March 2023 Job Journal

Job Journal

LOOKING FOR WORK?

Find a career path, part-time or fulltime work. Find a job that offers benefits.

How to flawlessly answer the 'Tell me about yourself' interview question.'

Here are our best tips for formatting and nailing your response.

Aspire To Succeed & Lead

MCE Women's Business Center

This conference is for business women, aspiring women entrepreneurs, or current women business owners looking to expand their knowledge in various areas of the business world.

Youth Symposium

Mu Omicron Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Community Service Hours are available . Virtual Presentation. You must register.

https://lswa.org

https://www.lowershoreajc.org

Happy Friday!

The Job Journal is released on the first Friday of each month. The Job Journal contains information and resources from the three counties: Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester. Please feel free to click on the links within the Table of Content for quick access.

If you need to subscribe or unsubscribe to the Job Journal, you can email us at jobjournal@lswa.org. In addition, if you are a non-profit organization and would like to submit information about an event or resource, email us at jobjournal@lswa.org by the 15th of the month.

Did you know it is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month? We published a few articles and resources within the Job Journal dedicated to this awareness.

Thank you for following us, and if you haven't, please subscribe to our Facebook and Instagram pages.

Employee Spot Light

The purpose of an employee spotlight is to celebrate the great staff at Lower Shore America Job Center and showcase firsthand stories about our workplace. This month, we would like to introduce an employee, Jessi Ferrio, employed with Division of Rehabilitation Services within the American Job Center. Read her inspiring story here!

What do you like most about the work you do here?

I like serving our community by working with job seekers and local businesses.

What is the most exciting/interesting/challenging project you’ve worked on here?

On the lower shore our team has had several exciting projects, but my professional highlights have been the Reverse Job Fair, the Eastern Shore Business Summit, and assisting our job seekers in finding employment.

How long have you been with the Maryland Department of Education, Division of Rehabilitation Services, (DORS)?

I have been with the Maryland Department of Education, Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) for 8 years. I primarily work with job seekers with differing abilities and with local businesses.

How did you get started in the industry?

I started in the field of disability services 15 years ago, doing work to support community engagement, for a private non-profit organization.

What drew you to apply for this position and why?

I was very interested in being in a position where I could help more job seekers who have differing abilities and, work with businesses.

What do you enjoy most about working at DORS? I most enjoy being part of the Lower Shore Workforce team and working with my partners.

What is one thing that you wish people knew about your job?

I would like people to know that people with disabilities are part of a community that any one of us could join at any time; because disabilities come in all shapes, sizes, and abilities.

What was your dream job or profession when you were a kid? Teacher

Thank you, Jessie Ferrio; we need more people, such as yourself, to assist customers who have disabilities to find meaningful employment as well as connecting businesses with potential candidates. Your job is greatly respected. Congratulations on your 15 years of dedication, wisdom, and knowledge. We enjoy seeing you in the American Job Center.

HOW TO FLAWLESSLY ANSWER THE 'TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF' INTERVIEW QUESTION

are our best tips for a great answer.

Written by Hannah Riley, Contributor on Jan 30, 2023 Reviewed by Alyson Windsor

The "tell me about yourself" interview question can be hard to answer if you're not prepared. Searching for a job, especially in a faltering economy, is stressful enough without adding in the awkwardness of answering such a personal, open-ended question.

You might feel stumped on how to answer this question because it can be difficult to talk about yourself with no guidelines. But speaking confidently about your successes can be much easier when you prepare your answers in advance. Here are our best tips for formatting and nailing your response.

Why do interviewers ask, 'Tell me about yourself?'

A job interview is all about getting to know you. Interviewers ask the "tell me about yourself" interview question as a way to transition from small talk into their technical and behavioral interview questions.

The interviewer wants to gauge if you are able to communicate clearly and professionally. Freezing up the first time you're put on the spot gives a bad impression.

The interviewer hopes the candidate can answer the question in a natural way that shows they are prepared and care about the interview. A great answer can help you stand out in a job interview.

If you're asked this question during a video or phone interview, you can have your answers in front of you. If the interview is in person, you should be prepared to answer without checking your notes.

Other ways that interviewers might ask this question

The "tell me about yourself" interview question sometimes sounds different. Interviewers might ask:

The 'Tell me about yourself' interview question might feel intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. Here

Tell me more about your background.

