Fluid and Flexible, Change is the New Norm

Slowly but surely, we are surviving an unprecedented economic meltdown, recognizing that change is the new norm. As the presidential and legislative elections wind down we await the new national landscape on education, business and workforce policies and what impact on our individual and collective economic stability. The current American economy may look bleak today - but we plan proactively: exploring ways to navigate the fluid job market, provide analysis into future education and workplace trends and share insightful research, resources and web-sites to prepare you to take action when opportunities arise. AND, when possible, list hiring employers and job fairs.

• What are the economically viable industries and sectors of today's economy; energy, transportation, logistics and warehousing, technology and bio-medical? What is the future of investment services and what will be the long-term role of government in the banking industry?
• As government begin to implement and unroll the mechanisms of the Wall Street bailout, we wait with baited breathe and wishful retirement plans, while holding on to the American dream of homeownership and the power of credit borrowing.
• We must prepare entry workers competencies [knowledge, skills and abilities] for application in a global economy workplace as baby boomers retire and displaced workers retrain for new job opportunities? Workers must be trained in hard skills and soft skills to function well and survive the fluid job market where employers are in business on Monday and shut down on Tuesday.
• News stories constantly tell of cut-backs and lay-offs; and job seekers are desperately scrambling to find those employers that are hiring. Be practical, be realistic; when doable be willing to take employment available to keep income and benefits in the household.

Ð IF you have any questions about your employment needs, rights or benefits, visit your local Department of Employment Securities office, Workforce Center or One Stop Center; do not assume - ask questions and follow up as needed.

Ð Just a reminder: to have your annual credit checkup. To aid in stopping identity theft, you can now get three FREE annual copies of your credit report from: one from each of the three credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian and Trans Union. Reports are available by e-mail, fax or phone. It is strongly recommended that you request one of the three reports every four months [quarterly], which will provide systematic monitoring. Access to a downloadable report form is available at: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/freereports/index.html through which you can click on annualcreditreport.com

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In mentioning credit reports, depending on the type and level of job one is applying; employers will verify past employment, may check references, credit, background, and may require a physical and/or drug screening. The global job market is a different place, employers tend to be more cautious.

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Barbara Seales, GCDF

• Educator: Career Education/Workforce Preparedness
• Northeast Region, Cook County

- Barbara Seales

INFORMED! Using the Internet as a Life Coach

We surf the web to find new, innovative and hidden-giem sites about careers and opportunities. Information provided does not mean the business is endorsed. PLEASE do due diligence and check with your local Better Business Bureau and State Business Licensing Agency [in Illinois it is the Secrertary of State at www.illinoiscyberdrive.com

Grammar, Language and Culture

Do you have excellent English skills and the interest to teach, but do not want a typical teaching job? Ever thought about becoming an English teacher abroad? Imagine using knowledge and skills while learning another culture; and possibly learning another language. We recommend a web-search to source all potential site, as well as do research on the organizations before submitting personal information.

• www.oxfordseminars.com
• www.TeachersWithOutBorders.org
• www.teachabroad.com/

Teaching English Abroad: An Introduction. ERIC Digest

Each year, thousands of men and women from English-speaking nations go abroad as English teachers through agencies such as the Peace Corps or Voluntary Service Overseas, or through myriad other government, church, business, and academic organizations. For these novice English teachers, the challenge of learning what to do in the classroom is compounded by the difficult process of adjusting to life in a foreign…Careers in not for profit organizations can be explored at www.npo.net and www.idealist.org

Education Advantages

One sector of employers that hires across industries and job levels is college and universities. The site has search features by geographic, job function and related professional organizations. Many of those employment opportunities can be accessed at www.academic360.com

In The Public's Interest

As we look at the current state of the U.S. economy, many are thinking they could and would do a better job of stewardship as a public servant. Three interesting web-sites to visit and learn more about public service careers are:

• www.publicservicecareers.org
• www.makingthedifference.org
• http://www.usajobs.gov/
• www.idealist.org/en/careers/fellowship.html

Technology On-line

Workers must be willing to upgrade technology skills in aid of employers' flexibility to meet supply and demand while running lean operations. The importance and prominence of continuing education and the virtual classroom to upgrade skills, receive certificate and certification is evident in the number of free online classes and post secondary programs offered. Search the internet, there are many free on-line classes available; virtual learning s imperative in the global workplace.

