Weathering
the Storm
We Learn
Independence for
Tomorrow
September 2015
Volume 3 Issue 1
WeLIFT Job Search Center, 106 East Second Ave. , Indianola, IA 50125
Weliftjobsearch.org [email protected] 515-962-5017
Job Hunting Tips during economic
ups and downs. By Margot Lester
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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Job Hunting Tips-During
economic ups & downs
Jana Tanner- Employee
Highlight
Good News Stories
5 FRIENDS Campaign
takes off!
Job Hunting Tips:
1. Pick and Choose your
targets.
2. Concentrate on
Growth Industries
3. Work your networks.
4. Sell Yourself.
5 Consider part-time
6. Sweat the small stuff
7. Stay Positive
Monster Contributing Writer
During times of economic upturns, downturns, and flat
lining, finding a job can be particularly challenging. Here
are some tips for such times:
1. Pick and Choose Your Targets. Put your time and
energy into opportunities where you’ve got the
best shot at landing a job. Pick a few companies
or businesses you’re interested in and pursue jobs
with them whether they have any current
openings or not.
2. Concentrate on Growth Industries. Look for jobs
that are recession proof. Such areas as energy
production or conservation, industries which deal
with alleviating pain, National Guard, Border
Patrol, or homeland security are going to be
steady regardless of what’s going on in the
economy.
3. Work your network(s). Keep your professional,
business, personal and social networks advised of
your status as you are looking for a job. Keeping
your “networks” in the loop on your job search
status can help you find a job.
4. Sell Yourself. Make sure your research the
companies and businesses you’re interviewing
with. Knowledge is power. Learn how to talk
about yourself in a meaningful and powerful way.
Practice answering potential interview questions.
5. Consider a part-time position. If you’re in a
career area that supports it, consider taking a
part-time job in that area. Continue to look for
full time position but having a part-time job can
keep money coming in and food on the table.
Continued on Page 3
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Page 2
WeLIFT Employee Highlight
By Roger Netsch, Executive Director
What started as a
volunteer opportunity
turned into a job!!
Jana Tanner has been a fixture at WeLIFT Job Search Center for the past five
years. In her first year at WeLIFT in 2010, she served as a volunteer. She
quickly grew into the position of job coach and now serves that function as
well as a Certified Job Developer.
“Jana is currently
working to develop a
program for single momfocusing on helping them
find training and job
which will pay a real,
living way.”
Jana is vested in many aspects of WeLIFT’s mission. She plans and coordinates
the monthly classes and develops the class schedule. She works one-on-one
with clients to develop a resume and an action plan to move them forward on
their career pathway. Jana has been a key player in developing partnerships
with local businesses and employers. Jana believes, along with the rest of the
WeLIFT staff, that one of the most important things we do at WeLIFT is to
listen to the client first, and then work with them to develop a job-search plan
that will work for them. Currently, Jana is working with the rest of the staff to
develop a new program for young single moms- focusing on helping them find
training and jobs which will pay a real, living wage.
Jana and her husband, Dave, live on an acreage near Ackworth. Their two
daughters, Katie and Jeni, are keeping mom and dad busy planning and paying
for weddings. In her free time, Jana enjoys reading, walking, and being or
around water and traveling.
All of our services are:
FREE
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FREE
FREE
FREE
Continued from Page 1
Consider sending a
thank-you note after an
interview.
Stay positive. Even in a
job market with 10%
unemployment, there’s
90% employment.
6. Sweat the small stuff. Don’t forget the personal
touches. Don’t use a template cover letter –
make sure each letter addresses specific skills or
qualities the company is looking for. And always
send a thank-you note or email after the
interview. Use this correspondence as an
opportunity to revisit weak areas of your
interview.”
7. Stay Positive. The most important thing when
searching for a job in tough economic times is to
retain a positive attitude. Even in a job market
with10 percent unemployment, there’s 90
percent employment. There is an average of
over 3 million jobs available in the US per month
– and each job seeker is looking for one. Those
are pretty good odds.
Struggling to find a great job in a bad economy can be a
drag, but undertaking even a few of these tips will improve
your chances of landing a gig. Remember it doesn’t matter
how many jobs are or aren’t out there. “You’re just looking
for one -- the right one for you.
Mission Statement:
Empowering unemployed and underemployed individuals to
achieve economic self-sufficiency
Vision Statement:
A community workplace and career pathway resource to
empower employment success
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Good News
This page is dedicated to the successes of our clients
Good News Story from a client:
Good News Story #1:
Dear WeLIFT:
Thanks to assistance from WeLIFT, I got the job I have been working for and hoping to
get. WeLIFT assisted me with updating my resume, reformatting my cover letter, and
references. Thanks for your help!
Client Prefers to Remain Anonymous
Good News Story #2:
Dear WeLIFT:
I personally love getting the job update emails you send to your clients. It’s very helpful
being let know of current open positions plus there’s no spam-just job leads. It’s a great
tool. I’m just waiting for the right fit to come along!
Client Prefers to Remain Anonymous
Good News Story #3:
Dear WeLIFT:
WeLIFT has been a source of instruction in assisting me with resume review and
rewriting, encouragement, and instruction through classes taken during my job search
which, unfortunately, continues. However, WeLIFT remains constant in being a reliable
resource and friend. They offer targeted classes to gain knowledge and improve one’s
skills and continually inform you of employment opportunities by personal contact of an
opening they recognize the individual could be a fit for.
Most importantly, they are a friend through a sometimes frustrating and disappointing
process.
Thanks, WeLIFT, for being a source and resource, especially staying local rather than
having to make another trip to Des Moines.
Client Prefers to Remain Anonymous
WeLIFT’s Hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday,
And Thursday
Check us out on the “WEB”
9 am to 3 pm
Thursday Evenings
6 to 8 pm
WeLIFT’s Web Site: weliftjobsearch.org
Find us on FACEBOOK at: Weliftjobsearch
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Check out our class
schedule for dates and
times at:
Weliftjobsearch.org
Friends of WeLIFT fall
campaign TAKES OFF!
Call 515-962-5017 or email
[email protected] to see how you can
help this great community resource!!
“Suit-up” Clothes Closet
Located at
First Baptist Church
200 E. 1st Avenue
Indianola, IA
Education Annex
Wednesdays from 10am-12
noon
Looking for another way to support WeLIFT
financially??
Sign up to support WeLIFT through United Way through the ‘employee checkoff’
in the annual appeal!!
If you have currently, or in the future donated money to United Way, you can
designate WeLIFT to be the recipient of your donations. Think about it!! Give
Roger Netsch, Executive Director of WeLIFT, a call or email and he’ll help you
figure it out. ([email protected] or 515-962-5017)
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