Here are the top motivations for people in 4 career stages

Here are the top motivations for people in 4 career stagesHere are the top motivations for people in 4 career stagesIndependent public relations and communications company Padilla recently released the Engage by Stage Research Report, breaking down employees into four distinct career stages - namely, Newbie, Sophomore, Tenured, and Sage,showing what factors motivate each group the most.The research found that two in five workers were completely disengaged from their workdistributionspolitiks. It also found that alignment between personal and company values was the key driver to spark engagement.The report hammered home that even though two workers are close in age, they might be in different stages, so they should be catered to differently.Julie McCracken, senior director in Padillas Employee Engagement group, commented on the research in a statement.Overall, to ensure all employees are and remain engaged, organizations must have a compelling vision and mission that is shared, embra ced and brought to life in the workplace, she said. However, it doesnt happen overnight. Its a long-term commitment and strategic undertaking that needs leadership backing and support.SMS Research Advisors, Padillasindependent market research firm,surveyed 1,500 employees for the research.Here are just a few things you need to know about each group.What drives newbiesNewbieswere employees with a maximum of three years the their company - the average age was 34, and this group was made up mostly of millennials.A few of their main motivations were to pick up new skills or gain new knowledge (59%), to feel pride in having accomplished a task or output a job well-done and to contribute to your organizations overall mission or goals (both 56%, respectively). Public recognition for accomplishments was the least popular choice at 20%.What keeps sophomores goingSophomores have four to seven years at their employer, and the average age was 38.At this career stage, employees pay more attent ion to ethics, transparency and honest communications, expect more frequent communications from supervisors and place the highest value on work-life balance, according to the report.Of sophomores top motivations, being deeply satisfied with a work outcome stood at 63% and to prove to yourself that you could accomplish certain tasks was at 59%. Public recognition for achievements was on the low end of the spectrum at 22%.Some of the things sophomores struggle the most with are having money for the most important aspects of life and putting away money for retirement (both at 50%) and paying off student loans or debt, at 29%.What motivates the tenured crowdThe tenured group has 8-10 years at their employer under their belt, and the average age was 42.Among the top motivations were to contribute to your organizations overall mission or goals (58%) and feeling good about an achievement (56%).Fifty-two percent said putting money away for retirement was the toughest challenge they face.Wha t keeps the sage group goingAs the group with the longest amount of time put in at their employer, people in this category have worked at their company for a minimum of 11 years. The average age was 50, with baby boomers (ages 53-72) being the largest demographic.Among the top motivators were feeling good about getting something done (63%) and making it personally clear that you can do certain tasks (58%).Putting enough money away for retirement also weighs heavily on those in the sage group, with 52% choosing it as their biggest challenge. Conversely, chances to advance their careers and staying up-to-date in workplace trends were both 22%, respectively.What employees at all stages largely shareThe report also went into what people in all career stages ranked similarly in terms of having the most impact on how engaged they were at the office.One of the top three for company values was encouraging a positive workplace culture. The most preferred management style was a collaborative approach, while people liked the delegator the least. One of the top two preferred team styles was small teams, but with individual tasks.People are more alike than different, but its human nature to overemphasize differences, the report says. When creating an employee engagement program, choose to focus on allgemein gltig truths or foundational concepts across your employee population, and then customize to meet the needs of specific employee groups.

