Some of the partners of Iowa
Workforce Development Specialize in working with youth.
Job Corps:
The nation's largest and most comprehensive
residential education and job training program for at-risk youth,
ages 16 through 24. Job Corps is a public-private partnership,
administered by the U.S. Department of Labor. For more information call
(515) 281-9693.
BEC:
The Business and Education Center, or BEC, is a partnership of
education, government and private sector organizations who believe that
preparing the future workforce is more about the synergy of a good
partnership than it is about individual success.
Career
Exploration
Whether you are a traditional or non-traditional student or just
thinking of a career change, deciding on a career can be difficult. You
are not alone. There are many tools and resources that can help you
make an informed choice. While we have provided some tools below, you
may also want to visit with a school counselor or visit your school or
local library.
What do I like to do? What can I
learn easily? Can I use the skills I have?
Interest, aptitude and other assessments can help measure your
interest, ability and other traits that may affect your success in
certain activities and careers.
Where are the jobs? What will I
earn?
Nothing is more frustrating than selecting a career and then not
being able to find employment in your field. A little research before
starting using Labor Market Information for cities, counties and regions of Iowa
will maximize
your chance of selecting a career with increasing job opportunities. It
is also important to consider where you want to live when conducting
this research as job outlook, earnings, and cost-of-living varies by
location.
Applications
There are many reasons why you may be asked to complete an
application. It is important to remember that
a résumé does not replace an application.
Here are some things to keep in mind when completing job
applications.
-
Follow directions. This
is one of the main reasons you will be asked to complete an
application, to see if you can follow directions.
-
Be neat. Your
qualifications won't count if they can't be read. In addition, your
handwriting may be important on the job.
-
Be complete. Your résumé
does not (and should not) include all of the information you will be
asked for on an application. Your résumé style affects the content
and presentation of your work history as well.
-
Keep a portfolio. Over
the years it becomes increasingly difficult to remember details
required for a complete application. Dates, wages, and supervisor's
names are just a few of the items you will need. Also include any
training and accomplishments on the job to include on future
applications and résumés.
-
Attach a résumé. No
matter what your experience level, you should attach a résumé to all
applications. This provides you the opportunity to highlight your
most impressive qualifications.
-
America's
CareerInfoNet - Links to various job search aids on the
Internet.
Résumés
There are many styles of résumés. The
style you use depends on your work history and qualifications for the
job. Two of the most common styles are
Chronological and Functional.
A chronological résumé outlines your work history starting with the
most recent and working backward. This is the most common résumé
style. A functional résumé outlines your work history based on the
function you performed. This works especially well if you have a lot of
similar experience with several different companies.
-
ResumeMaker - View
a sample résumé or type a résumé. ResumeMaker software is
available through all Region 11 Workforce Development Partnership
offices.
-
America's
CareerInfoNet - Links to various job search aids on the
Internet.
-
America's Job Bank - Post your résumé online.
Interviews
It is not always the most qualified person
that gets the job but the one that interviews the best. Interviewers
are looking at more than just your qualifications during an interview.
They have a number of "unasked" questions.
-
I wonder if this is an
industrious person?
-
Does this person have initiative?
-
Does this person have the
capacity to learn?
-
Does this person have common
sense?
-
How will this person fit in with
our current employees?
-
Is this person enthusiastic?
-
Will this person be a good team
worker?
Your verbal and nonverbal
communication during the interview often provide the answers to these
questions. Remember, first impressions count. Here are a few other
tips for a positive interview experience.
-
Research the company.
This indicates initiative and enthusiasm and will help you determine
which qualifications to highlight.
-
Review your answers.
While you cannot predict every question, there are many common
questions. Determine your answers for these questions and it will
be easier to deal with the other questions you will be asked.
-
Dress appropriately.
Remember, if hired, you represent the company to everyone you meet.
If needed, drive by the business just before or after closing to
determine appropriate dress. You should dress one step above what
you would wear on the job.
-
America's
CareerInfoNet - Links to various job search aids on the
Internet.
