Open Interviews/Recruiting Event Snider-Blake will hold open interviews on Tuesday February 7th, 1:00-2:30 in Worknet. Forklift operators, line workers, and machine operators. Bring 2 forms of I.D.
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CARIFLEX OPEN INTERVIEWS
Wednesdays - Feb. 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Fairfield County Job and Family Services WorkNet
239 W. Main St.
Lancaster, Ohio
LIGHT INDUSTRIAL WAREHOUSE POSITIONS IN CANAL WINCHESTER
*Temp and Temp-to-Hire
*1st, 2nd & 3rd shift
*$8.50 to $9.00/hr, depending on shift
*Benefits available
*Fast paced environment
*Previous warehouse experience a plus, but not required
*Production requires heavy lifting up to 50lbs
*Forklift Operators-also required to do heavy lifting on a regular basis
*Mandatory Overtime as Needed
*High School Diploma/GED
*Background Check
*Drug Screen
APPLY ONLINE PRIOR TO HIRING EVENT AT: www.cariflexhr.com
BRING (2) FORMS OF ID
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OHIO STATE HIGHWAY PATROL RECRUITING EVENT
Tuesday, February 21st, 2012
Fairfield County Job and Family Services WorkNet
239 W. Main St.
Lancaster, Ohio
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is recruiting applicants for its Recruit classes beginning September, 2012. Recruits will complete 6 months of intensive academy training, Monday through Friday. While in training, recruits are paid $18.66/hr. and receive free room and board.
ALL APPLICANTS MUST MEET THE MINIMUM EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
• United States citizen
• Resident of Ohio (may be waived)
• 20 to 34 years of age
• Valid drivers license
• High School diploma or GED
PROCESSING REQUIREMENTS
• Pre-physical evaluation
• Physical assessment and entrance process
• Complete a 4-6 month application process including:
• Pre-employment polygraph examination
• Background investigation
• Medical examination
• Physical fitness evaluation and assessment
• Psychological assessment
• Complete 6months of intensiveacademy training
BENEFITS
• $55,000 to $65,000 per year
• 2-6 weeks paid vacation per year
• Ten (10) paid days of sick leave per year
• Four (4) personal leave days per year
• Ten (10) paid holidays per year
• Paid dental and vision plan
• State paid life insurance
• Workers compensation protection
• Occupational injury leave
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Uniforms and equipment provided
• Health Care Plan
To learn more about a career with the Ohio State Highway Patrol, PLEASE CALL WORKNET AT 740-652-7856 TO SCHEDULE AN ORIENTATION. For additional information about the Ohio State Highway Patrol, visit their website at www.statepatrol.ohio.gov/recruit.htm
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is an equal opportunity employer.
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BEATING THE WINTERTIME BLUES BEATING THE WINTERTIME BLUES
by Jessica Boyer
Are you feeling down this winter? You’re not alone. Many people get down in the dumps this time of the year, especially when it is cold outside and the days are shorter. Sometimes it is hard to get out of our daily routine of busy schedules and shuffling the kids to and from activities, but it is necessary that we do something for ourselves once in a while to prevent getting the “Wintertime Blues.” Getting over the “Wintertime Blues” isn’t always easy, but with these tips you’ll find yourself getting back to your normal happy self, in no time.
· Consider changing your light bulbs for a more natural sunlight effect. Using full-spectrum light bulbs will not only brighten up your home but will also lift your spirits and give you the feeling of being in sunlight.
· Exercise your blues away by taking time to go to the gym or an aerobic class. Even consider sled riding with the kids or making a snowman. Exercise has been shown to reduce stress which in turn could prevent depression. Don’t’ feel like you have to stick to a certain routine if you’re someone who gets bored easily. Exercise works best when it’s something you look forward to, so choose something that fits your personality and fitness level.
· Get a good night sleep. Sleep gives you energy. Try to go to bed at a decent hour so you will be prepared for the next day.
· Control your diet. Try not to indulge in high-sugar foods because carbohydrates tend to effect the increase of your serotonin levels in the brain, which could cause a decrease of energy. Choose healthy meals and snacks
instead of overloading on sugar and fat which can make you feel sluggish.
· Change up your routine:
o Add some new decorations to your home
o Treat yourself to a massage or bubble bath
o Prepare a special meal for your family
o Watch your favorite movie or listen to music
o Keep a journal to reflect on your emotions and the day activities
o Have a day devoted to enjoying yourself
o Call an old friend
o Organize your living space
· Plan a weekend get-a-way with your family or significant other to get away from your daily routine.
· Let your light shine. When in doubt, sunlight can always cheer you up. Adjust your curtain and blinds to let sunlight in your home or work. If your car has a sunroof, then let the light shine in while your drive.
Sources: www.mercola.com, www.gannett.cornell.edu
Appropriate Interviewing Attire Appropriate Interviewing Attire
Choosing appropriate interviewing attire can be difficult, but is definitely important. It is a good idea to designate one outfit as an interviewing outfit. It is also important to select clothing that fits the job for which you are interviewing. For example: If you are interviewing for a professional position, a business suit is appropriate. If you are interviewing for a more casual position, khaki pants and a polo type shirt would be acceptable. Jeans should definitely not be worn to an interview. Below is a listing of appropriate and inappropriate attire that should be considered before you prepare for your next interview.
Appropriate Attire for Men: Professional or Office Job:
Invest in a navy blue wool or wool-blended suit
Dress conservatively
Wear long-sleeved, buttoned-down shirt
Iron all shirt & slacks
Choose ties with matching, subdued colors
Wear a conservative watch with a stretch or leather band
Wear black or navy socks that cover entire calf
Polish your shoes – black loafers or lace-ups with low heal
Cut hair and trim or shave any facial hair
Inappropriate Attire:
Wear brightly covered blazers or suit jackets
Wear blue jeans, even if they are your “best pair”
Go to the interview with wrinkles in your shirt or slacks
Wear plastic watches
Wear tennis shoes, sandals, etc.
Appropriate Attire for Women: Professional or Office Job:
Choose dresses or suits in mute colors and non-shiny materials
Make sure hemlines are at or below the knee
Wear simple jewelry – small earrings, bracelets
Select close-toed shoes, polished
Carry a small purse
Wear low heeled shoes
Wear hosiery
Wear natural looking nail polish
Inappropriate:
Dress provocatively – no v-necks, short hemlines, extremelytight or see-through clothing
Wear big pieces of jewelry
Paint nails with bright colors
Wear high heels
General Tips:
Don’t go too heavily scented. Avoid wearing too much perfume or cologne
Fingernails should be neat and trimmed
Avoid spicy foods, smoking, or any other “bad breath” causing agents
Make-up should be light and natural
Hairstyle should be toned down with minimal hairspray
Long hair should be pulled back into a braid or bun
Good hygiene is a must
Remove piercing from non-traditional places
Cover visible tattoos
If the position is a more casual position, such as a factory position or at a fast food restaurant, causal attire is appropriate. Casual attire includes a polo type shirt and khaki type pants. When you’re not sure what to wear, it is better to over dress than to under dress. Utilize these tips in your journey to success!!
COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS AND GUIDELINES FOR ANSWERS The interview. Here we are, preparing for the interview we have been waiting so long for. Choosing the best outfit, getting our resumes together, thinking about how to answer possible questions…..ugh. For many of us, interviews put a fear in us like no other - the fear of the unknown. Who will be interviewing me? Will there be more than one interviewer? What questions will I be asked? How long will the interview last? Will I be dressed appropriately? It is difficult to predict the answers to these questions. Thorough preparation is the key to easing the fears associated with the dreaded interview. Basic preparation should not be limited to choosing the best attire and making sure you are on time to the interview. Researching the organization you are interviewing with, reviewing your skills, interests, and values and how they relate to this position is imperative. In addition, anticipating the questions you are likely to be asked and practicing the answers are key elements to a successful interview. These preparation guidelines will ease your fear of the unknown, increase your confidence level, and will increase your likelihood of landing the job.
There are limitless possibilities of questions that may be presented in the interview. Many questions, regardless of how basic they may seem, stump interviewees, which often results in frustration. Examples of these questions include: Tell me about yourself; What are your greatest strengths? What are your weaknesses? Why should we hire you? What made you apply for this position? How would you describe your ideal manager? What are your career goals? These questions are only the tip of the iceberg, but can be pivotal in the successful interview. Following are guidelines to these questions and examples of what not to say in an interview.
