E&ES https://www.eesforjobs.com Fri, 02 Feb 2024 15:48:34 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.2 E&ES and Chicago’s future https://www.eesforjobs.com/ees-and-chicagos-future/ https://www.eesforjobs.com/ees-and-chicagos-future/#respond Thu, 01 Feb 2024 22:01:24 +0000 https://www.eesforjobs.com/?p=7833

E&ES provides essential Workforce Development and Human Service programs to foster a safer, stronger, and successful Chicago. Funded through public partners, we serve those most in need delivering quality services equitably.

We are adept stewards of public resources and transparent in our mission to cultivate a skilled workforce and advance the economic foundation for our communities.

Those served are majority BIPOC and have historically been overlooked in the success of Chicago, but through the influential services of E&ES embedded in at-risk neighborhoods lives are being transformed.

The commitment to serve customers and local business partners creates a dynamic catalyst for secure employment – especially for Chicago’s youth as they enter the workforce.

Since 1983 E&ES has helped place hundreds of thousands in good, quality jobs and assisted thousands of local businesses find talented new team members

From our first days, E&ES has been…

  • Firm advocates and a living witness to racial, gender, and economic equality.
  • Our talented staff and program resources are anchored within underserved and underrepresented communities.
  • We are proud of our diversity among leadership, management, and our service delivery staff.
  • And committed to an economy and society that works for everyone – that is fair, equitable, and balanced.
  • Our Mission & Vision are at the center of this – we are a ministry of hope and an organization of action for economic security and opportunity.

E&ES Provides essential Workforce Development and Human Services through a wide array of programs serving Chicago and surrounding communities

  • Providing comprehensive wrap-around support focused workforce development and human services through Family and Career Coaches, Clinicians, and Housing Specialists
  • Serving Chicago’s west and southsides and suburban Cook County offering access to programs through American Job Centers at The King Center and Daley College, and Chicago Department of Family & Support Services and the Chicago Housing Authority at Trumbull Park and Wentworth Gardens locations

Dominique is a young Chicago Housing Authority resident hard at work and eager to improve her career options. She enjoys working in security, but without additional certification she was stuck in low-paying jobs and an uncertain future. “It was time for a change,” Dominique offers. And Dominique found the support she needed by connecting with an E&ES Coach serving in the CHA Employment Placement Services program.

“Together with my Coach, we explored my options in other careers, updated my resume, and practiced interviewing to build my confidence,” she adds. Dominique interviewed for several new jobs, worked hand-in-hand with the E&ES team to find better opportunities, and was able to meet new potential employers through E&ES job fairs.

“At one of those job fairs my Coach introduced me to a great security company and they interviewed me on the spot,” Dominique reports, “and they made it possible for me to obtain the certification I needed, and I was offered a position as a supervisor.” Today, she is finishing her training and her new employer says she’s excelling in her new role.

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Chicago’s Workers Find Success Through E&ES https://www.eesforjobs.com/chicagos-workers-find-success-through-ees/ https://www.eesforjobs.com/chicagos-workers-find-success-through-ees/#respond Thu, 01 Feb 2024 21:57:54 +0000 https://www.eesforjobs.com/?p=7821

Like so many, William was unemployed as a result of the pandemic and needed to find a new career with a future.

Dislocated workers across Cook County face today’s changing job market – uncertain where to turn, and this is why the WIOA program and an E&ES Career Coach are so important. Enrolling in the WIOA program at the West Suburban Cook County American Job Center, William worked one-on-one

with an E&ES Career Coach and discovered opportunities and supportive services to build a new career in the HVAC field.

“It wasn’t easy,” William said, “but my Career Coach was there for me.”

He took advantage of the resources of the American Job Center, job search, resume and interview prep, job search assistance with his Career Coach, and began pursuing his new career path receiving an Individual

William (center) with two of his employees
on-the-job

Training Account (ITA) grant. “As I studied, I discovered a passion for new green technologies, and this led me to an even better future as I started my very own business.” William continued to work with his Career Coach and soon found success focusing on emerging technologies and energy efficiency working with homeowners and local businesses as a Nicor/ComEd certified weatherization provider.

