talk Excessively – Better known as the pregnant pause used by interviewers. When you are done answering a question do not fill the open air. It is interesting what is said when someone is nervous.
 Being Late – Whether it’s for an in office interview or lunch interview always arrive about 15 minutes early.
 Rude to Restaurant Workers – This rank’s number one as the biggest blunder. Be polite to your waiter/waitress. Be patient and keep you focus on why you are there.
 Your Ordering Taste – Keep in mind the price of the items on the menu. Ordering the most expensive item. Skip dessert and only order coffee if the hiring manager is having something. This shows that you are fiscally responsible. Beware of what you order. Order something that you need to use a fork, and stay away from onions and garlic.

Following these easy to remember tips will help you land your new position. Lunch interviews just added some more complexity to the hiring process. Also always do your research on the company and be prepared.

With mortgage rates dropping at a record pace, homeowners are going in herds to financial institutions to refinance their homes.

This is very similar to a decade ago which led to the real-estate boom.

The Mortgage Bankers Association reported about 80% of all mortgage applications are for refinancing. The average 30 year fixed mortgage rate is 4.73% which is down from 6% about a year ago. Wells Fargo recently reported improved results as a result of the increase in mortgage applications writing over $101 billion in mortgage loans for the quarter which is the most since 2003.

There was an increase of 52% in first quarter profit as a result of the increase in the workload it required them to recruit to approximately 5,000 employees to assist with the volume. Wells Fargo believes that this rush will continue through the next quarter.

Not every homeowner will experience savings due to the high refinancing fees. Others are converting their adjustable mortgage rates with fixed fee rates. Many homeowners are seeing a decrease in their home values which makes it unattainable to refinance their homes.

The U.S. government has put in place programs to lower interest rates and increase the housing market. An example of this is The Federal Reserve announced late last year that they were buying mortgaged backed securities.

The government programs were put in place to help the struggling housing market, encouraging homeowners to refinance, and help them from foreclosing on their homes. Also, it would improve the economy as well as helping financial institutions boost profits.
Thus, financial institutions are having difficulties in expediting refinances on a timely basis due to the rush for homeowners to refinance.

We’ve all been watching the news.  We know what it’s like to watch the big boys get bailed out and still get nice salaries, while the little guy gets laid off.  We sit there, frustrated, demanding answers.  We’re all in the same boat, and we’re tired of the corporate structures that have led to our demise.  But, when you’re searchingfor a job, are you now at the mercy of these corporations to take you in?  Absolutely not!

Many companies are much more forward-thinking and understand that there is a reason why these antiquated business models failed.  Companies like Google are opening up their structure to be more democratic rather than a regime.  What does that mean?  That means these companies believe in the fact that individual employees have an equal say in how the business is run.  The decisions and input are no longer exclusive to just a select group of 2-5 executives.  So how do you find these companies?

Keep a look out for companies that embrace an open atmosphere.  When you walk into the office, does the structure turn you off?  Or do they have open desks and cubes, soda machines, video games, etc.?  Remember, you’re potentially going to be working in this environment every day, so make sure it’s an environment that you’re comfortable with.  Companies that promote employee understanding generally know that the understanding must be present in every aspect of their work, including their environment.

Do research on the company.  These days most, if not all, companies have reviews and profiles that can be found online.  Check with your contacts, and see if you have someone who can give you an insider’s eye as to what it’s like to work there.  A good mindset to follow is that not only is the company interviewing you, but you’re also interviewing the company.  Don’t settle, always strive for what you think you deserve.

When you’re interviewing with the company, be sure to come with a list of questions.  Don’t be afraid to ask them about their structure and policies.  Ask them directly how they feel employees fit in within their organization and whether you will have a voice.  Inquire what the company’s goals are and how they act as an ethical business.

Remember, even though times are tough, it does not mean that this isn’t a time to negotiate or find the job that is meant for you.  Don’t sacrifice you’re overall well-being, health, and aspirations because of a job opening.  One can even argue that the times are ripe for thinking and acting out-of-the-box.  It tends to make you stand out above the rest, and in these times, when the unemployment rate keeps skyrocketing higher and higher, being an individual in a group sounds good to me.