- Tell me about yourself. This question often stumps many. There is so much to tell. You likely have family and personal information that you would like to share. It is easy to tell your life story. The most effective way to respond to this broad statement is to focus on your education and work history. It is important to avoid speaking of your families, children, age, religious affiliation, basically any information that could be grounds for possible discrimination. Here is an example of a good answer: "I graduated from Lancaster High School and went on to attend Ohio State University. There I earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management. I had the opportunity to participate in an internship in the Financial Aid Department at Ohio State University while earning my degree. I gained customer service and accounting experience in the position as a Customer Service Representative at a locally owned bank while continuing to strive for a challenging position to utilize my education and experience."
- What are your greatest strengths? For this question, you want to focus on action verbs that will express your ability to be a good employee, as well as someone who is easy to get along with. Examples of positive answers to this question are: Strong organizational skills, able to multi-task, dependable, punctual, self-starter, motivated, team player, adapts well to change, friendly, etc. Take the time to evaluate your strengths and be prepared to answer this question.
- What are your weaknesses? For this question, it is important to
avoid any statement that would give a negative impression. For example, you do not want to respond with, "I have a bad habit of being late." Or "I have a hard time getting along with people." Or "I have trouble following through with projects." All of these statements would shoot down your chances from the start. Instead, try to find a trait that could be construed as a weakness and make it into a positive. For example, "I tend to offer assistance to other team members and take on many tasks at once, and I get overwhelmed with work." This statement would indicate that you are a strong team member, with the minor weakness being you have difficulty saying "no" when asked to assist. Another possible answer may be, "I tend to double check my work very carefully, which may result in my taking longer than another employee to complete a certain task. However, I also have a very high accuracy rate and very rarely have to make corrections to my work." As you can see, it is important to turn a possible negative into a positive.
- Why should we hire you? When answering this question, you will want to reemphasize any experience and education you can bring to the position. Take this opportunity to emphasize your strengths. Don't be afraid to gloat a little bit and state you feel you are the best person for this position because……and brag away!
- What made you apply for this position? This is an opportunity to put your research of the company to good use. It is important to state that you are seeking a new position with a new challenge. You can also impress the interviewer with specific information regarding the company and express how the position fits into your overall career plan.
- How would you describe your ideal manager? When answering this question, be sure not to criticize any past managers. Describe your ideal manager as someone who is fair, leads by example, has an open door policy, open to ideas and suggestions, treats all employees with courtesy and respect, etc. Be sure NOT to state anything that would indicate laziness or mistrust.
- What are your career goals? When answering this question, be sure to incorporate the position you are applying for in your career plan. Although this position may not be a long term goal for you and the company may not be one that you plan on being with for the long term, emphasize your desire to excel in this position and be a great asset to this organization while participating in training and development opportunities to open the door for future advancement opportunities within their organization. An inappropriate example of an answer would state that this is just a job to make some money so you can move on to the next as soon as possible.
These examples are only a few of many potential interview questions. For additional assistance on interview questions and answers, visit WorkNet or contact a Success Coach or Career Advisor. Also, ask about the GO! Workshops on Interviewing and Skills Identification. Good luck!!
Free Workshops!
Workshop Information;
To Register
Go online to ohiomeansjobs.com and click on ‘Events’, or contact your Career Advisor or WorkNet at 740-689-2494.
ADULT JOB FAIR COMING SOON! Are you looking for an chance to learn more about available employment opportunities? Would you like to speak to company representatives face-to-face about potential openings? Then be sure to save the date for WorkNet's upcoming JOB FAIR!
The Job Fair will take place on FRIDAY, MARCH 6th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ohio University-Lancaster. Below is a list of confirmed employers scheduled to attend: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AFLAC
American Family Insurance
American GPS Security Corp.
American Red Cross
ATS
AVI
Avon
Bonworth
BTI
CBS Personnel
Center of Vocational Alternatives
ComForcare Home Care Services
Costco Wholesale
Crestview Rehab & Skilled Nursing
Dental assist. Academy of Ohio
Eastland-Fairfield Career & Tech
Edwards Jones
ETAT Enterprises, LLC
FedEx Ground
First Bremen Banking Center
Genco
Giant Eagle
Global Contact Services
Job & Family Services
Kasson & Associates Insurance
Kroger
Lanfair Center for Rehabilitation
Lia Sophia Jewelry
Liberty Mutual Group
Lowes of Lancaster
ManCan
ManPower
Pampered Chef
Park University
Pickaway Ross CTC
Pickerington Nursing & Rehab
Primerica
ResCare
RoadMaster Drivers School
Rockmill Rehabilitation Center
SAW of Lancaster
Scrapbookers Haven
Signature HomeStyles
Social Security Administration
Southern State Community Colleg
Time Warner Cable
Time Warner Cable
The Inn at Fairfield Village
The McGraw-Hill Companies
The Ohio State Highway Patrol
Town Money Saver
West After School Center Inc.
United McGill Corp.
UPS
US AirForce
US Corruated
US Navy
Dealing with transition We all experience transition in our lives. From the day we are born we adapt to our environment in order to survive. Transition is a similar analogy where we are faced with beginnings, middles, and endings. We must face these transitions with a positive outlook so we can continue to function effectively in all dimensions of our lives.
Transition is brought about by an ending. Endings are often born of job loss, rites of passage, disintegration, and death, to name a few. Endings are a time when we face an unknown which generally scares us all. Some endings may be forced upon us while others may be facilitated by us. Each ending searches for a new beginning and perpetuates the cycle of life again and again. This can be a very productive time when we reexamine our lives and listen to our inner callings. Endings can be seen as opportunities to go after something that we have always wanted. There are several phases that may happen when an event ends:
1). Disidentification- A loss of the sense of who we are. We must go through this phase to create new growth.
2). Disenchantment- The recognition that some part of our past reality was in our mind. For example, believing in a fictional character as a child. Understand that reality has many layers.
3). Disorientation- A lost and confused feeling where we question who we are. We get through this by having faith in the birth and death process.
The period of time between the ending of an event and the beginning of a new one is referred to as the neutral zone. This occurs when there is a breakdown of our old self image. When we are in the neutral zone it is best to stop worrying about our past and start thinking about our future. The goal is to determine what we really want from life. Here are some guidelines that can help you through the neutral zone:
1). Schedule time to be by yourself so you can reflect on your current issues.
2). Keep a journal of what you are feeling during your neutralzone experience.
3). Write a story of your life so far. What have you not done that you want to do?
4). Consider what you really want. Search for your true inner calling.
Once you have made it through these areas it is time to begin your new journey. This should start with a bright picture of how your life can be. It is time to implement the changes you have created for yourself. You will probably be nervous, but remember all good things start out that way. If you have settled with your past and spent time discovering yourself in the neutral zone, you should have a promising new beginning.
If you would like assistance dealing with any career transitions you can always contact Fairfield County Job and Family Services at (740) 653-1701 or 800-450-8845. A Career Advisor or Success Coach is available to help you. You may also visit WorkNet for additional assistance.
Get That Promotion! Get That Promotion!
For some of you, finding the right job may not require you to leave your present employer. Before looking outside of your present employer, you should reevaluate your career objective as well as personal wants and needs. Maybe you feel under paid, unappreciated, or not challenged enough. If this is the case, why not look around to see if you would fit in somewhere else within your company?
Here are a few tips on being promoted:
1. Learn all of the ins and outs of your company or organization.
Knowing and understanding the company policies, mission, culture, and procedures will work to your advantage when trying to be promoted. Learn and observe the decision making process within the company, and know who makes those decisions and the rationale behind them.
2. Always keep your resume up to date.
We all know that the majority of the positions filled are through networking. Before placing an ad in the newspaper, a company will often times list the opening internally first. The human resource department will generally ask other employees for names of good candidates who might be interested in the job. Have your resume up to date so you can be the first one to submit it for the job you want!
3. Keep track of your accomplishments.
You cannot have a current resume without knowing your most recent accomplishments. Whether you decide to document these accomplishments weekly or monthly, it will be very valuable to you when you need to update a resume. Accomplishments can be anything from being asked to do a special project to increasing sales. Listing your accomplishments will also be a mental and tangible reminder of your strengths.
4. Make your self seen every moment possible.
Volunteer yourself for special projects or tasks that come around. Get involved in projects that you know will get the attention of the higher ups. Take advantage of the opportunity to express your ideas. Also, get involved so that people know your face and name.