Ð For example, googling "free online classes in computer applications," would pull similar sites

Free Online Learning at GCFLearnFree.org

Online Classes. Learn with the help of an instructor and earn a Certificate of Completion and CEUs. Everyday Life · Math & Money · Computer Training ...
www.gcflearnfree.org/ - 24k - Cached - Similar pages

Another source for timely, affordable and credential online education programs is through the Illinois Virtual Campus, which links local community colleges and universities at http://www.ivc.illinois.edu/

Not For Profits - Still In Business

Interested in working with a not-for-profit employer or learning about the variety of career and volunteer opportunities available - two great web-sites are www.npo.net and www.idealist.org

Healing and Helping Inclined

Critical care and operations essentials job opportunities are available in medical care facilities. Job opportunities in hospitals can be sourced at

• http://hospital.jobs.topusajobs.com/
• http://www.hospitaljobsonline.com/Directory_Hospital.aspxaljobsonline.com/

• http://www.thecityofchicago.com/nursinghome/index.html

Legal Eagles

Law firms also offer many job opportunites ranging from clerical, administrative to specialty skills. To source law firms in Chicago, visit Lawyers.com at http://www.lawyers.com/Illinois/Chicago/law-firms.html

General Job Sites

For retail jobs and/or to find jobs by zip code visit Snag-a-job.com at www.snagajob.com

For other local job visit www.metrochicagojobs.com and www.chicagojobs.com

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Get S.M.A.R.T. and KNOW THE VALUE OF EDUCATION

Preparation, preparation, preparation; a failure to plan is a plan to fail. How many times have we heard those two axioms about getting things done and doing them well! Many people invest time and energy into new car purchases, sports team selection or stock investments, but little in into career planning – their economic vehicle to financial stability. Plotting one's job/career goals are no exception, particularly when we see daily the impact of employment on have and maintain a chosen quality of life.

The career decision-making process incorporates self-assessment, careers exploration, SMART planning and action steps. It should have a system built in for periodic evaluation of skills, work satisfaction, life roles demands, economic factors and labor market trends and demands; as well as a retooling system to address forced or choice change. SMART is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Agreed to, Realistic and Time phased. These criteria help to set goals that can be achieved. http://ccd.me.edu/careerprep/CareerPrepCurriculum_LP-7.pdf

Two studies by The College Board shed insight on the disparities in earning potential for educational levels high school drop incompletion through professional degree attainment; as well as the non-monetary benefits to society of higher education. The College Board "Trends in Education Series" Education Pays 2006, Supplement to Education Pays 2004: The Benefits of Higher Education for Individuals and Society; details the income gap between educational levels in vivid visuals with colorful graphs and bars. For example for the age group 25 – 34: education completion of grades 9 – 11 would earn approximately $20,000 per year in comparison to the completion of professional degree earnings of $70,000 per year.

Ð The twelve page report can be downloaded in pdf format at

http://www.eaop.org/documents/college_board_edu_pays_update_2006.pdfIn summary

Other good readings are

• The Value of a College Degree at http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/education/007660.html; and
• The (Non-Monetary) Value of a College Degree http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2007/09/13/collegeboard

Ð Read about the careers of successful people and celebrities you admire.

• How did they achieve their goals, when where those goals identified and what steps were taken?
• Who were influential people, role models; and how did they develop talents and skills?
• Investment in self and our professional development have long term payoffs beyond money and comfort.
• What do you want in your job/career and what are you willing to do to get it?
• Preparation, preparation, preparation!

Remember, success is not accidental, and does not happen by wishing and knowing; it happens when one commits to a plan. A plan lays a roadmap to where you are going and how you plan to get there.

