Bicycle Zen and the Art of Trying

When I was growing up, I remember wanting so much to learn how to ride a bicycle!  My mother had other plans.  Her reason for not allowing me near any type of movable equipment was that we lived in the country and she did not want us on the country roads riding bikes (although she had no problem with me walking on those same country roads when I missed the school bus and had to hoof it to school three miles away!)  Anyway, my mother was away one day and our 13 year old babysitter rode her bike over to our house.  I was eight at the time and begged her to teach me to ride (my mother had already told her she was not to let me near her bike).  My power of persuasion won out and she did! 

Since we lived in the country my riding was limited to the field next to my house.  There were ruts everywhere, but I managed to keep that bike upright.   I rode around that field over and over, again.  But, as every kid knows, mothers have eyes in the back of their heads.  My mom picked that particular day to come home early.  I was caught.  The babysitter was mad.  I was mad.  Nobody was happy.  To make a long story short, that was the end of my bicycle days for many years. 

A few years later we moved into town.  Actually, we moved almost into town.  Our house was located across from the county fairgrounds.  There were no sidewalks on our side of the street, BUT...there were on the fairgrounds side!  I immediately started hatching my plan to convince my mother that it was time for me to have a bike!  She finally gave in although she broke the news to me that I would have to buy it with my own money.  I was doomed to never ride.  When I was 12 I found a part-time summer job that allowed me to earn 25 cents an hour (that was minimum wage like at the turn of the century...the 19th century!).  I worked and saved and, like most young women, spent what I saved!  It took two more summers but I finally had enough to buy the most wonderful bike in the whole wide world!  It was a beautiful royal blue 10-speed!  Never mind that I hadn't even ridden a one-speed in nearly five years, I had my bike.

So, the time had come.  I was a cool teen and had the coolest bike around.  I was ready.  Almost. 

As with most new and beautiful things, we wanted to make sure that nothing happened to my 'wheels'.  I didn't want to see a single scratch, ding, or dent.   I was going to ensure that not even a fingerprint was visible when I took off for my first 'ride'.  So, I carefully walked my bike across the street as I had promised my mother that I would be sure to ride on the sidewalk and then enter and ride inside the fairgrounds.  Once I crossed the street I got up on that blue beauty and started peddling.  It was good.  I was going forward!  Never mind that I had no clue as to how to change gears.  I was in motion. 

I maneuvered that sidewalk for the two block ride to the entrance of the fairgrounds.  That was the point where everything that is possibly cool about being a teenager with a great bike, ended.  You see, the entrance to the fairgrounds was at the intersection of two fairly busy streets.  It is important to note at this time that our town was not that big and just about everybody knew our family.  So, when I arrived at the entrance of the fairgrounds there were cars stopping at the four-way just a few feet from where I was with my new bike.  The entrance to the fairgrounds consisted of two gates separated by a brick building used for special events.  The gates were closed to vehicle traffic; but, there was a pedestrian opening between one of the gates and the brick wall. 

You know, there are many sayings that we use throughout our lives.  I've often wondered where they come from and who 'created' them.  So, I can tell you without a doubt that I was probably the reason that the phrase, "ran into a brick wall" was created.

I proudly steered my beautiful, new, royal blue, 10-speed bicycle toward that pedestrian opening.  Problem was, I panicked...big time.  Not sure why, but it happened.  I not only missed the pedestrian opening, entirely; but, I managed to ride that beautiful new bicycle that I had worked and saved for so long to own, into the side of that building.  After I stood up and quickly looked around to see if there were any witnesses (yes...there were), I gazed downward to see the mangled mess I had created.  The rim for the front wheel was bent, the handle bars were askew, and the paint had been horribly scratched up by the blacktop (as were my legs).  But, nothing was more painful to me than the gut-wrenching humiliation I felt for doing such a dumb thing.  Seriously, a brick wall!

 I quietly walked it back home trying very hard to not be seen (which was impossible because there was nothing else to look at on that lonely sidewalk).  I was grateful that my mother picked this particular time to not use the all-too-familiar, "I told you so" phrase when I arrived home.  What she did next surprised me.  She helped me put my bike back together and the very next day I got back up on that bike and rode to the fairgrounds, again.  However, this time, I used the south entrance which had the open vehicle gates and no brick building.  Success.

It's important to know that at one time or another we all run into 'brick walls.'   I felt humiliated about the experience.  But, as it turned out, I was the only one.  I could have stopped right then and there and decided not to get back on that bike (which, by the way, was scratched, dinged, and dented) but by doing so I would be stuck walking.  I ended up riding that bike for years.  And, as it turned out, I fell on it a few more times (once while I was right in front of the high school parking lot before school started...that was embarrassing).  Falling has not been a problem for me; and, as it has turned out, due to lots of practice, getting up has become something I've gotten quite good at doing. 

