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Thread: FW: Maryland Accessibility Job

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Number of posts in this thread: 14 (In chronological order)

From: Clark, Michelle - NRCS, Washington, DC
Date: Fri, May 23 2014 4:56AM
Subject: FW: Maryland Accessibility Job
No previous message | Next message →

Fyi. This one sounds interesting for this group.


MSDE Accessibility job.pdf
Lillian M. Lowery, Ed.D
State Superintendent of Schools
Office of Human Resources . 200 West Baltimor e Street . Baltimore, MD 21201
. 410-767-0019 . 410-333-3045 TTY/TDD DIVISION OF CURRICULUM, ASSESSMENT, &
ACCOUNTABILITY May 9, 2014 INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLGY AND SCHOOL LIBRARY MEDIA
BRANCH POSITION TITLE: Education Program Specialist I, Technology
Accessibility Specialist POSITION NUMBER: 082549
SALARY: State Salary Grade 21
Annual Salary Range: $59,355 - $86,690
LOCATION: 200 West Baltimore Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
NATURE OF WORK: This is a professional position responsible for ensuring
that all digital products generated by the Maryland State Department of
Education (MSDE) are accessible to individuals with disabilities.
DUTIES AND
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Increase the capacity of MSDE to provide fully and equally accessible
content and information for independent use by individuals with
disabilities; reviews digital resources; ensures that all communications,
including meetings, are accessible; utilize software and hardware and
assistive technologies needed to create and evaluate products for
individuals with disabilities; collaborates and provides technical
assistance to MSDE and local school systems related to the procurement and
development of accessible products; develops policies and processes related
to presentation of digital content in accordance with federal and state
regulations and policies.
MINIMUM
QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION: Master's Degree or equivalent 36 credit hours of post
baccalaureate course work in Special Education, Instructional Technology,
Assistive Technology, or a related field.
EXPERIENCE: Four (4) years of professional work experience with assistive
technology, digital learning, and accessibility compliance.
NOTES:
1. Two years of additional experience as defined above may be substituted
for the Master's Degree.
2. Possession of a Doctorate in a field related to the position may be
substituted for one year of the experience requirements.
ESSENTIAL
REQUIREMENTS:
Knowledge of current accessibility regulations, laws, Web Content
Accessibility Guidelines 2.0, experience in the use of assistive software
and hardware resources; skill in developing and presenting professional
development programs; ability to interpret and apply laws and regulations;
ability to organize, prioritize and manage multiple tasks; ability to work
as a team member and establish and maintain effective working relationships;
ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
AFFIRMING EQUAL OPPORTUNITY IN PRINCIPLE AND PRACTICE POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
PROCEDURE FOR
APPLICATION:
Applicants must include their resume and complete a Maryland State
Department of Education (MSDE) Application for Employment indicating
application for Position
#082549 - Education Program Specialist I, Technology Accessibility
Specialist- Division of CA&A (Curriculum, Assessment & Accountability) - The
Application, resume, and any support documentation must clearly demonstrate
that the applicant meets the prerequisite Minimum Qualifications and
possesses the Essential Requirements for the position. Completed
Applications must be directed to the Staff Employment Section within the
Office of Human Resources at the address on the Position Announcement or
faxed to 410.333.8950.
For inquiries or an MSDE Application, contact 410.767.0019 or TTY/TDD
410.333.
3045, or visit our website at
www.marylandpublicschools.org/MSDE/aboutmsde/jobs.
All applications must be received by the Closing Date.
Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available
upon request.
CONDITIONS OF
EMPLOYMENT:
Proof of eligibility to work in compliance with the Immigration Reform and
Control Act and possible travel throughout the State are required. Any
misrepresentation of academic or experience requirements for this position
may result in non-selection or termination of employment.
CLOSING DATE: Open until filled


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From: Jonathan Metz
Date: Fri, May 23 2014 9:02AM
Subject: Re: FW: Maryland Accessibility Job
← Previous message | Next message →

I've been seeing a bunch of these job descriptions recently.

Why do organizations expect anything better from someone with a Master's
degree specifically for this kind of position? The title doesn't include
"Director", "Manager", "Senior". Requiring advanced degrees for jobs where
skill and experience would be better only perpetuates the myth that
anything worth doing requires a degree.

Only individuals with specific kinds of disabilities will have any chance
of consideration for positions like this. Cognitive disabilities and IWD
who have struggled with our broken education system will likely suffer
because organizations and companies attach this unnecessary requirement.
Just because you can't openly admit it doesn't mean it isn't obviously
discrimination.

If your organization is looking for someone to help with
accessibility/user experience/usability needs, tell people EXACTLY what
you want. If people send a cover letter arguing that in their Master's
thesis they've proven techniques that will further your goal, kudos to
them. I bet you money that someone with or without only a certification
from AIIM or a PMP could do anything listed in this description.

>SALARY: State Salary Grade 21
>Annual Salary Range: $59,355 - $86,690

This right here basically covers a single year of post-graduate study in
the fields they want.

>LOCATION: 200 West Baltimore Street
>Baltimore, Maryland 21201
>NATURE OF WORK: This is a professional position responsible for ensuring
>that all digital products generated by the Maryland State Department of
>Education (MSDE) are accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Ok, so someone who can correctly apply the laws and responsibilities to
EIT.

>DUTIES AND
>RESPONSIBILITIES:
>Increase the capacity of MSDE to provide fully and equally accessible
>content and information for independent use by individuals with
>disabilities;

Procurement, training, technical assistance, probably Information
Architecture, project management, etcetera

>reviews digital resources;

Testing, qa, making sure nobody breaks laws, etcetera

>ensures that all communications, including meetings, are accessible;

Ok, some IT capabilities, sure…


>utilize software and hardware and assistive technologies needed to create
>and evaluate products for individuals with disabilities;

Ok, more testing, and being able to use AT should theoretically be a
no-brainer but whatever…

>collaborates and provides technical assistance to MSDE and local school
>systems related to the procurement and development of accessible
>products;

Sure, an ability to translate the stuff regarding the
what/why/when/who/where/how/etcetera to the uninitiated is a step in the
right direction.


>develops policies and processes related to presentation of digital
>content in accordance with federal and state regulations and policies.

Ok, develop some guidelines and rules. Got it.

>MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
>EDUCATION: Master's Degree or equivalent 36 credit hours of post
>baccalaureate course work in Special Education, Instructional Technology,
>Assistive Technology, or a related field.
>Knowledge of current accessibility regulations, laws, Web Content
>Accessibility Guidelines 2.0, experience in the use of assistive software
>and hardware resources; skill in developing and presenting professional
>development programs; ability to interpret and apply laws and
>regulations; ability to organize, prioritize and manage multiple tasks;
>ability to work as a team member and establish and maintain effective
>working relationships;
>ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Only MS degrees would be able to perform these responsibilities?

From: Jonathan Avila
Date: Tue, May 27 2014 7:25AM
Subject: Re: FW: Maryland Accessibility Job
← Previous message | Next message →

[Jonathan wrote] Why do organizations expect anything better from someone
with a Master's degree specifically for this kind of position? The title
doesn't include "Director", "Manager", "Senior".

I share your frustration. I've seen situations where people with Master's
Degrees were simply creating materials in alternative formats. Creating
alternative formats doesn't require a Master's -- it requires someone who is
knowledgeable in that area and can pass the requirements for creating
materials that comply with a specification/standard in an appropriate amount
of time.

Part of the challenge may be that there is a lack of certification or
consistent curriculum that organizations can point to in order to make sure
candidates have the appropriate skill set.

