Trends and What They Mean

According to Indeed.com, the employment trends for November 2016 show a significant increase in job postings in Hospitality (31%) and a slight increase in the fields of Manufacturing (6%) and Real Estate (9%).  What does this mean?

For people looking for jobs, this means that there are more job opportunities in these fields than other fields.   However, many people are not qualified to work in Hospitality, Manufacturing or Real Estate, because they lack the credentials necessary.  What can they do?

Those who are interested in changing fields can often find certificate programs in those fields at local community colleges.  For example, Greenfield Community College has an ongoing Manufacturing program that gives students the hands-on experiences they need to qualify for the growing demand for Manufacturing positions. In addition, Holyoke Community College has an established Hospitality program for those interested in positions in restaurants and hotels. 

Does this mean that you cannot find a position in other fields? NO!  This simply means that these are the fields with the most openings.  Other fields are still hiring; they simply do not have as many openings.

Regardless, if you are looking for employment, it is best to look at all your options, which may mean taking some additional classes in order to get the job you want.

eVerify Eligibility to Work

eVerify provides a free online service that allows you to check your U.S. employment eligibility. Employers will use this when you apply for a job. 

When you check the information before the employer sees it, you can make sure all the information is correct. To learn more about this free service, go to: USCIS Self Check

Job Fairs

By Senator Chris Coons [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Job Fairs are a great way to network and learn about opportunities for employment. Some people get discouraged, however, because they don't seem to have any luck finding a job. Here's why.

  

When you go to a Job Fair, you should think of it as a mini-interview with the various companies at the fair.  You should be prepared, dressed and behave just like you were at the actual company.  

Tips for going to a Job Fair:

• Dress neatly.  NO jeans, t-shirts, shorts or short skirts.  You don't have to go to the fair all dressed up, but you do want to look your best.  
• Have neat, clean copies of your resume on hand.  This shows you are truly interested in getting a job.
• Have a list of references you can give.
• DO NOT smoke or chew gum.
• DO NOT wear heavy cologne or perfume.
• Ask questions!

There are Job Fairs happening almost every month of the year.  If you want to attend, make sure you are prepared. 

Tips for Getting a Better Job

There are hundreds of lists available that help job seekers find that "perfect" job.  Forbes magazine has a list of Unconventional (But Very Effective) Tips.

One that goes against what so many people say and believe is, "Don't always follow your passion."  It seems, according to experts in the field, that often passion develops after a person has worked at something for some time.

For more on these unconventional tips go to: http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2013/02/27/10-unconventional-but-very-effective-tips-for-job-seekers/#52c440d04465

Self-assessment: What is it?

Before beginning a search for a job, career or education, many advisors suggest taking a self-assessment test.  

What is this?

A self-assessment test is a series of questions that help you to see where you passion is; what kind of work you enjoy; and what you see as valuable in your life.  With this knowledge, it is easier to weed through the many jobs, career and educational opportunities available. For example: if your self-assessment describes you as an outgoing person who enjoys challenges, then you would avoid positions where your contact with others would be limited.

Where can you take self-assessment tests?

There a various ways to take these types of tests; however, you shouldn't have to pay for them.  Career One Stop has several you can access online for free.  Go to: http://www.careeronestop.org/explorecareers/assessments/self-assessments.aspx 

One important thing to remember! 

Be honest.  These are for your use.  If you lie to yourself, you will not be able to get the best information from the tests.

 

Setting Goals

Before you start to look for a job or think about going to school, it is a good idea to set your goals.  When we have goals, we are better able to be successful.

Use the picture above to think about your goals.  SMART goals are 

• Specific - (I want to get a nursing certificate.  I want to be a car mechanic)
• Measurable - (When I have my license to practice nursing I can find a good job.)
• Action - ( I will apply to school.  I will practice with a master mechanic.)
• Realistic - (I can do this after I develop enough English language skills.  A goal isn't realistic if you can never attain it. For instance, winning the lottery is not a realistic goal.)
• Timeline - ( It will take me 3 years to get my nursing license.)

By using the SMART goal system, you will be better able to meet your goal.  Remember!  Goals are something you work towards.  Some goals can be reached quickly, but other goals will take work and time.  HOWEVER, if you want to get there, you will!

Bridges or Pathways Classes

Students from the 2016 Education and Career Exploration Class

visiting HCC's College for the Day.

 

One of the best things you can do to get a great job is to improve your English.  Center for New Americans offers various Pathways or Bridges classes throughout the year to help students develop their English skills in various areas. (For instance, students interested in the healthcare fields might be interested in the Bridges to Healthcare class.)

Congratulations to the students who completed the Education and Career Exploration class of 2016!

For more information about upcoming Pathways/Bridges classes go to:
centerfornewamericans.weebly.com/pathways-classes.html

Describe Your Self!

 

When people go for interviews today, they are often asked to describe themselves. "What three adjectives best describe you as a worker?"

If you don't know what to say, you could miss out on a great job. Preparing ahead of time, helps you to look confident and capable.  

How do you learn the best words to describe yourself?   Read: 8 Adjectives to Use during an Interview  This article will give you a good idea of some adjectives employers like to hear.

One thing to remember! Always tell the truth!  

Here are some other adjectives people use to describe themselves at interviews.  If you don't know the meaning, you can go to Dictionary.com to find out and also to hear the word pronounced. 

agreeable, calm, capable, confident, cooperative, credible, detailed, determined, diligent, discreet, eager, efficient, encouraging, enthusiastic, generous, honorable, impartial, industrious, instinctive, knowledgeable, mature, productive, reflective, responsible, sincere, trustworthy, warm, willing, wise