Goals can be broken down into stages:

• short-term goals are those attainable within six months to two year.
• mid-term goals generally take 2-5 years
• long-term goals typically are in stages: stage one 5 - 10 years, stage two 10 - 15 years, and if necessary, stage three 15 - 20 years.

A personal plan like a business plan; it is a living document subject to change, as often will the life of the planner. If you can not commit to a goal or mission on paper, how likely is it to happen?

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ENTREPRENEUR MINDED? INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR INTEREST?

A new career that is proving to become cost effective for employers and providing entrepreneurship and independent contractor opportunities for workers with strong administrative skills and maturity is the Virtual Assistant. I was pleasantly surprised at the number of entries providing a wealth of information about becoming a virtual assistant and job opportunities. A general definition is provided below as well as a detailed article with action points on "how to."

Virtual Assistant - (VAs), are entrepreneurs who provide professional administrative, technical, or creative assistance to clients from a home office. http://www.cybercitymommies.com/Glossary.html

Virtual Assistants (typically abbreviated to VAs), are entrepreneurs who provide professional administrative, technical, or creative (social) assistance to clients from a home office. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_assistant

Sample job duties that a Virtual Assistants perform: medical transcription, virtual assistant, transcription, administrative, data entry, customer service, writing, computer, programming, or technical assistant. http://www.virtualassistants.com/

[Source – "Starting a Virtual Business" by Entrepreneur.com]

If you're wondering how to start a business as a virtual assistant, Elite Office Support founder Susan Totman offers these tips:

1. Decide just what type of services you want to offer, and analyze your background to ensure you have adequate experience.
2. Determine your business niche-consider specializing in just two to three services.
3. Determine how much time and energy you have to commit to your venture. Do you want to work part or full time?
4. Conduct thorough industry research to determine a need for your services in your local area.
5. Outline who your clients are, where they are and how to access them.
6. Do a market analysis. Find out the needs for your niche and focus on how you'll apply that to your business.
7. Know your budgetary constraints-projected expenses, expected income and how long you can "float" until your business is running successfully.
8. Prepare a business plan and review it often to manage growth and change.
9. Examine your equipment, software and work space to ensure they meet client needs.
10. Wrap up all legal and financial aspects of startup before securing your first client.
11. Market your services 24/7. Just because you've built a Web site or placed an ad in the Yellow Pages doesn't mean clients will come knocking on your door.

You might want to consider joining a professional organization or networking group. This will give you the opportunity to network, build camaraderie and have access to a knowledge bank for solving technical problems. http://www.entrepreneur.com/startingabusiness/businessideas/article71516.html

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GOOD-BYE Paper Copy?!?

The days of hitting the pavement filling out paper job applications is almost extinct. Today's job market fueled by advances in technology in the workplace is computer driven which prove cost and time effective for employers, while demanding some degree of computer proficiency of job seekers. Applying for employment is no longer a hardcopy paper process.

Welcome to a competitive and global economy with electronic and automated employment systems that evaluate and eliminate prospective job seekers and provide automated responses without benefit to follow up capabilities. Today's job search generally requires completing an on-line application and submitting the resume by cut and paste or an attached file.

Preparation is the key! Before sitting down at the computer have a hard copy job application completed that details your work history as well as an updated copy of your resume in a basic word format without excessive styling such as bold, underline and italics. Be sure to have previous employers' contact information and complete education information particularly for licenses, certificates, certifications and internships; as well as relevant volunteer experience. A sample job application can be downloaded at http://www.quintcareers.com/employment_application.pdf

Next review your updated resume for excessive styling such as bold, italics, indentures and underlining; use no more than two font styles, but ideally only one. As a rule of thumb use one of two fonts: Serif such as Times New Roman or Bell MT; or Sans Serif for example Arial or Verdana. It may be best to vary font sizes instead of mixing font styles. For example a 14 point heading and 11 point work history.

Practice attaching a file and cut and pasting a file. Some sites give the option of either, but many accept only cut and paste to avoid receiving viruses through attached files. Proof read the sample job application and the resume, to ensure that all information is accurate and complete. Why?

