Tag Archives: job

Employment Expertise: Five Strengths Veterans Bring to a Job

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By West Michigan Works!

 

Veterans leave the military with a set of skills valuable to employers. Here are five skills essential to every job-seeking veteran’s resume:

  1. Strong work habits — Veterans in the workplace are known for completing projects in a timely, efficient manner. These work habits are a result of maturity, integrity and self-confidence learned during the service.
  2. Flexibility and adaptability — Individuals in the service are trained to meet the changing needs of their environment and are quick to adapt to the new working environment.
  3. Initiative — Veterans bring with them the ability to create a plan of action that translates into the ability to solve problems quickly and independently.
  4. Ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines — Military service requires a job done right the first time. Service members can prioritize, adjust and deal with stress in a positive manner.
  5. Ability to give and follow directions — People in the military understand accountability and how to work well with others. They’re respectful yet direct when making sure a job is well done.

Veteran Appreciation Week

All ten service centers in West Michigan are celebrating veterans and their spouses during Veteran Week from Nov. 6-9.

 

Events include:

  • Veteran Priority Day: receive on-demand services such as resume development, career exploration, interviewing skills. Appointment not needed.
  • Early Veteran access Hiring Events: meet with employers looking for new talent before everyone else.

See the list of all events 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: Why a Seasonal Job is Great for Your Job Search

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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: Emotional Intelligence–Why It’s Important and How to Improve It

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By West Michigan Works!

 

Emotional Intelligence, also known as EQ, is a major indicator of success—even more than IQ, which looks at traditional intelligence. Studies have shown that 90% of top performing employees have high EQ. In fact, as EQ increases, so does average annual salary.

 

So, what is EQ?

 

EQ consists of two components—personal and social competence.

 

Personal Competence—your ability to recognize your emotions and use this self-awareness to manage your thoughts and actions.

 

Social Competence—your ability to recognize emotions in others and use this understanding to successfully manage your relationships and interactions.

 

Emotional Intelligence is tied to soft skills that employers are looking for, such as customer service, communication, team work, decision making and time management.

 

Here are five tips to help you improve your EQ:

  • Decrease negativity. It is easy to jump to negative conclusions when you don’t understand how others behave. For example, if your boss doesn’t greet you with a friendly “hello,” like usual one morning, don’t assume you did something wrong. He or she may be up against a deadline or distracted by other issues. Don’t make it about you; try to understand where they are coming from.
  • Take responsibility. Everyone makes mistakes and being able to admit it is a sign of emotional intelligence. When you make a mistake, look for ways to make things right instead of placing blame or making excuses.
  • Stay calm. Next time you find yourself in a stressful situation, take note of how you feel and how you react. If you find yourself lashing out, take a deep breath and count to ten. This can help you calm down and deal with the problem more effectively.’
  • Learn about you. Pay attention to how you react to different emotions. You can even take an assessment to find your strengths and weaknesses. This information can help you become more aware of your emotions and strengthen your interactions with others.
  • Be brave. The next time you’re faced with a challenging emotional situation, be willing to have a difficult conversation. It is important to respond respectfully to others and also create healthy boundaries for yourself. Try using the XYZ method to discuss your emotions, “I feel X when you do Y in situation Z.”

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 Informed Job Seeker — What Employers Want You to Know

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By West Michigan Works!

 

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

 

Hiring managers look for lots of qualities in job seekers during an interview, including ones not listed in the job description. These qualities are important to help you get and keep a job. Make sure you stand out from the rest by showing employers you are loyal, accountable and have a good attitude.

 

Loyalty matters

Loyalty doesn’t mean you will stay in the same job for 20 years. It means you won’t talk poorly about your manager or the company. You take pride in your work and give 100% each day. If you do switch jobs, you leave the position respectfully, not burning any bridges.

 

Accountability counts

Showing up and leaving on time is important to employers. Take sick days only if you are ill and leave your vacation days for relaxing. Make childcare arrangements before starting a new job to avoid unnecessary absences. Show hiring managers you’re accountable by listing any attendance awards on your resume. In your interview, make sure to mention ways you are accountable at your current job.

 

Attitude is everything

Employers can teach you new skills and processes for a job. But, they can’t teach you a new attitude. Hiring managers look for candidates who will bring a genuine, positive attitude to work every day. Communicate this in your interview by walking in confidently with a smile on your face. Don’t be afraid to talk about challenges you’ve faced in your last job, but make sure to let them know how you resolved it appropriately.