Today, William is a small business owner in a growing field and enjoys hiring others searching for a new career path like he was. “I went from unemployed to an employer myself,” he says proudly, “thanks to the help of my Career Coach and the WIOA program.”

Over the course of the Program Year 2022, E&ES led American Job Centers in LWIA 7 have shown strong success across all metrics – serving Chicago and Cook County’s need for customer-focused workforce development.

Our AJC teams have embodied our Vision Statement: We are a catalyst for equitable access to opportunities and resources that empower individuals, families, and communities to achieve their dreams.

And our close collaborative, working partnership with The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership makes these successes and impact possible.

What Success Looks Like Today

Monica found herself laid-off, months behind on her rent, her savings exhausted along with cashing in her modest retirement account, and unable to find new work. COVID started the dominos falling for her, and even with a strong work history in higher education and a hard-earned MBA, Monica need new training, “and a boost in my confidence,” she adds, to overcome two years of unemployment.

And she found what she needed when she began her intake at the DFSS Service Center at Garfield Community Service Center to enroll in the DFSS EPP CDBG Workforce Program.

The Career Navigator assured Monica that the E&ES team could help provide the training and new confidence she would need in today’s changing employment market. She took the Career Profiler and discovered her career passions and interests – an important early confirmation she was now on the right path. Next, she attended the E&ES two-day professional employment workshops addressing interviewing, resume development, and financial capability.

“I worked closely with my E&ES Career Navigator,” Monica recounts, “and began receiving weekly Hot Jobs eblasts with encouraging employment opportunities.” These emails include federal, state, local, and CTA positions (this caught Monica’s attention). And the additional support of our Business Account Executives gave her access to hiring events and jobs fairs near her.

Working persistently with her Career Navigator, Monica took the CTA exam for an administrative position – and passed. Just days later she interviewed with CTA and received
an offer she quickly accepted as a Coordinator of Office Administration and is earning $67,475 annually.
“I found what I needed with this program,” Monica adds.

E&ES for Business in Chicago and Surrounding Counties

E&ES On-the-Job Training available through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) gives your business access to reimbursement of wages while you train your new hires.

As a leading workforce development provider in Chicagoland, Employment & Employer Services (E&ES) serves at the heart of today’s uncertain jobs market and is dedicated to providing data-driven workforce solutions that work for job seekers and businesses.

Excellence in workforce development delivery means better customer-focused service that is driven by real-world conditions that impact lives and our communities.

To learn more about how you can apply for an OJT opportunity, talk to a Career Coach today.

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Get a Career Coach to Power Your Career Development https://www.eesforjobs.com/get-a-career-coach-to-power-your-career-development/ https://www.eesforjobs.com/get-a-career-coach-to-power-your-career-development/#respond Fri, 08 Dec 2023 14:18:53 +0000 https://www.eesforjobs.com/?p=7610

If anyone has ever told you that it’s not what you know, it’s who you know to launch a great career, I’m here to tell you – it’s true. You need to know a knowledgeable professional who can give you access to resources and help guide your career. You need someone who has the right connections and is personally invested in your success.

You need a Career Coach.

What Can a Career Coach Do For You?

A Career Coach (CC) can play a crucial role in helping you navigate and develop your career. They are professionals and, to some, mentors who can help people identify their strengths, skills, and long-term career goals.

A CC will most often have a background in social work, education, criminal justice, or business development. They use their expertise to provide personalized guidance and job search support.

How it works is that they will evaluate your skills, interests, and experiences to help you create a road map for professional growth.

You will reach your career goals sooner with a career coach-developed approach to standing out in the job market. Through job readiness training (JRT), you will practice networking in person at job fairs and hiring events and online through professional networking sites like LinkedIn. You will gain tips and insights into job interview best practices and learn how to deliver a memorable elevator pitch.

