by cjxpadmin | Mar 12, 2013 | Job Club, Job Club Heart of Texas
Campusjobxpress.com was experiencing a system malfunction this morning. We apologize for the delay of this week’s discussion. Enjoy!
We all know how important an interview is when seeking a job. This is our key to employment, our time to shine. An interview is our moment to answer all the questions appropriately, whether or not the question is, in fact, appropriate. It is important to know what questions are appropriate and inappropriate for an interviewer to ask you, but it is more important to answer these questions without offending the employer. The following are several questions under different topics.
Which questions do you feel are appropriate or inappropriate? How would you respond to an inappropriate question?
The correct answers will be posted in the magazine article: “Can You Ask Me That?”
Age:
1. Are you over the minimum age for the hours or working conditions?
2. What year were you born?
3. When did you graduate from high school?
Citizenship:
1. Are you a citizen of the US?
2. If you are not a US citizen, do you have the legal right to remain permanently in the US?
3. Are you, your parents or your spouse naturalized or native-born US citizens?
Criminal Record:
1. Have you ever been arrested?
2. Have you ever been convicted of a crime?
3. Have you ever spent a night in jail?
Disability:
1. Do you have any disabilities?
2. Can you perform the specific duties of the job?
3. How does your condition affect your abilities?
Family:
1. What kind of childcare arrangements have you made?
2. Is there any reason you can’t start at 7:30AM?
3. How will your spouse feel about the amount of time you will be traveling if you get this job?
Marital Status:
1. Are you married, divorced, separated, etc?
2. Is this your maiden name or married name?
Military:
1. Describe the relevant work experience that you acquired from a US armed forces as it relates to this position.
2. What is your experience in other than US armed forces?
National Origin:
1. Where were you born?
2. What languages do you speak, read or write fluently?
Parental Status:
1. How many kids do you have?
2. Are you pregnant?
3. Do you plan to have any children?
Race or Skin Color:
1. What race are you?
2. Are you a member of a minority group?
Residence:
1. Will you be able to start work at 8:00AM?
2. Do you live in town?
Sex:
1. Do you wish to be addressed as Mr., Mrs., Miss, or Ms.?
2. What are your plans to have children in the future?
– – ATTENTION – –
HIRING EVENTS LISTED BELOW:
March 19, 2013
Local Employer Hiring Event Waco WFC:
RM 141 9:00am-2:00pm
Job Posting: Bus Driver #4912260, Diesel Mechanic #3144802, Maintenance Shop Supervisor #2683650
March 20, 2013
Local Employer Hiring Event Waco WFC:
RM 141 9:00am-2:00pm
Job Posting: Bus Driver #4912260, Diesel Mechanic #3144802, Maintenance Shop Supervisor #2683650
March 20, 2013
Local Employer Hiring Event Waco WFC:
RM 130/119 9:00am-12:00pm
Job Posting: Telephone Verification Operator # 6882274
March 20, 2013
Local Staffing Company Hiring Event Waco WFC:
RM 129 1:00PM-4:00PM
Job Posting: Warehouse Associate/Forklift Operator #6235082, Warehouse S&R Associate # 3168835
March 21, 2013
Local Staffing Company Hiring Event Waco WFC:
RM 130 1:00PM-4:00PM
Job Posting: Warehouse Associate/Forklift Operator #6235082, Warehouse S&R Associate # 3168835
by cjxpadmin | Mar 6, 2013 | Job Club Heart of Texas, Job Search
Most people are looking for work because they are in need of money. Many people look for a job because they want to explore new experiences and find themselves. Some people look for a certain type of job because its fashionable (i.e. interior decorating. photography, etc.)
Reality is that an individual needs to look for a job that fits their individual personality, their family’s needs and one that suits their skill level. Money should be the last thing on your list.
Money is simply a pacifier, it can only get you so far. As human beings, our work should mean more than a paycheck. We should feel successful and confident in our choice. So tell us, what kind of job are you looking for? Any specifics? Why do you feel like this job will suit you?
– – ANNOUNCEMENTS – –
Hiring Event 3-6-13
HOT Workforce Center - Room 130
10AM-4PM
Positions include Insurance Agents and Regional Team Leader
Job Posting Numbers: 6231652, 4901876, 4910015
Midway ISD Job Fair 3-23-13
8200 Mars Drive
8:30AM-11:30AM
Register at midwayisd.org/apply
The following is a list of Job Postings in WorkinTexas that are actively looking for the right candidate. These positions have a high possibility of resulting in an interview for those who apply through WorkinTexas.
