Tag Archives: Employment Expertise

Meet the employer: Brenner Excavating, Inc.

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Local Business, Local Faces, , , ,

By West Michigan Works!


Brenner Excavating, Inc. (BEI) works on projects with the Michigan Department of Transportation to create roads and paths in West Michigan. At BEI, everyone is treated like family. Kyle Brenner is the contract and safety manager; his father, Kevin, started the company forty-five years ago


“We’re a great size where you don’t get lost in the shuffle. We treat all employees like family but have perks like larger companies, including great benefits,” Brenner said


All in the family


Kirk Alward, project foreman, has spent his 26-year career with BEI. His dad started at the company in 1979 and still works there. Kirk started as a laborer, learned everything he knows on the job and now leads teams as a foreman


“I like what I do because I like the people I work for. There are days when I don’t like my job (like anyone) but I keep coming back because of the Brenners,” Alward said


Alward’s team is currently working on a bike path along Cottonwood in Jenison


“We get a lot of people from other companies who, shortly after starting here, tell us they wish they’d worked here their whole career,” Alward said


Successful career ahead


Heather Wilkins joined Brenner Excavating in 2017 with some construction experience. Her team is working on a retaining wall in Caledonia. As a laborer, she lays pipe, checks grade of dirt, does traffic control. Each day brings different tasks and challenges


“It’s hard work, but I love it. Everyone is so willing to teach,” Wilkins said.


She plans to take a heavy machine operating class over the winter to learn more skills


“I would love to retire from Brenner. I hope to climb the ladder and become a foreman or operator in the future,” Wilkins said


With construction season gearing up, Brenner Excavating has a full season of work ahead of them. They’re taking applications for positions at all skill levels:

Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.

Employment Expertise: Refugee & Immigrant Employment Services at West Michigan Works!

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Non-Profits, , ,

By West Michigan Works!

Welcome, Bienvenido, Murakaza neza, Karibu, أهلا بك

No matter how you say “welcome,” if you are a new American, West Michigan Works! can provide opportunities to find a satisfying career in the United States. Refugee and immigrant navigators can provide specialized assistance to help you start your new life.

Here are a few ways that West Michigan Works! can help.


Specialized services for new Americans include access to appropriate resources such as open-entry ESL (English as a Second Language) class and employment services like building your resume, completing online job applications and connecting you to local employers with job opportunities.


Help meeting work requirements. Anyone authorized to work by the US Department of Homeland Security can receive free employment services. A refugee and immigrant navigator can assist you with paperwork and resources, like English language proficiency, high school diploma, GED or assessment tests, to qualify for certain training and education programs.


Referrals to MITS (Michigan International Talent Solutions). Highly qualified, skilled and educated immigrants and refugees can receive professional employment support from MITS.


Opportunities abound. New Americans do not need to settle on a low-paying job. There are opportunities to learn English and gain the education and training needed to pursue your dream job and earn a sustaining income for your family.


You can make your American dream happen. Many local employers appreciate the hard work and job performance of refugees and immigrants. With a steady income you can establish good credit and realize goals, such as buying a house, within two to five years of arriving in the US.


Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.

Employment Expertise: Summer employment for teens

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, How-To's, , ,

By West Michigan Works!


It’s spring and that means employers are starting to post summer employment opportunities. Now is the time for young adults to prepare for summer employment. Summer work experience provides an excellent opportunity for teens to earn money, gain valuable experience and build confidence. 


Teen workforce participation


According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, teen participation in the labor force peaked in 1979 at almost 60 percent. It dropped sharply during and after the recession in 2007 and has continued to hover around 34.1 percent. 


While some may be quick to chalk it up to teen laziness, the fact is, more teens are attending school during the summer, they’re participating in more activities and they’re competing against a growing number of older workers and underemployed college grads.   


Summer opportunities


Teens that are willing and able to work during the summer months are most likely to find positions in businesses that have seasonal surges: movie theaters, amusement parks, hotels, farm labor, construction and landscaping. A quick search on Indeed.com for summer jobs near the Holland/Zeeland area pulls up 350 entry level jobs; a mix of temporary, full-time, part-time and internship opportunities.


Teens may also want to explore volunteer opportunities where they can learn valuable employability skills, such as time management, teamwork and responsibility.


Preparing for a successful job search


Here are three tips to help teens compete for summer employment:

  • Research the job opportunity. If it’s a retail job, visit the store and observe the current sales staff. Visit the company’s website and social media accounts. 
  • Create a simple resume. List any volunteer work, school activity or odd job that demonstrates responsibility, commitment and a positive attitude.
  • Rehearse the interview. Practice a firm handshake, making eye contact and speaking with a clear, enthusiastic voice. Prepare a few questions that will show the employer that you’re genuinely interested in working for them.

Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.

Kent County Seasonal Job Fair

  • When: Tuesday, April 16, 2-4:30pm
  • Where: West Michigan Works! 215 Straight Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
  • Who: Kent County Road Commission and Parks Department
  • What: Over 30 Seasonal Openings, including maintenance, equipment and engineering positions, and park workers

Employment Expertise: Skills veterans bring to civilian careers

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Business, Local Faces,

By West Michigan Works!


U.S. veterans return from duty with knowledge, skills and abilities that employers are looking for in their workforce. Here are some transferrable skills that veterans bring to civilian jobs:

  1. TEAMWORK: Most military activities are performed with the help or coordination of others. Veterans have learned to collaborate with others to complete tasks and stay safe. Veterans who have served as team leaders have learned to evaluate situations, make decisions quickly and accept the consequences of those decisions, good or bad. 
  2. FLEXIBILITY AND ADAPTABILITY: Life in the military is ever-changing. Service members learn to adapt to the changing needs of any situation while remaining calm and moving towards the goal.
  3. EDUCATION: All service members are required to have a high school diploma or GED. Many have college degrees as well.
  4. CRITICAL THINKING: Service members are trained to examine the results and consequences of a specific action. They learn to use reason and evidence to make decisions and solve complex problems.
  5. WORK ETHIC: In the military, mission comes first. Service members are recognized for finishing their missions in a timely and effective manner. They learn to take responsibility for their duties and complete them with minimal supervision.
  6. LEADERSHIP: The military’s focus on duty, honor and responsibility give veterans leadership skills that are highly valued by employers. They have been taught to take responsibility for other people, activities and their own behavior and to motivate others to achieve results.
  7. GLOBAL OUTLOOK: Service members are stationed across the globe, exposing them to different cultures, economies and languages. Veterans can bring a diverse outlook and new ideas to the workplace.

Veterans who need help translating their military skills, qualifications and experience to their job search can visit a West Michigan Works! service center to be connected to a veterans representative. 


Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.

Employment Expertise: Five tips to make the most of your visit to Michigan Works!

3-bottom, How-To's, Local Business, Local Faces, ,

By West Michigan Works!

Need to file for unemployment? Looking for a new career? Interested in job-training opportunities? West Michigan Works! can support you throughout the process of searching for, applying for and getting a job. Ready to visit? Here are some recommendations to make the most of your trip!

