"Will work for free!" Why an internship is a good idea.

If you are a recent graduate of high school or a college, or maybe a final year student at university about to graduate and enter the working world, you have one thing in common: your wish to find employment quickly. For many however, there is a hindrance to quickly securing employment as planned, and that is lack of work experience.

We all know the story, the enthusiastic, newly graduated job seeker goes out there to find employment but gets his/her enthusiasm crushed because every where they apply they are told they lack experience.

If you're reading this article and you find yourself in that particular situation, read on, this blog might change your outlook and your life!

So you're looking for work and applying to almost every job advert you see, but it's the same thing "candidate must have 1 to 3 years (or even more years) experience..." What can you do? How can you put the odds in your favor? Become an Intern, volunteer and/or join various clubs and societies and network! Today we'll be focusing on Internships.


Internships

Employers want to see that new graduates have some form of experience and they most certainly accept participation in a well-structured internship as relevant experience for entry level positions. An internship is one way of overcoming the lack of experience dilemma. The benefits include:

• Gaining general work related and discipline specific knowledge
• Developing skills and competencies
• Building your confidence in relation to job performance
• Acquiring a frame of reference for evidence of your abilities
• Increasing the possibility of landing a job.

College students, if your academic programme requires or offers the option of taking an internship for academic credit please make full use of the opportunity! Alternatively, you may choose to take a not for credit internship and even go as far as getting involved with a programme that does not offer a stipend. Remember, the ultimate aim is to gain vital experience that will make you more marketable.
Here are a few strategies you should use to help you land a life-changing internship position:

1. Make a list of the organizations, large and small, at which you would like to intern.

2. Identify the specific knowledge and skills that you have to offer the organizations.

3. Determine the benefits you would like to derive from the internship experience.

4. Do your research. Find out which of these organizations do offer internship programmes. Don’t limit yourself to those companies with existing programmes. If you make a good case, your offer of service or request for accommodation could be considered by even those companies without established internship programmes.

5. Prepare a professionally appealing cover letter and résumé making sure to tailor them to match the needs and culture of each of your target organizations.

6. Begin making plans for your accommodation away from home or your current school location.

7. Engage your networking links to get doors of opportunity opened, your professors, mentors, as well as family and friends are good persons to begin with.

The search for the right internship can be just as tedious as finding an actual job, but don’t give up. You'll reap the rewards later. Use similar strategies as you would for a job search and be sure to begin your search early.

TIP: The best time to seek out an internship is during the summer months.

Happy hunting!

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Jamaica's Unemployment rate fell to 7.2% (STATIN 2019 survey)

According to the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) Jamaica's unemployment rate fell to landmark of 7.2 per cent, based on the October 2019 Labour Force Survey.

Carol Coy, STATIN's Director General, says this is 1.5 percentage points lower than the 8.7 per cent rate for the same period in 2018. She also revealed 0.6 per cent below the 7.8% recorded in the April 2019 survey.

Coy divulged that the total number of persons in jobs as at October rose by 2.4%, compared to the same period in 2018.

She was speaking during STATIN's quarterly media briefing held at The Knutsford Court Hotel in New Kingston on Friday, January 17, 2020.

The Director General said a breakdown of the data shows that the total number of unemployed persons as at October 2019 stood at 96,700, representing a 16.4 per cent decline over the previous year.

She noted that female unemployment rate decreased by 16,000 people to 53,400, while the total number of unemployed males decreased by 3,000 individuals to 43,300.

The Director General said the data for females represented a 2.6 percentage point decline to 8.6 per cent, while the rate for the males dipped from 6.4 per cent to six per cent.

Additionally, she noted that the unemployment rate for youth aged 14 to 24 fell from 24.9 per cent in October 2018 to 21.1 per cent last year (2019).

She revealed:

“The unemployment rate for male youth decreased by 3.6 percentage points to 18.2 per cent in October 2019 [while] the unemployment rate for female youth declined by 3.9 percentage points to 24.7 per cent.”

Coy said the number of people in jobs as at October rose by 29,200 (2.4 per cent) to 1,248,400, relative to the same period in 2018. The overall labour force increased by 10,200 people to 1,345,100.

She said that overall female employment, which rose by 18,600 people to 565,600, and this was nearly twice that of males, which went up 10,600 to 682,800.

The number of people classified as being outside the labour force, as at October 2019, totalled 741,500, which was 10,800 (1.4 per cent) fewer than the 752,300 recorded the previous year.

Ten things you should never do at work.

Here are ten very inappropriate things that happen at work, but shouldn’t. Don’t be the perpetrator of any of these workplace gaffes. Your coworkers will thank you and your professional ambitions will not be blunted when you watch your business manners!