5. Research, research, and do more research!
If you know the job that you want, find out the exact qualifications and other traits that are required to be successful in that position. You may need to brush up on some topics by taking a couple continuing education seminars, classes, or trainings. Volunteering your time will get you hands on experience as well as give you an idea of whether or not that job is really for you. By doing these things, you are not only gaining the experience and education that you will need for that job, but you are also showing your determination and initiative as well.
Good luck!
WILL THIS BE THE YEAR FOR CHANGE IN YOUR CAREER? WILL THIS BE THE YEAR FOR CHANGE IN YOUR CAREER?
by Missy Bennett, Career Advisor
Are you wanting to move further in your career or just wanting a change? You may see potential advancement where you work,- you may want a promotion and a raise. What if you do not want to stay with your current company? If so, you need look for another job or a new career. The answer will depend on what it is that you want. There is nothing wrong with aspiring for more.
The pathway to achieving goals is straightforward. You say what you want, you develop a plan, and you execute your plan. Is this simple? Write down a career goal and why you want to achieve it. Tell the truth about why you want to reach your goal. Is it for someone else's benefit or for your own? Did you set your goal to please someone or did you set it for yourself? You cannot move forward with a goal unless you have created it for the right reasons.
Before you continue, carefully consider whether your goal is right for you. If not, adjust it now, before you move forward. Once you have set your goal, picture yourself as already having achieved it. What are you doing differently? Are you in a new job? Do you have a new title? Are you making more money? Are you in a different industry or location? Visualize your success. Can you see it?
TOP WAYS TO REALIZING YOUR CAREER GOALS IN THE NEW YEAR
1. Write Your Goals Down
Define your goals and write down the results. Make it tangible so you will know at the end of the year if you have achieved your goals.
2. Place Your Goals In A Visible Place
Don't just write your goals down and then forget them. Your goals need constant attention. Display your goals on your computer screen saver, on your desk, on the fridge, wherever is best for you. Remind yourself of your goals on a regular basis.
3. Live And Breathe Your Goals
See your goals as your very own dream creator. This will give you the energy you will need to stay focused through completion.Remember, it might not be easy. Focus on what you are accomplishing, even during the tough times.
4. Re-Affirm Yourself To Your Goals
With every negative thought, counteract it with a positive one. Tell yourself that you will make it. You will achieve your goal.
5. Create An Action Plan And Follow It Rigorously
Set tasks that include reasonable deadlines. Once your action plan is in place, perform the necessary tasks to achieve it. Set milestones, which will indicate what you will accomplish by a specific time. Whatever your goal, take action
everyday! Every action gets you closer to the bigger picture. Before you know it, you will have reached your goal.
6. Surround Yourself With Those Who Are Going In The Same Direction As You
Find people who have the same vision and purpose as you. Take notes of what is working and what is not. Be encouragement and support for each other.
7. Look For Role Models
Look for those who have achieved whatever it is you are aspiring to achieve and use them as role models. Emulate whatever it is that they did to get to where they are now and learn from their mistakes. Find out what worked for them and apply the same principles to your plan.
8. Make Yourself Accountable To Someone Who Can Support You In Achieving Your Goals
A coach (such as a friend, co-worker, or relative) can support you in accomplishing your goals. Your coach will listen, endorse, and support you.
9. Go! Get Started Now!
Referenced from Gladys Famoriyo
Dealing with Change in the Workplace Dealing with Change in the Workplace
Change is always happening and it is one thing for which we can be certain. It is simply an inevitable part of work life in the new millenniums because of technology, downsizing, globalization, changing lifestyles and cultural values. Why is it that some change is so difficult to take? Why do some people appear to cope well with change and others do not?
Change that is forced upon us is especially difficult to deal with. We naturally want to resist change and pretend it does not exist. Although our reluctance to change is natural, it does not always help us. How can we make the most of change that we did not want? When change is hard how can we adjust to it.?
According to the Ceridian Connection, the following strategies will help you maintain a basic sense of optimism during times of change.
· Remember you are not alone- More and more employees are feeling the effects of change in the workplace, but change is a fact of life in today’s work world.
· Take time to think- It’s difficult to think about how you feel but take some time free of distractions.
· Acknowledge your reactions- It is normal to feel negative reactions and not want change to happen. You may find yourself feeling confused, angry, anxious, or afraid. It is normal to feel any or all of these emotions, so recognize them and be honest about your feelings.
· Remember that work is not your entire life- One piece of your life may be changing, but others remaining the same in such roles as spouse, parent, and friend.
· Allow yourself to feel sad- Most change involves loss and it is important to take the time to reflect upon the loss that you feel.
· Avoid spending time with consistently negative people- Too much negativity can affect your moral so; try to stay clear of people who continually engage in negative conversation.
· Try not to get caught up in rumors- Change can have a big effect on the truth so, take the initiative to ask questions and get access to the correct information.
· Try to have a positive attitude- One thing that you can control is your attitude and you can decide to keep yourself in a positive optimistic frame of mind.
· Give yourself time to adapt to change- It may take awhile for you to adjust to change but it will come with time.
Seeking support from others can help you feel stronger and better during times of change.
· Build a good support system- Seek out people who are good listeners and problem solvers. Try to surround yourself with people who are optimistic, caring, can relate with you, and those who can be objective and offer guidance
Talk with your manager about what the change will mean for you and how it will affect your job-. One reason we resist change is because we don’t know how it will affect our jobs and our lives. When we don’t have all the facts we become apprehensive and start to jump to conclusions. The sooner that you speak with your manager about how your job will be affected by the change, the less uncertainty you will feel and the easier it will be to accept the change.
How Is Your Customer Service? HOW IS YOUR CUSTOMER SERVICE?
by Nida Reid-Williamson, Workforce Development Supervisor
Customer service begins the moment a customer contacts you or your company. Whether they are an internal or external customer, you must make customer service your number one priority. How you treat your customers will determine how the customer treats you, whether or not they use your services, and how they perceive your company.
Each customer you encounter will have his/her very own needs. However, all customers you will meet possess 6 basic needs. Karen Leland and Keith Bailey, authors of Customer
Services for Dummies have identified six basic customer needs.
1. Friendliness
2. Understanding and empathy
3. Fairness
4. Control
5. Options and alternatives
6. Information
Keep these basic needs in mind each time you interact with a customer. If you do this successfully, the customer will usually be satisfied even if you can not meet their specific needs.
For example, let’s say that you go into a local shoe store to purchase a pair of black dress shoes for your upcoming interview. When you enter the store the sales associate greets you with a smile and asks if they can help you with anything. After she finds out what type of shoes you are looking for, she helps you locate the correct isle and look for a pair of black dress shoes. You find the perfect shoes and then discover that they don’t have your size. The sales associate goes into the stock room to see if they have the shoe size and style that you are looking for. When the associate comes out, she explains that there are none in your size, but offers to call another location to find your size and style. She also offers to have it shipped to their location at no charge or give you a 10% coupon to use at the other store.
Although you did not leave with the shoes you wanted, chances are that you felt good about the service that you received!
Customer service begins with your attitude. It’s very easy to get caught upin the busywork that makes up every job and to think that it’s the most important thing you do. Think again. Customers do not interrupt your work- they are your work!
Moving from Temporary to Permanent Moving from Temporary to Permanent
By Christy Nichols
Temporary positions may not always be just temporary. Based on your experience with the employer, your temporary position may lead to something more permanent with that company or another employer.
To make sure you have the best potential for turning that temp job into a long-term position, follow these tips:
1. Show you are dependable.
Your dependability can be demonstrated to an employer in many different ways. Attendance, punctuality, and work quality all paint a picture of what type of employee you will be. Show you are dependable by showing up to work on time and as scheduled to perform your job duties.
2. Show you care about quality and quantity.
Employers care about both so you should too! Whether you work in an office or a warehouse, produce as much as you can but also pay attention to the details to insure you have met the company’s expectations.
3. Show you care about the company.
Would you hire someone who does not care about your business? Employers want someone who shows care in what they do and where they work. Show the bosses you want to work for them by getting to know your coworkers, the mission of the company, and the goals they have set.
4. Show professionalism at all times.
ALWAYS be respectful of the company’s rules and codes as well as its employees. Thank someone for showing you a better way of completing a task, ask your supervisor for clarification on instructions you do not quite understand, and follow the dress code at all times to show your respect to the employer.
It is a good idea to treat any temporary position just as you would a permanent job. If working at the company is not an option, check with your supervisor and coworkers who may know of other available jobs within the industry.
