News, Updates & Other Stuff
This section contains news, updates and other pertinent information that can be of use to our customers.
Wednesday, April 25 from 9:30am to 1pm
Arnold Student Union Bldg.
THE NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS VENDOR FAIR
April 21st
The Business Resource Center is hosting a vendor fair for all Ft Hood and Central Texas Small Businesses. This will be the same day as the Rotary Club Annual Crawfish Boil.Vendors will be ready to WOW you with their products.
Free for Public!
BUSINESS OWNER? WANT TO PARTICIPATE? HURRY AND RESERVE YOUR SPACE
by following this link:
http://connect.killeenchamber.com/events/National-Small-Business-Fair-500064/details
Employers - Participate in the KISD Graduating Seniors Job Fair
Table spaces are free, but are limited. Reserve yours today at:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kisd-graduating-seniors-job-fair-registration-43554964070
For more information contact warren.kostencki@killeenisd.org or call 254-336-4283.
10 ridiculously smart questions to ask in a job interview
By Rachel Weingarten on the "TheLadders website
In a crowded job market, the last thing you want to be is forgettable.
Yet people do it every day with this one mistake: not asking any questions in a job interview.
The mistake is understandable. You’ve been so busy preparing to answer questions, that you’re forgetting to show the curiosity that lets interviewers see what you really want to know. After all, even if every single one of your responses are flawless and on point, by not asking a question or two of your interviewer you run the risk of coming across as generic.
On the other hand, you don’t want to ask terrible questions. That’s even worse.
Here’s how to show the person interviewing you how you’re different and why you stand apart from the rest.
Why did you join the company?
Mark Phillips, who runs a top office for Sanford Rose Associates, one of the largest recruiting networks in the U.S. had a simple question that could be quite complicated. If the interviewer tells you it was because of vacation days or benefits, chances are good that there isn’t all that much below the surface. If, however, they tell you about the creativity or integrity of the brand, you know you’re potentially going to work for a winner.
How does this role further your company’s mission?
Kelly Lavin, chief talent officer for newly launched Canvas, the first text-based interviewing platform suggests you ask this because “While job duties and company culture are important to understand, determining why a company and role exists is just as, if not more, important.” It will also allow you to better understand if you “align with the company’s mission and will feel a sense of purpose in your new role.”
Tell me about your most successful employees. What do they do differently?
Believe it or not, this one is almost a trick question for potential employers Lavin says. “The answer to this question will help a candidate understand how a company defines success and what specific behaviors can lead to that success.” In one fell swoop you’ll find out what success means to this company and how you can better achieve it.
What do you expect someone in this position to accomplish in the first 60-90 days?
University of Richmond Career Advisor Anna Young says, “Great candidates hit the ground running, find out how you will be expected to jump in and start contributing to the organization from day one.” And in case you’re wondering, it’s fine to modify the question for an internship and ask about expectations for the first few weeks.
What, if anything, in my background gives you pause?
Roberta Matuson, President of Matuson Consulting, says this is pretty much the one must ask question job seekers should ask in an interview. She says “By asking this question, you’ll be able to overcome any objections the interviewer might have before you leave the room.” And if you’re smart, you can find a way to combat any preconceived notions by addressing them in a follow up note.
What is the turnover in your company, in the executive suite and in the department, I am interviewing for?
Dave Arnold President at Arnold Partners says as a leading independent CFO search consultant for technology companies, he’s had 100’s of people go out to interview with clients, and he thinks that’s a question worth asking. While people no longer expect to stay at any given job for decades or more, it’s nice to know how long you can expect to stick around if given the opportunity. If the interviewer grows uncomfortable or shares the fact that turnaround at their company is higher than Dancing with the Stars, you might want to think twice before accepting the position.
What are the opportunities for growth and advancement?
Young says, “This can help you to understand the structure of the organization and if there are opportunities to move up and advance your career.” It’s also a great way of finding out about different ways to progress or move into different roles “Also, it could help you to learn if they offered continued training or professional development for employees.”
If you had a chance to interview for your company again (knowing what you know now), what questions would you ask next time?
Ashley White, executive director for Human Resources for APQC, a member-based non-profit that produces benchmarking and best practice research suggested this toughie.