Jonathan

-----Original Message-----
From: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
[mailto: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = ] On Behalf Of Jonathan Metz
Sent: Friday, May 23, 2014 11:02 AM
To: WebAIM Discussion List
Subject: Re: [WebAIM] FW: Maryland Accessibility Job

I've been seeing a bunch of these job descriptions recently.

Why do organizations expect anything better from someone with a Master's
degree specifically for this kind of position? The title doesn't include
"Director", "Manager", "Senior". Requiring advanced degrees for jobs where
skill and experience would be better only perpetuates the myth that anything
worth doing requires a degree.

Only individuals with specific kinds of disabilities will have any chance of
consideration for positions like this. Cognitive disabilities and IWD who
have struggled with our broken education system will likely suffer because
organizations and companies attach this unnecessary requirement.
Just because you can't openly admit it doesn't mean it isn't obviously
discrimination.

If your organization is looking for someone to help with accessibility/user
experience/usability needs, tell people EXACTLY what you want. If people
send a cover letter arguing that in their Master's thesis they've proven
techniques that will further your goal, kudos to them. I bet you money that
someone with or without only a certification from AIIM or a PMP could do
anything listed in this description.

>SALARY: State Salary Grade 21
>Annual Salary Range: $59,355 - $86,690

This right here basically covers a single year of post-graduate study in the
fields they want.

>LOCATION: 200 West Baltimore Street
>Baltimore, Maryland 21201
>NATURE OF WORK: This is a professional position responsible for
>ensuring that all digital products generated by the Maryland State
>Department of Education (MSDE) are accessible to individuals with
>disabilities.

Ok, so someone who can correctly apply the laws and responsibilities to EIT.

>DUTIES AND
>RESPONSIBILITIES:
>Increase the capacity of MSDE to provide fully and equally accessible
>content and information for independent use by individuals with
>disabilities;

Procurement, training, technical assistance, probably Information
Architecture, project management, etcetera

>reviews digital resources;

Testing, qa, making sure nobody breaks laws, etcetera

>ensures that all communications, including meetings, are accessible;

Ok, some IT capabilities, sure…


>utilize software and hardware and assistive technologies needed to
>create and evaluate products for individuals with disabilities;

Ok, more testing, and being able to use AT should theoretically be a
no-brainer but whatever…

>collaborates and provides technical assistance to MSDE and local school
>systems related to the procurement and development of accessible
>products;

Sure, an ability to translate the stuff regarding the
what/why/when/who/where/how/etcetera to the uninitiated is a step in the
right direction.


>develops policies and processes related to presentation of digital
>content in accordance with federal and state regulations and policies.

Ok, develop some guidelines and rules. Got it.

>MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
>EDUCATION: Master's Degree or equivalent 36 credit hours of post
>baccalaureate course work in Special Education, Instructional
>Technology, Assistive Technology, or a related field.
>Knowledge of current accessibility regulations, laws, Web Content
>Accessibility Guidelines 2.0, experience in the use of assistive
>software and hardware resources; skill in developing and presenting
>professional development programs; ability to interpret and apply laws
>and regulations; ability to organize, prioritize and manage multiple
>tasks; ability to work as a team member and establish and maintain
>effective working relationships; ability to communicate effectively,
>both orally and in writing.

Only MS degrees would be able to perform these responsibilities?



messages to = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =

From: Jonathan Metz
Date: Tue, May 27 2014 9:33AM
Subject: Re: FW: Maryland Accessibility Job
← Previous message | Next message →

Thanks for responding!

I think that the "lack of certification or consistent curriculum" is a
huge part of it.

Another challenge is probably trying to figure out where our field fits in
a specific category (the same categories typically found on a job board's
drop down menus). Graphic Design has had this problem for years: Is a web
designer the same thing as a graphic designer? Do they basically do the
same things as someone who writes software? All code is the same, right?

I think another problem is that major players in our field have different
ideas about how the rules are interpreted and therefore how accessibility
must be implemented. I suspect that as a community, we suffer from similar
problems the US government has with their Section 508 Coordinators: Too
many Sous Chefs without an Executive Chef for a bunch of different
kitchens.

I wouldn't be surprised if organizations human resources departments come
to us from time to time and get mixed results for what to ask for.

Jonathan





On 5/27/14, 9:25 AM, "Jonathan Avila" < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:

>[Jonathan wrote] Why do organizations expect anything better from someone
>with a Master's degree specifically for this kind of position? The title
>doesn't include "Director", "Manager", "Senior".
>
>I share your frustration. I've seen situations where people with Master's
>Degrees were simply creating materials in alternative formats. Creating
>alternative formats doesn't require a Master's -- it requires someone who
>is
>knowledgeable in that area and can pass the requirements for creating
>materials that comply with a specification/standard in an appropriate
>amount
>of time.
>
>Part of the challenge may be that there is a lack of certification or
>consistent curriculum that organizations can point to in order to make
>sure
>candidates have the appropriate skill set.
>
>Jonathan
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>[mailto: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = ] On Behalf Of Jonathan Metz
>Sent: Friday, May 23, 2014 11:02 AM
>To: WebAIM Discussion List
>Subject: Re: [WebAIM] FW: Maryland Accessibility Job
>
>I've been seeing a bunch of these job descriptions recently.
>
>Why do organizations expect anything better from someone with a Master's
>degree specifically for this kind of position? The title doesn't include
>"Director", "Manager", "Senior". Requiring advanced degrees for jobs where
>skill and experience would be better only perpetuates the myth that
>anything
>worth doing requires a degree.
>
>Only individuals with specific kinds of disabilities will have any chance
>of
>consideration for positions like this. Cognitive disabilities and IWD who
>have struggled with our broken education system will likely suffer because
>organizations and companies attach this unnecessary requirement.
>Just because you can't openly admit it doesn't mean it isn't obviously
>discrimination.
>
>If your organization is looking for someone to help with
>accessibility/user
>experience/usability needs, tell people EXACTLY what you want. If people
>send a cover letter arguing that in their Master's thesis they've proven
>techniques that will further your goal, kudos to them. I bet you money
>that
>someone with or without only a certification from AIIM or a PMP could do
>anything listed in this description.
>
>>SALARY: State Salary Grade 21
>>Annual Salary Range: $59,355 - $86,690
>
>This right here basically covers a single year of post-graduate study in
>the
>fields they want.
>
>>LOCATION: 200 West Baltimore Street
>>Baltimore, Maryland 21201
>>NATURE OF WORK: This is a professional position responsible for
>>ensuring that all digital products generated by the Maryland State
>>Department of Education (MSDE) are accessible to individuals with
>>disabilities.
>
>Ok, so someone who can correctly apply the laws and responsibilities to
>EIT.
>
>>DUTIES AND
>>RESPONSIBILITIES:
>>Increase the capacity of MSDE to provide fully and equally accessible
>>content and information for independent use by individuals with
>>disabilities;
>
>Procurement, training, technical assistance, probably Information
>Architecture, project management, etcetera
>
>>reviews digital resources;
>
>Testing, qa, making sure nobody breaks laws, etcetera
>
>>ensures that all communications, including meetings, are accessible;
>
>Ok, some IT capabilities, sure…
>
>
>>utilize software and hardware and assistive technologies needed to
>>create and evaluate products for individuals with disabilities;
>
>Ok, more testing, and being able to use AT should theoretically be a
>no-brainer but whatever…
>
>>collaborates and provides technical assistance to MSDE and local school
>>systems related to the procurement and development of accessible
>>products;
>
>Sure, an ability to translate the stuff regarding the
>what/why/when/who/where/how/etcetera to the uninitiated is a step in the
>right direction.
>
>
>>develops policies and processes related to presentation of digital
>>content in accordance with federal and state regulations and policies.
>
>Ok, develop some guidelines and rules. Got it.
>
>>MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
>>EDUCATION: Master's Degree or equivalent 36 credit hours of post
>>baccalaureate course work in Special Education, Instructional
>>Technology, Assistive Technology, or a related field.
>>Knowledge of current accessibility regulations, laws, Web Content
>>Accessibility Guidelines 2.0, experience in the use of assistive
>>software and hardware resources; skill in developing and presenting
>>professional development programs; ability to interpret and apply laws
>>and regulations; ability to organize, prioritize and manage multiple
>>tasks; ability to work as a team member and establish and maintain
>>effective working relationships; ability to communicate effectively,
>>both orally and in writing.
>
>Only MS degrees would be able to perform these responsibilities?
>
>
>
>>>messages to = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>>