1. Participate in a loud mobile-phone conversation while walking down a hallway, thus interrupting dozens of people in their work.

2.

Chew ice or gum, slurp coffee or otherwise eat or drink loudly or obtrusively whether you’re in your cubicle, in a conference room or anywhere else.

3. Work out via a lunchtime: bike ride or run and then go back to work without washing up.

4. Get into an argument on the phone and force your teammates to listen to it.


5. Apply or remove nail polish at your desk.

Some people are allergic to the chemicals in nail polish and polish remover — and that goes for cologne, after shave and perfume, too!

6. Try to engage one co-worker in a gossip about another co-worker.

7. Walk into a meeting late and ask the other participants to bring you up to speed on the part of the meeting you missed.

8. Ask your co-workers about their financial status, or talk about your own.

9. Invite one co-worker to lunch while ignoring another co-worker who’s standing or sitting right there.

10. Push your political or religious views on your co-workers.

Hope this was helpful be sure to share!

How to dress to impress for a job interview, even on a tight budget!

Whether you're going to a job interview; offered a summer job or permanent employment, the need to dress for success (professionally) is very important! We understand that many persons reading this statement will say, "yeah I get that, but I'm on a tight budget and don't have the money to invest in a fancy business suit." Well, we hear you, with the economy these days everyone is feeling the pinch, but don't be dismayed we have the solution for you! Continue reading this article to get tips on how you can still dress professionally on a small budget!

Dress for Success on a budget:
i. Select tailored clothing: It is better to invest in a few high-quality outfits that can be interchanged than in numerous extravagant or poor quality pieces.

a. Include in your selection at least one dark-coloured suit.

b. Buy simple well-made shirts or blouses, skirts or pants.

c. Jackets and blazers, whether as suits or separates, are vital and versatile for mixing and matching.

ii. Choose colours, patterns and fabrics wisely.

a. Stick to conservative colours for suits (eg, navy blue, grey, and black).

b. Cheerful colours can be used to accentuate but should not be gaudy.

c. Simple stripes, plaids, and subtle patterns are accepted.

d. For outer garments, avoid fabrics with heavy sheen, or those that are very thin.

iii. Ensure proper fit: Your clothing should not be too loose or too tight.

a. The hem of your trousers should cover your ankle but should not sweep the floor.

b. Skirt length should be such that when you sit too much of your thigh is not revealed.

c. Blouses should not show cleavage. The sleeves should reach the wrist.

iv. Ensure that your clothing is always properly pressed.

a. Avoid the crumpled, disheveled look at all costs

v. Undergarments should be both covered and concealed. Ladies should consider investing in lined skirts rather than having visible panty lines.

vi. Avoid the tattered look: Do not wear clothing that is frayed, tattered or has visible holes.

vii. Males should always wear belts with trousers that have loops. Your belt colour should coordinate with your shoe colour.

viii. Ties are essential items for men. For a fresh look, vary the tie worn with shirts.

ix. Simple conservative hair styles and colours for both men and women are recommended. Your hair should always be well groomed.

x. Wear appropriate shoes

a. Athletic, flat-soled, and open toe shoes, and flip-flops are not appropriate. Choose pumps or stilettos with medium length heels (for women).

b. Shoe colour may coordinate with handbag, but not necessarily so.

c. Men should wear laced-up or slip-on dress shoes.

xi. Limit the number of accessories; for example, no more than one ring on each hand. Tongue and nose piercings are still frowned-on in many organisations, so play it safe and leave them at home. Special note: Also be sure to hide any tattoos!

xii. Ensure that neatness and cleanliness are always reflected in your dressing.

a. Your clothing and deportment will be viewed as a reflection of your attitude to the job, therefore plan to characterise your professional presentation with excellence.

References: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/career/How-do-I-dress-professionally-on-a-budget-_89186

5 Essential Job Hunting Tips!

Essential Tips for the Job Seeker

1. Spruce up your Resume.

It now okay to use graphics like charts and tables on your resume' to illustrate relevant facts about yourself. You can also build a personal website to act as your resume'. 

2. Do some networking. 

A referral to a new company or position is much more effective than any job search engine. Seek to build relevant contacts at industry events, job fairs and through social media. 

3. Learn how to negotiate for your salary.

If you ask for too much, employers will give you the cold shoulder but if you ask for too little you'll have difficulty earning what you're really worth for years to come. Instead do your research, know what a position is supposed to pay and negotiate accordingly, but don't get ahead of yourself at the bargaining table. Be sure to assess your own talents, qualifications, experiences before you decide on a figure.

