Tag Archives: Job search

Employment Expertise: Summer is winding down — time to ramp up your job search

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By West Michigan Works!

 

It’s the start of the school year which means the unofficial end of summer. Even though warm weeks are still ahead, use this change in routine to refresh your job search.

 

Employers are hiring! In fact, there are 6,400+ jobs in the Grand Rapids area available right now on mitalent.org. Here are some ways to help you get started:

 

Turn your job search into a job. Create a routine that works with your schedule. Repeat it every week day, just like a job. Wake up at the same time every day, shower and get dressed. Block a couple of hours to dedicate to job search tasks like: applying for jobs with a custom cover letter, tweaking your resume, scheduling informational interviews and attending free workshops.

 

Take advantage of free resources. Find free online trainings that will help you sharpen some of your skills. Take a workshop at a service center. Check out your library’s event calendar. This time is an opportunity for you to gain new skills. Make sure to mention the new skills you’ve learned in cover letters and interviews.

 

Make a new connection. Find an event to attend or professional development opportunity. Research companies you’d like to learn more about. Contact an employee for an informational interview. The interview is a chance for you to ask questions without the pressure of a job offer. Sometimes it leads to interviews, but it always leads to a new connection!

 

Not quite ready to restart the job search? Seasonal job hiring is right around the corner. Brush up on why these jobs are great for your resume:

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

The Informed Job Seeker: 5 Things You Should Never Do During a Job Search

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By West Michigan Works!

 

Editor’s Note: This is the fourth in a four-part series about how to stand out in your job search.

 

What you do — and don’t do — during a job search are equally important. Avoid ruining your chances for a job offer by remembering these five things to NEVER do during your job search.

  1. Wear sweatpants to an interview. Lounge pants, pajama pants, sweatshirts and any other unprofessional clothing give the hiring manager a bad first impression. Black pants and a collared shirt are an acceptable outfit for any job seeker. Are you interviewing for a very casual, laid-back job? Still dress professionally with khaki pants and a polo shirt or blouse. Research shows first impressions are made within the first seven seconds.
  2. Have an unprofessional email or voicemail. Hiring managers may call or email you to arrange an interview. Keep your email professional. Example: bensmith2017@gmail.com. If you don’t have a professional email address, it’s easy and free to make one just for your job search on Gmail, Yahoo or Hotmail. Your voicemail should be short and professional. Avoid using casual language, songs or goofy messages. Example: Hi, this is Ben. I am unable to take your call right now. I’ll call you back as soon as I can. Thank you.
  3. Lie on your resume. You found your perfect job but you fall short of one or more qualifications. Do not change information on your resume to align with their requirements. Do you have a gap in employment? Avoid adding a job to fill in the space. Use your cover letter to explain why you’d be a good fit for the job even though you’re missing a qualification or to address an employment gap.
  4. Fail to show up for an interview. You may receive a few interviews during your job search. If you accept a job offer before you attend all of them, cancel the remaining interviews. This shows the hiring manager you are respectful of their time and keeps you in the running for future opportunities.
  5. Bash the employer. Maybe you didn’t get your dream job. Or, perhaps you were disappointed with how you were treated as an applicant. Keep these frustrations offline and private. While this job didn’t work out, there may be future opportunities with the company that will be a better fit.

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 ways to stay productive during your job search

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By West Michigan Works!

It’s really easy to get discouraged or depressed during your job search. Here are five ways to keep your job search upbeat and successful.

Connect with past co-workers. Let them know you are on the hunt. You’ll be surprised how many are willing to help.

Volunteer. Use your free time to help at your favorite non-profit. Go to their office once or twice a week to build relationships with their staff members. It will give structure to your weekly schedule (and may lead to a job!). You could also volunteer at an industry conference. Use the opportunity to learn new information and meet other people in jobs similar to the one you want.

Wake up early. Wake up at the same time you did while working. Keep your body in the routine of waking up, showering and eating breakfast. By 9 a.m., you’ll be ready to conquer the day.

Stay Sharp. Set a daily schedule. Block off times for online job searching and informational interviews. End your day by making a to-do list for the next day.

Try something new. Job searching is stressful and tiring. So, take a few hours a week to try something new and fun. Run a 5k race or try a new dinner recipe.

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

Need a job? Here’s where to look

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By West Michigan Works!

 

Kent County is home to many organizations dedicated to helping residents meet their basic needs: food/nutrition, energy efficiency, transportation, housing and employment.

 

ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA) assists many low-income individuals with emergency food, energy, transportation and housing needs. They also have direct contact with individuals who want and need meaningful employment. Seeking to create self-sufficiency amongst its clients, CAA refers these job seekers to organizations that focus on workforce development, like West Michigan Works!

 

With three service centers in Kent County, West Michigan Works! welcomes anyone looking  to advance their career or find a new job. Visitors can take advantage of no-cost services, such as:

  • Office resources to job search: internet, phone, fax and copier
  • Weekly Job Blast email with immediate job openings in West Michigan
  • Workshops to help you get your next job: resumes, interviewing, career exploration, etc.
  • Onsite hiring events with employers looking to fill current job openings
  • Specialized services for youth, veterans and migrant workers
  • And many more, based on eligibility!

To get started, visit a Service Center near you:

 

Franklin Service Center

Kent County Human Services Complex

121 Franklin St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507

Monday to Friday, 8am – 5pm

 

Westside Service Center

215 Straight Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49505

Monday to Friday, 8am – 5pm

 

Sparta Service Center

36 Applewood Dr, Sparta, MI 49345

Tuesday, Thursday & Friday, 8am – 12pm & 1pm – 5pm

 

Your Community in Action! is provided by ASCET Community Action Agency. To learn more about how they help meet emergency needs and assist with areas of self-sufficiency, visit www.communityactionkent.org