Today's topic

Employment services with Kevin Holt and Sheila Roth (Super Jobs) (4-15-09)

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10:55:37 AM [Visitor] wHICK JOB WEB SITE DO YOU THINK IS THE BEST?
10:58:40 AM [Kevin Holt and Sheila Roth] https://ohiomeansjobs.com/omj/ It aggregates information from a lot of different job boards. In addition, we have account reps at the Super Jobs Center who enter information about local job openings into this database on a regular basis.

10:54:26 AM [Visitor] Besides former employers, who else would be effective/appropriate to list as references?
10:55:57 AM [Kevin Holt and Sheila Roth] Anyone who can vouch for skills you have that are relevant to the job that you are applying for. For example, if you do any community service or volunteer work, you could have you connections there be a reference.

10:49:00 AM [Visitor] What is the best to make a objective statement on a resume?
10:50:36 AM [Kevin Holt and Sheila Roth] Include information in your objective that shows you can offer something to that employer. For example, you could say something like "seeking a position in customer service utilizing several years of call center experience."

10:43:30 AM [Visitor] Is it good to have a cover letter?
10:44:45 AM [Kevin Holt and Sheila Roth] Definitely. The only time you won't have a cover letter accompany your resume is when you are filling out an online application and you are given the choice of attaching a resume, but not a choice of attaching a cover letter. Any time the choice is yours, as to whether or not to send a cover letter with your resume, you should send one.

10:38:04 AM [Visitor] How effective are job fairs?
10:39:28 AM [Kevin Holt and Sheila Roth] It's effective in getting a recruiter's business card so that you can follow up with a specific person instead of just sending a resume and hoping that the right person gets it. It's also helpful in getting tips from a recruiter on what they are looking for in a job applicant.

10:29:47 AM [Visitor] How long should I wait before I call to check on a application?
10:37:22 AM [Kevin Holt and Sheila Roth] We suggest between seven and 14 days.

10:31:20 AM [Visitor] Having a working knowledge of Spanish seems to give a person an extra edge in the job market right now. Do you know of any affordable places in the community that provide Spanish language classes?
10:36:27 AM [Kevin Holt and Sheila Roth] Try Su Casa and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for more information.

10:33:14 AM [Visitor] What is the best way for an employer to post open jobs with specific minimum job requirements that need to be met for employment?
10:34:40 AM [Kevin Holt and Sheila Roth] Connect with an account rep at the Super Jobs Center that specializes in the employer's industry. Call (513) 731-9800.

10:27:37 AM [Visitor] Ok. Thanks for the information. Do you anticipate any other employment/training related RFPs for adults and/or youth in the coming months?
10:33:03 AM [Kevin Holt and Sheila Roth] Not at this time. Current funding is obligated for the next several years on adult and youth fronts.

10:29:18 AM [Visitor] I feel that I was unjustly terminated from a job that I held for 20 years and am working with an attorney in regard to that. When preparing a resume, what do I do for contact information?
10:29:42 AM [Kevin Holt and Sheila Roth] You have to be honest and accurate with your contact information. Only provide references of people who will speak positively about your work performance when an employer asks you for references. In the interview is where you can tell your side of the story, if the question comes up about why you left that job.

10:12:02 AM [Visitor] What exactly is the Super Jobs Center? Do they have list of openings for jobs, or is it just a place offering training and advice as to how best to present yourself for a job interview? I'm interested in something that will give me places to go to that are actually hiring. And how often is that ohiomeansjobs website updated? So many websites list jobs, but when you contact the place, they say that job was filled quite a while ago. Seems like the websites don't keep the job listings updated in a timely fashion.

10:29:42 AM [Kevin Holt and Sheila Roth] The Super Jobs Center is a one-stop job center that offers four main services: A resource room with computers, fax machines/copy machines; Job readiness workshops; Job leads; and Career coach assistance. We put all of the job opening information we obtain into Ohio Means Jobs. This database is updated daily, but relies on employers to let us know when jobs have been filled.

10:22:03 AM [Visitor] Do you know if anyone will be issuing an RFP for training adults? If not how will the stimulus funding that was allocated for adult training be administered?
10:25:41 AM [Kevin Holt and Sheila Roth] Adult training dollars, as well as dollars for laid-off workers, are being distributed through our previously procured one-stop operator, Arbor Employment and Training.

10:18:54 AM [vistor] What agencies are working with hospitals?
10:24:24 AM [Kevin Holt and Sheila Roth] Super Jobs works with all of the major hospitals. Call our number (513) 731-9800 for more information.

