R14 Newsletter August 2011.pub

 In this issue: How to market yourself as the best job candidate! Bringing you information on the workforce issues in our area and what we can do to help you to meet your training and employment goals by utilizing our programs and services. Grant, Harney and Malheur Counties WorkSource Oregon News New classes rolling out in Grant, Harney and Malheur Counties. "Others can stop you temporarily ‐‐ you are the only one who can do it permanently". ~ Zig Ziglar Volume 2 Issue 2 Fall 2011 Career Navigation. What is it and how can it help you? 14 Fatal Resume Mistakes
The adage "You never get a second chance to
make a first impression" is never truer than when
you submit your resume. Because this is likely
the first glimpse of you that employers will get,
make it an impressive one. A great resume can
open a door, but an inferior one can just as
quickly close one. This article explores 14
resume mistakes to avoid at all costs.
Mistake #1: No cover letter
Yes, you need a cover letter even when you are emailing your resume,
posting it to a job board, or sending it electronically. A cover letter is the
best place to introduce yourself, identify your goals, and briefly describe
why you are a good fit for the position. A well-written cover letter is a
sales tool that will ensure your resume will be read.
Mistake #2: No imagination
Avoid using cookie-cutter resume templates, such as those from Microsoft or other resume-generating programs. Hiring managers will spot
them in an instant, and will assume you either lack creativity or don't care
enough about the position you are applying for to go the extra mile
Mistake #3: Too much imagination
Resumes that arrive unconventionally, are on colored or perfumed paper,
or have many different fonts in an effort to make them stick out in the
crowd will likely go unread. Employers will assume that if you need to resort to these tactics, you probably don't have the qualifications for the job.
Mistake #4: Including an objective statement
This is the best way to paint yourself into a corner, and is not a good way
to go if you want the employer to keep you in mind for other positions that
you may also be qualified for. Lose the objective statement.
Volume 2 Issue 2 Page 2 Mistake #5: Typos and grammatical errors
Your resume must be grammatically perfect. Most positions today require good communication
and writing skills, and if your resume is riddled with errors, you'll be immediately judged as someone who doesn't possess these basic skills. It stands to reason that if you can't spell "financial
analyst" correctly, you have no business being one. Invest in a dictionary and be sure to have
your document carefully proofread.
Mistake #6: Your resume is unfocused
Your resume should clearly state what you do, what you are good at, and what you have accomplished. If you are applying for a sales position focus on your numbers and statistics, and give
your two years as a veterinary technician a backseat, if any ink at all. If you have a long work history with valuable experience in more than one area, for example, sales and marketing -- it may
make sense to craft two resumes: one that focuses on sales, and another that focuses on marketing.
Mistake #7: You list dates first
Statistics show that hiring managers spend just a couple of seconds looking at a resume before
deciding whether it warrants a full read, so be sure to show them what they want to see first.
When listing past employment, instead of listing dates first list them last. A good order is: title/
position, name of employer, city/state of employer, and then dates.
Mistake #8: Your resume is too short or too long
Contrary to popular opinion you don't need to keep your resume down to one page, especially if
you've accrued some work experience. The goal should be to document everything you've done,
without being verbose. One page should suffice for entry-level workers and those with a few
years of work experience. If you have more than six or seven years of experience, two pages is
appropriate.
Mistake #9: Your resume is in paragraph form
Hiring managers have piles of resumes to get through, and most of them are unwilling to struggle
through a tough read no matter how qualified the candidate. Avoid turnoffs like dense type and
paragraphs, and use bullets instead. Think easily digestible nuggets, rather than lengthy sentences.
Mistake #10: Too much focus on past, irrelevant job descriptions
Employers don't care what duties were assigned to you in your past jobs. All they are really concerned about is what you have done, and what you can do for them. Focus on your accomplishments, rather than your duties. Use statistics and numbers. Show how you solved problems.