ALWAYS READ the full submission instructions before you begin and ensure that you have undistracted time to input your information. Most on-line application windows have a submission processing time limit; many sites will time-out if a window is opened too long and your information may be lost. Not all sites provide information submitted information review or retrieval, but may require input again. Note that employment references and salary history may be require.

Preparation, preparation, preparation – before you begin! Ð If you need more help, do a google search "how to complete the online application process."

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ADD VALUE TO THE JOB SEARCH, DO NOT OVER LOOK THE IMPORTANCE OF COMPANY RESEARCH

Company research provides in-depth information about the company's work culture, mission and operation philosophy, often gives access to all job openings which can be vital information in a potential interview. The better prepared job applicants know something about the interviewing company's history, organization structure, competition, commitment to social issues, employment polices – a wealth of information is gleaned when doing company research beyond current job openings.

Visiting individual company web-sites is one technique, but a faster route is to utilize job search features offered by mega job boards such as monster.com and careerbuilder.com. beyond employers' current job openings. Both offer company profiles and keyword search options, with links to individual employer web-sites.

www.monster.com

• lower left hand corner, The Monster Network
• click on Company Research (beta)
• directed to Monster Company Boulevard: Company Profiles by Alphabet or Search Employment Opportunities by Keyword: option of keyword search or enter company name
• directed to Employment Search by Company
• result: selected company's overview, link to company's website and link to View Jobs for selected company

www.careerbuilder.com

• middle of page, left side: Other Searches
• option to search by company or industry
• By company: result in alphabetical listing: select a company
• result: selected company's profile, link to company's website and link to summary of current openings and link to all jobs.

The more you know about a potential employer the better your chances of participating in a quality interview and making a positive and dynamic impression. Attached is a link to "Step by Step Guide to Researching Companies" by Randall Hansen, Ph.D. at http://www.quintcareers.com/researching_companies_guide.html

Use one of your greatest resources, the public library!

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Managing the Transition how-to's

A great resource I recently ran across is a Veterans Transition Guide; A "How-To-Transition Guide: Going from Deployment to Re-Employment – Chicago Summer Edition, presented by Employment Guide. In the Introduction, Robert Lacey, District Manager and Vietnam Veteran, states that "veterans are in big demand in the workforce today because of the basic life lessons taught in the military: team work, self-discipline, reliability and maturity."

In-depth articles on

• Resources for Veterans
• Interview Questions
• Applying Online
• the Post-911 GI Bill
• Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Program
• Salary Survey correlating military pay to civilian pay

Also listed are many employers looking to hire veterans, particularly in the security industry. The guide was distributed at Work One Offices, VA Hospitals, VFW locations and VA Centers. It is unclear if reprints are available; but for more resources, tips and how-tos' on employment issues, visit www.employmentguide.com

Employment opportunities with the federal government can be found at http://www.usajobs.gov/

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A New Prison Population as Women are Leaving the Workforce Due to the Economy

When we talk about prison re-entry and reducing recidivism, typically we are referring to the male gender. Today, women are the new growth population in the prison system, women who often are their children primary caretaker. Women are the fastest growing segment of the prison population often for non-violent crimes. How the legal system addresses and attempt to reverse this trend will have long range implications for the workforce and the economic viability of low-income family stability.

A pending bill providing options for the legal system is ILPA 92-0806 gives Cook County Judges discretion to sentence mothers to a pilot Residential Treatment and Transition Center run by the Cook County.

Sheriff's Office in lieu of time in prison if it is deemed that it will reduce recidivism, reunite them with their children, and assist them in breaking the cycle of incarceration.

• �� 82% of women at Cook County Jail are mothers
• �� 82% are charged with non-violent offenses
• �� About 73% of Illinois women prisoners are women of color
• �� 80% of women prisoners need drug treatment, but it is available to only 16%
• of them (IDOC Estimate)
• �� $30,554: Annual cost to incarcerate a woman in Illinois.
• �� $28,334: Annual DCFS cost per ward
• �� Women are the fastest growing segment of the Prison Population

55% of women in IDOC are arrested in Cook County

A 2002 study of 235 women in Cook County Jail indicates:

80% of women in Cook County Jail are African American or Latina

Women in jail are survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence at two and three times the national average

54% of women are homeless before entering jail. Only 8% have a home to go to upon release.

