MORE

Introduction

MORE (Mentoring Online and Resources for Employment) is a program of Pennsylvania Women Work designed to provide an online resource for individuals who are working towards re-entering the workforce, finding a better job or going back to school to get more training.  Participation in this program will connect individuals to a group of mentors who have diverse skills and professional backgrounds. These mentors live in different parts of Pennsylvania and have volunteered their time and talents to answer questions related to reaching employment and training goals.

How it Works…

1. Complete a registration form. 
2. Send an email with your employment or training related questions to more@pawomenwork.org.
3. The MORE program manager will email your question (anonymously, without your name) to ALL of our registered mentors.
4. Mentors are given 2 business days to respond to the program manager with answers.
5. On the 3^rd business day, participants will receive an e-mail from more@pawomenwork.org with all the answers collected from the group of mentors.
6. Your mentoring question and answers will also be posted on our mentoring website at www.pawomenwork.org/mentor  You can read all mentoring questions and answers on this website.  If you would prefer that your question NOT be posted on our website, simply write “question should not be public” in your email.  

Questions

If you have questions about how to email questions, how to check the website or anything else related to the program, please contact Alexis at Pennsylvania Women Work. Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 am – 5 pm. You can call 412-281-9240 or 866-PA-WOMEN or email more@pawomenwork.org.

June 29th, 2010 | Category: Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Response 1

I would suggest registering with a temp agency like Ajilon, Robert Half, or Kforce, etc. I know that you need benefits, but many big companies hire temps to try them out and then end up converting them to full-time employees. Often they are converted after just 2 or 3 months…plus it will give you some work experience to add to your resume.

Best of luck!

Response 2

Visit the CareerLink office nearest you. (There is one in the Regional Enterprise Tower in downtown Pittsburgh. You can find other locations in the government listings in the phone book.) A counselor will assist you in looking at the available job openings. There are usually a significant number of clerical jobs available. The counselor can also direct you to other job openings in fields that you may not have previously considered.

Response 3

Keep going with New Choices. The Career Development program will help you with restoring your self esteem, give you accurate advice about what you need for a job and help you with any other classes that might be useful. The staff people there will also assist you in locating something that will be appropriate for you. There is life after sons. I raised three, then took classes and went into the workforce. Best thing I ever did for me.

You can do it!!!!

Response 4

You absolutely can and will be able to find a full-time office job with health benefits. Do not be swayed by your husband’s negative comments – he was using that negativity to wield power over you and you should not fall into his trap. Completing the advanced computer course through New Choices is definitely a good idea. You should also reach out to your family, friends, or organizations that you belong to like church groups or your children’s PTA for potential job leads. Begin to network with people around you. You’ll find that you have more support than you realize.

Many companies in Pittsburgh offer entry level positions. Go to PNC.com for a listing of PNC jobs in the geographic area that you would like to work. You may have to travel to downtown where the HQ is located since more opportunities exist there. We have teller jobs, operations, check processing, and administrative assistant positions. All of them requiring different skill sets and skill levels.

The best thing that you can do besides brushing up on your computer skills and letting people know what you’re looking for is being confident in yourself. It is important that you believe in yourself and come across as confident in your interviews.

Response 5

First of all, I think you should attend the *full* New Choices class if you haven’t done so. It will give you the info you need to create a path to be self-sufficient. Secondly, I typically don’t recommend the part-time evening class as the best thing to do since it would appear that you are at home and could attend a more extensive training program which would include an internship - something which I consider valuable.

Those would be my 2 thoughts.

March 17th, 2010 | Category: Career Development Program, Job Search Resources | Leave a comment

My question-I was employed as a “seasonal” employee for the PLCB.  My last working day was 12-31-09.  I left a message for the person who hired me letting her know I was interested in a permanent position.  To date, I have had no response from her.  Should I e-mail her to thank her for the opportunity and let her know I’m planning to take the Civil Service test and would appreciate any other information she could give me?  Do you have any suggestions?