Avoid phrases like "duties included" or "responsibilities included." Volume 2 Issue 2 Page 3 Mistake #11: Too much personal information
If you choose to put hobbies and interests on your resume, use them sparingly and choose them
carefully to ensure they are not potentially controversial or offensive, or worthy of chuckles or eye
rolling. Including that you enjoy tennis, reading, and rock climbing is fine. Stating that you knit sweaters for your ferret in your spare time is TMI, unless you are applying for a job knitting pet apparel.
Mistake #12: You are obviously not qualified
Some people do this believing that it's a way to get their foot into the door of a company they would
really like to work for. But employers find this a waste of their time, and are annoyed by this practice.
If the employer remembers you later when you apply for a job you are actually qualified for, it won't
be fondly.
Mistake #13: No keywords
If you are submitting online, be aware that hiring managers will do a quick search of keywords and keyword
phrases to find appropriate resumes. If you apply for a
job where the company uses technology to search for
keywords, and you don't have those keywords in your resume, your resume will go unnoticed.
Mistake #14: "References available upon request"
This is often used as a way to end a resume, but it's completely unnecessary. Of course you have references! Otherwise, you have no business applying for this job!
by Dawn Dugan, Salary.com contributing writer
You can learn how to compose a resume that will enhance your skills, abilities
and experience at one of our 3 Worksource Oregon Centers.
Classes begin each Monday from 9 am to 11 am and run through Friday. We
end with a mock interview to give you practice for your interview with a
potential employer and subsequent hire!
Contact one of our locations to register and sign up!
Grant County Worksource 120 Washington Canyon City, OR 97820‐6125 Telephone: 1‐541‐575‐0251 Harney County WorkSource 90 W. Washington Street Burns, OR 97720‐1740 Telephone: 1‐541‐573‐6676 Malheur County WorkSource 375 SW 2nd Avenue Ontario, OR 97914‐3011 Telephone: 1‐541‐889‐7864 Volume 2 Issue 2 Page 4 With unemployment up, these days good jobs are harder to come by. It pays to make a great impression when you get an interview. In fact, Gillette recently commissioned Harris Interactive to conduct a survey of more than 500 HR profession‐
als. The survey revealed that 90% of HR pros believe being well groomed is key to making a strong first impression and setting yourself apart from less tidy competitors. Recruiter Roundtable: Interview Fashion and Grooming Tips By Yahoo! HotJobs The Recruiter Roundtable is a monthly feature that collects career and job‐seeking advice from a group of recruiting experts throughout the US. The question we put before our panel this month is, "What is the one piece of fashion and/or grooming advice you wish more candidates would heed before going on an interview?" Get the Details Right The night before the interview, lay out your wardrobe to make sure everything fits, is free of wrinkles and is current with today's styles. Also take the time to polish your shoes. While this may sound minor, showing up with scuffed shoes may signal to the employer you lack attention to detail. Finally, remember that the interview is not your time to make a fashion statement, so avoid tight clothing, limit your jewelry and go easy on fragrances. The interview is your opportunity to show hiring managers how talented you are, and maintaining proper appearance will ensure they focus on your abilities rather than your attire. ‐‐ DeLynn Senna, executive director of North American permanent placement services, Robert Half International Accessorize with Mints I wish more candidates would take a strong breath mint before their interviews. It may sound silly, but you would be sur‐
prised how distracting bad breath can be during an interview! Gum also works, but remember to discard your gum BEFORE the interview. ‐‐ Bob Hancock, independent staffing consultant What Are You Revealing? Look in the mirror: If too much is showing, don't wear it. While low‐cut blouses or shirts are in fashion, most are inappro‐
priate for the workplace, including the initial interview. The interviewer could possibly be distracted by the inappropriate‐
ness of the candidate's attire, and therefore not focused 100 percent on the interview. This is unfortunate for both parties; the candidate may not be getting the positive reaction to answers they want, and the interviewer may be less apt to probe for the information they need to make a solid hiring decision. ‐‐ Joelle Thies, staffing specialist recruiter, Wells Fargo The Smell of Success Is Scent‐Free If your perfume or cologne enters the room before you do, chances are your scent may be interfering with your chances of landing the job. You'll see subtle signs from the interviewer ‐‐ he'll lean away from you, she'll wrinkle her nose or open a window. If someone on the interview team has allergies or asthma, and if you're meeting with them in a small room, your strong scent will be just the excuse they need to leave the room quickly, without them getting a chance to hear the details about the brilliant marketing campaign you developed at your last company. The focus during the interview ‐‐ and after‐
ward when the interview team gets together to discuss your interview ‐‐ should be on your accomplishments, abilities and why you're the right person for the job. So keep it scent‐free. ‐‐ Cheryl Ferguson, recruiter, The Recruiter's Studio Page 5 Volume 2 Issue 2 Going Green
Do you care about making a difference as much as you care about your career? "Green"
jobs -- defined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics as jobs that produce goods or services
that benefit the environment or conserve natural resources, or jobs that use more environmentally friendly processes or fewer natural resources -- have outpaced jobs in other
categories by almost 250 percent over the last decade, and growth doesn't appear to be
slowing down anytime soon.
