RECRUIT CANDIDATES ONLINE

Oneonta Job Corps Academy

Job Corps is a voluntary program administered by the United States Department of Labor that offers free-of-charge vocational training to young men and women ages 16 to 24. In addition, it provides academic instruction and supportive services, through the 131 residential centers operated nationwide. The program’s ultimate objective is to help disconnected youth become more responsible, employable and productive citizens. Successful Job Corps students will enter the workforce, join the military or attend college. Since 1964, the program has served more than 2.5 million youths. Job Corps doesn’t just prepare young adults for the future — Job Corps changes lives. Oneonta Job Corps Academy has been training students for successful careers for more than 30 years. Opening in 1980, OJCA has trained thousands of young adults from New York, New Jersey and the Virgin Islands in one of eight basic careers: certified nursing assistant, certified medical assistant, medical administrative assistant, collision repair, automotive tech, cement mason (OPCMIA), tile setter and electrical helper. Additionally, our four advanced training programs serve youth from across the United States who have completed a basic training in their home area: overhead line construction, underground residential distribution, smart meter instrumentation technology and drone pilot. The following are just a few of their stories.

Lester Crandon

Lester Crandon enrolled in Oneonta Job Corps in May 2016. Over the next year, Lester remained focused and dedicated to his goals. He graduated from OJCA in 2017 as an apprentice cement mason. He was offered a position with Pinnacle Industries, in Harrison, New York, making $18 an hour. Today he is in his third year of apprenticeship, making $40 an hour. His hard work and ability to stay on track has paid off!

Shaquille Sealey

Shaquille Sealey emigrated from the West Coast of Berbice, Guyana, at 4 to the United States. He entered OJCA in 2017. Shaquille could be described as dedicated and driven when others reflected on his time in the program. Just five days after his graduation from Oneonta Job Corps in 2018 Shaquille began working for Regal Construction Group in New York. He belongs to OPCMIA Local 780 based out of Whitestone, New York. However Shaquille is living above the wage average in New York making roughly 2.5 times more than someone of similar age/skill.

Jerry Sanchez attended the overhead line advanced trade program at Oneonta Job Corps Academy. He is employed by Techsico Towers out of Oklahoma as a tower technician making $17 an hour with benefits. Jerry’s employer was very impressed with the skills he attained from Oneonta Job Corps.

Grace Shepherd

Grace Shepherd is a young lady who is described as mature, kind, hard-working, polite and dedicated, with strong leadership skills. She graduated from Oneonta Job Corps Academy in March 2019. Grace started a full time position in October 2019 with Greater Brooklyn Gastroenterology Care/ MJC Medical as a clinical medical assistant.

Oneonta Job Corps Academy has been helping young adults make dreams a reality. If you or someone you know would like to learn more about the Job Corps opportunity, call our Outreach and Admissions Department at 607-431-1447 or go online to express your interest https://oneonta.jobcorps.gov/ Article submitted by Oneonta Job Corps Academy staff.

Content for this publication provided in part by Newspaper Toolbox and Metrocreative services.

5 mistakes to avoid when writing a CV

Your CV serves as a first point of contact with employers. To ensure it creates the right impression, avoid making these five mistakes.

1. LISTING THE WRONG INFOR

MATION. Ensure that your current phone number and email address are correctly listed. Do the same for all dates. 2. NOT PROOFREADING IT. Proper spelling, grammar and punctuation are a sign that you pay attention to details. If possible, get someone to proofread your CV to ensure it’s easy to read and contains no mistakes.

3. NOTING YOUR INTERESTS.

Unless they have something to do with the job you’re applying for, don’t devote space on your

CV to your hobbies.

4. NOT KEEPING IT TO THE

POINT. It’s okay to leave out jobs if they have little to do with the position you’re applying for and you held them many years ago. Only relevant and recent employment experience should be identified in your CV.

5. PROVIDING REFERENCES.

Generally, it’s best to leave your personal and professional references off your CV. If the hiring manager wants them, they’ll ask. Remember that your CV should be a summary of your professional skills. Anything more than two pages is too long and probably won’t be read.

A resume is a one page summary of your work experience and background relevant to the job you are applying to. A CV (curriculum vitae) is a longer academic diary that includes all your experience, certificates, and publications.

How to nail a phone interview

If you’ve recently applied for a job, it’s likely that someone will call or email you to set up a formal interview for the position. However, you should also be ready for an informal phone interview. Here’s how to navigate this type of call and ensure you meet the hiring manager in person.