From: Bourne, Sarah (ITD)
Date: Tue, May 27 2014 9:52AM
Subject: Re: FW: Maryland Accessibility Job
← Previous message | Next message →

I am not familiar with the personnel practices in Maryland, but in many large organizations the classification of jobs, and the salary that can be offered, are tied to the qualifications that are needed. A Master's Degree may have bumped the salary into a range closer to the actual job market, for instance. If you are interested in a position where you think you have relevant experience that may even be superior to what they are asking for, then I think you should apply and make your case. You may find that they can be more flexible than it appears.

sb
Sarah E. Bourne
Director of Assistive Technology
Information Technology Division
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
1 Ashburton Pl. rm 1601 Boston MA 02108
617-626-4502
= EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
http://www.mass.gov/itd

From: Karl Groves
Date: Tue, May 27 2014 10:19AM
Subject: Re: FW: Maryland Accessibility Job
← Previous message | Next message →

Sarah,

Unfortunately, those same job classification systems also tend to become
job qualification systems. Some HR systems which run the job announcements
also run the job applications as well and if an applicant comes by and
applies and they don't have a masters, their application is dumped without
a chance for human consideration, no matter how flexible the organization
actually is WRT to the education requirement.

The best approach is to lie in the online form so that your info matches
the requirements, then as you state, disclose in your cover letter that
your level of expertise and/ or experience should qualify you.


On Tue, May 27, 2014 at 11:52 AM, Bourne, Sarah (ITD) <
= EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:

> I am not familiar with the personnel practices in Maryland, but in many
> large organizations the classification of jobs, and the salary that can be
> offered, are tied to the qualifications that are needed. A Master's Degree
> may have bumped the salary into a range closer to the actual job market,
> for instance. If you are interested in a position where you think you have
> relevant experience that may even be superior to what they are asking for,
> then I think you should apply and make your case. You may find that they
> can be more flexible than it appears.
>
> sb
> Sarah E. Bourne
> Director of Assistive Technology
> Information Technology Division
> Commonwealth of Massachusetts
> 1 Ashburton Pl. rm 1601 Boston MA 02108
> 617-626-4502
> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
> http://www.mass.gov/itd
>
> > > >



--

Karl Groves
www.karlgroves.com
@karlgroves
http://www.linkedin.com/in/karlgroves
Phone: +1 410.541.6829

www.tenon.io

What is this thing and what does it do?
http://vimeo.com/84970341

http://lanyrd.com/profile/karlgroves/

From: Thompson, Rachel
Date: Tue, May 27 2014 10:42AM
Subject: Re: FW: Maryland Accessibility Job
← Previous message | Next message →

I work for a state university with pretty strict degree requirements for certain job levels. We usually include something in job ads about "equivalent experience" so someone who may not have a Bachelors/Masters/Doctorate could apply and be a viable candidate.

In order to offer a competitive salary, we usually have to require a Bachelors (with Masters preferred) for even entry level jobs in our office, which handles instructional tech support campus wide. Those usually pay 30K annually. If we require a Masters, we might be able to offer 35K.

In many cases, we don't get to decide what degree is required, only applicable fields.

Dr. Rachel S. Thompson
Director, Emerging Technology
Center for Instructional Technology
University of Alabama

On May 27, 2014, at 11:19 AM, "Karl Groves" < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:

> Sarah,
>
> Unfortunately, those same job classification systems also tend to become
> job qualification systems. Some HR systems which run the job announcements
> also run the job applications as well and if an applicant comes by and
> applies and they don't have a masters, their application is dumped without
> a chance for human consideration, no matter how flexible the organization
> actually is WRT to the education requirement.
>
> The best approach is to lie in the online form so that your info matches
> the requirements, then as you state, disclose in your cover letter that
> your level of expertise and/ or experience should qualify you.
>
>
> On Tue, May 27, 2014 at 11:52 AM, Bourne, Sarah (ITD) <
> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
>
>> I am not familiar with the personnel practices in Maryland, but in many
>> large organizations the classification of jobs, and the salary that can be
>> offered, are tied to the qualifications that are needed. A Master's Degree
>> may have bumped the salary into a range closer to the actual job market,
>> for instance. If you are interested in a position where you think you have
>> relevant experience that may even be superior to what they are asking for,
>> then I think you should apply and make your case. You may find that they
>> can be more flexible than it appears.
>>
>> sb
>> Sarah E. Bourne
>> Director of Assistive Technology
>> Information Technology Division
>> Commonwealth of Massachusetts
>> 1 Ashburton Pl. rm 1601 Boston MA 02108
>> 617-626-4502
>> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>> http://www.mass.gov/itd
>>
>> >> >> >
>
>
> --
>
> Karl Groves
> www.karlgroves.com
> @karlgroves
> http://www.linkedin.com/in/karlgroves
> Phone: +1 410.541.6829
>
> www.tenon.io
>
> What is this thing and what does it do?
> http://vimeo.com/84970341
>
> http://lanyrd.com/profile/karlgroves/
> > >

From: Chagnon | PubCom
Date: Tue, May 27 2014 10:44AM
Subject: Re: FW: Maryland Accessibility Job
← Previous message | Next message →

<< Unfortunately, those same job classification systems also tend to become
job qualification systems. Some HR systems which run the job announcements
also run the job applications as well and if an applicant comes by and
applies and they don't have a masters, their application is dumped without a
chance for human consideration >>

So true, especially in government. And it's getting worse every year.

I'm finding that many federal HR departments don't have a clue about the
jobs they announce and recruit for, and HR staff are barely skilled in
office software themselves, let alone understand the technical expertise
needed for many jobs.

If I could only tell you what I've witnessed here inside the Washington DC
Beltway! You'd cry.

--Bevi Chagnon
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
www.PubCom.com - Trainers, Consultants, Designers, Developers.
Print, Web, Acrobat, XML, eBooks, and U.S. Federal Section 508
Accessibility.
Taka a Sec. 508 Class in 2014 - www.Pubcom.com/classes

From: Jonathan Metz
Date: Tue, May 27 2014 11:03AM
Subject: Re: FW: Maryland Accessibility Job
← Previous message | Next message →

I in the process of mentioning applicant tracking systems (ATS), but Karl
beat me to it. I would argue against lying in the ATS, as it will probably
just tick off the human resource (HR) department:

"Most hiring managers have denied interviews to candidates qualified by
their resumes, but disqualified by additional information in their cover
letters" — Lisa Vaas,
http://www.theladders.com/career-advice/getting-cover-letter-noticed (It's
the second unordered list under the H3 "Understanding your cover letter's
electronic journey…")

Rachel:

"Equivalent experience" is a joke. If the ATS finds 50 resumes that have
an MS degree, the ones that lack won't even be aggregated, let alone
evaluated. The problem with organizations developing a pay system based
on education requirements is that it creates a unfair advantage to
individuals who can afford to pay and/or a disadvantage to individuals
with disabilities. This is textbook (pun intended) discrimination.






