by cjxpadmin | Oct 2, 2013 | This Issue's FEATURE
By Sheena Williams
When you hear about violence in the news, it’s usually out in the streets or some far away country in an area that has nothing to do with you directly. Even if it’s closer to home, it’s always some other person who was abused by their spouse or someone else’s child getting picked on at school. No one ever thinks that it can happen to you, but it can. It can happen in some of the least likely places like your place of employment.
Workplace violence is any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at your place of business. It can be anything from threats and verbal abuse to physical assaults and even homicide. It can involve employees, clients, customers and visitors. Most people are not expecting it, and so, are unprepared for when it happens. Thousands of incidents of workplace violence take place every year and those are just the ones reported. There will never be a true count of how much goes on because so many cases go unreported every year. Here are some ways to reduce the risk of workplace violence for yourself and others.
Zero Tolerance of Workplace Violence
If you take the issue seriously from the start, then, there are less likely to be occurrences of it happening in the first place. See what your job’s policies are on violence in the workplace and see how they are treated and/or enforced. These policies should not only cover those who work there, but those who come inside as customers, clients, vendors, or just persons off the street. If you see that your job does not have a workforce violence program, see about starting one.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
One of the dangers of being in your workplace when violence happens is that you are prepared for it. No one thinks that when they walk into their cubicle, workstation, or company bathroom that something is going to happen to them. Don’t walk around being paranoid, but always take stock of where you are. Note who is around you and what people are doing close to you. The easiest way to do this without causing a fuss is to say hello to people as you go by. It lets everyone know that you’re acknowledging them and that you see him or her without making a big deal about it.
Don’t Feed Into the Drama
Sometimes, a simple argument between employees can spiral out of control. Some might laugh at an argument starting over an individual running out of something innocent like post its, but when you work in a high stress environment, things can escalate very quickly. You don’t really know what is going to set someone off. Learn to know when a situation is going to get out of hand, and then, either avoid it or try to diffuse it. If you see two co-workers arguing, don’t jump into it. If you see someone getting hurt, if at all possible, call security prior to stepping in.
Documentation
If you notice something of real concern, you should always alert your supervisor. Please make note of real concern. Your supervisor is going to become agitated if you report on Cindy having a nail file at the office, and everyone knows she does her nails at her desk on Thursdays while on the phone. If you see someone exhibiting seriously bad behavior that makes you feel uncomfortable, then, by all means, let your supervisor know that something is going on. You know when a situation is not right. It’s best to do it in writing, if at all possible, because you will have a date and time the issue was addressed.
OSHA and YOU
Make sure that your workplace has information available and posted for those coming in and out of the workplace. OSHA creates many pamphlets, brochures, and handouts that your office can secure at no cost regarding Occupational Safety and Health. They also offer different stress handling classes or safety awareness seminars throughout the year. If you ever have any questions regarding these policies, see the following information:
For a free copy of OSHA publications, send a self-addressed mailing label to this address:
OSHA Publications Office
P.O. Box 37535
Washington, DC 20013-7535
Or, send a request to fax number (202) 693-2498, or call (202) 693-1888.
To file a complaint by telephone, report an emergency, or get OSHA advice, assistance or products, contact your nearest OSHA office under the “U.S. Department of Labor” listing in your phone book, or call toll-free at:
(800) 321-OSHA (6742)
Tele-Typewriter (TTY) Number (877) 889-5627
To file a complaint online or obtain more information on OSHA federal and state programs, visit OSHA’s website.
In the end nothing can guarantee that you will not be a victim of Workforce violence, but hopefully these steps have given you ways to minimize the threat to yourselves and those around you. △
by cjxpadmin | Sep 30, 2013 | september2013, This Issue's FEATURE
Excerpt From Making Healthy Choices Workbook
The Making Healthy Choices Class is a wonderful and amazing personal development adventure. The wisdom students have gained here is not available in too many places. These classes are not usually taught in schools. Education and coaching of this type can be very expensive in the corporate world. This class can and has changed students’ lives. Since its inception, this class has proven an 80% participation rate.