BE PREPARED

A phone call can happen at any time. Research the company when you first apply and prepare a few questions to ask the recruiter during a phone interview. In addition, always keep a copy of your CV close by, keep your phone fully charged and answer calls in a professional, courteous manner.

BE AVAILABLE

If you’re contacted by email with a specific time for the phone interview, prepare yourself accordingly. Notably, make sure you’re in a comfortable and quiet location at the time of the call and review the details about the company and the position. If you receive the call unexpectedly, take it if it’s a good time for you. If it isn’t, let the call go to voicemail and call back as soon as possible. Alternatively, you can answer and ask them to call you back at a more convenient time.

BE A GOOD LISTENER

Pay attention to the person speaking and never interrupt what they’re saying. Be sure to take notes on the conversation as they may come in handy during a formal interview, should you have one. If you’re not sure how the phone interview went, don’t be shy to ask about the next steps in the hiring process. This will give you a good idea whether or not you’re going to have a second interview.

How to write a letter of resignation

If you decide to leave your job, it’s customary to inform your employer with a written letter of resignation. Here’s what to include in it. • A STATEMENT OF RESIGNATION. Include your name, the company’s name, your position within the enterprise and your intention of leaving your job. If you wish, you can include the reason you’re leaving but it’s not necessary.

• YOUR INTENDED LAST DAY OF WORK.

It’s customary to announce your resignation two weeks before you intend to leave the company. Putting your last day in writing can help avoid confusion.

• A THANK YOU. Briefly outline the positive aspects of working for the company and thank them for everything you’ve gained from the experience.

• AN OFFER TO HELP WITH THE TRANSI

TION. If it’s appropriate, you can offer to help with recruiting and training your replacement. Once the letter’s written, sign it and give it to your boss in person. Remain respectful and polite during this encounter. Staying in your former employer’s good graces is important because you may need them as a reference in the future.

Telecommuting has many advantages to offer, including a better work-life balance, increased productivity, reduced transportation costs and greater flexibility in hours worked. Here are four jobs you can do from home.

1. VIRTUAL ASSISTANT

A virtual assistant provides a host of creative, technical and administrative services in corporate, legal, medical and other settings. What’s great about marketing yourself as a virtual assistant is that you can tailor your offered services to what you’re good at. That said, the greater your skillset, the higher your earning potential will be.

2. TRANSLATOR

Knowing more than one language can be a marketable skill, one you can put to use by working as a translator or interpreter. If you have a background in a particular discipline or industry, you can draw on it to market yourself as a specialized translator. There are many translation opportunities in both the private and public sectors.

3. WEB DEVELOPER/DESIGNER

These days, almost every company and public organization has a website, and they need people to create, maintain, modify and update them. In addition, web design and development skills are easy to combine with other areas of expertise, such as advertising and graphic design.

4. BOOKKEEPER/ACCOUNTANT

This is a perfect occupation if you want to work from home, either full or part time. You’ll probably have to meet clients from time to

time and you can expect a busier schedule during tax season. While there are many opportunities to secure remote jobs, be on the lookout for work-from-home scams, which have become more common in recent years. Be sure to research anyone you work for and to seek out employee reviews online.

102 Chestnut St., Oneonta, NY 13820

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Advertising & Creative Services Assistant

For consideration, please submit your resume and cover letter to: Valerie Secor, Advertising Director at vsecor@thedailystar.com. Successful candidates should be positive, organized with excellent follow-through and have Adobe suite experience.

Sports Reporter/ Copy Editor

Please submit your resume, cover letter and examples of your published writing to: Denielle Cazzolla, Editor at dcazzolla@thedailystar. com. Please do not apply if you cannot work weekends and often until midnight, and are not from the Northeast. No phone calls, please.

Part-Time Mailroom/ Sub Driver Position

Please apply in person at The Daily Star, 102 Chestnut St., Oneonta, NY 13820 from 8AM-4:30PM, Monday through Friday

Newspaper or Web Pressman

Qualified candidates reply to: Kim Robert Hamlin, Pressroom Foreman at press@thedailystar.com

The best career by personality type

If you’re trying to determine what type of career would most suit you, here are some suggestions based on five key personality traits.

FOR THE ASSERTIVE

If you like to take charge and have strong leadership skills, you may find that management positions are a good fit for you. They’re available in a wide range of industries and sectors, so you’re sure to find one that suits your interests.

FOR THE METHODICAL

If you’re highly organized and meeting deadlines is your forte, you might be interested in a career as an administrative or legal assistant, dental assistant, chef, truck driver or landscaper. Being organized and capable of meeting deadlines is essential in many professions.

