by cjxpadmin | Dec 11, 2012 | Job Club Heart of Texas, Job Search
Below you will find a notice from the Texas Workforce Commission. This notice is to inform you of the latest information available on UI benefits. Please read it carefully. If you have any questions, just ask! Here’s the link: https://campusjobxpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/TWC-EXTENDED-BENEFITS.pdf
We have UI Specialists monitoring the Job Club. They will research your questions and will post the official answer from the Texas Workforce Commission. They will also give you the website and online location to find your own answers. The Workforce Center and the CampusJobXpress Staff understand what is happening to your benefits and will assist you in any way possible.
We have a Job Fair December 13th from 10am to 2pm at the Waco Heart of Texas Workforce Center at 1416 South New Road. Plans are to keep this employment effort going through the month of January.
In February, there are plans for another larger Job Fair. It is important for you to update your resume. Even though you may have had your resume done by someone you rely upon, please allow us to review it. We are also encouraging everyone who feels they would be a good candidate for the video resume, to please send us an email so that we may make an appointment for you to accomplish this.
If you have questions, ask now so that we can work on giving you the proper answers. If you have been performing job searches and have not found that that job is for you, then, please post those jobs for others to review.
We have a Resume Class Tuesday through Thursday at 9:00 am and at 10:30am. Computer Classes are available at 2:00pm on Tuesdays, Microsoft Word Classes on Wednesdays at 2:00pm and on Thursdays, we have an Excel Class, also at 2:00pm.
So, in conclusion for this discussion, give us your UI questions, your Job Fair questions and let us know of any employer you would like for us to invite to future job fairs. Thank you very much!
by cjxpadmin | Dec 4, 2012 | Job Club Heart of Texas, Job Search
This is a story we could all learn a lesson from!
Gratitude Napkins
by Robert Williams
Frank’s Diner was once an energized, thriving business, a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike in the scenic New England town of York Beach, Maine. But when the economy hit a brick wall, Frank found it more and more difficult to hold onto his trademark, cheerful smile.
One day, Frank caught a glimpse in the mirror on the diner wall of a grumpy, scowling old man with frown lines embedded deeply in the corners of his mouth. He didn’t recognize the man as himself. Looking around his desolate diner, he knew that it wasn’t just the economy that had driven his customers away – it was his pessimistic attitude toward life. Frank had tried to remain optimistic but it seemed like the hits just kept coming, like a NorEaster pummeling the coastline. He often wondered what there was to look forward to each day.
His eyes met with a booth in the back corner of the diner where a frail elderly woman ate breakfast with a college age girl. Mrs. Sheridan and her caregiver Michelle had been coming in for breakfast every day for a couple of years. Frank would nod and force his face into a smile when they walked in the door each day. They were his best customers after all. Mrs. Sheridan would conclude each meal by scribbling something onto a diner napkin and placing the napkin in her purse with a contented smile.
One sunny fall day, even though the New England leaves painted a breathtaking landscape outside the diner windows, Frank was oblivious to the beauty that surrounded him. He was currently crouched under the counter, grumbling about how the dishwashers were always leaving spots on the coffee mugs. A feeble voice above interrupted his rant.
“Frank, I wonder if I could have a word with you.”
Frank nearly smashed his head on the cash register as he jumped to his feet, looking at Mrs. Sheridan in surprise. Michelle held onto the old woman tight, obviously propping her up. All Frank could do was nod agreeably.
“I wanted to talk to you about these…”
She lifted her trembling arm, pointing toward the frown lines on Frank’s face.
He opened his mouth to say something, to explain, to defend himself… but realized he had nothing to say, so Mrs. Sheridan continued.
“Young man, I learned a long time ago that life doesn’t always go your way. Believe me, I have 90 plus years of my fair share of heartbreaks and challenges that I could easily carry around with me as baggage. Instead, I choose to carry these with me.”
She reached into her purse and took out a stack of the napkins Frank had watched her scribble on every day. She had written things like: autumn leaves, Michelle’s kindness, seashells from the beach, the beautiful sunrise today, another delicious breakfast at Frank’s Diner.
“Frank I would like to challenge you to do the same; to stop carrying around your struggles and start carrying an attitude of gratitude instead.”
After Mrs. Sheridan further described his daily “homework assignment,” Frank didn’t have the heart to refuse her request.
At first he did it to appease her. As she watched from her booth each day, Frank would dutifully take a napkin from a dispenser on the counter, scribble something he was grateful for on it and put it in his pocket. The process was mechanical in the beginning, mindless instead of mindful. But each time Mrs. Sheridan smiled over at him, wordlessly encouraging him to continue.
