Thursday, August 26, 2010

I’ve lost my job, what do I do now?

PREFACE: Job loss is one of the most difficult and traumatic events that we can experience in our lives. The greatest enemy of the Dislocated Worker is complacency. In addition to the shock of losing a job, the routine and structure that work provided is also lost. Taking a little time off can quickly turn into months. The vast majority of Dislocated Workers underestimate the amount of time and effort needed to secure new work. The purpose of this guide is to provide the next steps to take after job loss, in order of their importance.




1.) COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION ON JOB LOSS TOPICS & AVAILABLE SERVICES

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania “Here to Help” Service Locator Website: http://www.heretohelp.pa.gov/

AFL-CIO/Working America Unemployment Lifeline: http://www.unemploymentlifeline.com/

AFL-CIO “When the Paycheck Stops”: www.aflcio.org/issues/jobseconomy/unemployment/handbook

Government Benefits & Program Search (17 Agencies/Over 1,000 Programs): http://www.govbenefits.gov/



2.) YOU WILL NEED TO GET YOUR FINANCIAL HOUSE IN ORDER: Your job loss will inevitably result in a decrease in your household income. You will need to take proactive steps to assess your financial obligations, as well as your discretionary spending. Spending like you’re still working is a recipe for disaster.

Contact your Mortgage Lender or Landlord, Utilities Providers, Credit Cards, Student Loans, Auto Loans, College or Technical Schools and just about anyone else you owe a monthly bill, and make them aware of the fact you have lost your job through no fault of your own. People often pay insurance on loans and credit cards that will cover all or part of the bill in case of job loss or disability. Payments and interest rates can be lowered, or loans put into forbearance status. Sit down and make a household budget to assess what your fixed and discretionary costs are, and where you can save some money. Consumer Credit Counseling can assist you.



Consumer Credit Counseling of NEPA: www.cccsnepa.org or call 1-800-922-9537

AFL-CIO UnionPlus Guide to Managing Debt: http://www.uniondebthelp.org/

AFL-CIO UnionPlus Benefits for Union Members: http://www.unionplus.org/



3.) EDUCATE YOURSELF ON YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE OPTIONS: Did you know that a 63 day lapse in medical coverage can result in pre-existing conditions not being covered for 6-12 months even when you get new insurance? Did you know you have 60 days to elect COBRA coverage, then another 45 days to pay the first premium? 50% of all personal bankruptcy filings in the U.S. today are blamed partially or entirely as a result of medical expenses. Without at least some form of catastrophic coverage, most of us are one serious illness or injury away from financial ruin. With the 65% COBRA Premium Reduction Program, continuing coverage in your old plan is often the best option, however, it is NOT your only option.



U.S. Dept of Labor COBRA Homepage: www.dol.gov/ebsa/COBRA.html or Call 1-866-444-3272

Pennsylvania Dept of Insurance (Includes Adult Basic): www.insurance.pa.gov or Call 1-877-881-6388

PA State Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP):http://www.chipcoverspakids.com/ or Call 1-800-986-5437

PA DPW Medical Assistance: www.dpw.state.pa.us/ServicesPrograms/MedicalAssistance

Shop for Individual Policy Prices: http://www.ehealthinsurance.com/

Federally Funded Health Clinics (Pay based on income): http://www.findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/

Partnership for Prescription Assistance: http://www.pparx.org/ or Call 1-888-477-2669

Blue Cross of NEPA (HIPPA Conversion/Individual Plans): http://www.bcnepa.com/ or Call 1-888-338-2211

Geisinger Health Plans ( Individual Plans): http://www.thehealthplan.com/ or Call 1-800-631-1656

Veterans Administration Health & Prescription Benefits: http://www.va.gov/ or Call 1-800-827-1000

4.) TAKE PROACTIVE STEPS TO AVOID MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE ISSUES: If you do get behind on your mortgage or are in danger of falling behind, use the resources found below. The worst possible course of action is doing nothing, or pretending them problem is not there, until it’s too late.