Posting ID & Position
4902512 Catering – part time
6218571 Combo Truck Driver
3152471 Truck Driver
4903010 Truck Driver
3152671 Driver/Merchandiser
3149542 Production Assistant
8212217 Commercial HVAC helper
2677963 Dean of Instruction – Technical Education
8208746 News Reporter
6871232 Production Assistant
8209220 Maintenance Worker
3140805 Program Director Occupational Therapy
6862607 Data Base Specialist
8205261 Programmer Analyst
4898211 Division Chair – Nursing
6221574 Business Consultant
8213052 Business Consultant
4903291 Parts Specialist
4903294 Management
6871587 Driver
8213336 Retail
3145460 Route Sales
2663630 Cost Engineer
6867116 Driver
6867121 Driver
3151816 CNC set up programmer
6872409 Account Representative
2664023 System Application Integrator
8196811 College Police Officer
2679923 CNC Machinist – Day
6871054 CNC Machinist – evening
3151391 Driver
6225618 Diesel Mechanic
3158536 Insurance Agent
3159469 General Maintenance
2668814 Substitute Teacher
by cjxpadmin | Mar 1, 2013 | Job Readiness, This Issue's FEATURE
By Sharon Rector
“Don’t ever feel that you are the only one to ever have done something silly or said something crazy. We all do it! Yours truly… especially!
I had not ever had any kind of experience in an office environment, when I accepted my first secretarial position. It was very new to me, and I was just a kid fresh out of business college trying to make it in the “real world.” During my first week on the job, I made many, many mistakes. I would fill my trash can every day with mistakes! One of the bosses noticed my trash can one day and told me that at the end of every day, they had someone go through everyone’s trash and make notes of all the mistakes they found there. He said they would deduct pay from your paycheck according to the number of mistakes that were found.
Naive as I was, I believed him! I carried my trash home for a week before I found out he was just ‘pulling my leg.’ Yoli”
Over the course of this year, we are going to concentrate on the varying aspects of the term “professional presence.” Get familiar with the essence of the term so that you are knowledgeable of what it is, how you attain it, and how you maintain it throughout your chosen career path.
What does the term “professional presence” mean? According to the dictionary, professional presence refers to a dynamic blend of poise, self-confidence, self-control, and style that enables a person to command respect in any situation—especially on your new job.
Professional presence includes how you appear physically, how you dress for work, the tone of your voice, facial expressions, and even your handshake. It entails how you communicate with others and how you behave in the midst of problems and issues.
In the article “Developing a Professional Presence,” it is reiterated that once a professional presence is acquired, it will permit one to project a confidence that others can quickly perceive the first time you meet. And to project confidence, you must feel confidence.
The article also highlights that though one may present excellent credentials, a boss is more likely to choose (out of possible candidates) the one who has style as well as substance.
Let’s imagine that you have just been through a grueling panel interview conducted by individuals who really have no perception of 
YOU — the real you; what you know and what you don’t know! How do you survive the interview? Once hired, how do you maintain your confidence and poise on the job? Let’s take a look at some strategies that may help you during this period.
Strategy Number 1: (This is my personal favorite). Say that you have been hired. Hooray! Great job! Now how do you proceed? My advice is to tread lightly. Never get too personal too quickly with those who will be your fellow workers. Your inner-most aspects of your life, at this moment, are just that— personal! Your primary function on your new job is not to make friends, but to showcase to your employer the skills, knowledge, and talents you highlighted during your interview.
Your employer is operating a business, not a social club! According to Author Helen Wilkie in “How Do You Develop Professional Presence?” she clearly states that you do want to develop and cultivate a respectful relationship with your peers, those above you on the organizational level, those below you, or the clients. Show that you can get along with others by exuding the best of you! But never forget that people do spread gossip and untruths and unpleasant rumors about their colleagues. In your professional life, it is probably better to maintain your credibility by showing that you are trustworthy and your ability to rise above the fray.
Strategy Number 2: Realize and accept the fact that if you don’t know, you just don’t know! Always be upfront with your employer 
about mistakes or your need to take time and research problems you have to tackle. By doing so, this will show your employer that you have initiative and pride in your work.
Never proceed on a project attempting to muddle your way through your work. Although it is your responsibility to acknowledge your skills and talent, there is no shame in declaring you have hit a road block temporarily! Admit your mistake and maintain your confidence and composure establishing with your employer that you have worth and value to the organization and that you intend to prove it!
Strategy Number 3: Finally, whatever you do, stay disciplined! Maintain your confidence and competence as you are now in the process of “image building!” You are establishing for yourself and those who work around you your brand.
Image is a term that could be defined as establishing your qualities, competence, and attitude; everything that is inherent to you, but it is also the picture that people around you will remember.
Helen Wilkie in “How Do You Develop a Professional Prescience” believes that you need to cultivate a reputation for doing things well, getting your work done correctly and completely on time, and getting along well with others. It is that professional presence that will be the strongest force in helping you climb the ladder of success.
In closing, let me quote two statements on professional presence. The first is by David McNally and Karl Speaks.
“Developing a strong personal brand involves all the little ways in which you express your feelings about yourself and present to others.”