On 5/27/14, 12:44 PM, "Chagnon | PubCom" < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:

><< Unfortunately, those same job classification systems also tend to
>become
>job qualification systems. Some HR systems which run the job announcements
>also run the job applications as well and if an applicant comes by and
>applies and they don't have a masters, their application is dumped
>without a
>chance for human consideration >>
>
>So true, especially in government. And it's getting worse every year.
>
>I'm finding that many federal HR departments don't have a clue about the
>jobs they announce and recruit for, and HR staff are barely skilled in
>office software themselves, let alone understand the technical expertise
>needed for many jobs.
>
>If I could only tell you what I've witnessed here inside the Washington DC
>Beltway! You'd cry.
>
>--Bevi Chagnon
>- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
>-
>- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
>www.PubCom.com - Trainers, Consultants, Designers, Developers.
>Print, Web, Acrobat, XML, eBooks, and U.S. Federal Section 508
>Accessibility.
>Taka a Sec. 508 Class in 2014 - www.Pubcom.com/classes
>
>
>>>On 5/27/14, 12:42 PM, "Thompson, Rachel" < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:

>I work for a state university with pretty strict degree requirements for
>certain job levels. We usually include something in job ads about
>"equivalent experience" so someone who may not have a
>Bachelors/Masters/Doctorate could apply and be a viable candidate.
>
>In order to offer a competitive salary, we usually have to require a
>Bachelors (with Masters preferred) for even entry level jobs in our
>office, which handles instructional tech support campus wide. Those
>usually pay 30K annually. If we require a Masters, we might be able to
>offer 35K.
>
>In many cases, we don't get to decide what degree is required, only
>applicable fields.
>
>Dr. Rachel S. Thompson
>Director, Emerging Technology
>Center for Instructional Technology
>University of Alabama
>
>On May 27, 2014, at 11:19 AM, "Karl Groves" < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
>
>>Sarah,
>>Unfortunately, those same job classification systems also tend to become
>>job qualification systems. Some HR systems which run the job
>>announcements
>>also run the job applications as well and if an applicant comes by and
>>applies and they don't have a masters, their application is dumped
>>without
>>a chance for human consideration, no matter how flexible the organization
>>actually is WRT to the education requirement.
>>The best approach is to lie in the online form so that your info matches
>>the requirements, then as you state, disclose in your cover letter that
>>your level of expertise and/ or experience should qualify you.
>>On Tue, May 27, 2014 at 11:52 AM, Bourne, Sarah (ITD) <
>> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
>>>I am not familiar with the personnel practices in Maryland, but in many
>>>large organizations the classification of jobs, and the salary that can
>>>be
>>>offered, are tied to the qualifications that are needed. A Master's
>>>Degree
>>>may have bumped the salary into a range closer to the actual job market,
>>>for instance. If you are interested in a position where you think you
>>>have
>>>relevant experience that may even be superior to what they are asking
>>>for,
>>>then I think you should apply and make your case. You may find that
>>>they
>>>can be more flexible than it appears.
>>>sb
>>>Sarah E. Bourne
>>>Director of Assistive Technology
>>>Information Technology Division
>>>Commonwealth of Massachusetts
>>>1 Ashburton Pl. rm 1601 Boston MA 02108
>>>617-626-4502
>>> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>>http://www.mass.gov/itd
>>>>>>>>>>>--
>>Karl Groves
>>www.karlgroves.com
>>@karlgroves
>>http://www.linkedin.com/in/karlgroves
>>Phone: +1 410.541.6829
>>www.tenon.io
>>What is this thing and what does it do?
>>http://vimeo.com/84970341
>>http://lanyrd.com/profile/karlgroves/
>>>>>>>>>>


>

From: Thompson, Rachel
Date: Tue, May 27 2014 11:38AM
Subject: Re: FW: Maryland Accessibility Job
← Previous message | Next message →

In some cases, we have successfully lobbied to hire someone based on his or her "equivalent experience", so I do think it can be a useful inclusion in the application process.

When applicants complete our HR forms, they are asked something like "Do you have a Bachelors degree or equivalent experience?". If their response is No, we (the department who is hiring) do not see their application.


Dr. Rachel S. Thompson
Director, Emerging Technology
Center for Instructional Technology
University of Alabama

On May 27, 2014, at 12:04 PM, "Jonathan Metz" < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:

> I in the process of mentioning applicant tracking systems (ATS), but Karl
> beat me to it. I would argue against lying in the ATS, as it will probably
> just tick off the human resource (HR) department:
>
> "Most hiring managers have denied interviews to candidates qualified by
> their resumes, but disqualified by additional information in their cover
> letters" — Lisa Vaas,
> http://www.theladders.com/career-advice/getting-cover-letter-noticed (It's
> the second unordered list under the H3 "Understanding your cover letter's
> electronic journey…")
>
> Rachel:
>
> "Equivalent experience" is a joke. If the ATS finds 50 resumes that have
> an MS degree, the ones that lack won't even be aggregated, let alone
> evaluated. The problem with organizations developing a pay system based
> on education requirements is that it creates a unfair advantage to
> individuals who can afford to pay and/or a disadvantage to individuals
> with disabilities. This is textbook (pun intended) discrimination.
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On 5/27/14, 12:44 PM, "Chagnon | PubCom" < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
>
>> << Unfortunately, those same job classification systems also tend to
>> become
>> job qualification systems. Some HR systems which run the job announcements
>> also run the job applications as well and if an applicant comes by and
>> applies and they don't have a masters, their application is dumped
>> without a
>> chance for human consideration >>
>>
>> So true, especially in government. And it's getting worse every year.
>>
>> I'm finding that many federal HR departments don't have a clue about the
>> jobs they announce and recruit for, and HR staff are barely skilled in
>> office software themselves, let alone understand the technical expertise
>> needed for many jobs.
>>
>> If I could only tell you what I've witnessed here inside the Washington DC
>> Beltway! You'd cry.
>>
>> --Bevi Chagnon
>> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
>> -
>> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
>> www.PubCom.com - Trainers, Consultants, Designers, Developers.
>> Print, Web, Acrobat, XML, eBooks, and U.S. Federal Section 508
>> Accessibility.
>> Taka a Sec. 508 Class in 2014 - www.Pubcom.com/classes
>>
>>
>> >> >> >
>
>
> On 5/27/14, 12:42 PM, "Thompson, Rachel" < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
>
>> I work for a state university with pretty strict degree requirements for
>> certain job levels. We usually include something in job ads about
>> "equivalent experience" so someone who may not have a
>> Bachelors/Masters/Doctorate could apply and be a viable candidate.
>>
>> In order to offer a competitive salary, we usually have to require a
>> Bachelors (with Masters preferred) for even entry level jobs in our
>> office, which handles instructional tech support campus wide. Those
>> usually pay 30K annually. If we require a Masters, we might be able to
>> offer 35K.
>>
>> In many cases, we don't get to decide what degree is required, only
>> applicable fields.
>>
>> Dr. Rachel S. Thompson
>> Director, Emerging Technology
>> Center for Instructional Technology
>> University of Alabama
>>
>> On May 27, 2014, at 11:19 AM, "Karl Groves" < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
>>
>>> Sarah,
>>> Unfortunately, those same job classification systems also tend to become
>>> job qualification systems. Some HR systems which run the job
>>> announcements
>>> also run the job applications as well and if an applicant comes by and
>>> applies and they don't have a masters, their application is dumped
>>> without
>>> a chance for human consideration, no matter how flexible the organization
>>> actually is WRT to the education requirement.
>>> The best approach is to lie in the online form so that your info matches
>>> the requirements, then as you state, disclose in your cover letter that
>>> your level of expertise and/ or experience should qualify you.
>>> On Tue, May 27, 2014 at 11:52 AM, Bourne, Sarah (ITD) <
>>> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
>>>> I am not familiar with the personnel practices in Maryland, but in many
>>>> large organizations the classification of jobs, and the salary that can
>>>> be
>>>> offered, are tied to the qualifications that are needed. A Master's
>>>> Degree
>>>> may have bumped the salary into a range closer to the actual job market,
>>>> for instance. If you are interested in a position where you think you
>>>> have
>>>> relevant experience that may even be superior to what they are asking
>>>> for,
>>>> then I think you should apply and make your case. You may find that
>>>> they
>>>> can be more flexible than it appears.
>>>> sb
>>>> Sarah E. Bourne
>>>> Director of Assistive Technology
>>>> Information Technology Division
>>>> Commonwealth of Massachusetts
>>>> 1 Ashburton Pl. rm 1601 Boston MA 02108
>>>> 617-626-4502
>>>> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>>> http://www.mass.gov/itd
>>>> >>>> >>>> >>> --
>>> Karl Groves
>>> www.karlgroves.com
>>> @karlgroves
>>> http://www.linkedin.com/in/karlgroves
>>> Phone: +1 410.541.6829
>>> www.tenon.io
>>> What is this thing and what does it do?
>>> http://vimeo.com/84970341
>>> http://lanyrd.com/profile/karlgroves/
>>> >>> >>> >> >> >> >
>
>
> > >