  1. Bring personal identification. Bring your state ID/drivers’ license and social security cards and with you. Additionally, some employers require state ID/drivers’ license numbers on applications. (Listing wrong numbers can cause a hold-up in receiving unemployment benefits.)
  2. Have access to a detailed work history. If you are seeking unemployment benefits, you will need a list of employers and dates of employment to file a claim. Write it down on a notepad, type it in an email or save it on your phone so you can access it from the service center. This can also help you build a resume, if you don’t already have one.
  3. Have a resume? Bring it with you. One of the first steps in finding new employment is creating a Pure Michigan Talent Connect account and uploading a resume to your profile. You can use a computer at the service center to create a digital version of your resume if you don’t already have one. Uploading your resume is also a part of the unemployment claim process and required to receive benefits.
  4. Be ready to work. Be prepared to answer questions that will assess your interests and skills to match you with a job that is a good fit for you. Expect to search and apply for multiple positions that interest you. Finding a job is like having a job. The more work you put in, the better the results! 
  5. Dress like you would for an interview. West Michigan Works! regularly hosts hiring events with local employers who have current openings. You never know when a job opportunity might present itself. Be ready to meet potential employers any time you visit a service center by dressing interview-ready.

Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.

Employment Expertise: New Skills for a second career

3-bottom, Local Faces, ,

By West Michigan Works!


Gina Mancha was displaced from a long career in automotive manufacturing and needed to find a new career. As a dislocated worker, Gina was eligible for services through Michigan Works!. With guidance from a career coach, she completed a career portfolio—a collection of documents that highlights experience, skills and accomplishments—and soon secured an entry level position at Spectrum Health in the Environmental Services department. 


Eager to advance at Spectrum, she applied to an apprentice program for sterile processing technicians through West Michigan Works!. She attended an information session and learned about the assessments she would need to take for acceptance in the program. It had been a long time since Gina had taken any tests or attended classes, but she was persistent and spent hours practicing and preparing for the work ahead. 


Gina’s hard work and practice paid off; she was the only candidate to complete and pass all of the tests and became the first sterile processing technician apprentice at Spectrum Health. 


Gina attended classes at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) while working as an apprentice at Spectrum Health. She credits the apprenticeship for giving her a new set of skills and confidence to start her second career at age 50. Gina successfully graduated from the apprenticeship program last spring and has been promoted from an apprentice to a sterile processing technician with Spectrum Health. 


Gina, Spectrum Health and GRCC were recently honored by the Michigan Works! Association and state lawmakers as 2019 Impact Award winners. The awards recognize workforce achievements in communities across Michigan.


Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.

Employment Expertise: Bienvenido a West Michigan Works!

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Local Business, Non-Profits, Our Cities, , ,


By West Michigan Works!


Hay más de 43,000 Hispanohablantes que viven en el condado de Kent, de acuerdo con la 2013-2017 Encuesta de la Comunidad Americana. Para cuidar mejor los residentes de la zona, West Michigan Works! recientemente lanzó un sitio web en español: es.westmiworks.org. Hispanohablantes pueden encontrar en su idioma primario cómo comenzar su reclamo para desempleo, registrarse para trabajo, donde encontrar el centro de servicio más cercano, y que tipos de servicios de búsqueda de empleo están disponibles. 


Otro recurso disponible en español en el sitio web es la lista anual de los trabajos que están en alta demanda. Este reportaje identifica los 100 empleos con alta tasa de crecimiento, los que pagan más de $13.00/hora, y cuales tienen alta demanda por empleadores locales. Esta lista incluye el pago promedio, y entrenamiento típico o requisitos académicos necesarios para cada trabajo. También identifican las profesiones que están disponibles para  recibir becas de entrenamientos. Puede encontrar la lista en español de los trabajos en alta demanda en: es.westmiworks.org/hot-jobs-2/.


West Michigan Works! ofrece servicios gratuitos de búsqueda de trabajo a todos los solicitantes de empleo. La utilización de estos servicios no requiere prueba de ciudadanía y no afecta el proceso de solicitud de ciudadanía.


La experiencia en el empleo es ofrecida por West Michigan Works! Puede obtener más información sobre cómo pueden ayudar visite es.westmiworks.org o venga a su centro de servicio local.


There are nearly 43,000 Spanish speakers living in Kent County according to the 2013-2017 American Community Survey. To better serve all of the area’s residents, West Michigan Works! recently launched a Spanish language website at es.westmiworks.org. Spanish speakers can learn—in their native language—how to begin filing for unemployment and registering for work, where to find the nearest service center and what kinds of job search services are available.


Another Spanish resource included on the site is the annual Hot Jobs List. This report lists the top 100 jobs that have a high growth rate, pay over $13 per hour and are in demand by local employers. The list includes the average wage and typical training or education requirements for each occupation. It also identifies which occupations are eligible for West Michigan Works! training scholarships. You can check out the 2019 Hot Jobs List in Spanish at es.westmiworks.org/hot-jobs-2/.


West Michigan Works! provides free job search services to all job seekers. Utilizing their services does not require proof of citizenship and will not affect the citizenship application process. 


Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.

Employment Expertise: I need a job! How do I start my job search?

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, How-To's, ,

By West Michigan Works! 

 

Are you unemployed? Do you want to break into a new field? Where do you start your job search?


A successful job search starts with a strategy; a plan with defined tasks that will help you achieve your goal.

Your first step: Take time to look at what motivates and interests you. Begin by identifying your skills, interests and values. Here are some questions to get you started:

  • What were some things you liked about previous jobs? 
  • Are there any moments that stand out or projects that you really enjoyed? 
  • What were your favorite classes in school? 
  • What work-related activities do you like doing?

The goal of this process is to dig into your motivations and passions. This exercise should act as a spring board for exploring careers that will be a good fit for you. Matching a job with your skills, interests and values will lead to higher job satisfaction. It will also save you time and help you organize the next steps of your job search process by narrowing down what fields to explore. 

West Michigan Works! offers services, based on eligibility, to help you get started with your job search, including skills assessment, one-on-one career coaching and help finding training to prepare for a new career. You can also check out these free, online career exploration tools:

  • O*Net Online provides information on careers you might be interested in — onetonline.org
  • Pure Michigan Talent Connect’s Michigan Career Explorer offers career research and exploration resources — mitalent.org/career-explorer
  • My Next Move can help you narrow down careers based on what you like to do and offers tools specifically for veterans — mynextmove.org

Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.

Employment Expertise: 5 easily forgotten job search tips

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, How-To's, ,

By West Michigan Works!

There are many moving parts to a job search: research, networking, writing, applying, following up. The list goes on and on. It’s easy to get overwhelmed. Here are five easy, yet important tasks that are easily forgotten:

Consider job search your job. Set a daily schedule. Wake up at the same time you would when you were working. Shower, get dressed and eat breakfast. Block off times for online job searching and informational interviews. End your day by making a to-do list for the next day. 