I'm interested in learning more about you.

Tell me about your time working at "x" company.

Can you tell me more about your experience?

Tell me something I don't already know from your resume. Be ready for any version of this question with your structured and practiced answer.

Whichever method you choose, be sure to tie it back to the specific job and company you're interviewing for. The answer should make the interviewer think it makes sense you are interested in the role.

Components of your answer

Your answer to the "tell me about yourself" question should describe your current situation, your past job experience, the reason you're a good fit for the role, and how you align with the company values.

Current situation

Breakdown: How to answer the 'tell me about yourself' interview question

There are many strategies for answering the "tell me about yourself" interview question. The way you choose to structure your answer may depend on your previous experience. A recent graduate will have a much different answer than a director who has been employed for decades.

While it's important to prepare your answer, you should also leave room for spontaneity and make sure it doesn't come out sounding too rehearsed.

Tell the interviewer about your current position and a recent big accomplishment or positive feedback you received. Avoid speaking negatively about your current job. The interviewer wants to hear how your current role is similar to the position you're applying for.

If you're currently a student, use this time to talk about relevant school experiences like classes you've taken, projects you liked, or internships.

Past job experience

Once you find a form that fits your experience the best, make sure you practice. Write down your answer so you can rearrange it, make sure it flows, and keep track of key points.

The interviewer likely has your resume in front of them, so don't just tell them what they already know. Use this question to touch on your past work history and highlight areas that are applicable to the position you have now.

To read more of this article: Click Here

Join the Disability Advisory Committee (DAC) and help lead Salisbury towards a more accessible future for all! DAC works to ensure that citizens with disabilities have equitable access to opportunities the community provides, such as housing, employment, transportation, and entertainment.

There are currently 2 vacancies on the Disability Advisory Committee, and we need your help! Interested in being a part of this change-making group?

Apply here: https://tinyurl.com/5cctxtw6

mwejobs.maryland.gov

Enroll at https://mwejobs.maryland.gov

1.

Create a résumé in the system.

2. Schedule your one-on-one appointment (see below for contact information)

3. Bring copies of your résumé, cover letter or other job search materials to your appointment

Contact

(410) 341-8533

YoVanda Brown

Bill Draucker

Jorge DeJesus Jr.

Andrea Kenney

Killian Walker

Dyann Foskey

Tyler Horton

Hannah Schweikert

Veterans Representative

Cherice Johnson

Christina Williams

Reentry Navigator

Tawanda Redding

Office Email: dlwdalsalisbuy-LABOR@maryland.gov

31901 Tri-County Way

Salisbury, MD 21804

Energize Your Job Search

Résumé Reviews

Not getting any interviews? Have your résumé reviewed by a Job Service Specialist to discuss up to date résumé ideas and formatting tips to get your résumé to the top of the pile.

Job Search Techniques

If you are frustrated from navigating through endless job boards, social networking sites and piles of newspapers, we can help you mainstream your job search and learn to focus on finding the right job.

Interviewing Tips

Learn how to get prepared for your upcoming interview and how to best answer questions about employment gaps, terminations and other sticking points that can be tricky, and what questions you need to ask the employer

Labor Market Consultation

Explore resources that will help you to research careers, industries and find information about specific occupations. By utilizing the most up-to-date labor market information available for salaries, job outlook and training, we can help you make decisions that are more informed in your job search

Effective Online Job Applications

We can assist you through the sometimes-complicated process of completing online applications from setting up an email account to copy and pasting your résumé into the application.

Job Skills Identification

Finding transferrable job skills while changing careers can be difficult, we can help you explore your experience and learn how to translate those skills to another field.

Resources for Job Seekers

There are many resources for job seekers from getting funding to go back to school to veteran services to computer training, ask how the One-Stop can help you in finding your next career

Ask Us to Design a Custom Consultation to Meet Your Needs

Meet one on one with a Job Service Specialist to further discuss problems you are encountering during your job search and how to overcome them with confidence.

www.labor.maryland.gov

Adult Education

Individuals can enroll in classes to increase their basic reading, math, and writing skills or learn the English Language, prepare for the GED® tests, and increase their readiness for work or job advancement. Instruction is available for anyone over age 18 who is not currently enrolled in high school. Classes are offered in all Maryland counties and Baltimore City. Follow the link to locate classes in your area.