For other tips on moving from temporary to permanent jobs, see www.hotjobs.com or visit WorkNet to talk with a staff member.
Holiday Budgeting Holiday Budgeting
By Nida Reid-Williamson
Enjoy the holidays and still be able to afford groceries in January!
Do you know how much you spent on the holidays last year? Chances are you don’t. Too many of us shop without a budget and are shocked when the bills start arriving in January. The best way to avoid the financial aftershock of the holiday season is to prepare now, before the rush of the holidays sets in. Then you can better avoid many of the most common budget-busting culprits--poor planning, last minute shopping and unrealistic expectations.
The first thing to remember is your attitude. The best way to avoid overdoing it is to emphasize the non-material aspects of the season. You cannot avoid all the advertising, but you can neutralize it. Focusing on time with family and friends, traditions and the true meaning of the holiday will help you stay centered. Your family may want to select a special giving project: participate in a sharing and caring tree, volunteer to serve a meal at a shelter, adopt a family or adopt a foster child. Churches and community organizations have oodles of ideas!
Keep your goals in mind. Do an inventory and include what you need to accomplish, what you have to work with and what you need to buy. Consider first what your pocketbook can handle, not what others expect of you. Make that list, check it twice and then use it. Have a family meeting and discuss spending limits in order to make sure expectations are connected to reality. Set limits and stick to them -- especially with kids.
Start early. This gives you sufficient time to budget and shop wisely. Keep your list with you as you do other things, you never know when you might see that special gift! Then when the holiday crunch hits, you will avoid the pressure that leads to impulse buying and overspending.
Shop alone so you will stay focused and avoid distractions. Eat before you shop. You’ll need the energy and it will help you resist buying all those great looking snacks. On-line purchasing can be a huge time saver. By shopping on the web you avoid the crowds and many sites offer free shipping on orders.
Charge smart! Don’t fall into the credit card trap. The general rule is to charge only what you can pay off in full when the bill comes.
Establish traditions that don’t cost a lot. A family night spent making decorations is much cheaper than shopping for them. If you have a big group to buy for, suggest trading names or another creative gift exchange idea. Homemade gifts are priceless. You may want to give gift coupons for whatever personal services you can offer such as auto detailing, haircutting, babysitting or dog walking. Breaking your budget will overshadow the joy of the holiday season.
So plan ahead, keep your focus, stay within your budget and enjoy the season!
Making the Most of Your First Job Making the Most of Your First Job
by Missy Fields
Gaining a new job, especially your first, can be a great way to become familiar with workplace norms and gain valuable experience. However, a first job is usually not a worker’s only job and may not have an obvious link to one’s long-term career goals. While it would be easy to write these jobs off as merely a paycheck, they actually have much more to offer.
Even experienced and trained job seekers often do not find immediate employment in their area of interest. However, viewing all employment opportunities as a way to build work history and references, as well as gain knowledge about workplace procedures, will be much more beneficial in the long run.
When an individual begins to gain work experience, that person is writing his or her own employment history. Each job the person holds will follow them as they move on to other employers, so it is important to be sure that each job will reflect positively to an employer and lead to a strong employment reputation. Things like good attendance, willingness to learn, cooperating with co-workers and other common workplace practices transfer well from one job to another. While direct experience is helpful, most employers are willing to train someone who has the ability to learn quickly, be open to new ideas and be a reliable employee.
Another important factor in making the most of your first job is knowing and sharing what you have done in the workplace. Being aware of the trainings you complete, job duties you take on and skills you use everyday can be helpful in marketing yourself to future employers. While some employees mentally track such activities, keeping a written log at home may be a more effective way to record your accomplishments and also make them easier to share with others.
The central point to remember is that any job is an important job, because it can open up doors to future jobs and make you an experienced employee—and that’s something any employer can appreciate!
“THINKING OUTSIDE OF THE BOX” THINKING OUTSIDE OF THE BOX
by Jessica Boyer, Career Advisor
We have all heard the term “Think Outside the Box”, but what does it actually mean? Many businesses look for employees who are creative. Creativity is the ability to think of new ideas. This could mean applying old ideas to new problems or coming up with an entirely new idea. In order to “Think Outside the Box”, you must apply these simple steps to your thought process.
· Don’t let the problem limit your thinking – If you focus too much on the problem itself, you may have difficulty seeing other ways of viewing it. Pay attention to your gut instinct. Try to brainstorm and think about all the different ways you could approach the problem instead of just one.
· Look at the problem from different viewpoints – List every possible solution to the problem, even if it seems ridiculous. Then turn those ideas around and think of ways they could work or make sense. You may be surprised how something
unrealistic can turn itself into a solution.
· Use hazy thinking – Other words for hazy are “unclear” or “vague”. Sometimes we are very specific and take things too literally in the problem-solving process. Consider using more “hazy” or “unclear” thinking.
· Joke about it – Humor can sometimes inspire alternative thinking. Humor also allows you to view the problem in an entirely different way – an unexpected way.
· Give yourself time to think – Step away from everything that is distracting you and give yourself time to relax and look at the ideas you created. Get away from phones, customers, coworkers, radios, and televisions. Jot down your thoughts as you focus or record them on tape recorder. After you’re finished, get away from the problem. Do something fun and get your mind off it. When you come back to it later, it will make more sense.
JIST Works, Job Savvy, Laverne L. Ludden 2003
ATTENTION, TEENS! Unfortunately, due to the Snow Emergency on March 8th, WorkNet was unable to host the Teen Opportunity Expo as scheduled. We are now planning to bring an even bigger and better Teen Opportunity Expo to you in the Fall!
However, we also would like to invite you to visit our table at the Make NOYS event at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds AAA Building. This event takes place April 26th, from 3-7, and is open to teens ages 13-18. The event will have a Life Flight helicopter, a “no-zone” semi-truck, a Guitar Hero competition, a car show for teens and many other exciting activities.
WorkNet will be at Make NOYS in order to share information about employment opportunities, volunteer information and educational opportunities. We will share information on workplace safety, minor labor laws and getting involved in positive activities. We will also have COOL RAFFLE PRIZES, including free Wendy’s combo meals, gift certificates to Gypsy Joe’s and Buffalo Wild Wings, a complete car wash kit from Advance Auto and 2 tickets to King’s Island!!!
If you have any questions about the Teen Expo or WorkNet’s table at the Make NOYS event, please call (740) 681-9593. For all other questions related to the Make NOYS event please contact 740-653-3389 x177 or 740-681-5542.
We'll see you there!
US Corrugated Hiring Event Worknet will be accepting additional applications on July 11th and 12th at the Liberty Center.The Liberty Center is located at 951 Liberty Drive, in Lancaster. Applications will be taken for the following positions:
Single Facer Operator
Double Backer Operator
Dry End operator
Stacker Operator
Clamp Truck Operator
Baler-Starch Operator
Flexo Folder-Gluer Operator
Flexo Folder-Gluer Helper
Die Cutter Operator
Die Cutter Helper
Bander Operator
Shipping Lead Person
Die Mounter
Forklift Driver
Applications will be taken from 9am to 6pm on Friday and 9am to 3pm on Saturday.
All applicants must meet the minimum qualifications listed below:
High School Diploma/GED
2-3 years experience in an industrial environment
Pass a drug screening and background check
Capable of lifting up to 50lbs unassisted, on a regular basis
Knowledge in safety procedures
Machine operation experience
Self motivated, team player who is seeking career advancement
opportunities
Getting Your First Part-Time Job as a Teenager Getting Your First Part-Time Job as a Teenager
Being successful and landing your first part-time job as a teenager can be challenging and overwhelming. Often times, you may ask yourself, “What can I do to get and keep a job?” It will be important for you to remember to look beyond the obvious. Get yourself prepared for the job search.
First, you will need to start networking. Make a list of people you can contact and tell them you are looking for work. This list should include friends and family members.
Secondly, put together a simple resume. Your resume should include anything that demonstrates responsibility. For example babysitting, mowing lawns, paper routes, and daily chores. Having a printed resume will impress the potential employer and can demonstrate the type of effort you are willing to give them on the job.
Next, put together a list of places to which you can apply. You can visit WorkNet, go to the library to look at the newspapers, walk or drive through town to look for help wanted signs, apply at local restaurants, grocery stores, home improvement stores, the mall, movie rental stores, and gas stations. Go there and apply even if they do not have a sign posted. Walking in will show the employer you are ambitious enough to seek out a potential opportunity.