Google yourself. Look at the first three or four pages to see what an employer will see. A search that brings up negative or inappropriate content could land you in an employer’s reject pile. Having no information is almost as bad; recruiters may see this being out of touch or lacking skills. Combat this by creating or updating your LinkedIn profile.

Choose strong words for your resume. Use words that show employers real activities with measurable results. Words like “was” or “became” do not say much about what you actually did. Instead, choose verbs that lead to questions such as “how,” “how many,” “how much,” “when,” “where,” “who” and “why.” Good words should make the reader want to know more.  

Keep references current. Don’t forget the 4 P’s: prepare, professional, permission and progress. Double-check the contact information for your references before your interview; you wouldn’t want the hiring manager to call a disconnected phone number. Outdated contact information also shows the employer you haven’t kept in touch with that person.

Send a thank you note. One out of three employers think less of a candidate who doesn’t send a thank you note. One in ten wouldn’t hire someone if they don’t send a thank you note, according to Career Builder. Keep it short and professional. Hand-written is best, but emailing works too. 

Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.

Employment Expertise: 4 reasons to keep job searching in December

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, How-To's, , ,

 

By West Michigan Works!

 

Don’t let long shopping lists and holiday parties distract you from your job search this month. Many people pause their search until the New Year, but December is a good month to look for a job. Here’s why:

 

Fewer people look

 

Many job seekers put their job search on hold during the busy holiday season. Use this time to get ahead of the competition by applying to jobs and connecting with recruiters. Overwhelmed with your to-do list this month? Balance your job search and holiday activities by blocking out time every day for job search activities.

 

Plenty of networking opportunities

 

The holidays are a great excuse to reconnect with people you’ve met through networking. Ask them to coffee or lunch to catch up. These meetings will strengthen your relationship and keep you top of mind as they move into the New Year.

 

Consider holiday parties as another networking opportunity. Meet someone new and let them know you’re job searching (even if it’s your grandma’s neighbor!). Make sure to leave your resume at home.

 

Extra time with recruiters

 

Recruiters are more likely to respond to your email because they aren’t as busy this month. Apply to relevant job postings and follow up with an email to the recruiter. Give them a chance to get to know you now, so they’ll remember you once 2019 hiring begins.

 

Did you get an Out of Office reply? Great! If they don’t respond to your email upon return, welcome them back to work and then ask your questions.

 

Keep up your momentum

 

It’s hard to restart a job search after a lengthy break. Do yourself a favor by continuing to job search this month.

 

Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.

 

Employment Expertise: The thank you note: a post-interview essential

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, , , ,

 

By West Michigan Works!

 

You submitted your resume, got an interview and left the interview feeling great. Before you celebrate, there’s one last step to your job search:

 

A thank you note.

 

One in three employers think less of a candidate who doesn’t send a thank you note. One in ten wouldn’t hire someone if they don’t send a thank you note, according to Career Builder.

 

Here are some tips to help you write a memorable thank you note:

  • Keep it short, professional and sincere.
  • Send the note within 24 hours of your interview.
    • Hiring managers are busy. If they receive your note a day or two after your interview, it shows them you are organized. And, it helps them remember you as they make hiring decisions.
  • A hand-written note is best.
    • The average hiring manager receives 100+ emails a day. Make your thank you note stand out by sending it through the postal service instead of their clogged inbox.
  • Choose a thank you note that is simple and professional.
    • Avoid cartoons, silly sayings and bright colors.
  • Use the three sentence rule:
    • #1: thank them for the interview.
      • “Thank you for taking the time to interview me yesterday.”
    • #2: Add something personal from your interview.
      • Reference a specific conversation or a question they asked. Or, talk about something you liked from the interview.
      • “I really enjoyed hearing more about your company culture.”
    • #3: Repeat your interest in the job.
      • Remind them you’ll be a great addition to their organization.
      • “I look forward to working with you in the future. My background will help [name of organization] continue to grow.”
    • Don’t forget to add “Dear [their name]” and the beginning, and “Sincerely, [your name]” at the end.

Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.

Seven West Michigan service workers recognized for going ‘above and beyond’

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Business, Local Faces, , , ,

 

By West Michigan Works!

 

Seven area service workers received a 2018 Beverly A. Drake Essential Service Award for integrity, commitment and passion in their jobs. The Essential Service Awards honor non-managerial employees who provide critical services that often go unnoticed and unrewarded.

 

“The business community often overlooks the significant contributions that service workers make in our region and economy,” said Dave Smith, chair of the West Michigan Works! Workforce Development Board. “The Essential Service Awards recognize exceptionally hardworking individuals who perform these crucial jobs.”

 

2018 Beverly A. Drake Essential Services Award Winners

  • Gordy Bacheller, custom furniture assembler, Bold Furniture (20 years)
  • Kelle Bergers, housekeeper, Ronald McDonald House of Western Michigan (28 years)
  • Nicholas Borgman, customer service representative, Quality Car Wash (4 years)
  • Riley Frens, nurse technician, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital (3 years)
  • Andrea Gafford, customer service/scheduling, Anderson Technologies, Inc. (20 years)
  • Sam Sandee, employment training program specialists, Wedgwood Christian Services (22 years)
  • Laurie Trestrail, dietary aide, SKLD (39 years)

Employers, co-workers and the community can submit Essential Service Award nominations in a variety of industries including housekeeping, hospitality, retail, healthcare, transportation, administrative, food service, general labor, childcare, nonprofit and custodial, or government.

 

2018 honoree Kelle Bergers is known for going above and beyond. Each day, Bergers ensures that the Ronald McDonald House of Western Michigan is sanitary for families of children traveling to Grand Rapid for their child’s medical or mental health treatment.

 

“I’m honored to receive this award, but I don’t need the recognition. I am just doing my part to make sure our guests’ experience is the best it can be,” Bergers said.

 

Kelle was nominated by her manager Megan Priester, services director at Ronald McDonald House of Western Michigan.

 

“To explain every way that Kelle has impacted our organization would take hours; she is a shining light,” said Priester.  “Our families love seeing her so much that they often come back years later to visit her.  There is not another human being like Kelle.”

 

Priester recalled a time when a guest room was left in an extremely less than desirable state.

 

“Other staff looked at the room and turned around, but not Kelle. She methodically cleaned the room section by section until it was finished,” said Priester. “After Kelle was finished, she simply let the front office know it was ready, never looking for praise.”

 

You can see photos and learn more about this year’s winners at westmiworks.org/esa.

 

Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.

Employment Expertise: Meet the Manager — Juan Rosario

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, How-To's, Local Business, Local Faces, , , , , ,

 

By West Michigan Works!

 

Our Westside Service Center is one of three places job seekers can visit in Kent County. We’d like to introduce you to the service center manager, Juan Rosario.

 

What is your favorite part of your job?

 

My favorite part of my job is our intentionality with being part of the community. We are more than just workshops; we are a helping hand and a friendly face. We try to be the neighborhood know-it-all so we can always connect job seekers to resources.