This one is slightly sneaky because it also allows you to surreptitiously monitor the interviewer’s hidden signals. Do they suddenly look uncomfortable before spouting the company line? Do they greet this with a giant grin? You might have more answers to this question by what they don’t say, than even by what they do share.
What haven’t I asked that most candidates ask?
Phillips also suggested asking this question, which sets you apart immediately. On the one hand, you’re lumping all the other applicants together and showing a level of confidence; on the other hand, you’re gaining insight into your potential competitors: they asked this, but it never even occurred to me.
One last thing: so that you don’t spend the coming days or weeks on pins and needles, it’s always a good idea to ask this next question.
What are the next steps in this process?
Young says, “If they haven’t already shared this information, it’s important to ask about their timeline so you’re aware of when you could be notified of a second interview, or a potential offer.”
What to ask yourself
Shannon Breuer, President at Wiley Group was once one of 800 laid off at her former job, Shannon now draws on her own personal experience to provide clients with career coaching and transition services. She offers a list of questions you should ask yourself before an interview, and if needed – you can flip them and ask the interviewer.
What level of work-life balance do you wish to enjoy?
How casual do you like to dress?
Is your ideal employer an up-and-coming small business, or a century-old corporation with time-tested values and a clear path for future promotions?
Do you like the management style of the leadership team?
What are the company initiatives you can stand behind?
Workforce Solutions of Central Texas conducted a study of Career Progressions and Career Lattices.
Think you're stuck in
a dead end career? Think again. See how career ladders can provide a road map to career success. Through proper research , planning
and effort you can progress as far as you want to go. In this section we have 20 career groupings showing possible progressions. Check out the Career Ladders.
Texas Operation Welcome Home
Texas Operation Welcome Home is a program designed to better meet the needs of Transitioning Service Members, recently separated Veterans, and Military Spouses in the Great State of Texas.
Texas is home to more than 400,000 employers with a great number of opportunities for veterans with your values, skills, training and experiences.
Please explore our site to see the resources available to veterans and learn about employment opportunities throughout the state. If you have specific questions or needs, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
Resource Guide for Small Business
Download the 2017 Small Business Administration's Resource Guide for Small Business.
Entrepreneur Inspiration Ebook
This ebook provides inspiration for all entrepreneurs who want to open their own business. We believe that the more people we inspire on the entrepreneurial journey the better. It's becoming more difficult to find a job and easier to start a business every day.
Click HERE to download the ebook. It is a large file, the ebook is 471 pages
.
Calendar of Activities in the Killeen Workforce Center
Activities Calendar for the Killeen center includes workshops to better your job seeking skills, classes for customers who are participating in workforce programs and other meeting events.
3 Tips to Soothe your Interview Jitters
Pointers from Monster on how to maintain a cool, calm presence during interviews. Take a deep breath and try to relax. Monster talked with some experts who shared their top tips for staying calm and focused, so you can conquer job interview jitters and land your next job.
Career Exploration Tools
My Next Move is a web-based interactive tool from the Labor Department for new job seekers, students and other career-explorers to learn more about their career options. Users can:
•Explore more than 900 different careers and see important information including skills, tasks, salaries and employment outlook on easy-to-read career reports.
•Look at related apprenticeships and training, and search actual job openings.
•Find careers through a keyword search; by browsing industries; or through the O*NET Interest Profiler, a tool that offers customized career suggestions based on interests, education and work experience
Though My Next Move is intended to assist all jobseekers, it may be especially useful for students, young adults and other first-time workers as they explore potential careers based on their interests. The new tool complements the department's "mySkills myFuture" site, which is designed to help those with previous work experience match existing skills to new occupations.
This website allows users to search for jobs by occupation, by industry and using the "O*NET Interest Profiler," which matches an individual's interests with suitable occupations by asking 60 questions. Since 2001, the department's Occupational Information Network, or O*NET, has used a 180-question version of the profiler that can be printed out or downloaded to a personal computer.
Each occupation that a user selects has an easy-to-read, one-page profile, including information about what knowledge, skills and abilities are needed; the occupation's outlook; the level of education required; technologies used within the occupation; and similar jobs. In addition, each occupation page includes direct links to local salary information, training opportunities and relevant job openings.
For veterans, a specialized My Next Move for Veterans helps find careers through keyword search, by browsing industries that employ different types of workers, or by discovering civilian careers that are similar to their job in the military.