As a first time job seeker, you need to mentally prepare for rejection. If this happens, and it will, ask the employer to call you in the future should they ever need anyone. Keep it positive and offer the employer a copy of your resume. Remember to stand up straight, be mature, and look presentable. The employer is likely to remember your professional image when they do need an employee.
Now, remember to follow-up with any potential employers a week after you speak or mail your resume to them. This is the most important part of job searching. When you call, be sure to ask for the actual person who does the hiring instead of relying on someone to get him or her the correct message. Following up shows you are responsible and you really want to work there.
Finally, keep in mind, you are responsible for securing your transportation back and forth to work. Get the support of your parents, be reasonable when asking for help getting to work and get your schedule up front from the employer. Planning ahead will allow for regular attendance at work and put more money in your pocket.
Being persistent will pay off. Stay positive and continue networking at all times. Your first paycheck is right around the corner!
Dealing With People You Can't Stand Dealing With People You Can't Stand
by Jessica Boyer
Every workplace can have difficult people who simply can’t cooperate and are sometimes challenging to work with. While it is extremely difficult to change people, you can communicate with them in such a way that would make things better for everyone. Listed below are behaviors that represent people at their worst and are identified as “The 10 Most Unwanted List” by Dr. Rick Brinkman & Dr. Rick Kirschner in the book “Dealing with People You Can’t Stand- How to Bring Out the Best in People at their Worst”.
*The Tank – Confrontational, pointed, and angry, the ultimate in pushy and aggressive behavior.
*The Sniper – Displays rude comments, sarcasm, tries to make you look foolish.
*The Grenade – Frequently explodes into unforced ranting and raving about things that have nothing to do with present circumstances.
*The Know-It-All – Low tolerance for correction and contradiction. Seldom in doubt.
*The Think-They-Know-It-All – They seek attention and fool people by acting like they know how to do something.
*The Yes Person – In an effort to please people and avoid confrontation, they say “yes” without thinking things through. They seldom take time for themselves because they commit most of their time to other people.
*The Maybe Person – Procrastinates in hopes that a better choice will come along. It comes to a point where they must finally make a decision.
*The Nothing Person – Offers no verbal feedback and gives no effort.
*The No Person – Able to defeat big ideas with a single syllable.
*The Whiner – Their standard is perfection and they sometimes feel helpless and overwhelmed. They tend to bring their problems to you and have much to say about everything.
When dealing with difficult people you basically have four choices on how to handle the situation:
1) You can stay and do nothing, which leads to frustration and suffering
2) You can vote with your feet, which means you are basically walking away and let the situation resolve itself
3) You can change your attitude about the difficult person and try to bring out the positive side of the situation
4) You can change your behavior and the way you deal with that person. They will soon need to learn new ways to deal with you.
It is your decision on how you choose to deal with difficult people. Ultimately, it could lead to a better environment if you take the appropriate steps to improve the situation. You can now allow yourself to be the cause of what happens next, rather than the victim of what others have done. Here are quick ways you should react when dealing with each of the 10 behaviors listed above.
*The Tank – Command respect and hold your ground. Quickly backtrack to the main point and aim for the bottom line.
*The Sniper – Bring them out of hiding by asking questions like “What does that have to do with this?” or “When you say that, what are you really trying to say?”
*The Know-It-All – Open the person’s mind to new ideas and be prepared to know your stuff.
*The Think-They-Know-It-All – Clarify for specifics and tell it like it is.
*The Grenade – Take control of the situation and get the person’s attention. Aim for the heart by saying what they need to hear but giving them time to cool off.
*The Yes person – Get commitments you can count on and help the person learn how to plan.
*The Maybe Person – Help the person learn to think and make decisions. Clarify their options and then ensure follow-through.
*The Nothing Person – Persuade them to talk by asking open-ended questions.
*The No Person – Transition to problem solving. Leave the door open and go with the flow. Use them as a resource and acknowledge their good intent.
*The Whiner – Listen for the main points and draw the line when needed. Interrupt and be specific with what you are trying to say. Shift the focus to solutions and what could be done to improve the future.
Though you cannot change anyone else, your knowledge and willingness to help can assist people in changing themselves.
Address Your Flaws Before Your Boss Does For You! Address Your Flaws Before Your Boss Does For You!
By Nida Reid-Williamson
Personal flaws can hurt you in at least two big ways. First, your blindness to your own flaws can hasten your downfall. Secondly, when your competitors learn your flaws they will exploit them.
Train yourself to spot your flaws before they bring you down. Learn to sidestep your common pitfalls and reduce your vulnerability to competition.
The result: greater success in almost every aspect of life. Introspection and confrontation are two major routes that offer a direct line of sight to your flaws. Each route features both strengths and weaknesses when we peer into the shadows of our personality.
Identify your mistakes: Maybe you rush to make judgments, or your pride gets in the way of taking responsibility for an error at work. Take a few steps back and look at the decisions leading to your mistakes and determine the quality and the quirks of your behavior. Are you too stubborn about getting your way?
Benchmark your behavior: Measure your behavior to that of those you admire. The similarities may be significant and you can revel in them for a moment, but they’re secondary. The differences are your prime concern. Perhaps the work they do is always very polished, while you wait until the last minute to finish a project. Sometimes our character requires a modest tweaking to achieve the same goals.
Gather Feedback: Tell family and friends that you need their help in figuring out why you keep failing, in whatever capacity. And demand honesty. Listen to your feedback. If you’re not truly attending to this feedback, there is no point. In undertaking this massive personal challenge, you owe it to yourself to accept these criticisms as opportunities to better yourself, not as attacks. If you’re told that your ego generally doesn’t match up with your accomplishments, the biggest mistake you can make, and the best way to perpetuate the problem, is to deny it.
The day you stop searching through the dark corners of your identity is the day you become stagnant. There may be virtue in the ability to say: “I am what I am, and if people don’t like it, too bad,” but you run the risk of concluding that you have somehow reached personal perfection. Continue to grow personally and watch your career blossom.
Have you thought about carpooling? ****HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT CARPOOLING?*****
Are you working outside of your hometown? RideSolutions offers a FREE ridematch service to commuters working in their 11-county service area including Fairfield, Franklin, Licking, Pickaway, Ross, Fayette, Madison, Union, Marion, Delaware, and Knox counties.
They also offer a Guaranteed Ride Home Program to people who carpool, vanpool, ride the bus, bike or walk to a job or job training. You won't be stranded at work in the event of an emergency, GRH reimburses 90% of your taxi fare home!
Call to register 1-888-742-RIDE (7433)
ONE KEY TO SUCCESS ONE KEY TO SUCCESS: PERFECT THE ART OF LISTENING
by Nida Reid-Williamson, Career Advisor
Most people think they are communicating clearly and effectively. The reality is often, they are not. Poor listening skills can lead to many negative things. The deal you were trying to put together can fall through. The relationship that you are building may crash. The idea you have that is a sure winner never gets off the ground. You just don't understand what sabotaged you. The answer may be that you did it all by yourself by failing to be a good listener.
To determine what kind of listener you are, here's a few questions to ask yourself:
· When someone is talking with you, do you doodle, take phone calls, or rearrange your desk or the space that you are
currently in?
· Have others ever told you that you don't pay attention when they are talking to you?
· When you meet someone, do you ever look over their shoulder for someone else when you or they are talking?
· Do you interrupt others before they finish their sentence or thought?
· Do you find yourself thinking about other things that need to be dealt with while another person is talking to you?
· Do you allow or encourage others to interrupt you when you are talking with another?
If you answered "yes" to any of the above, the simple truth is that you are not paying full attention to whomever is talking to you. You are a one-way communicator and probably, a poor receiver. Granted, you're a busy person and may even feel that your skill of handling multiple tasks all at the same time is an asset. It may be, but only temporarily. It only takes a small crack to rupture a dam-that crack could be the difference in getting the deal done, the relationship on track, or the idea sold.
Here's what's really going on when you don't fully listen:
· If you are a doodler, it means that you are not paying attention. Some doodlers get so intricate with their doodling that they forget whom they are talking to.
· If you've been told that you aren't "present", even by your kids, most likely you aren't.
· If you scan the room, whether legitimately looking for someone you've got to connect with or you just want to escape whom you are talking to, that person knows it. And so do you.
· Most people are pretty busy and want others to not waste their time. Cutting someone off in mid-sentence may leave you in midair…not really knowing what the intent or true point was. You lose.