 

Insider tip: when’s the best time for job seekers to come to the service center?

 

The best time for job seekers to come to the service center may sometimes be their worst time. We will help guide and alleviate frustrations that come with struggling to navigate through systems on their own.

 

But if you think the “best time” means when we are the least busy, I would say early morning and late in the day.

 

What is something we offer that you wish more job seekers knew about?

 

I wish more job seekers attended our Career Exploration and Employability Skills workshops. These two workshops set the framework for identifying interests and skills and how to align them with a high demand career. These workshops are helpful for everyone, regardless of industry or position.

 

What energizes you?

 

My family, and hope for humanity. Among the chaos and conflict all over the world there are acts of kindness being performed but not by people of different races, not by people of different religions, and not by people of different countries, but by one being the Human Being.

 

What skill would you like to master?

 

I would like to master carpentry; the ability to build your own home or “tiny” home would be extremely gratifying. That, or speaking every language in the world.

 

What could you give a 40-minute presentation on without any preparation?

 

How my 9 year old son’s obsession with FORTNITE (video game) affects his ability to do chores, or I could present on TACOS but who can’t talk about tacos for 40 minutes.

 

Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.

 

 

Employment Expertise: Employers need YOU. Seasonal hiring starts now.

3-bottom, How-To's, Local Business, Non-Profits, , , ,

 

By West Michigan Works!

 

Do you want to earn some extra cash for the holidays? 

 

Are you a college student looking for a job over break? 

 

Would you like to get your foot in the door with a new employer?

 

Consider a seasonal job! Employers are hiring record numbers of seasonal workers to help during this year’s busy holiday season.

 

Why seasonal employment?

 

Perks and incentives

With the high demand for seasonal workers, employers know they need to offer competitive wages. Many retailers have increased their starting wage. Kohl’s at Woodland Mall in Grand Rapids is offering higher seasonal pay over last year. Target stores are offering $12/hr to all seasonal staff—a dollar an hour more than last year. Amazon’s recent hike in minimum wage to $15/hr includes part-time, temporary and seasonal workers.

 

In addition to increased pay, employers are getting creative with incentives to attract seasonal help. JCPenney is offering seasonal employees paid time-off for the first time. Target started the work.win.give program which will award one hourly team member per store a $500 Target gift card and $500 to donate to the local community organization of their choice. Kohl’s associates can take advantage of extra discounts during friends and family weekends to get their holiday shopping done.

 

It’s easy to apply and interview

  • All Kohl’s locations offer walk-in interviews to candidates during business hours but recommend coming on a weekday when it is less busy.
  • Every Target store will be hosting seasonal hiring events Friday, Oct. 12 through Sunday, Oct. 14 from 10am to 6pm.
  • JCPenney at Rivertown Mall in Grandville will host their annual National Hiring Day on Tuesday, Oct. 16 from 2 to 8pm.

Open the door to future employment

Seasonal work has the potential to turn into full-time regular employment for high-performing staff. Over the last three years 35% of people hired as seasonal UPS package handlers were given a permanent position after the holidays. “Seasonal hires will work through the end of the year,” explained a representative from Kohl’s, “with the potential to stay on pending performance and the store’s needs.”

 

Companies are hiring NOW for seasonal positions so don’t wait to apply. You can find out who is hiring locally and learn more about their opportunities here: westmiworks.org/seasonal.

 

Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local West Michigan Works! service center.

Employment Expertise: Stand out from the crowd with a dynamite cover letter

3-bottom, Area Education, Citizen Journalism, Education, How-To's, , , , ,

 

By West Michigan Works!

Workshop Spotlight on ‘Cover Letter Writing’

We recently asked Beth, a talent development instructor at West Michigan Works!, for some insider information on their free workshops. Beth has been teaching workshops for seven years and one of her favorite workshops to teach is Cover Letter Writing. This is what she told us about the workshop:

 

What is Cover Letter Writing?

Cover Letter Writing is a free, one-hour workshop open to the public. This workshop provides job seekers with the skills to craft a strong cover letter that presents them as a strong candidate for the job.

 

Why is this such an important workshop for job seekers?

It is crucial in today’s job market to understand how employers use ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) to screen cover letters and resumes for certain key words and skills related to the job. Job seekers need to know how to tailor their cover letter for ATS screening to get their application materials in front of an actual human. Participants will leave with a good understanding of:

  • what an ATS is and how they work. INSIDER TIP: the website jobscan.co gives an inside look at how ATS scans your application materials for key words.
  • the importance of using specific skills and keywords to tailor your cover letter for each job you apply for.
  • the basic format and content of a cover letter.
  • how to create an opening statement that hooks the reader and makes them want to keep reading. INSIDER TIP: If the first few sentences sound generic, it won’t set you apart from other candidates. Start with whatever you feel is the most impressive aspect of our experience (relevant skills or abilities, year of experience, etc.).

What is something job seekers tell you they were surprised to learn in the workshop?

Cover letters should not be intimidating or seem daunting!  Once you have your first cover letter written, it is a lot easier to change or update key words/skills as you go. Remember that the skills you have in your 20s may not be the same skills you want to highlight in your 30s, 40s, and so on. Your cover letter will always be a working document.

 

Visit jobs.westmiworks.org/calendar/ to find and register for Cover Letter Writing or another workshop near you!

 

Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.

Employment Expertise: Helping young adults find a successful, long-term career

3-bottom, Area Education, Citizen Journalism, Education, How-To's, Local Business, Non-Profits, , , ,

 

By West Michigan Works!

 

Meet Nate: Nate had no work experience and a disability that made getting a job difficult. Through the Youth Employment Services program, Nate got an apprenticeship with a local electrical company after graduating from high school, attended community college and is on his way to a career in electrical engineering.

 

If you are out of school, having a hard time finding or keeping a job and wondering how to start a career, the West Michigan Works! Youth Employment Services program can help you, just like it did Nate.

 

How can Youth Employment Services help me?

The program offers free services to young adults, ages 16-24, who are experiencing challenges to finding employment. Participants can get on the path to a successful, long-term career through individualized employment and training activities.

  • Obtain your GED or high school diploma.
  • Use assessments and career exploration to develop a career pathway.
  • Participate in work experience to build your resume.
  • Get help removing barriers to employment/training like assistance with transportation, professional clothing, credit recovery and more!

Scholarships may be available for additional job training.

 

Do I qualify?

If you are a young adult, age 16-24, who is experiencing circumstances that make finding and keeping employment challenging, you may qualify. Eligibility is based on income in addition to many other factors.

 

How do I get started?

Certain documentation, like specific forms of ID and proof of income, will be required to enroll. Contact your local program provider to learn more and find out if you are eligible:

 

Bethany Christian Services

1530 Madison Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
616-254-7739

 

Kent Intermediate School District

2930 Knapp NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
616-365-2241

 

Steepletown Neighborhood Services

671 Davis NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
616-451-4251

 

Find other program providers in West Michigan at http://jobs.westmiworks.org/program-providers/.

 

Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.

