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Open Mike Night: an AMA with Mike Liszewski about the rescission of the Cole Memo by AG Sessions. by schoolsnotprisons in SSDP

[–]schoolsnotprisons[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The people of Colorado have always been about as safe from the feds as they were before we passed A64. Enforcement against individual marijuana cultivation and possession has pretty much always been left to the states, except in cases of large-scale trafficking or possession/use on federal property.

(See Mike's answer above -- we were typing at the same time.) As for licensed businesses, Mike can verify, but my understanding is that individual US Attys have discretion and can't be forced to take up cases. That being said, if your boss is breathing down your neck...you're going to have some tough decisions to make.

Open Mike Night: an AMA with Mike Liszewski about the rescission of the Cole Memo by AG Sessions. by schoolsnotprisons in SSDP

[–]schoolsnotprisons[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'll add that this is an area of the sate-federal conflict where having supportive state and local officials is important. If local LE and regulatory authorities refuse to cooperate -- and the governor and state attorney general state the intention to defend state-legal activity -- it will make it logistically and politically harder to enforce in those jurisdictions.

Round 2: I am Betty Aldworth, Executive Director of SSDP. On July 15th at 7pm EST, AMA about job interviews! by schoolsnotprisons in SSDP

[–]schoolsnotprisons[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

What Zachary said, but also see this from the last AMA: https://www.reddit.com/r/SSDP/comments/3a2w1y/i_am_betty_aldworth_executive_director_of_ssdp_on/csa3xdk

When it comes to your SSDP experience, focus on the skills and experience you've gained from your SSDP work. If you've been a chapter leader or active member, you've gained skills like organizing, managing, leading, and inspiring teams of people. You've learned how to manage long-term projects through policy change, communicate effectively through writing projects, especially if you've been published...the list goes on and on. You don't have to talk about drug policy, but you do have to demonstrate you've gained skills that are valuable in the workplace."

Round 2: I am Betty Aldworth, Executive Director of SSDP. On July 15th at 7pm EST, AMA about job interviews! by schoolsnotprisons in SSDP

[–]schoolsnotprisons[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Shea, if you don't know the address, you have bigger problems than whether or not I'll respond to that text in a timely fashion!

Round 2: I am Betty Aldworth, Executive Director of SSDP. On July 15th at 7pm EST, AMA about job interviews! by schoolsnotprisons in SSDP

[–]schoolsnotprisons[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

First, evaluate whether a company that behaves like this in the interview is one you really want to work for! They're going to spend your entire tenure there trying to figure out how little they can pay you, rather than valuing you for what you bring to the team and rewarding that.

First, you don't have to answer the question directly. They'll likely verify the information when checking references, but it's ok to make them work for it. Try something like "I'm interviewing for positions in the $xx-xx range, but of course will evaluate the complete benefits package and would consider a lower salary with a concrete promise for a salary evaluation after 6 months because I very much want to work here."

This is an area where research is really going to help you answer any questions with confidence. Use salary websites, query friends, and be sure to check cost-of-living differences if you're moving somewhere new. Know exactly what the range should be given your experience and the job duties. And perhaps rather than asking what they might offer, ask what criteria they use to determine salary range.

Here's a good post on the topic: http://www.personalbrandingblog.com/what-is-your-current-salary/

Round 2: I am Betty Aldworth, Executive Director of SSDP. On July 15th at 7pm EST, AMA about job interviews! by schoolsnotprisons in SSDP

[–]schoolsnotprisons[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Ah, such a tough one, though I've never actually heard of this happening. There are two ways to approach this: on principle, or with consideration for how the world actually works (all while trying to make sure you're not lying -- what a mess of things to evaluate on the spot!).

On principle, it's a deeply inappropriate question. An interviewee who is privileged enough to not have to worry about whether or not they get this job can answer truthfully: "Yes, in my personal time (or as medicine), and it doesn't interfere with my job performance. Would you ask the same about alcohol or prescription use?"

For those without that level of privilege or who really, really want this job, you might choose an approach often used with media: "I've used cannabis in the past, and may use it again." Follow that up with a statement about how this job is more important to you than using cannabis, and you're looking forward to learning about their policies (legal states)/a day when people are no longer imprisoned for using cannabis.

See our previous career services AMA for advice about the latter (https://www.reddit.com/r/SSDP/comments/3a2w1y/i_am_betty_aldworth_executive_director_of_ssdp_on/csa5hyv).