The majority of women were unsure about their housing options. http://www.cfw.org/Document.Doc?id=183

Based on the stark reality of women as the new prison population, how will this play out long range when according to two recent news articles, women are dropping out of the work force due to poor economy? How will women with a criminal conviction enter/re-enter the workforce when women without convictions are struggling to remain?

"Women Are Now Equal as Victims of Poor Economy," reads an article in the business section of The New York Times [July 22, 2008]. ABC News on-line prints "Women Across the Board Dropping Jobs - Study Finds Women Leaving the Workforce Because of Economy, Not to Care for Kids."

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/22jobs.html?fta=y

http://www.abcnews.go.com/print?id=5424072

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FACILITATING CAREER EDUCATION

Are you concerned about your state of employment, and maybe wondering what the future holds for your child? How can we advise and help prepare our children/students to be able to participant in the global that they and we compete for jobs at home and abroad? Spend quality time getting to know your child through purposeful interaction, discussion and observation; and asking open-ended questions that develops critical thinking skills. The suggested questions below are applicable to adults and youth.

o Is the child a doer, a planner, a leader or a follower; or what combination?

o How does the child prefer to spend free time?

o What is the child naturally good, skilled or gifted in?

o Is the child an actor or reactor?

o How does your child prefer to learn: by hearing, seeing, doing, feeling or a combination?

o Is your child allowed opportunities to give opinion, ask questions or have opportunities to display leadership skills?

What are some are of the skills and abilities parents should look for as signs of well-roundedness as they develop and mature? In an on-line article by UNICEF, includes the following as life skills, with the disclaimer that there is no definitive list. Remember we are unique individuals and learn at our own pace, allow for individual growth and personality development! View the full article at http://www.unicef.org/lifeskills/index_whichskills.html

§ Communication and Interpersonal skills

§ Negotiation/refusal skills

§ Empathy

§ Cooperation and Teamwork

§ Advocacy skills

§ Critical thinking skills,

§ Coping and self-management skills

§ Skills for managing feelings

§ Skills for managing stress

Ð Invest with supportive activities, discuss your job/career beyond likes and dislikes; discuss workplace relationships and the reality of change in the workplace.

NOT JUST FOR MONEY

Part-time employment for teens is more than earning money to buy the latest electronics or clothing gear! Part-time employment is an excellent avenue to explore personal interests that could lead to profitable and satisfying careers. What is the value of experiencing the world of work during the teen years and how its impact on post high school education and career choices? Most people have three to ten jobs in a lifetime. Many of the job today's youth and teens will work in are just emerging or yet to be defined – explore, experience and educate!

-- The chance to learn about the daily ins and outs of a job, work environment, learn about tools and equipment, practice skills and observe managerial and co-worker relationships.

-- Exposure to and experience in many industry can be acquired through volunteer opportunities, student ambassador organizations, job shadowing, part-time employment and summer enrichment programs.

-- Using the internet to explore and learn about emerging employment opportunities.

-- Learn about the Union Trades, careers that offer independence, good salary and benefits; and great entrepreneur opportunities. Some TRADE careers are plumber, electrician, carpenter, construction, painters, and pipefitters.

-- Interested in the medical profession but don't want to be a doctor or nurse; learn about Allied Health Careers.

-- Great library resources that may be worth a subscription: National Geographic, Career World by Scholastic; entrepreneur magazines, college career services sites, read the business section of the local newspaper – learn about local businesses and professional promotions.

-- Spend time learning about the business side of your favorite entertainer, performer or athlete; many have made public commitment to social responsibility issues by forming foundations, offer scholarships and enrichment camps.

Ð Think in terms of what material stuff you want as an adult: how you plan to prepare to own it; now image how you might be able to afford and maintain.