Many times I meet with adults who have had a bad experience at school and are afraid that they will do it again.  Maybe yes, maybe no.  However, it is guaranteed that nothing will move forward unless we try.  If you have concerns about going back to school, know that there are many options available to help you transition back into the classroom.  Lansing Community College's Center for Workforce Transition staff are extremely helpful and experienced in working with adults looking to return to school.  Get back up on that bike and try again.  You might just surprise yourself.

Job Blasts!  To access any of these postings or to do your own job search, visit the Michigan Talent Bank.  If you click on the Posting number, you will be automatically directed to the job posting.  Be sure to check out yesterday's blog for some important information on the job search.

Inventure Enterprises (East Lansing):  Engineering Software Programmer,  MTB #2972946

Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers (St. Johns):  Research Agronomist, MTB #2976145

Great Clips (Lansing and Charlotte):  Manager/Stylist,  MTB #2975851

Lovejoy Special Needs Center (Lansing):  Direct Care Worker,  MTB #2975842

Hot Job Seeker Opportunities!

Once again, I'm just sending you the Job Blasts from the last two days.  We're busy with students trying to meet the December 1st Financial Aid deadline, so life should slow down, soon.  Maybe.

Job Blasts!

Twitchell's Dry Cleaning (East Lansing):  Presser,  MTB #2975400

Medical Management Systems (Lansing):  Data Entry Specialist,  MTB #2975050

Mason Pediatrics (Mason):  Medical Assistant,  MTB #2974971

Alator Home Health:  Registered Nurses,  MTB #2971194

Arctic Glacier, Inc. (Lansing):    Lead Person,  MTB #2974670


Mock Interview Opportunity!

Mock Interviews will be held at Capital Area Michigan Works! in Lansing on Monday, December 13th from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.  No appointment necessary!  This is a great opportunity for Job Seekers to practice that ever-important job search activity...the interview!  Guest employers include representatives from the Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau and Accountemps.  Be sure to bring copies of your resume and dress appropriately! 

What Employers Want YOU to Know!

The following information was sent out to CAMW! Staff on Monday, November 29th by the CAMW! Business Liaison professional.  She stated that:

The Manager for a local healthcare association stated, "I recently filled seven positions in the last month.  I interviewed over 60 candidates and received resumes from nearly 650 job seekers during the last few months, alone.  During both the resume review and job interview phases of our hiring process, I noticed some common deficiencies amongst the candidates.  Some of the most common I noticed were:

• Employment objectives inconsistent with the nature of the position the candidate is applying for;
• Resumes that did not reveal the skills behind the nature of the candidate's employment background when the positions did not directly correlate;
• The lack of ability to craft a compelling cover story
• General unprofessionalism in interviewing, whether it be arriving late, improper dress or vocabulary used;
• Inability to compellingly participate in behavioral interviewing;
• The lack of thank you letters (either hardcopy or via email) after interviewing;
• Poor selection of references, or references not aware of the candidate's job seeking status."

Be sure that you do not fall into one of these categories.  Check out an earlier blog in which I wrote about Thank You letters and provided you with a great link for some outstanding sample letters!

    

Talkin' Turkey...Happy Thanksgiving from the CWT!

The folks at 1-800 Flowers.com have posted some interesting "Turkey Facts".  This should help spark some interesting conversation around the dinner table Thursday.  All of us at the CWT wish you and yours a very happy and safe Thanksgiving. 

Turkey Trivia:

• Americans feast on 535 million pounds of turkey on Thanksgiving.
• According the U.S. Department of Agriculture, more than 45 million turkeys are cooked and eaten in the United States at Thanksgiving. That number represents one sixth of all the turkeys sold in the U.S. each year!
• Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be our national bird.
• Domesticated turkeys cannot fly, however wild turkeys can fly up to 55 miles per hour over short distances.
• Only male (tom) turkeys gobble. Females make a clicking noise. The famous gobble is actually a seasonal mating call.
• The heaviest turkey ever raised weighed in at 86 pounds – about the size of a German Shepherd! (But turkeys are normally not used as police animals.)
• A turkey under 16 weeks of age is called a fryer. A five to seven month old turkey is called a roaster.
• The Turkey Trot, a ballroom dance in the 1900s, was named for the short, jerky steps of the turkey. It became popular mainly because it was denounced by the Vatican as "suggestive."
• Turkeys are known to spend the night in trees! (Maybe to escape the Thanksgiving table?)
• Turkeys can drown if they look up when it's raining!
• A turkey's field of vision is 270 degrees--one of the main reasons they're able to elude some hunters.
• The average age of the Mayflower passenger was 32. The oldest Mayflower passenger was 64.
• There was no milk, cheese, bread, butter or pumpkin pie at the original Thanksgiving Day feast.
• Contrary to popular belief, the Pilgrims did not have big buckles on their clothing, shoes, or hats.
• Buckles did not come into fashion until the late 1600s – more appropriate for the Salem Witchcraft trial time period.
• The cranberry got its name because the pale pink blossoms on the plant resembled a crane’s head and neck. The name craneberry stuck, eventually becoming cranberry.
• Fresh cranberries are ideal for cranberry sauce. Cranberries of the highest quality will always bounce! (If you try this at home, please wash the cranberries before eating.)
• President Abraham Lincoln established the original date for our National Thanksgiving Day celebration in 1863.
• President Thomas Jefferson scoffed at the idea of establishing a national "Thanksgiving Day."
• Congress did not declare Thanksgiving a national holiday until 1941.
• The average person consumes 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving Day. (Now that's a lot of turkey!)

Let's Talk Turkey, 1-800Flowers.com, http://www.1-800flowers.com/, retrieved November 24, 2010 from: http://ww10.1800flowers.com/template.do?id=template8&page=4033&conversionTag=true.


JOB BLASTS: 

When applying for any position, be sure to follow the employer's instructions for making applications.  If it states:  "Fax or Email Resumes and Cover Letter" then do only Fax or Email submissions.  This is one way for employers to see if you are able to follow instructions!

NOTE:  Regretfully, the Michigan Talent Bank was unavailable when I was writing this post so I was unable to make the links to the posting.  If it becomes available before the end of the day I will update the post with the links.  However, you can access the Michigan Talent Bank by clicking on the following website:    

 https://www.michworks.org/mtb/pages/seeker/Jobseeker.jsp 

MacDonald Broadcasting (Lansing):  Traffic Director:  MTB: #2972939

Inventure Enterprises (East Lansing): 
     Engineering Software Programmer,  MTB:  #2972947

     User Interface UI/UX Designer,  MTB:  #2972947

Lansing Board of Water & Light (Lansing): 
     Manager Public Relations & Diversity:  MTB:  #2973077

Centennial Group (Lansing):  Marketing Coordinator,  MTB:  #2973239

Kentwood Office Furniture (Lansing):  Salesperson,  MTB:  #2972884

Super Nova (Lansing):  Salesperson/Support Staff,  MTB:  #2972205

Toshiba Business Solutions (Lansing):  Sales Representative,  MTB:  #2973544

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Job Blasts!

As we're in the midst of the beginning of Spring 2011 registration I am just going to posts some Job Blasts as I have quite a few!  Remember, to access the posting just click on the company website (if applicable) or the Michigan Talent Bank posting number.

We've helped several students today so hopefully, next week I'll get back on tract!  Just working to keep you informed of Job Postings!



Barnard Manufacturing (St. Johns): 
          Receptionist/Administrative Assistant,  MTB #2972050
          Administrative Assistant/Accountant,  MTB #2972049

Meijer (Dewitt):  Utility Worker, MTB #2972124

Dudley & Panek PC (East Lansing):  Receptionist/Secretary,  MTB #2971386

East Lansing Auto Pros (East Lansing):  Bookkeeper,  MTB #2972481

Medical Management Systems (Lansing):  Medical Billing Supervisor,  MTB #2958463

Louis Padnos Iron & Metal (Lansing): 
          Truck Driver (CDL),  MTB #2972381
          Material Sorter,  MTB #2972387
IMPORTANT NOTE:  Job seekers who are interested in applying for this position should FIRST apply online at http://www.padnos.com/ and SECOND, call (616) 796-7218 to schedule an interview.

Lansing Board of Water & Light (Lansing):
          Department Administrative Assistant,  MTB #2972094
          IT Analyst,  MTB #2972085
          Treasury Analyst,  MTB #2972093

HR On Demand (Lansing):  Quality Control Inspectors ($9.00/hour...1st, 2nd, & 3rd shifts).
A staffing agency that will be taking applications on Monday, November 22nd from11:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at the Capital Area Michigan Works! Lansing Service Center.  Bring two forms of I.D.  Will be required to undergo a background check and drug screen upon accepting position.

"Live from the CWT" Returns (with IMPORTANT DEADLINES!)