4. Research a position

Impress your potential employer by doing a thorough background check on the company and its products. Research the position you're applying for, carefully study the job description. Make sure you can handle the role. Employers don't want to spend too much time training you.

5. Be the Total Package! 

Knowing basic computer skills and having the right attitude is fine. In fact it is expected. Being organized and able to communicate effectively will set you apart. Show off those soft skills.

Thanks so much for reading the articles each week, really appreciate it. Please be sure to look out for the next post. It promises to be interesting! :D

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Sales Representative (Kingston, Jamaica) - Everything Fresh

Everything Fresh is seeking to recruit a dynamic Sales Representative.
Needed in Kingston.

• Must be qualified and experienced 
• Own a reliable motor vehicle 

Please send applications to: info@everythingfreshja.com



More:

Administrative Assistant, etc. (Kingston, Jamaica) - Jus Foods Limited

Administrative Assistant 

Requirements:

• Strong communication skills 
• Good organizational and time management skills 
• At least three (3) years experience in similar position 
• Computer literacy 
• High level of professionalism 
• Be able to work on Saturdays

Accounting Clerk 

Requirements:

• Strong communication skills 
• Good organizational and time management skills 
• At least three (3) years experience in similar position 
• High level of professionalism 
• Literacy with accounting software 

Catering Supervisor 

Requirements:

Strong communication skills 

• Good organizational and time management skills 
• At least three (3) years experience in similar position 
• Computer literacy 
• Completion of catering or food service management or similar course
• High level of professionalism 
• Be able to work on Saturdays

Driver

Requirements:

• Strong communication skills 
• Good organizational and time management skills 
• At least three (3) years experience in similar position 
• Computer literacy 
• Ability to work flexible hours including Saturdays
• Must have an open general driver's license 

Please email resume with the position you are applying for in the email subject to: jusfoods@hotmail.com. Jus Foods Limited, 1 Slipe Road, Kingston 5. Tel: (876) 922-8171.

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Female Store Clerk/Cashier (Kingston, Jamaica)

Wanted: Female Store Clerk/Cashier, ages 20 to 33.

• Must have experience 

Take résumé along with one (1) passport size picture and two (2) references with contact information.

Interviews starts 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 8, 2020. Shop No. 06, Marketplace (Hanzmart), 67 Constant Spring Road.



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Merchandisers, Casual Workers (Kingston, etc (Jamaica)

Casual Workers (Independent Contractor)

The individual will contracted for three (3) months (renewable contract). The incumbent will report directly to the Warehouse Supervisor and primary duties include:

• Accompanying company Driver in the distribution of merchandise among other duties

Qualifications:

• At least three (3) CXC subjects including English or HEART certificate in a skill area.
• Location: Kingston (Must reside in Kingston)

Merchandisers

Merchandisers (Kingston, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios)

Duties include:

• Daily visits to assigned stores to carry out merchandising activities such as:
• Maintaining store shelves 
• Product quality checks 
• Manage stock rotation 
• Tag labelling, among other duties 

Qualifications:

• At least four (4) CXC subjects including English
• Have experience in merchandising 
• Excellent communication skills 
• Team player 
• Willing to provide two (2) professional and one (1) personal references 

Send resumes/cover letters to: jobopening.sales1@gmail.com

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Teachers (St. Catherine, Jamaica) - Dinthill Technical High Sch.

Dinthill Technical High School requires suitably qualified personnel to fill the following vacancies:
Academic staff for January 1, 2020:

• Agriculture to CSEC level (temporary)
• Visual Arts to CAPE level (3 months)
• Health and Family Life Education (H.F.L.E.) contract
• Numeracy Specialist (Contract)

Qualifications:

The individual must have:

• A first degree from a recognized University 
• Teacher training qualifications from a recognized institution 
• Training in the specific subject area 

Apply to:

The Chairman 

C/o The Principal 

Dinthill Technical High School 

P. O. Box 4091, Linstead P. O., St. Catherine 

Email: dinthill.technical.sce@moey.gov.jm

or dinthilltech@yahoo.com

Closing date: January 3, 2020.



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Merchandisers (St. Ann, Jamaica)

 A leading food manufacturing company seeks to recruit Merchandisers for St. Ann.

The ideal candidate should possess:

• High level of integrity and professionalism 
• At least one to two (1 - 2) years experience in a similar capacity 
• Certificate in sales or customer service or five (5) CXC subjects to include English Language, Mathematics or Accounts 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills 
• Excellent customer service and organizational skills 
• Highly motivated with a positive attitude 
• Ability to liaise between customers, sales representatives and main office 
• Ability to work on own initiative and be results oriented/driven

Interested persons are asked to submit application letters accompanied by résumés no later than January 3, 2020 to: jobappsjamaica@hotmail.com.