· Out of body experiences don't count in the workplace. It's easy to get distracted, even spacing out, when you are doing or working with something that is so familiar that you can do it in your sleep. The problem is that you act is if you have no
energy or enthusiasm . Your behaviors become boring and you can often make haphazard mistakes.
· When you allow others to routinely interrupt you, it says to the person you are talking/listening to, "You are not important. . .others are." Is that the message you want to convey?
As a listener, you listen with your ears and eyes. You listen by sensing those around you. It's not difficult to pick up whether others are agreeing or disagreeing with, enjoying or not enjoying, what is going on. No one is born a great communicator. Both speaking and the listening, is a learned behavior. The first component in becoming an effective communicator is to learn how to be a terrific listener! Source: Dr. Judith Briles
Are You A Minor? Got a Job? You Need a Work Permit. Are You A Minor? Got a Job? You Need a Work Permit.
By: Sabina Hosafros
A work permit is a legal document required by the State of Ohio to allow any person under 18, who has not graduated high school, to hold a job. Having a job requires responsibility and obtaining the work permit is the first step. Follow the steps below and you will be on the road to success!
Step One:
Obtain a blank application from your high school or go by going to :
http://wagehour.bes.state.oh.us/w3/webwh.nsf/workpermits
Steps Two, Three & Four:
Complete the applicant section and have your parent/guardian sign the form. Have your new employer complete the appropriate section of the form and visit your family doctor for a physical and have him or her complete the appropriate section of the form.
Step Five:
After each section is complete, take the application to the high school and ask the office to process your work permit application. The high school will give you your actual work permit.
In order to be employed legally, your employer must keep a copy of your work permit in your employee file. If you change jobs, be sure to get a new work permit for your new employer. To continue on the road to success, be sure to keep your guidance counselor in the loop with your out of school responsibilities and take your academics seriously.
Make Money While You Learn with an Apprenticeship Make money while you learn with an apprenticeship
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is learning an occupation on-the-job from a qualified teacher as well as from supplemental classroom instruction. A qualified teacher is defined as a mentor, journey person, or supervisor. The best part of an apprenticeship is that you are paid while you are trained for an occupation. The average pay for a beginning apprentice is $8-$9 per hour with raises upon completion of work assignments and training segments. What that means is that you do not have to take out loans for school and you get a paycheck while you are learning. Apprentices are actually employed, full-time employees of the company to which they are apprenticed. The average length of an apprenticeship is 4 years or 8000 hours of on-the-job training along with set hours per year of classroom instruction. There are over 900 nationally recognized apprenticeship occupations to choose from.
Apprenticeship opportunities can be searched on-line at the websites listed below. The listings give descriptions of where and when to apply for a particular field of study. They also provide contact information and necessary items for the application process.
To be eligible for an apprenticeship, applicants must be 16 years or older and enrolled in a vocational education school or have a high school diploma or GED. Applicants must also be capable of meeting job-related tests.
To find out more about apprenticeships call:
(614) 644-0370
Or visit these websites:
http://jfs.ohio.gov/apprenticeship
www.ohioworkforce.org/jobseekers/apprentice_toc.stm
http://bat.doleta.gov
You may also contact Fairfield County Job and Family Services for additional assistance at (740) 689-2494, toll free at 800-450-8845, or visit WorkNet. A career advisor or success coach is available to help you.
Know what you're getting into when preparing for a new career! Know what you’re getting into when preparing for a career!
It only makes sense that before you invest weeks, months, or years of your life preparing for a career that you do a little research. You want to make sure your career choice is something you’re going to want to do. You also want to make sure you’re going to be able to find a job when you are ready to start working. You can save so much time and money if you do a little up front inquiry.
Here’s what you can do. Go to the Ohio Labor Market Information web page at www.ohioworkforceinformer.org to get started. Here you can check out data for the state or each individual county. You can find out unemployment rates for different areas. You can check out individual occupations for specific counties as well. Find out what jobs are growing and which ones have the most openings. You can find out what characteristics each job requires to see if you may fit the profile of the job. There are career videos you can view which give you a good idea of what the daily occupation may entail. You can find education and training providers which offer programs that interest you. If you happen to know your assessment codes from a career inventory you can enter those to see which occupations may fit your profile.
Another website to visit is the Occupational Outlook Handbook at www.bls.gov/oco if you are interested in researching a particular occupation. You can find valuable information regarding details of general duties of your occupation, training that may be required, advancement paths, as well as similar occupations.
There are some other things you can do to streamline your career preparation. Don’t forget to keep your eye on the local economy. Keep watching the want-ads for frequent openings in similar fields to find out where the demand is. Check the internet for numerous job postings in similar fields. Contact employers to see what qualifications they want from their employees if you are interested in working for them. This can save you time and money by focusing your efforts where they will really help you get the job you want.
If you would like assistance researching a new career you can always contact Fairfield County Job and Family Services at (740) 689-2494 or 800-450-8845. A career advisor or success coach is available to help you. You may also visit WorkNet for additional assistance.
GOT THE FIRST DAY JITTERS? We've all been there. We wake up before our alarm goes off. We excitedly dress and run out the door on our way to our new job in a new place with new people in a new setting knowing no one. Sounds a little intimidating, huh? Well, quite truthfully, it can be. But there are ways to ease the stress and anxiety associated with entering a new job. Identifying these stressors and effectively dealing with them can and will ensure your first day on the job is not your last.
Everyone knows the saying, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression." This holds true when you enter a new workplace. When you walk in the door, you will be entering a world full of new people, and making a good first impression will ensure a successful and rewarding first day on the job. Start your first day on a positive note by arriving to work in plenty of time to park and enter the building with at least 10 minutes to spare. Inevitably, the entire time you are walking, in, you have butterflies in your stomach and feel very nervous, but try to keep in perspective, we have all been there. Once you are in, SMILE!! Smiles are contagious, and will make you more approachable to your co-workers. They will be more likely to invite you to eat lunch with them or to ask more about you on a personal level. It will also make them more receptive to your questions. This will all lead to creating friendships and will make going to work a positive experience everyday.
You are bound to be overwhelmed with information in your first days on the job. The ideal situation is for an employer to present an orientation that will familiarize you with your surroundings, including the location of the restrooms, the location of break areas, your work area, etc. If your particular employer does not have an organized orientation, it would be appropriate for you to have a list of questions ready to ask. Inquiring about your new position will not only be helpful to you as an employee, but will also show the employer your eagerness to jump right in and join the team. Try to prioritize the information provided and realize that everyday is a learning process for everyone. Eventually, everything will come together.
Once you have made it through the morning activities, you are bound to be ready for lunch. Try to spark a conversation in the lunch area with a co-worker or a group. Ask to join a group sitting together. Lunchtime is a great time to create friendships. The lunchroom can also be filled with gossip. Although tempting, try to avoid getting caught in the middle of gossip and rumors. Employers do not appreciate someone who is a habitual gossip and it is best to avoid these situations right from the start.
Hopefully, by this point, you are starting to feel comfortable with your surroundings and may even have a co-worker with whom you are feeling comfortable. Depending on your training schedule, this may be a good opportunity to ask some basic questions of your co-workers. Before doing this, remember that everyone may have a different method of accomplishing the same task, and you will eventually develop a routine that works best for you. It is beneficial to start with the basics. Getting an overall feel of a typical workday gives you a good starting point. Don't try to get too specific when inquiring about this or you will feel overwhelmed. You may have reviewed a position description when applying and/or interviewing for the job and may have certain expectations when entering the job. Often times, this description is not an accurate depiction of your new job. Understanding your job from the start will help you put everything into perspective and develop a strategy that works for you.
Obviously, your first day on the job may be a little intimidating and overwhelming. Just remember, you are there because your employer chose you over all ofthe other candidates to fill this position, you are the best! Your employer has the confi8dence in you to be successful in the job, so have confidence in yourself. Try to realize that, with time, everything will come together and the rewards of going to work everyday will soon be evident. We have all been there and someday, sooner than later, you will be the experienced employee observing another new employee following in your footsteps. Think of your first day as the first step in your journey to success!
How can you get good grades? How can you get good grades?
There are several things to consider when you are trying to work part-time, study, get good grades in school and have a social life. Your attitude and time management are important when you are trying to get all of your responsibilities completed each day. Learning to utilize a day planner to keep track of your homework assignments, test dates, projects due dates, and when you have time to socialize will keep you organized. Getting good grades will allow you to be considered for scholarships,
participate in extracurricular activities, and possibly help you test out of some college classes.
Studying can be effective if you use these helpful tips…..