If you are good at solving problems, care about the envi-
ronment, are committed to social change, and have an interest in a green occupation
this may be the program for you.
OREGON GREEN TECH CERTIFICATE Preparing Workers for green occupations across a variety of diverse indus‐
tries. This special program will prepare you with the foundation skills needed to work in, but not limited to: Energy Management, Facility Operations and Management, Geothermal, Heavy Equipment Operations/Diesel, Industrial Maintenance, Manufacturing Technology, Maritime, Mechatronics, Renewable Energy, Registered Apprenticeship, RHVAC, Solar, Water and Wind. 6 Step Process: 1. Complete the intake process at your local WSO 2. Attend an overview and orientation 3. Complete the scholarship application 4. Take the College Placement Test 5. Apply for financial aid 6. Register for classes Training is provided by 8 of Oregon’s community colleges through a combina‐
tion of online instruction, hands‐on lab, and in some areas, work experience in the field. The core content is 36‐45 credits and is tuition free to you. Call one of our WSOs now for more information. This program is financed in whole or in part with funds provided through the Oregon Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development and The Oregon Consortium from the U.S. Department of Labor. This program is an equal opportunity program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon requests to individuals. Volume 2 Issue 2 Page 6 Training & Employment Consortium Scholarships Applications will be Available this October! Are you among the thousands of Americans who are unemployed? Are
you wondering what you are going to do now? Maybe you have skills
and years of experience, but the labor market for the type of work you
do is no longer there.
Are you finding it hard to compete in the job market these days without
the proper education? Most employers require a high school diploma
or GED at the minimum. Maybe you have a high school diploma or
GED, but need more skills to compete for jobs because without employable skills and education you are not being considered for positions.
This may be a good time for you to think about your options for getting
the education or training you need to build a career because we just
may be able to assist you with the educational or training costs to get
on that career path. If you are an Oregon resident and would like to
speak with someone about scholarship or training opportunities and
eligibility requirements, please contact a TEC office in Grant, Harney
or Malheur County.
These programs are funded in whole
or in part with funds provided by the
U.S. Department of Labor and administered by the Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development through The Oregon Consortium
and Oregon Workforce Alliance Oregon.
TEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program.
Auxiliary aids and services available upon
request.
TTY 541-962-0693.
Applying for Federal Aid
To apply for federal aid and to apply for many other student aid programs, students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Electronic versions of the FAFSA make applying for financial aid faster and easier
than ever.
Funding Education Beyond High School: The Guide to Federal Student Aid is a
comprehensive resource on student financial aid from the U.S. Department of
Education. Grants, loans, and work-study are the three major forms of aid
available through the Department's
Federal Student Aid office. Funding
Education Beyond High School: The
Guide to Federal Student Aid tells you
about the programs and how to apply
for them..
Visit http://studentaid.ed.gov/
students/publications/student_guide/
index.html for more information.
Or you can call the Federal Student Aid
Information Center toll free at
1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) Volume 2 Issue 2 Page 7 MONACO National Emergency Grant: If you were laid off by Monaco Coach in
Harney County and are looking for help to stabilize your career path we can help with tuition, support services and relocation assistance for work.
This Program Works!
Worker Retraining
Funding your Future.