I'm sure that some of you were wondering where has Cathy gone?  She starts a blog and then nothing happens for a week.  Well, there is a reason for that.  Last week I attended the CAEL Conference (Council on Adult Experiential Learning).  It was facinating.  The week focused on many aspects of Prior Learning Assessments (PLA) and other areas of interest for Adult Learners.  Seeing that this is an important aspect of the work that we at the Center for Workforce Transition are involved with, I found the workshops and the material to be invaluable.  Over the next few weeks I will be including some great research and information specific to our Adult Learners.  So, keep an eye on the "Live from the CWT" blog!

Since I've been gone, today's Blog is going to focus on Job Blasts.  So, here you go (remember to click on the Michigan Talent Bank Job Posting number and you will be redirected to the posting):

INgage Networks (East Lansing):  Sr. Manager of Technology Delivery:  apply directly to their website at:  www.ingagenetworks.com/careers

Allegra of Lansing MarketingPrint Mailings (Lansing):  Sales Rep.  MTB #2970164

Holt Auto Alignment (Holt):  State Certified Mechanic  MTB #2969181

Citadel Broadcasting Company (Lansing):  Sales Manager  MTB #2967963

Citadel Broadcasting Company (Lansing):  Sales Assistant  MTB #2967964

Advanced Infusion Specialists, LLC (Lansing):  Nurse  MTB #2956598

Clark Family Repair Center (Leslie):  Experienced Mechanic  MTB #2970106


Important Registration Dates for Lansing Community College!

Spring 2011 Registration is beginning!  Registration for Spring Semester is based upon the number of credits earned through Summer 2010.  For information on when you can begin registering for your classes, please see the following schedule:

60 or more credits:     November 16th at 9:00 a.m.
30 or more credits:     November 16th at 9:00 p.m.
12 or more credits:     November 17th at 9:00 a.m.
 1 or more credits:      November 18th at 9:00 a.m.
        ALL:                       November 19th at 9:00 a.m.

Important Financial Aid Deadline for Lansing Community College!
It is important to keep in mind that the deadline for Financial Aid is Wednesday, December 1st!  Please know that applications may be submitted past this date but will not be processed until after the semester begins.  For more information on Financial Aid, please visit:  www.lcc.edu/finaid


Calendar of Events with the CWT at CAMW!
Here is the Calendar of Events for the CWT's activities at CAMW:

Monday:  Assessment Test,  8:30 a.m. - Noon
Tuesday:  Jobs Connection Workshop,  1:30 p.m.  - 3:00 p.m.
                  Truck Driver Training Program, Faculty Available, 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday:  Financial Aid Workshop, 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.  (walk-in)
Thursday:  Assessment Test, 8:30 a.m. - Noon
Friday:  LCC's Information Technology Faculty Available, 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

As well, Advising Appointments are available.  Call (517) 492-5580 to schedule an appointment.  And, Walk-In assistance with Registration, FACTS Payment Plans and more are available.


Be sure to watch the Blog for more important deadlines and information regarding Spring 2011 Semester!

The $20K Decision that Didn't Work!

Growing up I spent my summers working on my father's golf course.  From the time I was a young child I fell in love with puppies and kittens.  Since the golf course was located out in the country there were always strays showing up.  Some mornings there would be three or four kittens at the door of the shed when I arrived.  Being young, I was amazed at how they managed to find their way to our place!  We were so lucky!

As it was, our family veterinarian's office was just around the corner from the business.  Without hesitation I would pack up the new arrivals and take them to Dr. Smith for a check-up and shots!  And, of course, you would be correct in assuming that my father would know nothing about this until the bill arrived.  Dad was a pretty good sport about it until the summer I 'rescued' 13 strays and had them cared for by the vet.  That was the bill that put the brakes on my summer project.

A few years later, I was accepted into Oklahoma State's Pre-Veterinary Program.  So, I packed my car and headed on down to Stillwater to begin my training in my new career.  While to many I may appear somewhat intelligent, I have to admit that I had no idea whatsoever that vets also took care of large animals until my first semester at OSU.  For three days a week, my 7:30 a.m. class (yes, I said 7:30!) was in the Animal Science building.  It was sure a surprise when I first arrived to find animal carcasses hanging from hooks around the classroom.  What followed next was pure shock.

There were the excursions to the dairy barns, followed by the trips to the not-so-clean bull pens.  Of course we wandered through fields where I learned, too late, that I needed to watch where I walked.  But, the final straw came when I spent a few weeks with the pigs.

You see, my ignorance brought some humor to my classmates.  They nicknamed me "Chicago" and associated anyone from the North as someone who had no clue about animals.  Well, I guess I didn't disappoint.  I discovered, far too late, that I should have spent more time exploring my career choice before I made the decision to follow what I soon learned would not be my career. 