What Is Career Development?

Now that you know what a Career Coach can do for you, it’s easy to see how they are an essential part of career development. Career development is a lifelong process of managing how you learn, work, and achieve your personal and professional goals. It involves combining your knowledge and skills with your interests and passions to make a name for yourself professionally.

Career development requires self-reflection and exploration to identify your strengths and weaknesses, establish goals, and create action plans to continue to grow professionally.

Part of the journey includes self-assessment, setting new goals, gaining new skills, and adapting to the changing demands of the job market. Your Career Coach can help you create a new plan or gain access to the tools and resources you need to set a current plan into motion.

It’s not just about climbing the corporate ladder; it’s about continuous growth and self-improvement. Here is where you make a name for yourself, professionally.

Even if you are at the top of your game today, a Career Coach can provide strategic guidance and advice to make your next move your best move.

Career Advice: Navigating The Challenges

As you progress in your career, you may face a variety of struggles and unknowns. E&ES’ Career Coaches provide invaluable advice to help you along the way. Here are some of their valuable tips to keep in mind:

Embrace lifelong learning: The job market is always changing and evolving, so acquiring new skills is essential to staying competitive. Continuous learning is a key element of career development.

Network strategically: Building a strong professional network can open a door to new opportunities. Attend industry events, join online communities, and foster meaningful relationships at work and school.

Seek mentorship: A mentor can provide invaluable insights and help you avoid common pitfalls. Find someone who has walked your path or someone who you perceive as two steps above you in success. Then follow their patterns and learn from their mistakes.

Remain adaptable: Be open to change and adapt to evolving job requirements. Flexibility and adaptability are highly valued in today’s workforce.

Set clear goals: Define your career goals and create a plan to achieve them. Having a clear sense of direction will keep you motivated and on track as you work toward success.

Getting Started On Your Career Development Path

As your career progresses, remember there’s more to the journey than the destination. It’s about the learning and growing that happens along the way. Chicago, with its vibrant job market, offers numerous opportunities for those committed to their career development journey.
E&ES American Job Centers have the necessary resources and access to professionals who can help you navigate this path effectively.

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Jumpstart Your Career with The Right Starter Job https://www.eesforjobs.com/jumpstart-your-career-with-the-right-starter-job/ https://www.eesforjobs.com/jumpstart-your-career-with-the-right-starter-job/#respond Fri, 08 Dec 2023 14:14:59 +0000 https://www.eesforjobs.com/?p=7605

You may not realize it, but there is real power and opportunity in working the right starter jobs. A starter job is often considered the “first job,” but it can be any entry-level position that helps you gain the knowledge or qualifications to build your career. It is a position that requires minimal qualifications and offers entry-level experience but can be used to springboard you to new opportunities.

If you’ve been working for a while, it can be tempting to look down on entry-level positions in a new field. However, a starter job can help you build your confidence as you find opportunities to put your transferable skills to use. Showing your strengths while simultaneously learning new ones can put you in a position to excel more quickly in a new field than you did in your previous role.

Keep reading to discover the benefits of working with a Career Coach to get exclusive job leads and resources.

Unlocking your career potential with the right starter jobs

An entry-level position can be a pivotal point in your career path. The right job can help you gain experience, learn new skills, and develop the connections to reach your goals.

Here are some things to consider about an entry-level position:

1. Starter jobs may offer surprising fringe benefits. If you receive a job offer that is below what you expected, consider the fringe benefits that can be gained from it. Looking at all aspects of the new position – from salary and benefits to company culture – will help you get a clearer picture of the role and the exceptional value you would bring to it. This will give you stronger bargaining power. Plus, reduced responsibility, combined with your knowledge and expertise, could lead to incredible career gains.

2. Starter jobs can teach unexpected skills. Don’t dismiss seemingly ‘low-level’ roles; they can often teach valuable lessons in disguise. Even if a position doesn’t directly relate to your skills or background, it can still provide valuable insights into how organizations operate and how different departments interact with each other. It can improve skills you don’t normally use (like switching from social work to sales or vice versa) and give you a new perspective on your field.