10:17:46 AM [Visitor] With having so many people out of work right now and competing for the same jobs, do you have any suggestions on how to make YOUR resume stand out among the rest? Example: color of the paper, style, length, etc.
10:22:23 AM [Kevin Holt and Sheila Roth] Our best advice is to match what you have to offer (skills, education, experience) with what companies are looking for. Take a look at the job ad and make sure you are using the same keywords from the job ad in your resume. It's also helpful if you write a compelling cover letter to sell yourself over and above what your resume says.

10:18:08 AM [Visitor] Hello, do you have any idea when the RFP from the stimulus funding for training adults will be released?
10:19:43 AM [Kevin Holt and Sheila Roth] We are not releasing an RFP for adult training. Stimulus dollars for youth services are being procured with an RFP that is currently released. It is due for submission this week.

10:12:07 AM [Visitor] It seems that every area of the country has its own work sectors that are still doing a lot of hiring even in this recession. What are those sectors here in Hamilton County?
10:18:04 AM [Kevin Holt and Sheila Roth] Health care. Customer service jobs.

10:12:24 AM [Visitor] One last question. What job opportunities were you refering to in the Cincinnati Enquirer?
10:15:42 AM [Kevin Holt and Sheila Roth] Job opportunities are available through https://ohiomeansjobs.com/omj/

10:11:31 AM [Visitor] What is the most effective way to find a job?

10:13:36 AM [Kevin Holt and Sheila Roth] Networking. Posting resumes on job boards on the Internet. Registering with Super Jobs Center. Visiting company Web sites to check out their job postings. Make sure you have a resume, information for an application such as contact information at former employers.

10:09:19 AM [Visitor] I am out of work for the first time in 20 years and am very inexperienced as far as a resume is concerned. Where can I get help?
10:09:22 AM [Kevin Holt and Sheila Roth] The Super Jobs Center offers weekly workshops for resume writing. Check our Web site (www.superjobs.com) for the calendar. You may also want to try your local library for information and also try some of the many good resources on the Internet.

10:07:59 AM [Visitor] Any ideas on how to get an interview with P&G in there cleaning products division? I also understand they are recognized as one of the top Green companies in the world.
10:09:22 AM [Kevin Holt and Sheila Roth] You might want to try to network with as many people as possible and find a connection with someone who works at P&G. Super Jobs does not have a direct connection at this time for placement of job seekers.

10:05:10 AM [Visitor] Where can I find a list of employers who hire people with a criminal record?
10:07:33 AM [Kevin Holt and Sheila Roth] Connect with a career coach at the Super Jobs Center who can offer advice about ex-offender friendly companies.

10:04:51 AM [Visitor] Do you have any info about "GREEN JOBS" here in Cincinnati?
10:06:16 AM [Kevin Holt and Sheila Roth] Ohio Means Jobs  https://ohiomeansjobs.com/omj/  is likely to have job leads in the Green Industry in the very near future.

10:03:43 AM [Lakisha Porter] What companies are hiring?
10:04:38 AM [Kevin Holt and Sheila Roth] Try  https://ohiomeansjobs.com/omj/ for the latest listing.

10:01:42 AM [Visitor] Having sold my Commercial Cleaning Business of twenty years, having an Ohio real estate license and a member of the US Green Building Council testing for my LEED AP certification I am seeking job opportunities in Property Management or Business Account development. Any suggestions? I do have a resume.
10:03:33 AM [Kevin Holt and Sheila Roth] You could try https://ohiomeansjobs.com/omj/ and you may also want to look into joining a job club such as the Job Search Focus Group in Hyde Park.

9:58:53 AM [Visitor] What is the best way for my resume to be effective?
10:00:54 AM [Kevin Holt and Sheila Roth] Our best advice is to tailor your resume for each individual job you apply for. Use keywords relevant for that occupation, such as specific skills and any relevant training. Don't send out generic resumes for multiple jobs.

9:55:50 AM [KC] Thanks for information. Do you know offhand what the requirements are to qualify for these funds? I was aware that there was funds available, but I thought only someone fit the category of "displaced worker/homemaker" was eligible.

9:57:11 AM [Kevin Holt and Sheila Roth] You may also qualify if you have low income. If that's not the case for you, as soon as your employer gives you notice that you will be laid off in the future, you could access the funds at that time. Even if you are still working.

9:51:52 AM [KC] I am unemployed in a job field that appears to be going the way of the dinosaur (though I'm not officially considered a "displaced worker"), and I would like to retrain in a different field. Since I'm out of work my money is pretty tight, so what resources are available for retraining?
9:53:11 AM [Kevin Holt and Sheila Roth] You can connect with the Super Jobs Center and find out more about a grant worth up to $5,000 that could help you with retraining. The Center is located at 1916 Central Parkway. The phone number is (513) 731-9800.

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