¿Hablas español? Mi Próximo Paso is a version of the tool for Spanish-language speakers.
THE NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS VENDOR FAIR
April 21stThe Business Resource Center is hosting a vendor fair for all Ft Hood and Central Texas Small Businesses. This will be the same day as the Rotary Club Annual Crawfish Boil.Vendors will be ready to WOW you with their products.
Free for Public!
BUSINESS OWNER? WANT TO PARTICIPATE? HURRY AND RESERVE YOUR SPACE
by following this link:
http://connect.killeenchamber.com/events/National-Small-Business-Fair-500064/details
Employers - Participate in the KISD Graduating Seniors Job Fair
Table spaces are free, but are limited. Reserve yours today at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kisd-graduating-seniors-job-fair-registration-43554964070 For more information contact warren.kostencki@killeenisd.org or call 254-336-4283.
10 ridiculously smart questions to ask in a job interview
By Rachel Weingarten on the "TheLadders website
In a crowded job market, the last thing you want to be is forgettable.
Yet people do it every day with this one mistake: not asking any questions in a job interview.
The mistake is understandable. You’ve been so busy preparing to answer questions, that you’re forgetting to show the curiosity that lets interviewers see what you really want to know. After all, even if every single one of your responses are flawless and on point, by not asking a question or two of your interviewer you run the risk of coming across as generic.
On the other hand, you don’t want to ask terrible questions. That’s even worse.
Here’s how to show the person interviewing you how you’re different and why you stand apart from the rest.
Why did you join the company?
Mark Phillips, who runs a top office for Sanford Rose Associates, one of the largest recruiting networks in the U.S. had a simple question that could be quite complicated. If the interviewer tells you it was because of vacation days or benefits, chances are good that there isn’t all that much below the surface. If, however, they tell you about the creativity or integrity of the brand, you know you’re potentially going to work for a winner.
How does this role further your company’s mission?
Kelly Lavin, chief talent officer for newly launched Canvas, the first text-based interviewing platform suggests you ask this because “While job duties and company culture are important to understand, determining why a company and role exists is just as, if not more, important.” It will also allow you to better understand if you “align with the company’s mission and will feel a sense of purpose in your new role.”
Tell me about your most successful employees. What do they do differently?
Believe it or not, this one is almost a trick question for potential employers Lavin says. “The answer to this question will help a candidate understand how a company defines success and what specific behaviors can lead to that success.” In one fell swoop you’ll find out what success means to this company and how you can better achieve it.
What do you expect someone in this position to accomplish in the first 60-90 days? University of Richmond Career Advisor Anna Young says, “Great candidates hit the ground running, find out how you will be expected to jump in and start contributing to the organization from day one.” And in case you’re wondering, it’s fine to modify the question for an internship and ask about expectations for the first few weeks.
What, if anything, in my background gives you pause?
Roberta Matuson, President of Matuson Consulting, says this is pretty much the one must ask question job seekers should ask in an interview. She says “By asking this question, you’ll be able to overcome any objections the interviewer might have before you leave the room.” And if you’re smart, you can find a way to combat any preconceived notions by addressing them in a follow up note.
What is the turnover in your company, in the executive suite and in the department, I am interviewing for?
Dave Arnold President at Arnold Partners says as a leading independent CFO search consultant for technology companies, he’s had 100’s of people go out to interview with clients, and he thinks that’s a question worth asking. While people no longer expect to stay at any given job for decades or more, it’s nice to know how long you can expect to stick around if given the opportunity. If the interviewer grows uncomfortable or shares the fact that turnaround at their company is higher than Dancing with the Stars, you might want to think twice before accepting the position.
What are the opportunities for growth and advancement?
Young says, “This can help you to understand the structure of the organization and if there are opportunities to move up and advance your career.” It’s also a great way of finding out about different ways to progress or move into different roles “Also, it could help you to learn if they offered continued training or professional development for employees.”
If you had a chance to interview for your company again (knowing what you know now), what questions would you ask next time?
Ashley White, executive director for Human Resources for APQC, a member-based non-profit that produces benchmarking and best practice research suggested this toughie.
This one is slightly sneaky because it also allows you to surreptitiously monitor the interviewer’s hidden signals. Do they suddenly look uncomfortable before spouting the company line? Do they greet this with a giant grin? You might have more answers to this question by what they don’t say, than even by what they do share.