The Making Healthy Choices Program is the beginning of a wonderful new opportunity. Whatever the background or the circumstances of the student, they definitely have found that this program gives them more power and freedom in creating the life they want to have for themselves and their families. Their future is wide open; all kinds of possibilities are ahead for them. The greatest thing a student can do for themselves is to learn everything they can about winning in life. That’s what this course teaches, how to win at life. A student has everything they need, they are smart enough, they have the energy, they have the time, and they already know a lot. This is when we take them to the next level.
The Goals of the Making Healthy Choices Program
The top ten goals that this program has offered an individual:
- Personal Power – Individuals have improved in their ability to make their life happen, to get things done, to take control of their situation and in creating the lives they want.
- Freedom – Individuals have the chance to free themselves of past burdens and constraints, free to be themselves, and free to choose the life they want for themselves and their families.
- Expressing Themselves – Individuals have vastly improved in their ability to speak up for themselves, to be heard, and to use their words to make good things happen.
- Earning a Living – Individuals have learned skills to improve their abilities to find a job, keep a job, and to succeed in their chosen field of work.
- Getting Along With People – Participants have improved their relationship skills with the people in their lives who matter, their family, friends and co-workers.
- Health and Well-Being – Participants have learned to take better care of themselves and their families so that they can be healthier, feel better and have more energy.
- Managing Stress – Participants have learned to better manage hard times, upsets, set backs, fears and frustrations with more grace, ease, and understanding.
- Confidence and Self-Esteem – Participants have upgraded and improved their sense of who they are, appreciation of their strengths and their ideas of what is possible for them in their lives.
- Happiness and Satisfaction in Their Lives – Participants have become happier people, more satisfied, more optimistic, enjoying their lives more as they take on the challenges of the future.
- Loving Their Lives – Individuals have the opportunity to turn the moments that are their life into ones that they love, with an appreciation and enjoyment of playing the game.
There are many other places an individual might be and many other things they could be doing other than being in this program. Many people take part in a program such as this because they are required or “forced” to participate. This is a tough way to begin this program. No one likes to be forced to take a class. Some of these individuals may have taken similar classes in the past and might feel that they do not need another one. Whether they are in the Making Healthy Choices Class by choice or are required to attend, they still can choose to get everything they can from the program.
Recommendations For Getting The Most From the Making Healthy Choices Program
Of all the many ways a person can do this program, we have found the best way to get the most out of the program and for participants to have the best time is for them to choose for themselves to be in the class for them and for their future. Where a person comes from will be the most important factor in how much they get from this program. They can come from, “I don’t want to” or “ I already know all this” and they may receive very little compared to the person sitting next to them. The best place to come from is being hungry for the information, ideas, and coaching available here. Other great places to come from include being determined to get everything they can from every class, being appreciative of the value of the instructors and the workbook, and committed to putting the course to good use in their lives.
Recommended Guidelines for Students Participating in the Program
- Attend every session from start to finish.
- Be on time for the start of every session as well as back from breaks and lunch. Treat the classes as if they are on a job.
- Participate fully in the discussions and sharing that the program raises.
- Do not engage in side conversations or other behaviors that either distract them or others from getting the program.
- Do all assigned readings, exercises, and homework as completely and fully as they can.
- Respect the privacy and feelings of every other person in the group, no gossiping or disrespecting any person in the program. They need to make this a safe space for all that are in the class.
- Create as much value as they can for themselves from every session. Use what they learn.
- Have fun. This program is meant to be educational and enjoyable, it’s up to the individual.
All participants of the Making Healthy Choices Program are asked to create a one-minute video resume of themselves for the purpose of posting on the CampusJobXpress website for employers to view. This one-minute video allows for the participant to speak on their own behalf. They talk a little about themselves and a lot about what they can do and what qualifications and experience they have behind them. The video resume is a small part of this class, however, the students feel that it is a major accomplishment for them.