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Telecommunications Associate (Kingston, Jamaica) - Sutherland Global Services

Job ID / Title:
Telecommunications Associate (Full-Time/Permanent)
Job Category: Customer Service Phone
City: Kingston
State: Kingston
Work Location: Knutsford Boulevard

Job Description

Sutherland is seeking an attentive and goal-oriented person to join us as Retention Consultant.

We are a group of driven and hard-working individuals. If you are looking to build a fulfilling career and are confident you have the skills and experience to help us succeed, we want to work with you!

Consultant in this role get to:

Customer service skills:

• To handle customer service requests due to billing issues or account changes. 
• Identify the root cause for a cancellation request and retain customers by providing a personalized solution to their identified needs. 
• Resolve customer’s issues and promote self-service options to avoid unnecessary repeat calls.
• Problem Solving: Discover and provide a personalized solution that includes home services such as DIRECTV
• Goal Oriented: Achieve Client’s and internal KPIs

Qualifications
Our most successful candidates will have:

Bachelor’s degree is a plus

• Experience of working in a customer-centric environment is a plus.
• Intermediate reading English language skills 
• Retention skills are a must
• Able to work positively in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Ability to multitask and have excellent organizational skills.
• Sees through the eyes of the customer.
• Articulate, bright and curious.
• Passionate about service

APPLY ONLINE 

Join the conversation and reconnect with Stacy Jeffery on Google Hangouts: https://hangouts.google.com/group/rmhMeqqtQvuUyWcJ8



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Data Entry Associate (Kingston, Jamaica) - Canopy Insurance Ltd.

DESCRIPTION

Input data to the operating system and provide support services for the general administration of the department.

Key duties/responsibilities include:

• Prepares source data for computer entry by compiling and sorting information; establishing entry priorities.
• Processes customer and account source documents by reviewing data for deficiencies; resolving discrepancies by using standard procedures or returning incomplete documents to the team leader for resolution.
• Enters customer and account data by inputting alphabetic and numeric information on keyboard or optical scanner according to screen format.
• Accurate and Timely entry of manual claims and enrolment from Providers/Clients.
• Provide support to clients on change requests. 
• Facilitating the printing, processing and distribution of Health Cards.
• Maintains data entry requirements by following data program techniques and procedures.
• Verifies entered customer and account data by reviewing, correcting, deleting, or reentering data; combining data from both systems when account information is incomplete; purging files to eliminate duplication of data.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• At minimum, an associate degree in Business Administration, Computer Science, Information Systems or related discipline.
• Loma Level I or certificate in other industry specific course.
• Must have at least 2-5 years of experience in the health insurance industry.
• Must have knowledge in health claims processing and customer service. Experience in member service would be an added benefit.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports and deliver presentations.
• Expert knowledge of PC application software packages including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Data Entry Skills.
• A keen eye for detail and critical administrative skills.
• Ability to critically analyzing data.

Email: recruitmentmanager876@gmail.com.

 Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.



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Customer Service Representative (Kingston, Jamaica) - Heart Institute of the Caribbean

Coordination and execution of all front desk activities:

• Answering the phone in a professional manner, handling patient inquiries, taking caller information and transferring calls as necessary
• Greeting and welcoming all patients and guests
• Introduce and sell Membership plans to patients
• Scheduling and rescheduling patient appointments and following up with patients 
• Entering patient information in the electronic medical record system
• Assisting patients with the registration process
• Providing patients with their reports in a timely manner
• Overseeing the flow on the patient floor
• Receive mail and packages and distribute to appropriate department
• Ensuring the front desk area and patient waiting area is kept neat at all times
• Provide general administrative support to the clinical and administrative team where necessary
• Any other functions as directed by management

Qualifications and Experience:

• Must have a degree
• Must have at least 2 years experience in a similar role

Download an application
For Jamaican applicants click HERE.
For international applicants click HERE.
To apply for this position, download the application form, complete and email along with a letter of interest and copy of your resume to hr@caribbeanheart.com.



Join the conversation and reconnect with Stacy Jeffery on Google Hangouts: https://hangouts.google.com/group/rmhMeqqtQvuUyWcJ8



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Teacher (St. Andrew, Jamaica) - The Queen's School

THE QUEEN’S SCHOOL ACADEMIC Requires immediately:

Trained and Experienced Teachers in:

• Mathematics to CAPE Level (Full-Time)
• Spanish and French (Part-Time)
• Information Technology
• History and Social Studies (Part-Time)

Deadline: Wednesday, December 31, 2019,

Email: doj_queens_school@yahoo.com

Thank you for your interest in this career opportunity, however, please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.