What happened next left such an impression on me that to this day, I still think of it often.  One day during a lab involving two pigs in a pen, the instructor 'volunteered' me to step into the pen and answer one simple question.  Nervous, I did as I was told while all the time I could hear the snickering of my classmates as they circled the small enclosure.  In retrospect, I know now that no one wanted to miss what was going to come next.  I waited patiently for what I knew would be the career-killer.  It came.  Quietly, and without any hesitation, he asked me to identify the gender of each pig.  Yep, howling erupted from the crowd. 

You see, I like math.  So, standing there I frantically tried to calculate the best odds of identifying the right gender of the animals.  Since there were two, I figured I could select either female or male for both, and, if lucky, I would get one right.  So I did.  I stated with the best voice I could muster, "Male."  That was it.  Full blown, tear producing laughter surrounded me.  The instructor went over to the pigs, tapped them to make them stand up (which, is probably something I should have done), and, you guessed it...they were both female.

Believe it or not, but that is the reason why I have developed the Jobs Connection workshops that I present at Capital Area Michigan Works!  Generally speaking, we tend to make decisions based upon what we think we know rather than what actually, is.  Working with adults, it is important that we look at the skills and knowledge that one has acquired, coupled with interests to build a picture of where we might want to transition.  As well, it is important to explore what those interests are and gather information to use in making a good decision.

The workshop provides information and tools for individuals to use in helping identify career paths and/or opportunities that may not have been previously considered.  The workshops are free and are offered most Tuesdays.  If you're trying to figure out what the next stage in your career life might be and are not sure where to start, consider joining us for the next Jobs Connection workshop.

Job Blasts:  To view the Michigan Talent Bank posting for each Job Blast, be sure to click on the MTB number.

• Michigan Supreme Court (Lansing):  Administrative Assistant, MTB #2966139
• Shabazz Public Academy (Lansing):  Substitute Teacher, MTB #2965627
• Dart Container (Mason):  Credit Manager, MTB #2924165

Career Tip of the Day:  If you are looking to transition into a new career and are not sure where to begin, or want to obtain more information to assist in the decision, consider attending the next  Jobs Connection workshop.  Mark your calendar for Tuesday, November 16, 2010 where the workshop will be held at the Capital Area Michigan Works! Lansing Service Center from 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

And, to find out what happened in my 'career search' afterwards, watch future blogs.

Lessons Learned at the End of a Fishing Pole

When I was growing up, my parents would take us to where our boat was docked on Lake Michigan.  It wasn't a big boat, but we would enjoy an occasional trip out on the lake.  We would arrive in Michigan City on a Friday and would clean the boat and get everything ready so that we could take it out on Saturday.   I used to feel that those Friday 'clean' days were the reasons my parents had children.  Somebody had to scrub the deck!

Once we finished our chores, though, we would take up our fishing poles and head over to the bait shop where we would buy whatever was the 'hot pick' of the day for those fishing off of the docks.  Usually, it was crawdads and, as the oldest, I would be the lucky one who would 'prepare' them for the hooks.  We would sit there with our fishing poles for hours next to everyone else.  Problem was, the other people were bringing up the yellow perch and we were feeding the yellow perch.  I'd watch that bobbin but to no avail as I never, in all those years on the dock, brought up a single perch.  My bucket remained, regretfully, empty.  Those were some of the most frustrating days as I really looked forward to my goal of bringing home dinner.

Looking back, I remember how I felt that my parents would not take any time to show me the right way to fish.  I honestly thought there was nothing to it...appears I was very wrong.  Going 'fishing' for me was a futile effort.  I thought I had all of the right tools, bait, attitude...everything to be successful.  However, I was obviously a bit off-track!

So too, like many college students, we arrive on campus with what we believe are all of the right tools to help us successfully get through our programs.  Yet, without someone to guide us, we can come run into problems.  Fortunately, there are people available to help us reach our goals.  Like the Main Campus and the various LCC Learning Centers, the Center for Workforce Transition has Academic Advisors on staff to meet with adults looking to return to school.  They are very helpful in assisting individuals with understanding what is needed for goal accomplishment.  One of the tools we provide our adults is their Education Development Plan.  The Plan is designed to teach our students to 'fish' successfully...to have something in their educational toolbox at the end of the day. 

If you would like assistance with your Educational Development Plan for Lansing Community College please contact our staff at (517) 492-5580.  They'll be glad to help you 'bait your hook' so that you have a successful plan with specific and attainable goals.  I may not have been good at fishing off the dock for yellow perch, but, with my CWT staff, we're pretty good at helping other people identify the right tools so that they can meet their goals.

