We have approximately 81 people that signed up for our Employer Outreach Program. This program focuses on targeting perspective employers as a group. We have sent out flash drives to 5 companies so far. Although we would like to have sent the flash drive out to more companies it has been quite difficult to find companies that are looking to hire. We will continue to look for companies to send the flash drive to in hopes that some of you may gain employment from these efforts.
The intention of putting together a flash drive to send to perspective employers was to help each of you with your job search efforts as a group, but we are also very serious about helping you with your individual job search efforts.
To help you as an individual we have set up many services for you to utilize. We have an Employment Counsellor coming in once a week to meet with you one on one to help you focus on your job search, point you to invaluable resources and even contact employers on your behalf. We have a resume writer that comes in once a week to help you tailor your resume to a specific job posting or field. (You can get as many resumes done as you like) We are also offering a wide range of training workshops to give you skills that you will need to get a job and to be ready for the interview process.
We have found that many of you that have signed up for the Employer Outreach Program have not been coming into the action centre to get help with your individual job search needs. Because of this we are concerned that you may not be as aggressive in your own job search efforts as you could be and may be solely relying on the Employer Outreach Program to find a job. Because of this we will be removing resumes of individuals that have not come into the action centre to work with our counsellors or attend workshops.
We want to make every effort to make sure you are getting the best service possible. If you would like to continue to have your resume sent out on the flash drive it is very important that you call the action centre to make an appointment to see the Employment Counsellor.
If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact us Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10AM to 6PM.
Action Centre Update
We would like to take this opportunity to give you an update on the status of the Action Centre. As you may have heard we did get a six month extension, and we couldn’t be happier to be able to support you for a bit longer, but this will be our last extension.
We feel that it would be in everyone’s best interest to take full advantage of the services the Action Centre has to offer before the end of August in anticipation of the contract ending.
Below is a reminder of the services available at the Action Centre.
We are helping you as an Group
- Employer Outreach Program – The objective of this program is to research and contact employers that are hiring and send them a marketing package with resumes from workers in transition that have been utilizing the Action Centre. We will be working hard to promote the skills you have to offer them and opening opportunities for interviews and jobs.
- Targeting Employer Workshop – This two part workshop is designed to help workers make a plan for their job search efforts, including
- What to consider when targeting employers
- Putting together a list of preferred customers
- How to get organized
- Planning your week
- Website for targeting employers
- Using the Scott’s Directory
We are helping you as a Individual
- Resume writer to help target your resume
- to specific type of job
- type of industry
- a specific job posting
- Counsellor to meet with clients one on one to help target employers and focus your job search efforts
- Job board in the action centre and on our website focused on jobs that will appeal to the type of work you are searching for
Job Readiness
We are helping you to be job ready by providing you with a number of workshops that will give you skills that you will need to be successful in your job search as well as prepare you for the interview process.
- Introduction to Computers
- Introduction to Word
- Introduction to the Internet
- Targeting Employers Workshop
- Interview Skills Workshop/Mock Interviews
- Employer Testing Workshop
If you would like to sign up for a workshop, call the action centre.
Please take full advantage of what we have to offer you! We look forward to hearing from all of you!
Do you need a free word processor that is fully compatible with Microsoft Word?
Most employers require all resumes and cover letters to be in Microsoft Word format unfortunately most unemployed workers can’t afford the cost of buying MS Office. Well here is a free option that allows you to create, edit, and save in MS Word format. Simply go to save as and save your document as Microsoft word.
Click here to download and install Open Office
It’s easy to get discouraged when sending out resume after resume and getting little or no response. Frustration and discouragement
are normal emotions felt by jobs seekers everywhere. If this describes you then maybe it’s time to re-think your approach. In this post we will give you some tips on how to improve your odds of getting a job.
Is your Resume doing it’s job ?
A good resume is perhaps the most important tool in your job search. It is the key to opening the door to an interview. In todays environment it is vital that you have several resumes each targeted to different types of employment, instead of the general type used in the past. With this in mind you could book an appointment with our professional resume writer at the Action Centre to have your resume reviewed and amended if needed. We can also create for you a resume tailor made for a specific job opportunity
Start a routine
We are creatures of habit. When working we get up, go to bed and eat our meals at the same time everyday. Keeping a routine in our lives is just as important when looking for work. It is recommended that you get up and go to bed at the same times daily and that you set aside the same period of time everyday for your job hunt.
Cold calls
Most jobs aren’t advertised publicly, so if you just use the internet and the want ads you are missing out on over 90% of the available jobs. So what are cold calls? Cold calling simply means calling or knocking on employers doors and asking if they are hiring and if you may submit a resume. This strategy has proven to be a very effective tool in a job search.
Networking
As stated earlier less than 10% of jobs get advertised. Network by talking to your family, friends, neighbours and anyone else you can think of. Ask them if they have any leads. Let them know what type of job you are looking for. Give them copies of your resume and ask them if they would give a copy to their employers
Volunteer
There are many benefits to volunteering
- Maintain a routine
- Looks great on a resume
- Helps boost your confidence
- Fills a gap in your work history
- Learn new skills
- Above all volunteering improves your community
Try to use your imagination when looking for work and employ as many different approaches to your job search as possible. The more varied your tactics are, the more successful your search is likely to be
- Is your resume the right length?
- Does your resume clearly position you as someone who can meet the needs of the employer?
- Does your resume begin with an objective?
- Does your resume contain specifics?
- Have you outlined achievements as well as responsibilities?
- Are there any mistakes?
- Is the resume easy to read?
- Have you listed irrelevant information?
- Are you too modest?
- 10. Have you created an internet-ready version of resume?
The majority of job seekers make basic mistakes with their resumes – mistakes that ensure that they will not get the interviews they deserve.
If you are unsure about the quality of your resume, please contact the ArvinMeritor/IAM Action Centre and we will do everything we can to insure that you are getting the most from your resume.
You can see the full article, “Is your Resume Working for you?” article at www.jobseekersadvice.com.
Comments Off 