Federal Govt (HUD) Guide to Avoiding Foreclosure: www.hud.gov/foreclosure

PA Homeowner’s Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program: http://www.phfa.org/ or Call 1-800-342-2397

Home Ownership Preservation Foundation: http://www.995hope.org/ or Call 1-888-995-HOPE

U.S. HUD Department Mortgage Modification Program: http://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov/



5.) UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION INCOME SUPPORT:

Unemployment Compensation Service Locator (Nationwide): http://www.servicelocator.org/OWSLinks.asp

PA Unemployment Compensation Website: http://www.uc.pa.gov/ (Initial & Continuing Claims can be filed)

PA Toll Free Initial Claims Line: 1-888-313-7284/ 1-888-334-4046 (Hearing Impaired)

PA Toll Free Tele-claims (Continuing Claims):1-888-255-4728/1-888-411-4728 (Hearing Impaired)



6.) GETTING BACK TO WORK: Every state has One Stop Career Centers, in Pennsylvania they are referred to as PA CareerLink®. At your local PA CareerLink® you can access re-employment services, job search assistance, career guidance, resume writing assistance, interview preparation, various workshops, Civil Service Employment guidance, internet access, basic computer classes, labor market information, information on training and education and options for funding training, On the Job Training programs and referrals to other state, federal and local employment and social services. Veterans Employment Representatives are on hand to provide services to Veterans of the Armed Forces. Get to know your local CareerLink’s® services and the staff.


Locate your Local Career One Stop Center (Nationwide): http://www.servicelocator.org/

PA CareerLink Homepage: http://www.pacareerlink.state.pa.us/

Indeed.com Job Board: http://www.indeed.com/ (Searches Monster, CareerBuilder, Local Classifieds & other sites)

PA Civil Service Homepage: http://www.scsc.state.pa.us/ / PA Non-Civil Service Jobs: http://www.employment.pa.gov/

Federal Government Jobs: http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/



7.) RESUMES, COVER LETTERS & JOB SEARCH TIPS: In addition to these services being available to you through the staff and workshops at your local CareerLink®, help is also available on the web. Invest in a USB Drive to store digital copies of all of your employment related documents for uploading to employers websites, it will make your life much easier. Crafting a Resume that does your skills and abilities justice, as well as creating a References List (At least 2 Professional and 1 Personal) and a Basic Cover Letter is of the utmost importance. You are Sales now, and the product is you. Those documents are your advertising campaign.



U.S. Dept. of Labor O*Net Occupation Info Website: http://online.onetcenter.org/

The Riley Guide (Job Search, Resume & Cover Letter Assistance): http://www.rileyguide.com/

The Job Hunter’s Bible (Online/Internet Job Search Help): http://www.jobhuntersbible.com/

Microsoft Word Document Templates: Open Word, click on “Help” then “Office on the Web”

In the new window, click on “Templates”, search for whatever you are looking for and download a Template that suits your needs and your situation. You can modify the Templates as needed, but the foundation is laid.



8.) CONSIDERING A CAREER CHANGE AND/OR SCHOOLING: Before you enroll in courses or begin to pursue a totally different career, be sure to arm yourself with the knowledge to make an educated decision before finding out that the choice you have made is not a compatible one or does not pay enough for your needs.

Your local CareerLink® staff can provide you with information on Career Change Options, Wage Rates, Labor Market Information, Training Providers and options to Fund your education. These are additional resources.



Educational Opportunity Center (Career & Education Counseling): http://www.eocinc.org/ or 1-800-248-4465

PA Occupational Outlooks and Wage Information: http://www.paworkstats.state.pa.us/

America’s Career Infonet (Career Change/Occupation & Wage Outlooks): http://www.acinet.org/

9.) FUNDING YOUR EDUCATION OR TRAINING: As a Dislocated Worker, unemployed through no fault of your own, you may be eligible for funding for training through the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) which is administered through the PA CareerLink® system. Please Note: The training programs that are eligible for WIA funding, as well as the training providers must meet certain criteria, so not every school or program is eligible. To view the list of Providers and Program go to http://www.pacareerlink.state.pa.us/ , scroll to the bottom of the page and click on “Site Map”, then click on “Certified TAA/WIA Training Programs and Providers List” You can attend training at any training provider on the list that you’re willing to commute to.

