WorkNet Career Journey Workshops

WorkNet Career Journey Workshops: Discover, Decide, an Win Your Dream Job!

The Larimer County Workforce Center is offering eight fun and interactive workshops to assist customers on their Career Journey to a rewarding career, not just another job. If you are frustrated about your job search due to a lack of career goals, gaps in your work history, limited work experience, or other challenges with employment, you will benefit from the fresh ideas in these workshops.

It is recommended (but not required) that you attend all eight workshops in the order listed below since each two-hour workshop builds on information provided in the previous workshop. Please contact a Workforce Center Employment Specialist to find out how these workshops may benefit your Career Journey.

One: Finding Works that Work for Me
Are you so focused on finding a job that you don’t have time to think about what you want from work? If so, this workshop will show you ways to increase your focus and reduce the time you spend on your job search.

Two: Explore Career Options
In this workshop, you will identify the career fascinations, skills, and values that are important as you choose your career direction. You will combine your career fascinations, skills, and values in order to explore new paths toward a fulfilling career.

Three: Discovering the Path to My Dream Job
Looking for employment can be discouraging when the path to your Dream Job is not clear. This workshop will help you see yourself in your Dream Job. It will also help you design a path to guide you.

Four: The No-Fear Career Plan
The hiring process is a tough process filled with rejection. Most people experience feelings of insecurity and fear along the way. This workshop will help you identify what is uncomfortable and fearful for you. You will learn new ways to handle these feelings so that you move forward to your Dream Job.

Five: Understanding the Hiring Process: Don’t Get Screened Out!
In this workshop, you will learn about the hiring process from the employer’s point of view. This will help you talk about yourself in a way that best meets the employer’s need. If you are concerned about specific employment barriers, you will be introduced to tools to sell employers on your ability to meet their needs while reducing their concerns.

Six: Overcoming Job Search Obstacles
This workshop discusses five tools to help manage issues that keep you from getting your Dream Job. You will find ways to address these issues and learn the skills needed to problem solve in the future. Addressing the issues, along with positive problem-solving, will increase your success once you get your Dream Job.

Seven: Explain This! My Good Answers to Tough Questions
Is it hard for you to give good answers to an employer’s tough questions? Do your answers reduce the employer’s concern? Do your answers convince the employer that you are the right person for the job? In this workshop, you will learn ways to discuss concerns and issues with an employer and still be considered for the job.

Eight: Successfully Navigating Today’s Business Culture
Did you know that the business world plays by a different set of rules? Did you know that understanding these rules will increase the chances that you get and keep the Dream Job that you want? In this workshop, you are introduced to the rules and expectations of today’s Business Culture. You will also learn about the benefits of working with those rules. You will learn techniques for discovering the written and unwritten rules of the workplace in order to get your Dream Job, keep it, and put yourself in a position to get a better job.


To sign-up for these workshops, please contact Tricia Vogl, at 970-498-6649.

Share Your Workshop Experiences

Tell us about your experience with a job search or career preparation workshops. Have you gone to a great workshop? Not so great? What was it you liked most about the workshop? What do you wish they would have covered?

Share your workshop experience by clicking on the comments link at the bottom of this post.

Check back often to see what other job seekers have experienced with their workshops!

Older Worker Job Fair

Older Worker Job Fair

"Putting Experience to Work!"

Wednesday, April 16, 200812:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Fort Collins Senior Center1200 Raintree DriveFort Collins, Colorado

Flyer for Job Seekers - Download
Booth Registration Form for Business - Download
Flyer for Businesses - Download

For adults (50+) who are seeking full-time part-time or seasonal employment. This is an opportunity to meet with interested businesses and explore job possibilities.

To maximize your success at the Job Fair, the Larimer County Workforce Center and the Education and Life Training Center are offering the following workshops in March and April:
Click Here to Download the Pre and Post Workshop Schedules

• Job Fair Preparation
• Getting the most Out of the Job Fair
• Basic Computer Skills
• Filling Out Internet Job Applications
  

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Michelle Miller at the Larimer County Workforce Center at (970) 498-6657.

10 Keys to a Successful Job or Career Fair

The Ten Keys to Success at Job and Career Fairs
by Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D.

There are many types of job and career fairs but they all have one common theme: it's a chance for a company to meet and screen a large volume of potential job candidates. These ten strategies will improve your odds of having a more successful job fair experience.

The Ten Keys to Success:
1) Pre-register. Some career fairs allow job-seekers to pre-register for the event, which usually includes submitting a resume or summary resume. With more fairs going to the Web, pre-registration will most likely become even more common. The idea behind pre-registering is that employers get a chance to prescreen applicants and possibly make note of applicants they want to meet at the fair. Does pre-registration guarantee that you will get noticed or that employers will even look at the registrations? No, but why not take advantage of such an easy step?