3. You’ll have a chance to take on special projects that challenge you and help you stand out. Taking on additional responsibilities in addition to your core duties is an excellent way to hone existing skills while gaining experience in new areas. This also allows employers to see how well you handle extra tasks outside of regular duties, which could propel your career forward faster than expected!

4. The right job can easily turn into a meaningful career. Being open to new roles and new opportunities can quickly translate into a career change for you. You’ll have a chance to gain new perspectives and insights into different aspects of a business. This experience can spark an idea or give you a new mission that becomes a career trajectory. A willingness to try new things can open up a world of possibilities and help you move up in your career.

Unlock hidden opportunities in starter jobs

The uncomfortable truth about entry-level jobs is that they can help you unleash your potential. You can use a starter job to explore a new field or a new aspect of a field you know really well. You can use it to strengthen your soft skills and acquire new ones. On the job, the opportunities for you to shine in a starter role are nearly limitless. The job really is what you make it.

Starter jobs give you time to explore projects, have time for personal growth, or have a better work-life balance.

Going back to our earlier definition, a starter job is an entry-level position that helps you gain the knowledge or qualifications to build your career. That means that even as you learn new skills on the job, your overall responsibilities will be much lower. You may find that you have more free time, which can translate to having the freedom to create your own opportunities.

For example, if you have extra time during your shift to read, you could find out what’s working in your field, both through on-the-job observations and through trade articles, blogs, and social networking platforms like LinkedIn. Being active on LinkedIn is an opportunity to network with people in your field as well as learn about and attend industry events.

It’s not just physical time that you gain from an entry-level position.

There are mental gains in time and space as well! For example, with less pressure from work, you can use the extra time to take a class, pursue a hobby, volunteer, or take on freelance gigs. All of these strategies can help you make the leap to a more advanced position in your field. The possibilities are endless when you have the extra time to do so!

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Job Scams Are Growing. Here’s How To Avoid Them https://www.eesforjobs.com/job-scams-are-growing-heres-how-to-avoid-them/ https://www.eesforjobs.com/job-scams-are-growing-heres-how-to-avoid-them/#respond Fri, 08 Dec 2023 14:13:27 +0000 https://www.eesforjobs.com/?p=7601

You’ve likely heard the news: job scams are on the rise, and many hard-working people looking for good, honest jobs are being ripped off. The problem is that online job searches and the rise of remote work opportunities make it easy for scammers to pose as real employers. These scams can take many forms, from offering false job opportunities to publishing fake websites and blogs.

Scammers have been in overdrive since the pandemic, taking advantage of the new digital landscape in business, employment, and more. So far in 2023, workers have lost $337.8 million to job scammers, with the median loss being around $6,000.

Recognizing An Employment Scam

At E&ES, you can work with a Career Coach to find quality job listings from real employers. You can even get access to hands-on training so that the job you really want becomes more accessible to you. If you’re looking for a job today, here are a few of the most commonly reported job scams and how to avoid them.

Job placement service scams involve fake temp agencies or headhunters charging a fee for access to job listings. Job placement services are free at workforce agencies like E&ES’ American Job Centers.

Mystery Shopper scams, where you are asked to pay for certifications or job listings. Anyone who wants you to pay to get a job is likely a scammer.

A nanny, caregiver, or virtual assistant job scam often involves being contacted by someone in your area who offers you work and sends you a check. They’ll tell you to send the remaining money from the check back after you’ve purchased supplies, only to find out that the check will bounce and you’ll never receive the supplies.

A reshipping scam is when your “job” includes repackaging and reshipping products sent to your home.

Government and postal scam jobs involve a fee for access to government or postal jobs. Information about job openings with the government or at a post office is always free and available to all.