Response 1

In the future, if you’re interested in staying on permanently, discuss this with your supervisor well in advance of the end of the holiday season. Leaving a message after the peak season is over may have caught the manager off guard and s/he may have already made personnel decisions.

However, my suggestion here would be to call once more, if no response in 3-4 business days, send a polite email expressing continued interest in the position. If there’s still no response within a week, move on.

It kind of sounds like you have other opportunities in the pipeline if you’re planning to take the Civil Service Test. If that’s the case, would this seasonal-to-permanent job simply be a ‘holdover’ or would it be something you’d be happy doing for the foreseeable future? If it’s just a ‘holdover’ job, most managers can sense that and may not keep you on not because you’re not qualified, but because they may feel you’re not the best fit for the position long-term. Weigh the options here. If it’s going to be awhile before anything from the Civil Service test turns up, pursue this and any other opportunity aggressively (as in, be proactive but not pushy). If the timeframe between taking the test and reasonably expecting to be employed is less than, say, 3-6 months, I’d recommend moving on from the PLCB job now.

Response 2

 Yes, I think it would be appropriate to follow up again.  A thank you is a nice touch as well.  You may want to see if they have an on-line application process as well and submit your information there.

Response 3

 Yes, do so right away.  She may have forgotten your comments and it’s your responsibility to remind her.

January 15th, 2010 | Category: Career Development Program | Comments (1)

Response

File the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) right away. It
can be done online and in that case, funding can go through within a
matter of weeks. Low-interest loans are more readily available for
graduate study, and the amount the borrower can take out increases
substantially from undergrad to grad. Usually, every University and/or
specific graduate department has its own scholarships and grants that
applicants are either considered for automatically upon acceptance or
via application after the school year starts. Check with the individual
school to see what they have available and what the requirements are for
particular funds. Advocacy groups can also be a good source of free aid
- examples include groups advancing ethnic rights or groups dedicated to
particular nationalities. 

More specifically, any member of the admissions staff at the particular
school are highly knowledgeable about financial aid and can speak to
their own school's programs better than anyone else. So, in short: Step
One, File the FAFSA. Step Two, talk to the admissions staff at the
school. Step Three, research funding and financial aid at the University
in which the graduate program resides and scholarship opportunities
within community and national advocacy groups.

January 15th, 2010 | Category: Scholarships | Leave a comment

Response 1

Check out the PA WorkStats website at www.paworkstats.state.pa.us for information on the field you’re interested in.  Click on the blue “Services for Individuals” button and try some of the options there, such as Occupational Wages, Occupational Data Bank, Occupational Videos, and Assess Your Interests.  These will give you a variety of information about required skills, necessary training, typical wages, educational opportunities, and the level of demand for workers in the field.  It will take a little time to work your way down to the specific occupation and geographic area you want, because there is so much data available on that site, but the investment of time is well worth it.

Response 2

There are classes, but most Goggle research can give you salary and career school info.  CCAC should have some classes. 

Response 3

You can find out more information about this topic through the American Academy of Professional Coders @ AAPC.com. This organization has a large networking group and one is able to take classes regarding medical coding thru distance learning.

Response 4

Google the field first. Gain as much knowledge you can from the internet. Contact several schools that offer this as a curriculum and contact the guidance counselor of the school. Be prepared with questions and concerns that you may have of the field. Ask the guidance counselor if you can monitor a class to see if this is really a field of interest for you.

December 2nd, 2009 | Category: Career Development Program, Medical Field | Leave a comment

Question 6:

How do I make myself standout from the other candidates that are applying for the same job as myself?

Response 1

Points to stand out:

1.  Research the company…..Find out as much as you can.

2.  Always be yourself…answer questions honestly (don’t give more

information that requested)

3.  Be positive - do not make negative statements about previous employers

4.  Dress properly - wear minimal jewelry (nothing that jingles)

5.  Don’t wear perfume….the interviewer may find it offensive

6.  Carry a purse or briefcase…not both(if you do carry a purse, keep it

small.  Shoes need to be polished.