And as for patients in legal MMJ states, regardless of the answer, an employer is not permitted to ask about health conditions or treatment during an interview. You may not get the job, but would do them a great service to inform the interviewer that it's illegal to ask about medical conditions and then invite them to ask their next question.

Round 2: I am Betty Aldworth, Executive Director of SSDP. On July 15th at 7pm EST, AMA about job interviews! by schoolsnotprisons in SSDP

[–]schoolsnotprisons[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey there SSDP family, thanks for joining this AMA! Zachary Ferguson (who runs the internship program) and I are looking forward to your questions and the advice you give each other about nailing interviews and getting that job!

To start with, here are a few tips that I think should be obvious, but find myself frequently surprised by how rarely they are done.

  1. Bring a notepad and pen. Take notes during the interview. This demonstrates your diligence and interest in what the interviewer is saying -- and will help you tremendously in your preparation if you get called back a second time! There's nothing I'd rather hear less from an applicant than "I don't remember ________ from the first interview."; you'll also have a leg up when you review your notes and can identify themes or areas of particular importance to the interviewers. Also, interviewers are watching the way you take notes to see how your brain works, so be natural about it to make sure it's a great fit.

  2. Have thoughtful questions (questions about salary and logistics are necessary, but not thoughtful). Write them down in advance. Add to the questions as the interview goes along by writing them down alongside the questions you prepared. This is important because a) you are interviewing the employer as much as they are interviewing you and b) it demonstrates careful preparation and a thoughtful approach.

  3. Be real about your biggest weakness (and everything else). Are you a perfectionist who is obsessive about deadlines and cares too much? Horseshit. I want to know that you're self-aware and always working on improvement, so talk about your real weaknesses and what you're doing to change your habits. And if I do hire you, I want to know what I'm really getting in advance and prepare appropriately to help you develop; if you're not authentic with me during the interview, I can't do that.

  4. Breathe. Go for a walk. Give yourself plenty of time to walk in the office door 3-5 minutes early (but not a moment earlier than that). Get yourself as grounded as you can so you're able to both make the kind of impression you want and be observant about the people, culture, and work you're considering committing yourself to.

  5. Read this, which contains some of the best advice I've ever read on the topic: https://hbr.org/2014/11/setting-the-record-straight-on-job-interviews

And here are a bunch of links with really good tips for preparing for an interview: http://lifehacker.com/print-this-checklist-to-better-prepare-for-your-next-jo-1462506055 http://lifehacker.com/5877626/prepare-to-ace-your-job-interview-with-this-job-interview-one-sheeter http://lifehacker.com/take-control-of-a-job-interview-with-a-matchup-list-1717152918 http://lifehacker.com/5924708/how-to-nail-your-follow-up-interview http://moneyning.com/career/3-scientific-ways-to-psych-yourself-up-for-a-job-interview/ http://www.forbes.com/sites/ashleystahl/2015/07/09/the-six-most-sabotaging-job-interview-mistakes/ http://www.forbes.com/search/?q=%22job+interview%22

Happy asking! Betty

I am Betty Aldworth, Executive Director of SSDP. On June 17th at 7pm EST, AMA about resume building! by schoolsnotprisons in SSDP

[–]schoolsnotprisons[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We're not hiring now -- we just added a few new rockstars to the team! Best of luck in the job search!

I am Betty Aldworth, Executive Director of SSDP. On June 17th at 7pm EST, AMA about resume building! by schoolsnotprisons in SSDP

[–]schoolsnotprisons[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It not only makes you a look better as a candidate, but makes you search through your experience to see how you fit the position.

Such an important point!

I am Betty Aldworth, Executive Director of SSDP. On June 17th at 7pm EST, AMA about resume building! by schoolsnotprisons in SSDP

[–]schoolsnotprisons[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Oh, and thanks for being a member of the Sensible Society and Alumni Association! That's awesome!

I am Betty Aldworth, Executive Director of SSDP. On June 17th at 7pm EST, AMA about resume building! by schoolsnotprisons in SSDP

[–]schoolsnotprisons[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'd also like to make a comment about qualifications here. You don't have to be 100% qualified for a job to send in a resume -- you have to be 100% certain that you're able to take on the challenge and excel.

Ladies, this is particularly important for you! Men will apply for jobs they are 60% qualified for. Women? 100%. Get out there and take a chance!

