What Employers Want You To Know

Written by Michelle Deller on Tuesday, June 18, 2013 18:46.

Lancaster: Recently, the PA CareerLink had a great opportunity to meet with employer human resources representatives who are members of the Lancaster County Association for Human Resource Management for a forum on hiring practices in Lancaster County. They provided some valuable insight into the hiring world and we would like to share a few of the morsels with you.

What qualities are you looking for in an employee?

- Appearance - They expressed the importance of potential employees presenting themselves well.
- Communication - Employers are looking for employees that ask questions, interact with customers and fellow employees in a positive way, and express themselves well. Be prepared in an interview setting to give examples of how you do this (or have done this) at your job.
- Work - Being able to handle the basic functions of the job is important. They also want someone that has a good work ethic and is flexible to meet the demands of the job.

2. What are essential parts of a résumé?

- Summary - Employers want to see a summary of your skills at the top of the résumé. The summary should relate to the functions of the job you are applying for, meaning if the employer has specific criteria listed in the job description your résumé should address those skills.
- Work History - Use the dates of your employment, even if there are gaps. Us the cover letter to explain any significant gaps in your employment. Also describe previous work with accomplishments and specific tasks you performed on the job. Using resources like O-Net can give you an outline for describing your previous tasks, but should not be copied verbatim.
- Contact Information - Include our contact information on your résumé and be sure that email addresses are professional.

3. What should candidates know for an interview?

- Skills - Conveying how your skills will help the employer meet goals and improve their bottom line is paramount in an interview.
- Research - Know something about the company so you can tailor your questions accordingly. Also be ready to relate your past experience to the job requirements.
- Thank you - Be prepared to follow up with a thank you note to everyone involved in the interview.
- Behavior-based questions - Be prepared to answer this type of questions during your interview.
  - Why did you apply for this job?
  - Tell me about a difficult (job related situation) that you handled.
  - Tell me about a time you missed a deadline.
  - What have you done in your job that would be above and beyond (perhaps something that isn't in your job description)?

We hope these tips are helpful in landing your next job!

Ten Lancaster County Residents Graduate from Construction 101

Written by Scott Sheely on Friday, May 31, 2013 18:40.

Lancaster: On Wednesday, May 29, 2013, ten Lancaster residents graduated from Construction 101, a pre-apprenticeship program for careers in the construction industry that is co-sponsored by the Lancaster County Workforce Investment Board and Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology in partnership with Lancaster County Adult Probation and Parole Services and the PA CareerLink of Lancaster County at a ceremony held at Stevens College. See the video of graduation by clicking here. Click here for more pictures.

Those graduating included Derek Bailey, David Marley, Courtney Reisinger, Frederick Thomas, Richard Wasson, Michael Burdick, Geovanie Redman, David Sourbeer, Hector Vargas-Gonzalez, and Bobby Wright.

In this class, David Sourbeer received honors for having the Highest Grade Point Average with Michael McKinney and David Sourbeer as Most Improved Students. Richard Wasson was also selected as Most Outstanding with Richard Wasson and Bobby Wright as Honorable Mention for Highest GPA. Derek Bailey, David Sourbeer, Richard Wasson, Michael Burdick, and Hector Vargas-Gonzalez were recognized for their Perfect Attendance.

Participants completed a six-week, 240 hour program of classroom instruction and on-the-job training that qualifies them to work in the construction industry and that provides a curriculum which is at the introductory core of the apprenticeship programs for carpenters, electricians, masons, plumbers, HVAC, and other construction careers. Coursework includes safety, hand and power tools, construction math, and other topics.

Where Do I Start?

Written by Michelle Deller on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 16:17.

Lancaster: There is a fly stuck in my office. It's not your average fly; this is what some refer to as a horse fly. For a long time it was banging against my window in an effort to escape, I guess. Now it's stuck in the light fixture, buzzing periodically to let me know it's still alive. If I could give it directions to the front door, or even lead it by a wing to the outdoors, I would. Fly

The trapped fly got me thinking about just how large this building is and how easy it is to get lost in the corridors (or my office in the case of the fly). Coming to the PA CareerLink for the first time can be intimidating and overwhelming. So allow me to outline a few things you should know before entering the PA CareerLink.

The Career Resource Room serves several functions: a computer lab for job searching, direct phone lines to the unemployment compensation office, and access to CareerLink Specialists.
The Career Planning Seminar is a workshop held two times per week and serves as the entry point for other services at the PA CareerLink. Interested in Occupational Skills Trainings or an intensive Job Search Program? Start with the Career Planning Seminar and sign-up to meet with a Re-Employment Career Coach to begin the path to training and job search.
There are several workshops available for anyone to attend to prepare for a job search. Putting together a résumé is outlined in the Résumé Workshop, complete with templates and lots of reference guides. Is your job search leading you to jobs that require applications? We have a 1.5 hour workshop dedicated to giving you tips for completing applications and preparing for the anticipated interview.

So, to avoid buzzing around this huge building like a frustrated fly without direction, see the complete list of workshops. For additional information about the services provide at the PA CareerLink explore www.jobs4lancaster.com or visit a CareerLink Specialist in the Career Resource Room.

Changes Coming to the GED

Written by Michelle Deller on Monday, May 13, 2013 19:58.

Lancaster: In Lancaster County there are an estimated 35,000* individuals between 25 – 64 years old that do not have a high school diploma. Those individuals face a significant challenge gaining employment considering the job market has increasingly demanded workers have a high school diploma or Certificate of High School Equivalency (obtained by passing Graduate Educational Development tests).

Sheldon Esch, Business Services Representative, estimates that over 90% of jobs posted on JobGateway, the state's labor exchange website, require at least a high school diploma/GED.

The Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13 is a partner at the PA CareerLink providing GED testing, among other remedial services in reading and math. Since the IU13 began proctoring the GED test individuals were given a pencil and paper test in five subject areas to receive certification. However, this process is undergoing some significant changes in 2014. Here are a few of the outlined changes:

Anyone that has completed one or more GED tests must complete ALL five tests by December 2013. Those not completing the tests prior to December 2013 are required to start the new process beginning in 2014 (no individual subject test scores will carry over to 2014). This applies to 1,800 individuals in Lancaster County.
All GED tests starting January 1, 2014 will be Computer Based Testing.
The 2014 GED test will consist of 4 subtests: Math (45% quantitative, 55% algebraic), Literacy (reading and writing), Science (40% life science, 40% physical science, 20% earth and space science), and Social Studies.
The 2014 GED test will score two achievement levels, with the highest range being recognized as career and college ready.

There are six months left in the year for individuals to complete their GED using the current paper and pencil method, so we encourage anyone that has started the GED process to finish before December 2013. Attaining a GED is the first step in the road to a good job and developing a career path.

For more information about GED requirements and how to begin the process, please contact 717.606.1364 or visit the IU13 at the PA CareerLink.

*Source: http://factfinder2.census.gov