FOR THE COMPASSIONATE

If you’re passionate about caring for others and meeting new people, you may want to consider a career as a caregiver, nurse’s

assistant or orderly. From home care to hospital work, there are many fulfilling positions available.

FOR THE TACTILE

If you love working with your hands, consider jobs in the industrial and agricultural sectors. From machinery operators to mechanics and farmhands, there’s a variety of positions available to satisfy hands-on types.

FOR THE INNOVATIVE

If you like to create and innovate, then a career as a programmer, web designer, engineer or researcher could be right for you. As technology becomes more central and the challenges posed by global warming become more pressing, we need more innovators on the front lines. Whatever kind of person you are, there’s a career path that’s right for you. To delve further into the subject of career options based on personality traits, visit mynextmove.org/explore/ip.

3 dental careers to consider

There are a number of careers in the field of oral health. Here are three dental careers you may want to consider.

DENTAL ASSISTANT

The duties of a dental assistant include caring for patients, managing dental records, preparing and maintaining instruments and equipment, and processing X-rays. Some are also involved in examining and diagnosing patients. To become a dental assistant, you need to graduate from an accredited program and pass an exam. However, there are some states where no formal education is required, and dental assistants can learn their profession on the job.

DENTAL HYGIENIST

Hygienists work under the supervision of a dentist and provide preventive care. They spend a lot of time with people, performing cleanings, examinations and educating them about dental hygiene practices. When people go in for a routine appointment, they usually deal with hygienists. To become a dental hygienist, you must earn a degree from an accredited program. You will also need a state license. Regardless of state, you’ll have to pass an exam like the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE).

DENTAL TECHNICIAN

Technicians manufacture dental prostheses like crowns, dentures and bridges. They’re never involved in direct patient care and the job is a great fit for hands-on people. Most states don’t require dental technicians to be licensed, and they typically learn on the job. However, they can voluntarily apply for certification through the National Board for Certification established by the National Associatio of Dental Laboratories (NADL). Dental health is crucial to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and the careers in this field are increasingly in demand.

Millions of people found themselves out of work as efforts to curtail the spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 took a toll on the economy. In many places, businesses deemed non-essential were forced to close their facilities to customers, leading many employers to lay off valued staff members.

Confronting a layoff can be difficult. Unlike employees who are fired for cause, laid off workers typically find themselves out of work through no fault of their own. Such was the case for millions of people across the globe whose layoffs were related to the COVID-19 virus. Prior to the outbreak, millions of hardworking, talented professionals had no reason to doubt their career prospects. But after the outbreak and its effects on the economy, those same people, now out of work, may be wondering if there’s anything they can do to keep their careers on track. While laid off workers recognize there are no guarantees in regard to getting their jobs back, they can take steps to keep their careers on track even while they’re not working.

• CONTINUE TO BE PRODUCTIVE.

No one will blame a newly out-ofwork professional for taking a few days to process their situation and take a deep breath. But it’s important that laid off workers continue to be productive even if they’re not working. Traditional freelancing may not make financial sense for those seeking to secure unemployment benefits, but that does not mean you cannot still work. Set up a blog or vlog where you can showcase your credentials and experience. Offer to serve as a virtual mentor for young professionals or students without much business experience. Using your time productively, and having something like a blog or vlog to show for those efforts, can help you stay on track and land another opportunity when the job market becomes more active. • STUDY UP. Technology has ensured that modern industry is ever-changing, and laid off workers can use their down time to study up on the latest trends and best practices in their fields. This is an ideal time to fill gaps on your resume and turn a negative into a positive. If possible, enroll in an online course with a local college or university, or make use of virtual learning programs offered by local libraries or chambers of commerce. • RESEARCH YOUR NEXT JOB. Uncertainty has reigned in many industries thanks to COVID-19, so finding a new job before social distancing restrictions are lifted may be especially difficult. But laid off workers can use their down time as an opportunity to research their next job. Do your homework on companies within your industry, learning about their client base, culture and goals for the future. Putting forth such an effort now can pay significant dividends when restrictions are lifted and companies attempt to rebuild their staffs.

Professionals laid off due to the COVID-19-related economic fallout can use their down time to their advantage and keep their careers stay on track.

