DOCUMENT RESUME
ED 352 531 CE 062 693
TITLE PASSAGE. "Your Workplace and Job-Skills Information Newsletter." Fiscal Year 1991-1992. INSTITUTION Midland Center, Inc., PA. SPONS AGENCY Pennsylvania State Dept. of Education, Harrisburg. Div. of Adult Basic and Literacy Education Programs. PUB DATE 92 NOTE 93p.; For earlier issues, see ED 324 473 and ED 342 907. PUB TYPE Collected Works Serials (022) JOURNAL CIT PASSAGE; v3 n1-10 1991-1992
EDRS PRICE MF01/PC04 Plus Postage. DESCRIPTORS Adult Education; Career Information Systems; *Career Planning; *Education Work Relationship; Employment Interviews; *Employment Potential; Employment Problems; Employment Qualifications; Employment Services; *Job Search Methods; Job Skills; *Labor Force Nonparticipants; Labor Market; Labor Utilization; Newsletters; Outcomes of Education; Resumes (Personal); Underemployment; *Unemployment IDENTIFIERS 353 Project
ABSTRACT This document consists of a report on a project to develop a newsletter for adult learners and unemployed and underemployed individuals in Pennsylvania who want to expand their educational training and improve their career opportunities. The ten newsletter issues published for volume 3 are appended to the report. Among the articles are the following: "Making Your Job More Secure"; "Understanding How Employers Use Resumes"; "The 'Mock' Interview"; "What Are Personality Tests"; "Why Not Form a Job Club?"; "GED (General Educational Development) Students' Skills above Other Graduates"; "Getting the Potential Employer's Attention"; "Preparing for Content-Skill Tests"; "The Job-Search Diary"; "Writing Tips for Today's Versatile Employee"; "Workplace-Literacy Programs: Key Components"; "Social Work--The Caring and Helping Profession"; "Meeting Deadline Pressures"; "Occupational Outlook Handbook"; "Putting the Pieces Together"; "'Where Are the Jobs?'"; "Networking for Your Job Search"; "Management by Objective"; "The Path to Success Begins with Education"; "Interested in Entering the Medical Field?"; "Employment Agencies: What to Look for and What to Look Out for?"; "Preparing a Reference List"; "The Cover Letter: Customized for Success"; "Greeters vs. Graters"; "Making Your Hobby Pay"; "Preparing for the Interview"; "Functional Skills: Words Interviewers Like to Hear"; "A Self-Discovery Checklist"; "Is There Job Security in Any Career?"; "What You Don't Know about the Unemployed Can Hurt Them"; "Making Decisions: Involving Family and Friends"; "Interviewing the Interviewer"; "Reaching Your Goal by Taking One Step at a Time"; "Schuylkill Training and Technology Center"; "Researching Potential Employers"; "Quality: Whose Job Is It Anyway?"; "Closeness and Conflict: Inseparable Outcomes of Teamwork"; "How Can You Recruit Others to Help You?"; "Does Your Writing Impress or Distress You?"; "Do Your Clients Have Solutions?"; and "Establishing Work-Force Education Goals." (CML) PASSAGE 'Your Workplace and Job-Skills Information Newsletter' Fiscal Year 1991-1992
"PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE THIS U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY Office,/ Educational Research and Improvement ED CATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER IERIC) "I This document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization originating /1/71- 4 ; Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES Points of view or opinions stated in Mist:loco. ment do not necessarily represent offioai INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC)." OE RI position or policy The Midland Center, Inc. 617 Midland Avenue Midland, Pennsylvania 15059 (412) 643-1350 1-800-345-5443
Bernadette A. Mangie, Director of Educational Services, The Midland Center, Inc. John S. Goberish, Communications Officer, The Midland Center, Inc.
Federal Allocation: $26,450
Project Number: 98-2001
"The activity which is the subject of this report was supported in part by the U.S. Department of Education. However, the opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the U.S. Department of Education or the Pennsylvania Department of Education, and no official endorsement by these agencies should be inferred."
2- BESTCOPYAVAME Table of Contents
Abstract Page 1
Introduction Pa e
Statement of the Problem Page 4
Goals and Objectives With Which to Attack the Problem Page 4
Procedures Employed to Study/Attack the Problem Page 6
Which Objectives Were Met and How? Page 7
The Evaluation instrument(s)/Techniques(s) Used and the Results of the Evaluation Page 11
The Procedure for the Distribution of the Findings and the Product Page 14
Conclusion Page 14 Abstract
PASSAGE, "Your Workplace and Job-Skills Information Newsletter," is a publication written specifically for adult learners and unemployed/undereraployed individuals in Pennsylvania who seek to expand their educational training and to improve their career opportunities in today's everchanging workworld. PASSAGE is written and designed by The Midland Center, Inc. and is funded in part by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the United States Department of Education. The PASSAGE newsletter is published ten (10) times a year from September to June and has a monthly circulation of 2,200. Each issue of the newsletter is six (6) to eight (8) pages in length.
In 1989, the PASSAGE newsletter was established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education's 353 Task Force and The Midland Center, Inc. The goal of both organizations was to provide adult learners receiving services funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Education with educational and career-development information/resources in a newsletter format. This publication was designed to place emphasis on the importance of life-long education and how it relates to the workplace. The newsletter was also a response to the absence of materials (a publication that is produced on a regular schedule) that were written for the adult learners seeking to improve their educational and career opportunities.
To create a newsletter that would be appropriate for a significant percentage of Pennsylvania's adult learners, close attention was given to the newsletter's content (choice of articles and the relevance of each article to the newsletter's overall mission), readability (reading level), and design (print size and layout).
PASSAGE is mailed to adult-basic education instructors and volunteers, employment trainers, career counselors, librarians, and various coordinators of self-help programs (i.e., single-parent homemaker services). Upon receiving the newsletter, it is photocopied and distributed to adults participating in educational and/or career-development programs/activities. Also, the newsletter is designed as a tool for educational instructors and tutors to use as a lesson plan to enhance their classroom materials.
Some of the subject areas covered in PASSAGE include employer-employee expectations in today's workplace, job-search tools, highlighting careers, employment/educational services, workplace-communication skills, teamwork, higher-education opportunities, technology, information for instructors, self-help/inspirational articles, workplace terms, labor-market surveys, success stories, reader input, on-the-job skills, and innovative classroom activities.
To provide educational and career-development information, the PASSAGE staff (an experienced team of writers, educators, and employment trainers) utilizes their personal work experiences to create a newsletter that is relevant, versatile, factual, and up-to-date and to network with program directors, instructors, and business professionals across the State.
To continually improve the overall quality of the newsletter and to expand its network, PASSAGE places great importance on reader feedback and maintains close contact with the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Introduction- PASSAGE--"Your Workplace and Job-Skills Information Newsletter"
Objectives The 1991-1992 PASSAGE newsletter was designed to provide educational and career-related information for Pennsylvania's adult learners who are in the process of earning their GED diplomas, preparing for college or vocational training, or planning to enter or reenter the workplace. The Midland Center, Inc. and the Pennsylvania Department of Education wanted to create a publication that would feature workplace and job-skills information that is prepared specifically for the adult learner. This publication was intended to be used not only as an independent "hands-on" resource for adult learners to read and understand but also as a classroom discussion tool and networking device for the many adult-basic education and career-development programs across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Rationale/Background Concerned with the lack of workplace and job-skills information written specifically for the adult learner, the PASSAGE staff geared the newsletter toward this target audience, and close attention was given to the publication's content, tone, reading level, and layout. The Midland Center, Inc.'s research (reviewing similar newsletters, books, and educational resources) revealed that very few similar publications were available on a regular basis. (PASSAGE is published ten times a year.) There is a definite need for a resource that speaks to the adult learner and highlights the importance of education and how it applies to today's workplace.
In 1989, The Midland Center, Inc. received the approval of the Pennsylvania Department of Education to produce the PASSAGE newsletter. The Midland Center, Inc., a nonprofit training and development organization, has been in existence since 1983 and has provided educational, career development, and employment services to unemployed and underemployed individuals in Beaver County. The PASSAGE staff consists of individuals who are experienced adult instructors/counselors, job-developers, and communication professionals (writing, editing, publication-design skills). The 1991-1992 PASSAGE project year marks the completion of three years of providing workplace and job-skills information to Pennsylvania's adult learners.
Time Frame During the 1991-1992 project year, The Midland Center, Inc. published ten (10) issues of PASSAGE. Each issue was six (6) to (10) pages. The newsletter was scheduled to be distributed on a monthly basis starting in September 1991 and concluding in June 1992. * While complete issues of the publication were prepared according to schedule (written, edited, and camera ready), other delays caused the newsletter to change its distribution schedule. Consequently, several issues were often mailed during the same month. Staff /Key Personnel The Midland Center, Inc. utilized two staff members, on a part-time basis, to organize and produce the 1991-1992 PASSAGE newsletter series. These individuals have training and professional experience in the areas of writing, editing, computer operations, layout and design, desktop publishing, and °outreach/communications. The positions needed to coordinate the project were: Managing Editor This individual monitored the overall operations that led to the final production and distribution of the newsletter, assigned articles, and functioned as writer/editor.
Publications Editor/Desktop Publishing Specie listrrechnical Assistant This individual worked directly with the Managing Editor to write, edit, and assemble the material for the newsletter. Also, this individual was involved with preparing the layout/design, updating the database, and organizing the bulk mailing of the newsletter.
Audience Feedback received from PASSAGE's readership, adult educators/counselors, career-development instructors, program operators, the Department of Education, and publications such as What's The Buzz supports the need for a newsletter that highlights workplace and job-skillinformation for adult learners. Also, feedback has revealed that PASSAGE is being used by adult learners, utilized by adult instructors in the classroom for educational, career, and employment training, and accessed by individuals visiting WORKPLACE Projects which are present in over 70 libraries in the Commonwealth.
Additional Report Copies Persons interested in obtaining additional copies of this report may contact:
Dr. John Christopher, Director Clearinghouse Specialist Bureau of Adult Basic and Literacy Education AdvancE/ Pennsylvania Department of Education Pennsylvnia Department of Education Resource 333 Market Street, 6th Floor Center Harrisburg, Pennsylvaniz. 17126-0333 333 Market Street Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17126-0333
Summary After three years of providing educational/career-related information, PASSAGE continues to be a publication which meets the needs of adult learners, unemployed/underemployed individuals, adult instructors/counselors, program directors, and employment/career- guidance trainers throughout Pennsylvania. This newsletter project works hand-in-hand with the training programs (ABE-GED services) and special projects (What's The Buzz) offered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
1.3 Statement of the Problem
Beginning in the early 1980s, Pennsylvania has been greatly affected by high unemployment rates in a majority of its counties. Many of these counties once flourished from the stability of abundant industries which today have downsized tremendously. This situation created a great problem for undereducated, unemployed, or underemployed individuals in Pennsylvania. To remain in competition, the workplace demands that its employees value education as a life-long process. A large percentage of the manual-labor jobs have given way to the service or technological-based jobs.
With this change in the workplace, the establishment of a publication which focused on workplace and job-skills information that was of importance to the educational, training, and employment needs of Pennsylvania's adult learners became a concern.
The PASSAGE newsletter, utilizing an established statewide network of educators and business professionals, highlights information that assists adult learners with their educational and career-related challenges.
In a report from the Pennsylvania Department of Education to the Legislature, the report states that 353 special-demonstration projects are necessary to improve the financial security of many Pennsylvanians who are benefiting from, or will benefit from, Act 143 programs (e.g., 30% receiving public assistance, 27% classified as displaced homemakers, and 36% were unemployed and available for work in 1990).
Goals and Objectives With Which to Attack the Problem
Since its beginning in 1989, the PASSAGE newsletter was proposed to provide a much needed resource for Pennsylvania's adult learners interested in improving their educational, career, and employment opportunities. The overall goals and objectives established to alleviate the problem were:
Focus PASSAGE had to be different from other publications. No other publication similar to PASSAGE was available on a regular schedule (i.e., ten times a year). It was specifically geared toward the adult learner's educational/career-related concerns. While various magazines, newsletters, and books featured workplace and job-skills information, these publications did not focus entirely on material for the adult learner. A newsletter that complemented and enhanced other services and special projects offered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education was needed.
4. "5 Content PASSAGE had to provide a variety of information that would be relevant to the adult learner. Assembling a variety of information would increase the likelihood that all readers would discover something that would help them with their situations. Also, PASSAGE gave the reader a starting point from which to learn more about a particular educational/career- related topic. Each article would provide the reader with the necessary information needed to take the next step (organizational names/addresses, telephone numbers, or places to conduct research). The subject areas covered in PASSAGE included: Overcoming Academic/Economic Barriers Employer-Employee Expectations In The Workplace Academic Preparedness And Growing Occupations/Career Fields Supportive Needs of Adult Learners Career/Workplace Readiness Programs For Adult Learners Counseling/Employment Concerns Of Adult Learners Technologies Impacting The Workplace Strategies For Job Search Statewide Workforce-Education Initiatives Teamwork Problem-Solving In The Workplace Academic Skills Used In The Workplace Reader Survey/Feedback Success Stories Instructor-Directed Readings
Customized Format/Design Close attention was given to PASSAGE's appearance. The newsletter had to have a layout and design that was attractive and eye catching to the reader. The body text, titles, and subtitles make the articles easier to access. Also, the use of boxes, bullet statements, and graphics assisted in improving the overall look and accessibility of the newsletter. In addition, to make certain that adult learners would be comfortable using PASSAGE on a regular basis, a great deal of attention was given to the reading level of the articles in the newsletter.
Variety of Applications First, PASSAGE was designed to be used as a resource tool that adult learners could easily read and understand without a great deal of assistance. Secondly, PASSAGE was designed to be used by adult instructors, volunteers, and counselors as a classroom or small-group discussion tool to better prepare adult learners for higher-education and employment opportunities. Lastly, PASSAGE was designed to establish a network of readers (educators, business professionals, and adult learners). The intention was to
5 open communication channels and tohighlight the innovative ideas, success stories, and concerns of individuals and educational/employment-related programs acrossthe State (i.e., the Workplace Project in the public libraries).
Accountability The Midland Center, Inc. accepted the responsibility ofresearching and developing information which was accurate and appropriate forPASSAGE's audience. During editorial meetings, the staff madecertain that all articles were properly researched and verified thatthe material presented was timely to the readership and had statewide application.
Procedures Employed to Study/Attack theProblem
To meet PASSAGE's intended goals, improve/update thenewsletter, and provide an informative and accurate educational/career-related resources toadult learners, the newsletter staff focused on four main areas which included utilizing The MidlandCenter, Inc.'s experience with instructing adult learners/unemployed individuals, the PASSAGE staff's previousexperience (three years of publishing PASSAGE), educators and business professionals who agreed tosubmit articles or resource information, and internal/external feedback.
The Midland Center, Inc., a nonprofit training and developmentorganization, has been assisting individuals who need educational/employment training since1983. The Midland Center, Inc.'s staff has worked with thousands of unemployed and underemployedindividuals. Some of the services that have been provided over the years at The Midland Center, Inc.include GED brush-up courses, job-search workshops, single parent-homemaker services, career developmentfor welfare recipients, and basic computer-applications training. Having acquired years of first-handknowledge and having established a network of self-help programs, The Midland Center, Inc.'sstaff became a valuable resource for producing a newsletter that addressed the concernsof the adult learner.
Next, the PASSAGE staff examined the results of the first two yearsthat the newsletter had been published. During this period, the PASSAGE network of students,educators, and business professionals was established. Also, a greatdeal of effort was spent creating a publication that was uniquewhile trying at the same time to learn more about the audiences'needs. At the start of the third year of publication, the staff had acquired much information and began toupgrade and enhance the newsletter. For example, the 1991-1992 PASSAGE newsletter had a newlook that was easier to read and more user friendly (soft colors, pull-out boxes, feature sections, and athree-column format). This change was based on research and past publication experience. The experience acquired by the PASSAGE staff enabled the newsletter to improve and further develop.
The third area of importance was obtaining articles, conducting interviews, and collecting resource information from a network of educators and business professionals throughout the Commonwealth. Rather than rely only on their own experiences, the PASSAGE staff encouraged educators' and business professionals' participation; this added variety, credibility, and a unique viewpoint for the readers (i.e, Sidney Elkin, Director of the Alliance for Consumer Protection of Beaver County and Law and Political Science Instructor at Penn State University). Many individuals were contacted by telephone or letter. Also, this networking provided the PASSAGE staff with a better understanding of what services and special programs were being offered to adult learners and what may be of interest to the readers.
The fmal area of importance was feedback from the readers, the Pennsylvania Department of Education, and the PASSAGE newsletter staff. Surveys and articles encouraged feedback from the readers. The Department of Education was contacted on a regular basis and the progress of the newsletter was discussed. Also, monthly editorial meetings were held for the PASSAGE staff zo analyze the effectiveness of the newsletter. Feedback from the readers, project advisors, and the PASSAGE staff became crucial to the success of the newsletter.
Objectives*Which Were Met
To ensure that all objectives for the 1991-1992 PASSAGE newsletter project were met, the editors of PASSAGE prepared a list of subject areas that was designed to provide the adult learner and instructor with a variety of educational, workplace, job-skill, and employment-related topics.
Utilizing its experienced staff of educators and career-development trainers/counselors, network of specialists/professionals (Pennsylvania Department of Education and educational/training programs), three (3) years of experience with this project, and feedback from the readership, the PASSAGE staff had the resources necessary to meet the objectives of the newsletter.
Each PASSAGE newsletter contained main articles (500 to 750 words), informational sidebars (100 to 250 words), and STUDENTaccesspages (250 to 750 words). Forty (40) feature articles, (60) short-interest articles, and (10) STUDENTaccesspages were included in the 1991-1992 PASSAGE newsletter series. Also, all ten (10) issues (six to eight pages each ) were printed and distributed to the readership by June 10, 1992.
7, The main articles and sidebars were written to provide the reader with a basic understanding of a particular topic. In addition, each main article provided the reader a resource from which to conduct more research or receive assistance. The articles served as a starting point to attain knowledge and to explore various employment and educational opportunities.
The STUDENTaccesspage, a monthly feature, was designed to be used as a customized instructional tool. This "hands-on" feature was written by an adult educator and was targeted to students, instructors, volunteer tutors, and counselors. Instructors/trainers were encouraged to use this innovative insert as a regular classroom-discussion exercise. The STUDENTaccesspage highlighted topics that are of importance in the classroom and in the workplace (e.g., accountability and teamwork).
Below is a detailed listing and explanation of the subject areas that were established to ensure that a variety of issues important to the educational/career-related development of adult learners were presented in PASSAGE.
Overcoming Academic/Economic Barriers PASSAGE prepared a collection of articles for individuals who are attending school and/or want to establish successful careers. Obstacles they may encounter, methods to achieve success, and resources to obtain assistance were highlighted. Articles included "GED Students' Skills Above Other Graduates," October 1991 and "Reaching Your Goal By Taking One Step At A Time," May 1992.
Employer-Employee Expectations In The Workplace Today's employees are expected to be educated, versatile, and willing to accept more responsibilities. With access to various labor-market statistics and a network of local employers, PASSAGE featured information that summarizes the general concerns of all employers and what they expect from their employees. "Making Your Job More Secure," September 1991 and "Interviewing The Interviewer," May 1992 were articles that discussed this topic.
Academic Preparedness And Growing Occupations/Career Fields This subject area focused on featuring professions that may be of interest to the adult learner. Each article focused on educational requirements, experience, salary expectations, typical daily activities, personality types, and employment outlook. Articles that highlighted this subject area included "Social Work--The Caring and Helping Profession," November 1991 and "Interested in Entering The Medical Field?" February 1992. Supportive Needs of Adult Learners This collection of articles gave adult learners information about programs or services that could assist them during difficult times (e.g., unemployment or family problems). These articles were designed to let them know that they have somewhere to turn, and that they are not alone. Articles included "Why Not Form a Job Club," September 1991 and "Employee Assistance Programs Reduce Stress," April 1992.
Career/Workplace Readiness Programs For Adult Learners Each year, PASSAGE receives information from many programs and services that provide employment/educational assistance to adult learners. Many of the programs/services can assist individuals who are interested in earning their GED diploma, attending college, or entering/reentering the job market. Also, this information is useful to educational/employment program operators wanting to improve their services or expand their network. "The Workplace Project: An Update," March 1992 and "Schuylkill Training and Technology Center: A Model Program," May 1992 were articles that featured this information.
Counseling/Employment Concerns Of Adult Learners PASSAGE featured a number of articles that provided the readers with information on how to improve their employability and to utilize helpful guidelines when making decisions. Articles that highlighted this topic were "Preparing For Content-Skill Tests," October 1991 and "Making Decisions--Involving Family and Friends," Apri11992.
Technologies Impacting The Workplace This subject area provided adult learners with information on technological char ;*es and how these changes may affect their future career plans. The skills taught in the adult-education classrooms including ( /college/vocational schools can help adult learners prepare for thechallenges ahead. Articles that discussed this topic were "Tomorrow's Workplace," October 1991 and "Fewer Fish In The Sea," April 1992.
Strategies For Job Search Knowing how to conduct a successful job search is just as important as receiving an education and preparing for a career. Without knowing how to prepare a resume/cover letter, establish a network, or be prepared for a job interview, an individual will have a difficult time utilizing his/her skills and talents. "PASSAGE's Resume-Writing Series,"September through December 1991, and "Where Are The Jobs?", January 1992 were among many articles that focused on this topic.
9 2 Statewide Workforce-Education Initiatives These articles were written specifically for instructors. Programs, services, and innovative concepts were presented to instructors in the hope of opening communication channels and showing how education and business can work together to better prepare adults for the work world. Articles included "Workplace-Literacy Programs: Key Components," November 1992 and "Deaf Adult Literacy Tutor Handbook," May 1992.
Teamwork Teamwork in the classroom and in the workplace, has always been emphasized in PASSAGE. Many individuals fail to realize that the skills used in the classroom can apply directly to the work environment. Teamwork is important to achieving success in all aspects of life. "Tandem Jobs," April 1992 and "Closeness and Conflict: Inseparable Outcomes of Teamwork," June 1992 discussed this topic.
Problem-Solving In The Workplace Similar to teamwork, PASSAGE featured several articles which highlighted participative approaches that can be used in the classroom and in the workplace. Many companies (labor and management) are requesting that employees be involved in the decision-making/problem-solving process. "Quality: Whose Job Is It Anyway?", and "STUDENTaccesspage Focus: Problem Solving In The Workplace," June 1992 focused on this subject matter.
Academic Skills Used In The Workplace PASSAGE has always stressed the importance of obtaining solid academic skills and li.w these skills are used in the workplace. These articles give examples of how skills such as writing, speaking, and computing are used everyday in the workplace. Articles that featured this topic were "Tips for Today's Versatile Employee," November 1991 and "STUDENTaccesspage Focus: Management By Objective," January 1992.
Reader Feedback Each year PASSAGE encourages reader feedback by preparing surveys and listing the newsletter's address and telephone number. Constant communication with the readership is an essential part of providing a useful service. "PASSAGE's Resume Writing Series," December 1991 and "STUDENTaccesspage 1992 Reader Survey," February 1992 were included in the 1991-1992 PASSAGE newsletter. Evaluation Techniques
To achieve and exceed an established level of quality and to meet various set benchmarks, the PASSAGE newsletter staff utilized external and internal evaluation methods to analyze the success of the newsletter and needs of the readers. These external and internal evaluation methods have proven to be essential components to PASSAGE's adaptability, success, and growth.
External Evaluations External evaluations consist of encouraging the readership to write or call, conducting reader surveys, and seeking the advice of the Pennsylvania Department of Education's Director and Special Project Advisor. This combination enables the staff to have a clearer picture of the audiences' needs and concerns.
With articles such as "An Introduction To PASSAGE's Resume Series," "The STUDENTaccesspage 1992 Reader Survey," and "PASSAGE Survey Results," the PASSAGE staff encouraged readers to call the newsletter's 800 number or to write to the staff and discuss how the newsletter is being used, what articles are helpful, what information should be included in future issues, and how the overall quality of the newsletter can be improved.
A survey was conducted in the February 1992 issue of PASSAGE. Some of the questions that were included in the survey were: What types of articles interest you or relate to your situation? What is your favorite article from the newsletter? What is your impression of PASSAGE's content, readability, design, and utility? Can you give one example of how PASSAGE was helpful to you? Do you have any additional suggestions that would help us improve the newsletter?
The feedback received from the readers who responded to articles or the survey was positive and helped refine this year's look and content (e.g., new layout and design and articles on resume writing and success stories). While written suggestions/comments and survey sheets were useful tools to measure PASSAGE's performance, the most effective tool utilized by the readership for communicating with the PASSAGE staff was accessing the newsletter's 800 Number. The readership appreciated the convenience of the 800 Number. With the 800 Number, the PASSAGE staff was able to discuss the newsletter's effectiveness in greater detail and create a more personal and accessible service/product for the readership. Here are some brief examples of comments (letters and surveys) from program instructors, counselors, and administrators who received the PASSAGE newsletter during the 1991-1992 program year:
"Recently, a colleague gave me the October 1991 "I have been very impressed with your newsletter issue of your newsletter ' PASSAGE.' I enjoyed it 'PASSAGE.' I find it filled with useful information and found it to be very helpful. I am requesting and have passed copies on to public and state that I be placed on your mailing list." prison libraries. As you know the State Library Mary Mulroy, Counsels piloted the Workplace project a few years ago with ABE/GED Program six sites. We now have over 70 libraries offering Central Presbyterian Church these services. Is it possible to ensure that every McKeesport, PA library on the enclosed list of Workplace sites receive a subscription? Since few public libraries receive professional career guidance journals "I would like to request copies of your free 'PASSAGE' will be of immense value." publication 'PASSAGE' for use in the Career Stephen M. Mallinger Development/Life Skills Program at the State Library Development Advisor Correctional Institution at Muncy." State Library of Pennsylvania Dianne E. Paroli Harrisburg, PA Job Placement Specialist State Correctional Institution Muncy, PA "PASSAGE makes me more aware of adult "I recently received a copy of 'PASSAGE,' your sudents' special needs; therefore, it makes me TMCI newsletter from a representative at Adult better equipped to help them." Literacy Action, Monaca. This is an excellent Joan H. Noblit newsletter--and very appropriate for assisting many Coordinator of Community Education of our residents at Penn Pavilion. Of particular Quakertown Community School District interest are articles pertaining to job-search Quakertown, PA techniques, although the focus of the newsletter in general makes it one that is of potential benefit to "From the responses to the survey and from the population we serve. Could you please send or comments received on the survey forms, it is our call with information about subscribing? I would opinion PASSAGE is meeting a need for workplace very much appreciate the opportunity to and job-skills information on the part of adult basic incorporate this resource into our and literacy educators in Pennsylvania. Further, vocational-assistance program. Thank you for your the positive ratings given the newsletter contents consideration--and for a great newsletter!" would indicate the newsletter is meeting the need in Deborah Pagani a positive manner." Staff Representative David W. Fluke Penn Pavilion Project Director New Brighton, PA Adult Education Linkage Services Troy, PA "PASSAGE is a resource utilized by the Prep Project. The honest approach and down-to-business attitude of PASSAGE are refreshing. I utilize PASSAGE as both a staff development and a career guidance tool. I am impressed with the versatility of PASSAGE. The Midland Center, Inc. has filled a great need in Adult Education." Barbara T. Kirby Employment Prep Project Project Manager Waynesburg, PA
12' 1L.1 A final method of external evaluation included maintaining open channels of communication, on a regular basis, with Dr. John Christopher, Ed. D., Director, Bureau of Adult Basic ar'd Literacy Education, and PASSAGE's Project Advisor, Mr. Dan Partin. Both individuals shared their input and offered suggestions that helped enhance the newsletter and expand its network of contacts across the Commonwealth. Also, this was an excellent opportunity fot the PASSAGE staff to share feedback that has been received from the readership.