Make Seasonal Hiring Easier and More Efficient

Make Seasonal Hiring Easier and More EfficientMake Seasonal Hiring Easier and More EfficientMake Seasonal Hiring Easier and More Efficient Rossheim, Senior Contributing WriterAny season may be the season of your discontent if you dont take care to source, hire and onboard seasonal workers who represent the best that your business has to offer.Many pitfalls plague employers that must supplement their full-time staff for the summer, for tax season, or for any other portion of the year when business peaks. Most of these troubles stem from a failure of the companys leadership to devote energy and resources to assembling an optimal seasonal workforce.Are you willing to take a fresh look at your seasonal operations to binnensee where you might improve your staffing? Consider these 11 approaches to fielding superlative workers when the annual rush is on.Dont assume that high unemployment will make your seasonal hiring a cinch. In fact, weve experienced pockets of the country where it was v ery difficult to hire, says Jennifer Lemcke, chief operating officer of Weed Man USA,a lawn-care franchisor. Its been hard to hire in Detroit. Michigan has very high unemployment the catch for seasonal employers is that extensions of Federal jobless benefits have made many Michiganders eligible to collect for up to 99 weeks, reducing the motivation to find work, according to Mark Perry, a professor of economics at University of Michigan in Flint.Use sourcing channels that offer a high yield of candidates who only want seasonal work. Youll make better seasonal hires faster if you can mine rich veins of candidates who just want to work for the season. We have tapped into graduating university studentswho are taking time to figure out what they want to do, says Lemcke.If your seasonal staff is large, dedicate substantial resources to successful onboarding. Giving seasonal employees the sink-or-swim test could hurt your bottom line at seasons end. One of the fruchtwein common mistakes i s throwing seasonal hires on a sales floor with minimal training or onboarding, viewing them as a way to fill a schedule rather than as company representatives to serve your customers, says Nels Wroe, partner and product director at SHL Group, a vendor of talent-assessment tools.Take time to ensure that job descriptions for seasonal hires are accurate, complete and up-to-date. We have clients using job descriptions that are four or more years old, says Wroe. Consider asking the author of the job description to spend a few hours shadowing an employee in the relevant position. Your customers wont forgive poor service simply because its rendered by a seasonal worker.Consider tools for high-volume hiring and screening. If youre hiring for hundreds or thousands of seasonal positions, youll probably benefit from talent-management systems. ur candidates have doubled or tripled over the last few years, so we need tools to manage the flow, says Kyle Martin, manager of talent acquisition at V ail Resorts Management Companyin Broomfield, Colorado. Wroe says that with seasonal hires, you have a very limited window to get a return on your hiring investment. Assessments let you select workers who will get up to speed more quickly.Hire for attitude as much as aptitude. Most seasonal work is about being flexible and getting up to speed quickly, rather than bringing to bear an elaborate skill set. All of our training is so in-depth we dont necessarily need someone with experience, says Lemcke. Were looking for dependable workers who emphasize safety and customer focus, says Martin.Give preference to same time, next year candidates. If youre able to select for candidates most likely to return for another season, do so itll streamline your hiring next year.Dont shortchange HR and related processes for seasonal employees. You may be tempted to save short-term costs by bypassing some HR processes for seasonal employees. This can bring you trouble on many fronts, from fielding conf used workers to running afoul of labor laws. So keep your seasonal workers on your regular HR platform, and disseminate systems and knowledge to branch offices that are hiring for the season. We supply franchisees with information on how to interview and evaluate candidates, with orientation and training programs, and with all the forms theyll need, says Lemcke.If you use staffing vendors, consider giving just one an exclusive for your seasonal hires. Staffing agencies may be swamped filling the seasonal needs of many clients at once. If you promise one agency all your business, they may be more willing to go the extra mile to bring you the best seasonal workers.Dont assume that all your seasonal hires are just for the season. Many of your seasonal workers will never be candidates for permanent positions, but some of them may be. Tag potential permanent hires early on, keep close tabs on their performance, and at the end of the season, evaluate their fitness for full-time employment .Dont neglect your end game. Never assume that your workforce will remain intact through the season it most likely wont. No matter how much we plan, we still have to hire some people toward the end of the season, says Lemcke. Consider structuring compensation to reward seasonal workers for staying as long as you need them. Our lawn-care technicians get a bonus based on production if they complete the season, Lemcke adds.