This video is posted on their personal web page on CampusJobXpress.com. Employers can be directed to view their video resume when they apply for jobs or when they are in an interview with a company. Employers are provided with a special sign-in code for them to access the applicant’s resume, summary of qualifications as well as the video resume. This has proven to be a beneficial tool for the employer. It allows the employer a chance to not only view an applicant’s resume in print, but also, to view the actual applicant speaking to them about their background and qualifications. The employer is able to see the personality of the person he is trying to hire, before he hires them. It also saves the employer time and money. It allows the applicant to make themselves more visible to more employers. Everyone wins! △
by cjxpadmin | Sep 30, 2013 | september2013, This Issue's FEATURE
By Silvia Seelig
Life is filled with choices … whether it’s about our personal life or our job … we find ourselves making decisions that impact our future. On a daily basis, we make choices that dictate the life we live and at other times, extenuating circumstances find us in situations that we never imagined finding ourselves in. Whether it’s losing our job due to cutbacks, re-entering the job market after being unemployed for a period of time, going through medical problems, dealing with a divorce, having too many bills, not enough money or any other life changing event, our self-esteem and self-worth take a huge hit. We can either allow these events to become a problem or we can look at these circumstances as an opportunity to re-invent ourselves and empower ourselves for a better life. The choice is ours to make.
We need to turn our negative situations into positive ones and embracing that change can really be the turning point our life needs. We should use these circumstances as the ideal time to reach within ourselves to become the person we want to be. We all have inner powers that, with practice and repetition, can be effective in allowing us to have a more peaceful and happy life.
Personal Power
The first of the inner powers is our sense of “I can.” A “can do” attitude is based upon our expectations of how well we handle things as they come up in life. Our general sense of “I can” is our overall confidence. The best way to build up our confidence is to take on more things in our life that challenge us and teach us. Learning from both our successes and failures will allow our personal power to expand rapidly and easily.
Flexibility and Adaptability
The second internal power is our ability to accept things as they come. Life is always changing and being able to manage change with grace and ease will allow us to see that as some doors close … others open. Many of us can get stuck in our ways and in our thinking so keeping a flexible and adaptable attitude will allow us to make the best out of any situation.
Action
The third internal power is having the capacity to take action. Taking action is the single most powerful way to counteract stress. Our capacity to take action comes from taking responsibility for our situation and doing whatever needs to be done. The power to act is in our hands. We need to figure out what needs to be done and prioritize our actions.
Self-Esteem
The fourth of our inner powers is the relationship we have with ourselves. We must feel worthy and deserving of having a great life in order for us to take the steps necessary to make it happen. While our self-esteem is mostly developed in childhood, there is a lot we can do to improve our feelings about ourselves now. Every time we act consistent with whom we create ourselves to be, the prouder we become of who we are. The higher our self-esteem,
the more we are able to handle upsets, disappointments, and frustrations. The higher our self-esteem, the more likely we are able to put ourselves in situations where we will learn and grow. A person who takes risks and can handle setbacks is a person who will succeed.
Self-Expression
The fifth inner power is our ability to speak up for ourselves. Our ability to speak for ourselves is the key to convincing others that we are able, willing, and responsible to do the job. We must let the people in our world know what we are up to and how they can help us. We can’t expect others to read our minds so we must learn to ask people for help and vocalize our needs.
These empowering tools are used to assist individuals enrolled in the Choices Program through Workforce Solutions-Alamo Rural and CampusJobXpress. These individuals are facing life changing circumstances and have reached out for help in preparing themselves for a better future. Many of these individuals are facing situations that find them with low self-esteem and unsure of what direction their lives need to take moving forward. The one inner power they have used is speaking up for themselves and reaching out to programs, such as this one, to help them reach their full potential, despite the negative situations taking place.
Through the Choices Program, participants are assigned to a CampusJobXpress Employment Specialist to assist them in gaining employment and establishing themselves in their new workplace, as well as, offering one-on-one direction in all aspects of their lives. The Choices Program recognizes that everything they face in their day-to-day life affects how they carry themselves and how it influences their self-esteem and self-worth.
Individuals who are enrolled in the Choices Program attend a one-week class that allows them to bond with the Employment Specialist and cover many areas that will help them be more successful. The Employment Specialist is able to spend time with the participants to discover their needs and together, they outline a course of action to help them become employed and productive in their future. Career goals are discussed and plans for pursuing those goals are outlined. The ultimate goal for the program is to assist the participants obtain and maintain employment that will provide them with a stable life.