Internal Evaluation On a monthly basis, the PASSAGE editors scheduled a meeting to discuss feedback received from the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the readership, to review accomplishments, to set assignments (articles, reports, and contacts), to brainstorm for future issues, and to critique published issues of the newsletter.
Also, input was received from The Midland Center, Inc.'s experienced staff of adult-education instructors and career-development specialists/counselors. These individuals assisted with the writing, proofreading, and bulk mailing of the newsletter.
Each issue of the newsletter was proofread by no less than four (4) individuals. Spell-check and grammar-check programs were also utilized for reviewing and preparing the newsletter. In addition, all information presented in the newsletter was reviewed and verified for accuracy and appropriateness to the PASSAGE readership. (All guest writers or individuals who submitted information packets received a camera-ready copy of the newsletter before it was printed. This practice ensured that information was factual and relevant.)
This internal evaluation process was a necessary component that helped PASSAGE reach and exceed its project goals for the 1991-1992 project year.
13 Procedure for the Distribution of the Findings and the Products
For the 1991-1992 project year, ten (10) issues (each issue was six to eight pages in length) of PASSAGE were mailed to educational/employment-related programs for adults throughout the Commonwealth. During this year, PASSAGE had a monthly circulation of 2,200.
The mail list was assembled by securing the names and addresses from What's The Buzz, The Pennsylvania Department of Education, and individuals (instructors, program operators, volunteers, and counselors) who discovered PASSAGE through a colleague or by word of mouth.
The newsletter was designed, edited, and formatted by the PASSAGE staff. The Midland Center, Inc.'s staff assisted with the writing, bulk mailing, and up-dating of the reader data base (PASSAGE's entire circulation).
Camera-ready copies of the newsletter produced by the PASSAGE staff were sent to a commercial print shop for mass production and folding. (Each year PASSAGE receives three bids from area print shops. Price, quality, and turnaround time are all important factors in choosing a printer.)
To improve the timeliness and to increase efficiency, various software packages (Ventura Publisher, WordPerfect, Right Writer, and Mars 800 Scanner) were used to write, edit, and design the newsletters.
The combination of an experienced staff, state-of-the-art software, a quality commercial printer, an efficient data base, and monthly schedule enabled PASSAGE to distribute the product in a timely and efficient manner.
Conclusion
The 1991-1992 PASSAGE project has met established goals and has continued to expand its network of readers and contributors. After three years of disseminating workplace and job-skills information, the PASSAGE newsletter has found its niche with adult learners, unemployed/underemployed individuals, adult instructors/counselors, program directors, and employment/career-guidance trainers in Pennsylvania. In addition, the PASSAGE newsletter served as a "hands-on" resource that enhanced the many programs and projects funded and supported by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
14 Resume Series #1 Page 2 So, You Want To Be A Boss! Page 5 The "Mock Interview" Page 3 STUDENTaccesspage Page6 Personality Tests Page 4 Employer Expectations Page 7 Seven Rules of Interviewing Page 5 Job Clubs Page 8
'Your Workplace and Job-Skills Information Newsletter'
Volume 3, Number 1 Special Job-Search Strategies Issue 1991 Making Your Job More Secure
To be successful in today's Determine what skills your Seek better and more efficient competitive job market, you must company needs and acquire ways to do things. Make sure make yourself more valuable to those skills. Attend seminars that management will see what your organization. Here are and classes. Act quickly so you you recommend as a long-term some tips to help you with this can show that your absence will saving and not a new expense. task: leave a gap the company can't Rid your mind of "I deserve it" afford. Act as if it's your business. thinking. Examples: "I get in Think like your employer: A Give your employer what you early, so I'm entitled to leave a constant flow of well-treated expect--some positive feedback. couple of hours early." "I haven't had a day off for customers brings profits. Never think you can't be months, so I'll call in sick." Do more than you have been replaced. Someone with the doing. Take on new duties, same experience might be Source: John R. Graham, Graham Communications, 40 Oval Road, Quincy, work extra hours, and don't willing to work for less. MA 02170. wait to be asked.
"Tell Me About Yourself."
For some reason, many job seekers dread the were abandoned by your family and had to prospect of talking about themselves in the job survive in spite of a terrible childhood. Instead, interview. Here are a few hints to follow whenever use an example from your work history that you are in an interview: supports why others would view you as a "take-charge individual." Be careful not to sound arrogant. Use a confident tone of voice bid avoid exaggerations Remember that when an interviewer says "Tell of your accomplishments. lob-search experts Me About Yourself" be or she is really trying to suggest that you reveal something memorable discover what type of person you would be as an about yourself that your interviewer will think employee--looking for information about your about when evaluating you for the job. An work habits, goals, attitude, and personality. example might be: "I see every problem that The STUDENTaccesspage provides you with an affects my work as an opportunity to look for a exercise that will help you feel more comfortable solution." and prepared when talking about yourself to a Stay away from information that is too personal. potential employer. Ask your classmates and If you are a "take-charge individual," do not family to help you because they may find it easier support that self-description with the fact you to highlight your good qualities. PASSAGE Resume Series Introduction Do you need to prepare a resume for your job search? Most definitely! If you are currently seeking employment, you need a well-organized resume to get interviews. There are no exceptions. To help you better understand the importance of a good resume and to help you organize and write this necessary document, PASSAGE will feature a series of articles on resume preparation in the months ahead. The first article in this series will examine the purpose of a resume and how you can better understand the interviewer's point of view and approach. In the future, topics such as different types of resumes, content/basic ingredients, resume do s and don'ts, and organization of your information/resources will be highlighted. The PASSAGE staff hopes you find these articles to be helpful. If you have any tips or information that you would like featured in this series, please call us at 1-800-345-5443. Thank you!
Understanding How Employers Use Resumes
Why does an employer require all best candidate. However, you After the Interview job candidates to submit a must remember that you only Depending on the job or number have a few minutes, or in some resume? To answer this question, of positions available at the you should try to put yourself in cases seconds, to catch his/her company that is hiring, the attention. Until you get a chance the place of the interviewer or interviewer may need your to meet with the employer in potential employer. resume as a reminder of your person, the resume will be doing Understanding an employer's skills/qualifications. During this most of the work for you. concerns and needs will help you stage, the interviewer will review understand the many purposes of his or her notes, compare you to a resume and communicate the During the Interview other job candidates, and right information. This article reexamine your resume. An When your resume interests the effective resume will serve as a explains how resumes are interviewer enough to schedule a important before, during, and better reminder than a poorly personal meeting, this document organized resume. after the interview. will then be used as an agenda or a guideline for the interviewer to During all stages of the job Before the Interview follow. Many interviewers ask search/hiring process, your questions based on the resume serves as a powerful tool The first reason why an employer information presented in your that assists you in obtaining requests a resume is because of resume. employment. By understanding time limitations. The employer why employers ask for resumes So, what does this mean? This simply does not have enough and how they use resumes, you means that by preparing a time to meet (in person) with can approach the resume-writing well-constructed resume that everyone interested in a position process with confidence and focuses on your skills/strengths, at his/her company. In other achieve greater success. words, the resume serves as a you can help establish the screening device. Keep in mind direction of the interview. The that the employer's time is resume will help the potential Resume-Writing Series limited, so your resume should be employer and you to better powerful, short, and to the point. prepare for the interview. Next Month The resume is your chance to get "Getting The Potential the employer's attention and to Employers Attention" convince him/her that you are the Interviewing Strategies The "Mock" Interview A Valuable Practice Tool The best way for job hopefuls to comments on the quality of the Some sample interview questions prepare for employment interview are as important as the that many employers use: interviews is to practice going instructor's input and Why should we hire you for through the interviewing process suggestions. this position? in what employment counselors call a mock interview. This can This is a very valuable exercise, What are your strongest skills? and it clears up many fears of be accomplished in any How would you describe your classroom Oth the following interviewing and builds higher levels of self-esteem and personality? supplies set up: confidence. Few tools do a better Are ye.' t .ogle or task A list of questions that job of preparing you for real job orientai? interviews than the mock employers always ask in job Whatis the minimum salary interviews interview and peer/instructor critique. you would accept? A video camcorder Fear and apprehension are by far Whatcan you do for us that A VCR the main contributors to job someone else cannot? A television set candidates experiencing Howcan you apply your difficultly during the interview. experience to our A blank video tape Going through the interviewing operations/business? Two rooms (classroom and process is the only way to Why do you want to work for overcome this fear and office) our company? apprehension. Have someone act out the role of These are just some of many the interviewer /employer. Make The interviewees must be their own best salespersons. Job interview questions. Keep in certain your interviewer is mind that interview questions are familiar with 30 interview candidates should be in control of the direction and content of the divided into four main catepries. questions. Have an alternate They are: room where everyone can wait interview. They must convey the while each person gets the right information to the potential employer in a positive manner. If Skills, Qualifications, and opportunity to go through the Experience mock interview. they don't, who will? Education, Knowledge, Each interview should last When you are going on a job approximately 15 minutes. An interview, try to think of yourself and Intellect actual job interview usually lasts as a new car and memorize all of the options on your "personalized Personality and Work longer. However, 15 minutes in a Traits mock-interview exercise should window-sticker." This is be enough time to get a feel for essential information that is needed for disclosing all of the Requirements, the job candidate's interviewing Aspirations, and Interests ability. Nervousness is a normal options (your skills, qualities, and reaction that occurs during the experience) that make you a interviewing process, and the better choice than the other Remember, resumes get you mock interviewer has the applicants or "models." interviews, and only successful interviews get you jobs. So responsibility of putting each So, to help you prepare for the interviewee at ease. prepare, rehearse, and get the interview, you need to have at proper attitude to make a great Video-tape each interview, one least twenty statements impression on potential after another, then preview the highlighting your unique abilities employers. tape in front of the entire class. and skills. It is your job to make The instructor, as well as the the interviewer knowledgeable of classmates, can offer constructive these qualities during the suggestions. Your peers' interview. Interviewing Strategies What Are Personality Tests? When you begin your job search must get along well together to Test-Taking Tips and obtain an interview, the maintain productivity and morale. If you are asked to complete a individual conducting the You may face a personality test personality test by a potential interview may ask you to take a when applying for a job that employer, here are suggestions personality test. Although not all demands close interaction and mat you can follow when taking employers use this test in the cooperation with all employees. the test: lf:tvrviewing process, it is to your Larger companies also make use Be honest. Answers that are advantage to be prepared for this of the personality test during the pre-employment test. The not accurate can be detected interview. Companies that deal and could be used to disqualify personality test is unlike most directly or indirectly with public tests that you have taken. In fact, you from further employment safety are likely to conduct these consideration. there are really no wrong or right tests before hiring. Some answers. You cannot pass or fail examples include bus driver, train Answer all questions. this test. engineer, airplane mechanic, and Unanswered questions send a child-care worker. warning sign to the potential The Purpose employer about your ability to fulfill the requirements of the What exactly is a personality Test Questions position. test? A personality test is a tool The types of questions are an employer may use to measure Use your own answers. Do not, usually yes/no or true/false. The under any circumstances, a job applicant's behavior format is usually one short patterns (actions and reactions to attempt to copy someone's question or statement. Once answers. certain situations) which are again, these questions can be needed to complete on-the-job quite personal; however, it is Remember that personality duties. These written tests ask important to remember that these tests are looking for behavior many personal and confidential tests are kept confidential. patterns. The same question questions. The tests may suggest may be repeated several times which applicants are at risk for Here are some examples of during the test (using different substance abuse, unfit for personality test questions that words and phrases). Be stressful jobs (power plant you may see: consistent when answering operator), or poorly suited for People generally hate strangers. questions; give the same positions that may have rejection answers to repetitious questions. (salesman) or physical threats I am more important than anyone. The personality test is just one of (police officer) associated with I am less ambitious than most. them. many tools or methods an I like dangerous sports. employer can use to choose the These tests examine the I do not sleep most nights. right individuals for his/her applicant's positive and negative organization. Understanding the behavior patterns. The results of My parents were good people. interviewing process and the tests will provide the Poetry makes me angry. knowing what to expect during employer with a general idea of an interview will help contribute each candidate's level of loyalty, I like snakes, spiders, and bugs. to your successful job search. productivity, punctuality, and honesty.
The activity which is the subject of this publication was supported in part by the The Labor Market Pennsylvania Department of Education and the US. Department of Education. Today's labor market has seen However, the opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the position or the rise of many small businesses. policy of the Pennsylvania Department of Education or the US. Department of These businesses typically hitt Education, and no off dal endorsement by the Pennsylvania Department of less than twenty workers. In this Education or the US. Department of Education should be inferred. type of workplace, employees Interviewing Strategies The Seven Rules of Interviewing Always Be Honest Flex, Bend, and Rebound Those who succeed at work are those who are Read the interviewer's needs and respond to honest. Always tell the truth and support your those needs. But as you shift your style, opinions with facts and true examples. maintain your honesty and integrity. Initiate and Participate Fully When in Trouble, Return To Purpose When we display a willingness to lead, we are When the person across from you doesn't providing a preview of how we would seem to listen or care about you, remember perform on the job. why you are there and stick with it. If In doubt, Check It Out Continue Learning Every Day Never underestimate the value of an Wherever you are in life, you will be using at intelligent question. Show the courage to ask least some of your interviewing skills again, for more information. probably to get another job. Think Like An Owner Source: Daniel Marsula, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette If you owned the company, would you want somebody like you as an employee? Make sure the answer is yes.
So, You Want To Be A Boss! What Should You Take To If you had the opportunity to select your boss, what The Job Interview? type of individual would you want to work for? There are many opinions about what items you PASSAGE's writers did a very informal survey should take with you to a job interview. You must which yielded some very consistent responses. decide from the following suggestions which items If you aspire to the position of "boss," examine our are best suited to support the position you are findings to see if you would be a good boss! seeking. Be fair minded and accessible to employees. Whatever items you decide are necessary, please have an organizer or small briefcase in which to Be interested in the employees' work. carry them. You do not want to appear unorganized Be willing to compliment employees who do a when asked to present certain documents to the good job. interviewer.
Be willing to constructively criticize and help Extra Resumes employees who do not work well. Have a vision for the organization. Pen, Pencil, and Notebook Paper Know how to share the organization's vision with Typed List of References the employees. Be humble about your own accomplishments. Certificates, Diplomas, and Transcripts
Well, how did you rate? Are you prepared to live Examples of Your Work (i.e., a special report up to these expectations? you completed) Being the boss is not easy. It requires patience, Personal Documents such as your driver's understanding, knowledge, commitment, and the license and social security registration number ability to hire employees who judge themselves according to the same standards of behavior. STUDENTaccesspage Focus: Tell Me About Yourself.
Introduction Teamwork The job interview provides an opportunity for you to sell yourself (attitude, skills, interests, and abilities) to an employer. You become the product; the employer, in a real sense, is the potential customer. There are many reasons why Challenges you want and need a job; however, you need to first address why the employer should pick you as the candidate most likely to succeed if given this opportunity of employment.
Here is a self-discovery exercise for you to Stress complete before the interview. Take ample time to answer each question carefully. Then, you will need to make accurate conclusions about yourself, based on your responses to the questions.
Communication Tell Me About Yourself. 1. How can I use each of these words in a sentence which describes my work habits? Successful 2. What three words best describe my personality? Why these words? Give an example of a situation to support each word choice.
Eager Word Choice St
Example Education
Attitude Word Choice #2
Flexible Example
(Continued on page 7) Word Choice #3 4. Are there patterns in the type of responses you wrote and received from others while completing your self-discovery exercise? if your answer to Example this question is yes, list the comments which were consistently reported about you. If your answer is no, describe why you feel that the responses were so different.
Write your conclusions here: 3. What would others (including former coworkers, family members, teachers, and friends) say about me if they had to write a recommendation letter? To complete question three, ask no less than five (5) individuals to complete the following sentence:
insert your name is the best candidate for the job because I personally know of his/her
Employer Expectations-You Should Not Be Surprised.
Ifyou were to ask an employees encounter many surprised by your employer's employer what he or she new challenges which their expectationsinstead, you'll values in employees, the workplace predecessors did find ways to surpass those following responses should not have to handle. These expectations! not surprise you. challenges require workers to Employers expect employees think more creatively, employ PASSAGE Staff negotiating skills, and to: Editors continually seek higher levels Read well enough to do their Bernadette Mangie, Director, Education jobs effectively and safely of skill and knowledge. and Support Program TMCI Employers expect employees John S. Goberish, Communications Write well enough to Officer communicate properly to to have high self-esteem, pride in their work, and the Consultants customers and coworkers Richard Carland, Coordinator of motivation to achieve their Educational Services, TMCI Compute well enough to individual goals, as well as tackle numerical tasks in the Jim Dolmovich, Guest Writer, TMCI workplace the organization's goals. Robert Drogus, Training Coordinator, TMCI Listen well enough to Ifyou are considering a first-time career choice or Judy Danube., Trainer, TMCI identify workplace problems Alice Green, Technical Advisor, that need to be addressed changing careers, you should BCALMC begin by making a career Greg Hill, EAPC Coodinator, BCALMC Think well enough to fmd choice which offers work that solutions to those problems Dan McCall. GED Instructor, TMCI is interesting and exciting to Cathy Schweitzer, Secretary/Assistant Speak well enough to relate you. In addition, you must Trainer. SPOC/SAVE, TMCI those solutions to customers recognize the importance of Melissa Taylor, Trainer. SPOC/SAVE, and coworkers finding work in a field that TMCI will help you meet your This newsletter was producer! internally In order to provide a good by TMCI, 617 Midland. Avenue, living for their families and employer's expectations. Midland, PA 15059. (412) 643-1350 themselves, today's Then, you will not be or 1400-345-5443 Job-Search Assistance Why Not Form A Job Club?
There are many ways to make the community aware In addition, you may want to create a Job Board. A of your career-guidance services for adult learners. Job Board can be used to list the positions available The formation of a Job Club is one responsible way to your club members. Many unemployed persons that many organizations like yours have used to cannot afford the delivery of their local newspapers. recruit and help others make decisions about their Copies of the want ads from different newspapers future employment possibilities. Do you have the can easily be cut and posted on a Job Board. Job staff, knowledge, and resources to form a Job Club leads from other sources, such as employers who within your organization? Job Clubs are generally prefer to call your agency rather than use public organized to offer group and individualized advertisements, can also be typed and posted for assistance to special-needs populations. . others to use. Job Club members may also have job leads which are not right for them but useful to their Group activities include: fellow job seekers. Many jobs are found through Field trips to local college and training this method which is known as the "hidden-job institutions to learn firsthand the benefits of market." acquiring marketable skills Support services for an effective Job Club are very Presentations by area employers who have important. For example, you should have resource knowledge of their industries' workforce needs persons who can write and type well. Word processing and duplicating equipment will also be Films, videos, and demonstrations which promote needed to prepare the documents Job Club members job-search techniques will need to conduct a successful job-search Meetings among the job-search candidates to campaign. Vocational-resource guides listing share information and emotional support with their employment outlooks, salaries, and education and fellow Job Club members training expectations are invaluable tools for your Individualized activities include: Job Club library. The formation of a Job Club does not have to be an Assistance with filling out applications and expensive venture for your organization. There are writing resumes many community members who already have the Practice exercises to refine the techniques needed persomel and resources to help your organization to conduct a good interview start a Job Club. Invite them to an informal meeting Counseling opportunities for addressing problems and discuss how your organization wants to work and barriers that impede training and employment with them to help the unemployed find work. Vocational testing to discover career options
BCALMC NON-PROFIT ORG. PASSAGE Newsletter U.S. POSTAGE PAID 617 Midland Avenue MIDLAND, PA Midland, PA 15059 PERMIT NO.10
PASSAGE Your Workplace and Job Skills information Newsletter' Special Job-Search Strategies Issue 1991
42':; Resume-Writing Series Page 2 Reducing Stress On The Job Page 4 Content-Skill Tests Page 3 STUDENTaccesspage PageS Your Job-Search Diary Page 4 Tomorrow's Workplace Page 6
'Your Workplace and Job-Skills Information Newsletter"
Volume 3, Number 2 October 1991 GED Students' Skills Above Other Graduates
Some employees are embarrassed than were female candidates (55 (17 percent). Women candidates because they didn't graduate percent versus 45 percent). But who worked were likely to be from high school but received 22 percent of the women, employed in sales, service, or General Education Development compared to 11 percent of men administrative support positions (GED) diplomas instead. who took the tests, were not (50 percent). Forty-nine percent seeking employment. Now they have a reason to hold of the men said they were their heads high. According to a employed as laborers or machine report by the American Council More than three out of five operators, or in service or on Education, GED graduates are candidates who worked said precision production occupations. likely to have literacy skills that their jobs required average to The report also found that many are higher than those of high levels of literacy. GED candidates had plans to high-school graduates. enroll in postsecondary programs. Three in ten planned to attend The study describes the job skills, Most of the candidates' jobs fell community colleges during the choices, incomes, and into three categories: sales, following year; one in four hoped employment and educational administrative support, and to enroll in a technical, trade, or goals of GED candidates. The technical occupations (24 vocational school; and one in ten report's authors found that percent); labor, machine average scores of GED graduates intended to enroll in a four-year operation, and transportation (20 institution. on tests for social studies, percent); and service occupations literature and the arts, and science Source: Training & Development, Nov. 1991 were higher than those for graduating high-school seniors. The scores for all GED Quotes candidates, including those who "Learn the art of patience. Apply discipline to your thoughts when they did not pass, were equal to the become anxious over the outcome of a goal Impatience breeds anxiety, scores of seniors. fear, discouragement, and failure. Patience creates confidence, decisiveness, and a rational outlook, which eventually leads to success." The report also showed that in Brian Adams 1989, four out of five GED candidates were either employed "One must not lose desires. They are mighty stimulants to creativeness, or looking for jobs. Half were to love, and to long We.' employed for pay and 30 percent Alexander Boranoletx were looking for work. The The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do.' report found that male candidates Walter Bagebot were more likely to be working
C1 rs Resume-Writing Series Getting The Potential Employer's Attention
How can you make your resume stand out from all Create a design that is easy to read. The the others? What steps/precautions can you take to interviewer should be able to have a basic keep your resume from being screened out? understanding of your skills, experience, and Unfortunately, there are no quick and simple educational background just by briefly scanning answers to these questions. To prepare a powerful your resume. Eliminate the clutter; use titles, resume and cover letter, you need to understand subtitles, bullets, underline, bolding, and white where your materials will be going and how you can space (the spacing between lines of text and make them better than the rest. paragraphs). An unorganized resume is likely to be discarded. When you start your job search, realize that your job-search materials do not always go directly to the Make sure you use quality paper for your resume. employer's desk. Why is this so? Because of the The paper should be white, ivory, or light grey; great number of resumes an employer receives for a avoid flashy or bright colors. The paper should be job opening, the employer often needs the help of a little heavier than regular typing paper. (24 support staff to screen all resumes. The main pound paper is a good choice.) Quality paper adds function of these "screeners" is to find job a needed touch of professionalism and will help candidates who should not be interviewed. your materials stand out from the rest of the pack. It sounds cruel. However, this is one of those "job Have your resume printed, using a computer word search facts-of-life." Many employers just don't processing package and laser printer (if possible). have the time to review every resume. They instruct Use a high-quality photocopying machine for all their support staff on what qualifications are needed your copies. If you do not have access to this for each job opening. So, the next question equipment, look in your yellow pages under is--"What can you do to get past the first screening Resume Service, Word Processing Service, and to get the employer's attention?" Secretarial Service, or Copy Center. Also, try to have your resume stored on a computer disk. Here are some suggestions that will get your Resumes that are stored on a computer disk can be resume/cover letter to its intended destination (the updated quickly and cost-effectively. If you are interviewer's desk) and help you get an interview: on a tight budget, use a typewriter to prepare your Be certain that your resume and cover letter resume; avoid, at all costs, preparing a handwritten answer this question for the employer--"What can resume. this candidate do for me?" Imagine you are the Send your resume and cover letter in a white 9" X employer Ask yourself, "what qualities/skills 12" (catalog) envelope. An attractive resume would I look for in an employee?" should not be folded. (Remember this envelope Know how to market yourself. If you have requires extra postage; however, the end result experience or knowledge in more than one specific should be worth the investment.) area or field, prepare a different resume for each With a good game plan (see page 3), the extra effort field that you plan to target. Make certain that you put in your job-search materials will provide your resume is written specifically for th:: job you you with the opportunity to prove yourself in the intend to secure. Be specific; employers will interview. discard most resumes that seem to be unfocused and written for 'just any job opening." Next month's Include the name of the employer/interviewer Resume-Writing Series in your cover letter and on your envelope. will highlight what to Make your materials personal. If you talked to include and not to someone who works at the company include in your resume. (interviewer or manager), mention the Also, a resume conversation. The person screening materials worksheet will be will be less likely to discard your resume/cover provided for you to letter if they believe the employer may know organize your ideas. you or may be expecting your materials. During the Interview Preparing for Content-Skill Tests
scores are placed on file by the to obtain a better idea of your personnel department. skills and abilities. A content-skill test usually has a Expect these tests before the reading comprehension section interview. Interviewing is a time that is critical to job performance. consuming and expensive This section may ask you to read process. An employer only wants package contents, directions for to interview the top candidates. use of chemicals, emergency posters, or any other job-related Here are some helpful hints that may help you to be a top poster, flyer, sign, or message. Previous issues of PASSAGE candidate: have taken a look at the different Another part of the test is usually math. This section tests your Keep your confidence, relax, methods that employers use to and get a good night's sleep. select the best candidates. Past ability to perform calculations or articles have discussed topics solve various problems which . Read each question carefully; such as completing an application might arise on the job. Some questions may be tricky or for employment (March 1991), problems include ratios, square complex to test your taking a personality test,and roots, measurements, and concentration. preparing for the interview metric-English conversions. Keep your wits about you; do Here are some examples: If a (Special Job Search Issue 1991). not panic if you are timed. If kilometer is 3/5 of a mile, how you do not know the answer to In a continuing effort to provide many miles are there in 10 tips that will help you to prepare kilometers? What is the square a problem, go to the next one. Some tests are not meant to be for the job interview, this article root of 36? examines the "hands-on tests" or finished; this is a built-in stress content-skill tests that many Sometimes, these tests include a factor. employers ask job applicants to general section that measures Do your best, and do not leave complete during the interview. your mechanical abilities or the room looking defeated. measurement skills. For Because every job requires a Employers watch for applicants example, problems dealing with with positive outlooks. certain set of skills to complete gear ratios or volume, area, and the day-to-day assignments, calculations can be found in this employers often administer tests section. Often particular skills PASSAGE Staff that measure the various skills are tested. Typing speed, Editors that are needed to complete a spelling, welding, blueprint Bernadette Mangie, Director, Education particular job. Skills reading, circuit repair, and and Support Programs, TMC1 (content-skill tests) are much computer applications are John S. Goberish, Communications Officer easier to measure than behavior examples. Consultants patterns (personality tests). Richard Carland, Coordinator of You have to remember that many Educational Services, TMCI The skills needed to fulfill people are competing for the Jim Doirnovich, Guest Writer, TMCI requirements of a job are defined same job. Tests are only part of Robert Drogns, Training Coordinator, by office managers or shift TMCI the process by which an Judy Dzumba, Trainer, TMCI supervisors. Top management employer determines the best Alice Green, Technical Advisor, BCALMC then takes the information person to hire. Besides looking at Greg Hill, EAPC Coodinator, BCALMC prepared by the office managers test scores, an employer will Dan McCall, GED Instxuetor or shift supervisors and seeks to consider your interview results, Cathy Schweitzer, Secretary/Assistant find a test that measures the level of education, length of Trainer, SPOCISAVE Program, TMCI necessary job skills. Each employment history, past Melissa Taylor, Trainer, SPOC/SAVE individual who applies for a job Program, mta accomplishments, and references This newsletter was produced internally is given the test, and the test by TMCI, 617 Midland. Avenue, Midland, P.A 15059.012) 643-1350 or 14004454443
3 Job-Search Techniques The Job-Search Diary: Your Map To Success
Competition is fierce, and job hopefuls need to Record any networking information that you may establish an edge over the competition. To increase have obtained. (Talk to friends, relatives, and your chances for success in your job search, you acquaintances. They may be aware of job must be organized. One tool you can use to achieve openings, or they could give you the names of this goal is a job-search diary. employers you can contact and send your resume.) Be certain to record all useful information that you Function obtain during conversations with potential The job-search diary is a valuable part of your job employers and their staff. Examples include campaign. In fact, this diary is similar to a map. names, titles, telephone numbers, dates, It shows where you are; it shows where you have background information on a company, good/bad been; and it provides information that is needed to times to call, and information about the job get you to your intended destination--securing openings and job requirements. This information employment. The diary is a tool that is used to help can be used to show the potential employer that you stay organized and establish a game plan. you have done your homework. An employer will be more impressed with an individual who has Contents conducted research and who has a basic When you start to organize your job-search diary, knowledge of the company's operations. you should : List potential employers' names, titles, addresses, Formats and telephone numbers. Also, include the names Job-search information for your diary can be and titles of all staff members at each company recorded in a notebook, calendar, or daily planner. (secretaries or personnel representatives) who you If you have access to a computer, it can serve as an have met. excellent way to maintain your job-search Show the date and time of completion for all information. For some individuals, a combination of written communications (resumes, cover letters, several formats (i.e., notebook and daily planner) is and thank-you letters) and verbal communications more effective. Experiment with different formats, (telephone inquiries and follow-up calls). Keep and try to find a system that is comfortable for you. track of when the information was sent and what (See the STUDENTaccesspage for formatting ideas.) organizations you targeted in each mailing. Once again, remember that seeking employment is a Writt notes to remind yourself when to make full-time job. The job-search diary is an efficient follow-up calls (three to five days after you submit method that will help you to establish your daily, a resumekover letter), and to send thank-you notes weekly, and monthly plan of attack, improve your (the same day you complete a job interview). organizational skills, and keep you on the right track.