Navigating Unemployment: What to Do and Whom to Contact

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Education, How-To's, , , , ,

 

By West Michigan Works!

 

One of the most frequently asked questions Michigan Works! agencies hear is, “What do I do when I become unemployed and how do I get unemployment?” There are multiple steps to take with different organizations to qualify for benefits. Here’s a break-down of who you will be working with and how to get started with the process.

  • File for Unemployment with the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA): UIA is a division of the state government that makes decisions on who receives benefits and how much they will receive. You can file a claim on their website: unemployment.state.mi.us/ or by phone: 1-866-500-0017, TTY: 1-866-366-0004. You must follow their reporting requirements to maintain your benefits.
  • Register for Work: To qualify for unemployment, you then need to register for work. You will register in person with Michigan Works! and online with Pure Michigan Talent Connect (PMTC). Both of these organizations are there to help you search for jobs and prepare for a new career. They do not make decisions on who will receive unemployment benefits.

Step 1:  You must visit a Michigan Works! service center, in person, to register.  While you are there, talk to a staff member and find out what services you qualify for. They provide a variety of assistance for eligible job seekers. Services can range from help getting reliable transportation to training scholarships.

 

Step 2: You also need to create a PMTC account and profile online. PMTC is an online portal where you can search for jobs and upload your resume so employers can find you. They also offer assessments and career information to help you find a job that fits your skills and interests. Be sure to update your PMTC profile at least once every 30 days. This ensures your information will continue to be seen by employers.

 

West Michigan Works! has an online wizard for job seekers to help you create a check list to follow when you become unemployed. The checklist also includes additional steps and resources to help you find a new job. Visit http://jobs.westmiworks.org/get-started/ and answer a few quick questions to get your own personal checklist!

 

Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.

Employment Expertise: How to find a registered apprenticeship opportunity

3-bottom, Area Education, Citizen Journalism, Education, How-To's, Local Business, Tech Trends, , , , , ,

 

By West Michigan Works!

 

Apprenticeships have long played a major role in training America’s skilled workers, combining classroom learning, on-the-job training and wages that increase as skills are learned. Apprentices not only get paid while learning the skills for a high-demand job, they earn a nationally recognized industry certification.

 

With all these benefits, it’s easy to see why many job seekers are looking for apprenticeship opportunities.

 

What do employers look for in an apprentice?

 

Apprentices go to school for 2-4 years while working full time; they need to balance work, school and life. Employers are looking for individuals who are willing to commit to the process, are dependable, have a positive work ethic and a willingness to learn.

 

How can I find an apprenticeship opportunity?

 

Most often, employers with apprenticeship programs enter existing workers into their programs instead of hiring someone to enter directly into the program.

 

Custom Profile, a manufacturer in Grand Rapids, is one of many West Michigan employers who use apprenticeships to train their workforce.

 

“Our apprenticeship programs allow us to give our employees something really valuable: a chance to learn new skills,” said Jenny Redes, human resources manager at Custom Profile.

 

You can find employers in your area with apprenticeship programs by searching Career One Stop. Once you’ve identified employers with programs, check job search websites like indeed.com or mitalent.org to see if they have any openings. Apply for an entry-level position, express your interest in an apprenticeship and then show them that you’re worth investing in!

 

“One of our employees has been with us for twenty years. Through apprenticeship, he was able to get the skills needed to move up within the company,” Redes said. “We were so excited to see him take advantage of this opportunity!”

 

Occasionally, West Michigan Works! will have a cohort-style apprenticeship program, such as the Medical Assistant Registered Apprenticeship program. Check jobs.westmiworks.org for current opportunities and application periods.

 

Or visit a West Michigan Works! service center and ask to meet with a talent development specialist. They can help you with job search, resume writing, interviewing skills and connections with potential employers.

 

Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.

Employment Expertise: Health care career pathways

3-bottom, Education, How-To's, Local Business, Non-Profits, Tech Trends, , , , , ,

 

By West Michigan Works!

 

Health care is one of the fastest growing industries in West Michigan. There are more jobs than people to fill them. In fact, 32 of the 100 jobs on the HOT JOBS list are in health care! This is a great time for you to begin a new career.

 

The health care industry has many different kinds of jobs. Some need short-term training such as a Certified Nursing Assistant and Sterile Processing Technician, where others need additional training or certification like Dental Hygienist and Licensed Practical Nurse.

 

There is opportunity for advancement in the health care industry too. You’ll need additional training to move to the next position, but don’t let that stop you from pursuing advancement. Health care employers want their employees to learn and grow so they will support you every step of the way.

 

Sample health care career pathways are:

  • Sterile Processing Tech > Surgical Tech > Clinical Lab Tech > Radiologic Tech
  • Nurse Aide >Patient Care Tech > Licensed Practical Nurse > Registered Nurse
  • Medical Secretary > Medical Records > Medical Transcriptionist > Billing and Coding
  • Environmental or Dietary Aide > Patient Transport > Tech Position > Supervisor

Not interested in working in a hospital or health care facility? There are health care jobs for you too! Consider working in a school, university, government organization or health care research facility.

 

Your next steps

 

Are you ready to begin a successful career in health care? Check out PathFinder which helps you create your own career path, or visit a service center to talk with our staff about your future health care career path.

 

Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.

Employment Expertise: Building their future, one piece at a time

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Tech Trends, , , ,

 

By West Michigan Works!

 

Five women put on red caps and gowns, sharing smiles and stories about the past 18 weeks they experienced together. They are the first students to complete and graduate the Sterile Processing Registered Apprenticeship program: Lelah Christiansen, Samantha Gonzales, Gina Mancha, Shanitra Reed and Melonie Rodriguez.

 

Week-by-week they learned the skills needed for a successful career in the health care industry. And, piece-by-piece they refined the art (and science) of cleaning, sterilizing and assembling surgical parts.

 

“I’ve always wanted to get back into health care, and this job was the perfect fit for me,” said Samantha Gonzales.

 

Gonzales was a housekeeper at Holland Hospital when she learned about the program. She applied, knowing the program could give her the ability to advance her career but little else about the job. After starting the apprenticeship, she realized quickly the job matches her skills and abilities well.

 

“I love interacting with co-workers throughout the hospital and working under pressure. I plan on building a career out of this job,” Gonzales said.

A new future

Gina Mancha was laid off from her career and was too young to retire. This program gave her a new set of skills to start a second career.

 

“We all took this class for the better, no matter what that is- better job, better schedule, better life,” Mancha said. “We were determined and ambitious.”

 

Students received instruction from Grand Rapids Community College, as well as hands-on experience at a local hospital: Spectrum Health, Holland Hospital or Mercy Health.

 

“You just changed the narrative of your life, your childrens’ lives and grandchildrens’ lives,” said Amy Mansfield, dean of GRCC.

 

Mancha left quickly after the ceremony ended. She had a job to start.

 

Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.

Employment Expertise: 5 Tips to Help You Change Careers

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, How-To's, Local Business, Non-Profits, , , , , ,

 

By West Michigan Works!