Job Blast:

• ITEC (Information Technology Empowerment Center) (Lansing):  Educational Program Coordinator, MTB #2965179
• Snyder's Landscape (Dimondale): 
• Plow Truck Driver, MTB #2965292
• Mowing Foreman, MTB #2965291
• CATA (Lansing):  Maintenance Supervisor, MTB #2965109

Job Search Tip of the Day:
Because you can never have too much practice for an interview, on Monday, November 8, 2010, Capital Area Michigan Works! Lansing Service Center will host a "Practice Your Interviewing Skills" opportunity from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  As well, the professionals on hand will also provide resume critiques.  No appointment is necessary.  However, you will want to be sure to dress appropriately and bring copies of your resume.

Educational Tip of the Day:
If you have not met with an advisor to complete your educational plan, schedule one now.  It only takes a few minutes, but will help you significantly in the long run!

The 'Magic' Words

Remember when we were very young and were taught the 'magic' words...please and thank you.  If we asked for something we were gently reminded to say 'please' and follow it up with 'thank you' when we received something. 

Well, in today's job search, they are still powerful words and actions.  In our cover letters we may not necessarily say please; but, we do use words such as appreciate or value when we ask the reader to review our resume or consider taking time to contact us for an interview. 

However, that is just part of the 'magic'.  Only a very small percentage actually follow up with a thank you letter/note/email after a job interview.  In fact, many employers surveyed said that there was value in receiving the follow up from candidates as they felt it was a common courtesy that should be observed. 

There is great information available to assist job seekers (or anyone, for that matter!) with regard to taking this additional professional step.  We were taught well when we were very young.  This is a lesson we should not lose sight of in our adult and professional lives.

For more information, there are many great resources available, including the Department of Labor's Career OneStop.  Another great site for help with your letters can be found at Quintessential Careers.  They have a large selection of free sample business letters available.  Both will provide excellent resources to guide you through this phase of your search with samples and procedures. 

Job Search Tip of the Day:  Thank you notes are definitely part of the job search!
Read the blog!

Job Blasts:
Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers (St. Johns):  Research Agronomist, MTB #2965137

Educational Tip of the Day:  Education Pays!
According to the Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics,  educational attainment has its benefits.  The average wages/salaries for the different educational levels in 2009 were as follows:

• Doctoral degree:             $ 79,664
• Professional degree:         79,508
• Master's degree:                65,364
• Bachelor's degree:             53,300
• Associate's degree:           39,348
• Some college                      36,348
• High school diploma           32,000
• No high school diploma      23,000

  

Cover Letters...The Rest of the Story!

Last week I began talking about the value of cover letters.  Today, I want to finish up with some additional basics to help you present yourself in the best light, possible.

First, remember that the cover letter is your introduction to a prospective employer!  It's your 'first impression', so follow these helpful hints to make it a good one!

• Always send a cover letter with your resume.  Whether you are using the mail, faxing, sending an email, or dropping off be sure to include a cover letter.
• Customize the cover letter to include the prospective employer's job opening!  You need to be specific.  One of the things we hear from employers is that people are too vague.  
• Check the date!  If you have a cover letter that you revise and use for other employers within the industry, be sure to use the current date!  It is often overlooked and employers may view it as a reflection of your ability to check your work (quality control is another word for it!).
• Be sure to address your letter to the specific person who is responsible for the hiring.  If you are unsure, call the company and ask the receptionist for the individual's name.  Double check to make sure that you have spelled the name and title correctly!  If you are unable to obtain that information, address the letter to the attention of the president, owner, etc.  Your letter will eventually be routed to the appropriate person.
• Incorporate industry-appropriate language to demonstrate your knowledge of the industry, tools, occupations, product, etc.  
• Include any relevant information in your cover letter that may not be included in your resume.  Highlight measurable accomplishments!  (For example:  "Reduced production waste costs by 17% through making changes in production processes."   "Decreased accounts payable by 45 days through the development and implementation of a time-sensitive follow-up process.")
• Mention that you are enclosing your resume for their review whether you are responding to an employer ad or sending a resume on your own initiative.
• Be sure to request an interview or indicate your plans for following up with the prospective employer.

Now that you have the cover letter ready, tomorrow I'll talk about the important follow up to a prospective employer's return contact...the thank you letter!

Mark your calendars for the following upcoming event available to Job Seekers at Capital Area Michigan Works!:

Practice Your Interview Skills Day (i.e. mock interviews):   
     WHEN:  Monday Nov. 8 from 9am-11am at Capital Area Michigan Works! in Lansing. 
                     No appointment necessary.  There are six interviewers scheduled, including
                     representatives from Dart Bank and Gravity Works Design.  
                     All job seekers are encouraged to participate. 
                     This is a great opportunity to practice that all important skill of presenting your best
                     to a prospective employer.