Reducing Stress With The Right Attitude
Deadlines can create high levels Here are suggestions to help you Smile. (Don't underestimate of stress for employees. So, what combat stress in the workplace: this one.) can employees do to alleviate Make an effort to listen when Understand your coworkers' stress and maintain their health someone needs to vent his/her concerns. You don't always and productivity? frustrations. have to agree, but always let One solution is for employees to Give compliments such as: your coworkers know their opinions are important. make an effort to create the right "Hey! Great job!" atmosphere. A positive attitude Although these suggestions may is contagious and is just as Tell an occasional and appropriate joke. Humor, when seem trivial, in the long run, they beneficial to the sender (you) as it will add up to increased is to the receiver (coworkers). used at the right times, can be wonderful medicine. productivity and a more enjoyable workplace.
4 STUDENTaccesspage Focus: Sample Job-Search Diary
Position Available:Administrative Assistant Date:(From: 2-12- 92 to
Company Address Telephone Number(s) XZYUnlimited 123 Wilbury Avenue, Newtowne, PA 19999 (412) 999-9991
Names/Titles Of Contacts Names/Titles Of Contacts (Manager, Personnel Director, or Interviewer) (Support Staff - Secretary or Personnel Department)
Mr.Richard Tandy, Department Supervisor Ms. Bonnie Railte, Receptionist (Mr. Tandy referred me to Mr. Lynne) (Referred me to Mr. Tandy)
Mr.Jeff Lynne, Personnel Director (He conducts all interviews for XYZ Unlimited.)
Written Communication Verbal Communication (Include Dates) Content of Conversations (Include Dates) On Wednesday, February 12, 1992,1 talked to Sent resume and cover letter on the Receptionist about the position advertised in Wednesday. February 12, 1992. the Sunday paper; she referred me to Mr. Tandy. The information was sent to Mr. Contacted Mr. Tandy on Wednesday. February Jeff Lynne. 12, 1992. He gave me Mr. Lynne's name and suggested I send my material to him. Gave Mr. Lynne a copy of my Contacted Mr. Lynne four days after I sent my resume. I asked him if he had a chance to reference list (past employers, review my resume, and I (...sked him for an coworkers,andbusiness interview at his convenience. associates). Interview scheduled for Wednesday, February Thank you letter was sent 19, 1992, at 9:00 a.m Wednesday, February, 19, 1992. Had an interview on Wednesday, February 19, 1992. (I believe that it went well!) I asked Mr. (The same day of the interview) Lynne if I could contact him in a week. He complimented me on my assertiveness. Follow-Up To Be Made
Call Mr. Lynne on Wednesday. February 26. 1992. Remind himof my skills and strengths and how 1 can benefit XYZ Unlimited. Emphasize that I am still interestedin pursuing a career at this organization. Also, I must remember to mention my sincere interest inthe new project that was highlighted during the interview.
Miscellaneous
XYZ Unlimited is an AdvertisingAgency. The company was foundedin 1972. Forty-two individuals are employedat XYZ Unlimited.
1 through Friday). i1 The best time to callMr.Lynne is between 7 :30 a. m. and 9:00 a. m. (Monthly Trends In Technology Tomorrow's Workplace?
Throw away your railroad pass. telephone, with fax machines, only seconds away from the Disband the car pool. Cash in and with computers), and it's office. your subway tokens. Americans changing the ;ature of the American workplace. The power to telecommunicate is are staying home in droves...to the power to take greater control work. If staying home for of your daily responsibilities. recreation was the major personal Studies show productivity improves when employees have Boundaries of time and space trend of the 1980s, then the flexibility to change the work disappear. The reality of the "telecommuting" might be called marketplace is that it is no longer the comparable business trend of environment as needed. Sometimes it is better to stay at a 9 to 5 world. Telecommuting the 1990s. Growing businesses gives you the ability to creatively across the country are jumping on home and battle the project on a computer instead of battling the use resources in ways that keep the bandwagon. traffic on a freeway. Also, with you ahead of the game. In fact, it is predicted that by electronic mail (sending and Adapted from MCI Connections 1992, more than 30 million receiving messages through the Americans will be part of a use of a computer), you can be work-at-home business, and these numbers are expected to multiply The activity which is the subject of this publication was supported in part by the dramatically by the turn of the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the US. Department of Education. However, the opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the position or policy century. Technology is driving of the Pennsylvania Department of Education or the U.S. Department of Education, and the telecommuting phenomenon no official endorsement by the Pennsylvania Department of Education or the US. (conducting work on the Department of Education should be inferred.
BCALMC NON-PROFIT ORG. PASSAGE Newsletter U.S. POSTAGE 617 Midland Avenue PAID MIDLAND, PA Midland, Pa 15059 PERMIT NO. 10
PASSAGE YourWorkplace and Job Skills information Newsletter' October 1991 STUDENTaccesspage Page2 Business Correspondence Page 5 PSAs and Success Stories Page 3 Workplace Literacy Programs Page 5 Humor Hunt. Page 4 A Career in Social Work Page 7
'Your Workplace and Job-Skills Information Newsletter'
Volume 3, Number 3 November 1991 Writing Tips for Today's Versatile Employee
Writing letters, reports, and other Get your message across to the Create a waiting style that fits workplace documents is an reader in the first (introductory) your company's image while acquired skill. As an employee, paragraph. The reader should keeping your own unique you may have to periodically know what the document is approach to writing (Work at it; write documents (even if it's not about when he/she has finished it takes time.) one of your regular day-to-day reading the first paragraph. Keep your dictionary and job duties) to clients, prospective (Be sure to answer: Who, What, thesaurus nearby. They are customers, and even coworkers. Why, Where, When, and How.) your friends; never let them To write business documents, Avoid words, phrases, or leave your side when you are you have to consider your reading sentences that can be writing. audience and what response you misunderstood by the reader. hope to receive from them. The manner in which you use and organize words, sentences, and ideas is important as you learn to Resume-Writing Series write effectively. What To Include In Your Resume Here are guidelines that can help you improve your documents: Many of us dread the idea of Ability to travel or relocate composing a resume, but with the A listing of career-related Proofread your materials and following basic guidelines, your activities or hobbies (show your always have another individual resume can be an impressive diversity) review your materials before advertisement of yourself. Military service (if any) they are completed. Your Resume Should Security clearance (if any) Pay close attention to the Include: accuracy of dates, dollar Name, address, and telephone Your Resume Should Not figures, and other information number Include: that contains numbers. You Job objective or career goal Reasons for leaving past jobs wouldn't want to misplace a Educational history (degrees, References (names and addresses) decimal point. certificates, courses, and Past salaries or present salary Check your documen ; for accomplishments) requirements words and ideas that are overly Work history (skills/experience) Your photograph repetitive. Keep it short and Work-related honors or Information about your age, simple and eliminate excess achievements height, weight, marital status, words. Any knowledge of foreign or health status languages that you may have
c's STUDENTaccesspage Focus: Resume Work Sheet
To help you organize and prepare your resume, Address of Company: use this work sheet to write basic information about yourself. When you are finished, use this work sheet to assemble your resume. Additional work space for some sections will be needed. Job Title:
Name: Dates -From: To: (month/year) (month/year) Address (Include street, city, state, and zip code): Description of Responsibilities:
Home Phone: (Include area code.)
Business Phone: Your option; be careful.(Include area code.) Misc. (Personal information, Major Achievements, and Associations): Job Objective: The job objective briefly describes what type of job you are seeking and what you can contribute to the potential employer (skills, strengths, and experience).
PASSAGE Staff Editors Bernadette Mangie, Director, Education and Support Programs, TMCI Educational History (SchooVlocation, courses, area of John S. Goberish, Communications Officer study, and dates): Consultants Richard Carland, Coordinator of Educational Services, TMCI Jim Dolmovich, Guest Writer,TMCI Robert Drogue, Training Coordinator, TMCI Judy Dzumba, Trainer, TMCI Alice Green, Technical Advisor, BCALMC Greg Hill, EAPC Coodinator, BCALMC Dan McCall, GED Instructor, TMCI Employment History (List your most recent Cathy Schweitzer, Secretary/Assistant Trainer, employment firstreverse chronological order.) SPOC/SAVE Program, TMCI Melissa Taylor, Trainer, SPOC/SAVE Program, TMCI Name of Company: This newsletter was produced internally by TMCI, 617 Midland, Avenue, Midland, PA 15059. (412) 643.1350 or 1400-3455443 For Instructors - Marketing Tips PSAs and Success Stories: Taking Advantage of Free Publicity
0411/..ArIMaia 11111~1011--RI. 4. Be sure to recognize in your PSA the funding IiiiP.):120 MIMI& 11~III",, source(s) which permit you to operate your 343.11ari.4112fte career-guidance program. Check with your funding arIrC14111 gleinfILNiV source(s) to see how they would like this information presented to the public. 5. Review your PSA for mistakes in sentence structure, grammar, spelling, and punctuation. 4 Always check any numbers that appear in your PSA for errors (e.g., dates, time schedules, addresses, and Does your organization take advantage of free phone numbers). publicity and marketing opportunities? Here is a PSA example for you to follow: In these tough economic times, you will find that many of your local and regional radio and Public Service Announcement television stations and newspapers are happy to For Immediate Release 1/5/92 provide, free of charge, broadcast time or print Contact: Linda Smith space for nonprofit organizations to make New Midland Job Club Seeks Members announcements. The Midland Center, Inc., 617 Midland Avenue, Here's how you begin: Midland, Pennsylvania, is recruiting unemployed adults who would like to join a Job Club.The Job Club, 1. Study how your fellow organizations advertise supported by funds from XYZ Corporation, will begin their programs and services in the media. Cut out of offering job-search assistance on January 22, 1992. the paper public-service announcements (PSAs) which ycu feel gained your attention either because Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to noon, new they were effective or poor examples of outreach. Job Club members will receive help with writing Emulate the good examples, and use the poor resumes, completing applications, and conducting advertisements to remind you of what not to do interviews. when writing your public-service announcements. If you are unemployed and have little or no chance to 2. Call or write to your newspaper, television, and return to your former place of work, call 566-1222 for radio representatives and ask them if they accept more information.There are no membership fees or public-service announcements. Request a copy of costs for materials and supplies; however, Job Club their guidelines for submitting materials. If they do membership will be limited to fifty (50) adults. not have specific written guidelines, ask them the following questions: 1111111=1- How long (number of words) can our PSA be? 6. Check your PSA to see if it answers the most Are there specific deadlines for dated important questions about your program and announcements? services: Who, What, Where, When, How, How What format do you prefer? Many, and How Much. What department receives PSAs, and to whom 7. Send PSAs to local media on a regular schedule. should the PSA be addressed? According to many advertising firms, most people need to see your organization's name and services 3. Make a public-relations' list of all newsletters, on several occasions before there is special newspapers, and radio and television stations that recognition. accept PSAs. Send a personalized copy of your announcement to each of them. Continued on page 4 For Inst vctors-Marketing Tips
Continued from pose 3 There are many more excellent questions for the success-story interview and more diverse ways of Those Powerful Success Stories wording them. However, always outline your Never underestimate the power of a success story. questions so that the interuiewees are comfortable One of the most effective outreach and recruitment answering you and more likely to relate the strategies involves the use of success stories. If a information you need to recruit others to the student from your organization finds employment program. with your assistance, you may want to ask him/her to serve as a role model for others. Most students Once success-story interviews are completed, type who find employment are anxious to help you them using a question and answer format. In recruit others into your career-development addition, include pictures which complement the program. Be sure that the individuals being interviews. Finally, map out another outreach and interviewed have a clear understanding of how you recruitment strategy using these completed plan to use their story to reach and recruit other interview packages. students for your program. Send the completed interviews to your local newspaper(s). Many small newspaper companies, The interview format is always an excellent method being short staffed, will print your interview with of highlighting the success stories for the public. little or no editing. Other newspapers may decide to You can write questions which the individuals being send a reporter and photographer to your interviewed can review in order to prepare their organization for more information about your responses. program and the success-story candidates. When you write these questions, word them so that Another way to use these powerful success stories is you are asking the more common questions that are to prepare a special booklet which you can most likely on the minds of others who have not yet distribute in outreach and recruitment situations sought your services. The following questions are such as those provided in libraries and at social club examples to use: meetings. Also, your organization should have written approval from former students to use their What made you decide to join TMCI's Job Club? names, information, and pictures in these situations. How did you feel when you first came to the Job You should consult someone who understands how Club? release forms can best be worded to avoid any What were the benefits of Job Club membership? misunderstandings between your organization, the individuals interviewed, and the intended use of the Why should others seek help through the Job information gathered for outreach and recruitment. Club? PASSAGE's Humor Hunt
Reader's Digest (9/91) reprinted dialogue by Kermit Wall Street Journal. We hope you enjoy One for the Moore in American Way. We hope you enjoy our latest Seesaw. humor hunt winner, Kermit Moore, as he presents a new One for the Seesaw employee's dilemma. This I have never understood The new employee stood before the paper shredder looking confused. We chop down trees but chop up wood We draw down wrath, we draw up wills, "Need some help?" a secretary, walking by, asked. We run down foes, we run up bills; "Yes," he replied, "how does this thing work?" We eat food up, we down a drink "Simple," she said, taking the fat report from his hand and feeding it into the shredder. Which is a little strange, I think "Thanks, but where do the copies come out?" We turn down offers, turn up noses- - Just one last thought and then this closes: In the same issue of Reader's Digest, our PASSAGE Humor Hunt also revealed ten wonderful poetic lines We should remember, we poor clowns, from Richard Armour who had written this piece for the That life is full of ups and downs. For Instructors Workplace-Literacy Programs: Key Components
Defining A Philosophy Seeking Cooperation Selecting Baseline Every workplace-literacy Labor and management Curriculums program needs a philosophy. The cooperation is imperative to the You already have learned that most widely accepted philosophy success of any workplace literacy workers comprehend and retain includes the key principle of program. There is no substitute written materials that are relevant relevance--that is, adult learners strategy for ongoing discussion to their responsibilities. You can should be able to relate what they among the key decisioh makers use basic reading concepts and are learning in the classrooni to within the organization. Key skills that are easily applied to the tasks they perform on the job decision makers include everyone written materials used on the job. or in their personal lives. Even involved in the education and The identification of main ideas the most abstract learning training program, including the and supporting details can be concepts become more workers themselves. This is used to better understand training recognizable when you find ways important whenever the extent of manuals, health and safety to give adults basic applications the workplace-literacy problem is information, and directions for they can recognize. being identified. equipment operation. The If you are involved in teaching Most often, the joint-decision practice of making accurate workplace-literacy students, you makers can help you conduct inferences from reading materials should study their workplace surveys and interviews that yield can be encouraged by explaining responsibilities. By doing so, you important information about what how context clues, further will learn how to apply textbook the employees identify as their knowledge, and research can help knowledge to the workplace. workplace-literacy training workers draw conclusions about Your students can help you in needs. Basic academic tests and what they read. this learning process by assuming employee/employment data can An understanding of cause and the instructor's role. Give them also give you insight into the effect is also important to time to explain what they do at scope of literacy problems which workplace performance. work and how they accomplish can be solved through Workers can define how their their tasks. This practice of constructive workplace work performance affects the teacher-student reversal will help curriculums. work performance of their you find ways to make academic You must recognize that even coworkers and ultimately affects skills more relevant to the with the best cooperation among the success of the organization. students' performance on the job. all parties, there will be elements You have the opportunity, when Analytical thinking and problem of distrust and suspicion among discussing cause and effect, to solving are important skills which workers who fear job loss should demonstrate that effective employers value in their they be identified as candidates teamwork requires individual and employees. There is a need for for a workplace-literacy program. group cooperation. employees to analyze problems You may want to minimize their Also, access to new vocabulary and produce solutions that stress by mainstreaming them in words gives workers better ways improve their quality, health, to classes with managers who to express themselves. You can productivity, and safety on the have voluntarily and publicly help workers acquire words and job. Workers should be able to admitted similar definitions that are relevant to the read, write, do mathematical academic/performance tasks they perform. This does not computations, and speak well in deficiencies; however, you must mean that you instruct them to order to meet workplace realize that you may never dispel learn multi-syllabic words that demands. As a workplace every workplace-literacy can be substituted for more literacy instructor, you have the student's fear of reprisal for concrete, understandable terms. opportunity to encourage participation in your classes. employees to improve their You can only respect their Give them a choice.Ifthey analytical and problem-solving feelings and anticipate that time prefer or need more technical skills through relevant learning and success within the classroom Continued on page 6 experiences. will override their anxieties. Continued from page S exercises that require them to successful instructor if you compute without the calculator. recognize that adults respond to terms to do their jobs more Most adults, after some review, learning that is relevant to their effectively, you can promote are prepared to tackle more work and personal lives. The learning by showing them that complex computations using best way to assess your teaching there are many acceptable ways fractions, decimals, and style and technique is to utilize to express concepts or ideas. percentages. You can also feedback and evaluations If math skills are relevant to the introduce them to provided by your students. You success of your workplace statistical-analysis methods for can request formal feedback literacy students, you may want defining and projecting through classroom evaluation to begin with a review of basic work-related data. forms and/or make observations mathematical computations. based on how well your Adults will often relate that they Soliciting Ongoing workplace-literacy students are can add, subtract, multiply, and Feedback and Evaluation learning the material and divide--with the help of a Teaching in a workplace-literacy responding to your teaching style. calculator. You can take them program offers many rewards and through some pencil and paper challenges. You can be a
Business Correspondence Understanding the Importance of Grammar Rules
Whether you have speaking engagements or writing 8. Stationary or stationery: which is correct? responsibilities, you need to always find ways to Mr. Rosner gives us a tip to remember. Pens, improve your communication style and knowledge letters, and envelopes all have Es and Ss; when you of the English language. Zacharias Rosner, founder use them your are using stationery. of The Grammar Group, a Chicago-based company, 9. Did you imply or infer that 1 did not offers you some basic grammar and language-usage understand you? Imply means to hint or suggest, rules to follow whenever your job requires that you while infer means to conclude, surmise, or assume. communicate with customers and coworkers. Here When you imply, you send a message; when you are his top-10 grammatical errors: infer, you receive one. 1. The use of the word myself. I or me is sufficient 10. Are a group of employees meeting after when referring to your actions or thoughts. I did my work? No. A group of employees is meeting after work instead of I did my work myself. work. The word group is a collective noun and 2. Never write or say between you and I. The requires the lice of the singular verb is. proper word here is me. If you have weak grammar skills, perhaps you 3. Remember how to use the words fewer and should borrow a grammar text and learn more about less. If you can count items, use fewer. The avoiding errors that will hamper your checkout counter should read: 10 items or fewer. communication style. The more you study and use correct grammar, the more confident you will 4. Irregardless is nonstandard English. become when asked to speak or write on the job. Regardless is the appropriate word choice. An Excellent Resource For You: Eighth Edition of 5. Do you really feel badly? Unless you are Practical English Handbook by Watkins/Dillingham complaining about your poor sense of touch, you probably just feel bad. This handbook provides additional practice in mastering grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, 6. Something will happen on February 12th. mechanics, diction and style, and paragraphs. Mr. Rosner says that when the day follows the month, omit the th. February 12 is correct. The activity which b the subject of this publication was supported in part by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the US. 7. Capitol and capital are often confused. A Department of Education. However, the opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the Pennsylvania capitol is a building; other usages involve the word Department of Education or the US. Department of Education, and DO andel endorsement by the Pennsylvania Department of Education capital. or the US. Department of Education should be inferred.