 

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

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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: Five Things You Need to Know Before the Interview

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By West Michigan Works!

 

In addition to the skills listed in a job description, one of the most important attributes an employer looks for in a candidate is a genuine interest in the job.

 

A great way to show this is by being knowledgeable about the industry, the company, its leadership and culture.

 

Doing some research and showing up to the interview with the following information will set you apart and increase your chances of getting hired:

 

1. Know the basics. Believe or not, employers have reported interviewing people that didn’t know even the name of the company! In addition to the company name, know the location of your company’s headquarters, where they do business, how many people they employ, what products or services they provide.

 

2. Find out who’s in charge. Know the names of the CEO and top management. You can generally find this information on the company’s about page. If you know who is going to be interviewing you and who you would be reporting to, do some research on them as well. Armed with a name and company, you can look them up on LinkedIn to learn more about their background and interests.

 

3. Get a feel for the company culture. Check the company’s website for its mission statement and see what they’ve written about their values. Read their blog if they have one; is it stiff and formal or casual and lighthearted? A company’s social media pages are a good place to learn more about their culture.

 

4. Learn about the industry. What are the current trends? Who are the top competitors? Are there any economic factors affecting or influencing the industry?

 

5. Listen to what others are saying about the company. Content on a company’s website is a great way to learn how the company wants to be seen. But how are they perceived by their employees, competitors and customers? At Glassdoor, a job search and recruiting site, you can find company reviews and other details that can’t be found on the employer’s website. A simple Google search may bring up news articles and reviews about the company and/or their leadership.

 

There is no such thing as being too prepared for a job interview or too knowledgeable about a prospective employer. Happy researching!

 

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: Seven Tips for a Stellar Job Application

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By West Michigan Works!

 

You may wonder why you have to complete an application if you are also submitting a cover letter and resume. The answer is, employers use applications to ensure that they collect the same information from each applicant. Instead of viewing the application as another hoop to jump through, make it an opportunity to stand out from the rest. Check out these tips to make your application shine!

 

Be prepared.
Consider creating a master application to work from. This should include basic contact information, education and work history, salary and references.

 

Read the Instructions.
Don’t make any assumptions about what an employer wants. Read the instructions carefully before you start. If the application doesn’t provide submission instructions, visit their website to find out their preferred method. Some employers will only accept applications through email.

 

Make it relevant.
If you have been in the workforce for 20+ years, it isn’t necessary to include every job you’ve ever had. Include your most recent experiences and those that highlight skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for.

 

Double-check everything.
Proofread your application to ensure there are no grammatical or spelling errors. Make sure there are no typos in your contact information. You want them to be able to get a hold of you!

 

Make it easy to read.
Many applications are online these days, but there are still some employers who prefer hard copies. If possible, use a digital form and fill it out on a computer. If you must fill it out by hand, use good penmanship and blue or black ink. Keep information brief, clean and easy to read.

 

Highlight your skills.
If there is space, include skills that show your qualifications for the job. For example, typing speed of 45 wpm, Microsoft Word, Adobe Creative Suite, first aid certification, second languages, etc.

 

Be Specific.
Clearly describe your former jobs. Don’t rely on the job title to explain your responsibilities. Instead, provide a brief job description and include specific numbers or statistics if possible. For example, managed five support staff members or increased sales by 25%.

 

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: Career Exploration — Finding the Right Job for You!

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By West Michigan Works!

 

Have you ever asked yourself, “What do I want to be when I grow up?” If you have, you are not alone. We don’t always know what our strengths are right out of school. Or, our passions and interests might change over time. It’s never too late to learn more about yourself and find a job you love through career exploration!

What is Career Exploration?

Learning about yourself and the world of work. Your interests, skills and values need to align with the type of career you want to pursue. For example, if you are more of a do-er, you would do best in a job that requires hands-on problem solving and solutions. Interest inventories and skills assessments can help you figure out if you are a do-er, thinker, creator, etc. The O*Net Interest Profiler is a great tool to get started.

 

Identifying and exploring potentially satisfying occupations. Once you have discovered more about yourself, you can match your interests, skills and values to potential careers. While these careers may be a good fit for you, there may not be job opportunities in your area. Find out which jobs need workers near you or if you should consider a move for your next job. Check out West Michigan Works! Hot Jobs for a list of the 100 fastest-growing and most in-demand jobs in West Michigan.