Financial Aid Workshop:
     WHEN:  Wednesday and Friday, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. in the Technology Center at CAMW's!
                     Lansing Center.  This workshop provides assistance for those individuals needing
                     to complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Assessment Testing:
     WHEN:  Monday and Thursday, 8:45 a.m. - Noon in the Technology Center at CAMW!
                    This is for new or current Lansing Community College students who need Reading,
                    Writing, and/or Math levels for their classes.



Job Blast:
                   Quest Software:   Call Center Representatives   MTB #2963923 and     
                   #2963922  Spanish Fluent). 
                   NOTE:  Interested candidates can apply at all three Capital Area Michigan Works!
                                 Service Center locations.

Job Search Tip of the Day:
When attending Mock Interviews, be sure to prepare yourself in a professional manner!  Dress as you would for a real interview.  Have copies of your professional resume available, as well.  You never know when the Mock Interview might turn into a real interview!

Learning Tip of the Day:
Don't underestimate the importance of the college course syllabus.   It is an important resource that should be kept all semester as a guide.  While the semester may seem to be winding down, it is also a time when projects, papers, extra credit opportunities, and more may be due.  Don't lose track of where you are in your class.  As well, it will contain the contact information for your professor. 

It's Not Too Early To Get Started!

It's Friday afternoon, last business day in October and the Center for Workforce Transition (CWT) is busy! 

While mid-November seems far away, in reality it is just two weeks from now.  So, why is that important?  Because, registration for Spring 2011 begins November 16th...just two and a half weeks away!  Having said that, a sense of urgency just hit me.  So it appears that we're beginning to see a lot of activity as our students are beginning to prepare for a successful start to the semester. 

Our November calendar of events will be available on the Lansing Community College web site's Calendar of Events, the Capital Area Michigan Works! Calendar of Events and next week we'll provide a direct link from the blog for your convenience.  The calendar includes dates and times for our various activities, including:

• "Jobs Connections" workshops
• Financial Aid wworkshops
• Assessment Testing (CPT)
• Various LCC Student Services
• Program seminars
• Truck Driver Training (Tuesdays)
• Informational Technology Network/Security (Fridays)

Further, activity is picking up as students/prospective students realize that they need to complete their financial aid application (FAFSA) before the December 1st deadline.  The deadline is important for students as it will help ensure that their application will be processed in time for Spring semester.  Additionally, it is important to know that applications submitted past this date will be processed but not until after the semester has begun!  For more information on the financial aid process at LCC be sure to visit their website.

Some important dates to know regarding LCC's Center for Workforce Transition, our office (located inside CAMW!) will be closed on the following State holidays:

• Tuesday, November 2, 2010:  Election Day
• Thursday, November 11, 2010:  Veteran's Day
• Thursday, November 25, 2010:  Thanksgiving Day
• Friday, November 26, 2010:  Thanksgiving Break

Be sure to keep these dates in mind when planning your visit to the Center.

Have a good weekend and a safe Halloween!  Visit with you on Monday!

Job Blast:

• WILX-TV (Lansing):  News Assistant, MTB Job Order #2962514

Job Search Tip of the Day:  "Eighty-six percent of executives said cover letters are important when evaluating job candidates." (National Association of Workforce Development Professionals)

The cover letter is your introduction to a prospective employer!  It is your opportunity to share what you have to offer the employer.  Without being personally present when submitting your resume, know that it does represent you.  So be sure to follow these simple guidelines:

• Address the letter to a contact person.  Personalize when at all possible.
• Clearly identify your goal of the letter.  Be sure to identify which position you are applying for and why you are interested in the position and/or the company!
• Sell yourself!  Summarize why you are a strong candidate.  Highlight your previous work, training and skills as they relate to the position.
• Be sure to indicate your desire for an interview. 
• Thank the person for considering your resume.  As well offer to provide additional information (make them want to learn more about you!).  And, be sure to sign your name!

Next week I'll continue with additional cover letter hints!

Learning Tip of the Day:  Schedule Time for Studying

One of the features in LCC's Student Banner System available to students when registering for class is the ability to print off a visual calendar of the week that highlights class information.  This is great because you can use this to schedule other things in your week...your own "Week at a Glance" so to speak.  Print off the weekly schedule and then add the rest, such as work schedule, study schedule, family activities.  This will also help you to better manage your time and ensure that studying is given the priority it requires to help you achieve as a student.

What Do Employers Want You to Know...

One of the opportunities I have working with the professionals at Capital Area Michigan Works! (CAMW!) is the ability to hear from area employers.   We have opportunities to receive new job postings as well as assist with finding skilled workers.  Employers provide us with significant feedback on job seekers.  This helps us help those individuals looking for employment, increasing job skills through retraining, and more!