Different areas in the Commonwealth and their CareerLink® offices have variations in their procedures for persons seeking funds for training. Speak with the staff at your local CareerLink® to find out what will be required of you in order to obtain funding and attend the program that you have chosen.

You can combine WIA funding with other assistance such as Pell Grants, PHEAA Grants and Student Loans for certain eligible programs found on the Training Programs and Providers List. If the program you are interested in does NOT appear on the list, help is still available to assist you in paying for the training. Speak with the Financial Aid Office at your school. For Veterans, speak with the Veterans Representative at your local CareerLink® for information on using Montgomery GI Bill, Student Loan Repayment or VA Benefits.



Educational Opportunity Center (Career & Education Counseling): http://www.eocinc.org/ or 1-800-248-4465

PA Higher Education Assistance Agency (Educational Funding Assistance): http://www.pheaa.org/

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

Montgomery GI Bill Benefits: http://www.gibill.va.gov/



10.) TRADE READJUSTMENT & GLOBALIZATION ACT of 2009: The Trade program helps workers who have lost their jobs as a result of foreign trade. The program offers a variety of benefits and services to eligible workers, including job training, income support, job search and relocation allowances, a tax credit to help pay the costs of health insurance, and a wage supplement to certain reemployed workers 50 years of age and older. If your company has been affected by foreign imports, offshoring or outsourcing of work, please contact the PA Dept of Labor & Industry Rapid Response Regional Representative in your area for more info.

You can read more about what types of companies and workers are eligible, as well as the requirements that must be met during the U.S. Department of Labor’s investigation on the Trade Act Homepage below.



PA Dept. of Labor & Industry Rapid: Response Regional Rep. Ron Vogel- 570-614-5994

U.S. Department of Labor Trade Act Homepage: www.doleta.gov/tradeact

PA Dept of Labor & Industry: Trade Act Coordination Services: 717-783-8050



11.) COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL SERVICES: Perhaps through donations, and certainly as a taxpayer, you have helped to fund the operations of local community services and statewide social services agencies. The programs are in place to act as a safety net to those in need. You will never know what you might be eligible for unless you seek information and apply for services. Your local United Way Office and County Assistance Office can provide you with a wealth of information of service providers and programs based on your needs.



Locate Your Local United Way Office: http://www.liveunited.org/

PA Department of Public Welfare Homepage: http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/ or Call 1-800-692-7462

Online Application for PA Social Services: http://www.compass.state.pa.us/

Heating Assistance (LIHEAP): www.dpw.state.pa.us/ServicesPrograms/LIHEAP or Call 1-866- 857- 7095



12.) SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES:



PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation: Call Toll Free - 800-634-2060 or TTY Toll Free - 888-651-6117 (Assists individuals with disabilities locate and maintain employment and provision of related services)

Social Security Disability: www.ssa.gov/disability or Call 1-800-772-1213 or TTY 1-800-325-0778

Locate Local United Way Office: http://www.liveunited.org/

SOME HELPFUL TIPS IN YOUR JOB SEARCH

SOME HELPFUL TIPS IN YOUR JOB SEARCH


Email Address: Most companies with online application systems require you to have an email address to even apply. They will often send important info to the email address.

If you don’t have an email account you have easy access to, sign up for one with one of the many free providers such as Yahoo, Hotmail, or Google Gmail.

Buy yourself a “Flash” or “USB” storage drive. It will make it much easier to upload your resume to employer’s websites with a paperless application system.

Can also store “Templates” of documents i.e. Cover Letters, References, Thank You’s.


How to find Word Templates: open Word, click on “Help”, then “Office on the Web”

Click on “Templates” search, preview, download and save the templates as needed.