Through CampusJobXpress, participants are offered the assistance of the Employment Specialist for a specific period. During this time, the Employment Specialist will have daily contact with these participants and will address issues and concerns that arise acting as a liaison between them and their Workforce Case Manager. The Employment Specialist will also maintain a relationship with their employer to ensure that their supervisor is happy with their job performance and to ensure continued employment. Participants receive daily text messages with important information pertaining to their situation, motivational and encouraging words, and reminders of upcoming deadlines and/or appointments they have to meet. Program participants are given employment leads and are registered in a job club through CampusJobXpress which provides resume services, job leads, interactive conversations with other participants, online books to read, skill enhancement articles, and many more tools.
Like the participants in the Choices Program who are able to take negative circumstances and convert them into opportunities that will provide stability in their future, you too can empower yourself. By using the inner power tools of the “can do” attitude, adapting to circumstances, taking action in your own situation, strengthening your self-esteem, and speaking up for yourself, you can empower yourself to reach your goals. The choice is yours to make. △
by cjxpadmin | Sep 30, 2013 | september2013, This Issue's FEATURE
By Melvin Collins, Jr.
CampusJobXpress (CJX) presents itself as a useful tool to Business/Employment Services programs with its personalized offerings.
Through CJX, business services teams are able to use the latest technology for applicants with posting of resumes, video resumes, and a video chat room. A detailed posting of an employer’s profile is also possible, with complete history of company, benefits and other employee-related information. Employers are offered a platform to present their company’s full story and best qualities, thus informing applicants of their best attributes. Employers are also give the opportunity to provide CJX with a hyperlink connecting applicants directly to their website.
With the assistance of CJX, the business services team is able to supply each employer with pre-screened applicants meeting the employer’s specifications. For all employers who are able to use this service (some employers may have restrictions per government regulations), an applicant can be visually assessed for appropriateness of specific employment opportunities from the comfort of their offices via their computer 24/7. This provides a visual for employers to best 
select the most qualified candidates. They are able to connect with applicants through an online video chat room at their convenience and pleasure.
A web page is created for each applicant which consists of a photo, summary of qualifications, a full resume and a one-minute video. For 
employers, this practice makes for a better selection as well as better serving its customers with a convenient, rapid responsive tool saving time and expense.
CampusJobXpress, along with the business service team, strive to make the interviewing and hiring process as smooth and seamless as possible. △
by cjxpadmin | Sep 30, 2013 | september2013, This Issue's FEATURE
The Workforce Connection: Workforce Solutions-Alamo (Rural) and Campusjobxpress Make The Difference
By Melvin Collins, Jr.
It began in Waco with the Workforce Solutions For The Heart Of Texas (WSHOT) and it matured with and through the cooperation of Workforce Solutions-Alamo (Rural) (WSA). CampusJobXpress (CJX), a division of Workforce Partners 
Management Group, LLC (WPMG) has developed a Transition and Job-Readiness Program, which teaches its students that everything that happens to them is under their control. It is centered in the way they think, believe, and carry out their lives. Also, developed in WSA is a monitoring program tracking Choices and Snap participants through their successful completion of their work assignment, The JumpStart Program.
Presented to Workforce Solutions Heart Of Texas, the job-readiness program worked with UI Participants to help them gain employment within 10 weeks of their 
receiving benefits. The program enrolled participants in the CJX online service, coupled with classroom service delivered directly in the Waco New Road Workforce Center. Participants, once enrolled, received resumes, interviewing instruction, critiquing of appearance, and some video taping of themselves conducting an interview presentation.
A job club was formed with attendance exceeding the seating capacity at the New Road Workforce Center. This caused the CJX Staff to develop an online job club with all participants sharing job opportunities and receiving detailed information on job search topics and issues. The job club became a roaring success. New subjects were introduced every Wednesday with articles 
discussing dress, interviewing techniques, tattoos, the latest resume instructions and much, much more. Employment leads from CJX Staff were uploaded regularly with follow-up information also being sent through Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. The job club membership grew to over 1,400 participants.