 

Did you know that the average person will change careers five to seven times in a lifetime? Not just a new job, but a completely new field. For example, leaving a marketing position for accounting or moving from manufacturing to retail.

 

If you’re considering a career change, these tips can get you on the right path.

 

Understand yourself. Take time for self-reflection. What are your passions, strengths and weaknesses? Not sure where to begin? You can find many free, online self-assessments to get started. Check out the 16 Personalities assessment that combines aspects of a few popular personality-type tests into one.

 

Assess your skills. Do have any transferrable skills? These are skills that were gained in one job that can apply to another one, even in a different industry. They can include time-management, good communication skills and attention to detail. The free online resource, O*Net OnLine, can help you figure out what transferrable skills you have.

 

Find the right fit. Explore the skills and traits needed for the jobs you are interested in and compare those to your current skills as well as what you’re looking for in a job. Do they match? Pure Michigan Talent Connect offers the Career Explorer tool that matches your interests and skills with the best career for you.

 

Use the right resume format. A chronological resume focuses on your work history. This format works well when looking for a new job within the same field because it shows you have specific experience in a similar position. A functional resume focuses more on your transferrable skills and abilities. This format will allow you to highlight the skills you can bring into a new career, even if you haven’t worked in that field before.

 

Network. Do you know anyone who is already working in the field? Would they be willing to provide a reference, or do they know of current job openings? Join a professional network in the field and attend local networking events. Prepare a strong elevator speech to let your new connections know why you want a new career.

 

Want to learn more? Check out this video to get more in-depth, expert advice from West Michigan Works! career coach, Mark.

 

The career coaches at any Michigan Works! service center can also help you understand your skills, explore career options, build your resume and much more. Visit a service center near you to get started!

 

Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.

Employment Expertise: Driven to succeed

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, How-To's, Non-Profits, , , , ,

By West Michigan Works!

 

Would you have a reliable way to get to work if you didn’t have your own car?

 

Do you live and work somewhere you can easily access public transportation?

 

If the answer is no, how would you maintain a job?

 

Millions of Americans lack reliable transportation. For individuals that don’t have a car or can’t afford or access public transportation, finding a job and showing up every day is a challenge.

 

Sean Phillips knows that struggle first-hand. Sean had a low-paying job that didn’t bring in enough money to support himself and his family; having enough money to pay for essentials—such as gas for their car—was a common difficulty. Being able to afford the training needed to qualify for a better-paying job seemed impossible.

 

Sean decided to take a step toward creating a new life. He came to West Michigan Works! to get help removing the obstacles that were keeping him from opportunities to better support himself and his family.

 

Sean received training funds to attend Tri-Area Trucking School. The funding allowed him to get books and other resources needed for the courses. He also received mileage reimbursements to ensure that he could get to and from his courses. After he successfully completed training, his family received additional transportation supports that allowed them to get a second vehicle. The vehicle support allowed both him and his wife to maintain full-time jobs.

 

Sean is now a Certified Class A & B Commercial Driver and is employed full time with a successful delivery and warehousing company.

 

“I want to thank Michigan Works for the supports they provided. I was able to earn my CDL and further my skills, knowledge, and confidence so I could get a new job at this stage in my life.”

 

Do you face obstacles to finding and keeping a good-paying job? Visit a service center to find out how West Michigan Works! can support you.

Employment Expertise: Important Questions to Ask in an Interview

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Education, How-To's, , ,

 

By West Michigan Works!

 

Most interviews end with this question: What questions do you have for us?

 

Your interview isn’t over yet! Show curiosity and interest in the company during this part of the interview. Impress the employer with great questions- not ones you already know the answer to, such as position details or wage information.

 

Ask questions to see if you’re a good match for the company. This is your time to shine. Here are five important ones:

  1. What does success look like in the position?
  2. What experiences and skills describe the ideal candidate?
  3. What is the next step in the interview process?
  4. How do you see this position changing in the next three years?
  5. How can I best help you and the team succeed?

Choose three questions that make the most sense for your interview. Write them down in a notebook. During the interview, reference your list if you forget what question to ask next.

 

The bottom line: ask questions that show you’re interested in the organization. Good questions will impress the employer.

 

Ready to take these questions to an interview? You’re in luck! There are 13+ hiring events this week with employers offering on-site interviews. See the dates, times and employers on our website here.

 

Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.

Employment Expertise: The Facts about Background Checks

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, How-To's, Non-Profits, , , ,

 

By West Michigan Works!

 

You aced the interview and your potential employer tells you the next step is to run a background check. The good news is that you are a top candidate if they are willing to invest in a background check. The bad news is, if you haven’t been completely honest about the information on your application or resume, they can find it and there will be no job offer.

 

A background check is a routine step in the hiring process for many companies. The most common background checks are reference checks, employment and education history and criminal background reports.

 

Reference Checks: Personal references can help employers understand both your skills for the job and your fit with the company. Choose your references wisely. While it may be tempting to ask your best friend or a family member, don’t. Choose someone who can speak to what it’s like to work with you in a positive manner. Be sure to ask potential references for their permission first. It will look better to potential employers if your references are expecting the call and know about the job you applied for.

 

Employment and Education History: Potential employers will verify your work history with past employers listed on your application or resume. They may even contact the educational institutions to verify your training or degrees. If you experienced a gap in employment or completed three years of college but didn’t graduate, be upfront about it. It is much better to clarify any issues ahead of time than for the employer to discover discrepancies.

 

Criminal Background Reports: Criminal background reports are most often done when the position requires working with children, money or sensitive data. Don’t worry; a speeding ticket shouldn’t cost you the job, unless you’re applying for a driving position. Employers are only supposed to rule out a potential candidate with a criminal record if there is a business reason for doing so. Tell the truth about any criminal history before the background check. Not only will you show the employer you are honest, you also have the opportunity to explain the situation and describe what you have learned.

 

Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.

Employment Expertise: How your minimum wage job can help you find a fulfilling career

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, How-To's, Non-Profits, , ,

 

By West Michigan Works!

 

You took a minimum wage job because you needed an income. But, now you feel stuck.

 

While it might not seem like it, every time you go to work you are one step closer to a fulfilling career. You’re improving soft skills and gaining experience to add to your resume. Use your current job as a launch pad to the career you want. Here’s how:

 

Build your network. Regardless of where you work, you are building relationships with coworkers and supervisors. They could be your connection to a new job or career. Even if they leave their current position, stay in touch with them through LinkedIn or Facebook.

 

Learn skills. Treat your current job like you’re already in a career. Give each shift 100% effort and, in turn, you will strengthen skills that all jobs require (soft skills): work ethic, timeliness, communication, problem solving and integrity. The experiences from your current job will make for great examples to share in an interview too.

 

Get a paycheck. It’s easier to job search while you are employed. You have a positive outlook on your job search because you don’t have overdue bills looming overhead. You can take some time to find an organization and job that fit your skills and interests well. You also don’t have to explain an employment gap to employers.