Research corporate websites, many companies list openings on their site exclusively

Many sites will allow you to upload and send a resume even if no openings are listed

Advertising is expensive, so many small to medium businesses are not doing any advertising of their openings. Be aggressive, call and ask the receptionist who you should address a resume to at that company to get it in the right hands.

Tell everyone you know that you are looking for work, and what kind of work you are looking for. Use your network; multiply the number of eyes and ears on the street

If you know an employee at a company you would like to work for, have them hand in a resume and cover letter for you. A good employee vouching for you can mean a lot.

No openings today, does not mean no openings tomorrow, next week or next month

Register yourself with reputable staffing agencies. They get paid to place qualified people. Be sure to specify your requirements and pay rate up front with them.

Current market is heavily tilted to employers favor as there are more applicants per opening. Takes longer for a response, interview and attitude more important than ever

Prepare yourself to be low-balled on salary in this type of labor marker. Employers are trying to get the best employee they can for the cheapest possible price in this market

Take the time to research the company before an interview. Read the Press Releases, News and About Us sections if they have a website, easy way to glean good information

Prepare rigorously for your interview. Be prepared to answer the common questions that you know are coming. Rehearse your answers; you’ll be more relaxed in the chair

Have someone do a mock interview with you using those high percentage questions, they can tell you things that you are doing subconsciously, eye contact, fidgeting, umms

DO NOT GET DISCOURAGED AND QUIT ON YOURSELF. Job search will be long and arduous for many. This is not a reflection of you or your abilities, but the economy

It’s hard for people to talk about their accomplishments and abilities without feeling embarrassed don’t shortchange yourself. “It ain’t bragging if you done it”

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Basic Registration and Job Search Guide for Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth Workforce Development System

Basic Registration and Job Search Guide for Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth Workforce Development System (CWDS)

 
CWDS Homepage: http://www.pacareerlink.state.pa.us/

 
PREFACE: It will be assumed that you have already done some research into what the content of your resume information will consist of, such as job descriptions, educational history etc. If you have not, the resume information that you input on the CWDS website can be modified at any time later, and the website can accessed from any computer with an internet connection. The CWDS website allows you to create multiple resumes, as well as having capability to upload a resume file saved on your computer or on a Flash/USB drive, or 3.5 inch floppy disk. Please Note: The system will NOT ALLOW you to upload your own resume file unless at least one part of a “manually entered” resume is present on the system. When entering information on any screen on the CWDS website, entries with a Red Asterisk MUST BE COMPLETED or the system will not allow you to advance to the next screen. Avoid using the “Back Button” on your web browser, instead use the “Back” button on the webpage whenever one is offered. Assistance on the website is available by clicking the Help Link on available on each screen OR by calling or visiting your local CareerLink® Office.

 
  
PART 1: BASIC REGISTRATION (Create a Keystone ID/Password and Contact Info)

1. Navigate your web browser to www.pacareerlink.state.pa.us , on the right side of the webpage, under the Keystone shaped Log In box, you will need to click on the link that says “New User?”

2. Click the radio button to indicate that you are an “Individual Seeking Services” then, click on the “Continue” button found beneath the Enrollment Options box to advance to the next screen.

3. Input your first name, last name, full social security number and date of birth using the 4 digit year into the appropriate fields, then click on the “Continue” button below the box.

4. IMPORTANT: If the system tells you that you have previously been registered on the CWDS system, STOP and contact your local CareerLink® to gain access to your previously existing account. CareerLink Staff can provide you with your Participant ID Number, which will allow you to obtain your Keystone ID & change your Password using the Forgot Password & Forgot Keystone ID links.

5. If you DO NOT have an existing account you will now input some basic information about yourself into the CWDS system. To avoid problems later, please complete ALL ENTRIES in this section, even if they are not marked with the red asterisk mentioned earlier. Then Click “Save and Continue”

6. On this page you will create your Keystone ID (User Name), account password, and three separate Hint Questions & Answers that allow you to reset your password should you ever forget it or it expires.

