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.