Avoiding An Employment Scam

Research the company before accepting a position. Do a quick online search and see what shows up. Scammers can easily create a website, so look beyond the company’s website. Check customer reviews as well as employer reviews. Do a search for the company plus the words “scam,” “review,” or “complaint” to see what others have to say about their experience.

Research the people who have contacted you. Look closely at contact details, such as email address, LinkedIn profile, or website bios. A business email address will have the company’s URL in the address with no additional numbers or letters. For example, when you receive an email from an E&ES Career Coach or other staff member, the email address will be “john.smith@eesforjobs.com.” You won’t see “john.smith.eesforjobs@gmail.com“, or “john.smith@ees4jobs,” or any other variation of the website’s URL, which is www.eesforjobs.com.

Furthermore, check their LinkedIn profile and the company’s website to verify that they are legitimately connected to the company.

Don’t pay for your job. An honest employer will never send you a check to deposit into your personal account, pay you in gift cards or cashiers’ checks, or ask you to purchase equipment.

Report suspected scams right away. Scammers don’t just steal money from unsuspecting workers; they steal identities. The following places can assist you if you suspect that you have been contacted by a scammer. In many cases, you can report a scam with a legitimate business name directly to the business.

BBB Scam Tracker

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or call 877-FTC-Help.

Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)

Report the scam to the source where the fraud was initially encountered

Facebook

LinkedIn

Indeed

ZipRecruiter – click the “Report Job” link at the bottom of the listing or send an email to trustandsafety@ziprecruiter.com.

Amazon

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Behind the Screens: Unmasking the Rise of Online Job Scams in 2023 https://www.eesforjobs.com/behind-the-screens-unmasking-the-rise-of-online-job-scams-in-2023/ https://www.eesforjobs.com/behind-the-screens-unmasking-the-rise-of-online-job-scams-in-2023/#respond Fri, 08 Dec 2023 14:09:25 +0000 https://www.eesforjobs.com/?p=7597

The holiday season brings joy, but for Jamie, it also sparked a quest for a second job to make the festivities even more special. She was eager to visit family in Virginia and shower her nieces and nephews with gifts, so she embarked on the familiar journey of online job hunting.

Like many, Jamie turned to popular job boards such as Indeed and ZipRecruiter, scrolling through numerous positions to find the perfect fit. She looked for part-time work with a competitive salary, and she made sure to only apply for recently posted positions in order to avoid those dreaded “evergreen” postings. She applied even to roles that didn’t precisely align with her needs. Jamie didn’t want to admit it, but she was beginning to feel more desperate as the time went on. She was counting on the extra income so she could afford to visit family out of state for the holidays and had already started to rationalize with herself: “If not Thanksgiving, then hopefully by Christmas.”

Then, a glimmer of hope appeared in her inbox—an email from a hiring manager offering a remote administrative assistant position. The job seemed tailor-made for her, ticking all the right boxes and promising a great income. Excitement filled Jamie as she prepared for what she believed was a well-deserved break.

But it didn’t take long for her to realize that she was the victim of a job scam. The signs were there from the beginning—the odd communication, the questionable interview process, and a lingering feeling that something was amiss. After lots of questioning, it turned out the company and the job were fake.

While Jamie managed to avoid falling victim to the scam, the experience wasn’t without its toll. The scammers wasted her time and shattered her confidence, leaving her frustrated and disheartened. It’s a tale that many job seekers can relate to—a cautionary reminder of the challenges that can arise in the digital job market.

That’s because Jamie isn’t alone in her experience. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) reports a major increase in the amount of money that job seekers have lost due to employment scams. In 2022, there were 4,402 total reported scams, and in 2023, close to half of those numbers (2,177) were reported in the first three months.

Getting Help From a Career Coach

Going forward, Jamie will work with a Career Coach to help her reach her goals. A Career Coach could’ve helped Jamie avoid wasted time and emotional stress by connecting her with real jobs from real employers in her area. Her ‌coach can be an invaluable resource for helping her avoid scams and find a quality local job.

