Northeast Minnesota Office of Job Training

 

 The Connection   

 

Your trusted source for the latest job search and employment information.

 

March 2016
In This Issue

 Quick Links

  
  
  

  
  
  
  
  
Tax Help

 

Community Action Duluth Free Tax Help

 

Serving families and individuals with household income up to $54,000

 

Click on the logo for information on locations, dates and times.

 

 


Community action has made myfreetaxes.com available again this year. You can do your federal, state, and property taxes for free if household income is less than $62,000. You can fill out your taxes on this site from any computer, home or library. 

  
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Youth and
Dislocated Worker
Programs
  
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If you are a student in high school that is looking for some career guidance,  click here
 
  
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If you have lost your job due to company downsizing, buyouts or layoffs, your top priority is finding a new job. But what kind of job do you look for if your skills are outdated and no longer needed? If you are interested in pursuing a different occupation or are unsure what the next step in your career path might be, trained career counselors at the Office of Job Training can work with you to develop a plan. For more information click here.
 
  
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They're Just Around the Corner!! 
 
 
 
 Iron Range Job Fair
            Iron Range Job Fair

            Friday, March 18, 2016

                  10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

             Miner's Memorial Building

                    821 South 9th Ave.

                         Virginia, MN

 

Connecting 50+ businesses with 1000+ job seekers annually since 1998

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Northland Job Fair!

 

 

Tuesday, April 5th, 2016

10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center Pioneer Hall

350 Harbor Drive

Duluth, MN

 

For a list of employers attending, workshops,

map and directions, etc., click here!

 

Employers from northern Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin will have displays and details about open and future opportunities. Job seekers can visit one-on-one with resume and job search experts, learn about education opportunities, network with employers and possibly interview for positions on site.  

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Make Conversations Count at a
Career Fair
October 14, 2015 National Career Fairs
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Career Fairs provide the opportunity to connect face-to-face with recruiters who make hiring decisions and can help you network for other positions within a company. A bit of preparation for your recruiter conversations will help you maximize your time, feel confident, and make a good impression at the event.

Preparation
Your preparation for the career fair will also help you in any situation related to your job search from a casual meeting that turns to talk of looking for a job to an interview.

  • Research the companies. By doing so you'll know what business the company is in and a bit about the culture and current events. By knowing more about the company you'll be able to communicate in a clear and knowledgeable fashion and present yourself in a way that relates to the needs of the company.
  • Practice introducing yourself with family or friends to get your handshake and delivery to its best point. Smile, look the recruiter in the eye, shake hands and say "Hello my name is Jamie Smith and I am very interested in learning more about your open positions." Update and review your resume - you want an error-free document that highlights your skills and experiences in a broad manner that can apply to many positions.
  • Jot down questions you plan to ask and review them the night before the event.
  • Think of questions you may be asked and what your answers will be. For example, "Why would you like to work at ABC Company?" or "How does your experience relate to sales management at XYZ Industries?" or "Tell me a bit about your background and experience."
  • Prepare a 30 second marketing pitch about yourself and when the recruiter asks about your qualifications you'll be able to answer in a confident, self-assured manner.

Communication Tips
  • Speak clearly and do not interrupt
  • Ask open-ended questions that help you gather information - "What types of positions in addition to sales do you typically recruit for?" "What type of background and experience do you find to be most successful in the management training program?"
  • Stay focused on the topics of the company, open jobs, and your potential fit.
  • Once you answer a question give the employer time to reflect on what you said and to follow up with another question or statement.
  • Don't be hesitant to talk to an employer just because the booth is next to a recruiter with whom you've just spoken - this is expected at a Career Fair. Professional recruiters expect you to get as much out of the fair as you can and by doing so; you need to meet with as many people as possible.

Closing Your Conversation
You've shown the recruiters that you're serious about finding a new career. You dressed professionally for the event, prepared your questions, and you were enthusiastic and polite. Remember that there are many people at the event, so you need to be sensitive to the time spent with each recruiter. Once you've delivered your message, answered questions, and established your interest in the position it is time to thank the recruiter, get a business card and state that you will follow up.

For the positions where you have genuine interest and saw a fit with your skills and experience send a follow up email to the recruiter saying that you enjoyed meeting them and learning more about their company and would like the opportunity to move the process forward. If there were companies that did not have a job that was right for you but you have interest in other positions in the company you can follow up and ask the recruiter for another contact in the organization.

Every Meeting is an Opportunity
Each event is an opportunity to make connections: for an open job, to another recruiter in the company that handles your area of expertise, or even with other people attending the event. You've made the effort to get out there, so make the most of each meeting and it may become your next career.


Northeast Minnesota Office of Job Training