 

If you want to move from your job into a fulfilling career, West Michigan Works! can help you identify skills, improve job search techniques and connect you to potential training scholarships.

 

Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.

 

Do you know someone in a service industry job who goes above and beyond their expected role? Do they take pride in their vital, yet under-appreciated job? Nominate them for an Essential Service Award.

Employment Expertise: Why a Seasonal Job is Great for Your Job Search

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, How-To's, Non-Profits, , , , ,

 

By West Michigan Works!

 

With the holiday shopping season right around the corner, retailers are growing their staff to meet customers’ needs. Last year more than 640,000 seasonal jobs were filled. This year even more openings are projected.

 

If you’re looking for a job, consider a temporary, seasonal position. Here’s why:

 

Gives you experience. Whether you’re providing customer service in a store or fulfilling online orders in a warehouse, you will encounter opportunities to problem-solve. You can use these situations as examples in future interviews.

 

If you aren’t working right now, this job can fill in an employment gap on your resume.

 

Provides a referral. Before your last day, ask your supervisor (or a colleague) to be a referral for future jobs. Consider exchanging personal email addresses and phone numbers so you can keep in touch if they move to a different company.

 

Leads to future opportunities. Treat your seasonal job like a permanent one. Impress your supervisor by being on time and working hard. If you are interested in long-term employment with the company, let your supervisor know. Ask them to keep you in mind for future opportunities.

 

Expands your network. Build a relationship with your coworkers and let them know you’re looking for a permanent job. Keep in contact with them after your position ends via social media, email or phone calls.

 

Ready to look into a seasonal position? Here are four openings to get you started in your search:

Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.

Employment Expertise: Four things you can do in an hour to help your job search

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, How-To's, Non-Profits, , , ,

 

By West Michigan Works!

 

Your job search is more than browsing job postings daily. Learning how to present yourself to employers and building a network are also important job search activities.

 

Have a free hour? These four small tasks will make a big impact on your job search. Here’s your agenda for Job Search Power Hour:

  1. Update your LinkedIn profile (20 minutes) Recruiters use LinkedIn to search for candidates. Look over your profile for errors. Update job descriptions with action verbs. Upload a professional-looking photo. Send connection requests to people you know (make sure to include a personal note).
  2. Send an email to someone new (10 minutes) Is there someone in a job you’re interested in? What about someone you recently met at a networking event? Send them an email asking to discuss their job or company. Let them know how long you’d like to meet. Pick a location most convenient for them.
  3. Look for a networking event (15 minutes) The event might be part of an industry-specific group, like Home Builders Association of Greater Grand Rapids, or part of an industry-general group like Economic Club of Grand Rapids. Before you attend, decide your goal for the event. Is it to meet three new people, or is it to meet someone specific?
  4. Register for a workshop (15 minutes) Attend a free workshop to learn more about a specific computer program, practice interviewing or discover why LinkedIn is essential to your job search. Free workshops are provided at several organizations including West Michigan Works!, Career Transitions Center of West Michigan and Women’s Resource Center.

Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.

Employment Expertise: Five Things You Need to Know After the Interview

3-bottom, How-To's, Non-Profits, , , , ,

 

By West Michigan Works!

 

You breathe a sigh of relief once your interview is completed. But not so fast! You still have a few important things to do. Hiring managers look through hundreds of resumes a week and interview a lot of people. Follow these steps to make sure you stay top of mind.

 

Ask about next steps. Before the interview ends, ask the interviewer about their timeframe for making the hiring decision. You’ll know when to expect an answer, and when to follow up if they haven’t responded during that timeframe.

 

Send a thank you note. Write a thank you note to each person in the interview. Send it within a day to show the interviewer you’re eager to join their team. Email or postal mail is appropriate.

 

Follow up. Has it been longer than the interviewer indicated in the interview? Send them a quick email to check on the status. Let them know you’re eager to begin the job and look forward to an update. Avoid asking direct questions like “Did I get the job?” or “Do you have an answer yet?”

 

Keep your conversation offline. Waiting to hear back from an interviewer can get frustrating. Do not express this frustration on any social media profiles. Keep those conversations offline to close family and friends.

 

Wait, and then move on. Resume your job search within a week after an interview. Don’t lose job search momentum by waiting too long.

 

 

Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.

Employment Expertise: How to Deal with Negative Coworkers

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, How-To's, , , ,

By West Michigan Works!

 

‘Tis the season for office parties and coffee breaks over holiday treats. While many enjoy these opportunities for more casual office interactions, it can also open the door to negative conversations and gossip.

According to a survey from Fierce, four out of five employees surveyed work, or have worked, with someone who is negative. Use these tips to keep the negativity to a minimum:

The Gossip
If you talk to someone who makes outrageous claims, you can politely challenge the information by asking “Is that a fact?” Or, “Did someone tell you?” These questions will make it clear that you only want to talk about factual things. Hopefully they’ll leave the gossip out of future conversations.

The “Venter”
This is the person who always needs to “vent” about something. Their conversations quickly turn from positive to negative. You can easily leave the conversation before things get out-of-hand by saying “I have to get back to my to-do list.” Or, “I need to finish a few things before the day’s over.”

The Negative Nancy
Sometimes you can’t avoid working with your negative co-workers. If a conversation starts to turn negative, you can quickly change the direction by saying “There’s too much negativity these days. Let’s focus on the positive.” While this person may not like the redirect, it will help alleviate the uncomfortable position of listening to their toxic conversation.

While you’re sharing a mug of hot chocolate at your company holiday party, make sure you do your part to shift negative conversations to positive ones. If the conversation swings back to negativity, stay but don’t contribute or politely excuse yourself.

Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.

Employment Expertise: Job search buzzword — ‘Networking’

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, How-To's, Non-Profits, , , , ,

 

By West Michigan Works!

If you’ve job searched for more than a day, there are a handful of words you’ve probably heard over and over:

  • Network. 

  • Personal brand. 

  • Elevator speech. 

  • LinkedIn. 

  • Soft Skills.

What do these words actually mean? How do you do them well?

Welcome to our five-part series, Job Search Buzzwords. We’ll explain these terms in an easy way to understand. And, give you practical ways to start putting these words into actions.

Job Search Buzzword: Networking — What is it?

Dictionary definition: interact with other people to exchange information and develop contacts, especially to further one’s career.

Our definition: Getting to know other people in the community so you can help them and they can help you.

How to do it?

Forget the phrase networking. Instead think relationship maintenance. 
Networking is about meeting people you want to share ideas and resources with and are genuinely interested in staying connected. Networking is a way of thinking and not a “thing” you do once a month.

Networking is natural.
 When was the last time someone you knew asked you for a restaurant recommendation? Or asked for your thoughts on a problem they had with a project? This is networking in action! You develop relationships with people. And, they trust what you share because you have a relationship with them.

Attend events that make sense for you.
 Don’t go to every networking event planned. You’ll wear yourself out. Instead go to the events with interesting speakers or people attending.

Prepare before you go.