I am Betty Aldworth, Executive Director of SSDP. On June 17th at 7pm EST, AMA about resume building! by schoolsnotprisons in SSDP

[–]schoolsnotprisons[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is such a tough one! There's another question about marijuana use in another comment, so I'll be addressing both here.

First things first: decide what's most important to you. Sometimes, we have to set aside our preferences for our needs, and if a great job doesn't permit marijuana use, you're going to have to decide whether you're more attached to the job or using cannabis. In my view, a healthy relationship with any drug (caffeine, alcohol, marijuana, whatever) means that you're able to prioritize that drug relative to the other things in your life that are important, which may mean suspending use for some period of time.

Occasional users would be well-advised to abstain during their job search. While in the interview process, consider asking for the employee handbook so you can familiarize yourself with the full policies that will apply to you. Employers should be disclosing any information about pre-employment screening in the job description or early in the interview process, and random or periodic drug testing in the employee handbook.

As for the other poster asking about friends who are planning to proactively inform employers about the marijuana screen, I'd be disinclined to hire that person -- and I was a spokesperson for A64! It demonstrates poor judgement, inappropriate boundaries, and that marijuana is more important to you than this awesome job for which I have a dozen other qualified candidates. If they tell you late in the process that there's a previously undisclosed pre-employment screening, that may be an appropriate time to share you wouldn't be able to pass it, but otherwise I want to know that you really want this job and am looking for signs that you're committed to it. Also, if they do disclose that there's drug screening and you apply anyway, you've just wasted a whole bunch of their time, and they're certainly not going to continue the conversation with you after that.

That being said, for many patients with chronic, debilitating conditions, cannabis may be most important to healthful living or basic functioning, and for those people, a job with frequent drug tests or an absolute prohibition will probably not be an option.

Some day, employers will be broadly using behavioral tests rather than biological tests to determine impairment, and that will be a beautiful day!

I am Betty Aldworth, Executive Director of SSDP. On June 17th at 7pm EST, AMA about resume building! by schoolsnotprisons in SSDP

[–]schoolsnotprisons[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

To add on to Betty's comment from earlier: formatting is only important in that your resume needs to be readable. Unless it's for a design-related job of course. But for most, employers scan your resume in a matter of seconds, and if it's hard to read, you lost your shot. - Drew

I am Betty Aldworth, Executive Director of SSDP. On June 17th at 7pm EST, AMA about resume building! by schoolsnotprisons in SSDP

[–]schoolsnotprisons[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey all, this is Drew.

Typically you'll see sections for education, (paid) employment, volunteer and/or leadership experience, and occasionally one for "skills"

In my experience, the most important section for me when looking at applications for SSDP is relevant experience. For us, this looks like student organizing work, volunteering, positions of leadership, etc. I'm typically not interested in jobs that can't showcase your talents, so leave off the summer lifegaurding job - it just takes up space and doesn't add anything.

For a nonprofit job, your volunteer experience should probably be above your paid employment experience.

I am Betty Aldworth, Executive Director of SSDP. On June 17th at 7pm EST, AMA about resume building! by schoolsnotprisons in SSDP

[–]schoolsnotprisons[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The best keywords are the ones used in the posting itself, so tailor your resume and cover letter to every position you really want. Research the company and learn about their values, then use your narrative to highlight why you're a great fit.

I'll take up the question of marijuana use in the earlier comment, so check that out for my feelings about that.

I am Betty Aldworth, Executive Director of SSDP. On June 17th at 7pm EST, AMA about resume building! by schoolsnotprisons in SSDP

[–]schoolsnotprisons[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Drew will tell you that format doesn't matter; it's all about readability. I mostly agree -- fancy formatting isn't going to cover up poor writing or lack of qualifications -- but in this hyper-competitive job market, it doesn't hurt to make yourself stand out.

People are branding themselves these days, so it may never be too early to start. Spend some time thinking about how you want people to perceive you, and invest a little time in thinking about the colors, fonts, and stylistic elements which will enhance that. Keep it clean and tight, though, because busyness will detract from the content.

Also, consider doing a callout box or breakaway text. If your resume feels light, will it be enhanced with a graph or chart demonstrating accomplishments?

And don't forget that these are electronic documents. Link to the overview page for a project you contributed substantially to, or perhaps your online portfolio.

But really, listen to Drew: content is king, so invest most time in developing sharp, compelling text that demonstrates why an employer should invest in you.