Frank barely noticed when things began to change, when the words of gratitude he jotted down on the napkin each morning began to sink into his thick, stubborn skull. The attitude of gratitude he had inadvertently adopted through the sheer routine of it, began to truly mean something. That was when Frank’s life began to change…
A little over a month into his daily gratitude homework, Frank once again caught a glimpse of himself in the diner mirror. The reflection in the mirror was of a glowing, joyful man whom he hadn’t seen for years. This man looked forward to each new day with hope and enthusiasm.
Still smiling almost uncontrollably at the realization of how much life had changed, Frank surveyed his now bustling business. Locals, staff, and tourists alike were cheerfully enjoying the revitalized space. Even though Frank hadn’t made any physical renovations, the diner somehow looked brighter to him. His eyes automatically drifted to the corner, to share in the moment with Mrs. Sheridan. But for the first time in a few days, the booth was empty. Frank’s heart sank…
A couple days later Michelle arrived and placed a box on the counter in front of Frank with a solemn smile, tears glistening in the young woman’s eyes.
“Mrs. Sheridan wanted you to have these.”
Looking at the floor so she couldn’t see his own tearful eyes, Frank simply nodded his appreciation. He felt an overwhelming wave of gratitude wash over him that such a special lady had come into his life, and exactly when he needed her most.
By time the springtime leaves were blooming, Frank’s Diner was more popular than ever in York Beach. There was one new feature in particular that was a huge customer draw. When a diner patron reached for a napkin from a dispenser, they also received a message of gratitude printed on it. Each message was word for word from Mrs. Sheridan’s collection; along with a few from Frank’s own personal stash. Beneath the message was the question – “What are you grateful for today?” with a blank line beneath. Frank would watch from the counter as customers of all ages and from all walks of life eagerly scribbled their answers on napkins, and almost always with a smile. Mrs. Sheridan’s unwavering attitude of gratitude, it seemed, had transformed not only his own life, but the lives of those around him as well.
The question for each of us is, what steps will YOU take today and every day to adopt an attitude of gratitude in your life? Will you make the choice to focus on your burdens or your blessings? It is so easy to feel shortchanged when we focus on lack and what is wrong in our lives. But when we practice gratitude as a daily habit, life has a way of transforming positively around us. Whether you use something as simple as a napkin journal, when you write down the things you are grateful for each day you’ll be changing your view of the world around you, just one day at a time. All habits have a starting point. Start your’s now!
Be Grateful!
KeepYour Hope Alive!
What are you grateful for in your life?
by cjxpadmin | Nov 20, 2012 | Job Club Heart of Texas, Job Search
This is Melvin. First let me say Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Campusjobxpress and the Heart Of Texas Workforce Solutions Centers.
I would like for you to reflect on all the good things that have come your way and the great possibilities of the future. Some of you have allowed doubt to creep into your lives. You must believe great things are possible. None of you have any idea what tomorrow will bring. But I do know, if you begin to have bad thoughts, bad things seem to come your way. Please believe in yourself and in all the good things that can come your way.
A month ago, I got up getting ready to go my friendʼs wedding and that night I began the first of four days in ICU. After having four transfusions, five doctors and a prognosis that was grim, my friends and family helped me keep my spirit and faith alive. I walked out six and a half days later understanding what is important — family, friends and life itself.
You are alive, you must act as you are. Stop the negative thoughts, being mean-spirited and most of all, stop the complaining and focus on what is really important. You!
Make yourself happy by being happy. Enjoy what you have, life itself.
My favorite quote is “Life is not about having a good hand, rather, itʼs about playing a poor hand well.”
How are you playing your hand? Again, Have happiest of Thanksgiving!
by cjxpadmin | Nov 14, 2012 | Job Club Heart of Texas, Job Search
The following is a letter I am sending out to college students in Austin. Please read this and let me know your thoughts.
It is my belief, each of you will need to try a different approach to your job search. For some of you, this video presentation could open new doors for you. It is not for everyone but, it should be considered.
Please read: For years in our past, individual job seekers would fill out applications for employment. Those wanting a higher position, completed resumes to stand out from others. A resume was the premier instrument for seeking employment. Only a select few stood out with this document.
Today, it is very common and expected for most applicants to complete and bring a resume to apply for a job. The resume has become a generalized tool. It has become very difficult to stand out among all the applicants seeking employment. Changing styles, finding unique ways to present one’s self with resumes has not given individuals the opportunity to distinguish themselves from the general population.
That is not until today!