Career coaches provide personalized guidance and support throughout the job search process, helping people:

  • Update their resume
  • Connect with local businesses
  • Prepare for interviews
  • And network for better opportunities

If you want personalized help finding a real job at no cost to you, contact an E&ES Career Coach today.

Recognizing An Employment Scam

Jamie’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the changes and challenges in the job market today. Scammers have been in overdrive since the pandemic, taking advantage of the new digital landscape in business, employment, and more.

So far in 2023, workers have lost $337.8 million to job scammers, with the median loss being around $6,000. If you’re looking for a job and you don’t have a Career Coach to send you personalized listings, here are some ways to avoid job scam traps:

Research the company before accepting a position. Do a quick online search and see what shows up. Scammers can easily create a website, so look beyond the company’s website. Check customer reviews as well as employer reviews. Do a search for the company plus the words “scam,” “review,” or “complaint” to see what others have to say about their experience.

Research the people who have contacted you. Look closely at contact details, such as email address, LinkedIn profile, or website bios. A business email address will have the company’s URL in the address with no additional numbers or letters. For example, when you receive an email from an E&ES Career Coach or other staff member, the email address will be “john.smith@eesforjobs.com.” You won’t see “john.smith.eesforjobs@gmail.com“, or “john.smith@ees4jobs,” or any other variation of the website’s URL, which is www.eesforjobs.com.

Furthermore, check their LinkedIn profile and the company’s website to verify that they are legitimately connected to the company.

Don’t pay for your job. An honest employer will never send you a check to deposit into your personal account, pay you in gift cards or cashiers’ checks, or ask you to purchase equipment.

Other types of job scams include:

  • Job placement service scams involve fake temp agencies or headhunters charging a fee for access to job listings. Job placement services are free at workforce agencies like E&ES’ American Job Centers.
  • Mystery Shopper scams, where you are asked to pay for a certification or job listings. Anyone who wants you to pay to get a job is likely a scammer.
  • A nanny, caregiver, or virtual assistant job scam often involves being contacted by someone in your area who offers you work and sends you a check. They’ll tell you to send the remaining money from the check back after you’ve purchased supplies, only to find out that the check will bounce and you’ll never receive the supplies.
  • A reshipping scam is when your “job” includes repackaging and reshipping products sent to your home.
  • Government and postal scam jobs involve a fee for access to government or postal jobs. Information about job openings with the government or at a post office is always free and available to all.

Report suspected scams right away. Scammers don’t just steal money from unsuspecting workers; they steal identities. The following places can assist you if you suspect that you have been contacted by a scammer. In many cases, you can report a scam with a legitimate business name directly to the business.

BBB Scam Tracker

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or call 877-FTC-Help.

Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)

Report the scam to the source where the fraud was initially encountered

Facebook

LinkedIn

Indeed

ZipRecruiter – click the “Report Job” link at the bottom of the listing or send an email to trustandsafety@ziprecruiter.com.

Amazon

 
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Here’s How to Find the Best Job Leads in Chicago https://www.eesforjobs.com/heres-how-to-find-the-best-job-leads-in-chicago/ https://www.eesforjobs.com/heres-how-to-find-the-best-job-leads-in-chicago/#respond Fri, 08 Dec 2023 14:05:37 +0000 https://www.eesforjobs.com/?p=7588

Finding the perfect job requires much effort, but there are resources available to make it simpler. If you’ve been relying on online job boards like Indeed, Monster, and Glassdoor to find current openings, it probably didn’t take long to notice that something is missing. Something really important.

That is, these sites don’t offer personalized guidance, local resources, or create relationships with local employers on your behalf. At least, not for free they don’t.

At an E&ES American Job Center (AJC) you can receive job support services at no cost to you. Services like career coaching, job search assistance, and job placement assistance. Our AJCs have exclusive job listings that aren’t posted online because we focus on building relationships with local employers. We work closely with local governments, social services, community agencies, and businesses to host job fairs and hiring events.