 

Developing an effective strategy to realize your career goals. Your next career may require new skills or training. Research who provides training for the skills you need. Do employers in your area prefer one training provider over another? How much will training cost? How long will it take to complete training? Will training fit into your schedule? If you need help developing a strategy, visit your local West Michigan Works! service center and find out if you qualify for free career planning or scholarships for career training.

 

Want more information? Take an interest profile and learn more about using the results to find your next career at one of West Michigan Works! free workshops. Check the online schedule to find and register for a Career Exploration 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: How to find a mentor

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By West Michigan Works!

 

Learn the ins and outs of an industry with a mentor to guide you! Mentors can help you grow professionally. They have knowledge and experience which can help you navigate your career if you’re new to an industry or help you continue to grow if you’re more established in your career.

 

Your mentor doesn’t have to be someone in senior leadership in a company. It could be someone close in age.

 

Here are a few tips for choosing a mentor:

 

Your mentor could someone at your organization, or they might be someone at your gym, church, where you volunteer or even in Mentor groups on social media. Find someone who has experience in your industry, someone who has done things you admire and pick their brain.

 

Don’t force a relationship with someone. A mentor relationship will progress like any other- naturally. If you aren’t finding a connection with someone after several meetings, it’s ok to start meeting with someone else.

 

Choose how you communicate based on the person. If your potential mentor is in senior leadership in a company, then you may want to meet with them before work for coffee. If your potential mentor is someone close to your age, perhaps happy hour or dinner works better for their schedule.

 

Mentors can learn from you too. Make sure to offer help in return when it’s appropriate. A mentor relationship is two-sided!

 

Like any successful relationship, it takes time to build trust and find the right person. It may take a while to find this person, but once you do will be worth the effort.

 

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

Newly Unemployed? Five Steps to Put you on the Road to a New Job or Career

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By West Michigan Works!

It’s no secret that job loss is stressful. Losing your income, daily routine and professional identity can lead to feelings of anger, fear and grief. Coping with these emotions can make searching for a new job overwhelming. There are things you can do to help stay positive and keep moving forward.

Start by organizing what you need to do into easy-to-follow steps. Focus on one step at time. Every time you complete a step, check it off your list. Eventually your list will no longer seem so overwhelming! The checklist below can help you get started.

Register with the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA). You can register for unemployment and update your records all online. Visit the Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM) to set up an account and file your claim.

Create a Pure Michigan Talent Connect (PMTC) account. PMTC is an online portal where you can search for jobs and upload your resume so employers can find you. Get started at www.mitalent.org/.

Visit a Michigan Works! service center. Once you file for unemployment, you will need to register for work in person at a service center. Michigan Works! staff can help you through the process. The service center in Ottawa County is located at 121 Clover St, Holland, MI 49423. Visit the West Michigan Works! website to find other locations in our region.

Talk to a service center staff member. They can tell you what free services you are eligible for. Depending on your situation, you may qualify for employment preparation, career planning or scholarships for career training or on-the-job training.

Connect online. Follow the Michigan Works! Facebook page in your county to stay up-to-date on employers that are hiring and other resources for job seekers. Update your PMTC profile at least once every 30 days. This ensures your information will continue to be seen by employers.

Remember to stay positive, take it one step at a time and use the many resources available to job seekers. West Michigan Works! offers a variety of free services to help you develop a plan and take your next step to a new career!

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

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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: Choosing strong references

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By West Michigan Works!

 

Personal references bring your resume to life through stories. Most hiring managers call references after the interview, so make sure to prepare your references during your job search. Use these 4 P’s as a guide to choosing strong references:

Prepare
Double-check the contact information for your references 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.

Professional
Keep your references professional. Don’t use friends or family members (even if your dad is your boss). Choose references who know details about projects you worked on or how you deal with conflict. If you’re part of a company with multiple locations, don’t use the CEO as a reference. Choose an assistant manager or team leader who can give examples of your day-to-day work ethic.

Permission
Before you give a name and number to a hiring manager, contact that person and ask for their permission. At that time, you can give them details of the jobs you’re applying for. Let them know what experiences you would like them to highlight.

Progress
Once you land an interview, be sure to contact your references. Let them know they can expect a call within a certain time frame. This allows them to plan ahead or let you know if they’re unable to take the call.

Give them as much information as you can: who may call, what job it’s for and what organization.

Lastly, be thankful
Every time you use your references, it’s important to thank them for their time. It’s also a good time to provide a follow-up to your interview: Did you get the job? Or are you pursuing other prospects? Either way, they’ll be happy to hear from 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: Job Search Buzzwords — Soft Skills

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By West Michigan Works!