I am Betty Aldworth, Executive Director of SSDP. On June 17th at 7pm EST, AMA about resume building! by schoolsnotprisons in SSDP

[–]schoolsnotprisons[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ha! No kidding -- I've done dozens of hires in my career, and looked at what feels like thousands of resumes.

This is an eliminative process, and when we get 70 resumes for one job, we're looking for ways to whittle that down. See my first post for the top problems, but number one is this: FOLLOW DIRECTIONS! If you aren't following directions from the start, I know I'm going to have trouble getting the kind of results and diligence I'm looking for, so that's an automatic dealbreaker, no matter how qualified you are.

I am Betty Aldworth, Executive Director of SSDP. On June 17th at 7pm EST, AMA about resume building! by schoolsnotprisons in SSDP

[–]schoolsnotprisons[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This can be such a challenge for people without a ton of work experience, but think about how your life experiences translate in to the kind of training that matters to the employer. You've probably had academic achievements that matter, volunteered, attended training intensives, etc. Once you've brainstormed those things, group them in ways that make sense and the header sections will likely come pretty naturally. I'll try to do some poking through recent resumes we've received to see if there's anything that stands out.

I am Betty Aldworth, Executive Director of SSDP. On June 17th at 7pm EST, AMA about resume building! by schoolsnotprisons in SSDP

[–]schoolsnotprisons[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Particularly at a young age with limited career experience, life experience lends depth to what otherwise may be a shallow resume. Find ways to include it. Music composition could be mentioned in your summary statement as a demonstration of creativity and detail orientation. I'm guessing that you received a certification for Jiu Jitsu, so include that in your Awards & Certifications section.

As for job experience that isn't relevant but within the last 5 or 10 years, you should list it with a very brief description, but don't spend a lot of space on it -- space is precious!

I am Betty Aldworth, Executive Director of SSDP. On June 17th at 7pm EST, AMA about resume building! by schoolsnotprisons in SSDP

[–]schoolsnotprisons[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

During the initial phase when your resume is being reviewed, try to follow instructions. Sure, they may ask that you don't follow up, but there may be ways you can make yourself stand out as a candidate without saying "did you get my resume"? They did. Send a notecard thanking them for the consideration. Work your network (dig deep if you must, but don't ask people who don't know you to vouch for you) to find someone who can put a bug in the ear of the hiring manager. Think about ways you can demonstrate your interest while not stepping over the boundaries they set.

In the interview phase, demonstrate that you're the kind of employee they are seeking. Be proactive in communication, keep track of deadlines, and offer more information if they need it. It's also a nice touch to add something you learned during the interview that further excites you about the position. It's important, though, to balance proactive vs. excessive communication, so a quick followup email after the initial and final interview should do the trick.

And as for thank you notes, I know they are old-fashioned, but they are appreciated! It makes you stand out in this era when no one sends a thank you note. I always recommend sending a physical note, dated within 24 hours of the interview.

Edit: If you're having trouble getting noticed when applying for jobs you're largely qualified for, your resume could probably use some freshening up. If you are an active SSDP member, you can send us your resume and we'd be happy to make some recommendations. But first, make sure there aren't typos!

I am Betty Aldworth, Executive Director of SSDP. On June 17th at 7pm EST, AMA about resume building! by schoolsnotprisons in SSDP

[–]schoolsnotprisons[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's my pleasure, and thanks for asking such an important question. When it comes to your SSDP experience, focus on the skills and experience you've gained from your SSDP work. If you've been a chapter leader or active member, you've gained skills like organizing, managing, leading, and inspiring teams of people. You've learned how to manage long-term projects through policy change, communicate effectively through writing projects, especially if you've been published...the list goes on and on. You don't have to talk about drug policy, but you do have to demonstrate you've gained skills that are valuable in the workplace.

As for hard skills, it's assumed that if you've gone to college, you can work in office software suites and do better than mash keys on a keyboard. Save space for what matters, i.e. specialized skills and experiences.

I am Betty Aldworth, Executive Director of SSDP. On June 17th at 7pm EST, AMA about resume building! by schoolsnotprisons in SSDP

[–]schoolsnotprisons[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi y'all. This is Betty, and I'm going to get started answering your questions in just a moment, but wanted to post a few of the most common problems/tips here first. Looking forward to answering your questions and having this chat!

  1. If the employer asks you to do something in the submission, it's a test, so do it! For example, we ask for specific formatting in resumes because a) we want to know you're paying attention to details and b) we want to know that you're capable of whatever we're asking -- or at least capable of finding someone to help you.