From: Trafford, Logan
Date: Tue, May 27 2014 11:53AM
Subject: Re: FW: Maryland Accessibility Job
← Previous message | Next message →

$35K for a starting salary for someone with a Master's degree is competitive? Am I out to lunch, or does that not seem extremely low. For comparison sake, a minimum-wage job in Ontario grosses $23K per year!



-----Original Message-----
From: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = [mailto: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = ] On Behalf Of Thompson, Rachel
Sent: May 27, 2014 1:39 PM
To: WebAIM Discussion List
Subject: Re: [WebAIM] FW: Maryland Accessibility Job

In some cases, we have successfully lobbied to hire someone based on his or her "equivalent experience", so I do think it can be a useful inclusion in the application process.

When applicants complete our HR forms, they are asked something like "Do you have a Bachelors degree or equivalent experience?". If their response is No, we (the department who is hiring) do not see their application.


Dr. Rachel S. Thompson
Director, Emerging Technology
Center for Instructional Technology
University of Alabama

On May 27, 2014, at 12:04 PM, "Jonathan Metz" < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:

> I in the process of mentioning applicant tracking systems (ATS), but
> Karl beat me to it. I would argue against lying in the ATS, as it will
> probably just tick off the human resource (HR) department:
>
> "Most hiring managers have denied interviews to candidates qualified
> by their resumes, but disqualified by additional information in their
> cover letters" — Lisa Vaas,
> http://www.theladders.com/career-advice/getting-cover-letter-noticed
> (It's the second unordered list under the H3 "Understanding your cover
> letter's electronic journey…")
>
> Rachel:
>
> "Equivalent experience" is a joke. If the ATS finds 50 resumes that
> have an MS degree, the ones that lack won't even be aggregated, let
> alone evaluated. The problem with organizations developing a pay
> system based on education requirements is that it creates a unfair
> advantage to individuals who can afford to pay and/or a disadvantage
> to individuals with disabilities. This is textbook (pun intended) discrimination.
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On 5/27/14, 12:44 PM, "Chagnon | PubCom" < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
>
>> << Unfortunately, those same job classification systems also tend to
>> become job qualification systems. Some HR systems which run the job
>> announcements also run the job applications as well and if an
>> applicant comes by and applies and they don't have a masters, their
>> application is dumped without a chance for human consideration >>
>>
>> So true, especially in government. And it's getting worse every year.
>>
>> I'm finding that many federal HR departments don't have a clue about
>> the jobs they announce and recruit for, and HR staff are barely
>> skilled in office software themselves, let alone understand the
>> technical expertise needed for many jobs.
>>
>> If I could only tell you what I've witnessed here inside the
>> Washington DC Beltway! You'd cry.
>>
>> --Bevi Chagnon
>> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
>> - -
>> -
>> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
>> www.PubCom.com - Trainers, Consultants, Designers, Developers.
>> Print, Web, Acrobat, XML, eBooks, and U.S. Federal Section 508
>> Accessibility.
>> Taka a Sec. 508 Class in 2014 - www.Pubcom.com/classes
>>
>>
>> >> >> list messages to = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>
>
>
> On 5/27/14, 12:42 PM, "Thompson, Rachel" < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
>
>> I work for a state university with pretty strict degree requirements
>> for certain job levels. We usually include something in job ads about
>> "equivalent experience" so someone who may not have a
>> Bachelors/Masters/Doctorate could apply and be a viable candidate.
>>
>> In order to offer a competitive salary, we usually have to require a
>> Bachelors (with Masters preferred) for even entry level jobs in our
>> office, which handles instructional tech support campus wide. Those
>> usually pay 30K annually. If we require a Masters, we might be able
>> to offer 35K.
>>
>> In many cases, we don't get to decide what degree is required, only
>> applicable fields.
>>
>> Dr. Rachel S. Thompson
>> Director, Emerging Technology
>> Center for Instructional Technology
>> University of Alabama
>>
>> On May 27, 2014, at 11:19 AM, "Karl Groves" < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
>>
>>> Sarah,
>>> Unfortunately, those same job classification systems also tend to
>>> become job qualification systems. Some HR systems which run the job
>>> announcements also run the job applications as well and if an
>>> applicant comes by and applies and they don't have a masters, their
>>> application is dumped without a chance for human consideration, no
>>> matter how flexible the organization actually is WRT to the
>>> education requirement.
>>> The best approach is to lie in the online form so that your info
>>> matches the requirements, then as you state, disclose in your cover
>>> letter that your level of expertise and/ or experience should qualify you.
>>> On Tue, May 27, 2014 at 11:52 AM, Bourne, Sarah (ITD) <
>>> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
>>>> I am not familiar with the personnel practices in Maryland, but in
>>>> many large organizations the classification of jobs, and the salary
>>>> that can be offered, are tied to the qualifications that are
>>>> needed. A Master's Degree may have bumped the salary into a range
>>>> closer to the actual job market, for instance. If you are
>>>> interested in a position where you think you have relevant
>>>> experience that may even be superior to what they are asking for,
>>>> then I think you should apply and make your case. You may find
>>>> that they can be more flexible than it appears.
>>>> sb
>>>> Sarah E. Bourne
>>>> Director of Assistive Technology
>>>> Information Technology Division
>>>> Commonwealth of Massachusetts
>>>> 1 Ashburton Pl. rm 1601 Boston MA 02108
>>>> 617-626-4502
>>>> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>>> http://www.mass.gov/itd
>>>> >>>> >>>> list messages to = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>> --
>>> Karl Groves
>>> www.karlgroves.com
>>> @karlgroves
>>> http://www.linkedin.com/in/karlgroves
>>> Phone: +1 410.541.6829
>>> www.tenon.io
>>> What is this thing and what does it do?
>>> http://vimeo.com/84970341
>>> http://lanyrd.com/profile/karlgroves/
>>> >>> >>> list messages to = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>> >> >> list messages to = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>
>
>
> > > list messages to = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
This e-mail originates from the City of Ottawa e-mail system. Any distribution, use or copying of this e-mail or the information it contains by other than the intended recipient(s) is unauthorized. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify me at the telephone number shown above or by return e-mail and delete this communication and any copy immediately. Thank you.