Editor’s Note: This is week four of our five week series on job search buzzwords.

What are soft skills?

Dictionary definition: personal attributes that enable someone to interact effectively and harmoniously with other people.

Our definition: desirable qualities that you can’t learn in a classroom.

How do I show an employer I have soft skills?

Soft skills are important to your success as an employee. They’re the qualities you’ve learned through life experiences. Employers value these skills as much, or more, than the specific teachable abilities you need to perform a job like welding or programming (hard skills).

Examples of soft skills include:

  • Teamwork
  • Communication
  • Flexibility
  • Patience
  • Time management

During a job interview, employers may ask you situational questions like: Give an example of a time when you had a conflict with a team member?

Your response is a perfect opportunity to showcase your soft skills:

  • You spoke rationally with the coworker about the problem (illustrates good communication skills).
  • You changed a process in your daily routine to help make theirs a little easier (highlights your flexibility).
  • You value harmony in your team because you know you’ll be more efficient if everyone is getting along (shows you’re a team player).

Employers want to know they’re hiring a person who will do their job well but also has the ability to work with other team members, is reliable and represents the company well.

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 Buzzwords — LinkedIn

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By West Michigan Works!

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is week four of our five-week series on job search buzzwords.

 

What is LinkedIn?

 

Dictionary definition: a business and employment-oriented social networking service that operates via websites.

Our definition: a networking tool that acts as part resume, portfolio, letters of reference and social media. The social media aspect allows you to highlight your personality as well as your professional experience.

How do I make LinkedIn work for me?

Your LinkedIn profile should represent how you want to be seen by your network and potential employers. All of the topics discussed in our job search buzzwords series can help you build your profile:

  • Use the site to network with trusted contacts.
  • Strengthen your brand by including personal information you wouldn’t include on a resume.
  • Use your elevator speech as your headline or in the summary section.

With this knowledge and the five tips below, you will be on your way to creating a strong presence on LinkedIn.

  • Stay up to date. Be sure to include your most recent positions, responsibilities and accomplishments.
  • Get personal. You should always be professional. However, LinkedIn is a great way to let your network and potential employers understand you better. Include volunteer experience, interests and causes you are passionate about.
  • Give. LinkedIn allows you to write recommendations for others in your network as well as endorse them for skills. Start endorsing, and they may endorse you back.
  • Engage. The site allows you to follow posts about business-related topics or posts from different industries and companies. Read, share and comment on posts that interest you.
  • Make sure your profile is error free. In addition to proofing for typos, spelling or grammatical mistakes, make sure your information is correct and accurately portrays your accomplishments. Do not exaggerate.

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 buzzwords — soft skills

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By West Michigan Works!

Editor’s Note: This is week four of our five week series on job search buzzwords.

What are soft skills?

Dictionary definition: personal attributes that enable someone to interact effectively and harmoniously with other people.

Our definition: desirable qualities that you can’t learn in a classroom.

How do I show an employer I have soft skills?

Soft skills are important to your success as an employee. They’re the qualities you’ve learned through life experiences. Employers value these skills as much, or more, than the specific teachable abilities you need to perform a job like welding or programming (hard skills).

Examples of soft skills include:

  • Teamwork
  • Communication
  • Flexibility
  • Patience
  • Time management

During a job interview, employers may ask you situational questions like:

Give an example of a time when you had a conflict with a team member?

Your response is a perfect opportunity to showcase your soft skills:

  • You spoke rationally with the coworker about the problem (illustrates good communication skills).
  • You changed a process in your daily routine to help make theirs a little easier (highlights your flexibility).
  • You value harmony in your team because you know you’ll be more efficient if everyone is getting along (shows you’re a team player).

Employers want to know they’re hiring a person who will do their job well but also has the ability to work with other team members, is reliable and represents the company well.

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 — ‘Personal Branding’

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By West Michigan Works!

 

This is week two of a five-week series on job search buzzwords.

 

What is a personal brand?

 

Dictionary definition: the ongoing process of establishing a prescribed image or impression in the mind of others about an individual, group, or organization.

 

Our definition: how you present yourself online and offline to others and, for job seekers, to potential employers.

 

Companies use brands to help consumers identify their merchandise. For example, we immediately connect the Coca-Cola logo and Nike swoosh to soda and athletic shoes. But it’s much more than a logo. It represents the feelings, expectations and value we associate with a specific company or product.