7. IMPORTANT: The Keystone ID must be between 6-10 letters, numbers or combination of letters and numbers. Passwords must be AT LEAST 8 total characters and meet “Complexity Requirements”. Passwords require 3 OUT OF THE 4: Capital letters, lowercase letters, numbers & special characters.

8. Examples:
  • 135Willow (GOOD. Has capital& lowercase letters and numbers)
  • VanHalen! (GOOD. Has capital & lower case letters and a special character)
  • Password (NO GOOD. Meets only 2 of 4 Password Requirements)

 
 9. Click “Save & Continue” If the Keystone ID, password and hint questions & answers were created successfully, “Account Created Successfully” message & Participant ID Number will be displayed.

10. IMPORTANT: At this point, write down your Keystone ID, account password and your Participant ID Number. Staff CAN NOT look up or change Keystone ID’s or Passwords for you, and CareerLink® Staff will need your Participant ID in order to locate your account in CWDS.

  
PART 2: CREATING A RESUME IN THE CWDS SYSTEM

1. Input the Keystone ID and account password you just created into the “Keystone Key” log in box located just to the right of the “Account Created Successfully” text box.

2. Click the “Log In” button and you will be presented with the mandatory Civil Rights Information text. Please Note: This statement will only appear during your first time log in.

3. Click the box next to “I have read and understood the above statement”, then “Save & Continue”

4. Scroll to the bottom of the “Create Program Referral” page and click on “Skip” button option.

5. You are now looking at your CWDS Account Homepage. This will be the starting point of your future Log Ins on the CWDS system. We will now begin create a resume on the CWDS system.

6. Click on the link titled “Resume” in the “Quick Links” box on the left of your screen.

7. The resulting screen is your Resume List that will display all of the resumes that you have created manually and/or uploaded. At this point there are no previously created records.

8. We will deal with uploading a resume file later, so at this time click the “Create” button

9. The system will require you to give the resume a name in the “Resume Details” box.

10. Below the “Name of Resume” line is a “Resume Template” drop down box offering you three choices in the layout of your CWDS resume. The default choice is the Experience Resume that will list your most recent employer at the top. The Education Resume places your educational history at the top of your resume, and the Skills Resume will list your Skills Summary at the top of your Resume.

11. The Experience Resume is best for most people. The Education Resume is best for recent graduates or persons seeking their first job in a field they have just received training in. The Skills Resume is best for persons with widely varying job experience, or people who have worked in the same career field for many years, but have worked for several employers in the same or similar job titles in that time.

12. In the “Contact Information” box, click the box next to each field for the contact information you want appear on your resume when it is printed, or when you apply to positions on the CWDS website.

13. The Objective section is OPTIONAL. If you decide to use an objective statement, it should be specific to the field or occupation that you are seeking employment in, rather than a generic type of objective.

14. Click on “Create a Work Record” in the Work Record section. The “Work Record Details” screen will now open. All fields with an asterisk are mandatory. The “Responsibilities” field is where you will type OR cut and paste the description of your duties and responsibilities for that position and employer.

15. IMPORTANT: If you are interested in employment in similar position to the one you just described, click on the box to the right of “Include Work History in Job Match” This will make creating your individual job matching profile, which will be covered later, much easier as this information will be carried over into that section of your account.

16. Click “Check Spelling” when you have completed all fields, correct or ignore any errors identified by the system, then click on “Save and Add Another” if you have more employment history you wish to create OR “Save and Finish” if this section is complete.

17. Create additional entries in the other Resume sections that are applicable to you in the same manner.

18. IMPORTANT: When you have completed all the entries you want to add and you are looking at the main resume screen, starting at the top of the page click the check boxes on the left hand side of all entries titled “Include In Resume”, this tells CWDS you want these entries to be displayed.

19. When satisfied with the resume, click on “Save and Finish” on the bottom of the main resume screen

20. If you would like to create additional resumes for applications to specific types of jobs, you may do so in the same manner as described above. The system will allow you to annotate one of the resumes as your default. When applying to jobs on the CWDS website, you will have the option to choose which resume you want to send electronically, this is very important if you have multiple resumes on the system.