7.  Turn off your cell phone during the interview

8.  When asked about salary, your response can be:  “I’m sure the salary

will be commensurate with the responsibilities.”

9.  Practice interviewing - with someone from Pa Women Work

10.  Make sure you have the skills to do the job…you don’t have to have

all the skills….you can always state that you are a “quick learner”

Response 2

You can help yourself stand out by really finding the connection between

the job and your skill sets.

Have compassion for the person interviewing, see things from the other side.. for example, realizing

they also want to find the right fit, so rather than be a passive interviewee, help to create the links with where you can.

Be positive, energetic and confident.. those are critical and most

people have a hard time doing all three in an interview.

Have questions of your own as well..really visualize yourself in the job

and think about what would come up in terms of questions that you would

need to know.

Hope this helps … good luck!

Response 3

To make yourself stand out from the other candidates you need to do a couple things.

Make sure your cover letter is not generic and can illustrate what you can do for the company.

Do your research before the interview so you have information about the company and offer suggestions on how you would fit into that environment.

Make a list of questions to ask if the company does a screening interview, you can also use these during the interview.  It looks better to ask a few questions, than to tell your interviewer you do not have anything to ask them.

Keep the interview & your answers very professional.

Response 4

Be prepared
Research the company you are interviewing with
Have a great resume!
Practice - practice
Have confidence
See yourself

Response 5

My advice…

1.  Dress for business, conservatively (no flashy jewelry, no visible tattoos, nothing too tight or provocative) but as elegantly as possible.  It makes you look like a serious job condidate.

2.  Arrive at the interview 15 minutes early and alone.

3.  Do your research.  Find out as much as you can about the company, its business, its goals, etc.  If they have a website, check it out thoroughly.

4.  Know what job you are looking for and anticipate the questions that the interviewer will ask you about that job.

5.  Have a good answer prepared for the question, “Why do you want to work for us?”

6.  Look the interviewer and the receptionist in the eye, have a firm handshake, and appear poised and confident, even if you don’t feel it inside.

7.  Know what you can reasonably expect for a starting salary, so if the interviewer asks you what salary you are looking for, you will neither overprice nor underprice yourself.  Don’t say, “I’ll take whatever you’re offering.”  You can find wage and salary information on the PA WorkStats website, www.paworkstats.state.pa.us.  Click on the blue “Services for Employers” button, then on Economic Developers, then on Occupational Wages.  Also check out the Job Seeker Resources under the blue “Services for Individuals” button.

Response 6

On your resume highlight your relatable accomplishments.  In the interview be sure to research the company and the position before hand and talk about the company and it’s background along with the position.  This shows that you are serious about that company and that position enough to have done our homework on it.

Hope this helps.

Response 7

As a candidate your resume should speak volumes.   Have several people review your resume and cover letter.

Make sure there are no errors.

Be specific and most importantly provide examples of how you can save the company money.

December 2nd, 2009 | Category: Career Development Program, Job Search Resources | Leave a comment

Question 5:

I am interested in the field of Criminal Justice. I have my Associates Degree in this field and I am currently enrolled in the Bachelors Degree program in the same field.  I would like to know how would I be able to enter into this field with hardly any experience.  What do I need to do in order to get a job in the Criminal Justice field?

Answers to Question 5:

(Answer 1)

Depending on what your areas of interest are in the field, here are several.  1 - Check for internships in your field with the placement office at your school.  If they don’t have anything, ask if they know of any possibilities.  2 - Talk with your local police force, would they be willing to have an intern or you could ask them about job shadowing.  Simply do an interview with someone you admire in the field.  3 - If you are interested in a prison setting, do they have any volunteers there?  That’s another possibility.  Both county and state prisons have GED/Adult Basic education classes as well as others.  Could you tutor in one of those programs?  Look at the study guides for the entry exams into the various branches of police.  Particularly note the time frames for taking the tests.  There have been plenty of openings for people in the state prison system.  That is a civil service test.  Check that out as well.  These are a few things that could help you get started.  Good luck!