37 Exploring Career Options Social Work-The Caring and Helping Profession clients, I encourage them and delinquency, disability and and help them through the physical handicap, health entire process. This services, youth programs, process involves community/neighborhood introducing clients to our services, housing, and staff which includes homemaker services. While this doctors, therapists, is not a complete list, it can nurses, and other provide you with an idea of what caseworkers. The staff type of clients or populations works together to create a social workers assist. F *to.- safe environment for the Although there are a variety of "When even one person is a clients and to help them with specialized areas in the field of victim of loneliness, hunger, their problems. social work, each social worker's discrimination, poor housing or Another important responsibility function or responsibility remains clothing, domestic violence, or is meeting with the patient's the same. The social worker emotional upset, there is a need family members. I educaL3 the must use his/her knowledge, for social work," -- Armando family members about skills, values, and resources to Morales and Bradford W. illnesses/treatments, explain what help create positive change. Sheafor, authors of Social they can expect, and provide What type of educational Work--A Profession of Many support during times of difficulty. Faces. If you are interested in training is needed? helping individuals improve the I also contact other agencies that A Bachelor's Degree in Social overall quality of their lives, then may assist in helping the patients Work or a related helping perhaps a career in social work is receive specialized care. profession such as Psychology is worth researching and Examples include drug and usually required for entry-level considering. alcohol services and positions in social work. personal-care homes. So, part of Typically, four years (full-time) To better understand this career my job is to refer the patients to are needed to obtain this training. field, PASSAGE had the the appropriate services. If you are interested in this opportunity to interview Donna In addition, I must keep accurate career, be sure that the school of Young, a Caseworker in the your choice is accredited by the Acute Care Psychiatric Inpatient records of my meetings with clients, family members, other state. This means that graduates Unit at Aliquippa Hospital from these schools are adequately Mental-Health Services in agencies, and staff members. Records are needed to chart each prepared for entry-level positions Rochester, Pennsylvania. Ms. in social work. Young has a Bachelor of Science patient's progress and establish degree in Social Work from accountability. Because of all the Two year Associate of Arts Slippery Rock University and is communication that is involved degrees are available from currently working on a Master's with the job, there is a great deal community colleges; however, in Social Work at West Virginia of paper work. these degrees place great limitations on the graduate University. What are the different specialized areas in which (where they can work and job What are your day-to-day duties). The two-year degree responsibilities? social workers can assist individuals in need? could serve as a starting point for In general, I am responsible for a individuals interested in this caseload of 15 to 20 clients a day. In addition to the mental-health field, social work can be found in career, but a four-year degree While I am not a doctor or a should eventually be obtained. therapist, I do meet with clients a variety of specialized areas on a one-to-one basis and listen which include mental retardation, In fact, a master's degree in to their problems. Listening is an aging, child welfare, substance social work has become a essential part of a caseworker's abuse, pregnancy-crisis centers, requirement for social workers family services /counseling, crime job. When meeting with the Continued on page 8
7 38 Exploring Career Options wanting to advance in this career should be outgoing, caring, What is the general salary field to become supervisors, flexible, honest, and able to range for individuals consultants, or therapists. listen. A sense of humor and the starting in this profession? ability to deal with stress are In Pennsylvania, the salary range In addition, experience and extremely important. is $12,000-$18,000 a year for an knowledge are helpful for Additionally, solid writing skills individual with a bachelor's obtaining employment. (preparing reports and records) degree in social work. The main Volunteer work can help you and presentation skills (speaking motivation for individuals decide if this career is right for with staff, families, agencies, and entering this profession should be you, and it will help you gain patients) are necessary. the desire to use their talents to work experience. help others in need. What are the rewards of What are you required to Any advice for people learn in college? working in this profession? You can make a difference no interested in this career Course requirements include matter how small it may be. field? introduction to social work, Being able to help people in a Understand that the availability psychology (understanding time of crisis is a great feeling. of jobs in social work shifts at human behavior), methods There is a sense of different times, but the need for (dealing with individuals, groups, social workers will always be and communities), and statistics accomplishment when a patient is feeling better and back on the present. Know that it is a field (the ability to understand the right track. that is always changing. It's not meaning and results of studies). the same thing day-to-day. Make A good college program will If someone were interested furthering your education a life have volunteer activities and in this field, where could long commitment, earn your internship/field placement for they obtain information? degree, attend conferences, and students to receive credit for Contact area colleges and ask for obtain certificates. Finally, hands-on experience. Also, basic the social work department, or become involved in volunteer courses such as writing, speaking, call one of your local social work. It will expand your social science, math, and science service agencies. Find out what network and will provide are required by four-year education is required for valuable experience. Volunteer colleges, and they play an employment and what college experience, along with my important part in your success in programs are the best suited to education, helped me obtain this field. your interests. Also, make the employment with Aliquippa effort to get involved in volunteer What type of person is best Hospital Mental-Health Services. suited for this career? work. Experience coupled with an education will improve your An individual who wants to be chances for employment. successful in this career field
BCALMC NON-PROFIT ORG. PASSAGE Newsletter U.S. POSTAGE PAID 617 Midland Avenue MIDLAND, PA Midland, PA 15059 PERMIT NO. 10
PASSAGE Your Workplace and Job Skills Information Newsletter' November 1991
39 Occupational Research Page 2 The Functional Resume Page 5 Resume-Writing Series Page 3 Evaluating Sample Resumes Page 6 The Chronological Resume Page 4 STUDENTaccesspage Page 8
'Your Workplace and Job-Skills Information Newsletter"
Volume 3, Number 4 December1991 Meeting Deadline Pressures
Whether you are attending school, working at your Avoid deadline changes whenever possible. job, conducting a job search, or taking care of a Deadlines--when they become negotiable or too family, you have to deal with deadlines on a daily flexible--lose their effectiveness. basis. Commit only to realistic deadlines. Don't set a Some common examples of deadlines include date for a deadline based on what you'd like to do; studying for a final exam, organizing a report for set one based on what you can do. your boss, or contacting potential employers for an Consider a series of shorter deadlines instead of upcoming job opening. one big one. Break a project into smaller tasks. As we all know, these constant deadlines can be This approach will make the project seem less quite stressful. However, by using the following intimidating. guidelines, you can learn to reduce stress and to Allow some time after the deadline has been met manage the many pressures of meeting deadlines: (if possible) to relax. People need to physically Set priorities. Communicate to coworkers, family, and emotionally relax. or friends that the deadline on a particular task or Praise people who work with you to meet a assignment is more important (at this time) than deadline and plan a celebration if it's in order. your other responsibilities. Then people can understand and work with you, or they can focus Adapted from Employee Relations and Human Resources their energies in different areas. Bulletin, 24 Rope Ferry Road. Waterford, CT 06386. Seeking Employment In 'TheUltimate Interview,"business consultant and author John Caple offers three basic but tragically overlooked rules on finding work that is right for you. Caple's suggestions include: Rule Number 1: Use contacts to get your foot in the door. Most jobs are found through people you've met and through connections -- networking. Rule Number 2: Know as much as you can about the company you're approaching. It's basic advice, yet it is often ignored. Rule Number3: Value your potential. Be sure to promote yourself. Be persistent about any job that you really want. Adapted fmm "Author Tells How To Go After 1.6 You Like," Sally Vallongo, Block News Alliance.
4i3 PASSAGE Book Review Occupational Outlook Handbook Are you If you have difficulty finding a particular occupation conducting a job under the given headings, there is an index in the search? back of the book which lists all of the occupations Contemplating a alphabetically. career change? Once you have located a career that sounds Deciding interesting to you, the book provides a thorough whether to introduction and description that explains what an enroll in individual interested in a particular career field can college? If so, prepare for and expect. what research are you Here are the many areas addressed: conducting? 1. The nature of the work - This section explains When you are planning a major change in your life, typical tasks of a particular occupation, tools or it is wise to research v-,ir options. One book that equipment used, type of supervision, the final can make your rese 'asier is the Occupational product, and advances in the field. Outlook Handbook. handbook, published 2. Working conditions - A description of the yearly by the U.S. Department of Labor, can be physical environment and the working hours is found in the areer section of most libraries. provided. The handboox is arranged in a logical manner and is 3. Number of people employed in this simple to ,Ise. For example, the table of contents has occupation- This section indicates how many jobs a Specialoatures section that highlights topics such there are in this occupation and how they are as how to understand what is in the handbook, how distributed throughout the United States. to find information leads, how to locate state and local job-outlook information, and how to access 4. Training, other qualifications, and other related resources. advancement - Information on the different types of educational experience a job may require and on In addition, to assist you in finding the appropriate whether a person will eventually have to obtain information for a given career, the table of contents more education to keep the position is listed. is arranged under the following headings: 5. Job outlook - This section indicates what factors Executive, Administrative, and Managerial (economic, social, national defense, etc.) will affect Professional Specialty (including subheadings employment in this occupation until the year 2000. such as Engineer, Lawyer, Scientist, and Teacher) 6. Earnings - The salary ranges and benefit Technicians and Related Support Occupations packages a person may attain working in each specific occupation are provided. Marketing and Sales 7. Related occupations - Lists that highlight Administrative Support (including Clerical) several occupations similar to your chosen Service Occupations occupation are provided. Also, requirements for Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Related each position such as education and training, interests, and aptitudes are given. Occupations 8. Sources of additional information - This Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers section provides the names and addresses of Construction Trades and Extractive Occupations organizations that can offer you additional Production career-related information. Transportation and Material Moving If you are planning your professional future, consider conducting occupational research--it is an Handlers, Equipment Cleaners, Helpers, and important step towards finding the career you'll love. Laborers Job Opportunities in the Armed Forces Resume-Writing Series Putting The Pieces Together Which Resume Style Is Chronological Resume Functional Resume Right For You? The chronological (order of The functional resume format is Hopefully you have followed the events/dates) resume format is used by individuals who are Resume-Writing Series up to this used by individuals who have interested in finding a new career point and are familiar with how practical work experience and direction, entering the job market an employer uses a resume, how have an established career. This for the first time, reentering the to get the employer's attention, format is not recommended for job market after a long absence, and what information to include individuals who lack or leaving the military. in your resume. (If not, please career-related work experience, The main purpose of this forma review PASSAGE's Special Job have been unemployed for a long is to focus the employer's Search Edition and the October period of time, have done a attention on your skills, talents, 1991 and November 1991 issues). considerable amount of job and abilities. Take your present hopping (i.e., five different jobs So, you have a basic idea of what knowledge (even if you think its in four years), have decided on a not job specific) and show how it information is important to the career change, or have just employer when he/she evaluates relates to the position you are completed school/training. a resume. Also, you have written seeking. At the same time, place a rough draft of what you want to The chronological resume is less attention on your past include in your resume. designed to highlight your many experience, job titles, employers, on-the-job accomplishments and and dates of employment. This Now you are ready to put all of responsibilities. In addition, information is not removed from the pieces together and to write previous employers, employers' your resume; however, it should your resume. However, before addresses, dates of employment, not be emphasized in the resume. you prepare a final copy of your and job titles are listed. Be sure In this format, information that resume, let's look at two resume to list your most recent employer does not focus on your skills, formats that you can follow. first and continue to go talents, and abilities should be Although there are many backwards (reverse order) for any placed at the end of the resume. different ways to organize your other employer listings. (See Be careful when designing a resume, the two most widely used page four.) The same steps resume in this format. The and successful resume formats should be followed for any employer may become concerned are the chronological resume and educational experience or if information such as previous the functional resume. Both have training you may have received. work history is not included in different approaches that are When using this format, be the resume. He/she may feel that designed to: certain that you sell your past you are trying to hide something. Get the employer's attention work achievements/experiences The functional resume is not and show how they directly relate designed to lie to the employer. Focus on your strengths and to the position you are targeting. It is designed to focus attention abilities The chronological resume should on your more marketable areas Advertise the most positive give the employer a solid idea of and to focus less attention on aspects of your employability your accomplishments, abilities, your work history. Many factors such as work experience, qualifications, and Page five contains an example of experience, changing careers, career goals. a functional resume. Pay close employment history, education, Page four provides an example of attention to the way the and reentry into the workplace a chronological resume. This information is presented and what affect your choice of a resume resume will provide you with a methods are used to attract the format. The following better understanding of how to employer. Also, a detailed explanations will help you to construct this type of resume. description and evaluation of decide which format is best for Also, a detailed description and each section in this style of you and your job search. evaluation of each section of the resume are provided on page resume are given on page six. seven.
342 Resume-Writing Series Sample Resume#1-The ChronologicalResume
Lisa Simpson 102 Homer Drive Springfield, Pennsylvania91919 (919) 919-9191
Obi ective experience and To obtain a positionin Sales that willutilize my skills and provide opportunity forgrowth. Experience Sales Representative July 1988 to Present The Home ImprovementsCompany, Springfield,PA Responsibilities and dutiesinclude: products and Contacting potential customersand selling home improvement services to customers. Assisting in the developmentof new strategies toincrease sales and customer awareness. Writing weekly sales reportsfor the district office. Organizing lists of potentialcustomers, addresses,and telephone numbers on a computerdata-base program. interested clients on- and Scheduling appointmentsand meeting with off-site. Achievements include: Salesperson of the Year (1990) eachyear of employment . Exceeded myyearly salesgoal by at least 50% during Salesperson May 1986 to July 1988 Alon Beauty Products ,Newtowne, PA Responsibilities and dutiesincluded: Selling beauty productsdoor-to-door and educatingthe customer. Distributing catalogs andbrochures door -to -door. Organizing home beautygatherings at interestedclients' homes. Establishing a solidrelationship with customerswhich resulted in excellent repeat business. Creating a solid game planfor marketing the products . Achievements included: Alon Sales RecognitionAward (1987) Increased personal salesby 80% in second year ofemployment . gduca.tion Springfield CommunityCollege Associate Degree in Business(In Progress) Springfield Center for AdultEducation and Training April 1986 High School Diploma/GEDStudies Program Activities /community Involvement Association, Non-Traditional StudentRepresentative, Student Government Springfield Community College Fund-Raising Sponsor, GirlScouts of America, District38 Important: References Available Won Request See page 6 for more information.
443 Resume- Writing Series Sample Resume #2 - The FunctionalResume
Barbara Flanders 129 Capital Avenue Springfield, Pennsylvania91919 (919) 919-9191 Objective To obtain a position in Sales that will utilize mypublic-contact skills and training and provide opportunity for growth. Career-Related Ski llaiStrencrtbs Communication Possess solid writing and public-speaking skills. Can speak effectively to groups or in a one-to-onesituation. Planning/Time Management Able to set goals and meet strict deadlines. Capable of developing personal strategies for sellingproducts and services. Comfortable with maintaining a complex schedule with many deadlines. Motivation Produce positive results in work settings that are self-directed or team-oriented. Provide the extra effort needed to meet and exceed goals. Motivate others by setting a good example and meeting theemployer' s expectations. Problem-Solving Rely on personal creative abilities to find new approachesand to eliminate obstacles. Utilize techniques such as brainstorming and management byobjectives to increase effectiveness on the job. education Springfield Center for Adult Education and Training High School Diploma/GED Studies Program April 1989 Specialized areas of interest and training included: Intensive writing Public speaking Math skills that can be applied to the workplace gxperience Tutor Trainer 1990 to Present Volunteers In Service To America, Springfield, PA Activities /Community Involvement Fund-Raising Sponsor, Girl Scouts of America, District38 Job-Club Member, Springfield Center for Adult Educationand Training
References Available Upon Request Important: See page 7 for more information.
44 Resume- Writing Series A Closer Look at Sample Resumes#1 and #2 Let's review the different sections included in the chronological resumeand the functional resume and look at what informationeach resume is revealing to the employer.
order, starting with that she has a high school the most recent diploma (this is important to employrneiit employers). Also, it mentions experience. As that she is working on an mentioned above, Associate Degree in Business Ms. Simpson's best (which shows that she is approach is to sell interested in improving her skills). her job experience and show how it Activities/Community directly relates to Involvement the position she is List all activities that can TOWN'k715111411Friltargeting. In writing possibly relate to your career and " PIMtiV 74fft this resume, she show you are a responsible reviewed all of her individual. In Sample Resume Sample Resume #1- The skills/responsibilities and listed #1, both activities indicate Chronological Resume all of the examples that she felt responsibility, and they show that she is helping others and Contact Information would be important to a new employer. Her resume clearly improving her job-related skills. This section should always states that she has solid References include your name, address, and communication, organizational, telephone number(s). Make it creative, and problem-solving This section informs the easy for the employer to get in skills, and it mentions her employer that you have a list of touch with you. achievements on the job. Also, individuals (managers, coworkers, instructors, or Objective she effectively uses short bullets (example statements) to give the business associates) who can The objective is one or two employer effective examples of provide information of your skills sentences that explain what type and abilities.Also, it signals the of position you are seeking and her experience, skills, and background. end of the resume. what you can contribute to the (Continued on page 7) potential employer. Because Education PASSAGE Staff Sample #1 is a chronological In the education section, you resume and Lisa Simpson has should include educational Editors Bernadette Mangie, Director. Education work experience, the objective experience such as high highlights her current skills and and Support Programs, TMC1 school/GED, college, or John S. Goberish, Communications Officer experience. In Ms. Simpson's vocational training. Also, the case,'her experience (job Consultants name of the school, type of Richard Catland, Coordinator of specific) is a major selling point, degree or certificate, and Educational Services, TMCI and she wants the person attendance dates should be Jim Dolmovich, Guest Writer, TMCI reviewing the resume to be aware included. In this resume, Ms. Judy Dzurnba, Trainer, TMCI of this strength. Simpson's work experience is a Alice Green, Technical Advisor, BCALMC Greg Hill, EAPC Coodinator, BCALMC Experience greater selling point than her education. If she had no practical Dan McCall, GED Instructor This section should list previous Cathy Schweitzer, Secretary/Assistant employers, company locations work experience and had just Trainer, SPOCJSAVE Program, TMCI (city and state), dates of completed college or a training Melissa Taylor_,_ Trainer, SPOC/SAVE school, this information might Program, TMCI employment, responsibilities, This newsletter was produced internally duties, and achievements This have appeared after the job by TMCI, 617 Midland, Avenue, Midland, objective. This resume shows PA 11)&4412) 643-1350 or information should be in reverse 1-1100-
645 Resume- Writing Series
Continued from page :5 statements provide detailed Although Ms. Flanders lacks examples of her skills, abilities, practical work experience, her Sample Resume #2 - The and talents. Ms. Flanders makes volunteer work and community Functional Resume certain that every item listed in involvement show the employer this section directly relates to the that she is willing to learn, Contact Information job she is seeking. network with others, and help the As stated before, this section community. Because both should always include your Education examples in this section can be name, address, and telephone Similar to the chronological career related, she sends a very number(s). Again, make it easy resume, this section should positive message to the potential for the employer to get in touch include educational experience employer. with you. such as high school/GED, college, or vocational training. References Objective Also, the name of the school, The guidelines for the reference The objective is an important type of degree or certificate, and section of a functional resume are section in the functional resume. attendance dates should be the same as for the chronological Because this style of resume included. In Sample Resume #2, resume. focuses on skills, talents, and Ms. Flanders places more abilities and focuses less attention emphasis on her areas of interest The editors of PASSAGE hope on experience, work history, and and training in the education this issue and previous issues dates, the objective must be section. She has received have been helpful in preparing written for a specific job. In specialized training in three areas your resume. If you have an Sample Resume #2, Barbara that directly relate to her questions, comments, or ideas Flanders (having little job-related objective, and she wants to about this topic, please call work experience) states that she highlight this information. The 1-800-345-5443. Also, we would wants a Sales position and that resume shows how her like to thank all of the readers she has public-contact skills and educational training relates to this who have already provided training. Remember, this section career field. Keep in mind that valuable feedback for this series should be one or two sentences educational training is important and other topics presented in that explain what type of position to the employer. PASSAGE. Thanks again! you are seeking and what you can contribute to the potential Experience employer. In this section, the functional resume is quite different from the Quotes Career-Related chronological resume. While "A problem is a chance for you Skills/Strengths job title, employer, location (city to do your best." This section should highlight all and state), and dates of Duke Ellington of the skills and strengths the are employment are listed (year "Mistakes are the portals of related to the position that you only), no examples of work discovery." are targeting. Under this section, experience and responsibilities lames Joyce create subtopics that focus on are listed. Again, this resume "What one great thing would you your skills and strengths (at least format is designed for individuals do if you knew you could not three). In Sample Resume #2, who have not worked in the fail?" Ms. Flanders creates four career field they are targeting. Robert Schuller subtopics which were Skills, abilities, and talents Communication, Planning/Time should be listed under the The activity which is the subject of this Management, Motivation, and Career-Related/Strengths and publication was supported In part by the Pennsylvania Department of Education Problem-Solving. She feels each Education sections. and the U.S Departntent of Education. subtopic is an important part of However, the opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the position or being a successful salesperson Activities/Community policy of the Pennsylvania Department of and is important to the employer. Involvement Education or the US. Department of Education, and no official endoneinent by Also, she provides short example The guidelines for this section of the Pennsylvania Department of a functional resume are the same Education or the US. ent of statements (bullets) which Education should be info support each subtopic. These as the chronological resume.
7 46 STUDENTaccesspageFocus: Proofreading Your Resume
Wait! Don't mail your resume to Have you included all of the Is your educational and work employers just yet! Did you information the employer needs history listed in reverse order proofread your work? Make sure to get in touch with you for an (most recent employer or training you and at least one other person interview (name, address, and listed first)? check your work before it is sent to telephone number)? an employer. You wouldn't want Have you eliminated any any grammatical, content, or spelling 0Does the information in your information that deals with your errors to be included in your final resume focus on your strengths reason for leaving a job or with draft. (experience, skills, or ability) and your past salaries? show the employer how you can To help you proofread your resume, Are your sentences and use the following checklist to ensure benefit his/her company? paragraphs short and to the that your hard work will be point? Avoid writing long impressive and error free: 0Did you choose the correct resume format (chronological or sentences (no more than 22 functional) for the job you are words) and lengthy paragraphs Have you checked for spelling targeting? (If you are uncertain, (no more than three sentences). errors? Make sure your review pages three through dictionary is nearby and pay seven.) Do you have any volunteer close attention to the correct experience that you can add to spelling of names. (Tip: Try Is your resume easy to read? your resume? If you lack reading your resume backwards 0 Each section of the resume experience, this is an excellent and look for misspelled words (Objective, Experience, or way to get some hands-on only.It works--really!) Education) should be easy to experience and to meet people access. The employer should who can help you with your job Is your resume too long? Try to be able to have a good search. fit your resume on one page (no understanding of your abilities in more than two pages). less than a minute.
BCALMC NON-PROFIT ORG. PASSAGE Newsletter U.S. POSTAGE 617 Midland Avenue PAID MIDLAND, PA Midland, Pa 15059 PERMIT NO. 10
PASSAGE Your Workplace and Job-Skills Information Newsletter" December 1991 47 Finding Job Leads Pages 1 Through 4 Attracting Volunteers Page 4
Networking Tips ForJob Seekers Page 2 STUDENTaccesspage Pages
"Your Workplace and Job-Skills Information Newsletter"
Volume 3, Number 5 Special IssueJanuary 1992 "Where Are The Jobs?"
"1 always read the classified all the tools and resources that are experience, and responsibilities advertisements in the daily available to me?" are required of individuals in your career field, and what salary newspaper, and I send out Let's take a closer look at the range you can expect with your resumes every week Why am I different options that are qualifications. having such a difficult time available to job seekers wanting finding employment?" to discover new job leads: Also, become familiar with the How would you answer this titles that employers give to the question? This is not an easy Classified Advertisements position you are targeting. For question to answer. Perhaps the Unfortunately, statistics reveal example, public relations best approach to answering this that only 3% of all job openings assistant can be listed as question would be to explore the are advertised in newspapers and communications person, many different ways a job seeker publications. As you can see, public-contact representative, or can learn about job openings. limiting yourself to using only the media representative. classified advertisements can put Use classified advertisements for The biggest mistake job seekers you at a great disadvantage. make when conducting a job your job search, but make certain search is to limit their However, in addition to a listing that it is not your only method of possibilities or areas of of recent job openings, there is obtaining job leads. Be aware of exploration. The classified valuable information contained in the strengths and weaknesses of advertisement section in your the classified advertisement using the classified advertisement newspaper is just one of many section of your newspaper. For section of your newspaper. example, employers often list job different sources of job leads. Networking Other sources besides classified duties, salary expectations, and advertisements include the qualifications for employment. Take a survey. Ask people you networking process, employment This information serves many know how they obtained agencies, government agencies, purposes. It lets you know what employment. What you will volunteer work, job clubs, the employer expects from new Continued on page 2 temporary services, job fairs, and hires, what overall duties, personal investigation. A truly successful job search is The activity which is the subject of this publication was supported in part by the the result of focusing on several Pennsylvania Department of Education and the US. Department of Education. different areas (at the same time) However, the opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the position or that can generate job openings. policy of the Pennsylvania Department of Education or the US. Department of When you are conducting a job Education, and no official endorsement by the Pennsylvania Department of search, ask yourself, "Am I using Education or the U.S. Department of Education should be inferred.
48 Continued from page 1 is comfortable with you using his/her name. AlwaysAvailable Job Openings probably discover is that most of ask for permission before the people you talk with received using someone's name as a their jobs through networking. reference.) Advertised Openings (3%) Networking is probably the most effective tool for uncovering job Always have your resume openings and obtaining ready when you begin Recruiter Openings (12%) interviews. networking. If a friend or acquaintance mentions your Networking means "getting the availability to an interested Unpublished Openings (85%) word out." Let everyone know employer, the employer that you are looking for job leads. will most likely ask for The private employment agencies You can start by contacting your resume. Getting your charge a fee for finding you a job. family, friends, and neighbors. resume to the interested employer This type of agency will Prepare a list of everyone you in an efficient manner will interview you, get your resume, know and keep expanding the list impress him/her. and market you to potential each week as you meet new employers. Employment people. Finally, networking techniques can be used to research agencies are in the business of When networking, you ask companies and career fields. finding you employment. people to keep their ears open for Your network of friends, In some cases, an employer will new job leads. The majority of relatives, and acquaintances can cover the fee; however, you job openings are not published. provide you with valuable should be prepared to cover the In fact, statistics reveal that 85% knowledge that you can use to cost. Be sure you read the of all job openings are become more informed and contract and understand what unpublished. prepared for your job search. your responsibilities are in this Often companies will announce a Start building your network today agreement. Caution: Never pay job opening to their employees and keep in touch with everyone an employment agency before before they decide to advertise or in your network on a regular you actually receive employment. use other methods such as basis. People will be happy to There are some unprofessional employment agencies. The help you because, at some point and misleading agencies out there. advantage of networking is that in their lives, someone probably The state and government you will know about an opening helped them obtain employment. employment agencies do not before it is announced to the charge you a fee for their general public. Also, the fact that Employment Agencies job-search assistance. These you know somebody who works There are two basic types of .agencies are funded by the at the company that is hiring employment agencies. They are government and can be found in gives you a great advantage. An the private employment agencies every county throughout the employer often feels more and the state and government Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. comfortable when a job candidate employment agencies. (See next is referred by a valued employee. month's issue for a more detailed Visit the nearest employment (Caution: Make certain the description of these agencies.) office and meet with an person who gives you a job lead employment counselor. The counselor will inform you about job openings and will explain to Networking For Your Job Search you the various job-search Meet people who can help you before you need them. Learn to be services that are available--free of genuinely interested in other people. Always be polite. Follow up charge. whenever someone gives you information or a name to call, and call One major similarity in both back to let the person know how things worked out--people like types of employment agencies is being appreciated and knowing they've helped. Don't ask for that they can provide you with favors, and don't keep count of who "owes" you. Keep in touch valuable information on the with people, and never stop building your contacts. current job market and on Belinda Plum, partner, CareerMentors, New York, quoted in Successful Meetings, Continued on page 3 633 Third Ave., New York 10017.