Here, you can work with a Career Coach to update your resume, practice interviewing for a job, and get connected with local employers. You can even use an E&ES computer center to research jobs and find local resources like nonprofit agencies and social services to help with other aspects of your personal and professional growth.

We invite you to stop by our locations throughout Chicago to print, copy, or fax documents. The American Job Center’s resources can help you find a great job quickly. Career Coaches are workforce professionals who have done this for a long time.

Let’s talk more about what it means to work with a Career Coach.

The benefits of working with a Career Coach

A Career Coach is a professional who knows the local job market. They can provide career advice to help you find your perfect job.

At E&ES, our Career Coaches have backgrounds in Human Services, Workforce Development, Higher Education, and Business. Working one-on-one with a Career Coach means working with someone who is invested in your professional growth and has the tools and resources to help you succeed.

Your Career Coach will provide more than advice. They will encourage accountability so that you stay focused and motivated during your job search. They will help you identify areas for further development.

Moreover, they will connect you with local employers who are hiring and offering on-the-job training.

E&ES Career Coaches often have access to exclusive job leads that are not available publicly. This is because many employers we work with have graduated from our programs and become managers or owners of their own businesses. We work with those who value the power and opportunity of a starter job!

Working with a Career Coach is the best way to jumpstart your career. They can offer knowledgeable advice tailored for you but also connect you with resources and contacts that could lead to better job opportunities.

Get the best job leads from a Career Coach

E&ES American Job Centers are located throughout Chicagoland. Services are available in person and virtually. When you work with a Career Coach, you’ll get access to the best on-the-job training jobs before anyone else.

We hope that by now you see that the right starter job can jumpstart your career, no matter what stage you’re at. And working with your very own Career Coach can help you unlock that potential.

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Crafting Your Career Development Plan https://www.eesforjobs.com/crafting-your-career-development-plan/ https://www.eesforjobs.com/crafting-your-career-development-plan/#respond Thu, 07 Dec 2023 22:50:30 +0000 https://www.eesforjobs.com/?p=7570

A career development plan is the blueprint for your professional journey. This blog will give you a blueprint for success and suggest resources in your area to help you launch a successful career.

One simple strategy that can guide your journey is the SMART framework. It is a structured approach to achieving goals that involves setting short-term and long-term objectives and outlining the steps required to reach your destination.

SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. We’ll apply this framework to a career development strategy. Let’s break it down:

Specific: Start by being crystal clear about your goals. Avoid vague objectives like “I want to advance in my career.” Instead, define precisely what you want to achieve, such as “I aim to become a senior marketing manager specializing in digital marketing.”

Measurable: Your goals should be measurable so that you can see a clear advancement in your effort over time. Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to track your progress. For example, if your goal is to improve your digital marketing skills, measure it by getting certifications, learning a new skill, or improving a specific metric at work that shows your marketing prowess.

Achievable: Your goals need to be realistic. Assess whether you have the necessary resources, time, and abilities to achieve them. If your goal is to “become a Marketing Director at Google”, but you don’t have experience in the field, your goal may be too ambitious – for now. Try setting a more achievable goal, such as becoming a digital marketing specialist within a year. Or gaining a certain number of digital certifications within a year.

Relevant: Your goals should align with your career aspirations and your skills. “I want to be my own boss” is a relevant goal if you plan to start your own business, but make sure that goal aligns with the rest of your career plans. Be realistic and consider goals that are achievable within the given timeline. This leads us to the use of time management in the next category.

Time-bound: Set deadlines for your goals. This is a great way to help you stay on track. For instance, “I will earn a digital marketing certification within the next 12 months” is clear, specific, and gives you a time frame to complete your goal. Have a plan of action and a timeline for completion so that you stay motivated and productive.

To track your progress, it’s useful to establish milestones along the way. This allows you to celebrate your successes and identify areas for improvement. Break down large goals into smaller milestones that you can track, measure, and readjust as needed.