Are you passionate about food? Do you want to make a living working in the food and beverage industry? If so, here are six careers to consider training for. 1.Baker. Discover the art of baking yeasted, leavened and fermented breads. You’ll also learn how to manipulate dough to create a wide variety of baked goods. Bakers work in a number of settings, from commercial operations and hotels to artisanal bakeries and cafes. 2. Bartender. Become adept at receiving customers, taking orders and mixing drinks.

You’ll also learn how to set up a bar, make garnishes and manage bills and payments. 3. Butcher. Master the art of cutting, deboning and grinding meat. You’ll also learn how to use and maintain butcher’s equipment and how to cultivate a good relationship with your customers. 4. Cook. Become an expert at a range of culi

nary techniques so you can work in a variety of settings. From menu planning to preparation and plating, you’ll acquire the skills necessary to be an asset in any kitchen. 5. Pastry chef. Develop the skills required to make, decorate and present amazing desserts, pastries, chocolates and more. You’ll also learn how to adapt these techniques for various settings, such as restaurants, tea salons, cafes and pastry shops. 6.Sommelier. Specialized sommelier training will allow you to provide expert advice in restaurants, wine bars and a variety of commercial operations. These include liquor and wine stores as well as private wine importation businesses.

If one or more of these careers interest you, be sure to find out what training programs are available nearby and how you can apply.

3 standard job interview questions and how to answer them

Do you have an upcoming job interview that you want to ace? If so, here’s how to answer three often-asked questions.

1. WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF?

This open-ended question can be hard to answer. However, it’s the perfect opportunity to sell yourself as the best fit for the position. Prepare your answer ahead of time and focus on demonstrating how your most prominent qualities make you well-suited for the job

2. WHAT’S YOUR GREATEST WEAKNESS?

The trick with this question is to focus on the steps that you’re taking to overcome your shortcomings. For example, if your greatest weakness is that you lack punctuality, explain what you’re doing to manage your time better. This will show your potential employer that you’re both aware of your flaws and willing to make changes to remedy them.

3. WHY DO YOU THINK YOU’RE THE RIGHT CANDIDATE?

tiate yourself from other applicants. To do this, research the company and its mission and explain why you want to work with them. Also, be sure to focus on the unique qualities and talents that you can bring to the role. In order to make the best possible impression, make sure you’re prepared for the interview. Learn as much as you can about the company and the position you’re applying for and run through these and other job interview questions.

4 career training programs for nature lovers

Are you a nature lover who’s looking for a career that will allow you to work closely with plants? Here’s an overview of some training programs to consider.

ARBORICULTURE

Learn how to plant, transplant, maintain, fertilize and prune trees as well as how to treat them if they’re damaged. You’ll also learn how to cut them down and safely remove branches near power lines. Careers: arborist, pruner.

FLORAL DESIGN

Discover how to create floral arrangements for commercial venues and special events such as weddings, birthdays and funerals. You’ll also learn how to maintain a variety of plants, both in stores and in public buildings. Careers: florist, assistant florist.

HORTICULTURE

Learn how to grow and care for plants and design landscapes. You may also work with agricultural producers, helping them grow fruits and vegetables. Careers: horticulturist, garden supply sales consultant, landscaper and grounds maintenance worker.

AGRICULTURE

Find out, among other things, how to operate farm machinery, prepare soil, maintain buildings and harvest, store, inspect and manage field crops like soybeans and wheat. Careers: agricultural aid, feedlot aid, stable aid. There’s a wide variety of inspiring careers for nature lovers, so find a program near you today.

4 tips to help you complete your long-distance training

If you’ve decided to broaden your horizons by completing an online training program, you’ll need to do these four things to ensure you succeed.

1. SET REALISTIC GOALS

Estimate how long it’s likely to take you to finish the program. Evaluate how much time you have available and compare it to the amount of work that needs to be completed. Then, determine the date at which you’d like to be done. Don’t overestimate yourself, however, as trying to meet an unrealistic goal could backfire and undermine your motivation.

2. STICK TO A SCHEDULE

Determine how many hours a week you can dedicate to your training program and create a schedule. Make sure to set specific times for yourself to do the course work and stick to them as much as possible.

3. FIND A PLACE TO STUDY

Find a quiet, isolated spot where you can focus. If you have young children, ask your partner to take care of them for a few hours or hire a babysitter. If finding a suitable spot at home is impossible, study at your local library or a coffee shop.

4. ASK FOR HELP

If completing your coursework is challenging, or if there are things that you’re unclear about, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Oftentimes, seeking out assistance is essential to achieving your objectives. In sum, you can succeed in completing your long-distance training program by focusing on your goal, setting a schedule, studying and asking for help when you need it.

