Catholic Community of Pleasanton

Social Justice Newsletter Archive

Selected Article on CCOP Ministries


Resources for the Unemployed

 

CCOP's Employment Connection Ministry

 

Mike Machi, the coordinator for CCOP's Employment Connection Ministry, provided the following information about this ministry.

 

We start our meetings with a short opening prayer asking God to join our meeting today and guide us. Each person then will introduce themselves: name, prior employment, job title, current work status, how long they have been unemployed, where they are in their job search, what's working, what's not working, how can we help you today.

 

Our approach for the rest of the meeting is very informal. Everyone is encouraged to contribute. If you have information, advice, leads, contacts, etc. you share. Those who have been or are unemployed have a great capacity to empathize with another in need. On the other hand, it is not unusual for us to point out where you might be misguided in the process. For instance, working only a couple of hours a day and expecting great results or just responding to job board jobs.

 

Our ministry is blessed to have four active leaders. While not all are present at each meeting each brings a special talent to share as needed. We have an HR professional to help with resumes and share HR insight, an executive to provide top down direction, a sales professional, who himself went through the employment search process, and a recruiter who can share the "how to" details.

 

We meet at St. Elizabeth Seton Church, Room A, Pleasanton, CA - 3:30 PM to 5 PM on the first and third Wednesday of each month. Generally between 4 and 10 people are in attendance. We have people looking for a wide range of work, some looking only for a very specific type of job, while others have broad objectives or a few alternatives. A software engineer or accountant can be very specific about what he/she wants to do, while a administrative clerk or construction worker might be more open. We guide you to be job specific with each employer when applying. If you are too general or open about what you want to do, the employer might have reservations. If you can't identify your own talent, who can? There is also the problem of presenting yourself as desperate. Employers see that as a red flag and possible problem.

 

Generally we turn over our attendance roster every two months. Part of our process is to provide resources for them to continue their search. In today's market about 50% find only temporary or contract work, but keep in mind that positions starting out as temp or contract have a high probability of becoming permanent positions. Also, consulting is a good alternative in today's employment climate. It keeps your skills sharp, gives your morale a lift, looks good on the resume (you're not unemployed), and can lead to permanent employment. Some people consider starting a business, but in today's environment that is quite risky.

 

The Linkedin website (www.linkedin.comhas become a key element in business networking. Our group is "Employment Connections-CCOP" - We post job search tips, and timely information. Anyone can contribute - we encourage you to start a discussion, tell us If you are looking for a job, looking to hire, or know someone who is hiring. It is the ultimate networking tool.

 

Other members of CCOP can help job-seekers by their encouragement, prayers, help with networking, sharing their talent and ideas, posting an open job to our Linkedin website, or letting us know directly.

 

JOB CONNECTIONS

COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

222 W. EL PINTADO, DANVILLE

SATURDAYS   9:00 - 11:30 A.M.

How to Join

 

You must attend a 1/2 hour orientation meeting, which starts promptly at 9 am. In this meeting, you'll learn all about Job Connections and the services we provide. You'll also be asked to introduce yourself at the regular meeting, which you'll join after orientation is finished.

 

Dress code is business casual Friday; jeans are okay.

 

Benefits of Joining

 

Every Saturday, a guest speaker provides tips about the things you need to know in your job search. All our speakers are good, and some are world-famous.

Join our members-only Yahoo and LinkedIn groups. Communicate with other members. See job postings. Ask for contacts at prospective employers or ask questions.

 

Career Transition Process
 

We use a Five Step Approach to help manage job search and/or career transition. Our objective is to help you understand at least one of these phases at every meeting.

 

Phase 1 - Career Self Assessment. This includes: managing the transition, self assessment techniques, maintaining a positive attitude, managing the home front.

 

Phase 2 - Determining Best Career Options. During this phase, you research market segments and career categories, develop a list of career choices, and select your best career options.

 

Phase 3 - Detailed Planning. In this phase, you learn successful methods for winning jobs, build a list of contacts and references, develop a "job kit" for a specific job, and develop a marketing

 

Phase 4 - Job Search. This phase includes searching for the job, winning an interview appointment, interviewing and being selected, and negotiating a compensation package.

 

Phase 5 - Excelling at Your Job. Performing your job with dedication and a positive attitude, accountability to Job Connections, being Christ's agent in the workplace.

 

Website: www.jobconnections.org.

 

 

Tri-Valley One-Stop Career Center

 

TriValley One Stop - EastBay Works: A community resource center that offers resources and services in support of employers and all job seekers at no cost.

 

5020 Franklin Dr.
Pleasanton CA 94588
Tel. 925.485.5262
 
Website: http://www.laspositascollege.edu/employmentcenter/onestop.php

 

This is a satellite office of the Employment Development Department. It is equiped with computers and internet, printer, FAX machines, and technical equipment to put the job seeker in touch with employers. It offers workshops on resume writing, interview techniques, the older worker, and a recent new workshop for women job seekers. There is a job board with notice of current jobs so that currently unemployed people can get informed on current jobs available. And it offers job counseling though the staff there.