Benefits for participating:
Access to staff who are committed to your
personal academic and career success.
Career Guidance
Tutoring Resources
Assistance with School Selection
Budgeting and Planning for School
Free Tuition for Training
Support Services while in Training
Help with Resumes and Job Search
Skills Training at the WSO Center
Assistance to secure employment
Relocation support if needed
On-The-Job Training
Call Tonya Fox at 541-573-6676 or
toll free at 1-800-895-0641
In December 2008, the Monaco Coach Corporation plant in Hines, Oregon temporarily laid off the majority of their employees. On March 2, 2009 they sent letters to their employees informing them that the layoffs would be permanent. TEC, working with the employees and the plant manager, was able to schedule a meeting with the laid off workers to inform them of their options in regards to training. On March 10, 2009 we had a meeting where approximately 120 former Monaco workers attended. Since then we have assisted 70 former workers with training, relocation, job search, resumes, applications and provided computer classes including basic computers, Microsoft Word and Excel and tools for work. 22 have attended training programs including Business Management, Wind Turbine Technician, Office Administration, Phlebotomist, Medical Coding, Barber, Teacher, Home Inspector, Geography, GIS (Geographic Informa‐
tion Systems) Technology and an On‐The‐Job Training as a Plant Manager. 34 former Monaco employees are now gainfully employed! Congratulations on your successes! ‐ Steven Greenhouse, labor reporter for The New York Times and author of The Big Squeeze: Tough Times for the Ameri‐
can Worker, talks about whether job retraining works in a down economy. “I think, you know, when unemployment is rising, if you have the money, go retrain, go get better skills, go back to col‐
lege. But unfortunately, a lot of people are living paycheck to paycheck, and they can't afford to take, you know, six months or a year retraining. You know, my sense is when you're having problems finding a job, improve your skills. Maybe you won't get a bet‐
ter job six months from now, a year from now, but hopefully, when the economy improves in a year, in two years and four years, that retraining will pay off because you'll be able to get a better job than the one you left. “ Career changes result for many reasons, but whatever the cause, it is a well‐
known fact this transitional phase is one full of emotional turmoil and stress. The degree and intensity of this turmoil however, is truly a personal choice. Let one of our qualified Workforce Development Specialists assist you with your own career transition. If you're not sure where you're going, you'll probably end up
somewhere else. - Anonymous
We realize that some people are not physically or mentally able to work, and society must care for them. But for the most part, people in poverty are able to work if assisted with barrier removal. Help‐
ing people to work is an incredibly good investment. The investment in changed lives can never be measured. ‐Liane Phillips, Cincinnati Works Page 8 Volume 2 Issue 2 Introducing: MANUEL VALERO
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST II
Manuel Valero was born in Nyssa, Oregon and graduated from Nyssa High
School in 1982. He has been married to his high school sweetheart Vonda
for nearly 27 yrs. They have two great sons Manuel (Bubba) Valero IV (22
yrs old) and his youngest son Marcus Valero (17 yrs old). Manuel and his
wife moved to the Salem/Portland area in 1987, where he worked for an
appliance, electronics and furniture store (Smith’s Home Furnishings). He
was employed as their District Audio Manager, unfortunately the company
went out of business and he moved his family back to the Nyssa/Ontario
area. Once again he was on the unemployed list, but not for very long. In
1996, Manuel was hired by the State of Idaho as a Correctional Officer. This was a very interesting
and challenging career for him. His wild land fire fighting skills, landed him a position as a Work Projects Crew Boss; he would take a crew of 20 offenders through out the U.S. to fight wild land fires. As
his sons grew up and participated in sports and other school activities Manuel knew it was time to spend
more time at home. So he decided to discontinue fighting wild land fires and promote up the ranks. In a
short period of time he made it to the position of Sergeant and then Lieutenant. During this time he
spent time working at a work center where he assisted offenders who were preparing to be released
from the system. He would help them with applying for jobs, interviewing and ultimately getting a
job. He would also assist them in getting a place to live, and try to establish a savings account and a
plan for paying their restitution for when they were released. During this time Manuel knew that
training and helping people make their lives better was something he wanted to pursue. He left
the Dept of Corrections to pursue his own business but the economy did not agree with his plans. So he
was again on the unemployed list.