Boost your chances of getting a new job

The recruiting strategist ERE Recruiting Intelligence estimates that 250 resumes are submitted for each corporate job opening, and the first submission occurs within 200 seconds after a position is posted. In such an environment, procrastination can be costly.

There also is stiff competition for those who think they’ll simply keep a resume posted online and wait for the jobs to roll in. BeHiring says the popular job-hunting site Monster. com receives 427,000 resume postings each and every week. Getting a better idea of how the hiring process works today can improve professionals’ chances of getting a new job or even switching careers.

UNDERSTAND THERE IS A “HIRING FUNNEL”

Recruiters use a specific model for every job posting. Informally dubbed the “hiring funnel,” this is a reference to the number of total applications they need to generate in order to get a single hire. On average of the 1,000 who see an online job posting, 200 will begin the application process, 100 will actually follow through and only 25 resumes will be screened out, according to Talent Function Group, LLC. Among that final 25, between four and six will ultimately be invited for an interview.

BE CREATIVE WITH A RESUME

Hundreds of people are vying for the same job, and human resources personnel who review applicants may spend 10 seconds reading over each resume. As a result, it is essential to make a resume stand out. Areas most perused on a resume include job titles, companies worked for, start/end dates, and education. Make sure these key areas are visible and impressive.

Also, many resumes are scanned electronically, meaning if you do not format a resume the correct way or use the applicable software mentioned (often PDF formatting is rejected), the resume may never get flagged and seen.

NETWORK RESPONSIBLY

Always connect with people you think can bring career benefits in some way rather than blindly networking. Keep your social media image professional as well, as you never know where a good lead or networking opportunity may come from.

DRESS THE PART

If you’re one of the lucky ones who earns an interview, keep the good momentum going by dressing in a manner that is appropriate for the role in which you are interviewing. Tidy hair, clean fingernails, minimal jewelry, classic attire, and a pleasant attitude can make a difference.

DO YOUR RESEARCH

Always conduct background research on the company you’re interviewing with and the industry it’s a part of. This way you’ll be better apt to answer any questions that come your way. Don’t be afraid to also prepare questions that you can ask the interviewer to show your interest.

CONSIDER TEMP JOBS

Rejections will certainly happen as you go along, but do not sit idly licking your wounds. A temporary position is better than being unemployed and can get your foot in the door. Work with a recruiter who may be able to place you in temp jobs, especially positions with an employer you have your eye on.

These tips and more can improve applicants’chances of getting a job.

4 ways jobseekers can stay motivated

It’s easy to get discouraged during a job search, especially if you’ve gone weeks without hearing back from potential employers. Here are four things you can do to stay motivated.

1. MAKE A SCHEDULE

Establishing a routine will ensure you remain productive. Every morning, get up, get dressed and have breakfast around the same time you would if you were working. Set aside time each day for the job hunt and for household tasks. Don’t forget to give yourself a lunch break.

2. SET GOALS

Setting measurable goals will help you stay on track. For example, make it a point to apply for two jobs every day, or try to make one new contact in your industry every week.

3. USE REWARDS

Don’t wait until you’ve landed a job to applaud your efforts. Instead, be sure to celebrate minor achievements like being contacted for an interview with a small reward like a latte from a coffee shop you like or a hot bubble bath at the end of the day.

4. FIND A COACH

Appoint a friend or family member as your job search coach. They’ll make sure you meet your daily goals and give you a little push when you need it.

Finally, don’t forget to get outside help. Reach out to an employment agency or organization in your area to help you find leads for potential jobs. The employment outlook for women over the next several years is very good. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women predominate in many fields that projections suggest will have considerable openings through 2026. In its job openings projections that estimated openings between 2016 and 2026, the BLS found that 13 of the 20 occupations with the best employment outlook employed more women than men in 2016. Childcare workers, registered nurses, nursing assistants, and home health aides were all professions that were dominated by women, and the BLS anticipated that each profession would have considerable openings through 2026. The field of nursing figures to be especially good to women in the coming years, as the BLS estimated, in its recent “Occupational Outlook Handbook,” that employment of registered nurses was projected to grow by 12 percent between 2018 and 2028. Registered nurses, 90 percent of whom are women according to the BLS, figure to benefit greatly from this rosy employment outlook.

Take the Work Out of Your Job Search We’ll help you connect with more local candidates through our employment opportunities – in print and online! Call recruitment expert Christine Benson at 607.441.7238 or email cbenson@thedailystar.com to advertise your job opening today!