Join the conversation and reconnect with Stacy Jeffery on Google Hangouts: https://hangouts.google.com/group/rmhMeqqtQvuUyWcJ8


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Warehouse Attendant (Kingston & Clarendon, Jamaica)

Description:
Dynamic manufacturing company is looking for a focused and committed individuals to join our operations team for May Pen, Clarendon / Kingston Jamaica.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate a forklift in our central warehouse to transfer products and other cargo into and out of storage or move them in preparation for shipping.
• Unloading materials and merchandise from incoming vehicles and stacking them to assigned places.
• Locating and moving stock of products to pallets or crates for storage or shipment.
• Ensure the completion of all necessary tasks assigned by the supervisors and managers.


Qualifications:
Education and/or Experience

• Proven experience as Warehouse Attendant
• Attention to detail and familiarity with industrial equipment
• High School CXC’s, Certificate in Warehousing/Logistics
• Current forklift Certification
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a similar position, with the ability to work with limited supervision.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however please note only those shortlisted will be considered for an interview.

Deadline: Friday, December 27, 2019

Email: manufacturingja19@yahoo.com



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Marketing Officer (Kingston, Jamaica)

A company with its head office in Kingston is seeking qualified individual for the position of:

Marketing Officer 

The successful candidate will be required to effectively market the services of the organization. 

Qualifications and Experience:

• Associate/Bachelor of Science in Business or Marketing 
• A minimum of three years experience in a similar capacity 
• A proven track record in marketing and sales 

Required Skills:

• Willing to work extended hours 
• Proficient in the development of marketing plans 
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills 
• Proficient in prospecting and developing sales leads
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills 
• Proficient in building and maintaining business relationships with clients 
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite: Excel and other software 

A reliable vehicle is essential.

Application letter accompanied by résumé should be emailed to: managerialjobs2018@gmail.com 

Deadline: January 2, 2020.

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Front Desk Receptionist (Negril, Jamaica) - Bak-A-Yad Hostels & Cottages Complex

Qualifications and Experience:

• Minimum of four (4) CXC subjects along with hands on training in the Tourism and Hospitality industry 
• Must have strong communication and customer service skills 
• Demonstrated ability to effectively deal with telephone, online (internet) and in person queries 
• Be computer literate with the ability to provide clerical support as the needs arises for the company 
• Corresponding with guests, vendors and proprietors 
• Support Associate degree in Marketing and /or Management 

Applications accompanied by résumés should be sent to: avsbuildersltd@yahoo.com 

Fax: (876) 974-7820.

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Medical Sales Representative (Kingston, St. Thomas, etc) - Jamaica Hospital Supplies

Required for:

1. Kingston, St. Catherine, St. Thomas and Portland.
2. Manchester, St. Elizabeth and Clarendon 

Job Requirements:

• Three (3) years successful sales experience preferably in the medical or related field 
• Tertiary level education in Sales or Marketing and/or other qualifications related to the sector 
• Confident, positive and persistent attitude 
• Ability to seek out new business 
• Consistently meet and exceed sales targets assigned 
• Pleasant personality and people person Own and operate a reliable motor vehicle and possess a valid driver's license 

The company offers: 

• An attractive compensation package
• Travelling allowance 
• Group health and life insurance 
• Pensions 
• Uniforms 

Please submit applications in writing by January 3, 2020 to:

The Human Resources Manager 

Jamaica Hospital Supplies 

66 1/2 Half Way Tree Road 

Kingston 10,

Or email: jobappjam@live.com. 

Email subject should be: Sales Representative 1 /Sales Representative 2.

We appreciate all applications indicating interest in the post; however only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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Front Office Agent, etc (Negril, Jamaica) - Rooms on the Beach Negril

We are inviting hardworking, honest, pleasant, professional candidates with a positive attitude to join our family.

• Front Office Agent
• Night Auditor 
• Junior Cook/Senior Cook
• Lifeguard
• Ken-fix-it
• Steward 

Requirements:

• At least one (1) year experience in a similar position 
• Ken-fix-it should have experience in plumbing, electrical and air conditioning 
• Minimum of five (5) CXC subjects at CSEC/O' level including Mathematics and English for front office position 
• Excellent speech and writing skills  (front office)
• Efficient and works well under pressure 
• Ability to work on weekends and public holidays 
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels 
• Ability to work with little or no supervision and be resourceful 

Thank you for your interest but only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

Interested persons should submit applications no later than December 23, 2019 to: hm.rnn@superclubs.com 

Please put the position bring applied for in the email subject line.

• 
  

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