Julie Gets a Byline

From Today's Warsaw Times-Union. Woo-hoo---way to go, Julie! Front page, no less!!


Seminar Gives Advice To Local Job Seekers

By Julia Whitacre
For the Times-Union

Steve Carlson, director of career services at Grace College, led a seminar Tuesday evening at the Warsaw Community Public Library for about 25 area residents.

The seminar covered resumes, applications and job searching.

The seminar helped attendees assess the present job-hiring state, understand what employers are looking for, and learn what to include in resumés and cover letters.

Carlson stressed the importance of understanding the job-hiring climate from an employer's perspective. Employers can afford to be choosy, he said, because there are more applicants for every position.

"Be ready to go the extra mile," he said, and be assertive in the searching process.

In order to stand out, Carlson said, people looking for a job must demonstrate a desire to work, not just earn a paycheck. He encouraged people to do research and show genuine interest in the company to which they apply. Employers are looking for people who demonstrate professionalism and who will make life easier and more productive, he said.

"Your resumé has to be able to hold their attention," Carlson said.

The two tests a resumé must pass are content and presentation. He instructed applicants to include their knowledge, strengths and skills, and achievements on their resumés.

A cover letter should accompany a resumé when presented to an employer. Whether in print or e-mail, a cover letter should follow the same format: a three-paragraph organization describing why the applicant is writing, what his or her top five selling points are, and a request for an interview. Carlson encouraged applicants to take initiative in the job searching process and recommended that applicants follow-up with the employer and check on the status of the application.

Marlene Leichty, Warsaw resident and native of Switzerland, found the seminar helpful in understanding cultural differences in job searching, she said. In Switzerland, a former employer always provided a letter explaining the strengths of an applicant. In America, applicants need to present their own strengths in a cover letter.

Garth Hursey, Kosciusko County resident, has been unemployed for a week.

"I just learned about (the seminar) this morning," he said. He attended Tuesday evening's seminar to help in his job search.

Nick Kaufman, Warsaw, has been laid off from his job in the RV industry since Dec. 12. He expects to return to his job Feb. 16, but is using this time to update his resumé.

The U.S. has faced 11 recessions since the end of WWII, but "this is not the highest national unemployment rate," Carlson said. However, as citizens face difficult economic prospects, he encouraged job seekers to meet immediate needs. "Don't be afraid to take a part-time job for a while," he said.

In the meantime, people should position themselves for the future and to use this time to acquire new skills. "The job market will pick up again," Carlson said. "We will come out of this."

Carlson recommended job-seekers look on the Web at www.simplyhired.com for job opportunities. He will return to the library Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. to talk about job interviews. The meeting is free and open to the public.

The library also will offer basic computer courses Feb. 11, 18 and 25 from 1 to 3 p.m. Individuals who interested are required to register at the library's adult reference desk or online at www.warsawlibrary.org