24.9 Continued from page 2 Another advantage includes the simply dismiss as ridiculous. opportunity to work in different Contact organizations (profit and employer expectations. This businesses and environments. nonprofit) in your area and see information will help you market This will help you to better focus which ones use volunteers. your skills/abilities more your interests and realize your Using this approach can help you effectively. Check the help strengths while you gain to build your network, to gain wanted section of your local experience and build a network. experience, and to expand your newspaper or the Yellow Pages knowledge. The end results have Even though it's a possibility, (look unclAr--employment pleasantly surprised many job don't use this approach expecting agencies) for a listing. seekers. a temporary employer to hire Temporary Services you. However, you should be Job Clubs Utilizing temporary services can aware of the possibilities this Often career-guidance programs be an important step towards approach can create for securing establish a job club for finding employment. Although a permanent position somewhere. individuals needing assistance your goal may be to obtain a Check the help-wanted section of with their job search. (See the permanent job, you should your local newspaper or the article "Why Not Form A Job consider the opportunities that Yellow Pages (under Club," PASSAGE, Special-Job temporary services can provide. employment agencies) for a Search Issue 1991.) listing. These services place individuals The job club members share job into temporary (short-term) Volunteer Work leads, share employment positions at companies that need Volunteer work could easily be resources (newspapers, lists, or additional help for a brief period included in the networking books), and provide each other of time (e.g., several days or section, but it has unique qualities with emotional support. The job possibly several months). Many that deserve special attention. club staff provides members (free companies in today's business of charge) with resume/cover world contact temporary services Although many people are not letter assistance, interviewing interested in the idea of working for assistance when employees go tips, ways to market skills and on vacation or there is a for free, there is much more to abilities, and career-counseling short-term build-up of work. volunteering than working for no services. Check with pay. Volunteer work provides The advantages of temporary career-guidance programs, job seekers with the opportunity community programs, or services are many. For example, to meet career professionals you can be working and still be churches in your area to see if (network), to receive hands-on they sponsor a job club. looking for a permanent position. experience that can improve The time you spend as a chances for employment, and to temporary worker need not be Job Fairs learn new skills. wasted. You can use this Job fairs are often sponsored by opportunity to improve your Many people involved in the schools, nonprofit organizations, skills, gain experience, and tap job-search process make the or businesses. At the fairs, into a new network which statement, "I can't get a job employers and includes your supervisors, because I don't have any work college/vocational-training coworkers, and business experience." Volunteer work is school representatives are present associates. one possible solution to this to talk to job seekers about the common dilemma. job market and career If you can impress your opportunities. This is a great temporary employer, you open In some cases, volunteer work opportunity to network and learn the door for consideration when a can evolve into a paid position. more about your career field. permanent position becomes Many nonprofit organizations Check your local newspaper or available at the company. At the hire new employees from their area job centers or very least, you have a group of volunteer staff. career-guidance programs for individuals who can let you know This approach to obtaining job listings on upcoming job fairs. about job openings that are leads, experience, and occurring in companies they do employment is a powerful Continued on page 4 business with. job-search technique that many job seekers are not aware of or
3-ro Continued from page 3 librarian about available call him/her and ask for an job-search resources) to obtain a opportunity to meet. Personal Investigation list of employers in your area. Once you have your resume Secure complete lists that contain Conclusion completed, you are ready to company names, addresses, Hopefully, this article gave you a market yourself. An important telephone numbers, and contact general idea of the many different approach to finding job openings names. All of this information is approaches you can use to obtain and obtaining interviews is important to your job search. job leads and "get the word out" about your skills and abilities. organizing a personal list of Make certain that you send a potential employers to target. PASSAGE suggests that you take cover letter with each resume. advantage of every method and You can begin by accessing the The cover letter should be written resource available to you for Yellow Pages and locating to the contact person at each gaining experience and securing potential employers in the career company. (See future issues of job leads and interviews. Try not field that you are targeting. Also, PASSAGE for information on to overwhelm yourself. Stay you can contact your area preparing a cover letter for your organized and always be aware Chamber of Commerce or visit job search.) After you send your of, and look for, the possibilities your local library (ask the resume to a potential employer, that you can create for yourself.
For Instructors Attracting Volunteers-Providing WorkExperience
Research Statistics People with incomes over Attract children, teens, and $50,000 were about three times college students. These To help you find volunteers, as likely to volunteer as those younger groups are expressing you might want to consider the increased enthusiasm for following information: whose incomes were under $10,000. getting involved in community Women (22 percent) services. volunteered more than men Black and Hispanic volunteers and those 65 or over devoted Source: Healthcare Community (19 percent). Relations and Marketing Letter, 3100 About one out of every five more hours a week to volunteer Highway 38, Wall Township, NJ people older than 16 served activities than others did. 07719. as volunteers in the United Source: Howard V. Hcryge, writing in States in 1989. Monthly Labor Review, cited in Speaker's Thirty-one percent of Digest, lime Rock Press Inc., 80 PASSAGE Editors women between 35 and 44 Washinee St., Salisbury, CT 06068. Bernadette Mangie, Director, Education an ! worked as volunteers. Support Programs. TMCI Eighteen percent of those 65 John S. Goberish, Communications Officer and over were volunteers, Suggestion PASSAGE Consultants and 13 percent under age 25 Richard Carland, Coordinator of Educational served as volunteers. To attract more volunteers for Services. TMCI Married men and women your organization, consider these Jim Dolmovich, Guest Writer, TMCI served as volunteers more suggestions from Katherine Judy Dzurnba, Trainer, TMCI than those who were not Noyes, director of program Alice Green, Technical Advisor, BCALMC married. services for the Virginia Greg Hill, EAPC Coodinator, BCALMC Four of every 10 college Department of Volunteerism: Dan McCall, GED Instructor. TMCI graduates, 25 or over, Be sure you don't have Cathy Schweitzer, Secretary/Assistant Trainer, participated in unpaid stereotypes that limit attitudes SPOC/SAVE, TMCI volunteer work. Fewer than regarding what older citizens Melissa Taylor, Trainer. SPOC/SAVE, TMCI 10 percent of high school This newsletter was produced internally by can do. TMCI, 617 Midland, Avenue, Midland, PA dropouts did. 15059. (412) 60-1350 or 1-800-345-5443 Most volunteers worked less Decentralize the organization than five hours per week but of and use of volunteers. did so on a regular basis. STUDENTaccesspage Focus: Management By Objective
When setting a goal, you have to ask yourself many questions. Also, you have to establish a plan. Let's create a common situation and observe v. how the MBO approach can be used to achieve success. Situation: You have one week to study for an important exam, and you want to earn a high score. The exam will test your knowledge of reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. How are you going to use the time to study, and how are going to make certain that you earn a high score? Management by objective -- sounds like something Imagine yourself in this situation and review the you might read in the business section of a following exercise. newspaper or magazine. Well, it is. In fact, businesses use management by objective (MBO) Step #1 - Looking at the whole picture approaches every day to reach goals and achieve A. What important obligations do you have (e.g., success. However, did you realize that you also family or work-related)? use the same basic approaches every day to B. How much time do you have to study each day? complete tasks? C. Do you have all of the materials you need? Without management by objective, you couldn't get even the simplest task completed. This approach D. Do you have a quiet place to study? is just as important to you as it is to a company president. Step #2 - Analyzing your strengths and By becoming more familiar with how the weaknesses management by objective approach works, you can A. What are your strong areas (subjects)? effectively use this method to help you achieve your lifelong goals. Conducting a successful job B. How much time do you need to invest in the search, obtaining your diploma, having a strong areas? successful career, raising a family, or going to C. What are your weak areas? college are all excellent examples of goals that can be reached by effectively using the MBO approach. D. How much time do you need to invest in the weak areas? Let's take a closer look at what MBO is and how you can use it to your best advantage. Step #3 - Putting your plan Into action; studying MBO is accomplishing a goal by completing a for the exam series of prioritized (organized in order of importance) tasks.It sounds difficult, but it's not. A. What concepts do you understand? For example, the process can be compared to B. What concepts or subjects confuse you? climbing a ladder; you have to climb the ladder one rung at a time. The goal is to get to the top of the C. Why are you confused? ladder, and the rungs are the many smaller tasks D. What method can you use to end the that must be completed before reaching the goal. confusion? (e.g., study group or tutor) Continued on page 6
552 Continued from page 5 B. Try to get some rest before taking the test. Step #4 - Evaluating your progress C. Be confident. Do your best. A. Do you understand the subjects you studied? What have you Just done? You have used the MBO approach to set up a detailed plan on how B. Have you tried taking a practice test? you are going to study next week and earn a high C. Can you paraphrase (reword) important basic score on the scheduled test. Congratulations! concepts that will be covered in the test? The MBO approach provides you with a system D. Has your anxiety (fear) lessened? that enables you to work towards a particular goal one step at a time. By using this approach, you are completing a large task in smaller steps. This Step #5 - Conquering fear reduces stress and provides you with a structure to A. Know your strengths and count on them. follow. You have a game plan for reaching your If a project or responsibility seems B. Know your weaknesses and improve them. goals. overwhelming, break it down into small parts and C. Know the importance of reaching your goal. create a game plan for success. D. Know when you are ready. Remember, this approach is used by successful professionals everyday. By understanding the MBO approach and using it on the job, in the Step #6 - Facing the Challenge classroom, during your job search, and at home, A. Avoid being over prepared (studying too much); you will improve your effectiveness, organizational this can promote confusion, skills, and chances for success.
BCALMC NON-PROFIT ORG. PASSAGE Newsletter U.S. POSTAGE PAID 617 Midland Avenue MIDLAND, PA Midland, Pa 15059 PERMIT NO. 10
PASSAGE Your Workplace and Job-Skills Information Newsletter' Special IssueJanuary 1992 53 Success Story Pagel Employment Agencies Page 4 Are You An Optimist or Pessimist? Page 2 Preparing a Reference List Page 6 EKG Technicians Page 3 STUDENTaccesspage(Survey) Page 8
'Your Workplace and Job-Skills information Newsletter'
Volume 3, Number 6 February 1992 The Path To Success Begins With Education
children in this situation. I was and I was doing okay in the also sick of feeling worthless and classes, but I ran into financial uneducated. I decided I wanted and transportation difficulties. I to make some positive changes, also began losing my confidence so I took GED courses at the because the course work was local community college and hard, and I really didn't feel earned my diploma in 1985. The prepared. I was starting to GED training raised my despair because of all these self-esteem because I realized problems. that I was not dumb and that I Betty Hazlett of Beaver Falls, could learn. Now I help my kids What did you do? Pennsylvania, is enrolled in the with homework with no Ms. Hazlett: I needed to fmd a Community College of Beaver embarrassment. sensible way to achieve my goals County's nursing program. and solve my financial problems. While being a nursing student is Why did you decide to go to I approached Job Training for not unusual, Betty's inspirational college? Beaver County Inc. (JTBC), an story, which follows, is. Ms. Hazlett: Once I had earned agency that administers my GED and built my employment and training Betty, tell us about the path confidence, I began dreaming of programs. They helped me to that led you to the nursing entering a college nursing start over in the right direction. program. program. I chose nursing (Similar programs are available Ms. Hazlett: I guess it really because it interests me, the throughout Pennsylvania.) started in 1975. That year, I employment opportunities are I enrolled in their Single Point of dropped out of tenth grade to get good, and the pay is high enough Contact Assessment and married. At the time, I thought it for a single mother to support Vocational Exploration Program was a good idea. Unfortunately, I herself and three children. Also, (SAVE) for individuals receiving was wrong. By 1981, I was a I received a great deal of support public assistance. When I single parent with three children, and encouragement from loved entered the program, I had low no education, no driver's license, ones. self-esteem, but the SPOC/SAVE and no job. To adequately take How did you start to make program helped me build my care of my children, I had to confidence. I liked SPOC/SAVE apply for public assistance. your dream a reality? Ms. Hazlett: Well, at first I got a because I was openly accepted What did you do then? false start. I was accepted into for who I am, and I was able to Ms. Hazlett: Eventually, I Community College of Beaver Continued on page 2 decided I didn't want to raise my County's Allied Health program,
54 Continued from page 1 What will be your next big employers often provide interact with others in similar move? educational reimbursement. situations. Ms. Hazlett: In May 1993, I will How do you feel about your graduate with a degree in nursing. future now? I credit the program with I will take the State Boards in showing me that I have options August 1993 so that I can become Ms. Hazlett: I'm very excited and helping me to discover my licensed. Then I'll get a job. I about the future. I'm determined potential. I also feel more certain want to work as a surgical nurse to get a great job with a good that I am suited for my chosen because it's always something salary. Presently, nurses entering career and can handle the course different, not repetitive. I like the job market are earning from work because of the program's change. $16,000 to $25,000 a year, so vocational-testing process. that's enough money to allow me What kinds of adjustments to improve my situation. I feel I Did Job Training or have you and your children can only go forward, and my SPOC/SAVE help you in any had to make? outlook is definitely positive. other way? Ms. Hazlett: I don't have the time Ms. Hazlett: Yes. Throughout Is there anything else you'd to be a homemaker. Although I like to say? my enrollment in different don't have as much free time, training programs, the JTBC some benefits have come from Ms. Hazlett: Yes. I want to stress agency and its network of that. I have learned to manage to everyone how important associate agencies have helped my time better, and I am setting a education is. Once you get a me with my transportation and good example for my kids. It good education, doors start to child-care needs. The financial helps the kids to see me studying, open, and you can pick and help means I can focus on what's because it makes them study choose what you want to do with important - -my children and my harder, too. I'm trying to show your life. The most rewarding education. them that education is the key to aspects of my education are a good future. knowing that soon I'll be earning So, what happened after a living and making a difference you completed SPOC/SAVE?Do you have any plans for in the lives of others. Ms. Hazlett: In 1991, I advanced education? re-enrolled in college. Since I Ms. Hazlett: I want to get an had finished the Allied Health If you are interested in JTPA associate's degree in nursing, sponsored and funded training (preliminary nursing) program, I then work part time at night and was enrolled in Nursing H. Last such as SPOC/SAVE, call your attend school in the day to get a local Job Training Partnership semester, I earned a 4.0 while bachelor's degree in nursing. I working in a drug and alcohol Act Agency, your local Private would like to eventually return to Industry Council, or your local detoxification unit. This school to earn a master's degree semester, I'm working in a Office of Employment for more as a nurse practitioner. This information. surgical urology unit, and I plan might be a little easier than it to earn a 4.0 again. sounds, because medical
Are You An Optimist or Pessimist?
Optimists see the good in bad situations; pessimists see Optimists see defeats as temporary setbacks; pessimists the bad in good situations. see them as recurring events to be endured. Optimists feel they can control their destiny; pessimists Optimists like to rub shoulders with positive-thinking believe they are the victims of circumstance. people; pessimists prefer to hang around with cynics and complainers. Optimists turn minor setbacks into victories; pessimists turn them into disasters. Optimists' cars carry bumper stickers that read, "Isn't life grand?"; pessimists prefer, "Life is a drag." Optimists say, "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again"; pessimists say, "I'd prefer to watch the game from the stands than to keep striking out all the time." Source: Frank Creaky', Executive Editor, Communication Briefings Optimists love to break through barriers; pessimists say, "Why don't breaks ever come my way?"
55 Exploring Career Options Interested In Entering The Medical Field?
Perhaps you have considered a Most importantly, the technician clinic. Most training usually career in the medical field. Many must alert the physician of any takes from six months to one jobs in health-related fields, such deviations or irregularities in the year. Applicants should be high as cardiology (study of the heart recorded test. school/GED graduates. and its functions in health and EKG technicians are also High-school courses that help interested individuals include disease), have a promising future. responsible for scheduling health, biology, and typing. EKG If you are interested in exploring appointments, typing the doctors' technicians should know medical this career option, then you may reports and charts, maintaining terms and human anatomy. want to get your start by the EKG files, checking the EKG becoming a electrocardiograph equipment, and performing or Other formal training programs (EKG) technician. assisting in more specialized are offered by vocational and What is an EKG? cardiac testing. technical schools and junior and community colleges. The basic Electrocardiograms (EKGs) are Employment Opportunities EKG test can be learned in graphic tracings of a patient's Cardiology is one of the most courses lasting six weeks. Also, heartbeat. The tracings record rapidly developing fields in certification is available to those the electrical charges that occur medicine today. New procedures who pass two written during and between the for diagnosing and treating heart examinations given by the heartbeats. EKGs are often used disease are being introduced all American Cardiology by physicians to diagnose of the time. Technologists Association. different forms of heart disease. There are approximately 20,000 Although not a requirement, this The EKG technicians are the can help technicians obtain people who.conduct this testing. EKG technician positions in the United States. Research reveals better-paying jobs. Job Responsibilities that employment prospects are Special Qualities good, and the outlook should After explaining the procedure to Mechanical aptitude, patience, continue to be favorable up to the the patient, the EKG technician reliability, the ability to follow year 2000, because of the attaches 3 to 12 electrodes to the detailed instructions, and the anticipated growth in the chest, arms, and legs of the ability to stay calm in emergency cardiology field. patient. These electrodes situations are all helpful qualities produce tracings of the heart's Most EKG technicians work in for those who want to become electrical action. A stylus on the the cardiology departments of EKG technicians. Starting EKG machine records the results large hospitals. Others may work salaries range from $12,600 to on a long roll of graph paper. full or part time in smaller $14,800. Experienced EKG The EKG technician must know hospitals, clinics, or a doctor's technicians can earn up to the anatomy of the chest and office. $24,000 per year. heart to select the exact locations With the proper training and Source: Occupational Outlook for the chest electrodes. experience, EKG technicians can Electrodes placed in the wrong Handbook, compiled by the U.S. advance to more specialized Department of labor, 1990-1991 edition. locations will cause inaccurate types of cardiovascular readings. techniques and testing For more information... After the EKG recording is procedures. Promotions to contact local hospitals in your completed, the technician must supervisory positions are often possible. area. For a list of training prepare the electrocardiogram for programs in cardiovascular analysis by the attending technology, contact physician, usually a heart Education/Training American Cardiology specialist. The EKG technician Requirements Technologists Association, must be able to recognize and Most technicians receive their training on the job from a 1980 Isaac Newton Square correct any technical problems South, Reston, VA 22090 that prevent an accurate reading. cardiologist or a supervisor in a
56 Job-Search Techniques Employment Agencies: What To Look For And What To Look Out For
Recently, PASSAGE had the opportunity to Why do employers use employment meet with Sidney Elkin who is the Director agencies? of the Alliance for Consumer Protection of Mr. Elkin: Many companies like to use an Beaver County and who teaches Business employment agency to screen the job Law and Political Science at Penn State applicants. The employment agency arranges University (Beaver Campus). From his interviews only for the clients who are qualified experience, Mr. Elkin discusses the benefits and interested in the position. and drawbacks of using an employment agency in your job search. This means the company does not have to advertise for the position, sift through all the This article expands on the information responses to locate the best candidates, and call presented in the article "Where Are The to arrange the interviews. Because this service Jobs?" (PASSAGE, January 1991) which is beneficial to employers, some employers are briefly highlighted employment agencies. willing to pay for the employee's placement What is an employment agency? fee. With the advantages of using an agency, a significant number of employers do not Mr. Elkin: It is an organization that offers advertise job openings to the general public. assistance in finding employment. Basically, there are two kinds of agencies. What should you look for when choosing First, there are government-sponsored agencies (no an employment agency? charge for services). The government-sponsored Mr. Elkin: You must do some investigation to find agency (Job Service) can be found at local o.,` if the employment agencies you are considering Unemployment Compensation offices. Many are licensed by the State of Pennsylvania and how companies work through the Job Services for their long they have been in business. The best reference hiring needs; especially new companies coming would be a past client. Find out if the client was into an area for the first time. satisfied or dissatisfied with his/her experience? The PA Job Service states that their computerized Also, you need to ask if the agency gets calls for job bank system has more job listings than any clients with your qualifications and work history. single employment agency. Also, the Job Service Be sure to find out everything you can about their carries the listings and applications for State and fees and payment requirements. Federal civil-service jobs. So, the Job Service What is your (as the client) responsibility should be a place that you visit regularly. when working with an employment agency? Secondly, there are organizations that are in Mr. Elkin: You must have a detailed resume printed business to make a profit. These agencies will on good bond paper (Resume Writing Series, charge a placement fee which is due at the time you PASSAGE, September 1991 through December receive employment. This fee is either covered by 1991) and a reference list of people who can be the employer or by you--the employee. reached during normal working hours and are The placement fees are usually a percentage of your willing to talk about your work ethics. wages (during your first year of employment). You must be truthful about your skills, experience, Depending on the employment agency, the and the type of job you will accept (kind of placement fees are sometimes payable before the company, working conditions, driving distance, job starts. If you have been out of work for awhile, wages, etc.). paying this fee could be cost prohibitive. (A The agency will arrange the interview, but you $15,000 a year job could cost you at least $1,500--10% of the yearly earnings of your first must sell yourself to the employer to get the job. year of employment.) Continued on page 5
N7 Job-Search Techniques
Continued from page 4 Also, be aware of questionable for-profit schools that promise to secure a student loan for you to Do you have to sign a contract with the cover the expenses of receiving training. Typically, agency? the professional con artist sells you the program, Mr. Elkin: Yes, they will prepare a contract for you obtains money (your loan)from a lending agency, to sign. In the contract, you will agree to keep closes down, and then never fulfills their promise to employers' names confidential and to pay the you. In this situation, you will still be stuck with placement fee if the employer does not pay it. At the loan payment. If you secure the student loan this time, you can specify that you will only accept through a bank, the school must be accredited interviews with employers who will pay the (approved by the State), and you will be in a much placement fee. better position if something does go wrong. Take It is very important that you read and understand your time and check the schools that interest you. what you are about to sign. Do not let them rush Don't be pressured into signing a contract. you into signing the contract immediately. Take Finally, if you attend a job fair, be cautious of the your time; take it home to read if you have to. hard-sell approach taken by some companies that If the placement fee will be paid by you, the encourage individuals to start their own businesses. payment schedule will be included in the contract. For example, they may ask you to buy a "sample The contract should state how much you will owe case of products" to sell door-to-door. Watch and when it will be due. As stated earlier, some yourself; you could lose a substantial amount of agencies require the full payment before the job money on these ventures. begins, and others will allow you to make monthly We thank Mr. Elkin for his time and excellent payments from your wages. information. If you have any concerns related to Check to see what will happen if you start a job and employment agencies, he can be contacted at (412) the job doesn't work out. Be careful; you may still 728-7267. be responsible for the payment even if the company closes shortly after your start of employment. The Job Seeker's Employee What is a job-listing service? Agency Checklist Mr. Elkin: There is a big difference between an employment agency and a job-listing service. A If you are about to use an employment job-listing service will charge an up-front fee which agency In your job search, remember that: entitles you to call the service weekly for an Cl Employment agencies may give tests to updated list of employment openings in your area. applicants to determine their skills and These services only provide job listings; you will personality types. have to do all of the leg work yourself (contacting the employer, sending a resume, and obtaining an Cl You don't have to be unemployed to interview). In addition, the listings may not even be register at an employment agency. exclusive. You could probably find many of the 0You can register at more than one agency same listings at a government-sponsored agency or if you think it will help. in the newspaper. Cl You don't have to accept an interview if What are some warning signs that let you you are not interested. know you are dealing with a less than honest job-search organization? O You have the option to only accept Mr. Elkin: If a newspaper/magazine advertisement interviews for companies that will pay the or an employment agency asks job seekers for a fee placement fee. up-front, before any assistance is provided, then you O There are also specialised agencies in should avoid them. In most cases, these companies existence that deal in one area or career are in business to make money--not to help you find field (e.g., medical, financial, clerical, etc.). employment. Once they have received your money, they usually don't follow through on the promises O Don't give anyone money before any they have made. services are given, and if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Job-Search Tools Preparing a Reference List
Who do you select for abilities and can sell you to an your reference list? employer with enthusiasm is The individuals you include better than selecting a General in your reference list will be Manager who knows very little determined by the network about your history or qualities. of people you know, your Do not include relatives in past work experience, your your reference list. If the current status of prospective employer were to employment, and where you discover that an individual on are in the development of your reference list is a relative, your career. the employer may conclude that Here are some tips for preparing your reference has a biased If you are seriously being a list that is custom-made for opinion and may disregard the considered for a position by an your situation: comments. employer, there is a good chance Try to include individuals who Make sure the individuals you that the potential employer will are in positions of importance include in your list can be ask you for a list of references. or who have some influence in reached by the employer. If Preparing a reference list is a the community. Examples they travel and are not always definite necessity for a job seeker include former supervisors, available, perhaps they are not to have ready before he/she sends coworkers, former instructors, the best choice for an effective the resume/cover letter. clergy, customers who you reference list. Use the following information to have worked with, experts in Know when not to include assemble your reference list and your career field or vocation, certain individuals. If you are and possibly friends who are to better understand how to use a currently employed and looking reference list to its full advantage. respectable business for a new job, perhaps you professionals. What is a reference list? should not include individuals Choose individuals who can from your current place of work A reference list is a well-prepared sell you to an employer. Make in your list. Confidentiality (typewritten/quality paper) sure they can be positive, may be your best approach in information sheet that contains convincing, and spontaneous this situation. Also, you may the names, addresses, telephone when discussing your past not want to include your work numbers (home and work), and experience, talents, abilities, number in the reference list. If time of availability (possibly) of goals, and personality traits. three to five individuals who are you are in an organization that While it is important to choose comfortable discussing your is closing, or if you have been individuals who have positions positive qualities and abilities to notified that there a good of importance or influence, chance that you may be laid off potential employers. make sure the individuals you in the near future, then it is Check your resume; the last line include in your list are capable acceptable to ask current at the bottom of your resume of giving impressive responses supervisors and coworkers for should read--References when an employer calls them. references. Available Upon Request. Do not Selecting an Assistant Manager Continued on page 7 send this list with your resume. who knows your positive The employer will let you know if he/she would like references. The activity which is the subject of this publication was supported in part by the Always have several copies of Pennsylvania Department of Education and the US. Department of Education. However, the opinions expressed herein do sot necessarily reflect the position or your reference list available when policy of the Pennsylvania Department of Education or the US. Department of you attend an interview--there Education, and no official endorsement by the Pennsylvania Department of may be situations when you need Education or the US. Department of Education should be inferred. more than one copy.