Le présent courriel a été expédié par le système de courriels de la Ville d'Ottawa. Toute distribution, utilisation ou reproduction du courriel ou des renseignements qui s'y trouvent par une personne autre que son destinataire prévu est interdite. Si vous avez reçu le message par erreur, veuillez m'en aviser par téléphone (au numéro précité) ou par courriel, puis supprimer sans délai la version originale de la communication ainsi que toutes ses copies. Je vous remercie de votre collaboration.

From: Thompson, Rachel
Date: Tue, May 27 2014 8:05PM
Subject: Re: FW: Maryland Accessibility Job
← Previous message | Next message →

For a state university in Alabama, that's about average for entry level.

Dr. Rachel S. Thompson
Director, Emerging Technology
Center for Instructional Technology
University of Alabama

On May 27, 2014, at 12:54 PM, "Trafford, Logan" < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:

> $35K for a starting salary for someone with a Master's degree is competitive? Am I out to lunch, or does that not seem extremely low. For comparison sake, a minimum-wage job in Ontario grosses $23K per year!
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = [mailto: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = ] On Behalf Of Thompson, Rachel
> Sent: May 27, 2014 1:39 PM
> To: WebAIM Discussion List
> Subject: Re: [WebAIM] FW: Maryland Accessibility Job
>
> In some cases, we have successfully lobbied to hire someone based on his or her "equivalent experience", so I do think it can be a useful inclusion in the application process.
>
> When applicants complete our HR forms, they are asked something like "Do you have a Bachelors degree or equivalent experience?". If their response is No, we (the department who is hiring) do not see their application.
>
>
> Dr. Rachel S. Thompson
> Director, Emerging Technology
> Center for Instructional Technology
> University of Alabama
>
> On May 27, 2014, at 12:04 PM, "Jonathan Metz" < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
>
>> I in the process of mentioning applicant tracking systems (ATS), but
>> Karl beat me to it. I would argue against lying in the ATS, as it will
>> probably just tick off the human resource (HR) department:
>>
>> "Most hiring managers have denied interviews to candidates qualified
>> by their resumes, but disqualified by additional information in their
>> cover letters" — Lisa Vaas,
>> http://www.theladders.com/career-advice/getting-cover-letter-noticed
>> (It's the second unordered list under the H3 "Understanding your cover
>> letter's electronic journey…")
>>
>> Rachel:
>>
>> "Equivalent experience" is a joke. If the ATS finds 50 resumes that
>> have an MS degree, the ones that lack won't even be aggregated, let
>> alone evaluated. The problem with organizations developing a pay
>> system based on education requirements is that it creates a unfair
>> advantage to individuals who can afford to pay and/or a disadvantage
>> to individuals with disabilities. This is textbook (pun intended) discrimination.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On 5/27/14, 12:44 PM, "Chagnon | PubCom" < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
>>
>>> << Unfortunately, those same job classification systems also tend to
>>> become job qualification systems. Some HR systems which run the job
>>> announcements also run the job applications as well and if an
>>> applicant comes by and applies and they don't have a masters, their
>>> application is dumped without a chance for human consideration >>
>>>
>>> So true, especially in government. And it's getting worse every year.
>>>
>>> I'm finding that many federal HR departments don't have a clue about
>>> the jobs they announce and recruit for, and HR staff are barely
>>> skilled in office software themselves, let alone understand the
>>> technical expertise needed for many jobs.
>>>
>>> If I could only tell you what I've witnessed here inside the
>>> Washington DC Beltway! You'd cry.
>>>
>>> --Bevi Chagnon
>>> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
>>> - -
>>> -
>>> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
>>> www.PubCom.com - Trainers, Consultants, Designers, Developers.
>>> Print, Web, Acrobat, XML, eBooks, and U.S. Federal Section 508
>>> Accessibility.
>>> Taka a Sec. 508 Class in 2014 - www.Pubcom.com/classes
>>>
>>>
>>> >>> >>> list messages to = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>
>>
>>
>> On 5/27/14, 12:42 PM, "Thompson, Rachel" < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
>>
>>> I work for a state university with pretty strict degree requirements
>>> for certain job levels. We usually include something in job ads about
>>> "equivalent experience" so someone who may not have a
>>> Bachelors/Masters/Doctorate could apply and be a viable candidate.
>>>
>>> In order to offer a competitive salary, we usually have to require a
>>> Bachelors (with Masters preferred) for even entry level jobs in our
>>> office, which handles instructional tech support campus wide. Those
>>> usually pay 30K annually. If we require a Masters, we might be able
>>> to offer 35K.
>>>
>>> In many cases, we don't get to decide what degree is required, only
>>> applicable fields.
>>>
>>> Dr. Rachel S. Thompson
>>> Director, Emerging Technology
>>> Center for Instructional Technology
>>> University of Alabama
>>>
>>> On May 27, 2014, at 11:19 AM, "Karl Groves" < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
>>>
>>>> Sarah,
>>>> Unfortunately, those same job classification systems also tend to
>>>> become job qualification systems. Some HR systems which run the job
>>>> announcements also run the job applications as well and if an
>>>> applicant comes by and applies and they don't have a masters, their
>>>> application is dumped without a chance for human consideration, no
>>>> matter how flexible the organization actually is WRT to the
>>>> education requirement.
>>>> The best approach is to lie in the online form so that your info
>>>> matches the requirements, then as you state, disclose in your cover
>>>> letter that your level of expertise and/ or experience should qualify you.
>>>> On Tue, May 27, 2014 at 11:52 AM, Bourne, Sarah (ITD) <
>>>> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
>>>>> I am not familiar with the personnel practices in Maryland, but in
>>>>> many large organizations the classification of jobs, and the salary
>>>>> that can be offered, are tied to the qualifications that are
>>>>> needed. A Master's Degree may have bumped the salary into a range
>>>>> closer to the actual job market, for instance. If you are
>>>>> interested in a position where you think you have relevant
>>>>> experience that may even be superior to what they are asking for,
>>>>> then I think you should apply and make your case. You may find
>>>>> that they can be more flexible than it appears.
>>>>> sb
>>>>> Sarah E. Bourne
>>>>> Director of Assistive Technology
>>>>> Information Technology Division
>>>>> Commonwealth of Massachusetts
>>>>> 1 Ashburton Pl. rm 1601 Boston MA 02108
>>>>> 617-626-4502
>>>>> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>>>> http://www.mass.gov/itd
>>>>> >>>>> >>>>> list messages to = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>>> --
>>>> Karl Groves
>>>> www.karlgroves.com
>>>> @karlgroves
>>>> http://www.linkedin.com/in/karlgroves
>>>> Phone: +1 410.541.6829
>>>> www.tenon.io
>>>> What is this thing and what does it do?
>>>> http://vimeo.com/84970341
>>>> http://lanyrd.com/profile/karlgroves/
>>>> >>>> >>>> list messages to = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>> >>> >>> list messages to = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>
>>
>>
>> >> >> list messages to = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
> > > This e-mail originates from the City of Ottawa e-mail system. Any distribution, use or copying of this e-mail or the information it contains by other than the intended recipient(s) is unauthorized. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify me at the telephone number shown above or by return e-mail and delete this communication and any copy immediately. Thank you.
>
> Le présent courriel a été expédié par le système de courriels de la Ville d'Ottawa. Toute distribution, utilisation ou reproduction du courriel ou des renseignements qui s'y trouvent par une personne autre que son destinataire prévu est interdite. Si vous avez reçu le message par erreur, veuillez m'en aviser par téléphone (au numéro précité) ou par courriel, puis supprimer sans délai la version originale de la communication ainsi que toutes ses copies. Je vous remercie de votre collaboration.
> > >

From: Thompson, Rachel
Date: Tue, May 27 2014 8:05PM
Subject: Re: FW: Maryland Accessibility Job
← Previous message | Next message →

And of course I think it is low too!