 

A brand can also apply to a person. Your personal brand includes your experience, skills, interests, online presence and relationships. Creating a strong personal brand can help you stand out from the crowd.

 

How do I create a strong personal brand?

 

Understand yourself.

 

What value do you offer? What are you passionate about? What are your strengths and weaknesses? When you reveal your authentic self to potential employers it shows them that you are more than your skills and experience. Your unique personality will help recruiters understand how you fit with the company’s culture.

 

Create an online presence.

 

Promote your brand online with positive, professional posts. If you don’t already have one, create a LinkedIn profile. You can include personal information such as causes you are passionate about and share posts on topics you are interested in. You’ll be seen as an individual instead of another resume in a large pile.

 

Network.

 

Last week’s article explained how to network. If you have done the work to understand your true self, networking is a way to share it with the world. Be personable and easy to relate to. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable – people like to connect with other real people. Finally, be consistent.  Stay true to your brand so that people remember who you are, what you stand for and what value you offer.

 

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’

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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: 6 ways to deal with a bad boss

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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

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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!

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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.

Employment Expertise: The thank-you note — a job seeker’s secret weapon

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By West Michigan Works!

 

You submitted your resume, got an interview and left the interview feeling great. Now, it’s time to relax. Job searching is tough work! Before you celebrate, there’s one last step to your job search: A thank-you note.

 

One out of three employers think less of a candidate who doesn’t send a thank-you note. One in 10 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 great 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.

Employment Expertise: The power of words

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By West Michigan Works!

 

A résumé should display your unique skills and abilities. A strong résumé should make you stand out from the crowd, so try to show your work history and abilities in an interesting way. One way to do this is using action-oriented words to describe your individual talents.

 

Choose 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 you want to include more details and make the reader want to know more.  You can provide the specifics on how you achieved your results during the interview.

Example of weak word choice:
“I became Lead Scheduler after six months with the office.”

Example of strong word choice:
“I reduced the number of unfilled appointments by 30% in my first 6 months with the office.”

Here are 20 action verbs to consider using in your résumé:

  • Accomplished
  • Arranged
  • Assisted
  • Collaborated
  • Completed
  • Delivered
  • Generated
  • Improved
  • Managed
  • Monitored
  • Operated
  • Planned
  • Processed
  • Produced
  • Reduced
  • Reported
  • Scheduled
  • Screened
  • Tested
  • Updated

Take the time to review and re-write your résumé to include strong action verbs. This will clearly show the employer the value you will offer as an employee. You want your résumé to make a good first impression so you’ll get the interview!

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 reasons to say “Yes!” to a temporary job

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By West Michigan Works!

 

Nearly 3 million people hold temporary jobs. The number is expected to increase as employers struggle to meet growing demand for goods and services. The trend is seen in a variety of occupations and pay levels, in all industries and at companies, large and small.

 

Temporary employment appeals to employers for obvious reasons, but there are advantages for employees as well. While temporary jobs are just that —temporary — taking a short-term position can be a smart career move.  Here are five reasons to seriously consider a temporary job:

  1. Temporary work can be a great opportunity to develop new skills or open the door to a new industry you hadn’t considered. You can also use the opportunity to sharpen your current skill set. Many staffing companies provide training to their temporary workers.
  2. Whether the position turns into a permanent job or not, you’ll meet new people. You’ll leave the job with new personal and professional connections. An expanded network can only improve your job search.
  3. If you’ve been unemployed for a long time, you may feel restless or hopeless. A temporary job can provide much-needed structure and purpose to your day.
  4. Temporary work often leads to permanent employment. A good work ethic and positive attitude will capture any employer’s attention. Treat everyday like an audition; if the employer is looking to hire full-time, you’ll be a front-runner.
  5. “A” job is better than “no” job. A temporary job beats a large gap in employment history on your resume. Many recruiters and employers will see your temporary work as a positive sign of your ambition and work ethic.

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

The Interview: more answers to common questions

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By West Michigan Works!

 

Editor’s Note: This is the final in a four-part series about how to answer common interview questions.

 

The interview is a time for you to make yourself stand out from other candidates. Asking thoughtful questions during the interview can set you apart just as much, if not more, than how you answer questions. Questions are the best way to show your interest in the company, demonstrate confidence and highlight your qualifications.

 

The key to asking good questions is the same as answering them. Do your homework before the interview. Practice and be prepared. Here are some recommendations to get you started.