§ Be prepared for class
§ Listen to your teacher
o Sit up front
o Arrive a few minutes early so will be settled when class begins
o Review your notes from the previous class
§ Take Good Notes
o Your notes will allow you to visualize the class discussion at a later date
§ Keep separate binders for each subjects
§ Find a calm place to study
o Have plenty of light
o Room to spread your papers
o A chair that allows you to sit up straight
o Avoid a place filled with chatty friends
o Steer clear of any pets
o Avoid music
o Keep the telephone and television turned off
§ Set specific study times. Try to schedule your study time for when you feel energetic.
§ Concentrate and work your brain by completing one task at a time.
§ Evaluate and read with a purpose.
§ Give yourself a break. Stretch, yawn, stand up and give yourself 15 minutes to regroup.
§ Change the subject. Your brain will feel refreshed if you change the subject every couple of hours. For example, after 2 hours of reading, start again with math.
§ Think about how the topic relates to your everyday life. Connect the subject to your everyday life and your brain will relate.
Changing your study habits to develop new habits will take time. Decide what habits you need to change and what tips you can use to improve your studying. Start small and set a specific goal with a specific time limit for improving your studying. A positive and determined attitude will help reach your goals one subject at a time.
Preparing for a Telephone Interview PREPARING FOR A TELEPHONE INTERVIEW
by Jessica Boyer, Career Advisor
Have you ever had an employer call you unexpectedly to set up a phone interview or want to interview you on the spot and you were not sure what to do or what to say?
Several employers are using telephone interviews as a screening tool to narrow down applicants that will be invited in later for a face-to-face interview. Because phone interviews can be just as critical as face-to-face interviews, it is important to be prepared and ready to answer anything they may ask. Your goal is to convince the interviewer you are worth inviting in for a face-to-face interview to discuss the position in more detail. The following is a list of helpful tips to help you prepare for a telephone interview:
• Clean up your voicemail or answering machine with an appropriate and professional announcement
• If others live with you or you are using a message phone, inform them that employers may be calling and ask them to be appropriate
• If given the opportunity, choose a date and time that you have plenty of extra time and you will not feel rushed
• If an employer asks you on the spot if you can interview right then and you cannot - don’t be afraid to politely ask if you can set up a more convenient time
• Choose a room in your home that is quiet with no distractions
• Avoid laying down or moving around so that your voice is easily understood. If possible, sit at a desk or table
• Have a copy of your resume and references
• Make a list of key points you would like to discuss about yourself, for example: your strengths, weaknesses, skills, accomplishments, etc.
• Research the company when you apply for the position and create a reference guide to refer to when being interviewed
• If you are aware of the phone interview, consider dressing up as if you were going to a face-to-face interview
• Listen to each question and answer thoroughly without rambling on
• Avoid chewing gum, food or drinking while on the phone
• Compile a list of questions to ask the interviewer
• Be enthusiastic and professional when answering questions
• Remember to thank the interviewer for their time
• Good Luck and be positive!!!
FALL CAREER FAIR! Are you looking for a chance to learn more about available employment and educational opportunities? Fairfield County JOBS One-Stop in conjunction with Ohio University-Lancaster, will host the 2011 Fall Career Fair on Friday, September 16th, 9:00am to 12:00pm at the OU-L Gymnasium, 1570 Granville Pike, Lancaster, Ohio.
Job Seekers will have the opportunity to meet with employers who are currently hiring or will be hiring in the future and discuss training options with on-site training providers.
Dress for success and bring multiple copies of your resume! If you need a resume, please stop by WorkNet and ask a staff member how to get one started. WorkNet is located at Fairfield County Job & Family Services, 239 W. Main St, Lancaster, Ohio.
Acloche
AirNet Systems, Inc.
Atrium Personnel Services
Avon
Central Ohio Technical College
Cintas Corporation
Claypool Electric
Daymar College
DeVry University
Eastland Fairfield Career Center
Exam One Pharm Screen Inc.
Excel Logistics
Fairfield National Bank
Fed Ex
Global Contact Services
Gold Canyon
Goodwill Industries
H & R Block
Harry & David
Hocking College
Hondros College
Iforce
Interim Health Care
Lifeline Mobile
Limited Brands
Lowes
Mary Kay Cosmetics
Maxim Healthcare Services
Melaleuca
Mernards
MPW Industrial Services
Ohio University-Lancaster
Outreach MRDD Services
Performance Training Solutions, LLC
Primrose Retirement Community
Remedy Staffing
ResCare
Ride Solutions
Roadmaster Drivers School
Safety Occupational Testing Services
SAW of Lancaster, Inc
Screen Machine Industries
Snider-Blake Personnel
Southern State Truck Driving Academy
Spherion Corporation
Tri-County Adult Career Center
United McGill
UPS
Veterans Representative
Westerman Companies
Western and Southern Financial Group
Young's Associates, Primerica
Teen Expo! In 2007, over 100 teens had the opportunity to meet with employers, educators, military personnel and many community organizations at the first Teen Opportunity Expo. Don't miss out on our Third Annual Teen Expo on September 13th! Come explore the many employment, education and volunteer opportunities that are available, now and in the future! This event will also have cool RAFFLE PRIZES and FREE FOOD!!!
We'll see you on September 13th at Ohio University - Lancaster, located at 1570 Granville Pike in Lancaster from 12:00-3:00 p.m.!
Raffle Prizes include:
*Verizon Juke phone
*Free driving class from Carroll Lyn Driving School
*Tiki Bowling passes
*MP3 player
*Six month Youth membership to the YMCA
*A free "Classic Session" and 8"x10" portrait from Dave Saunders Photography
*Gift certificate to the Deb Shop
*$25 gift certificate to Dunkin's Diamonds and Gold
*A free medium round cake from Cold Stone Creamery
*Value Meal certificates to Wendy's
*2 movie passes to Regal Cinemas
*Gift certificates to Gypsy Joe's
*A $25 Target gift card
*One free month of classes from Buckeye Hammer House (for MMA Training, Cardio Kickboxing, Youth Boxing, Karate or Pilates)
*Three $10 gift cards to Walmart
...and many more!
In addition to the organizations and companies attending the Expo, information on several employers and educators who are unable to attend will also be available.
For more information about the Teen Opportunity Expo, please call Missy Fields at 740-681-9593 or WorkNet at 740-689-2494
Becoming the Best You Communication is an important key to success in the workplace. If just one person in the workplace is a more effective communicator, the work environment improves. So maybe you’re asking –
How do I begin improving my communication?
There are many things that people can do to improve communication, but the process begins when each individual decides to LOOK inside themselves.
What kind of person am I?
What are my strengths?
What are my weaknesses?
When am I a good listener?
When am I a poor listener?
Am I my best in the morning, afternoon, or evening?
Spend time analyzing yourself. Think about how you respond to situations. Think about when you’re the best you and when you’re the worst you and what brings out the best you and the worst you.
I’m the best me when I’m organized, on-time, rested, and confident.
I’m the worst me when I’m disorganized, stressed-out, tired, and worried.
NEXT, create the circumstances that make you the best you!
If you’re the best you when you’re organized – take time for organization. Just think – if you don’t have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?
If you’re the best you when you’re on-time – get up a few minutes earlier. You won’t want to get up at 6:10 any more than 6:00.
If you’re the best you when you’re rested – go to bed earlier, take a bubble bath, read a book, schedule time for you! You’re not doing anyone a favor by not taking time for yourself!
If you’re the best you when you’re confident – focus on your strengths. Try thinking of two good things about yourself for every one bad thing that crosses your mind.
Finally, remember every man has the potential to be great. As Bernard M. Baruch stated, “I have learned the truth of the observation that the more one approaches great men the more one finds that they are men.”
Turn Tension into Tranquility TURN TENSION INTO TRANQUILITY: Tips for Relaxation on the Job
It is nine-twenty in the morning, and your eight-a.m. meeting has lasted a half-an-hour longer than expected. You dash to your desk, only to find twenty-five voice and email messages that all need your immediate response. The project you've been working on has reached it's deadline and you need about three more hours to "cross the T's and dot the I's," your computer has "locked up," and you just spilled your morning "go-go juice" all over an urgent memo from your boss. Your beeper is beeping, your cell phone is vibrating; the cash register needs tape and there's a line out the door– WHEW! and it is only ten-a.m. Does this sound like a typical day? I am certain every working person has experienced at least one day like the one I just described.