2) Research. Many job-seekers go to fairs to "see the sights" and are not prepared to interview. You can get a huge jump on the competition by getting a list of the companies attending the fair and doing research on each of the companies you want to interview with; don't waste time with companies that do not interest you. While all of the recruiters will have company literature at their booths at the fair, you often can't access those until after the interview. With so much information about companies on the Web, there is no excuse not to do your homework.

3) Resumes. Bring lots of resumes to the fair -- at least two for each company for which you have an interest. If you have multiple interests or job objectives, make sure you bring enough of each version of your resume.

4) Portfolios. More and more career experts are emphasizing the importance of career portfolios. These portfolios should include copies of your resumes, a list of references, and samples of your best work. While most career fair interviews are fairly short, there may be opportunities for discussing your portfolio with a recruiter -- either over a short break or meal or during a second interview on-site.

5) Attire. Conservative business attire is essential. Know the expected attire of your profession and dress accordingly. It is always better to be overdressed than underdressed.

6) Strategy. You need to devise a strategy or plan of attack for the fair. You've already done the first step by researching the companies you are interested in. The second step is seeing if any new companies have registered when you arrive at the fair. The third step is surveying the layout of the fair and determining an order of interviewing. Some experts suggest meeting with your top choices first thing in the morning, interviewing with your other choices in the middle of the day, and returning to your top choices at the end of the day to thank them again for their time. But remember to stay flexible as your top choices may be the top choices of many, creating long lines that you may wish to avoid.

7) Interviewing. You may only have two to five minutes to market yourself and protect yourself from being screened out, thus you need to make the most of your time. Many experts suggest that you develop a one-minute "commercial" that highlights the key benefits that you can offer the organization -- and then use it at the beginning of the interview. Also remember the three keys to all interviews: make eye contact, offer a firm handshake, and show enthusiasm. You should also prepare answers to interview questions just as you would any employment interview.

8) Intangibles. There are several other things you can do to make your career fair experience a success. First, don't waste your time interviewing with companies you have no desire to work for; do make sure to interview with all the companies you do want to work for. Second, if you did not prepare for a company you want to interview for, try eavesdropping on several of the interviews ahead of you so you can better prepare; do also try to get some company literature from the booth before getting in line so you can read about the company while waiting; don't just stand in line doing nothing. Third, do extend common courtesies, such as offering to get the recruiter a beverage or snack; don't be upset if the recruiter has to take a break before your interview. Fourth, if your ideal company is hiring computer technicians and you want to work in accounting, do still interview with the company at the fair, being sure to leave the interview with the contact information of the person responsible for hiring in that area; don't be discouraged and walk away.

9) Networking. Career fairs are all about networking. Of course, you are building a network with the recruiters -- this task is your most vital. However, you can also network with your fellow job-seekers in terms of sharing information about job leads, companies, and their recruiting strategies and styles.

10) Follow-up. Some experts would say that follow-up is one of the most important factors in a successful job fair experience. You would be surprised at how few job-seekers actually take the time to follow-up their career fair interviews, thus when you do it, you will get an edge over the many others who do not.

Reference: http://www.quintcareers.com/job_career_fairs.html
Notice: This article is copyright protected.

This Weeks Events (January 28-February 1)

Click on the calendar to view this weeks events (workshops, hiring events, jobs fairs, etc.) at the Larimer County Workforce Center.

Your Interviewing Experiences

We are interested in hearing from you!


Tell us about a good interviewing experience. What about it made it so good? What did you learn from the experience you want to share with others?





When commenting please refrain from using employers names. They will be deleted before comments are published.

This Weeks Events (January 21-25)

Click on the calendar to view this weeks events (workshops, hiring events, jobs fairs, etc.) at the Larimer County Workforce Center.

Job Interview Tips

If an employer likes your application or resume, the next step is meeting you over the phone or in person at an interview. Interviews give you the opportunity to showcase your skills and let the employer know why you are the best candidate for the position.

Preparation

• Research the organization.


• Review your qualifications for the job and how they relate to the job requirements.


• Be ready to briefly describe your experience, showing how it relates it the job.


• Be ready to answer broad questions, such as "Why should I hire you?" "Why do you want this job?" and "What are your strengths and weaknesses?"


• Practice interviewing with family, friends or Employment Specialists at the Workforce Center. You can set-up a video interview at the Workforce Center by calling (970) 498-6649.

The Interview

• Be early.


• Greet the interviewer(s) with a firm handshake.


• Use good manners with everyone you meet.


• Relax and answer each question concisely.


• Use proper English—avoid slang.