  1. Ask a question that shows you have done your research. Address one of the company’s core values or goals and ask how the position you are interviewing for connects to it. For example, “Your core value of sustainability and reducing environmental impact is something I believe strongly in. How does this position contribute to this value, especially in day-to-day work?”
  2. Ask questions to learn more about the company culture. A question like, “What do you enjoy most about working here?” is an opportunity to see a more personal aspect of the company. If the interviewer struggles to find an answer, it may be a red flag.
  3. “What skills and experience does the ideal candidate for this position need?” If the interviewer mentions a skill that you haven’t addressed yet, here’s your chance to provide an example.
  4. Finally, the following questions can help you determine is the job is a good fit for you:
  • “Can you describe a typical day for someone in this position?”
  • “What are the top challenges this position faces?”
  • “How do you define success for this position?”

Come prepared with at least four questions to ensure you have something to ask at the end of the interview.

 

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

The Interview: more answers to common questions

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By West Michigan Works!

 

Editor’s Note: This is the third in a four-part series about how to answer common interview questions.

 

The Interview: More Answers to Common Questions

An interviewer may ask the following questions to get some insight into your motivations, attitudes and professional goals.

 

Why are you looking to leave your current job?

If you are unhappy in your current position, don’t be negative. Instead, acknowledge a positive aspect of your current job. For example, “It was a great opportunity to improve my customer service skills.”

 

If you are looking for new challenges, be sure to be specific about how this new job will challenge you. For example, “My strengths are in team-building and connecting with others. This job would allow me to work with a larger, more diverse team.”

 

Where do you see yourself in five years?
This question can be difficult because if you have grand goals, you may be perceived as unrealistic. However, if you don’t have some desire to move forward, you may appear unmotivated. This is one interview question where you don’t want to be too specific.

 

A good answer will:

  • tie your past experiences and strengths to the position
  • demonstrate that you are willing to take on new challenges
  • show your enthusiasm for building your career with the company

Be positive and realistic when answering these questions. If answered well, you can highlight your drive to learn and grow with their company.

 

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

Kentwood Community Church hosts last job fair for 2016

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job_fair_athens

Kentwood Community Church is set to host its last Community Job Fair for this year on Wednesday, Nov. 9 at its Wyoming campus, 2950 Clyde Park Ave. SW.

 

The Community Job Fair, which is from 9 a.m. to noon, has been around for three years and continues to draw employers from all trades, including healthcare, industrial, transportation, retail, sales and more. About 47 employers will be on site hiring for hundreds of locally available jobs. Many employers interview on the spot.

 

For more information, visit www.grjobfair.com.

 

Employers registered to be at the fair cover a variety of fields from the building industry to the restaurant business. Some of the employers scheduled to be at the fair are Avalon Building Concepts, Avis Budget Group, Block by Block, Blu Perspective, Boardwalk Subs, Compass Point Labor Management, Dean Transportation, Diversified General Contracting Inc., Electro Chemical Finishing, Elwood Staffing, Enviro-Clean, FedEx Ground, Fettig, Genius Phone Repair/Tech Defenders, Grand Rapids Building Services, Griffin Transportation/Accurate Truck Service, Haworth, Kent Quality Foods, Life EMS Ambulance, Macy’s, Mercy Health, Manpower, Maxim Healthcare Services, Michigan Turkey Producers, MOKA, Morrison Industrial Equipment, Health Care Associates.Community Caregivers, New York Life, Notions Marketing, PineRest, Porter Hills, Snelling, Spectrum Community Services, Stratosphere Quality, Taco Bell, Tekton, Teleperformance, The Avon Shop, Thresholds, Tradesmen International, Two Men and a Truck, UFP Technologies, Unidine Corporation at Metro Health Hospital, Williamson Employment, and WSI

 

A current list of employers and jobs available is available at:
http://kccarena.com/Custom/OnlineForms/community_job_fair_registered_employers.pdf

 

Job seekers are encouraged to bring several copies of their resume. Online registering is encouraged. Pre-registered participants will receive a packet upon arrival.

 

All job seekers who both pre-register online and attend the Nov. 9 Community Job Fair will be placed in a drawing for a $25 MasterCard/ Gift Card.

 

Several service and support organizations including: AARP, Disability Advocates of Kent County, GMSK Foundation (Veterans Services), Goodwill’s ACHIEVE Program  and Celebrate Recovery will be on hand to assist job seekers who may need information regarding interpersonal and professional skill building, resume assistance and interview classes.

 

For more information about the event, visit the Community Job Fair Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/groups/1759335601018528/