Manuel applied for the position at TEC and…. Manuel commented that he is so GLAD that he is here,
and it has been going really well. He also stated that he is meeting some great people. He is currently a
WorkForce Development Specialist II and will be providing individual and group career navigation and
training. Manuel has been employed with TEC since July 7th 2011 and is still a NEWBIE!!. He is very
thankful that the TEC team here in Ontario has been very helpful in answering any questions that have
come up. He also wants to thank the TEAM members in Union and Harney County for being extremely
helpful in sending material and talking to him about some of the testing, training, and workshops that
we provide for our clients. The TEC team is making his transition into his position
Manuel says
“ALL IN ALL I AM VERY EXCITED ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY THAT TEC HAS GIVEN ME AS PART
OF THEIR TEAM, I WILL STRIVE TO MAKE THEM VERY PLEASED ON THEIR INVESTMENT WITH
ME.”
Page 9 Volume 2 Issue 2 Independent Living Program
The DHS child welfare Independent Living Program (ILP) is designed to assist youths who are or were in foster care to
become independent adults. This is not an open entry program. A referral must be made by a DHS case manger.
T EC is the provider of this program in Grant, Harney and Malheur Counties.
Our Dedicated Staff
Tina Lippert, Grant County
Linda Looney, Harney County
Rocio Trujillo, Malheur County
“Don't wait until everything is just right. It will never be perfect. There
will always be challenges, obstacles and less than perfect conditions. So
what. Get started now. With each step you take, you will grow stronger
and stronger, more and more skilled, more and more self-confident and
more and more successful.” Mark Victor Hansen Program Success Story in Malheur County Izella Scales, Independent Living Program Participant My experience with ILP has been extremely worthwhile. Not only has ILP helped me gain independent living skills, but it also has helped me gain personal and social skills. As a foster child I have taken these skills and use them in my daily life. I don’t think other foster children know about the benefits if they participate in ILP. My future plans: I am currently enrolled in college. I will be attending Central Oregon Community College this fall. I’m the first one out of my family to attend college. As an individual I want to succeed in every way possible. I have many goals for myself such as becoming a counselor so I can help troubled youth. I believe in hopes and dreams. No matter where a person comes from doesn’t mean they have a lesser chance of succeeding. Rocio Trujillo, Workforce Development Specialist II Izella Scales has been in the TEC Ontario ILP Program for 4 ½ years. She is a very enjoyable person who has great aspirations for herself. Izella stated that she was not always a willing participant of ILP until she realized just how much ILP could help. While in the ILP Program, Izella participated in various skills classes including how to fill out job applications, teen driving, landlord expectations, community service projects, shopping for snacks, budgeting, and a job corp. tour. Izella has faced many rough times in her young life, but we are all very happy that she was able to overcome her barriers and is now on her way to a very promising future. Izella is the first person in her family who will be going to college. She will continue to be in the ILP program when she moves to go to college so that she can keep building on her independent living skills. Izella was able to take advantage of the housing and education benefit of ILP, which is available to all ILP youth. With this benefit, she will be able to ensure that she can maintain herself while at college which will allow her to focus on her education. For more information about the State of Oregon’s Independent Living Program please visit: http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/children/fostercare/ind_living/ilp.shtml Volume 2 Issue 2 Page 10 Region 14 Veterans
Miguel Arredondo, Jr. RESOURCEs
BES 2/Local Veterans’ Employment Representative 541‐889‐5394 x 226 Programs and Services ∗Homeless Veterans’ Re‐
integration Program/
Grant County ∗Vocational Rehabilita‐
tion and Employment Service ∗Veterans’ Affairs Health Benefits ∗Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs Benefits ∗Federal Department of Veterans’ Affairs Benefits Employment Resources ∗Resume & Application Assistance ∗Vocational Guidance ∗Job Referrals ∗Information on federal, state and local govern‐
ment employment oppor‐
tunities ∗Career Exploration Training ∗Information on educa‐
tional and training op‐
portunities ∗Referral to training and retraining programs, in‐
cluding VA Vocational Rehabilitation Other Services ∗Information on health issues and where to file disability claims ∗Connection to medical facilities assisting veter‐
ans ∗Referral to local veteran organizations Local Veterans’ Employment Representatives are utilized to market veterans to the business community. The Employment Representatives become experts, researching and understanding the needs of our business customers and reaching out to businesses to promote
WSO as a high quality solution for workforce needs. In doing so, our staff statewide is
committed to assisting the veteran in securing the right kind of job based on the veteran’s talents and challenges, matching the veteran to the employer’s needs. Our partnerships with education, other workforce and economic development entities give us vital links
to training opportunities for veterans to pursue careers with new and expanding businesses. Our trained staff offers career advice on identifying and making the most of
transferable skills to job opportunities in other industries. Evaluating the veteran’s knowledge, skills and abilities allow them to make the best match with employer’s needs.