Ð Thing about the quality of life you want as an adult, what freedoms, recognition, rewards and prestige.

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PLAY ON - Let kids be kids!

Play is different for today's kids due to safety issues, computers and electronic games popularity and the access and availability of home movies and cable television. Kids play differently and many play alone, but developing imagination, feeling of self-worth and ability to relate to the world must be fostered. Parents as must as teachers understand the significance of play in children learning, self- and emotional development. An insight and descriptive on-line article The Importance of Play by Patricia M. Mikelson: granddaughter of the founders of Highlights for Children magazine; proclaims "Play is a vital as love, food, care and hope."

…Play is multifaceted: develops personalities, unlocks creativity, interpret the world, brain food, and provide interaction for parent-child bonding. Within the article, Dr. Edgar Klugman, one of the foremost experts in play, identifies the four categories of play: functional play, constructive play, pretend play and games and rules play, gives examples of age appropriate learning activities. To view the full article visit http://www.sedsofknowledge.com/play.html

TTHE BENEFITS OF GAME AND RULES PLAY: Board Games

Computers and electronic games engage kids in play and imagination, but many of those games can be played alone without benefit of interaction, feedback or development of social skills. Although to give credit, electronic gaming does develop hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity. Enter the 'reinvent of family board game night' and bringing games into after school programs and everyday kid play. The benefits games have long lasting impact on learning, self-esteem and critical thinking skills that make not be provided by electronic or solitaire learning. Some of the benefits of board games are

• turn taking
• visualizing by planning next play
• quick thinking and brainstorming
• praise and acknowledgement
• giving and receiving encouragement
• giving and receiving criticism
• safe risk-taking
• developing memory and creativity
• learning to follow rules of play
• reading, counting and verbal skills
• practice working independently and in a team
• sense of accomplishment and achievement
• decision-making skills

As the cold season approaches and spending funds are limited, create family traditions and family competitions. Let's vision big and take board games to our houses of faith as an alternative to keeping youth off the streets and providing constructive outlets to burning energy and fueling creativity. Suggested games Remember games should be age and ability appropriate! Two interesting online articles hailing the benefits of board games are Board Games at http://www.oxfordlearning.com/letstalk/2007/oct/18/board-games/

Also, read Learning and How Board Games Can Help Your Children at http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/83836/how_board_games_can_help_your_children.html?page=2&cat=4

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HERE WE'RE GROWING IN 2009!

Recommended readings!

• Radical Careering - 100 truths to jumpstart your job, your career and your life by Sally Hogshead.
• The Teen Girl's Gotta-Have-It-Guide to money by Jessica Blatt with Variny Paladino

2009...Beginning January 2009, we will host an online-career related book club, where participants can share their thoughts and relevant experience, and raise questions. If technology works in our favor, we will be up and running the third Thursday of each month...stay tuned!

January 15 - Topic: the art of networking from a sales perspective. "Connecting is all about your friendliness, your ability to engage, and your willingness to give value first. When you combine those three attributes, you will have uncovered the secret of powerful connections that lead to RIH relationships," quotes Jeffrey Gitomer, author of Little Black Book of Connections, 6.5 Assets for Networking Your Way to RICH Relationships. The end of each chapter offers nuggets of information on-line at http://www.gitomer.com/

February 19 - Topic: choosing public service careers. By this date, the outcomes of an exciting presidential and legislative election season will be done. Let's discuss a book hot off the press, touted as "a remarkable look at contemporary politics and an essential foundation for understanding the future of American democracy," in an editorial review by amazon.com. Fueled not by protest for change as their parents but through access to education and choice; The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama by Gwen Ifill, examines four young African Americans who chose public service to fuel change. View the promotional trailer at http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Politics-Race-Age-Obama/dp/038552501X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1226083559&sr=1-1

March 19 – Open to suggestions…please share your thoughts on suggested books, topics or dvds relevant to career education/workforce preparedness via email

[Please note: Topics subject to change with short notice.]

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