Be a Part of Telework Week February 14 18, 2011

Be a Part of Telework Week February 14 18, 2011Be a Part of Telework Week February 14 18, 2011Teleworkers, unite The Telework Exchange is organizing National Telework Week 2011, a nationwide effort to encourage agencies, organizations, and individuals to pledge to telework on February 14-18, 2011. Whats the point of a week dedicated to telecommuting? The Telework Exchange hopes that it gives employers and employees a chance to see for themselves the benefits of teleworking.Being part of telework week is a great way to learn about important telecommuting benefitsOperational efficiencies, sustainability, and real estate savingsWorkforce productivity and continuityAttracting new talent and retaining a knowledgeable workforceWork/life balanceCommuter cost savings, reduction of traffic, greenhouse gas emissionsAnd if you want some specific numbers related to telecommuting benefits, Undress for Success and the Telework Research Network say that Telework Week offers millions in savings an d they back that up with some thrilling and inspiring numbers.According to them, if the 41 million Americans with telework-compatible jobs worked from home for JUST ONE DAY during National Telework Week, U.S. savings would total $772 million including$494 million in commuter costs$185 million from 2.3 million barrels of oil saved$93 million from 775 fewer traffic accidents423,000 tons of greenhouse gas- the equivalent of taking 77,000 cars off the road for a yearSo lets hear it Are you planning to telecommute, for a day or a week, between February 14-18, 2011? At, were already a team of telecommuters and we encourage employees and employers to give telecommuting a chance. As mentioned above, 41 million American workers have telecommute-compatible jobs. Are you one of them?Check out Undress for Success and the Telework Research Network, who are partners with, for more excellent telework information and research. And check out the Telework Exchange, founders of National Telework Week for more info on the big event.And if you dont have a telecommute-compatible job, check out our latest telecommuting job listings- all are pre-screened and legitimate work at home jobs. You dont have to worry about sifting through ads or scams at, ever.

Will 2017 Spur Your Employees to Seek New Opportunities

Will 2017 Spur Your Employees to Seek New Opportunities Will 2017 Spur Your Employees to Seek New Opportunities Were a couple of months into the new year, and many people have abandoned their resolutions already. However, theres one resolution that might stick and its one that employers should pay attention to.According to a WorkSphere survey from Spherion Staffing, 62 percent of American workers are planning to make changes in their professional lives. While some of these people are looking to change jobs or careers, others want to improve their performance, earn more money, or departure their own businesses.Although the new year is a common benchmark Americans use to hit refresh, 62 percent of those who have a resolution for 2017 to find a new job or career have considered doing so for more than a year, according to our survey, says Sandy Mazur, division president for Spherion Staffing. This year, the top three factors that have workers considering a career change include higher pay (56 percent), a desire to try something new (45 percent), and better work/life balance (44 percent).Perhaps unsurprisingly, given their reputation for job hopping, millennials are experiencing professional wanderlust at a rate of two-to-one.Millennials are most motivated to take on a new professional endeavor in the New Year in fact, 22 percent plan to find a new job in 2017, compared with 11 percent of overall workers who plan to do the same, Mazur says. Nearly three-quarters of millennials who plan to start a new job or career in 2017 cite a salary increase as their primary influence.While employers should certainly keep an eye out for talented employees who show signs of jumping ship soon, the good news is that they dont need to worry about mass employee restlessness. According to Mazur, 72 percent of workers who do not plan to find a new job or career in 2017 attribute their decision to being satisfied with their current work arrangement.Politics Raise New ConcernsIn the 20 16 election, theRepublican Party gained not only the White House, but also majorities in both houses of Congress. This means the economic climate of the U.S. is likely to change dramatically from the standards of the past eight years. Employees are not unfazed by this 20 percent of WorkSphere respondents said the election impacted their professional plans for 2017.For many Americans, a top concern any time a new president is elected is the economy and how potentially changing policies will influence business operations, Mazur says.A third of the workers surveyed said they were more worried about the economy and its impact on their careers than they were this time last year.This sentiment may be attributable to workers outlook on the incoming presidents economic platform, or it may be a byproduct of the general uncertainty that typically comes with any major change in government, Mazur says. As a result, some workers who may be interested in changing jobs or careers could potentially wait and see what happens in Washington before making any serious moves.Despite the uncertainties surround the current political situation, many workers remain optimistic about the future of the workplace. Spherion found that 60 percent of workers feel their jobs will still be relevant in five years. Another 22 percent of workers said they were interested in pursuing a second job or starting a side business, which Mazur says is a sign of confidence for the future.Scratching the New Year ItchTo get in front of employees who may do something drastic as they try to scratch their new year itch, executives need to be prepared to meet the demands of their workforces.Making more money (28 percent), taking more vacation time (19 percent), and improved work/life balance (19 percent) are among the top career-related resolutions for 2017, so employers may consider reevaluating their most valuable employees compensation structures, tweaking vacation policies or modifying the culture around tak ing vacation, and offering more flexible schedules to help employees achieve more balance in their work and personal lives, Mazur says.When asked about their overall resolutions, workers indicated that exercising more (55 percent), eating healthier (54 percent), and traveling more (34 percent) were alsotop priorities for 2017.These are areas employers might consider folding into the workplace, Mazur says. Employers should consider offering options that meet these goals, such as a wellness program or sabbatical programs that allow extended time off for travel.There are many ways to engage employees to improve retention, and every business must find out what its workforce wants. Whatever a company decides, the sure bet is that doing nothing will empower workers to chase those new year dreams possibly to your organizations detriment.