Tips for Finding Jobs for Vets: Identify employers known to be friendly toward hiring veterans, and in private sec‐
tor, those are employers that are performing services for the federal government val‐
ued at $100,000 or more per year in business. These employers are labeled as FCJL employers, and they are required to recruit, retain and promote eligible veterans in order to fulfill their federal contracts. Job announcements listed by FCJL employers may be located on http://www.jobcentral.com/vetreps/ or by contacting the nearest LVER or DVOP for assistance. Veterans have preference in hiring by government employers, and thus, veterans are encouraged to research employment openings with state, federal and local govern‐
ment employers, and www.usajobs.gov is the link to conduct such research. More‐
over, veterans who apply for federal jobs may be considered for discretionary hire for up to two years on open federal jobs, and the link to that information is http://
www.fedshirevets.gov/job/veterans.aspx I have identified some tips in locating employment opportunities, and to be consid‐
ered seriously, I recommend that veterans prepare the very best resume and cover letter possible, and to that end, I encourage veterans to seek assistance at their near‐
est WorkSource office. In the August edition of GI Jobs magazine, I noticed an excellent, inspirational article about a celebrity, Brian Stann, also known as Stann the Man to UFC fans, a former Marine Corps captain who received the Silver Star for his cool under fire when his platoon was ambushed in Iraq in 2005, and who has since pursued a successful career as a mixed martial artist in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). What is his best advice to transitioning veterans looking for a job? “The biggest thing is they need to understand, first things first: get rid of any sense of entitlement that they may have, because it hurts them when they go to sell themselves in the job,” he said. “They are very confident and they know that they deserve the job but they have to understand that they are competing again, so whatever they did in the military, some of these civilian employers aren’t exactly going to understand it, they have to go sell it. So they’ve got to learn how to play the game, learn how to talk about themselves and quantify those skill‐sets in verbiage that the civilian employer can understand.” Page 11 Volume 2 Issue 2 General schedule of Training
Page 12 Volume 2 Issue 2 Career Navigation Services Your future is waiting. Are you ready? WorkSource Oregon opens the door for employment opportunities through education, training and career navigation services. The job search can be intimidating. Let us help! We’re a agency working with many partners
to provide you with job preparation services free of charge.
Our job seeker services allow you to create a personal success plan that helps you take your career to
the next level by working with one of our qualified Workforce Development Specialists.
Resource Rooms: Free access to computers with high-speed Internet access, phones, fax machines, copy machines, and printers are available at one of our WorkSource Centers. Find a Job: WorkSource Centers offer
state-of-the-art job matching services. With workforce and employment specialists on hand, we give you the
support you need to get back in the game. Educational Opportunities: If you are having difficulty matching
your skills to available job opportunities, training may be an option. We offer training opportunities with
skills related workshops, on the job training worksites and some higher education opportunities are available. Veterans Services: Our highly trained veteran’s employment specialist can help you make the transition
into civilian life or improve your current job situation. Young Job Seekers: For jobseekers ages 16 to 21, we
can help you find an after school job, explore career opportunities, or explore and provide additional resources for education and training. Professional Network: Career transition services are offered through networking, workshops and business partnerships. We work with employers in the area to identify skilled and
qualified employees.