In Waco, CJX was responsible for recruiting, orientation, job events, resume construction as well as classes.
In March, 2013, the program was moved to Workforce Solutions-Alamo (Rural) where the services were expanded to serve UI, WIA, Choices, SNAP and some Universal Customers. The customers, on the first day, seemed angry about having to attend yet another job search/job-readiness class. “We have done this already,” was one of the typical comments. 
Then the class began with the discussion being about how each participant was and is responsible for what has happened to them and what will happen to them in the future. It is as simple as the way one thinks and feels. It is as simple as science. Quantum Mechanics is, then, explained. It is explained through mathematics.
A proposed explanation of how things may work through science in helping to create what happens to us is presented. Through math, it is demonstrated that through a positive, one gets a positive. Going through life with a negative attitude and a pessimistic view of life, will bring your future only one result, a negative. By noon of that same first day, participants are now saying, “This is not what we expected. This is making us think and re-examine our lives and way of thinking.” Others go home and come back, saying, “I talked over with my family what happened in class today and now I have questions and want to hear more.” And CJX/WPMG gives them more.
Throughout the rest of the week, resumes are completed, interviewing and finances are discussed and assessments are done. Each participant is given two assessments, the General Assessment and the Work-Ready Assessment, both developed by 
WPMG. It is carefully explained how these tools are used by employers and their importance. A graph of each individual’s participation is developed on a chart which shows each person’s progress throughout the program.
Each class has a highly anticipated visit from the Business Services Staff to discuss, in detail, each participant’s needs and goals for employment. There is a sense of excitement when participants are told that the Business Services Team is coming. They are prepared with questions and goals to discuss in detail. This is done with the completion of the Business Services Request for Information form that is given to each participant at the beginning of the week. Business Services stays until every question is answered and each participant is satisfied with the appropriate responses.
The video taping which in itself, is a video resume is done for each member of each class in any way or form that they feel comfortable. The video resume presents the participant as they really are. Employers see and feel who they may want to interview. This offers more introspective than the resume by itself. When all video resumes are completed, a personal web page is developed and posted on CJX website for the convenience of Business Services Staff and employers to view at their discretion. These pages are not for public view and can only be accessed through CJX portal with an assigned password and login.
This highly successful program is achieving a participation rate in excess of 80% to date. Participants are now referring other individuals to the program and San Antonio Rural Staff now get requests regularly from customers to attend these four-day sessions.
For more information on the JumpStart Program which in itself, is achieving great success, please refer to the article entitled “The Services.”
These programs have begun to make an impact on very successful terminations and placements. Employers throughout the area are now beginning to say that they are noticing the difference in the caliber of referrals being made by the Business Services Staff.
CJX has developed and is further developing services that can be delivered anywhere in the country through its online vehicle. Another service of CJX is pre-screening and referral of applicants to employers per their employment specifications. This is enhanced through the Video Chat Room allowing employers and applicants to meet online. For more information, contact CJX at info@campusjobxpress.com. △
by cjxpadmin | Sep 30, 2013 | september2013, This Issue's FEATURE
So you’ve got that handy paper in hand with your name on it that says you are fully competent in your field. You’ve spent long hours researching and studying for test after test, and now, you are ready to enter the workforce. The question is, “Now what?” You have been told, for the longest, that once you have a degree, it will make it easier to find work. That is a Yes and No statement. Yes, having a degree is going to open doors for you that would otherwise be closed. However, those doors are also opened to everyone else who graduated the same time you did, after you, and before you.
It’s a great time in our country education-wise. There are so many students who have access to educational opportunities. The trick is to find employment opportunities, once you are finished with school. It’s a new time. You used to be able to get a job by just going in and interviewing. You didn’t need a resume. Now, you need an electronic resume that you can send out online, or maybe even a video resume that you can forward to employers. There are so many options out there for you that we’ve outlined some of the basic things to help you get yourself out there and noticed!