Federal support for adult instructional services is provided by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act which creates a partnership with states to jointly fund the Adult Education activities

TELAMON CORPORATION

NATIONALFARMWORKERJOBSPROGRAM(NFJP)

Become self-sufficient during lean times. In partnership with the National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP), Telamon provides services that educate, train, or prepare eligible farmworkers for other jobs. Our trained staff members work one on one with you to develop a plan to meet your needs and help you achieve your goals. The programs can help you identify career paths and assess your skills and interests.

You can also turn to Telamon for help finding work through on-thejob training, local market information, and job placements. Bilingual services are available in many of our offices.

The U.S. Department of Labor funds this program.

Servicesinclude:

Careercounseling

Jobandclassroomtraining

Customizedtrainingprograms

RemedialeducationandGEDpreparation

EnglishasaSecondLanguage(ESL)classes

Skillupgradesandoccupationalcredentialing

Jobplacement

Pre-ApprenticeshipPrograms To

V E T E R A N S

U T R E A C H P R O G R A M

When you've served in the military long enough, you might relate all of your experiences to the armed forces and the tasks you're assigned by a superior.

Many service members follow a very programmed career progression, so initiative may not be as absolute in the military as it is in the civilian world where self-promotion is key to career advancement.

That said, your employment application for civilian or private-sector work must be your marketing tool to highlight your skills and capabilities, particularly those acquired during military service. We can help you!

labor.maryland.gov/employment/veteranservices.shtml

DORS:HelpngMarylanderswithDisabiltiesGoToWork

HOW TO TALK ABOUT YOUR DISABILITY DURING A JOB INTERVIEW

disABLEDperson, Inc is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to reduce the high unemployment rate of individuals with disabilities. "We are simply here to serve "

How to Talk About Your Disability During a Job Interview

61 million adults in the United States live with some kind of disability. This means that 61 million adults in the United States are entitled to disability accommodations as stated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, it's evident that fewer people in the United States actually apply for and get approved for these accommodations.

The truth is that people in the United States are scared to talk about their disabilities in job interviews. They may think that they'll get rejected or be treated poorly.

Whatever the reasoning, it's preventing people from getting the accommodations they deserve. If you have a disability and you're trying to figure out how to bring it up in your upcoming job interview, keep reading.

It's Your Choice

Before you walk into your job interview, you need to think about whether or not you truly want to bring up your disability in your job interview. It is completely your choice.

In fact, because of the American with Disabilities Act, it's illegal for employers to ask about your disability. They cannot ask any questions that would even lead you to tell them about a disability. If you find that an employer is doing this, you should report them to the Equal Employment Opportunity Office.

That being said, bringing up your disability may be valuable in some positions.

Put a Positive Spin on Things

If you feel that revealing your disability could improve your chances of getting the position, it may be worth it to talk about some of the more positive aspects of disabilities. This means that you should focus on the things that having a disability gives you rather than takes from you.

There are several skills that having a disability can teach you. All of these skills are transferrable to your role as an employee:

Perseverance

Adapting to change

Time management

The ability to handle being under pressure

Understanding

Communication skills

Diversity awareness

Sit down and think about all of the lessons and values that having a disability has brought you. Bring these up as strengths in your interview. This won't even give the interviewer room to think about the negatives.

Make Your Disability Part of Your Story

Frame your disability as an antagonist in your story rather than a hinderance in your entire life. When you're talking about struggles and triumphs, talk about how your disability gave you both.

You're standing (or sitting) strong today because you got through every single thing that was thrown at you. Don't undersell your disability. Show it as an obstacle that you overcome every single day (even on the bad days).

Address Accommodations

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, you are eligible for accommodations in the workplace, given that they are reasonable. Accommodations may be the exact reason that you want to bring your disability up in the interview.

If you've already decided to bring your disability up in an interview, your employer may ask about what reasonable accommodations you may request. These could include screen-reading software, magnifaction, a standing desk, bathroom breaks as needed, or something else.

Be sure to review the Department of Labor's accommodation policies and suggestions. You might find accommodations that you didn't know you were entitled to as an employee in the United States.