  • Decide your goal for going before you step in the door: do you want to meet with three people, meet a specific person, or find someone you can help.
  • Avoid awkward conversations. Have a few conversation starters in mind: ‘How did you hear about this event?’ ‘Have you ever been before?’ ‘Hi, I don’t know too many people here, so I wanted to introduce myself. I’m [name].’

Follow-up. 
People are busy. The next day, send a quick email to remind them of you and your conversation. Make sure to send them any articles, videos, project examples you promised.

Maintain the relationships. 
After you send your follow-up email, connect to them on LinkedIn. Do they tweet? Follow them on Twitter. Monitor your social media feeds and comment on their posts sometimes. Email them once in a while to check-in. And keep an eye out for them at future networking events.

Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.

Employment Expertise: Earn a salary while learning skills to be a medical assistant

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Non-Profits, , , ,

 

By West Michigan Works!

West Michigan Works! is now accepting applications of interest for its Medical Assistant Registered Apprenticeship program. The one-year program will begin in January 2018.

Hospitals, doctor offices, nursing homes and urgent care clinics across West Michigan are in critical need of medical assistants. A medical assistant is essential to the care of patients and is a great way to begin a healthcare career.

Typical duties

Clinical activities may include:

  • taking and recording vital signs and medical histories,
  • preparing patients for exams,
  • drawing blood and
  • administering medications.

Administrative activities may include:

  • medical records,
  • billing and
  • coding information for insurance purposes.

As a student in a US Department of Labor-registered apprenticeship program:

  • You’ll graduate with a national, industry-recognized credential.
  • You’ll immediately apply what you learn in a clinical setting.
  • You’ll earn a salary while learning the skills to be successful in a high-demand career.

Many students graduate with a full-time job, with little or no debt.

If you are interested in joining the next Medical Assistant Registered Apprenticeship program, please complete an Application of Interest by July 15, 2017.

Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.

Employment Expertise: The Résumé — Make a first impression they won’t forget

3-bottom, Non-Profits, , ,

 

By West Michigan Works!

 

Recruiters and hiring managers can receive hundreds of résumés for a single job opening. They take 10 to 15 seconds on average to scan each resume. With this kind of competition, how do you make your résumé stand out?

To get noticed, your resume must:

  • Quickly create interest for the reader
  • Entice the reader/potential employer into wanting to know more about you
  • Speak to the needs of the employer

How do you do this? Here are five tips to get you started!

  • Make it relevant. Include only the experience, training and skills that are related to the job you are applying for. Employers want to know what you can do for them.
  • Be honest. Don’t exaggerate your qualifications. You need to be able to back up any statements you make.
  • Keep it professional. Don’t include personal information or hobbies. Use a professional font that is easy to read. If you don’t have a business-like email address, create a new one. Keep it simple and use your name, if possible. Example: J.Smith@gmail.com not DogLuvr100@gmail.com
  • Make it easy on the eyes. Keep some white space and use a font size above 10 point so it is easy to read. Keep it uniform, using the same bullet points and structure throughout.
  • Proofread. Check spelling, punctuation and grammar. Then have someone else check it for you. Don’t let a typo ruin your chances of getting an interview!

Learn more about writing a résumé at one of our free workshops. Check the workshop schedule to see when the next résumé workshop is scheduled near you.

 

Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.

Employment Expertise: 6 ways to deal with a bad boss

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Non-Profits, , ,

 

By West Michigan Works!

 

Not all bosses are created equal. If you have a difficult supervisor, here are some ways to cope:

  • Know their work habits. Do they like to communicate in person or via email? Do they need coffee right away? Adjust your work style accordingly to create a more pleasant work environment.
  • Do your job well. Increase your value as an employee by being productive and positive, even if your boss doesn’t seem to notice.
  • Be professional. Are you doing anything to contribute to the issues with your boss? Are you defensive in meetings or gossip with co-workers? If you don’t know, ask someone you trust for honest feedback.
  • Talk to your boss. Ask them to clarify expectations and priorities. Make sure to write them down so you and your boss can refer back to it.
  • Try to reach a compromise. If clarifying expectations doesn’t help the situation, set up a time with your boss to discuss the issues in an honest and respectful way. Think of solutions to suggest at the meeting.
  • If all else fails, talk to HR. If things still don’t change after meeting with your boss, talk with Human Resources. Remember to report any bullying or harassment immediately.

If your relationship with your boss is still unhealthy, consider joining a company with a better culture. When you’re happy in your job you’re more likely to succeed and grow.
Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.

Employment Expertise: Common, yet avoidable, résumé blunders

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, , , , ,

By West Michigan Works!

 

You may have a long list of accomplishments and years of experience, but a formatting or spelling error can send your resume straight to the wastebasket or delete folder. Your résumé shows an employer the kind of work you’re capable of producing.
Don’t let a careless mistake make a bad impression. Watch out for these common, yet avoidable, résumé blunders:

  1. Spelling and grammatical errors. Spelling and grammatical errors tell employers one of two things: “This person can’t write.” or “This person just doesn’t care.” Spell Check isn’t foolproof, so ask someone to review your résumé before you send it off.
  2. Incorrect or missing contact information. You’ve got a strong résumé, but you’ll never get contacted for an interview if your email address is missing a letter or you’ve switched digits in your phone number. Triple-check your contact information for accuracy.
  3. Using “fancy” fonts. These fonts not only make your résumé harder to read, but studies show that the reader will absorb less information. Stick to one standard font like Arial.
  4. Crowding too much information on one page. A crowded page can also make your résumé hard to read.  It’s okay to go beyond one page if you need to, but make sure the information is relevant to the job.
  5. An unprofessional email address. “Catluver63@hotmail.com” might seem clever and fun, but it doesn’t convey a professional image. Use a simple email address that includes your name.

Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.

Employment Expertise: Ace the phone interview!

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Education, , , ,

 

By West Michigan Works!

 

Employers offer short phone interviews now more than ever before. These interviews help hiring managers decide which candidates to invite to a longer, in-person interview.

 

More than half of what a person says is communicated through body language and non-verbal cues. During a phone interview, the hiring manager can only hear your words. So, extra prep is required.

 

Here are some ways to help make sure you’re offered a second interview:

 

Pick the right place
Find a quiet room for your interview. Arrange for a babysitter. Put your dog where you can’t hear the bark.

 

Put your questions on a table and have a pen ready to take notes. Use these notes to help personalize your thank you note, or to write down questions to ask at the end of the interview.

 

Don’t forget to charge your cell phone the night before. And make sure the room gets good service. Keep your phone connected to your phone charger, if needed.

 

Your introduction is important
Answer their call professionally and identify yourself: “Hi, this is _________.”

 

Smile
Even though the interviewer can’t see you, a smile will change the tone of your voice. It adds energy to your words and helps you sound friendly.

 

Keep answers short and direct
Answer questions in three sentences or less. Short answers don’t allow the employer to get distracted on the phone and hear what you’re saying.

 

Don’t forget to thank them after the interview is over, and send a note in the mail.

 

Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.