What haven’t I asked that most candidates ask?
Phillips also suggested asking this question, which sets you apart immediately. On the one hand, you’re lumping all the other applicants together and showing a level of confidence; on the other hand, you’re gaining insight into your potential competitors: they asked this, but it never even occurred to me.
One last thing: so that you don’t spend the coming days or weeks on pins and needles, it’s always a good idea to ask this next question.
What are the next steps in this process?
Young says, “If they haven’t already shared this information, it’s important to ask about their timeline so you’re aware of when you could be notified of a second interview, or a potential offer.”
What to ask yourself
Shannon Breuer, President at Wiley Group was once one of 800 laid off at her former job, Shannon now draws on her own personal experience to provide clients with career coaching and transition services. She offers a list of questions you should ask yourself before an interview, and if needed – you can flip them and ask the interviewer.
What level of work-life balance do you wish to enjoy?
How casual do you like to dress?
Is your ideal employer an up-and-coming small business, or a century-old corporation with time-tested values and a clear path for future promotions?
Do you like the management style of the leadership team?
What are the company initiatives you can stand behind?
Workforce Solutions of Central Texas conducted a study of Career Progressions and Career Lattices.
Think you're stuck in a dead end career? Think again. See how career ladders can provide a road map to career success. Through proper research , planning and effort you can progress as far as you want to go. In this section we have 20 career groupings showing possible progressions. Check out the Career Ladders.
Texas Operation Welcome Home
Texas Operation Welcome Home is a program designed to better meet the needs of Transitioning Service Members, recently separated Veterans, and Military Spouses in the Great State of Texas.
Texas is home to more than 400,000 employers with a great number of opportunities for veterans with your values, skills, training and experiences.
Please explore our site to see the resources available to veterans and learn about employment opportunities throughout the state. If you have specific questions or needs, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
Resource Guide for Small Business
Download the 2017 Small Business Administration's Resource Guide for Small Business.
Entrepreneur Inspiration Ebook
This ebook provides inspiration for all entrepreneurs who want to open their own business. We believe that the more people we inspire on the entrepreneurial journey the better. It's becoming more difficult to find a job and easier to start a business every day.
Click HERE to download the ebook. It is a large file, the ebook is 471 pages
.
Calendar of Activities in the Killeen Workforce Center
Activities Calendar for the Killeen center includes workshops to better your job seeking skills, classes for customers who are participating in workforce programs and other meeting events.
3 Tips to Soothe your Interview Jitters
Pointers from Monster on how to maintain a cool, calm presence during interviews. Take a deep breath and try to relax. Monster talked with some experts who shared their top tips for staying calm and focused, so you can conquer job interview jitters and land your next job.
Career Exploration Tools
My Next Move is a web-based interactive tool from the Labor Department for new job seekers, students and other career-explorers to learn more about their career options. Users can:
•Explore more than 900 different careers and see important information including skills, tasks, salaries and employment outlook on easy-to-read career reports.
•Look at related apprenticeships and training, and search actual job openings.
•Find careers through a keyword search; by browsing industries; or through the O*NET Interest Profiler, a tool that offers customized career suggestions based on interests, education and work experience
Though My Next Move is intended to assist all jobseekers, it may be especially useful for students, young adults and other first-time workers as they explore potential careers based on their interests. The new tool complements the department's "mySkills myFuture" site, which is designed to help those with previous work experience match existing skills to new occupations.
This website allows users to search for jobs by occupation, by industry and using the "O*NET Interest Profiler," which matches an individual's interests with suitable occupations by asking 60 questions. Since 2001, the department's Occupational Information Network, or O*NET, has used a 180-question version of the profiler that can be printed out or downloaded to a personal computer.
Each occupation that a user selects has an easy-to-read, one-page profile, including information about what knowledge, skills and abilities are needed; the occupation's outlook; the level of education required; technologies used within the occupation; and similar jobs. In addition, each occupation page includes direct links to local salary information, training opportunities and relevant job openings.
For veterans, a specialized My Next Move for Veterans helps find careers through keyword search, by browsing industries that employ different types of workers, or by discovering civilian careers that are similar to their job in the military.
¿Hablas español? Mi Próximo Paso is a version of the tool for Spanish-language speakers.