(Answer 2)

While you are going to school see if you can do an internship.  I am not sure if you want to go into police work, but if yes, see if you can volunteer with a humane society.  Know it sounds weird but you could end up helping the humane officer.  And s/he will then be your recommendation into the police.

(Answer 3)

It is great that you are already looking for ways to get into the field prior to your graduating.

One of the best ways to get started is to just begin building your network in the industry. Find out what types of associations and groups there are in that field.  Begin to study what jobs look most appealing to you.  Your field is so broad that you need to do more research to discover what you think would be of interest.

Ask a lot of questions and try to meet as many people in the industry.  Do you research so you can ask very pointed questions.  People actually like helping you network and learn, but they don’t like having to figure out what to tell you, you need to know what you want to know.

There are a lot of ways to find a job, but the best is through networking.  Second, I would recommend as you are talking with people, find out what type of skills are required and try to match them to other jobs you have had in the past.  There are many transferable skills in the workplace, so you don’t have to start over completely.

Last, be persistent and own this.  Just work hard to get clear on what you want, what would be your niche in the field, what environment do you want to work in, do you want to be with people…do research…be in the field, etc.  Try to answer all those questions and just visualize where you want to be.  That is a great help in connecting you with a job you will love.

Good luck to you and keep up the hard work…it does pay off!

(Answer 4)

I would strongly recommend seeking a job within the court house or in a law firm, taking on any type of job that is getting you exposure to the legal field.  An Internship as you pursue your BA is an awesome opportunity.

November 6th, 2009 | Category: Criminal Justice Field, Job Search Resources | Leave a comment

Question 4:

I am interested in medical coding.  I would like to know if there is a school that I could go to that would be government funded.  If I take classes at a school, would I get credits for these classes?  I am a single woman that cannot really afford to pay a lot of money to go to school.

Answers to Question 4:

(Answer 1)

The Community College of Allegheny County offers all types of courses.  It is always wise to check CCAC to see what they have to offer.  Scholarships are also available.

(Answer 2)

I know that Bidwell Training offers a Medical Technician/Medical Records or another type of curriculum.  From what I have heard, they have a very solid program with very good placement results.  I also believe that they have a financial aid program.

(Answer 3)

I suggest starting with requesting a list from CWIA of schools that offer training in the desired field.  The Center for Workforce Information & Analysis (CWIA) in the PA Department of Labor & Industry can furnish a list of all schools in PA or in any Workforce Investment Area that offer training in any specific field, such as occupational therapy.  You may be able to access this information directly from the CWIA website (www.paworkstats.state.pa.us) or, if you have difficulty getting it from the website (it is somewhat complicated to use), you can call the CWIA information line and request the information at 1-877-493-3282 (Ask for Jon Long or Mike Buston).  That list will no give you any information about government funding, but it will give you a starting point for calling schools (or checking their websites) to see what types of assistance they can offer.

June 30th, 2009 | Category: Career Development Program, Medical Field, Professional Certifications, Scholarships | Leave a comment

Questions 2:

I am interested in enrolling in an Occupational Therapy Assistant program.  In addition to colleges, are there any other facilities/schools that offer this type of program?  Are there facilities that offer on the job training for this career?

Answers for Question 2:

(Answer 1)

The Center for Workforce Information & Analysis (CWIA) in the PA Department of Labor & Industry can furnish a list of all schools in PA or in any Workforce Investment Area that offer training in any specific field, such as occupational therapy.  You may be able to access this information directly from the CWIA website (www.paworkstats.state.pa.us) or, if you have difficulty getting it from the website (it is somewhat complicated to use), you can call the CWIA information line and request the information at 1-877-493-3282 (Ask for John Long or Mike Butson).

June 30th, 2009 | Category: Career Development Program | Leave a comment