Resume:
A paper resume should be no longer then 2 pages, unless it is a curriculum vitae at which it’s expected to be 45 pages worth of information. If you have a third page at all, it should be your references. No staples, your name should be at the top of each page, and it should be printed on resume paper with a watermark.
An electronic resume is either a scanned or pdf version of your resume that you can send out online through e-mails or other job sites that ask you to upload a resume. It should have all of your pertinent contact information, so that employers can reach you.
Video Resume:
A Video Resume is something that is a little controversial for no real reason. It’s a 1 to 3 minute short video of you talking about yourself, your qualifications and what you can do. Make sure that you are smiling and dressed for an interview when you film. This can be done on your computer from home or through an agency that will coach you through what to do. Act natural and be pleasant. You want your personality to shine through. Treat the video resume as if you are speaking directly to an employer and you will be just fine.
Searching For The Right Job:
Job vs. Career. Assuming that you went to school for that very thing that you wanted to do most in the world, then, you have a pretty good idea of what it is that you want to do with the rest of your life. For others, it’s not that straightforward. Some students chose general degrees that would allow them to diversify, if needed. Both approaches are good ones. Those with special skill sets have a chance of great job security by being the only one who can do a certain job whereas, those who chose a general route would be able to fit into many different companies at once. The trick to both is making sure that when you apply, you apply to places that will make you happy working there for a long time. Sometimes, we take a job just to take one and later, find out that upon losing that job, we weren’t really upset about it because we really didn’t love working there. Taking a job to pay the bills is fine. Finding a job that you enjoy waking up to every morning is the goal.
There is more to consider than just money. When you’re in high school, you’re told about all of these jobs that will pay a lot of money. You’re told to be a doctor, a lawyer, maybe a senator, or a basketball player. The problem is you can’t stand the sight of blood, you don’t care for the judicial process, you barely like to vote, and you have two left feet. Jobs that earn a lot of money are fine, but the only way to make a lot of money doing them is if whether you enjoy doing it or not. If you don’t like basketball, then, you’re not going to make the NBA. If you don’t like speaking in front of a crowd, then, being a lawyer or senator is probably not in your future. Choose a job that you love to do. If you could do anything for free and not worry about making money, what would it be? Traveling? Be a tour guide? Helping people? Try being a caseworker or counselor. Don’t just go for a job just because there are dollar signs there.
Another thing to consider other than money are benefits. If you apply for a job that you hate because you 
can make 80k a year, but the job paying 45k a year has a 401k, a pension plan, and medical benefits, then, you need to think about what you really need. Do you have a sick child? Maybe you want to save up for retirement comfortably. Maybe you want that extra cushion for future endeavors. 80 grand may sound spectacular, but once the IRS takes their cut, you’ve paid bills, gotten sick, spent long hours to earn it, and taken your child to the orthodontist, you will feel like you’ve never seen that money. Not to mention personal satisfaction. If you don’t get up in the morning loving what you do, you won’t keep that high paying job for long. Stress is a killer and 10 or 15 years is a long time to work somewhere, just because of money.
Interview:
Got your resume? Figured out what it is you want to do for the next 10 years? Great, now it’s time to get cracking on the interview! In a survey done with over 100 employers, it was discovered that the interviewees displayed the following problems:
• Lack of eye contact
• Fidgeting
• Bad posture
• Showing up late
• Checking their phone or texting
• Not being friendly
These things may sound like no-brainers of what not to do for you, but for others, it’s a problem. You should be able to confidently walk into an interview to discuss your skills without sounding arrogant. You should be able to smile and look your future employer right in the eye. You should know where you are going to interview and what time and date you should be there.
Research should be done on the company you have applied to before you even apply or step in the door for the interview. You should know where the interview is, what the companies does, or at least have a good idea of what you will be doing. You should know the name of the person you are going to interview with and the name of the company. You would be surprised at how often someone just saw the base salary, clicked their heels together and said they would do it with no thought on the who, what, where, why’s and whens.
We hope that we have given you some things to think about when preparing for your interview. Whether you are a seasoned job vet, getting back into the workforce, or just graduated, these are all things to consider when looking for your next job. △