59 Job-Search Tools
Continued from page 6 Communicate with employer when the appropriate Be prepared to obtain letters of individuals on your information is given. recommendation from reference list. Supply each individual on your individuals on your reference Before you make a final copy of reference list with a copy of list. In some areas, such as your list, make sure that you: your resume. Do not expect nonprofit, academic, and Get each individual's your references to know government organizations, permission. Never include a everything about you. They letters of recommendation will person's name without asking can use your resume along with be requested by employers. him/her. Your references are their personal knowledge to Each letter should highlignt helping you, and they deserve create a complete, consistent, your abilities and show how this courtesy. Alsc, they may and accurate picture of your you are the best candidate for not want the responsibility of abilities and strengths. the available position. The letters are prepared in being a reference. Thank your references. Let advance -- before you start Keep individuals on your them know you appreciate their sending your resume. reference list informed and assistance. Remember, good updated. Let them know if they references are a valuable part of Do not make the employer may be receiving a call from an a successful job search. wait very long to receive a employer in the near future. If Now you should be ready to letter of recommendation. possible, review certain points assemble your reference list. Be Conduct some research (talk to that the employer may discuss. sure to type your list of individuals in your career field) This will help your reference to references on quality paper. Try to see if letters of to make sure the paper is the recommendation are requested be prepared and can make you look impressive to the same brand/color as the paper by interested employers. you used for your resume and cover letter. Sample Reference List Review the sample reference list to better understand how your References of John D. Smith reference list should look 716 North Avenue, Newtowne, Pennsylvania 91919 Home: (991) 818-8181 Work: (991) 777-7711 PASSAGE Staff Editors Mr. Martin Crow, Accounting Supervisor Bernadette Mangie, Director, Education XYZ Corporation and Support Programs, TMCI 234 Ridge Road John S. Goberish, Communications Bigtown, Pennsylvania 91828 Officer, TMCI Home: (991) 444-8484 Work: (991) 444-7477 Consultants Richard Carland, Coordinator of Educational Services, TMCI Mr. Christopher Stofer, Borough Manager Jim Deimovich, Guest Writer, TMCI Newtown, Pennsylvania 91919 Judy Dzumba, Trainer, TMCI Work: (991) 818-2322 Alice Green, Technical Advisor, Available Monday through Friday BCALMC between 8:00 am. and 9:30 a.m. Greg Hill, EAPC Coodinator, BCALMC Dan McCall, GED Instructor Cathy Schweitzer, Secretary/Assistant Ms. Mary Snow, Assistant Supervisor Trainer, SPOC/SAVE Program, TMCI XYZ Corporation Melissa Taylor, Trainer, SPOC/SAVE 234 Ridge Road Program, TMC1 Bigtown, Pennsylvania 91828 This newsletter was produced internally Home: (991) 545-5484 by TMCI, 617 Midland, Avenue, Work: (991) 444-7466 Midland, PA 15059. (412) 643-1350 or 1400-3454443 STUDENTaccesspage 1992 Reader Survey
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PASSAGE 'Your Workplace and Job-Skills Infonnation Newsletter' February 1992 61 Cover Letter Writing Page 1 The Workplace Project Page 5 STUDENTaccesspage Page 3 Making Your Hobby Pay Page 6 Secret To Success Page 4 Success Story Page 7 Greeters ys. Graters Page 5 Preparing For The Interview Page 8
"Your Workplace and Job-Skills Information Newsletter"
Volume 3, Number 7 March 1992 The Cover Letter: Customized ForSuccess
Imagine that Manager, Director, Occupant, The Personalized Cover you are an Sir, To Whom It May Concern, Letter employer, and Personnel Officer, or Hiring To get an employer's attention your secretary Officer be read? Maybe, but and to create a personal touch, has placed most likely not. you need to always include a your daily The letters that are sent to a cover letter when you send your stack of mail specific person will get more resume. As a rule, your cover on your attention than the letters letter and envelope should already cluttered desk. Keeping addressed only to a position or include the correct name, title, in mind that you have a busy job title. This personal touch is and address of the employer or schedule for this week, what important to remember when you hiring officer. pieces of mail are going to attract are preparing your job-search your attention as the employer? The only exception to this rule is materials, especially your cover when a classified advertisement Will the letters that are addressed letters. with generic titles such as Continued on page 2
Giving 100% - Why 99.9% Won't Do! Do you have a talent that has gone unrecognized should devote 100% of your talents to avoid at work, at school, or at home? Could you atrocities that can happen if you find it acceptable possibly be afraid of revealing your talent to to do things right 99.9% of the time. others because they may think that you are... For example, would you like to assume the bragging about yourself? responsibility for what can happen should that challenging the way things have always been missing .1% result in... done? 20,000incorrect drug prescriptions per year? If you think you have a good reason for not using incorrect surgical procedures each week? 100% of your talents, then you are not alone and 500 not forgiven! What?--not forgiven? Surelythere 2unsafe plane landings per day at O'Hare are some acceptable reasons for notgiving 100% International Airport in Chicago'? of your talents to help others at work, at school, The next time you find yourself thinking about or at home. better ways to do things at work, school, or home, Not according to quality consultant Jeff Dewar tell someone. Always give 100% of your talents. who presents some very good reasons why you
1 62 Continued from page 1 Also, it is essential that your The final paragraph does not include the name of the cover letter be: (conclusion) should mention your company and only lists an Printed on the same quality interest in scheduling an address. This is called a blind paper as your resume (8 1/2 X interview and meeting with the box advertisement. In this 11--white, light gray, or ivory potential employer. Also, state situation (lacking a contact bond paper). Make sure your th'at you will be contacting the person's name or title), you can cover letter is typewritten. employer shortly after he/she has address your cover letter--"Dear This conveys a professional enough time to review your Personnel Manager." image that the employer resume. (Remember, employers expects. are busy people. Be assertive and If you do not have a name to contact them; don't wait for a include in your cover letter and Brief and to the point. It telephone call.) on your envelope, call the should be one page with no company and politely ask for this more than 200 words. At the bottom of your cover letter you should type "Sincerely" and information. When you call, ask No more than four or five the secretary for the name and your name. Be sure to sign your paragraphs. Each paragraph letter. Lastly, you should type title of the person who is should contain no more than responsible for hiring job "Enclosure" at the bottom of the three sentences. Because cover letter. This reminds the candidates in your career field. cover letters are intended to Today, you can no longer expect employer that you have included be brief, one sentence your resume. success by addressing your cover paragraphs are permitted. letter with a generic salutation Just make sure that each Make certain that your cover (Sir or Madam or To Whom It paragraph is a complete letter briefly highlights your May Concern). thought. skills, qualifications, experience, and personal strengths. It should The Ingredients The first paragraph is the not be a copy of your resume. The cover letter should be introduction. This paragraph is The cover letter should attract designed to attract the employer's the "attention getter." It should attention to your resume. attention and to get the employer mention the position for which interested in looking at your you are applying and how you Getting Started resume. Your cover letter should found out about the position Practice and follow the guidelines ays include: and/or company (e.g., newspaper presented in this article. Take Your name, address, and advertisement, the name of any your time and create a telephone number. employee or business associate customized cover letter for each who recommended you contact job/employer you are targeting. The date the letter was sent. the employer, or research that If you get stuck, use the An inside address (the name you have conducted). role-playing exercise from the of the employer or hiring The body of the letter (two or beginning of this article to better officer, his/her title, name of three paragraphs) should understand the needs of the the company, address, and zip highlight the experience, employer. code. qualifications, and personal Check the STUDENTaccesspage A salutation (Dear Mr. Jones strengths that you can offer the for examples of customized cover or Dear Ms. Smith). employer (not what the employer letters. The STUDENT- can offer to you). Keep building accesspage will provide a variety the employer's interest and focus of sample cover letters that were The activity which Is the s-uhject of this on your strengths. written for specific situations. publication was supported In part by the Pennsylvania Department of Education The body should also highlight and the U.S. Department of Education. your accomplishments and Tip: Once you prepare a basic However, the opinions expressed herein do cover letter that briefly knowledge and show how they not necessarily reflect the position or highlights your abilities and policy of the Pennsylvaida Department of relate to the position you are attracts attention to your resume, Education or the US. Department of targeting. This part of the cover Education, and no (Odal endorsement you will only have to make letter should also mention that by the Pennsylvania Department of minor changes to the content Education or the US. Department of you have included your resume. Education should be inferred. of each letter you mail to employers.
2 3EST COPY AVAILABLE P1 STUDENTaccesspage Focus: Sample Cover Letters
Sample 1 Sample 2 This sample cover letter was written This sample cover letter was written after Lisa Simpson saw an to a company that job seeker Frank advertisement in the local paper. Flanders has researched and Notice how she customizes her op considers a possibility for cover letter to show the potential employment. He went to his local employer that she can benefit the library and located some business organization. When you are directories and scanned the yellow rap- responding to an advertisement, pages for employers who hired read it carefully and show how you employees in his career field. can fulfillthe employer's special employment needs. Although the company did not place an advertisement in Wanted: Sales Representative to sell health-care products the paper and may not have a job opening, Frank Flanders and to educate potential customers about new products. is hoping this company will consider him for future Full-time position. Must be willing to work long hours/with openings.It is important to conduct research at the library strict deadlines. Self-motivated. Some experience or by talking with employees from the company you are required. Send your resume to: Mr. Joseph Smith, targeting. This will enable you to write a customized cover Personnel Director, XYZ Company, North Central Avenue, letter for each company you wish to target. Mayberry, PA 19999.
Lisa Simpson Frank Flanders 110 Homer Street 221 Main Street Springfield, PA 19992 Dustry, PA 92929 (919) 898-9898 (919) 898-5959
May 1, 1992 May 1,1992
Mr. Joseph Smith Mr. Bruce Bossman Personnel Director District Manager XYZ Company ACME Copier Repair North Central Avenue 333 Meadow Lane Mayberry, PA 19990 Dustry, PA 92929 Dear Mr. Smith: Dear Mr. Bossman: In response to your April 30, 1992, advertisement in the After conducting much research on ACME Copier Repair, Mayberry Times for a Sales Representative, I have enclosed a copy of my resume. I believe my skills and training as a copier repairman would be an asset to your organization. With my three years of experience as a salesperson at Alon Beauty Products, I am accustomed to working under Ihave just completed an intensive one-year Copier strict deadlines, and I am a self- starter. During each year Repair/Service Program at the Electronic Technology of employment, I have continued to exceed organizational Institute in Dustry, Pennsylvania. With this training, I have goals and expand my number of new customers and acquired the hands-on experience needed for repeat customers. trouble-shooting and repairing all brand-name copiers. While I realize that you may not be hiring at the present Recently, Ihad the privilege of participating in the promotion of new health -care products and evaluating time, I would appreciate if you would consider me for I have enclosed a copy customer feedback.I feel this particular experience can future employment opportunities. benefit your organization and your customers. My of my resume for your review. resume discusses similar accomplishments in further I will contact you next week to discuss the possibility of detail. scheduling an appointment to further discuss my skills and I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to meet with training and how they can benefit ACME Copier Repair. you and discuss my qualifications and skills.I will call you Thank you for your time and consideration. next week. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Sincerely, Frank Flanders Lisa Simpson Enclosure Enclosure
STUDENTaccesspage continued on page 4 STUDENTaccesspage continued from page 3
Sample 3 Sample 4 In this sample cover letter, the job In this final sample cover letter, job seeker, Raymond Carnavelli, has a seeker Zelda Lynne wrote a brief friend who works at Limited Unlimited, letter to a friend to let her know that Inc. Raymond's friend suggested that she is currently seeking Raymond send a resume to his employment. General Manager. Also, Raymond's The letter highlights Zelda's career friend said that Raymond may use his interests and skills.In addition to name in the cover letter. the cover letter, she included Realizing the importance of a good reference, Raymond several copies of her resume. made certain that his friend's name appeared in the first Also, Zelda asked her friend to show the resume to paragraph of the cover letter. The employer is more likely interested employers. In this special situation, a friend or to be interested in a job candidate who was recommended acquaintance can replace the need for a separate cover by a valued employee. Raymond's chances of being letter to the potential employer. considered are much better than a complete stranger's This type of cover letter does not have to be as formal as chances. cover letters addressed to employers or business associates. Networking with friends and acquaintances can be an excellent source of job leads. Raymond Carnavelli 545 Walnut Street Cedar, PA 15656 (898) 434-4343 Zelda Lynne 232 Elm Street Luckytown, PA 91919 May 1, 1992
Ms. Della Gator May 1, 1992 General Manager Limited Unlimited, Inc. One Center Lane Provolone, PA 15777 Dear Betty, I really appreciate your offer to provide assistance with my Dear Ms. Gator: job search. Any suggestions or job leads would be quite In a recent conversation with Mr. Lyle Lovett, he suggested helpful. that you may be interested in reviewing my skills and As I mentioned during our last discussion, I am seeking qualifications for future employment opportunities at employment as a computer operator/secretary.At this Limited Unlimited, Inc.'s Customer Service Department. time, I am completing some brush-up courses and will be Having earned an Associate Degree in Communication attending the local community college in the summer. with an emphasis in public relations from Cedar Community I have enclosed several copies of my resume.If you are College, I have acquired the knowledge and aware of any employment opportunities, please feel free to communication skills needed to meet Limited Unlimited, distribute copies of my resume. Inc.'s quality customer-service expectations. Betty, thanks again for your help. Hope to see you soon. Courses such as Advanced Public Speaking, Public Relations, and Business Writing have given me the Love, background required to be an asset to your organization. My resume, which is enclosed, lists these areas and Zelda highlights other skills and accomplishments in greater detail. Enclosures Thank you for your time and consideration. Iwill be contacting you early next week to discuss the possibility of scheduling an interview.I look forward to talking with you. Sincerely, Secret to Success Raymond Carnavelli Winning isn't a trick; it's an attitude. There are three rules critical to success. Enclosure 1. Always be positive. 2. Always be positive. 3. Always be positive. Source: Al You Can Do is Al You Can Do, by A.L. WilkiUTIS, abler - Nelson Brooks. Nelson Pt. at Elm NM Pam Nashville 37214.
4 PC Employee-Communication Skills Greeters vs. Graters We have all encountered "greeters and graters" in Many companies are understanding how very the world of business phone communications. important it is to hire phone receptionists who What are greeters and graters? Greeters are practice excellent manners when greeting individuals who effectively "greet" callers by customers. In today's highly-competitive practicing good phone manners. Graters are business world, companies can not afford to lose individuals who "grate" callers by ignoring business because of phone receptionists who do proper phone manners. "Grater-type not treat potential and old customers with respect. personalities" can be identified because of their... You can improve your phone manner by unfriendly tone of voice (they sound mad at role-playing different situations which occur the world and you) between receptionist and caller. Role-playing is abruptness (they interrupt you before you an excellent way for you to practice how you will finish speaking) respond to callers who are... lack of interest in the caller's needs (they upset with your company's services and/or don't listen well, and you don't reach the products. person or department you need) unsure of who can help them with their In contrast, greeters answer the phone with an requests for information. understanding that each caller may be a potential customer. Greeters can be recognized for their... Even if you are not seeking a career as a phone friendly tone of voice (they make you feel receptionist, don't feel th4i you will never have to welcome and important) answer the phone at your place of business--at patience (they listen carefully) one time or another, everyone at your company sincere interest in you and your needs (they will have to assume the responsibilities of phone take notes while you speak to be sure you receptionist. reach the proper individual or department)
The Workplace Project: An Update
The WORKPLACE project is programs that are designed to resources (lists of potential now located in over 70 libraries help you: employers, instructional video, (60 public libraries ar4 15 prison Prepare resumes and and other community agencies) libraries) across the job-search letters and operating the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania career-directional/job-search for adults who need to make Explore career options computer programs. informed decisions about jobs, Establish lifetime goals Also, the video tape--The careers, and educational training. Research the employment Choice is Yours is available for The services are made available outlook in your career field job seekers who have limited through a special partnership and geographic location work experience. between Pennsylvania's public If you are seeking employment or libraries and the Pennsylvania Evaluate your skills and interests considering various educational Department of Labor and or career opportunities, then Industry's Job Training Locate training/financial aid contact your local library or write Partnership Act (JTPA) agencies. Target prospective employers to: Steven Mallinger, Workplace This service is provided at no Project, State Library of cost to you. The service includes In addition, each WORKPLACE Pennsylvania, P.O. Box 1601, access to user-friendly computer location has trained librarians Harrisburg, PA 17105. who can help you with locating
5 PA Career Options Making Your Hobby Pay
Do you have an interesting overlook--the business plan. Do you need a business license? hobby? Did you ever consider Before fulfilling your dream, you How many customers will you starting a business? Perhaps, it is need a business plan, and you need (monthly, quarterly, yearly) possible that people would pay need to answer many questions. to make a profit? for your services or products. Having a great love for a certain Can you handle working 60 to 80 If you have thought about hobby or having developed skills hours a week? changing your hobby into a is not enough to make you a business and being your own successful business person. A What equipment do you need to boss, there are many steps that business person has to pay close get started? you have to understand. In attention to all aspects of What image do you want to addition to having a special talent establishing and maintaining a convey to customers? or skill and great enjoyment of a successful business. particular hobby, you must How will you stay ahead of the Your business plan/evaluation competition? conduct the proper research and process should examine and evaluate many options (looking at answer these questions: The business plan is not designed the good and the bad). to discourage you. Be honest, Is there a demand for your and take the time needed to create The Good Stuff product or service? a clear picture of your business First, let's look at the positive Will people pay for your product idea and its chances for success. aspects of turning your hobby or service, and why will people Help Is Available into a business. The rewards or want to buy your product or advantages include: service? Don't worry! There are many Doing something that you free or low-cost services really enjoy. (It's a part of What is the market like in your available to help you with your you, and you can put your area? small business start-up. heart into it.) Does anyone provide similar Examples of organizations in services/products? your area include: SBA (Small Being able to make your own Business Administration), decisions. What makes your business SCORE - Service Corps of unique or different from others? Controlling your own Retired Executives, the local destiny. (You set the goals Will you operate out of your Economic Development and manage your time.) house, or will you rent space? Department, and small business incubators (shared office space What about regulations that affect Purchasing supplies at lower and shared employees for new or wholesale rates. business zones? businesses). Also, seminars and Some areas that have Do you have a good location workshops are often provided by money-earning potential are: (easy access and parking)? area banking institutions and stamps/coins, antiques, quilted How will you get the word out ? colleges. products, embroidery, stitch How much money will it cost to Locate these organizations in the work, tropical fish, trading cards telephone book and find out what and sports memorabilia, operate (monthly, quarterly, yearly)? assistance is available to you. glassware, woodcrafting, Take advantage of the resources metalworking, carving/sculpting, How much money will you in your community that can help houseplants, pet care/grooming, charge for your product or you make sensible and small engine repair. service? business/career decisions. Starting your own business and The Other Stuff What taxes are you required to pay? dedicating yourself to something Unfortunately, there is another you enjoy can be one of life's side to starting a business that Are you comfortable with book- most rewarding experiences. Just many new business owners keeping anti projecting costs? be sure to look before you leap.
6 67 Success Story Meet William (Bill) Hamilton
Bill Hamilton is one of those as a machinist. This time, an area forgotten in math. My individuals who is at a crossroads packaging company hired me full perseverance enabled meto in his life. Like so many others time. I worked there for six years. complete a math course and gain the confidence and skill's in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, Then this company, like my I needed to do college work. Bill has faced the hardships of previous place of employment, losing more than one good job in shut down in December of 1991. Know yourself well. Ask his lifetime. Frustrating? Yes. I was a dislocated worker for the yourself what it is that you Hopeless? Never. second time in twenty-five years. really want to do. Keep )our Bill wants people, who have Where do you begin after present profession or faced similar hardships, to know experiences such as these? occupation? Change careers? that it's never too late to think Here's what I have done to help Go back to school? about making a career change. myself Perhaps you will benefit Immediately look for another job? I had to answer these Let Bill tell you about his from my advice: and other related questions to situation. Make an inventory of your know what I wanted to do in What brought me to this time of abilities, interests, and skills. the future. decision-making is clear. I have I was able to attend a been in the work force for Check your bitterness scale. workshop sponsored by an It's easy to be bitter after twenty-five years. Nineteen of agency that assists dislocated the twenty-five years were spent losing one good job, let alone workers with job-search two good jobs. However, as a machinist for a major steel strategies. I learned how company. I lost this job in bitterness destroys people, important it is to be able to and you cannot move on with November of 1984. The steel speak confidently about my plant closed its doors. your life if you remain bitter. education, training, and work I had to let go of my bitterness For more than a year, I was history. in order to make decisions. known as a dislocated worker. Survey and list your financial Then another opportunity for Look for educational obligations. I had to study my opportunities and training employment presented itself to financial obligations in order me. Once again, I was employed programs offered by area to find ways to meet or agencies, colleges, and cutback expenses while PASSAGE Staff organizations. There may be unemployed. I realized that no-cost or low-cost programs Editors sacrifices would be necessary Bernadette Mangie, Director, Education which you qualify for as a and Support Programs, TMCI such as limiting family dislocated worker. John S. Goberish, Communications spending until I would be, Officer, TMCI once again, gainfully Keep a log of your Consultants employed. My personal career-development and Richard Carland, Coordinator of situation demanded that I take job-search activities. This Educational Services, TMCI a part-time job while I record will help you evaluate Jim Dotmovich, Guest Writer, TMCI upgraded my education and your progress to date and help Judy Dzumba, Trainer, TMCI training to qualify for the type you plan future goals. Alice Green, Technical Advisor, of position I really want. BCALMC In closing, I can tell you that you Greg Hill, EAPC Coodinator, BCALMC Use your personal strengths need to be organized and Dan McCall, GED Instructor, TMCI and improve your confident. Organization will help Cathy Schweitzer, Secretary/Assistant weaknesses. I knew that I had you get through the tough times, Trainer, SPOC/SAVEProgram. TMCI to brush up my basic skills and confidence will help you to Metissa Taylor, Trainer, SPOC/SAVE before going to college. After meet the challenges ahead of you. Program, TMCI enrolling in an This newsletter was producedinternally Best wishes, Bill, and thanks for byTMCI, 617 Midland. Avenue, adult-education class, I the excellent advice! Midland, PA 15059. recognized how much I had (412) 643-1350 or 1-800-3454443
76QBEST COPY AVAILABLE Interviewing Techniques Preparing for the Interview
When preparing yourself for an to understand that the employer is Believe in yourself and your interview, try to understand what looking for the best candidate, abilities. If you are prepared interviewing methods or tactics and he/she needs to find out if and know you can do the job, the employer will use during the you are capable of doing the job. then you will be confident meeting. This requires that you To prepare yourself for a during the interview. are confident in your skills and successful interview, consider the abilities and have a resume that following tips: accurately highlights these skills and abilities. Knowwhat's in your resume. First Make sure that all of the Impressions Before the interview, the information is factual. If it is employer will review your not, then you are wasting the Job candidates have less than resume and prepare his/her employer's time and your 15 minutes to make a good questions from your resume. The time. impression at a job interview. employer wants to make certain More than half of the at your resume, and that you understand what you Look personnel executives form have written in your resume. write a list of questions that positive or negative Basically, the interviewer will try you feel the employer may impressions within that time. to uncover any information which ask you during the interview. Twenty-one percent say its reveals that you are stretching the Ask yourself, "What skills all over within five minutes. truth or that your resume is not and abilities are important to factual. the employer and to getting Survey of 100 top personnel executives the job done properly?" by Robert Half International. This information sounds pretty recruitment specialists. 111 Pine Street, intimidating. However, you have San Francisco 94111.
BCALMC NON-PROFIT ORG. PASSAGE Newsletter U.S. POSTAGE PAID 617 Midland Avenue MIDLAND, PA Midland, PA 15059 PERMIT NO. 10
PASSAGE 'Your Workplace and Job-Skills Information Newsletter' March 1992 STUDENTaccesspage Page 2 What You Don't Know Can Hurt Them Page 5 Self-Discovery Checklist Page 3 Making Decisions Page 6 Is There Job Security? Page 4 Workplace Discussion Topics Page 7 Employee Assistance Programs Page 4 Fewer Fish In The Sea Page 7
'Your Workplace and Job-Skills Information Newsletter'
Volume 3, Number 8 April 1992 Functional Skills-"Words Interviewers Like To Hear"
Employers want to know how If you have used the functional discover how many additional you have functioned in previous skill of deciding, you must be functional skills you may already work situations. There are many prepared to give specific possess. The exercise we have words which you may be able to examples of how your decisions prepared will help you to create use to describe your ability to were helpful. Did you help the an inventory of your functional perform functional skills in the company save money? Avoid skills. We suggest that you workplace. Let's review some of accidents? Improve morale? review your inventory before these words with you: Increase production? each job interview. By doing so, you will be better equipped to Investigating is another Representing an employer to the discuss your functional skills functional skill you may be able public is a functional skill. Have with the interviewer. you ever... to talk about during the job interview. Functioning as an met with customers? "investigator" simply means that Learning To helped prepare documents and you have had experience with... presentations? exploring the causes of Listen attended conferences and problems in the workplace. Quite often we are all guilty of forgetting to listen to those around business meetings? summarizing problems for us. Listening is an important skill If your answer is yes to any or all others to understand them. for success in all aspects of life, especially in the workplace. of these questions, then you have suggesting solutions to performed the functional skill of problem situations. Listening enables you to better representing. understand a situation, address the Every work environment has concerns of others, and enhance Deciding is another common problems. Conflicts among your decision-making skills. Here functional skill. Search your coworkers, equipment are some tips for improving this work history for examples of breakdowns during production, necessary skill: decisions which you have made and complaints from customers Eliminate distractions. Look about... may have been handled by you. directly at the person speaking. the use of money. Think back to situations in your Control your emotions. Avoid work history that were difficult. prejudging, and listen without ways to improve physical Did you help solve any of those interrupting the person speaking. safety in the workplace. problems because of your ability Listen actively. Nod and smile. new procedures for to investigate? Let your eyes show interest in completing work duties. This month's STUDENT- the information being discussed. accesspage will help you to Adapted frorn Succeu, April 1942 STUDENTaccesspage Focus: Functional-Skills Inventory
Directions Planning: anticipating future needs of companies, employees, and customers; scheduling a sequence of Survey the following list of words which may describe events; arranging schedulesEXAMPLES functional skills that you have demonstrated in work situations. Carefully read the general examples that explain how these functions can be performed in the workplace; then, think about your own work experiences and write specific examples of how you have used these functional skills. Operating: controlling or using equipment that performs certain tasks (truck driving or using a copy machine) Record keeping: orderly keeping of numerical data EXAMPLES (number facts) and narrative information (notes, reports, calendars); showing the sequence of events; creating and maintainirg filesEXAMPLES
Dealing with pressure: minimizing or eliminating risks toward others and yourself; handling complaints and deadlinesEXAMPLES Speaking: presenting ideas, facts, and other business information to coworkers, supervisors, and customers (either in person or through electronic media such as television, video, and radio)EXAMPLES
Listening: choosing to comprehend ideas or directions; participating in the understanding of others without having to speak your own viewsEXAMPLES
Serving: providing a service (being a phone receptionist) or product (delivering cosmetics to home buyers or waiting on customers in a restaurant)EXAMPLES Trouble-shooting: preventing, finding, and describing sources of difficulty in human situations, with the procedures at work, or with the operation of equipment EXAMPLES Repairing: performing mechanical tasks; fixing things such as equipment, furniture, or building structures (repairing vehicles, homes, or office machines) EXAMPLES Motivating: helping others perform better; acknowledging efforts of others and providing ways for them to overcome fears, anxieties, or physical handicaps (giving compliments and helping others)EXAMPLES Evaluating: judging individuals or programs/projects to determine successes; studying and rating performance (evaluating objectives, goals, and outcomes) EXAMPLES
' A special thank you to Dickinson College's Mr. Howard Figler who presented in PATH a complete listing of functional skills which you may want to market to potential employers. Exploring Career Options A Self-Discovery Checklist
Richard Lathrop, in Who's Mr. Lathrop then asks job easy to get along with. Hiring Who?, has a seekers to continue the self-discovery checklist which self-discovery exercise by careful to follow directions. is useful to job seekers. marking their responses to the following personal statements: Complete Mr. Lathrop's dependable and always self-discovery exercise to I have... on time. obtain a better understanding of what you like to do. Please the ability to make neat in work habits. friends easily. make check marks next to the cooperative with others. statements which best a good sense of humor. describe you. not a clock watcher. a strong sense of I like to... responsibility. willing to do extra work. work where I can think a cheerful outlook. self-disciplined. my own thoughts. imaginative. I am... work with details. energetic. When you can honestly work with ideas. evaluate your personal "likes a fast learner. and dislikes," you are on your work with people. way to discovering the type of good with words. work with tools, career most likely to satisfy equipment, and other accurate with details. you! things I can touch. work alone. Tandem Jobs work as part of a team. Have you ever heard of the expression "tandem job?" A tandem job is sometimes referred to as job sharing. A tandem job generally means that express my ideas. two individuals can work, part time, to accomplish the tasks of one, full-time employee. see the results of my work. Some individuals prefer a tandem job. A tandem job permits them to have more time to be with family or to pursue other interests outside of help others. work. Others take tandem jobs with the expectations of working toward full-time employment. This option offers them an opportunity to qualify work hard. for full-time positions that become available. keep very busy. Employees who have tandem jobs generally have less chance of receiving fringe benefits (i.e., health insurance); however, many employers arc keep things in order. willing to offer some incentives to keep their tandem workers (i.e., child-care assistance). take on new tasks. do a better job than Accountability others who are doing the Keep a log of your accomplishments at work. Why? When your next same tasks. performance review is scheduled, you will already have a complete listing of your contributions. Your log does not have to be detailed. Try using maintain a good your own form of shorthand to record dates, times, objectives, and appearance. outcomes of activities which you handled well. What other reasons can you think of to support your keeping a record of your accomplishments? Today's Workplace Is There Job Security In Any Career?
