Today, employers often do not get back to you after you have applied for a job. This video gives you some tips and reasons why.
Welcome to the Center for New Americans (CNA) Job and Employment Resources Board, where you will find resources, job listings, workshops and other helpful hints for finding just the right job.
Showing posts with label jobs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label jobs. Show all posts
Think Before Accepting a Job!
Photo Credit: Public Domain https://goo.gl/images/03smKz
You have waited to hear from your last interview, when you finally get the call. They offer you the job! Do you accept immediately? NO!
Before you accept a position, stop to think. Thank the caller and tell them you will need 24 hours to think it over. Then, think about the following:
- Is the money what you had hoped for, and if not, can you wait for a better offer?
- Is your direct supervisor someone you can work with everyday? Or, will they only add stress to your workday?
- Is there a true feeling of cooperation and support among the workers and administration?
- Is this a job you can see yourself doing eight hours a day, five days a week? Do you really feel excited about the position?
- Will this position add to your skill base, giving you an opportunity to grow?
For more information on this topic, go to Bright Interview
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
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.
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
Work and Family
Photo Credit: Google Public Domain Images: mommd.com
Balancing work and family is difficult regardless of whether you are single parent or have a partner to share the responsibility of a child. Some things to consider BEFORE taking a position are:
- What family benefits does the company have in place?
- Do they have daycare onsite or do you have to find a daycare provider?
- Do they allow employees to work from home if a child is sick?
- What kind of health insurance do they provide for families?
- What is the company's Maternity/Paternity Leave policy?
Once you are working, these are some tips on how to create a balance at home.
- Stop trying to make things perfect. This eats up your energy and causes unneeded stress.
- Take time out to exercise and/or meditate. Taking a walk with your kids, riding a bike around the neighborhood or even dancing to your favorite music can help you de-stress quickly!
- Unplug! Turn off the phone, the computer, and other electronic devices that can distract you from spending time with your family.
Transition to College and Career
Photo Credit: Google Public Domain Images
Want to start a career? Have you been thinking about college, but don't know if you are ready, yet?
Holyoke Community College has a program, Transition to College and Careers (TCC), which helps students be "ready, confident and successful."
TCC is a FREE college prep class for adults. In the TCC program, you will build your proficiency in math, reading and writing skills as well as study strategies and computer skills. TCC is a supportive community in which the learning environment enables students to succeed. Students are supported in identifying career pathways and navigating the college admissions process.
Applicants to TCC must be:
- 18 + years old
- have a GED or HiSET - OR
- have a high school diploma from at least 4 years ago
- plan to complete a certificate or degree program
Mary Martone (413-552-2245 mmartone@cepholyoke.org) or
Marie Troppe (413-552-2728 mtroppe@hcc.edu)
now if you are interested in joining TCC.
Do You Need to Take the HiSet?
Photo Credit: Public Domain Images
Many time, immigrants are told by friends or relatives that they must take the HiSet (High School Equivalency Test, formally known as the GED) in order to go to university or to get a job. This information is not always correct.
Immigrants who have finished high school (usually 12 years of school) and graduated, do not need to take the HiSet. They may, however, need to get their transcript translated and evaluated. (A transcript is a list of your classes and grades that your school provides to a recognized organization that translates and evaluates your coursework.)
When having your transcript evaluated, it is important that you use an organization that is a member of National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. Click here for a list of Evaluation Service Companies.
Tranferable Skills
What are "transferable skills?"
Transferable skills are the things you can do that can be used in almost any job or career. Everyone has some transferable skills. These skills should appear on your resume.
Here is a list:
Communication Skills:
the skillful expression transmission and interpretation of knowledge and ideas.
the search for specific knowledge and the ability to conceptualize future needs and solutions for meeting those needs.
the use of interpersonal skills for resolving conflict relating to and helping people.
the ability to supervise direct and guide individuals and groups in the completion of tasks and fulfillment of goals.
the day-to-day skills that assist in promoting effective production and work satisfaction.
Transferable skills are the things you can do that can be used in almost any job or career. Everyone has some transferable skills. These skills should appear on your resume.
Here is a list:
Transferable Skills List
Communication Skills:
the skillful expression transmission and interpretation of knowledge and ideas.
- Speaking effectively
- Writing concisely
- Listening attentively
- Expressing ideas
- Facilitating group discussion
- Providing appropriate feedback
- Negotiating
- Perceiving nonverbal messages
- Persuading Reporting information
- Describing feelings
- Interviewing
- Editing
the search for specific knowledge and the ability to conceptualize future needs and solutions for meeting those needs.
- Forecasting predicting
- Creating ideas
- Identifying problems
- Imagining alternatives
- Identifying resources
- Gathering information
- Solving problems
- Setting goals
- Extracting important information
- Defining needs
- Analyzing
- Developing evaluation strategies
the use of interpersonal skills for resolving conflict relating to and helping people.
- Developing rapport
- Being sensitive
- Listening
- Conveying feelings
- Providing support for others
- Motivating
- Sharing credit
- Counseling
- Cooperating
- Delegating with respect
- Representing others
- Perceiving feelings situations
- Asserting
the ability to supervise direct and guide individuals and groups in the completion of tasks and fulfillment of goals.
- Initiating new ideas
- Handling details
- Coordinating tasks
- Managing groups
- Delegating responsibility
- Teaching
- Coaching
- Counseling
- Promoting change
- Selling ideas or products
- Decision making with others
- Managing conflict
the day-to-day skills that assist in promoting effective production and work satisfaction.
- Implementing decisions
- Cooperating
- Enforcing policies
- Being punctual
- Managing time
- Attending to detail
- Meeting goals
- Enlisting help
- Accepting responsibility
- Setting and meeting deadlines
- Organizing
- Making decisions
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