One more tip…

One of the often-underestimated facets of career development is the role of starter jobs in career development. While these jobs may not offer high salaries, they can serve as invaluable stepping stones to greater career achievements:

Skill Development: A starter job can provide you with the opportunity to gain new skills and experience, which you can draw on in the long run. They serve as a training ground for building competence and confidence.

Networking: Entry-level jobs often require you to work closely with colleagues and superiors. Building strong relationships with those you interact with can lead to unexpected future opportunities.

Industry Knowledge: Starter jobs provide a valuable opportunity to gain insights into the industry, company culture, and market trends. This knowledge is instrumental in making informed career decisions.

An E&ES Career Coach has access to hundreds of job listings in your area – any of which could be a golden opportunity for you to start a new career or make a strategic career change.

Visit a Career Center Near You

In Chicago, you can visit an American Job Center (AJC) for valuable resources and career guidance. The E&ES American Job Centers in Chicago offer career-related support services that are free to you and the business owners who partner with us.

AJCs also partner with educational institutions, non-profit organizations, or government agencies and offer a wide array of services. At an E&ES AJC, you can get career assessments, workshops, help with resume and interview preparation, and strategies for job searching.

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What Is WIOA? https://www.eesforjobs.com/what-is-wioa/ https://www.eesforjobs.com/what-is-wioa/#respond Wed, 29 Nov 2023 14:28:20 +0000 https://www.eesforjobs.com/?p=7536

Uncover the possibilites that await your career with WIOA. Take advantage of this fully funded program at no cost to you.

Career Coaching

To help you update your resume and refresh your skill.

Paid Training

With an employer partner who will hire you to learn on the job.

Direct Job Placement

With an employer partner who will hire you to learn on the job.

Job Training

Grant to gain certifications and licenses for career improvement.

Specialized Services

For veterans, dislocated workers, youth, and economically disadvantaged workers.

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4 Insider Tips That Help You Stand Out During An Interview https://www.eesforjobs.com/4-insider-tips-that-help-you-stand-out-during-an-interview/ https://www.eesforjobs.com/4-insider-tips-that-help-you-stand-out-during-an-interview/#respond Wed, 29 Nov 2023 14:26:50 +0000 https://www.eesforjobs.com/?p=7530

GENERAL PREPARATION

Review the job description: Are you comfortable with all of the responsibilities and competencies? Are you missing qualifications or have transferrable skills?

Prepare for the interview: Understand the technological expectations, interview process, or special instructions. Arrange for childcare or transportation as needed. Plan to be ready for the meeting 20 minutes before it begins.

PERSONAL PREPARATION

Practice Your Message

Elevator Pitch: What specific competencies do you have that translate directly to the role?

Your Why: Why do you want to work for that company (besides pay) and what makes you a good fit?

Mock Interview: Do a mock interview with a friend, peer, or Career Coach.

PRO TECHNIQUES

Tell Me About Yourself: This formula combines your expertise, what you’re most proud of professionally, and your industry experience into a memorable response.

Action/Result: Describe the actions you took to overcome a challenging situation and the outcomes you achieved.

Task Compare: Describe tasks you have been responsible for and how they are similar to the tasks of the new role. Compare how you will solve problems and generate results.

DO’S AND DON’TS

DO

Make A Good First Impression: Be early, dressed professionally, and with copies of your resume.

Test Your Tech: If you’re going virtual, have a strong internet and a neutral background in a quiet space. Check your connection, speaker, and microphone for proper function.

Ask Questions: Remember, you are also interviewing the company to ensure it’s the right fit for you. Ask questions about the work culture, company policies, and opportunities for growth.

DON’T

Be Dishonest: Be upfront about your background and skills. Demonstrate your willingness to learn and grow.

Dwell Or Bad Mouth: If necessary, acknowledge past mistakes and the steps you took to address them. But, don’t dwell on past mistakes or bad-mouth past employers or coworkers.

E&ES IS HERE FOR YOU

Your Career Coach can help you find the right career through personalized guidance and resources. You can get hands-on paid training, direct job placement, transportation assistance, and more.

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