The Undisputed Truth About Resume Template Word Free That the Experts Dont Want You to Know

The Undisputed Truth About Resume Template Word Free That the Experts Dont Want You to Know The Fundamentals of Resume Template Word Free Revealed Zetys resume templates are made with the assistance of recruiters and stick to the best practices in HR. Creating your resume has never been simpler Developing your resume is vital. Making your resume is vital. Fortunately, you may make an eye-catching CV easily since there are many choices to construct your resume within a couple of minutes. 7 Another absolutely free Word resume example made by MOO together with Microsoft. Moreover there are several resume templates Microsoft Word to pick from that its really tough to land on that 1 link which will actually do the job for you. You can opt for chronological, functional together with modern resume formats. Life, Death and Resume Template Word Free There are more than merely a couple of pointers which you have to remember and fully adhere to when designing a resume even when youre ut ilizing a readymade template. The advantages of utilizing a template The obvious reason behind using a template is the way quickly and easily it is possible to put your resume together. Our resume templates are designed employing an overall style to help avoid this issue. Sometimes all you will need is a timeless style template thats clean, clear and right to the point. The freebie comprises word Docx and Pdf documents so it is easy to edit it to your requirements. It is possible to also alter the font if you wish (and the exact same goes for each template in our list). As a bonus, you may also locate a template for a cover letter inside this package.A timeless style resume template is also simple to customize. Our creative templates enable you to stick out from the crowd. Each one of our creative style templates provide a perfectly balanced mixture of personality, professionalism and a little style. Feel free to bring a close look at our most current styles given below. On the web site youll find samples along with CV templates and models that may be downloaded at no charge. Fortunately, you can make the ideal use of totally free templates that are available on the internet. The upcoming free resume template welches created in the shape of a brochure. There are lots of free resume templates readily available on the web but sometimes it can be quite tough to pick the best one that is most suited to you. There are lots of free creative resume templates you may use, allowing you to focus your energy on everything else you should do. The freebie was made by Alamin Mir. Most free templates are made to be specific to certain industries, so its well worth browsing through the choices available that suit the work sector that you want to work in. You may change the personal statement based on the organization or job youre applying to but dont just make one-goes-for-all sort of private statement. When youre in work hunt, nothing can help you more than a n impressive resume. Its possible your interviewers will cross-check all of the information and verify all the details before recruiting you, so there is absolutely no scope for virtually any mistake. Its very crucial to comprehend the sort of resumes preferred by the establishment that you need to work for.