Work days that involve as much craziness and chaos such as this, often leave an employee feeling overwhelmed, stressed, confused and unproductive. As we all know, if you are not in the right frame of mind, it can be quite a challenge to keep your focus and stay on task. Feeling out of control, can, and will, make it very difficult to concentrate and get the job done.
There is a brighter side to this "Monday Madness". It's called; R-E-L-A-X-A-T-I-O-N. On the job relaxation. There are many strategies one can acquire to help him or her self turn work tension into work tranquility. Many specialists from all aspects of the medical field have studied effects of work-related stress and tension on employees, and what it does to a person's body and mind. People who suffer from too much tension and stress may experience headaches, (some migraines) muscle tension, loss of appetite or overeating, high/higher blood pressure and/or depression. Experts say psychological issues make up roughly sixty-percent of the physical problems that employees go through. The American Institute of Stress states between seventy-five and ninety percent of doctor's visits are stress-related. So what are you going to do about it ?
Here are some short-term answers to a long-term fix:
1. Deep Breathing. Hold in your stomach for a moment, push the air up from your belly into your lungs and exhale for eight to ten seconds. (Inhale and Exhale through the nose)
2. Break time Getaway. Find a place alone. Turn off the cell phones/beepers. Read, meditate, drink some tea. Dean Ornish, M.D., director of the Preventative Medicine Research Institute, states that this simple pleasure helps you "establish a sense of inner peace".
3. Exercise. Take advantage of your lunch hour (Even if it's only 30minutes). A brisk walk can do wonders for your afternoon, and you can feel fresh and rejuvenated. Choose the stairs over the elevator; and rather than searching for the closest parking space, park far away.
4. Visualization. Close your eyes or gaze at the floor. Imagine the area of discomfort is an ice cube and the ice cube is melting. This exercise works well if you have tension headaches. You can also imagine the area of discomfort as a color you do not like. Imagine the color fading or changing.
5. Clear Your Mind. Put a colored dot someplace on your desk. When you look at that dot, it will remind you to stop what you are doing for 15 seconds, catch your breath, and clear your mind.
By simply practicing any one of these relaxation techniques on a daily basis, you are sure to alleviate some of your stress load. It is important for your mind, body and spirit to take care of you. The place where you go every day from "nine to five" needs your undivided attention. You can not offer that attention, or perform your duties to your highest ability if you are distracted by feelings of overwhelmingness.
So the next time your day starts out like a bad roller coaster ride, remember to take a deep breath, find your alone time, walk your lunch away, see your troubles behind or take fifteen seconds to clear your mind. You and your coworkers will be glad you did!
Making Job Fairs Work for You Making Job Fairs Work for You!
By: Nida Reid-Williamson
Job Fairs are an excellent job search tool. Job Fairs bring employers and job seekers together at one site. You can assess employers, and employers can assess you. Recruiters at Job Fairs are friendly and eager to talk about their company. Employers also use Job Fairs to assess how you talk with other people, how you present yourself, and if you show an interest in their company.
Here are a few tips that can help you get the most out of Job Fairs!!
Before the Job Fair
You want to inquire about which employers are attending and if they are doing interviews at the fair. If you have time before the fair, research the companies who are attending. Make sure to research companies that sound interesting as well as the ones you do not know much about. Employers are often impressed with the initiative of previous research.
Be sure to write down any questions that come up as you are doing your research. Having well thought out questions will impresses employers!
Take the time to prepare a skills-based chronological resume and a list of professional references. Take the time to identify your strengths and skills. Practice communication skills and take initiative.
Keep your appearance neat and accessories are appropriate. When in doubt, don’t! Don’t burden yourself with a coat.
Carry your resumes and references in a folder or nice binder. Be able to present your resume and references with ease and grace! You don’t want to have the employer think that you are unorganized or unprepared!
At the Job Fair
Plan to arrive early. When you enter, make sure to pick up a list of the employers that are present and a map of locations is applicable. Identify the employers you want to speak with the most. Begin speaking with them after you have practiced on a few other employers. This will give you an idea of the flow and process of beginning and ending conversations.
You will be speaking withseveral different people, from different companies. Ask people for their business cards and be sure to get their names. As soon as you leave a booth that interests you, jot down your first thoughts and/or key topics of discussion. It is great to be able to reference back to a specific topic that was discussed with an employer in a cover letter, phone conversation, interview, or thank you note.
Be sure to gather information that the employer has available about their company before leaving the table.
Good luck & have fun!
Temperaments at Work by Nida Reid-Williamson
Temperament is your behavioral style: the how of behavior rather than the what or why.
Temperamental differences are present at birth; they influence how we behave toward & are affected by individuals & objects in our environments.
David Keirsey has adapted the Myers-Briggs to identify the following four categories of temperament.
Look at each category and circle the items that describe you the most, then identify your primary temperament and then secondary temperament.
1. Optimists:
Must be free and not tied down
Like to try new things
Are impulsive
Can survive major setbacks
Enjoy the immediate
Are generous
Enjoy action for action’s sake
Are cheerful
Like working with things
2. Realists:
Like to belong to groups
Feel obligations strongly
Have a strong work ethic
Need Order
Are realistic
Find tradition important
Are willing to do a job when asked
Are serious
Are committed to society’s standards
3. Futurists:
Like to control things
Want to be highly competent
Are the most self-critical of all temperaments
Strive for excellence
Judge people on their merits
Cause people to feel they don’t measure up
Live for their work
Are highly creative
Tend to focus on the future
4. Idealist:
Are constantly in search of their “self”
Want to know the meanings of things
Value integrity
Write fluently
Are romantics
Have difficulty placing limits on work
Are highly personable
Appreciate people
Get along well with all temperaments
Remember that no temperament is better than another. You might not always fit neatly into one category either.
Identifying your temperament can be useful in
different ways:
Understand and resolve conflicts
Find occupations that meet your needs
Identify your strengths
You cannot think about these values in ‘right’ & ‘wrong’, or ‘good’ & ‘bad’. Enjoy our differences and be tolerant of people who hold a different set of values!
CONFLICT MANAGEMENT CONFLICT MANAGEMENT-
Your boss asks you to work over when you have already made plans, a co-worker is saying bad things and spreading rumors about you, you are in your probationary period and your car breaks down. What do you do? How do you handle conflict at work without putting your job in jeopardy?
Learning how to handle conflict effectively is a skill that most anyone can and should learn. Conflict happens all the time in everyday life whether it be at home, work, school or play. How you handle conflict , especially at work, can make or break you. Conflict management can be broken down into three easy steps: stay clam, think about possible consequences before you react and be willing to compromise and work together to resolve the problem.
STAYING CALM is important for many reasons. Many people make poor decisions when faced with conflict because they don't THINK BEFORE they react to the situation. Unfortunately, nature has made this easy- sounding task a very hard thing to do when you are angry. When faced with conflict, your body's natural fight or flight instinct takes over. Your body releases adrenaline into your system which gives you to energy to fight and defend yourself, or flight and get out of harms way. Your heart beats faster and stronger, your blood pressure raises and your breathing becomes fast and shallow. The amount of oxygen that you are taking in decreases, and we all know that the brain needs oxygen in order to THINK clearly. Learning how to calm yourself and how to remain allows you the time you need in order to THINK.
THINK about the consequences before you REACT. How many times have you been involved in an argument or dispute and later said to yourself "Gosh I wish I wouldn't have said that" or "if I could just go back and do it over I would have...." You ARE thinking, its just at the wrong time. The time to think is BEFORE you react. What are you really angry about? Are you looking atthe whole picture? Put yourself in the other person's shoes. What can you do to help resolve the situation. Think about the consequences your reaction will have on you, your job, your family and your life.
WORK together to solve the problem. Blowing up, losing your cool or quitting your job will not solve the problem. If anything, it may make life worse. If you are fired or you quit because you lose your temper, you not only lose your job, but you will probably lose any chances of getting a good recommendation when you look for another job. Separating from a job in this way also does not look favorable on a resume. If you quit, you may not be eligible for unemployment and it could effect other programs that you may be participating in like food stamps and OWF. Talk to the person or persons you are having trouble with. Ask for someone who is neutral to mediate a discussion between you and the other person(s) involved. Be willing to LISTEN without getting defensive. LOOK at any part you may have in the conflict and be willing to COMPROMISE to solve the problem.
Learning how to manage conflict takes time and practice. The more you practice, the better the results. If you would like to learn more about Conflict Management and Decision Making, contact a Success Coach at Job and Family Services and inquire about the S.T.A.R.S. Program.
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