Campusjobxpress.com has developed a way for premier applicants to present themselves in a more visual way, video presentation. It is original, professional and personally unique to each individual.
An applicant can present their resume only as an introduction to an employer. A precursor you may call it. They can send their resume with a link to a most powerful video presentation allowing them to personally speak to a potential employer. They can tell their story, their skills, abilities, education and work history, all accessible from their online resume with a link to their direct message to the employer
CampusJobXpress.com is a division of Workforce Partners Management Group, LLC, a 23-year old employment transition and placement company. In its history, WPMG has worked for the United States General Services Administration, the State of Texas, Workforce Boards, Air Force, Navy, Army and Coast Guard.
Applicants, sign up with CampusJobXpress.com today and begin your transition to the legend of the employed. Present the best of your skills and abilities to your next employer. Let us help!
Go to Campusjobxpress.com and register, post your resume, upload a photo as well as your personal video.
Be seen by your future employer!
Sincerely, Campusjobxpress.com
What are your thoughts about this approach?
Who is willing to try it?
Are you ready to go to the next level?
Thoughts to consider:
“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”
“When writing the story of your life; Never let anyone else hold the pen.”
by cjxpadmin | Nov 7, 2012 | Job Club Heart of Texas, Job Search, Octobe r2012 Magazine
Hello, this is Melvin. Sorry I have been away for a while but I wanted to re-connect with all of you. I have a lot of things I need to discuss with you very quickly.
A lot of you got an email. Many of you have been responding to job club, but because some of you had not, we sent out an email to everyone because it was very important that you know we are now recording everyone who comes into the job club. We are automatically putting that into the system so that when you report it from your side as part of your contact information, it is already there and it has been verified. So it only helps you in what we are doing as far as this reporting. You will be getting other emails from us because we are also working on getting everyoneʼs resumes up to date.
Iʼve been monitoring while I was gone, your responses to employers not recalling you back, not really having a lot of activities as far as job responses. We are reading those and we understand what is going on and we are now taking action to get something done. I said it in class and Iʼll say it again, “If you are not getting interviews, there is something wrong with your resume.” That being said, now we have to correct your resumes. You may like your resume. You may think your resume looks good but it is not what you think. It is actually what the employer thinks.
So if we are going to get you to that next job, we need to do your resume. I have asked the staff to contact you as quickly as possible to start bringing you in to re-evaluate your resumes. If you would like, we would like you to start on this coming Tuesday. Send us an email, make a reservation, we can take 14 people at a time. We are starting at 9 oʼclock and will go until 12. We are very serious about this issue with the resume.
Also, we are working very quickly to try to see if we can put together a very good, effective job fair for everyone. We are going to try to do it in early December if we can get enough employers to cooperate because it ʼs the holiday season, it may become an issue but it is not going to be for a lack of trying on our part so we will be doing that for you.
So I wanted you also to be aware that on November 15th at the Waco Convention Center, there will be a Veteranʼs Job Fair that the State has asked a lot of workforce agencies across the State to do. That will start at 10 oʼclock and will run until 2 oʼclock. For those of you who are not veterans, I am going to ask you, if you would like, if may be very helpful for you to drop by around 11:30 on to that particular job fair.
We are going to give preference to the veterans up until 11:30, but if you feel like dropping in and seeing whatʼs there, I think it will be an okay idea. So think about doing that, drop in and see if you can make some kind of connection, okay? We will be calling you, you will be getting emails, you will be getting personal contacts from us — if you are getting those, then, itʼs not a personal thing. We are not picking on you. And for those of you who have sent emails in saying that someone is turning you into the State, it is not our responsibility to turn you into the State at this particular time. The State has not asked and we have not seen reason to do that, so if you are getting emails or getting letters from the State, it is not by any action that is being done here. The State has another system that they work through so that, in itself, may be why you are getting that. We will always let you know before we send anything. You will get some type of notice that you are not responding, you are not cooperating, or you are not doing something. Once you get three of those, then, we would probably say okay, we donʼt have a choice. If you are responding, if you are doing everything you are supposed to and if you get an email from us or a letter, donʼt take it personal. Itʼs just easier to send out an email to everyone than to try to screen through 1200 people about job club or about work activities, okay?
So, we will be working very hard for you. We will do everything we can to get you employed as quickly as we possibly can. I want you to keep up your spirits. I want you to think positively because if you go down, as far as your spirits are concerned, itʼs only going to hurt you when you do your job search, all right? I do appreciate it. Good luck. Let us hear from you and you will certainly be hearing from us. Thank you.Bye.