• Be cooperative and enthusiastic.


• Use body language to show interest—eye contact is key.


• Ask questions about the position and the organization, but avoid questions whose answers can easily be found on the company Web site.


• Also avoid asking questions about salary and benefits unless a job offer is made.


• Thank the interviewer when you leave and shake hands.


• Send a short thank you note immediately after the interview.
  

Reference: http://www.bls.gov/oco/oco20045.htm

This Weeks Events (January 7-January 11)

Click on the calendar to view this weeks events (workshops, hiring events, jobs fairs, etc.) at the Larimer County Workforce Center.

Applying for the Job

You’ve found the perfect job opening, now it’s time to apply for the position and land an interview.

The purpose of your resume and application is to give an employer written evidence of your qualifications. Your resume or application should be as clear as possible and clearly describe to the employer how your qualifications match the job’s requirements. To do this you want to highlight your experience, accomplishments, education and skills that most closely fit the job you’re applying for.

Before you begin your resume or application, it’s important to gather the following facts about yourself:

• Contact Information


• Type of work you are seeking


• Education


• Experience (paid and volunteer)


• Special Skills (computer skills, foreign language proficiency, membership in related organization)


• References

In your resume or application, provide concrete examples that show your skills.

Completing Your Application or Resume

After you’ve gathered all the required information, now it’s time to complete your application or resume. The format for an application is set and you are required to fill in the blanks. It’s important to fill in all information and to not omit any requested information.

For resumes there are a variety of formats you can choose from. Most computer word processors have templates you can use as a template. It’s important that you keep your resume short, easy to read, and targeted to the specific position you are applying for.
Employment Specialists at the Workforce Center can review your resume prior to you sending it out to employers to make sure it flows well and makes sense. To set-up a one-on-one resume review appointment call (970) 498-6600 in Fort Collins and (970) 667-4261 in Loveland. If you are stuck starting your resume, you want to attend a resume workshop at the Workforce Center. To learn more about these workshops or to sign up call (970) 498-6649.

Cover Letters

When sending a resume to an employer, it’s a good idea to send a cover letter. The cover letter allows you to introduce yourself to an employer.

Cover letters are usually no more than three short paragraphs and are used to capture the employer’s attention. Cover letters should include the following information:

• Name and address of the specific person to whom the letter is addressed.


• Reason for your interest in the company or position.


• Your main qualifications for the position.


• Request for an interview.


• Your home phone number.
  

Reference: http://www.bls.gov/oco/oco20043.htm

Finding A Job

Over the next two weeks we will be publishing articles on where to find jobs, how to apply for these jobs, and how to have a successful interview.

Where to Start? Where are the Job Openings?

The most important part of any job search is looking in different places to get your job leads. Sticking to one source can eventually be successful but using many different resources could help you land the perfect job a little quicker.

Consider the following sources for your job search:

-Personal Contacts
-Employers
-Classified Ads:
-National and local newspaper
-Professional journals
-Trade magazines
-Internet networks and resources
-State employment service offices
-Federal government
-Professional associations
-School Career Planning and Placement Offices
-Labor unions
-Private employment agencies and career consultants
-Community agencies

To find out specifics about each of these sources click here: http://www.bls.gov/oco/oco20042.htm.


Reference: http://www.bls.gov/oco/oco20041.htm

This Weeks Events (December 31-January 4)

Click on the calendar to view this weeks events (workshops, hiring events, jobs fairs, etc.) at the Larimer County Workforce Center.

Practice Interviewing for the New Year!

Looking to practice your interviewing skills for the New Year? Check out an interviewing resource provided by the Larimer County Workforce Center.

Still want some help before your next big interview? Consider attending an Interviewing Workshop or Video Interview Action Lab at the Larimer County Workforce Center.

Interviewing Workshop

An interactive and lively discussion on the basics of interviewing: preparation, behavioral/tough questions, and interviewing follow-up. Practice using effective interviewing techniques during class.

Video Interviewing Action Lab

Participate in this action lab to practice your interviewing skills. The videotaped interview will allow you to see and hear your strengths and identify areas that you want to improve. Actively participating in this action lab will enhance your chances of winning the job you want!

To sign-up for either the workshop or action lab call (970) 498-6647.

This Weeks Events (December 24-28)

Click on the calendar to view this weeks events (workshops, hiring events, jobs fairs, etc.) at the Larimer County Workforce Center.

Please note the following closures of the Larimer County Workforce:
The Larimer County Workforce Center will be closed on Monday, December 24th and Tuesday, December 25th as well as Monday, December 31st and Tuesday, January 1st.

