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.