The Ultimate Manual to Design Resume Template

The Ultimate Manual to Design Resume Template A traditional style resume template is also simple to customize. The template employs an intriguing layout with a lot of fun fonts. Utilizing a resume template is extremely useful in making your professional profile. Sometimes all you will need is a timeless style template thats clean, clear and right to the point. Creative resume templates can allow you to build a document that shows your creativity whilst still keeping the professionalism you must be taken seriously to get past the gatekeepers. Much like HTML, think about including notations for software which you have certifications or particular expertise in. Thus its important to get a means to make your resume stand out of tons of different resumes, particularly when youre in plan. Both may be used to create chronological or functional resumes. If you opt to try out one of our absolutely free creative templates, we have a couple strategies to create your work search as f ruitful as possible. A number of the templates are free while others cost a couple of dollars. Our creative templates let you stick out from the crowd. You cannot operate on a specific project all by yourself. The template is devised by A distinctive and modern resume template with experience timeline and education timeline. Given the significance of a work application, a totally free template might not be always enough to showcase your talent. The Fight Against Design Resume Template You are going to have greater fundamental comprehension of key konzept elements like color, texture, and fabric. The design can be found in various color modes with beautiful information. The entire assortment of resume templates is made up of an array of creative resume designs. Enormous selection of design style will make sure you will come across a resume template that fits with your taste. What You Should Do to Find Out About Design Resume Template Before Youre Left Behind Employing a resume template is now an acceptable and smart practice for numerous factors. The download file contains the resume template in addition to a cover letter. It is possible to download a resume template as well as a cover letter design that you may edit. The seminars and training programs that youve attended can also be added to your resume especially if theyre about the work functions of the work position that youre applying for. Within the next section that is the experience section, write down the work history and experiences you had in prior jobs. Your contact information is essentially the very first thing your prospective employer will see because its in the topmost aspect of your resume. People today use an assortment of resume templates which use different sort of design approaches, but ultimately its always likely to come to the simple fact that your resume should convey a very clear message above your skills, your experience, and also why youd be the ideal candidate fo r the position. Ideal design if youre choosing a brief one-page resume. A very simple design, sure, but it seems excellent. The Debate Over Design Resume Template Resume is vital for one who is finding work. Finding an internship in fashion is a significant method to learn the ropes and learn what its really like working in the business.

How to Study for the Police Officer Certification Exam

How to Study for the Police Officer Certification ExamHow to Study for the Police Officer Certification ExamThe path to becoming a versicherungspolice officer is riddled with hurdles, from the extensive background investigations to the challenges of the police academy. Itdoesnt stop on graduation day, though. In order to make the leap from the classroom to the patrol car, youre going to have to take - and pass - a police officercertification exam. If you want to make it to field training, you need to know howto study for the state exam. Read the Book Before you go scouring the internet for state police exam study guides, remember this there is no substitution for actually reading and comprehending the curriculum. True, the police exam is long and theres a lot of material to cover, but the questions on the test arent going to come from your training officers lectures. Test questions are going to come straight from the books.The most important thing you can do to be ready fortest d ay is to become familiar with the curriculum by reading ahead of your daily lessons. Take Notes While youre reading, take good leides. Your training curriculum will most likelycontainalistoftrainingobjectivesat thebeginningof eachchapteror module. Think of those objectivesasdeclarationsby the State Police Officers Standards and Training (POST) orequivalent,tellingyou exactly they want you to learn. As youre reading the chapter, write down therelevantportions of text thatcorrespondwith those objectives. This will help break the material down into moredigestiblechunks, which will make iteasierto review key information. Review Your Notes As you get closer to test day, review your notes. Doing so will jog your memory and bring old information to the forefront, helping it to stay fresh in your mind. It will also help you recall aspects of training you may not have fully grasped, and remind you to give certain areas or chapters a second look. Take Practice Exams Regardless of your state, the chances are high that there are plenty of places where you can find practice test questions, either online or in bookstores. Your academy may even offer them as part of the exam review. Be careful here. Far too many police recruits rely on practice exams as the primary means of prepping for any exam, much less one so important as a state certification test. Realize that practice exams are but one tool in your toolbox and, while valuable, can also be dangerous. These are not actual state exam questions, only made-up questions designed to test your ability to recall the objectives. The best use of practice exams is tonarrowyour focus byidentifying where youre knowledge is weakest. Studying is far moreefficientwhen you know what it is you dont know. Read and Review Again With the help of practice tests, you can identify which chapters or sections you dontrecallas well asothers. When youveidentifiedthose areas, go back and reread those chapters, and take notes again while you do. Then, review those notes. RestBefore the Test Its easier said than done, but if you dont do anything else the night before the test, be sure to get plenty of sleep. This may be the most important test of your life, and youll needyour faculties firing on all cylinders to be successful. That wont happen if youre sleep deprived.Relax, wind downand rest your brain. Youre going to have a big day ahead of you. Good Luck on Your Law EnforcementCertificationExam Remember, there is no substitute for reading your training material. No one can force the knowledge you need into your head.If you follow these tips, though, youll put yourself onbetter footing for the exam and be as ready as ever for the big day.