We can also provide additional resources to break through barriers working with other partnering agencies,
including domestic violence counseling, vocational rehabilitation, charitable organizations and other community service organizations. WorkSource is able to provide special services to help you make your workplace
transition successful. We will work one on one with you to develop the best career or training plan to
suit your needs.
National Career Readiness Certificate in Canyon City The Training & Employment Consortium, in partnership with the Oregon Employment Department, is working hard to meet em‐
ployer and job seeker needs through our implementation of the National Career Readiness Certificate Assessment. This assess‐
ment is designed to ensure qualified job seekers are referred to available job listings and assures employers that successful com‐
pleters have the basic skills necessary to be successful on the job. When you come in to the Worksource Oregon office in Canyon City, you will be greeted by our NCRC wall which dares you to Set Yourself Apart. The first step is to get registered for the Assess‐
ment which is offered on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. With your registration, you receive a mini‐certificate and a thumb tack to place on the NCRC wall formed in the shape of Grant County. You are then provided a small handout detailing what to expect when you arrive for the assessment and then how to update your iMatch Skills once you have completed the assessment. So far, we have had 21 job seekers complete the assessment and we are looking forward to increasing that number! We are a small office that gets the job done, so come on in and Set Yourself Apart! Volume 2 Issue 2 Page 13 What You Need to Know
GED® stands for “General Educational Development. It is a
series of five tests that measures one’s achievement in five
major areas of high school education. When all five GED®
subtests are taken and passed, one is awarded a certificate.
The certificate indicates one has the knowledge and skills
equivalent to high school graduates in the five areas.
How Do I Prepare For the
GED®?
GED® Preparation classes are offered through
BMCC. Contact Ashley Masterson-Armichardy
at 541-575-1550 . Why Do I Need a GED®?
How Do I Sign Up?
When you fill out applications for jobs or educational programs, you can list your GED® as equivalent to a high school
diploma. Most employers and colleges accept the GED®.
Make an appointment with Shannon Jensen at the
TEC office. Hours: Monday– Friday 8:00– 5:00
541- 575– 0251.
What Happens During the Test?
How Much Does It Cost?
At each testing session the Examiner checks ID, hands
out test materials, reads directions and starts the test.
You may not take a break during the test. You may
leave early if you finish before the time limit has ended.
If staying for another session, you must return before the
start time of next exam.
The testing fee is $145.00 for all five tests. It will cost
$20.00 for retests and there is a $10.00 No-Show fee.
All fees are to be paid prior to or the day of the test.
To improve a score, there is a $20.00 fee and there
must be a compelling reason for the retest. If you
choose to pay by test, a one time $35.00 state
testing fee and $10.00 GEDTS test fee must be
paid before testing and then $ 25.00 per test each
time you take a new test ($170.00 total) .
What Is a Passing Score?
The GED® subtests use a Standard Score that ranges
from 200 to 800. The passing score for each test is 410.
In order to pass the GED® and receive a certificate, your
overall average for the 5 subtests must be at least 450.
What Do I Bring?
•
Government– issued photo ID. Bring ID to each
testing session. All ID must contain your name,
photo, date of birth, current address, and
signature.
•
Payment- Make checks payable to Training and
Employment Consortium.
•
If you are 16 or 17 years old, you are required to
bring high school release or GED® Option form.
•
Do not bring such personal possessions, such as
purses, backpacks, phones, etc., because you
cannot take them to your seat while you test.
Pens and pencils will be provided.
What If I Fail One of the Tests?
If you fail a test, you may retake it using a different form.
Retests after a failed test are $20.00. There is a 30 day
waiting period to retest.
Accommodations
® You may request special accommodations for
physical or learning disability by filling out appropriate paperwork– available at the TEC office.
Volume 2 Issue 2 Page 14 Page 15 Volume 2 Issue 2 Team Work Rocks! — Why I love what I do...
"Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it." ~ Lou Holtz “Diversity, Challenge and Teamwork are the top reasons I enjoy
my work at TEC. I work with a diverse population and learn as
much from my customers as they do from me. I am regularly
challenged to assist customers to recognize their own potential. Finally, as a staff, we work together to meet our customers'
needs in creative ways to help them see and take advantage of the
opportunities that are available to them. What's not to love?”
Shannon Jensen
“I love working for TEC because I enjoy helping
people and making a difference in someone's
life”.”Tina Lippert
“Working for TEC comes with a multitude of rewards and positive returns. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to surround myself with dedicated and professional individuals, who
consistently provide one hundred percent customer support
and service for their clients. The commitment to excellence
and willingness to work together to produce positive outcomes
is refreshing and fulfilling. By working within this professional
environment, I am able to gain valuable knowledge and experience that allows me to improve in all aspects of my position.
The culture at TEC is one of respect and responsibility, caring
and empathy and above all professional, enjoyable and meaningful. My day is made whole when clients complete training
or schooling and come to us with their success stories and
gratitude for the help and encouragement we provided. What
better job could one ask for than one that affords us the
chance to change people’s lives for the better, each and every
day? Each day brings new challenges, and with team effort
and diligence, our staff takes them on and always looks for
ways to find positive solutions for our clients and organization.
I am personally proud to be part of the TEC Team and have
sincere respect for the leadership and my peers at TEC.”
Scott Craig
“What I love about working at TEC is the smile you
put on someone’s face when you assist them with
reaching their goal to become employed, whether
they are new to the workforce or been there for
years and now find themselves unemployed and
needing to find work. Everyone working together on
one common goal and that is to get our customers
trained and skilled up to re-enter the workforce.”
Tonya Fox
Get Involved
Share suggestions, ideas, solutions and proposals with your team members. Take the
time to help your fellow teammates, no
matter the request. You can guarantee
there will be a time in the future when
you'll need some help or advice. And if
you've helped them in past, they'll be more
than happy to lend a helping hand.
There are a lot of reasons why I love my job, but one
of them, probably the most important one, is that it
puts me in a position to help people. Being able to
help others in our community find work or help
them develop their skill level so they too can find
a job that they will enjoy as much as I enjoy my
job. It’s also satisfying to be able to help turn
around those people who are frustrated with the
whole process, to help them find something to
focus on so they can get to where they want to
be. I love to see people succeed in what they
thought was impossible. Lisa Norton
County Locations Grant County Worksource 120 Washington Canyon City, OR 97820‐6125 Telephone: 1‐541‐575‐0251 You don't need fancy highbrow traditions or money to really learn. You just need people with the desire to better themselves. Adam Cooper and Bill Collage Please visit the Training and Employment
Consortium on the web at: www.trainingemployment.org
Harney County WorkSource 90 W. Washington Street Burns, OR 97720‐1740 Telephone: 1‐541‐573‐6676 Join thousands of Oregon businesses that reduce their
costs and save time by listing with the
WorkSource Oregon Employment Department.
Visit OED on the web at: WorkingInOregon.org
Malheur County WorkSource 375 SW 2nd Avenue Ontario, OR 97914‐3011 Telephone: 1‐541‐889‐7864 Upcoming Training
Hours of Operation Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm WSO‐Region 14 Leadership Elizabeth Moore Executive Director Training and Employment Consortium Documentation, Discipline and Discharge
Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at 1 pm at Malheur County WSO
For many employers dealing with employee issues is the most stressful part of the
job. In this session you will learn how to properly document employee performance,
write effective warnings, provide employee feedback deal swiftly and fairly with
problem employees, conduct a discharge that minimizes risk of liability and recognize and reward good behavior. Cost is $50 and there is limited seating. Registration deadline is 09/22/11. See Val Gibbs at Ontario WSO or call her at 541-889-5394
x 229.
You may also email her at [email protected]
TEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and
services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
TTY (541) 962-0693.
Nancy Alvarado Region 14 Manager Oregon Employment Department Both can be reached at 541‐889‐7864 PO Box 40 Ontario, OR 97914 TO: Visit us on Facebook to keep up with what’s happening in Region 14 and workforce news! Training and Employment Consortium and WorkSource Oregon—Region 14