Empowering Movement in the Job Market

           With many people we are surrounded by stress and it compiles daily in our lives. We start our day with stress just figuring out what to wear and forget about trying to get a quick cup of coffee at the local Starbucks. Stress in the workforce is a harmful and emotional response that occurs when the requirements of the job do not match the capabilities, resources or needs of the workers. 

Stress can lead to greater health risk later on in life. Stress affects virtually every organ in your body from your heart, blood vessels, immune system, lungs, digestive system, and sensory organs. A stressed filled life greatly increases our risk for heart attack and stroke. This is especially significant for people over the age of 40 which I am and also being a Black American. Stress in the begin may act as a boost in strength in the short run but overtime stress takes a great toll on the body. It is now believed that constant stress puts much strain on our arteries, causing chronically high levels of stress hormones and pushing people to maintain unhealthy habits like smoking, over eating, or drinking. Men who are stressed out are doubling their chances of having a stroke then their peers.

These results carry slightly over into women but they are found to not suffer from strokes as much. Women are actually more susceptible to stress then men which lead to many problems with their sleeping, eating, and routine habits. To relieve stress many simple things can be done to significantly lower your stress level. One of the main ways to lower stress levels surprisingly is laughter. Putting on a funny movie, going to a comedy show, or just having a good time with friends is a fantastic way to reduce stress daily. We should also treat ourselves and find other outlets to relieve stress. For some with more severe stress should look into yoga or meditation. It seems easy to say you do not have enough time to handle your stress. Change the way you look at things and handle life different.

If you are struggling financially or whatever the stress in your life may be take 5 minutes out of your day to cool down and take a deep breath. Reflect on the positive things in life and the good things around you. Close your eyes and visualize success and empowerment.

During the holidays I am thankful for my Health, Happiness, Family, and friends. I wish you all the best and pray you are empowered by my articles and you land a life changing career position.  

Empowering People to Change,

Today I met with a great person who was affected by the job market. Her company performed a RIF (reduction in workforce) and she has been without a job for less than a month. What set her apart was her determination and focus to find another position. She was positive and had a clear vision of when she was going to start working. That is all she focused on and nothing could change her mind.

I wish all the people I met had the same positive outlook on life and overcoming a difficult time in the nation’s economy. Sometimes when I speak with candidates I become a counselor, motivator, shoulder to cry on, and just a friendly ear to listen to someone’s pain. You can’t avoid reading another article or listening to the news and hearing about unemployment rates, foreclosures, and the pending automotive crisis. The media continues to focus on death, crisis, and financial woes before something fun and exciting… at least in the Miami news market.

I always tell people do not listen to negativity and focus on the positive.   If you focus on images and thoughts of negativity, then that is what will come true in your mind. We all need to learn and stop being our own worst enemy. Let’s try to empower someone every day with information to help them in their lives, and change the way they do things. 

If  you are un-employed you need to attempt and do more than anyone else searching for a job.

you need to work hard each and everyday and start early with you plan of attack, Organize a plan from the night before with your goals and direction for the following day. This list is your marching orders for the next day and do not waste time in between your goals. Push yourself beyond what you already know you’re able to do. Get out of the rut of going through the same motions and ending up with the same results. Put some additional time, energy, thought and creativity into your actions.

I speak with candidates during the day and a very few have a plan of attack from the previous day. Remember looking for a job is work and take your work seriously.

Take on challenges that make you a little bit uncomfortable, by moving away from you comfort zone. Stretch your abilities and watch them grow, with reaching for something new in life. People are creatures or habit and change your common task if you want to find a job. 

Decide to reach higher and you’ll find many new ways to move higher. Raise your expectations and you’ll improve your performance. Keep on learning, keep on growing, keep on venturing, and keep on trying beyond what you already know. Give yourself a high and ambitious goals of what you want to accomplish. Visualize and you will materialize the goal. My goal is to nationally syndicate a radio talk show helping people with tough job market questions and provide them with great input and insight into the market and economy. i am working each day to see my goal become a reality.

Enjoy and appreciate how far you’ve already come. Then focus on what your goals are and make it happen.