~ David McNally & Karl Speak
This last quote is taken from Susan Bixler and Nancy Nix-Rice, authors of “The New Professional Image.”
“Books are judged by their covers, houses are appraised by their curb appeal, and people are initially evaluated on how they choose to dress and behave. In a perfect world, this is not fair, moral, or just. What’s inside should count a great deal more. And eventually it usually does, but not right away…..”
Credits:
1) Wilkie, Helen, “How Do You Develop a Professional Presence?” How Do You Develop a Professional Presence. 28 Apr 2007. Ezinearticles. com 19 Feb. 2013
http://ezinarticles.com/? How-Do-You-Develop-a-Professional-Prescience?&ID=544373
2) Resource.mcc.neb.edu/hmrl/files/hmrl/Metro NHMRL Text/p52-99 pdf
- Total Person Insight. Susan Bixler and Nancy Nix-Rice, “The New Professional Image.” Taken from article “Developing a Professional Presence, resource.mcc.neb.edu/hmrl/files/hmrl/Metro NHMRL. pp 53 & 56.
Upcoming Article for Month of April: Professional Presence: “Dressing Smart and Dressing the Part” △
by cjxpadmin | Feb 28, 2013 | February 2013 Magazine
by cjxpadmin | Feb 27, 2013 | Job Search, This Issue's FEATURE
By Melvin Collins, Jr.
The Job Fair and Showcase for February, “My Heart Is Set On A Job,” was a huge hit with employers and job seekers alike at The Red 
Men Museum sponsored by The Heart Of Texas Workforce Solutions Center in Waco, Texas.
The setting was plain and elegantly simple, the employers came with guarded expectations. “You never know what to expect,” said one employer, “it’s a job fair and a showcase at the same time.” This is the first time the two types of job events were combined like this. “How is this suppose to 
work?” everyone continued to ask as the day grew closer and closer leading up to the event.
Well, it’s works this way, the Job Fair portion of the event allows job seekers who have an interest in talking to employers about possible jobs to attend. Employers come with materials, goodies, brochures and applications to hand out. They will take resumes and accept completed applications right there on the spot. This will give them time to review resumes and applications at their home base. There are no restrictions on who can talk to these employers and many, if not most, will not qualify for a position with the employer. The ratio can be more than 9 to 1 of not meeting the minimum requirements. That means that 9 of 10 people who talk to the employer have no chance of getting a job.
Now to the Showcase, each and every participant is pre-screened for minimum qualifications and if they meet these minimum 
qualifications, they are scheduled to meet with our staff for an interview. After being interviewed, the participant is told whether they meet the employer’s requirements and if they have an interest in the position, they are scheduled for the Showcase. Employers, if time permits, may get a copy of the scheduled participants’ resumes for them to review in advance. On the day of the Showcase, the employer comes to a private area to receive scheduled participants. Each participant is allowed a set amount of time for a face-to-face conversation with the employer. This is actually an interview! After this conversation, the employer will tell the participant what the next step will be for them, perhaps a second interview or a background check. The ratio of positive results is more than thirty percent getting a job with that employer. That is 1 out of 3 people getting a job.
The Showcase involves much more work for us, but the reward for the employer, the jobseeker and us is very much worth the effort.
This job event was one of the best that has occurred in recent memory. Everyone was orderly, many were dressed for the occasion and there were very few onlookers on, that is, people who just come to accompany the job seeker.
We did receive comments through our Job Club about the look of some of the job seekers. There were comments from some of our Job Club members such as the following:
“I went to the Job Fair today and was really pretty shocked by the appearance of many of the applicants. I saw wet hair, messy hoodies, lots and lots of t-shirt and jeans ensembles and wrinkled clothes galore.”
“First impressions are important.”
“Personal grooming is even more important.”
“Good hygiene is as important as dressing appropriately for the job. But, being overdressed for the position can also be a negative thing. I say, dress for the occasion.”
“Dressing the part is certainly important! I saw lots of people there today who were NOT dressed for potential job interviews and it showed! I saw people not only in jeans, t-shirts, sweats, but also with rags on their heads. You don’t go to job interviews like that!”
These are but a few of the comments we received about the appearance of some of the job seekers. I must say that our Job Club members came and represented well. And, there were members of my Job-Readiness Class who looked amazing. When asked, where did you get such a great looking outfit, one person said “Goodwill.” I was so proud of her. She looked great, had a beautiful smile on her face, chose a great looking professional look and did not spend a lot of money to make it all work for her.
With her telling us that she got her outfit from Goodwill tells us all that we do not have to spend a lot of money to look right for an interview or for just looking for a job at a job fair.
There were thirty employers participating at both the Job Fair and Showcase. All comments, thus far, have been excellent and the HOT Workforce Solutions will be planning more events in the upcoming weeks.
If you have comments or suggestions, we are alway happy to hear from you. Please login a comment in the section below this article. Thanks for your participation! △