Dr. Rachel S. Thompson
Director, Emerging Technology
Center for Instructional Technology
University of Alabama

On May 27, 2014, at 12:54 PM, "Trafford, Logan" < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:

> $35K for a starting salary for someone with a Master's degree is competitive? Am I out to lunch, or does that not seem extremely low. For comparison sake, a minimum-wage job in Ontario grosses $23K per year!
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = [mailto: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = ] On Behalf Of Thompson, Rachel
> Sent: May 27, 2014 1:39 PM
> To: WebAIM Discussion List
> Subject: Re: [WebAIM] FW: Maryland Accessibility Job
>
> In some cases, we have successfully lobbied to hire someone based on his or her "equivalent experience", so I do think it can be a useful inclusion in the application process.
>
> When applicants complete our HR forms, they are asked something like "Do you have a Bachelors degree or equivalent experience?". If their response is No, we (the department who is hiring) do not see their application.
>
>
> Dr. Rachel S. Thompson
> Director, Emerging Technology
> Center for Instructional Technology
> University of Alabama
>
> On May 27, 2014, at 12:04 PM, "Jonathan Metz" < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
>
>> I in the process of mentioning applicant tracking systems (ATS), but
>> Karl beat me to it. I would argue against lying in the ATS, as it will
>> probably just tick off the human resource (HR) department:
>>
>> "Most hiring managers have denied interviews to candidates qualified
>> by their resumes, but disqualified by additional information in their
>> cover letters" — Lisa Vaas,
>> http://www.theladders.com/career-advice/getting-cover-letter-noticed
>> (It's the second unordered list under the H3 "Understanding your cover
>> letter's electronic journey…")
>>
>> Rachel:
>>
>> "Equivalent experience" is a joke. If the ATS finds 50 resumes that
>> have an MS degree, the ones that lack won't even be aggregated, let
>> alone evaluated. The problem with organizations developing a pay
>> system based on education requirements is that it creates a unfair
>> advantage to individuals who can afford to pay and/or a disadvantage
>> to individuals with disabilities. This is textbook (pun intended) discrimination.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On 5/27/14, 12:44 PM, "Chagnon | PubCom" < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
>>
>>> << Unfortunately, those same job classification systems also tend to
>>> become job qualification systems. Some HR systems which run the job
>>> announcements also run the job applications as well and if an
>>> applicant comes by and applies and they don't have a masters, their
>>> application is dumped without a chance for human consideration >>
>>>
>>> So true, especially in government. And it's getting worse every year.
>>>
>>> I'm finding that many federal HR departments don't have a clue about
>>> the jobs they announce and recruit for, and HR staff are barely
>>> skilled in office software themselves, let alone understand the
>>> technical expertise needed for many jobs.
>>>
>>> If I could only tell you what I've witnessed here inside the
>>> Washington DC Beltway! You'd cry.
>>>
>>> --Bevi Chagnon
>>> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
>>> - -
>>> -
>>> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
>>> www.PubCom.com - Trainers, Consultants, Designers, Developers.
>>> Print, Web, Acrobat, XML, eBooks, and U.S. Federal Section 508
>>> Accessibility.
>>> Taka a Sec. 508 Class in 2014 - www.Pubcom.com/classes
>>>
>>>
>>> >>> >>> list messages to = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>
>>
>>
>> On 5/27/14, 12:42 PM, "Thompson, Rachel" < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
>>
>>> I work for a state university with pretty strict degree requirements
>>> for certain job levels. We usually include something in job ads about
>>> "equivalent experience" so someone who may not have a
>>> Bachelors/Masters/Doctorate could apply and be a viable candidate.
>>>
>>> In order to offer a competitive salary, we usually have to require a
>>> Bachelors (with Masters preferred) for even entry level jobs in our
>>> office, which handles instructional tech support campus wide. Those
>>> usually pay 30K annually. If we require a Masters, we might be able
>>> to offer 35K.
>>>
>>> In many cases, we don't get to decide what degree is required, only
>>> applicable fields.
>>>
>>> Dr. Rachel S. Thompson
>>> Director, Emerging Technology
>>> Center for Instructional Technology
>>> University of Alabama
>>>
>>> On May 27, 2014, at 11:19 AM, "Karl Groves" < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
>>>
>>>> Sarah,
>>>> Unfortunately, those same job classification systems also tend to
>>>> become job qualification systems. Some HR systems which run the job
>>>> announcements also run the job applications as well and if an
>>>> applicant comes by and applies and they don't have a masters, their
>>>> application is dumped without a chance for human consideration, no
>>>> matter how flexible the organization actually is WRT to the
>>>> education requirement.
>>>> The best approach is to lie in the online form so that your info
>>>> matches the requirements, then as you state, disclose in your cover
>>>> letter that your level of expertise and/ or experience should qualify you.
>>>> On Tue, May 27, 2014 at 11:52 AM, Bourne, Sarah (ITD) <
>>>> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
>>>>> I am not familiar with the personnel practices in Maryland, but in
>>>>> many large organizations the classification of jobs, and the salary
>>>>> that can be offered, are tied to the qualifications that are
>>>>> needed. A Master's Degree may have bumped the salary into a range
>>>>> closer to the actual job market, for instance. If you are
>>>>> interested in a position where you think you have relevant
>>>>> experience that may even be superior to what they are asking for,
>>>>> then I think you should apply and make your case. You may find
>>>>> that they can be more flexible than it appears.
>>>>> sb
>>>>> Sarah E. Bourne
>>>>> Director of Assistive Technology
>>>>> Information Technology Division
>>>>> Commonwealth of Massachusetts
>>>>> 1 Ashburton Pl. rm 1601 Boston MA 02108
>>>>> 617-626-4502
>>>>> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>>>> http://www.mass.gov/itd
>>>>> >>>>> >>>>> list messages to = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>>> --
>>>> Karl Groves
>>>> www.karlgroves.com
>>>> @karlgroves
>>>> http://www.linkedin.com/in/karlgroves
>>>> Phone: +1 410.541.6829
>>>> www.tenon.io
>>>> What is this thing and what does it do?
>>>> http://vimeo.com/84970341
>>>> http://lanyrd.com/profile/karlgroves/
>>>> >>>> >>>> list messages to = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>> >>> >>> list messages to = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>
>>
>>
>> >> >> list messages to = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
> > > This e-mail originates from the City of Ottawa e-mail system. Any distribution, use or copying of this e-mail or the information it contains by other than the intended recipient(s) is unauthorized. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify me at the telephone number shown above or by return e-mail and delete this communication and any copy immediately. Thank you.
>
> Le présent courriel a été expédié par le système de courriels de la Ville d'Ottawa. Toute distribution, utilisation ou reproduction du courriel ou des renseignements qui s'y trouvent par une personne autre que son destinataire prévu est interdite. Si vous avez reçu le message par erreur, veuillez m'en aviser par téléphone (au numéro précité) ou par courriel, puis supprimer sans délai la version originale de la communication ainsi que toutes ses copies. Je vous remercie de votre collaboration.
> > >

From: Jonathan Metz
Date: Wed, May 28 2014 9:14AM
Subject: Re: FW: Maryland Accessibility Job
← Previous message | No next message

There is something seriously broken with a system that prefers entry level
positions to have a Masters degree.