Find Out How to Answer Tough Interview Questions

Find Out How to Answer Tough Interview QuestionsFind Out How to Answer Tough Interview QuestionsIf theres any moment in the job search process when candidates trip up the most, its the vorstellungsgesprch phase. The average accounting and finance professional is much better at researching and solving problems than knowing how to answer tough interview questions.Thats why if you have a job interview lined up, you need to prepare answers to potential questions before you even enter the hiring managers office. Warning Some of these will be trickier than others.Breaking down the interview questionTo know how to answer tough questions, it helps to understand why theyre asked in the first place. Basically, interviewers need to determine quickly whether you have the following three qualitiesTechnical expertise to do the jobInterpersonal skills to get along with coworkersA desire to join the companyTo ensure you have the right temperament for the work environment, managers must go beyond the first quality. To find out how you may fit (the second two qualities), they will ask general questions, behavioral questions, as well as the occasional curveball. This is true whether youre going for a full-time position or a temporary job, because employers might have a temp-to-hire strategy in the back of their mind.Top 5 tough interview questionsAs notenzeichend earlier, interviews are no walks in the park. To succeed, you should research the company and rehearse your answers to many potential questions. Here are five favorite queries interviewers have today1. What can you tell me about yourself?This is a common way for hiring managers to tritt off interviews. When answering, keep the above bullet points in mind. Give an overview of your accounting skills, work experience, qualifications and personal traits. Your goal is to pique their interest in what you can do for the company. Consider this question the first step in making a positive impression. Note This is not the time nor place to mention your children, marital status, political activities, religious affiliation, health issues, hobbies, pets or favorite Netflix show.2. Why did you leave your last job or Why do you wish to leave your current company? No gossip, please. The accounting world is surprisingly interconnected, and the last thing you want to do is badmouth mutual acquaintances.If youre currently working, highlight what you enjoy about the job. Then segue into your desire for professional advancement or another challenge. Are you between jobs because of a mass layoff or recent move, or did a temporary assignment end? Mention that without going into the weeds.Be more cautious if you were let go for performance reasons. Your goal here is to explain the circumstances. Perhaps, you didnt meet expectations because your job description changed or because you didnt get along with a new supervisor. Reassure interviewers of the lessons learned, and highlight how it was an isolated incident because yo u have an otherwise stellar work history.Finish on a high note by mentioning your dedication to the accounting profession and enthusiasm for the next challenge.3. What are your strengths and weaknesses?The key to nailing this tough interview question is preparation. Dont be caught off-guard if an interviewer lobs you this grenade. Listing positives is easy - youre great with numbers, excel in several financial platforms, have a stellar work ethic and so on.But naming your Achilles heel or personal kryptonite? Thats another matter. Mention a real but not deal-breaking weakness. Perhaps youre slightly introverted, find it difficult to take criticism or would rather do things yourself than delegate. Then immediately follow up with how youre addressing the shortcoming. For example, if you have subpar networking skills, tell interviewers you plan to talk to more people during the next conference you attend.4. What salary are you looking for? This is a really tough interview question. Ai m too high, and you could put yourself out of the running. Shoot too low, and you might be leaving money on the table.You could take one of two approaches. Research current starting salaries for the position youre seeking, customizing it for your city. The Robert Half 2017 Salary Guide for Accounting Finance is an excellent resource. Then either give hiring managers a salary range you can live with, or say youd like to find out more about the job responsibilities and non-wage benefits before naming a number. The point is, you never know when a salary negotiation might begin, so always be prepared with current averages in your mind.5. Where do you want to be in five years?Your answer to this question gives hiring managers an idea of your motivation and drive. Saying you love the status quo is not a good response. Instead, lay out professional goals you hope to achieve and how you plan to get there. However, mention your adaptability and openness to whatever comes your way. For best results, keep your ambitions in-house, as few employers set out to hire job hoppers.The goal of any job interview is to demonstrate your talents, initiative and suitability for the role. Since you dont know exactly what hiring managers are looking for, its not always your fault if you dont come away with a job offer. But do your prep work, and youll greatly increase the chances of landing the accounting job you want.WE CAN HELP