Job Searching During the Holiday Season

Holiday Job Searching

Many of you may have heard that you should stop your job search during the busy holiday season because no one is hiring. However, it’s a myth that hiring slows down between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. The holiday season can be an ideal time to make the connections necessary to get your new job.

With busy schedules, you will want to plan a little differently to take into account the holiday season. The end of the year is a great time to ramp up your job search for several reasons:

1. January is the busiest month for both hiring and job searching. If you start preparing in December, you will be better prepared for the New Year rush.


2. The holiday season is a great time to network; you can make new connections and rekindle relationships with old connections. Networking is a great way to get your name out there and find out about new leads.


3. Consider temporary work. The holiday season is a popular time for employers to hire temporary workers. Consider temp jobs as an option if you need to work immediately. It’s also important to note that some temporary jobs have the possibility of turning into something permanent.


4. The jobs that are being posted during the holiday season are more likely to be high priority positions that employers need to fill immediately. This could mean that if you get hired you could start right away.

By continuing your job search through the holiday season you could be starting the New Year with a new job!

Reference: http://www.thejobbored.com/ask-brian-job-search-during-the-holidays_194/

This Weeks Events (December 17-21)

Click on the calendar to view this weeks events (workshops, hiring events, jobs fairs, etc.) at the Larimer County Workforce Center.



Please note the following closures of the Larimer County Workforce:
The Larimer County Workforce Center will be closed on Monday, December 24th and Tuesday, December 25th as well as Monday, December 31st and Tuesday, January 1st.

This Weeks Events (December 10-14)

Click on the calendar to view this weeks events (workshops, hiring events, jobs fairs, etc.) at the Larimer County Workforce Center.

Please note the following closures of the Larimer County Workforce:

The Larimer County Workforce Center will be closed on Monday, December 24th and Tuesday, December 25th as well as Monday, December 31st and Tuesday, January 1st.

Constant Contact Open House

Constant Contact will be coming to Fort Collins for an information Open House!

Open House Location: Fort Collins Marriot, 350 East Horsetooth Road
Wednesday, December 5, 2007 from 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Fort Collins is the potential new home for Constant Contact’s new Sales and Support Center! If Fort Collins is chosen as the new home, Constant Contact will be opening during the Summer of 2008.

Constant Contact will be holding an Open House Recruitment Event, and hope to meet you!
We will be searching for many excellent Customer Support and Inside Sales professionals. In addition, if we open our new site in Fort Collins we will initially be hiring for Customer Support Manager and IT Professional positions.

To learn more about Constant Contact please visit www.constantcontact.com.

To learn more about our Customer Support Specialist opportunities click on Customer Support Specialist.

To learn more about our Inside Sales opportunities click on Inside Sales Representative.

If you are unable to attend and would like further information about our potential open positions, please contact Jennie Cohen at (781) 370-8613, or email hiring@constantcontact.com.

Open House Location: Fort Collins Marriot, 350 East Horsetooth Road
December 5, 2008 from 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Constant Contact®, Inc. helps small businesses, associations, and nonprofits connect with their customers, clients, and members. Launched in 1998, Constant Contact champions the needs of small organizations and provides them with an easy and affordable way to build successful, lasting customer relationships.

Constant Contact's leading email marketing and survey products-supported by its expert personal coaching and service-help all types of small businesses and organizations create professional-looking email newsletters and insightful online surveys and begin a dialogue with their customers. Today, more than 130,000 customers worldwide trust Constant Contact to help them connect with their audience.

Headquartered in Waltham, Mass., Constant Contact was ranked 628th on the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in the United States in 2007. Constant Contact was also named the 14th fastest growing company on the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 for New England list, and the 7th fastest growing private company in Massachusetts by the Boston Business Journal.

At Constant Contact, we're passionate about our work and casual about our attire. Our team is cutting-edge, like our technology and our goals are big, like our investors.
Constant Contact is growing and looking for talented professionals in Sales, Support, Management and IT. We offer a competitive compensation package that includes base salary and stock options. Our benefit package is comprehensive and includes Medical Insurance; Dental Insurance; Vision Insurance; 401(K); 529 College Savings Plan; Flexible Spending Accounts; Paid Vacation/Holidays; Short Term Disability; Long Term Disability; Tuition Reimbursement; Adoption Assistance; and, an exciting Stock Option Plan!

This Weeks Events (December 3-7)

Click on the calendar to view this weeks events (workshops, hiring events, jobs fairs, etc.) at the Larimer County Workforce Center.

This Weeks Events (November 19-23)

Click on the calendar to view this weeks events (workshops, hiring events, jobs fairs, etc.) at the Larimer County Workforce Center.

The Larimer County Workforce Center will be closed on Thursday, November 22nd and Friday, November 23rd for the Thanksgiving holiday. We will reopen at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, November 26th.