On 5/27/14, 10:05 PM, "Thompson, Rachel" < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:

>For a state university in Alabama, that's about average for entry level.
>
>Dr. Rachel S. Thompson
>Director, Emerging Technology
>Center for Instructional Technology
>University of Alabama
>
>On May 27, 2014, at 12:54 PM, "Trafford, Logan"
>< = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
>
>> $35K for a starting salary for someone with a Master's degree is
>>competitive? Am I out to lunch, or does that not seem extremely low.
>>For comparison sake, a minimum-wage job in Ontario grosses $23K per year!
>>
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>[mailto: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = ] On Behalf Of Thompson,
>>Rachel
>> Sent: May 27, 2014 1:39 PM
>> To: WebAIM Discussion List
>> Subject: Re: [WebAIM] FW: Maryland Accessibility Job
>>
>> In some cases, we have successfully lobbied to hire someone based on
>>his or her "equivalent experience", so I do think it can be a useful
>>inclusion in the application process.
>>
>> When applicants complete our HR forms, they are asked something like
>>"Do you have a Bachelors degree or equivalent experience?". If their
>>response is No, we (the department who is hiring) do not see their
>>application.
>>
>>
>> Dr. Rachel S. Thompson
>> Director, Emerging Technology
>> Center for Instructional Technology
>> University of Alabama
>>
>> On May 27, 2014, at 12:04 PM, "Jonathan Metz"
>>< = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
>>
>>> I in the process of mentioning applicant tracking systems (ATS), but
>>> Karl beat me to it. I would argue against lying in the ATS, as it will
>>> probably just tick off the human resource (HR) department:
>>>
>>> "Most hiring managers have denied interviews to candidates qualified
>>> by their resumes, but disqualified by additional information in their
>>> cover letters" — Lisa Vaas,
>>> http://www.theladders.com/career-advice/getting-cover-letter-noticed
>>> (It's the second unordered list under the H3 "Understanding your cover
>>> letter's electronic journey…")
>>>
>>> Rachel:
>>>
>>> "Equivalent experience" is a joke. If the ATS finds 50 resumes that
>>> have an MS degree, the ones that lack won't even be aggregated, let
>>> alone evaluated. The problem with organizations developing a pay
>>> system based on education requirements is that it creates a unfair
>>> advantage to individuals who can afford to pay and/or a disadvantage
>>> to individuals with disabilities. This is textbook (pun intended)
>>>discrimination.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On 5/27/14, 12:44 PM, "Chagnon | PubCom" < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
>>>
>>>> << Unfortunately, those same job classification systems also tend to
>>>> become job qualification systems. Some HR systems which run the job
>>>> announcements also run the job applications as well and if an
>>>> applicant comes by and applies and they don't have a masters, their
>>>> application is dumped without a chance for human consideration >>
>>>>
>>>> So true, especially in government. And it's getting worse every year.
>>>>
>>>> I'm finding that many federal HR departments don't have a clue about
>>>> the jobs they announce and recruit for, and HR staff are barely
>>>> skilled in office software themselves, let alone understand the
>>>> technical expertise needed for many jobs.
>>>>
>>>> If I could only tell you what I've witnessed here inside the
>>>> Washington DC Beltway! You'd cry.
>>>>
>>>> --Bevi Chagnon
>>>> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
>>>> - -
>>>> -
>>>> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
>>>> www.PubCom.com - Trainers, Consultants, Designers, Developers.
>>>> Print, Web, Acrobat, XML, eBooks, and U.S. Federal Section 508
>>>> Accessibility.
>>>> Taka a Sec. 508 Class in 2014 - www.Pubcom.com/classes
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> >>>> >>>> list messages to = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On 5/27/14, 12:42 PM, "Thompson, Rachel" < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
>>>
>>>> I work for a state university with pretty strict degree requirements
>>>> for certain job levels. We usually include something in job ads about
>>>> "equivalent experience" so someone who may not have a
>>>> Bachelors/Masters/Doctorate could apply and be a viable candidate.
>>>>
>>>> In order to offer a competitive salary, we usually have to require a
>>>> Bachelors (with Masters preferred) for even entry level jobs in our
>>>> office, which handles instructional tech support campus wide. Those
>>>> usually pay 30K annually. If we require a Masters, we might be able
>>>> to offer 35K.
>>>>
>>>> In many cases, we don't get to decide what degree is required, only
>>>> applicable fields.
>>>>
>>>> Dr. Rachel S. Thompson
>>>> Director, Emerging Technology
>>>> Center for Instructional Technology
>>>> University of Alabama
>>>>
>>>> On May 27, 2014, at 11:19 AM, "Karl Groves" < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
>>>>wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> Sarah,
>>>>> Unfortunately, those same job classification systems also tend to
>>>>> become job qualification systems. Some HR systems which run the job
>>>>> announcements also run the job applications as well and if an
>>>>> applicant comes by and applies and they don't have a masters, their
>>>>> application is dumped without a chance for human consideration, no
>>>>> matter how flexible the organization actually is WRT to the
>>>>> education requirement.
>>>>> The best approach is to lie in the online form so that your info
>>>>> matches the requirements, then as you state, disclose in your cover
>>>>> letter that your level of expertise and/ or experience should
>>>>>qualify you.
>>>>> On Tue, May 27, 2014 at 11:52 AM, Bourne, Sarah (ITD) <
>>>>> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
>>>>>> I am not familiar with the personnel practices in Maryland, but in
>>>>>> many large organizations the classification of jobs, and the salary
>>>>>> that can be offered, are tied to the qualifications that are
>>>>>> needed. A Master's Degree may have bumped the salary into a range
>>>>>> closer to the actual job market, for instance. If you are
>>>>>> interested in a position where you think you have relevant
>>>>>> experience that may even be superior to what they are asking for,
>>>>>> then I think you should apply and make your case. You may find
>>>>>> that they can be more flexible than it appears.
>>>>>> sb
>>>>>> Sarah E. Bourne
>>>>>> Director of Assistive Technology
>>>>>> Information Technology Division
>>>>>> Commonwealth of Massachusetts
>>>>>> 1 Ashburton Pl. rm 1601 Boston MA 02108
>>>>>> 617-626-4502
>>>>>> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>>>>> http://www.mass.gov/itd
>>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> list messages to = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>>>> --
>>>>> Karl Groves
>>>>> www.karlgroves.com
>>>>> @karlgroves
>>>>> http://www.linkedin.com/in/karlgroves
>>>>> Phone: +1 410.541.6829
>>>>> www.tenon.io
>>>>> What is this thing and what does it do?
>>>>> http://vimeo.com/84970341
>>>>> http://lanyrd.com/profile/karlgroves/
>>>>> >>>>> >>>>> list messages to = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>>> >>>> >>>> list messages to = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> >>> >>> list messages to = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>> >> >>messages to = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>> This e-mail originates from the City of Ottawa e-mail system. Any
>>distribution, use or copying of this e-mail or the information it
>>contains by other than the intended recipient(s) is unauthorized. If you
>>are not the intended recipient, please notify me at the telephone number
>>shown above or by return e-mail and delete this communication and any
>>copy immediately. Thank you.
>>
>> Le présent courriel a été expédié par le système de courriels de la
>>Ville d'Ottawa. Toute distribution, utilisation ou reproduction du
>>courriel ou des renseignements qui s'y trouvent par une personne autre
>>que son destinataire prévu est interdite. Si vous avez reçu le message
>>par erreur, veuillez m'en aviser par téléphone (au numéro précité) ou
>>par courriel, puis supprimer sans délai la version originale de la
>>communication ainsi que toutes ses copies. Je vous remercie de votre
>>collaboration.
>> >> >> >>>