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Question: Do you have any success stories?
Answer: From July of 2007 to June of 2008, there were 3,019 employments obtained through the assistance of Super Jobs. Many of the jobs paid more than $15 an hour. Many people went through training to become a Licensed Practical Nurse and got great jobs!

10:45:15 AM [Taneka Myrick] I have been told Ohio is in a recession. Is that true?
10:45:41 AM [Tom Grote] We're not sure technically if Ohio is in a recession, but we can say that there has been an economic downturn. Ohio Department of Job and Family Services has expertise on areas such as this.

10:44:14 AM [Visitor] Why is JFS under a hiring freeze?
10:45:41 AM [Tom Grote] All of our funding streams are shrinking. We project a 40% decrease in funding over three years. Due to the economic downturn, tax revenues have decreased. That's where we get our funding.

Question: What does Super Jobs offer for employers?
Answer: Super Jobs has a Business Services Unit that works with employers to help them find qualified staff.  They have account reps who work directly with employers to try to help them meet their needs for qualified people. In some instances, they will screen applications, arrange and facilitate hiring events, and perform actual hiring tasks. Other: Recruitment assistance and hiring events. Job order services. Front-end recruitment, pre-screening and referral of qualified applicants. Outplacement assistance. Information on EEO/Affirmative Action. Information on unemployment insurance, workplace safety, labor laws, prevailing wages and training programs.

Question: What are some of the workshops that Super Jobs offers?
Answer: Resume 101, Goal-setting. Interview Skills. Choosing a Career. Job-Search Techniques. Computer Basics. Skills Identifications. Tough Interview Questions. In all, they offer 20 different workshops. All are free.

Question: How about if somebody wants to start their own business? Let's say they have skills in Web-related technologies?
Answer: First, I would research the demand for the service. You would have to recognize that you have to work harder than your typical 9-to-5 job. You should have considerable expertise in what you are trying to do. That falls a bit out of the scope of our expertise, but keep these things in mind.

Question: In general, what do employers expect out of a prospective employee?
Answer: Skills and abilities that lend themselves to performing the job well. Willingness to take initiative. Ability to get along with co-workers and your supervisor. Positive attitude. Good work ethic. Teamwork....

Question: What about if you are in a job with low pay and few benefits? Do you have any suggestions on how to move up?
Answer: It goes back to the networking, job search... You have to be competent, willing to work harder, productive, professional and able to get along with your co-workers and the folks you are serving. Enhance your skills, maybe even more education. Check to see what it takes to do a higher level job at your current employer and try to equip yourself so that you're able to do what is needed at that level. If you need to increase your computer skills, you've got to do it. If it's worth it to learn Spanish, you might consider that. That's a lot, but it would come in handy.

Question: What are some ways to go about networking?
Answer: Let people that you know know that you are seeking employment. Get out there more. Talk to more people in general. Contact co-workers and supervisors from previous jobs. If possible, become involved with a job search support group. Here's a link to a group of professionals: http://www.jobsearchfocusgroup.com/ Talk to your neighbors, people at church, attend luncheon meetings of your professional association... Get involved in volunteer activities.

Question: So what would you suggest to job seekers?
Answer: To work harder in your job search. To check with your local one-stop employment and training center, such as Super Jobs. To use job-search Web sites such as www.monster.com, www.careerbuilder.com https://ohiomeansjobs.com/omj/ Research current labor information to see where the in-demand jobs are. Here's a link that allows you to do that: http://lmi.state.oh.us/ Networking is another important thing for a job seeker.

Question: Is anybody hiring these days?
Answer: With the holiday season coming, there is some hiring. But less hiring than usual is projected. In general, there is less hiring now.

10:06 a.m. We noticed a visitor from Maineville. Please try again. If you run into technical problems, see the note above.

10:02:19 AM [JoAnn Newell] I have not heard of that site..it that super jobs.com?
10:04:52 AM [Tom Grote] Here's a link: http://www.superjobs.com/ We encourage you to come to the center. Super Jobs is funded with with Workforce Investment Act funds. These funds support one-stop employment and training centers throughout the country. We're sure there would be offices in Philadelphia.

9:24:53 AM [Visitor] I had came to the Super jobs orientation on Monday Months back when I still had a job but since I was still employed I never could make it to meet with the career person to see about other opportunities. Now I have no job are Mondays the only day you can come for the orientation to be conected to a career coach? And do they still help with schooling funding
ANSWER: Monday is the day they do orientations. We would encourage you to come back on a Monday. They have funding for schooling, but it is limited. They will first help you find a job that matches your skills.

9:17:38 AM [JoAnn Newell] Do u have jobs for family supportive services...I am presently in phila. pa. but graduated from withrow high school, also attended penn state.
ANSWER: At this time, we are under a hiring freeze at Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services. However, you could go to Super Jobs to get help with a job search that would increase your chances of securing the type of employment that you are looking for.

9:02:29 AM [Visitor] Hi I am currently seeking employment. What kind of programs are there at jobs and family services for me to find employment at jobs and family and my plans are to go back to school after the first of the year does the county offer any help with that?
ANSWER: We have funds to assist with job seeking. These funds support the operation of the Super Jobs Center at 1916 Central Parkway. The Super Jobs Center offers a variety of services designed to assist individuals in securing employment. Services include assistance with resume preparation, job-matching services, career counseling, use of a resource room, workshops on numerous topics related to job search (interviewing, finding the right job, etc.)

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