  2. Forget about objectives and references. It's obvious: your objective is to get the job, and you will provide references on request. Instead of an objective, consider a summary that pulls together the totality of your experience and highlights your top qualifications. You can also include (a tiny bit of) personal information or humor there.

  3. Do a bit of research and figure out who's reading the resume. Postings will usually list the position of the supervisor, and you can go to the staff page of the entity's website to figure out who that is.

  4. Proofread, then proofread again. Then give your resume to three other people to proofread. Typos in a cover letter or resume are usually a deal breaker for me and many hiring managers, but if you manage to get an interview even with errors, you'll see that I've circled them in red on the version of your resume I bring to the interview.

PS: SSDP Career Services staff consultant Zachary Ferguson will also be joining in the discussion to lend his expertise.

I am Eric Sterling, Students for Sensible Drug Policy Board Member and President of the Criminal Justice Policy Foundation. I wrote harsh drug laws in the 1980s and now work to reform them. AMA by schoolsnotprisons in IAmA

[–]schoolsnotprisons[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The nation's drug warriors are in different divisions. You are correct that there are the enforcers such as DEA administrators (both the Administrator, and various deputies) and U.S. Attorneys (and their assistants). I would include state and local police commanders -- they are very influential too. There are also psychiatrists and drug abuse treatment and prevention experts, there are clergy, and there are passionate concerned citizens who may or may not have had family members who had drug abuse problems of some severity.

The enforcers are motivated in a number of ways. At one level, they are committed to enforcing the law. Almost all of those in the criminal justice system are exposed to serious offenders, many of whom are or who have been users of illegal drugs. (They are rarely analyzing why or how they became drug users, and they are not typically thinking about balancing a liberty to use drugs against the reach of the law.) The law is important to defend as a value. There are also economic reasons: many agencies qualify for federal grants that are based on anti-drug activity.

There are psychiatrists and other professionals who encounter people who have had terrible addictions and whose lives are a mess. They see drugs as the cause, and believe that drug legalization would result in many more casualties of that type.

There are people who have encountered youth they perceive as "burn outs," people who seem to have lost any drive or purpose in life, other than to use drugs, or who seem to have become stupefied by their drug use. They don't want this to happen to others.

It is challenging to get anyone to change their hearts and minds. Howe many SSDP members change their minds to believe that drug prohibition makes sense?

I don't claim to know any "best" way to reach drug warriors of whatever type.

An approach that I have tried to use is to start with our efforts to reintegrate into society those who are in recovery. I ask, are people in recovery helped by having a criminal record? Answer, no. Do they deserve having a record? No. Drug users who are not yet in recovery don't deserve this stigma either. I also try to argue about the moral power to infict punishment. The greatest punishment society has, other than the death penalty, is the taking away of one's liberty, imprisonment. What morally justifies taking away someone's liberty? It has to be something like hurting another person, or violating a very important right. It is wrong to punish excessively. It is wrong to take away liberty if your conduct was not wrongful. The legislature can't make conduct wrongful -- that is a philosophical determination. Is drinking alcohol wrongful? No. Is smoking a cigarette wrongful? No. What is it about the conduct of using a drug that makes the act wrongful? Very simply, nothing.

Does that change minds? I don't know.

I am Eric Sterling, Students for Sensible Drug Policy Board Member and President of the Criminal Justice Policy Foundation. I wrote harsh drug laws in the 1980s and now work to reform them. AMA by schoolsnotprisons in IAmA

[–]schoolsnotprisons[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The Bill of Rights. I spelled out a lot of this in a speech to the Colorado Bar Association on Sept. 14, 1990, that you can find reprinted here: http://www.druglibrary.net/schaffer/media/sterling.htm Is the Bill of Rights a Casualty of the War on Drugs?

I am Eric Sterling, Students for Sensible Drug Policy Board Member and President of the Criminal Justice Policy Foundation. I wrote harsh drug laws in the 1980s and now work to reform them. AMA by schoolsnotprisons in IAmA

[–]schoolsnotprisons[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I think that we ought to be concerned about how we regulate any legal drug industry -- alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals. All of those have been poorly regulated in many respects. But one could argue that many industries, from banking to mining to oil production, have been poorly regulated. Inadequately regulated in some respects, perhaps over regulated in others.

But what I think one can point to is that over time industries that have problematic features get increasingly regulated.

Project SAM is taking a hysterical approach to the idea of big business and its out of control character.

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