Passing an Employment Drug Test

Passing an Employment Drug TestPassing an Employment Drug TestAre you concerned about passing an employment drug test? When and how are job applicants and employees tested? Employers might conduct drug and alcohol tests as a condition of employment, randomly, or because of an accident or injury. They might also perform tests because an employee appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol on the job, if unexcused absence from work or lateness is an issue, or if performance appears to be impacted by drug or alcohol abuse. So, what can you do if you are concerned about passing a drug test? First, you need to understand your rights as laid out by state and federal law and what you can expect if youre screened for drug use. Employer Drug Tests During an Employment Screenings Most state laws allow private employers to screen job applicants for drug use, provided that they give elendice that drug testing is part of the hiring process, use state-certified labs and screen all ap plicants for the same job. However, state laws may restrict the way testing is carried out. For example, some states may allow screening only once the applicant has been given notice about the drug-testing policy and the employer has extended a conditional offer of employment. See your states laws to determine whats allowed in your area. Some employers may even be required to screen prospective employees for drug use before extending an offer of employment. Federal agencies like the Department of Transportation and the Department of Defense are required to conduct regular drug testing. And, the federal Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act (OTETA) mandates that all operators of aircraft, mass transportation vehicles, and commercial motor vehicles be tested for drug use. Further, private-sector employees may also be tested for drugs or alcohol in the workplace, where permitted by state law. Types of Drug Tests The types of drug and alcohol tests which show the presence of d rugs or alcohol include urine drug tests, blood drug tests, hair drug tests, breath alcohol tests, saliva drug screen and sweat drug screen. Passing a Drug Test The only way to be koranvers that youre going to pass a drug test is not to have drugs or alcohol in your system. With some drugs, including marijuana, a residue may show in drug tests for weeks. If you dont believe the positive drug test results are accurate, you may be able to have the specimen retested at a lab of your choice at your expense. Check with the company for information on how to request a retest. Heres information on how long drugs and alcohol show up on a drug test Alcohol 12-48 hoursAmphetamines 2-3 daysBarbiturates 1-3 weeksBenzodiazepines 1-4 daysCrack (Cocaine) 2-3 daysHeroin (Opiates) 1-3 daysMarijuana casual use, up to a week chronic use, several weeksMethamphetamine 2-3 daysMethadone 1-3 daysPhencyclidine (PCP) 1-2 weeks Note that hair drug testing may show results that go back farther th an what would show up in blood or urine testing. When Marijuana Is Legal in Your State As of 2017, 1 in 5 Americans lives in states where its legal to smoke marijuana recreationally. Eight states and the District of Columbia allow both recreational and medical use of marijuana a further 21 states allow the use of marijuana for medical purposes only. State laws restrict the amount users are legally allowed to possess. However, federal law still prohibits marijuana possession, sale or use. Further, the Justice Department has pushed for an end to rules that restrict the federal government from bypassing state law. Regardless of how the state vs. federal fight shakes out, employers can still screen job applicants and employees for marijuana use even in states where medical or recreational marijuana is legal. That means its possible to lose your job (or an offer of employment) for testing positive for a substance thats legal in your state. How can you be fired for using a legal drug ? It all comes down to employment at will. People think that they have all of these job protections, but they really dont, said Adam Winkler, a professor of constitutional law at UCLA, in an interview with The Mercury News. Employment in the United States is at will. That means employers can hire whoever they want, under any conditions they want, with a few exceptions. Those exceptions? Protected classes like gender, race, ethnicity, age, religion or disability. Marijuana is not one of those protected classes, said Winkler. Your best bet as an applicant or employee is to learn about marijuana and employment drug testing, company policy, as well as state law, in order to protect yourself and your career. The information contained in this article is not legal advice and is not a substitute for such advice. State and federal laws change frequently, and the information in this article may not reflect your own states laws or the most recent changes to the law.