No career offers absolute occupations related to the satisfying, and financially security. Needs change. predictable needs of many rewarding. Attitudes change. People change. individuals such as health care There is no easy answer to the Technologies change. However, and education. question "Is there job security in your choice of an occupation may how your career choice will any career?" The answer to this determine the level of job question varies from one security you will experience. affect where you live, the time needed for training/education, occupational choice to another. Investigate... your leisure activities, and The economic principle of supply careers related to the universal even your general health. and demand affects job security needs of everyone such as in every occupation. Whatever whether your career choice food, clothing, and shelter. career path you choose to matches your interests, skills, explore, keep in mind your own present economic conditions abilities, and values. needs as well as the needs of (local community, statewide, society. and nationwide) Many job hopefuls list personal satisfaction as the most important Most importantly, ask yourself According to a survey of 200 reason for pursuing a particular these follow-up questions: employee communication career. Others rank job security managers (on a scale of 6.0), the Is this job really what I want? top three employee motivators are: high on their list of prerequisites (requirements)--and several Domy skills match the job Recognition 4.9% individuals choose the potential requirements? to make money above job Money 4.8% satisfaction and job security. Wherewill this job lead me There are also some individuals (e.g., promotions/transfers)? Challenge 4.3% who start their own businesses to Whatcan I learn on the job? Source: William M. Mercer, Inc., New build a career which is secure, York City Will the pay be satisfactory?
Employee AssistancePrograms Reduce Stress In today's complex society, almost everyone is families to consult with when resolving a affected by stress. Stress can occur on the job, in wide-range of personal problems. The goal of this school, and at home. type of program is to provide employees with a confidential place to turn, receive support, and One of the major causes of stress is change. obtain the assistance needed to solve problems. Change happens in all aspects of our lives. Some common examples include dislocation, When employers offer this type of service, they also updating educational training, financial benefit. Because personal and work-related difficulties, and marital problems. problems affect productivity, this service enables employers to establish a support network for their To help employees cope with changes, many employees. This network helps solve employees' innovative employers offer employee benefits problems before they become major issues. called Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) as Therefore, EAPs promote and enhance cooperation a way of addressing concerns related to stress. and productivity. These EAPs are designed to help individuals PASSAGE commends all employers and employees better manage and understand life's stresses and the way personal problems can develop from throughout the Commonwealth who strive to improve their work environments and to promote them. EAP personnel (trained counselors) listen, personal and economic development through the provide support, and suggest alternative community resources for employees and their EAP movement. For Instructors What You Don't Know About The Unemployed Can Hurt Them
Sometimes, in This approach to resume writing, When you work with the your genuine however, can hurt the unemployed during the zeal to help unemployed. As described in resume-writing process, use the the the example, you have not given following Client-Observation unemployed, yourself or the client ample time Checklist to evaluate their level you may to discover any academic or of participation: unwittingly communication weaknesses guide them to which the client needs to address thoroughly understands the career and before applying for jobs. difference between functional and chronological resumes employment You need to avoid the pitfalls of and selects the most file Owen Mawr Ilelhore. decisions M Are sending this client to an interview appropriate format which are not with a resume that he/she doesn't in their best interests. For relate to because you wrote it. easily describes his/her skills example... Although it is easier and quicker and abilities on work sheets How many resumes have you for you to do the work, you may used to prepare the resume prepared for the unemployed? need to examine the benefits of (content, grammar, word The key word in this question is working with the client more usage, and spelling are "for." You listen to a brief closely during the resume-writing acceptable) explanation of the individual's process. education and work history and confidently describes his/her All of your unemployed clients skills and abilities in are immediately transcribing need to learn how to properly conversations during the words that best describe this express their skills to potential resume-preparation exercises individual to potential employers. employers. Career-guidance and (descriptions of The unemployed individual talks, job-development personnel can, work/education histories, and you write. Soon, you have a unintentionally, hurt their personality traits, and rough draft of a resurthat unemployed clients by assuming employment goals) would influence the chairman of most of the resume-writing If you observe dramatic IBM. After all, you have responsibilities. The shortcomings in these areas, help prepared hundreds of similar unemployed need the opportunity your unemployed clients to resumes, you know all the right to work "with you" and benefit understand that you are interested word choices to use, and you from the resume-preparation in their long-term employment anticipate how pleased your exercises that require them to security. Suggest ways that you client will be when he/she first speak and write confidently about and others can help them sees the finished product--a their education and work overcome these shortcomings highly professional resume. histories. before, or during, their job-search "I didn't know that I was that Working closely with your campaign. good" or a similar response is job-search clients may take more what you expect to hear time; however, you are the most The activity which is the subject of this whenever your client has had the likely person to help them publication was supported in part by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and opportunity to read the final copy discover if they need additional the US. Deportment of Education. However, of the resume which you vocational counseling, the opinions expressed herein do not carefully and lovingly prepared. remediational classes, or higher necemarily reflect the position or policy of the Pennsylvania Department of Education You did a great job on paper--and education and training to qualify or the U.S. Department of Education, and no the client is more than pleased for the jobs they want for official endorsement by the Pennsylvania with "your" work. themselves. Department of Education or the U.S. Department of Education should be inferred. 74 5 Career Exploration Making Decisions-Involving Family and Friends What happens when the job you suggested. Your job is to let Know that your decisions can want requires more education them know that their ideas, change. You and others can not and/or training than you have at opinions, and feelings are predict all of the circumstances present? Most likely, you will important to you. You should and events which may affect your have to make a series of also know that they may not career decisions. Sometimes, important decisions. Often, those always agree with your decisions. things happen which may cause decisions will not only affect you Expect and encourage differences you to reevaluate your goals and but will also affect other of opinion; those differences may plans. Never avoid making important people in your life. help you to be more objective decisions just because something about the career choice(s) you are may change. A good start toward That's why we are suggesting considering. a rewarding job or career begins that you involve your family and with the decision to try. friends in the decision-making Remember that your family and process. Their involvement can friends (and you) may need time Note: In deciding on the right help you to... to recognize the benefits of your career path for you, your career decisions. Accept the fact personal goals and family Learn more about your that it does take time to make structure are as important as the career choice(s). progress toward your goals. qualifications you have and seek; Family and friends can help you Nonsupporters of your decisions remember that single parents do your research. They can help often become avid supporters have different demands and you locate books, brochures, whenever they see how well you responsibilities than two-parent reports, and articles that support are doing, especially if you families. your desire to continue your maintain a positive attitude. education and/or training. Meet with individuals who PASSAGE Humor Hunt know more about your career option(s). People who are friends or Workplace Excuses? acquaintances of your family are Robert Half, of Robert Half to accept a position with a San more likely to help you because Personnel Agencies, once listedFrancisco manufacturer--until the of these relationships. They can the excuses he had heard given company refused to pay for his offer you specialized information by people as reasons for turningweekly visits to an acupuncturist. about your career options that down job offers. These strangeMr. Half said that to date he hasn't may not be found through other reasons are really quite heard of anyone refusing a job sources such as books. humorous. Enjoy. because the salary is too high or Address problems related A cashier quit a job with a because the company offers four to the decisions you have to Boston bank because the work weeks of vacation time. make. site wasn't within walking Quoted from CAREER WORLD Ask your family and friends to distance of a McDonald's suggest solutions to your child Restaurant. care, transportation, and financial A computer programmer told a "Be 're you give somebody a problems. Although you don't Houston company she wouldn'tpiece of your mind, make sure want to impose on them, you may be able to work for a 5' 6" you can get by with what you find that they are willing to help supervisor because she couldn'thave left." you. respect a man who was three Anonymous Your family and friends can help inches shorter than she. you with your career decisions if A financial executive was about you involve them in the ways Workplace Short-Discussion Topics What do you think about.. Trust in Today's Creating Your Own The Monday Morning Workplace On-the-Job Training Friday Afternoon Syndrome Trust among coworkers and Every work environment offers Stay away from Monday morning supervisors is a necessary opportunities for you to learn "what did you do this weekend" ingredient of teamwork; however, specialized skills from your talks and Friday afternoon "cruise many employees believe that it is coworkers. Some employees or snooze" breaks. Employers harmful to trust fellow employees have discovered the advantages are looking to promote people with personal information not of making their own on-the-job who do not waste company related to their workplace training opportunities happen. money by avoiding their responsibilities. With the cooperation of their workplace responsibilities during supervisors and coworkers, these these notoriously unproductive In fact, many employees believe employees exchange knowledge times of the Monday through that you should never discuss and skills not required of them Friday work week. Why is it so personal information with your for employment. Why should easy for office employees to fall coworkers. What are some you (and your employer) into the trap of wasting company examples of topics you think encourage these types of money at these times during the should be avoided when building on-the-job training opportunities? week? What strategies can you trust among employees? use to avoid being a participant? Fewer Fish In The Sea It's hard to believe that 90% lower-level employees who have with your employer how your of our current workers will untapped potential to help their new skills and knowledge have still be in the labor force in the companies grow and prosper. begun to help you with your work responsibilities. Whenever year 2000 (American Society What can be done? for Training and possible, have tangible evidence Development). What does Suggest to your employer that to share with your employer (i.e., this mean to those of us who you are willing to invest your a special report which you wrote are currently working? own time and money in a training after attending a business-writing and/or education program that course). It means that employers and will benefit the company. Your employees are going t.) have employer, recognizing the value Many employers do not have to work together to meet the of your commitment to the large budgets to spend on training demands of staying in company, may... their employees. Knowing this. business in the future. you have to demonstrate that you allocate monies to help you are a worthwhile investment and Those demands include the with future training and are willing to make financial and increased need for appropriate education personal sacrifices, too. training and education for approve paid release time existing employees. There are many low-cost or from work so that you can Employees need opportunities no-cost training and education continue your studies to train and educate opportunities for you to consider. themselves on and off the job. include you in the company- Local colleges, agencies, and civic groups often offer Many employers make the sponsored training and education programs for which work-related seminars, forums, mistake of offering training and workshops to the public. and educational incentives to you were not eligible in the certain levels of past Seek these opportunities to improve yourself and your ability employees--often excluding While pursuing your training to do your job better. and/or education program, share 76 Homemaking Skills You Need To PASSAGE Staff Editors Bernadette Mangle, Director, Education Talk About and Support Programs, TMCI John S. Goberish, Communications Homemakers are managers--just respond to emergency Officer, TMCI ask experienced stay-at-home situations mothers (and fathers too!) how balance work with social Consultants Richard Carland, Coordinator of they effectively manage their obligations Educational Services, TMCI time, family, and related Jim Doimovich, Guest Writer, TMCI responsibilities. You may be In fact, many company owners Judy Dzumba, Trainer, TMCI surprised to learn that employers and managers like to refer to their Alice Green, Technical Advisor, appreciate the similarities employees as members of their family. It often takes the same BCALMC between the skills which Greg Hill, EAPC Coodinator, BCALMC homemakers use and the skills interpersonal skills to run a company as it would to raise a Dan McCall, GED Instructor, TMCI which business managers use. Cathy Schweitzer, Secretary/Assistant family. Trainer, SPOC/SAVE Program, TMC1 For example, homemakers and Whenever you hear someone say Melissa Taylor, Trainer, SPOC/SAVE business managers both... Program, TMCI the phrase "just a homemaker," make and follow schedules you can remind him or her of the This newsletter was produced internally by TMCI, 617 Midland, Avenue, direct and motivate others importance of homemaking Midland, PA 15059. set priorities and goals skills. Many of yesterday's effective homemakers have found For more information, call (412) maintain budgets successful careers in today's 643.1350 or 1-800-345-5443, act as purchasing agents business world because they Monday through Friday (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). chauffeur others understand the importance and rewards of hard work.
BCALMC NON-PROFIT ORG. PASSAGE Newsletter U.S. POSTAGE 617 Midland Avenue PAID MIDLAND, PA Midland, PA 15059 PERMIT NO. 10
PASSAGE Your Workplace and Job-Skills Information Newsletter' April 1992
77 Reaching Your Goal Page 2 Thriving on New Challenges Page 4 Deaf Adult Literacy Tutor Handbook Page 3 PASSAGE Survey Results Page 5 Schuylkill Training and Technology CenterPage 3 STUDENTaccesspage Page 6 Strategies ForJob Seekers Page 4 Researching Potential Employers Page 7
'Your Workplace and Job-Skills Information Newsletter'
Volume 3, Number 9 May 1992 Interviewing The Interviewer
This month's STUDENT- Do you provide any How many vacation days do accesspage highlights common educational seminars or you provide to employees? questions that are asked by the training for employees? interviewer. Knowing what Whatproduct do you make or questions will be asked can help IfI donot receive a response service do you provide? you prepare for the interview; concerning this job opening, (Know this before you walk however, knowing what may I call you in a week? into the interview. Do your questions you can ask during the Questions that should not be research!) interview is equally as important. asked during the first interview When is the lunch break? An impressive job candidate include: knows which questions to ask Is your organization Whattype of wages and profitable? (Do not question and which questions not to ask benefits do you offer the interviewer. an employer's economic employees in this position? stability. This will only Questions that are acceptable to (Wait until you get a job offer offend the employer.) ask during the first interview to ask this question.) include: What achievements will the company expect from a new Handling Stress employee in the first six There are three ways thatindividuals deal with stress. Some months and in the first year? individuals: Is the work environment Become overly concerned with a stressful problem, going over self- directed (this job requires and over it in their minds, thereby making the situation worse. that employees work by themselves with little Avoid thinking about problems by engaging in a distraction (such supervision) or more team as sports) to minimize the stress they feelbut they don't learn related? anything about handling the situation. Whatare the duties of an Examine the situation in a controlled manner by talking about it employee in this job position? with someone they trust. (A good listener can focus your thinking Are there chances for and can helpyou create a new outlook. This is the best method advancement within the for handling stress!) organization? Which approach do you use? When do you expect to fill Adapted from: Harry Levinson,PhD, 77te Levinson Letter, 375 Concord Ave., theposition? Belmont,Mcusachusetts 02178. CareerDevelopment Reaching Your Goal By Taking One Step At A Time
goals that, when met, will internship program at an area eventually lead to reaching the hospital or agency to earn credits main goal. Here is an example of and obtain hands-on work how this approach can work: experience. This will also impress employers during Example interviews. Janis Jones wants to become a social worker. She has !Just 5. During my last semester at received her GED diploma and college, I will start to network has researched this career field by with people I have met while visiting a local hospital, meeting volunteering and completing my If you plan to start a new career, with a counselor at the internship. These individuals there are many situations that you community college, and talking work in my field of interest and will have to face before you reach with individuals in the field. may be aware of possible job your goal. A common term .that leads. At first, she viewed the time job seekers use to describe these 6. Also, during my last semester, situations is employment barriers. needed to complete college and reach her goals (four years) as I will research area organizations Perhaps these situations should that utilize social workers, and I be viewed as challenges that you frustrating. However, realizing that this was really what she will mail my job-search will encounter while you work information (resume and cover toward achieving your goals. wanted to do, she set up a plan that will enable her to stay letter) to these potential As you meet these challenges in focused and reach her goal one employers. the classroom or in the step at a time. While Janis' plan is not overly workplace, understand how complicated, it is focused and important they are to your growth Janis' Plan for Success well organized, and it keeps her and development as an 1. While I'm in college, I will attention on achieving her goal individual. With each challenge concentrate on obtaining a variety one step at a time. The basic that you successfully complete. of useful courses (social work, guidelines that she used and you you are one step closer to writing, math, science, and can follow are: reaching your goal. psychology) that will help me become a great social worker Be certain that you have Individuals in the early stages of chosen the right career field. planning their careers often someday. become frustrated because of the 2. I will focus on earning good Be aware of the many time that is needed to get the job grades each semester. Instead of challenges that you may they really want. This is a thinking about completing four encounter in the classroom, common reaction among adults in years of school, I prefer to think during your job search, and in transition. If you are starting a of it as successfully completing the workplace. new career, some challenges you one semester at a time. Don't become overwhelmed may encounter include going to a or frustrated by the amount of college or training school or 3. In my free time, I will volunteer at area hospitals and time it may take to reach your accepting a lower paying position goal. to gain experience. community programs to gain some hands-on work experience. Reach your goal by having a So, what can be done? One I realize this experience will be plan, remaining patient, and approach that has worked for important to potential employers. achieving one small (but many individuals is to break their 4. During my senior year of important) success at a time. main goals into smaller parts or college, I will try to enroll in an
2 79 Exceptional Services Deaf Adult Literacy Tutor Handbook
Did you know that approximately Literacy Tutor Handbook, is Deaf adult literacy programs have 85,000 deaf individuals reside in the result of a project supported an opportunity to impact not only Pennsylvania? Of that 85,000, in part by the United States the lives (in school and at work) many deaf adults do not have the Office of Education and the of the deaf adults enrolled in communication skills necessary Pennsylvania Department of programs but also the lives of to advance in their jobs. Education. their family members. However, deafness does not have The Deaf Adult Literacy Tutor If you are interested in obtaining to affect a person's capacity or Handbook is designed to supply a copy of the Deaf Adult ability to learn new skills. the tutor with the necessary Literacy Tutor Handbook, Realizing the need to provide background information needed write to: The Center For services to assist these special to work with hearing-impaired Community and Professional adult learners, The Center for learners. The handbook provides Services, The Pennsylvania Community and Professional tutors with information on: deaf School for the Deaf, 137 West Services at The Pennsylvania adult learners; language, School House Lane, Philadelphia, School for the Deaf has designed communication, and literacy; PA 19144 or call (215) 951-4718. a handbook for individuals who deafness and deaf culture; Adapted from the Deaf Adult Literacy will teach hearing-impaired communication tips; teaching Tutor Handbook, Second Edition. adults literacy skills. This guide, strategies; and the responsibilities which is entitled the Deaf Adult and characteristics of the tutor. Schuylkill Training and Technology Center: A Model Program
'This center represents the first offers a wide variety of training In September of 1991, the Center attempt at matching the training programs which include: received a $250,000 grant and needs locally with the needs of Drafting was honored by state education business and industry," stated Dr. officials for its programs that Donald Carroll, State Secretary Automated Office Skills tailor adult courses to meet the of Education. Practical Nursing needs of businesses. Also, Medical Office Technology officials at the center take great Schuylkill Training and pride in the fact that the Technology Center in Frackville, Heating and Air Conditioning technology center is now a model Pennsylvania, is an example of a Computer Technology program in the state. Career Technology Center that Culinary Arts provides basic-skills and Power Plant and Electro- If you live in the surrounding technical training to adults in mechanical Technology area and are considering a career Schuylkill and surrounding Adult Literacy and GED Test change, have been laid off, or counties. This center was Preparation need retrained, then you may be established in response to a need To increase convenience, these interested in contacting this for a skilled work force which programs, and others, are offered innovative center. would allow area business and on a full-time basis during the For more information... industry to compete in today's day as well as part-time in the high-tech global economy and in Schuylkill Training and evening. Also, the courses and Technology Center, 101 response to the need for a local additional services provide lifetime-learning facility. Technology Drive, Frackville, students with theory, practical PA 17931, (717) 874-1034. Schuylkill Training and hands-on experience, and Technology Center currently job-placement assistance. Career Development More Strategies For Job Seekers
Robert Half, founder of the executive search firm Robert Half International, provides these useful salary and job-hunting tips for job seekers: Know how long you can afford to wait before accepting a job offer. Don't be too greedy. When you're out of work, try to find a job quickly. Calculate how much it's costing you to be out of work. Calculate how far your bankroll will stretch. It will help in making a decision about a job with a salary that's lower than you want. Postpone talking about salary as long as possible and concentrate on getting a job offer. Once that happens, it's possible to negotiate a better salary, especially if they really want you. Examine your options carefully. If you're already employed and receive a job offer for the same salary, don't hesitate to ask for more money if your current position is secure. But if your current job is being phased out, don't fool yourself. Taking a new job at your current salary might be wise. Don't give up. If you've been turned down for a job, call to inquire about the sane position again in a few weeks. The company's first choice may have turned down the offer, or it may not have worked out. Possibly, another similar position may have opened.
Hold the Thriving on New Challenges Noontime Coffee! After your morning cup (or cups) How About You? of coffee, are you ready to climb Will you accept a challenge or will you back away from it? Which a rock in Yosemite?--run the do you prefera well-planned future with little or no risk or a future New York Marathon?--swim the full of discovery and excitement? English Channel? If you go through life always on the safe side, you may never know Compare this early morning the thrill that comes from accepting new challengesthe types of sensation to your energy level at challenges which have you so full of excitement that stop and go two o'clock in the afternoon. At signals keep going off and on in your mind. this time of day, you are more likely to converse with your pet Many individuals want to develop more of a pioneer spirit. They rock, race a turtle, or daydream feel it is important to take risks in order for them to grow that you're on a yacht in the professionally and personally. However, they are afraid to accept English Channel. new challenges because of the possibility of experiencing failure. If you're motivated, however, Here are some tips which you can follow if you want to develop you can avoid the afternoon more of a pioneer spirit: blahs. How? More people are Observe risk-takers in action. discovering the benefits of walking during the lunch break. Study their behaviors, attitudes, and interests. The release of endorphins Draw conclusions about their common characteristics. (chemicals in your body), especially during brisk walks, Imagine yourself in their position of making decisions, analyzing picks you up and keeps you alert risks, and obtaining results. to deal with those long afternoon responsibilities. Hold the coffee Accept new levels of involvement and responsibility beyond your at lunchtime--take a walk instead current commitments at work or home. and enjoy a healthier and more productive life.
4111MINOMIIMII, 4 For Instructors PASSAGE Survey Results In an effort to improve the quality of the Articles and subject areas that readers found PASSAGE newsletter and to understand the most interesting were: needs of the readership, the PASSAGE staff Success Stories prepared a Reader's Survey which was published Selecting References for a Job Search in the February 1992 issue. At this time, we would like to share some of the results of the Academic Skills Used on the Job survey. Motivational and Self-Help Comments suggested to enhance the newsletter Career Exploration included: Providing information on the Americans with PASSAGE is being used by: Disabilities Act. Adult Education Students Utilizing an outline format instead of narratives. Unemployed and Underemployed Adults in Making additional copies available to ABE/GED Transition students. ABE/GED Instructors and Career Counselors Highlighting more job finding information. Program Administrators Featuring articles that focus on how educationally/culturally deprived persons are The PASSAGE staff would like to thank the striving to improve their situations. individuals who participated in the survey.
PASSAGE Staff "Survival Skills For The World of Work" Editors Bernadette Mangie, Director, Education If you are currently seeking resources for and Support Programs, TMCI your job-search or career-development John S. Goberish, Communications Officer, TMCI programs, then perhaps you may want to consider a new video series from Educational Consultants Design, Inc. entitled "Survival Skills For Richard Car land, Coordinator of Educational Services, TMC1 The World Of Work." Jim Dolmovich. Guest Writer, TMCI This video series examines the many challenges encountered by Judy Dzumba. Trainer, TMCI employees during their first few weeks or months on a new job and Alice Green, Technical Advisor, BCALMC provides solutions to these challenges. Greg Hill, EAPC Coodinator, BCALMC The series is designed especially for adults who are entering or Dan McCall. GED Instructor, TMC1 returning to the work force, have recently started a new job, or have Cathy Schweitzer, Secretary/Assistant experienced difficulties while on the job. It consists of eight videos Trainer, SPOC/SAVE Program. TMC1 which are each 20 to 30 minutes in length. Melissa Taylor, Trainer. SPOC/SAVE Ptogram, TMC1 The videos highlight common circumstances that place new employees in situations that could lead to job loss, quitting This newsletter was produced prematurely, or damaging future career possibilities. Examples internally by TMCI, 617 Midland, include understanding company rules, employee responsibilities, Avenue, Midland, PA 15059. when and how an employee should ask for help, and fitting in at a For more information, call new job. Also, the videos are designed to be effective in a setting (412) 643.1350 or 1-800-3454443, which promotes group discussions. Monday through Friday For more information about this video series, write to Educational Design, Inc.. 47 (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). West 13 Street, New York, NY 10011.