Today, I received an email from the CAMW! Business Liaison sharing one of many frustrations businesses have with some job seekers.  Her email indicated that, "the recruiting assistant of a local nonprofit stated a frustration that happened to her already twice this week.  She reviewed resumes that were submitted to her and called those whose resumes met the minimum qualifications.  (For the position she is currently recruiting, a High School Diploma/GED is required.)  TWO people whose resumes stated they had earned a Diploma/GED told the recruiting assistant over the phone that they did not actually have a Diploma/GED."

Okay, this leads me to Rule #1:  Don't lie on your resume or application.  Besides closing the door behind you with an employer, you may actually close doors with those who may be working hard to assist you in the job search.  For example, I was personally assisting someone I knew with their job search.  After helping them with their cover letters and resumes, I submitted their information with a recommendation from me to one of the employers we were assisting with finding skilled workers.  Soon after that, the person came in to tell me that they had gone through two interviews and did not get the job.  I suggested they call and ask for some feedback so that they could improve upon their interviewing skills with future opportunities.  Two days later the person was in my office.  When I asked if they had contacted the employer for feedback they indicated that yes, they had.  Being curious, I asked what feedback was received.  Imagine my surprise when the person indicated that they found out that he did not have a diploma (after stating that he did!).  Not only did that individual lie to the employer, but he had lied to me -and- I had recommended him to the employer. 

Today, I have several Job Blasts to share with you.  Please refer to the Michigan Talent Bank for more information about the positions and information on how to apply.

• Mario's (Lansing):  Store Worker.  Job Posting #2963410
• Pratt & Whitney (Lansing):  Quality Engineer, #2963340
• Pratt & Whitney (Lansing):  Cell Leader, #2963341
• Pratt & Whitney (Lansing):  EHS Coordinator, #2963342
• Pratt & Whitney (Lansing):  Senior Manufacturing Engineer, #2963343
• Pratt & Whitney (Lansing):  Senior Structure Engineer, #2963344
• Michigan Fitness Foundation (Lansing):  Graphic Design & Publications Coordinator, #2963330

Job Search Tip of the Day:  Refer to Rule #1 above!

Learning Tip of the Day:  Study at the Library!  Since we are constantly bombarded with constant distractions, consider using the library to study.  You'll find you'll be able to get more done in an efficient manner which will leave you more time to do the fun stuff!  Don't become one of those college students who never steps foot inside the college library.

Welcome to the CWT

Welcome to the Center for Workforce Transition's blog!  It is our hope that you will find some useful and interesting information that will assist you as you transition from one career into the next.


The CWT is located inside the Capital Area Michigan Works! Lansing Service Center (CAMW!) and provides our Lansing Community College (LCC) students and prospective students with an array of services designed to help them transition into college or the workplace.  We have a great staff available to answer questions and offer assistance.  In future blogs you'll have an opportunity to meet them!


Some features of this blog are designed to assist the returning adult as they transition to college.  For example, each month we offer a wide variety of workshops and services that provide a more personalized approach to meeting individual needs in preparing for such a move.  One of our activities is the popular "Jobs Connection" workshop.  Offered on most Tuesdays from 1:30 - 3:00 at CAMW!'s Lansing Service Center, the workshop focuses on two outcomes:  assisting individuals with identifying potential career options; and/or assisting job seekers with additional tools to help them focus a more intentional job search.  


As well, we provide access to some of the College's faculty through information workshops available at the CAMW! location.  Here, prospective students have the opportunity to meet with faculty to learn more about specific programs.  In October and November we are featuring LCC's Truck Driver Training Program (Tuesdays from 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. in the lobby) and LCC's Informational Technology Networking and Security Program (Fridays from 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. in a conference room).


Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.  Or, call us directly at (517) 492-5580!


Cathy Wilhm
Director, Center for Workforce Transition
Lansing Community College


Job Search Tip of the Day:   
Most employers require employment applications.  They may be electronic or paper.  Keep in mind that these are generally used as a screening device!  It is important to put forth your best effort when completing this document...it may very well be the first impression a prospective employer has of you.  Make it count.  Some things to keep in mind, include:
*  Complete each section thoroughly.  If something does not relate to you then write Not Applicable (or N/A) or
   Does Not Apply...do not leave any blanks!
*  Be sure to read the instructions thoroughly!  Remember, this is a screening device!  The prospective employer 
   may be screening to see if the applicants can read and follow instructions! 
*  Write neatly and legibly.  
*  Make sure to include all previous employers and complete contact information.  


Study Tip of the Day:
Lansing Community College has some great resources and study tips.  Be sure to check them out!