Support Them as They Support You

As you're doing your research on reasonable accommodations, you should look into how you can support your workplace right back. How can you make the transition easy for them just like they're doing for you, assuming that you get hired?

Do your research. See if you can find government grants for accommodations. Help your employer and coworkers understand your disability more, especially if it's not a well-known one. Talk about and thank them for how well they're supporting you. On the other hand, speak up if you're not being supported well. Could they be doing something better?

If you have a concern, don't be afraid to bring it up. You could be helping someone else in the workplace with a disability, too. You could also be helping the workplace accommodate to individuals like you in the future.

Overall, remember that this is a learning experience for both sides. Take things in strides and don't feel like you're alone. Whenever you're feeling lost, talk to a member of the HR staff or have a conversation with a higher-up.

Focus on Your Skills

Your disability should not take over the entire interview. While you should use your disability as a learning experience and a potential inspiration for your line of work, you should not talk about it the entire interview.

Show that you have a life beyond being swept away by a chronic illness. Allow the interviewer to ask you about your educational experiences and personal interests.

Just as anyone else would do, you should round yourself out as a person. Show off everything that you've done, learned, and enjoyed over the years. Don't focus on one aspect of yourself.

Don't Overshare

If you aren't comfortable talking about something, don't. If the interviewer asks a question that you don't want to answer, don't. You should never share too much than you're comfortable with. Never let the interviewer make you feel like you have to answer a question. Politely decline, change the topic, or give a surface-level answer that doesn't invade the privacy that you want to keep. You are the gatekeeper to your information. You have the right to share some things while concealing other things.

Go Job Hunting

Now that you have all of the information that you need to go into your job interview with confidence, it's time to go job hunting. If you're feeling a little lost on where to look, feel free to check out our list of jobs here.

Our team is dedicated to helping people like you get the jobs they want as well as the jobs they deserve. With our services, you can find a fair salary and find a position that suits you well.

Get started and build your resume today!

Vehicles for Change is the nation’s largest affordable car ownership program. We take donated vehicles, and repair them to our quality standards and award them for as little as $950 to families who are living with a lack of transportation. Those vehicles grant access to higher-paying jobs, fresh, nutritious foods, and better health. Our vehicle ownership program allows recipients to build credit which opens doors for home ownership. Ask your questions in the comments section below. It could be read and answered next time.

LEGAL SELF-HELP CENTERS

FREE legal help in civil cases for individuals who do not have a lawyer. Watch a short introductory video about the walk-in (in-person) court help centers or the call or chat services.

MARYLAND COURTS SELF-HELP CENTERS

410-260-1392 mdcourts.gov/self-help

Monday- Friday. 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM

FAMILY LAW HOTLINE

800-845-8550

Monday-Friday, 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM

LEGAL FORMS HOTLINE

800-818-9988 (English)

877-293-2507 (Spanish)

Tuesday, Wednesday, & Friday: 9:00 AM- 12:30 PM

Thursday: 9:0 AM- 4:00 PM

SOMERSET COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT

11770 Somerset Avenue

Princess Anne, Maryland

Fridays, 9:00 AM to Noon

410-651-4618

WORCESTER COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT

81 West Market Street

Snow Hill, Maryland

Mondays, 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM

410-632-5638

DISABILITY RIGHT MARYLAND

800-233-7201

disabilityrightsmd.org

LEGAL AID BUREAU INC.

800-818-9988 (English)

877-293-2507 (Spanish)

Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday: 9:00 AM- 4:00 PM

MARYLAND VOLUNTEER LAWYER SERVICES, INC.

800-510-0050 mvlslaw.org

PRO BONO RESOURCE CENTER OF MARYLAND, INC

800-396-1274

probononmd.org

WICOMICO COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT

1101 North Division Street

Salisbury, Maryland

Mondays, 9 AM to Noon

410-334-3127

For more information, please email info.easternshore@ja.org

Join us Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at Wicomico Youth & Civic Center for JA Inspire for Hire, a community career fair and expo event! All jobseeking community members are welcome!

Come and learn about opportunities on the Shore in an interactive way!

Small Local Business Hiring...

B

U S I N E S S E S

Building Attendant (FT and PT shifts) CEWD Registration Specialist CEWD Summer Scholars Instructors

Child Care Aides