5 82 ISTUDENTaccesspage Interview Questions
Why did your last job end?
Why do you want to work for this company?
What do you know about this company?
What is your greatest strength?
What is your greatest accomplishment? Introduction Are you able to work under stress? Did you know that the basic employment needs Can you meet strict deadlines on a regular basis? and concerns of all employers are the same? Quite simply, they are looking for the best What are your short-range and long-range candidates who can effectively complete assigned objectives? tasks on a day-to-day basis. Because the basic Are you self-directed? needs of employers are the same, there are many common questions that are asked by the Can you work effectively in a team-oriented interviewer. environment?
Interview Questions' Exercise Is there anything about your most *cent job or In a classroom or small group setting, review the employer that you did not like? interview questions below and discuss the How long do you think it would take for you to make appropriate answers that should be given for each. a positive contribution to this company? This exercise will help you prepare for job interviews and will increase your confidence during What makes you the best candidate for this the interview. position?
Before You Start (Interview Tips) What did you learn from past employment When you examine each question and prepare experiences? your answers, be certain that all of your responses What are you expecting as a starting salary? are positive. Avoid, at all costs, discussing any negative experiences that you may have had at What would your most recent employer say about previous jobs. Be aware of trick questions that you? focus on salary expectations and reasons why you What would coworkers or business associates say may be unemployed. Remember to highlight your about you? skills, strengths, achievements, and on-the-job experiences. Always give examples with each Are you willing to relocate? question that you answer. Are you willing to work overtime and weekends?
Practice Answering The Following interview What was the last book that you read? Questions: Tell me about yourself. There is no speed limit on the pursuit of If you are currently employed, why are you excellence. considering a new job? Job-Search Strategies Researching Potential Employers
librarian what information you that the company is important to are interested in researching and you. ask for the industrial directories. 2. Turnover Four Areas To Research This is the number of people who Some industrial directories give a leave the company. If the L short description of each number of employees leaving is company, and others go into low, this is a positive sign. Low complex financial data. No turnover rates usually mean a <\. matter how much data is good employer. A high rate may Knowing how to conduct presented, there are four critical indicate a company has research on a company (potential areas that must be researched. employees who are not satisfied employer) and understanding its with their jobs. An acceptable importance are essential parts of 1. Product turnover rate for a company is a successful job-search campaign. This is what a potential employer retaining about 25% of its Research provides you with data makes or what service the employees after five years. that can be used to help you get employer the interview and get the job. provides. By Also, research can help you make all means, Acceptable Turnover Rates for Companies informed decisions about jobs know as much and employers. as you can Year After Being Turnover about the Hired Rate The Library product. The 1 25% The library, in most cases, is the interviewer best place to research will be more 3 50% employment possibilities. Most impressed with 5 75% libraries have a periodical an individual department; this area contains who is magazines and research informed about the company and According to the U.S. Civil manuals/directories. There are its product. Also, this is an Service Commission, about three several directories that contain obvious source of pride, quarters (three out of four) of the the information needed for especially if the company is an people hired are working researching prospective established business in the area. somewhere else in five years. employers. Moody's, Standard If you interview at General and Poor's, and Fitch's Corporate If over half of the employees quit Motors, know about the before a year is over, the Manual are commonly available corporation's Chevrolet, Buick, company is experiencing a high in libraries. Various publishers and Oldsmobile products. Your turnover rate. After three years, supply industrial directories; knowledge tells the interviewer Harris Publishing Company is a if the turnover rate is less than 50%, the company has an common vendor to libraries. acceptable turnover rate. Some of these items are quite costly, and they may not all be 3. Reputation available at the same library. So, Whatdo you hear about the you may have to visit several company you are researching? different libraries in your area. What is written about them? If If you need help, ask for the the company is large enough, ask librarian. The librarian is the best for information from its guide through an unfamiliar department. Explain to the Continued on page 8
7 -84 Job-Search Strategies
Continued from page 7 reports available to the public. The more you know about Before your interview (several potential employers, the better public-relations department. days), ask the company secretary prepared you will be in your job Check out how long they have if you could obtain a copy of the search. Take the time needed to been in business. Find out what annual report. This report will stand out from the rest of the charities receive contributions list assets (what they have) and applicants and to make career from the company. See if the liabilities (what they owe). If you decisions with confidence. Better Business Bureau has do not understand the information complaints on file. Have they provided, return to your local been in court to defend unfair library and ask the librarian for employment practices or illegal 'The key is not the will to assistance. discrimination? What was the win...everybody has that.It is the result? Examine the company's Check to see if the company is will to prepare to win that is product or service. The Wall planning to expand its operations important." Street Journal at your local in the area. Expansion is a good Bobby Knight library may be of help in sign that the company plans to answering some of these remain in the area. questions.
4. Profitability The activity which is the subject of this publication was supported in part by the Is the company making money? Pennsylvania Department of Education and the US. Department of Education. See if the company you are However, the opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the position or targeting has published an annual policy of the Pennsylvania Department of Education or the U.S. Department of report. Many companies are Education, and no official endorsement by the Pennsylvania Department of required by law to make these Education or the U.S. Department of Education should be inferred.
BCALMC NON-PROFIT ORG. PASSAGE Newsletter U.S. POSTAGE 617 Midland Avenue PAID MIDLAND, PA Midland, PA 15059 PERMIT NO. 10
PASSAGE 'Your Workplace and Job-Skills Information Newsletter' May 1992
85 4 Teamwork: Closeness and Conflict Page 2 Slanguage Page 4 How Can You Recruit Others To Help You?....Page 3 Do Your Clients Have Solutions? Page 5 Closing The Age Gap Page 3 STUDENTaccesspage Page 6 Gaining Confidence In Your Writing Skills Page 4 Establishing Work-Force Education Goals Page 7
'Your Workplace and Job-Skills Information Newsletter'
Volume 3, Number 10 Special Instructor's Issue, June 1992 Quality: Whose Job Is It Anyway?
Pick up any magazine, It is apparent, by the many What we need now are solutions newspaper, or periodical articles you read, that business to those problems. targeting business and/or and education must join forces PASSAGE, in its mission to education, and you are sure to and cooperate to regain disseminate workplace and find an article on how to improve America's front-line position in job-skills information, is the quality of a product or a the global marketplace. responsible for identifying and service. Everyone talks of the need for reporting solutions to education, cooperation; but more actions Trends in business abound with training, and employment need to be witnessed in the form problems which affect examples of employee-training of cooperative partnerships. programs geared toward adult-learner populations. This increased efficiency and the Much has been written about the mission can continue with the bottom line--quality. Businesses basic and technical literacy help of PASSAGE's readers who, can no longer afford to be problems of today's workers. like you, have the answer to the complacent about their position These problems have been question "Whose Job Is It in today's competitive, identified, analyzed, and Anyway?" market-driven battlefield. publicized by business, Please call us at education, and the general public. 1-800-345-5443. Educators are in a parallel We know that these problems and situation. They have had to take the dilemmas they create exist. a hard look at curriculums and instructional styles that many are saying have failed to produce Literacy Abuse? graduates equipped with the basic Have you noticed how difficult it is to promote training and education skills needed in the workplace. programs which include basic literacy services? It appears that the Educators are aggressively word literacy (the ability to read and write) has somehow lost its purest evaluating old and new ways to definition and its identity to the prefix nil." improve the quality of our American educational system. Listen to the number of times individuals substitute the word illiteracy (the inability to read and write) for woid literacyas if they were But whose job is it anyway? synonyms. Perhaps this communication faux pas happens because the Who is responsible for finding subject of illiteracy has become an emotional, academic, and financial positive solutions to the problems challenge to educators, business people, and workers. and dilemmas which business and What would happen if we willingly tolerated similar confusion education are toiling with? between the correct usage of the words legal and illegal? Group Dynamics Closeness and Conflict: Inseparable Outcomes of Teamwork
Anyone who has participated in attitudes and inflated egos. group activities understands that What can happev in these closeness and conflict are situations? inseparable outcomes of A number of unproductive teamwork. activities that steal time from the Closeness develops whenever group process and nurture group members are committed separatism among the group to the teamwork process. This commitment can be members can happen. Team members can become measured in the group's willingness to generate annoyed and use silence, body language, and ideas, practice their listening skills, and arrive at non-listening techniques to send negative messages consensus decisions. to fellow group members who seem to be promoting themselves instead of the entire team. This is one In contrast, conflict has an atrophic effect on the example of a more-challenging source of conflict. group's closeness and ability to work together toward a common goal. Coworkers, without malice, Degrees of Conflict can find it difficult to practice nonstop the virtues of Closeness and conflict are always by-products of dynamic group behavior. Their commitment to the this process; however, the degree of havoc caused group process can be adversely affected by by conflict can often be tempered by understanding exhaustion and frustration. the sources of conflict, how conflict affects the Coworkers who have team problem-solving group, and what can be done to minimize or responsibilities can savor the group's closeness eliminate conflict's effects on the group. Whenever while monitoring the process for probable causes of conflict is not viewed as a preventable, controllable, conflict. The Conflict-O-Meter, pictured on this or tolerable side effect of group dynamics, page, delineates when, how, and why conflict may employers and employees may prematurely abandon temporarily interrupt the effectiveness of teamwork. the practice of teamwork. Just because the potential for conflict exists, a decision to abstain from In many situations, these teamwork is shortsighted sources of conflict can be Conflict-O-Meter and may cost companies eliminated by the group immeasurable losses in members. For example, self-serving attitudes/behaviors productivity and profits. the group may be able to little or no interest in gr .up projects change the time, length, dislike of teamwork activities Suggestion: Use the and location of the absence of ground rules for process items listed in the meeting(s) or build their lack of trust Conflict-O-Meter as trust of fellow group conflict of projects topics for discussion members through the misunderstanding of group project goal(s) groups. Ask your clients practice of active listening. fear of perscnal/group failure to discuss how these link understanding of group project goal(s) items affect the teamwork Other sources of conflict process and what can be offer more challenges to diminished or inflated self confidence environmental distractions done to eliminate or the group's endurance and minimize their effects on success. For example, lack of basic and technical literacy skills the teamwork process. whenever certain members strained relationship with team rixmber(s) Some of the language and of the team seek only group leadership style(s) not understanding cultural diversity terminology used in the self-adoration and personal Conflict-O-Meter can be recognition, the remaining too many or few project deadlines/expectations rewritten to encourage members may find ways to time of day/day of week/week at year client comprehension and sabotage self-serving length of meeting(s) discussion. Worker-Education Programs How Can You Recruit Others To HelpYou?
To prepare for the future, we communities. This joint effort Love your work. Others who must invest in properly educating would provide us with the can help you will respond to today's and tomorrow's support we need to make your enthusiasm and sincerity. employees. As adult-education progress. If you are unhappy with your and/or vocational-guidance responsibilities and are in a Here are some ideas to develop position of authority, don't specialists, we are responsible for into strategies that help involve helping others understand that expect others to make your job others in worker-education easier by only performing tasks people, not machines, are the initiatives: driving force behind economic which you dislike. It's fine to development. We must change Seek public-relations help. delegate work to others, but the way employers and Identify advocates who can take a hard look at your employees feel about discussing help you promote your program motives for avoiding certain their basic skills' and services. Advocates can be responsibilities. Others will be problems- -many publicly deny found among many different looking to you to see if you are that any problems exist but groups of people. Remember the type of individual who privately share their concerns and that well-known public figures enjoys, at one time or another, embarrassments. can help your programs receive even the most mundane of tasks. statewide recognition and local Government and educational Minimize anxieties, fears, and individuals (especially program embarrassments. There are surveys provide us with many participants) can help you very few people who seem to statistics to prove that there are receive local acceptance. real academic deficiencies among know how to do everything the people who staff our Be persistent, honest, and right. Send this message to workplaces and fill our humble. Talk with any your clients and program adult-education and training individual or groups of advocates. Admit to them that classrooms. These statistics individuals who will listen to you have made (and will signal an alarm for action. It you, but avoid over continue to make) mistakes. behooves us to initiate exaggerations of your Share how you are more worker-education programs program's accomplishments. interested in highlighting their involving both potential and Too many programs fail strengths while helping them to existing employees, employers, because some individuals are overcome any weaknesses unions, educational institutions, more interested in promoting which cause them employees' families, and their themselves than monitoring embarrassment. their program's true capabilities.
Closing The Age Gap and Appreciating Cultural Differences
Adult-education and training centers across The mix of wisdom, experience, enthusiasm, and Pennsylvania attract individuals of diverse knowledge creates an interesting and exciting learning backgrounds and various age groups. Friendships environment. Observant instructors and trainers can and cooperative learning among these individuals can expand their curriculums by encouraging these develop if we provide them with equal opportunities individuals and groups of individuals to respect their to... similarities as well as their differences. introduce elements of their culture to the classroom or training site (e.g., traditions, interests, The activity which is the sadiject rf Otis pablication was supported in part by the Pennsylvania Department of &location and the U.S. Ekpartonent of and viewpoints). Eiksostion. However; the *pinions omtressal Imre& de ma necessarily reflect the positien or policy of the Pentaylvaaii Department of Education work together on group projects that benefit from or she U.S. Deparattent of Falunaion, anti no official Akforsenvetst by the diverse opinions, skill levels, and life experiences Pennsylvania Department of /Wittig*a er the V.S. Department of (i.e., fund-raising effort). Eactstion shook, he Werra.
3.68_BEST COPY AVAILABLE Workplace Communication Does Your Writing Impress Or Distress You?
magazine articles. However, do Interview a client and write something different while you his/her success story. Keep a read. With a highlighting pen, daily journal of your workplace underline words or sentences accomplishments and which especially attracted your forthcoming activities and attention (i.e., perhaps you came responsibilities. across an unfamiliar word). 4. Offer to do research for others Then, take a few minutes to Writing letters, proposals, and at work. Maybe you are not review why you highlighted ready to write an entire proposal, other workplace documents is an certain areas of the reading acquired skill.'Ass an employee, but you are ready to do some material. Perhaps you need to research for the proposal. You you are sometimes invited, or consult a dictionary or thesaurus. required, to represent your can help others and yourself by Maybe a certain sentence was contributing written material for organization in writing by written so well that you skillfully blending literary rules certain sections of the proposal. instinctively thought "I like the Examples would include with an understanding or the way the writer expresses himself." different purposes of written preparing statistics or goals and materials. For many individuals, 3. Write more often. Start with objectives for the proposal. With the prospect of having to use their easier writing assignments. each contribution you make writing skills is frightening. Prepare a brief memo to invite comes the confidence you need your fellow employees to a for taking on more writing If you are one of these meeting. responsibilities. individuals who is dissatisfied with your own writing style and Write your own mission skills, there are some practical statement for your organization. and fun ways to become a better writer. You don't have to suffer through writing assignments Slanguage alone, embarrassed to seek help. Will slang, those informal, non-standard expressions that filter Here are some suggestions which through our conversations, become the accepted form of speech at have helped many employees work? Do you hear your coworkers, employers, or yourself using gain more confidence in their slanguage in presentations? Do you, or they, use slang in written ability to write: materials? 1. Coiled examples of written Many individuals have been hurt professionally because they use materials prepared by your slang. They were overlooked for promotions because of their coworkers (e.g., proposals, inability to speak or write effectively. memorandums, letters to vendors An informal survey of PASSAGE's readers yielded these especially and clients). Study these annoying examples of slanguage as it surfaces in the workplace. examples and evaluate the We want yuns (instead of you) to help us deliver those books to the writers' styles including their use learning centers. of words, sentences, and paragraphs. Also, review the They're goin (instead of going) to be meetin (instead of meeting) in layout and design of their the confrence (instead of conference) room. materials to see if any special The use of slanguage in formal presentations seems to be more features were used to enhance the annoying than its usage in less formal situations. Those people we quality of their documents. surveyed admitted that they often overlook slanguage as it surfaces in casual conversations among coworkers. However, they were 2. Read. Read everything that seldom tolerant of individuals who used slanguage in professional you can get your hands on. Read settings such as during company meetings. newspapers, novels, and Career Counseling Do Your Clients Have Solutions?
When your clients enter the employment settings, you can 7. Develop a plan to implement workplace, they may find that help them acquire the solution(s). Ask yourself... their employers become problem-solving skills that will Who will solve this problem? frustrated with employees who be useful and encouraged by always have problems without employers in many workplace How will the problem be solutions. Does this mean that situations. solved? employees' problems are Here are some introductory steps When will the problem be unsolvable? for your clients to follow: solved? Certainly not. Most employee 1. Define the problem clearly. Where (if applicable) will the problems generally have a This may require writing a problem be solved? number of solutions. However, problem statement on paper. some employees may feel that This month's they do not have the authority or 2. Rate the severity of the STUDENTaccesspage will skills to solve many of their own problem. Ask yourself... provide your clients with a workplace problems. These are Is this a problem which needs sample problem-solving work two frequently reported reasons immediate attention? sheet. Use the work sheet to why employees often turn to their demonstrate to them how this one employers for help with finding Does this problem affect the quality of my or others' work? approach to problem solving may solutions to problems. be very helpful in future Although you can't predict which Will this problem cause any employment situations. problems your clients may have risks to the health and safety of the authority to solve in future myself or my coworkers? 3. Evaluate who can best solve PASSAGE Staff this problem. Is this a problem Expert Advice which you can solve yourself or Editors is this a problem which needs People are willing to accept Bernadette Mangle, Director, Education anyone as an expert, given the and Support Programs. TMCI to be solved with the help of others? Briefly explain your proper credentials and a few John S. Goberish, Communications examples of "erudition." This Officer. TMCI answer and rationale. can be a major problem in Consultants 4. Make a list of possible business, where you often Richard Carland, Coordinator of solutions to the problem. You have people offering advice or Educational Services, TMCI should list everything that you demarviing performance Jim Dolmovich, Guest Writer, TMCI and/or others can do to solve the without sufficient experience Judy Dzumba. Trainer, TMCI problem. or expertise in a given area. Alice Green, Technical Advisor, The possibility of being sold a BCALMC 5. Make a list which reports the Greg Hill, EAPC Coodinator, BCALMC bill of goods from a so-called roadblocks to your solutions. expert is real. This suggests Dan McCall, GED Instructor, TMCI Here's your opportunity to Cathy Schweitzer, Sectstary/Assistant that we all need to continue Trainer, SPOC/SAVE Program, TMCI analyze your solutions for our professional education, so Melissa Taylor, Trainer, SPOC/SAVE possible shortcomings. as to be able to distinguish the Program, TMCI 6. Select the best possible gold from the fool's gold This newsletter was produced internally solution(s). Based on the when we cannot affect the by TMCI, 617 Midland, Avenue, cure for what ails us. Midland, PA 15059. information you and/or others For more information, call have provided, you are ready to Source: Bob Van Voorhis, Jr.. (412) 6431350 or 1-000-345-5443, define the solution(s) to the "Setting Sail for Success," Monday through Friday (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). problem. Teleprofessional. STUDENTaccesspage Focus: Problem Solving in the Workplace
Definition of the Problem: Order extra packaging material so that shortcuts Many of our customers have complained to me that in product-wrapping procedures will not be our company's products are damaged when the necessary. products arrive at their destinations. Include prepaid return postage labels on all product shipments. Severity of the Problem: The week of May 20, 1992, I received six customers' Report new customers' complaints directly to the complaints. The previous week, I received four line supervisors. customers' complaints. This is a 65% increase in the Roadblocks to the Solution(s): number of complaints for any other two-week period Extra packaging material will increase the beginning January 1, 1992.I feel this is a severe company's costs. problem because the quality of our company's products is being threatened between the time they Prepaid return postage labels will increase the leave the production line and are received by company's costs. customers. Solution(s) to Implement: Although this problem causes no immediate risk to the First, we will see that the two assembly-line workers health and safety of myself, my coworkers, or our receive additional training (no cost solution because customers, I know that three of our regular customers they have agreed to work overtime without pay to have told me that they will no longer deal with our better learn the product-packaging guidelines). company. An ongoing loss of customers means a loss Next, we will order packaging material in larger of profits and perhaps jobs. quantities twice each month instead of once each Members of the Problem-Solving Team: month (the additional costs will be shared between the I will need to help because I have detailed records of company and the customer). the customers' complaints. My supervisor will Prepaid return postage labels will not be considered as definitely need to help because she also oversees the a solution at this time. shipping and handling of our company's products. Others who can help include: the two line supervisors, Implementation Plan to Follow: the trucking company's manager, and perhaps Frank The shipping and handling supervisor who has worked for the trucking firm for twenty years. schedule additional training for the two Frank would know if any changes in the transportation employees who are having difficulty following of our products may be causing damage to our the product-packaging guidelines-6/5/92. products. order larger quantities of packaging (The second half of this work sheet was completed material-6/15192 and 6/30192. after the problem-solving group had time to meet and My responsibilities will include... discuss the problem.) keeping accurate records of customer Possible Solution(s) to the Problem: complaints for follow-up meeting 722/92. Retrain two assembly-line employees who are calling lost customers to explain how we are having difficulty with the product-packaging solving the problem and asking them for another guidelines. opportunity to serve them-between 6/15/92 and 6/20/92.
5 Tomorrow's Workplace Establishing Work-Force Education Goals
Labor-relations cultures expert their fellow workers, and Mr. Fischer continues... Mr. Ben Fischer has advice competitive with their rivals. "Employees will need to be able which can help us develop All of these desired employee and qualified to play a vastly academic and vocational characteristics suggest that we enlarged ritle that often requires curriculums which better prepare need to find ways to encourage upgrading their education and our clients to meet the challenges our clients to think creatively, always pursing a program of of employment in the 90s and solve problems, debate, continuous learning. beyond. Mr. Fischer has speculate, and pay close attention extensively studied the skills, It's clear that Mr. Fischer feels to details. One important way to that employees need to upgrade attitudes, and opportunities which promote these desired job skills individuals need in order to make their skills throughout their among our clients is to teach employment careers. Therefore, valuable contributions in the them how to communicate better. workplace. we must devise ways to help our Many of our clients come to us clients become excited about the According to Mr. Fischer, the with never before challenged benefits of developing lifelong path to economic progress will be skills, creativeness, and abilities. learning habits. To accomplish less difficult for today's We must help them speak and this goal, our academic and employers and employees if they write clearly so that they will be vocational services must include understand, and respond able to communicate and instructional and counseling enthusiastically to, the many demonstrate these attributes to practices that encourage these productive ways they can work prospective employers. habits. We must show our clients together. Our job is to help how the skills we are teaching prepare our clients who will We must lower their frustration them will not become obsolete levels by methodically teaching secure employment in these new once they become employed. them how to communicate by cooperative work environments. When possible, we should relate asking questions, discussing the skills being taught in our Let's read some material problems, and participating in classrooms and counseling excerpted from one of Mr. group activities. Our goal is to settings to their counterpart Fischer's speeches and discover create learning environments applications in the workplace. how we, as members of the which encourage communication adult-education community, can among instructors, counselors, In addition, we can help our build programs and services that and students. Our clients should clients develop a positive attitude will help our clients who are notice that we are receptive to about learning. The best way to entering or reentering the their ideas as well as interested in accomplish this goal is to treat workplace. promoting our own academic or them with respect. This Mr. Fischer explains... vocational agendas. treatment translates into very achievable practices such as Based on his own experience, " The years ahead can produce being available to them, listening Mr. Fischer feels that this kind of the human satisfactions that come carefully to their concerns, hard work or the part of with solving problems, arriving finding resources to help them employees can be satisfying and at consensus, finding better ways overcome any barriers they face, to get things done." even invigorating (i.e., the and simply smiling. So often, we formation of workplace Mr. Fischer believes that the era forget that our clients can be problem-solving committees). of technology which affects motivated to improve themselves He would tell us to help our by following our example. If we today's workplaces will remove clients understand how this kind much of the demand for manual are excited about learning and of hard work can be personally work. Therefore, he promotes the working cooperatively with rewarding to them and their idea that our clients will need to others, our clients will be better employers. be smarter, innovative, motivated and equipped to model courageous, collaborative with our positive attitudes and ContinuedORpage 8 Tomorrow's Workplace continued from page 7 develop mission statements, motivate them to want to be corporate philosophies, and productive workers. We must behaviors when they enter the business slogans. We should explain that workers in the 90s workplace. introduce our clients to examples and beyond will be asked to share Mr. Fischer believes... of these company materials more of the decision-making "Employees must know about the which are often printed and responsibilities within their business; how the can they be available to the public. companies. truly involved? Why ask Mr. Fischer concludes... Finally, we can help our clients employees to function well dispel their fears of modern "Employees must be equipped to, without understanding their own technology in the workplace by willing to, and permitted to firm (company), since their job is providing them with, or referring function effectively. Modern to further the firm's (company's) them to, the appropriate technology needs more from mission." educational, training and workers than obedience and employment programs. These Mr. Fischer makes a valid point, simplistic routines." actions require that we too have and we can help our clients There's a wealth of information recognize the value of the knowledge and resources to for us in these two short understanding how they can help them understand that sentences. As previously stated, contribute to a company's technology is something to be we must begin by helping our mission once employed. To welcomed, not feared. clients acquire the academic, accomplish this program Excerpts are from Recent Speeches by technical, and communication planning goal, we must first Mr. Ben Fischer, Labor Studies skills they need to function explain to our clients why many Department, Carnegie Mellon University. effectively in the workplace. companies often spend a great Pittsburgh,PA. Next, we must encourage and deal of time and money to
BCALMC NON-PROFIT ORG. PASSAGE Newsletter U.S. POSTAGE 617 Midland Avenue PAID MIDLAND, PA Midland, PA 15059 PERMIT NO. 10
PASSAGE Your Workplace and Job-Skills Information Newsletter' Special Instructor's IssueJune 1992
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