 
   
PART 3: UPLOADING A RESUME FILE TO CWDS

Preface: If you will be uploading your resume file using a PC in a CareerLink® Office, you will need to store the document on USB/Flash Drive or a Floppy Disk. Most CareerLink Offices can provide you with a Floppy Disk to download the document from your email account. CareerLink computers WILL NOT allow you to download and save the file from your email account to the desktop or hard drive of the CareerLink computer for uploading. You must have at least one part of the “manually created” resume completed BEFORE it will allow you to upload your own Resume file to your CWDS user account.
 
  1.  From your homepage, click on “Resume” in the “Quick Links” box on the left hand side the screen.
  2. From the “View Resumes” page, click on the “Upload” button.
  3. IMPORTANT: CWDS will allow only three types of files to be uploaded, MS Word format (file extension .doc) , Rich Text Format (file extension .rtf) or Adobe Acrobat PDF format files (file extension .pdf) Resumes created in Microsoft Works, Word Perfect or other word processor programs will need to be saved using one of these file extensions. The original formatting of the document may be affected when the document is saved as a file type other than the file extension for that program.
  4. After clicking upload, you must give the resume to be uploaded a name, then click on the check box indicating “I accept the Terms & Conditions of uploading a file on CWDS”
  5. Click the “Browse” button locate the document on your PC OR if using a PC at a CareerLink Office, locate the document on your removable storage drive, then click “Save and Finish”
  6. IMPORTANT: The system will always default to your manually created CWDS resume. You must remember click on the radio button next to your uploaded resume file to indicate you want use that file.
 
PART 4: CREATING A JOB MATCHING/JOB PREFERENCES PROFILE ON CWDS

 
Preface: The major advantage for taking the time to complete your Job Matching profile and turning this feature on is that it allows employers searching the system for potential employees to find you. It also allows you to conduct a very specific job search on the system with the parameters that you have created.

 
  1. From your CWDS account homepage, click “Job Preferences” in the “Quick Links” box
  2. IMPORTANT: It is not a mandatory field, but it is obviously of great importance to change the “Keep my Name Confidential” field from the default “Yes” to “No”
  3. The “Occupation Preferences” field will be “Auto-Filled” from your manually entered CWDS resume from using the “Include this work history in Job Match” button to indicate your interest in these jobs
  4. TO DELETE A JOB TITLE: Click on the radio button to left of any job title , then click “Remove”
  5. ADD JOB TITLES: You can add to your list using the “Occupation Details” search engine located below. Use the drop down box to select the broad category, then click “Get Occupation Titles” button.
  6. Select the job from the list, input your experience level, whether you hold a certification for the job, and select “Yes” you would like to be matched on that job, then click “Save” when finished.
  7. IMPORTANT: All job titles are defaulted to “No” in the “Match on this Occupation” column. Click the radio button next to those jobs and click the “Edit” button. The job will now be open for editing in the “Occupation Details” section. Change the No to a Yes. Click on the “Save” button when finished
  8. When you are satisfied with your Occupation List, click on the “Save and Continue” button
  9. On the next page, select any languages that you speak (INCLUDING ENGLISH) and your fluency level in that language. If English is your native language, you are Fluent, NOT advanced or anything else.
  10. Select the type of Driver’s License you have or “None Specified” if you do not drive
  11. Complete the Supervisory Experience, Typing Speed and Computer Software sections if applicable.
  12. DO NOT COMPLETE THE INDUSTRY PREFERENCES.
  13. When all fields are completed, click “Save& Finish” at the bottom of the screen.
  14. IMPORTANT: At the top of the resulting screen, indicate in the drop down box that “Yes” you are available for matching, THEN click on the “Save” button and complete the resulting survey.
  15. Click on “Run Match” to search for job postings with the specific criteria you input

 
PART 5: SEARCHING FOR JOBS ON CWDS

 
Preface: The importance of reading the complete job postings on CWDS can not be overstated, nor can the importance of following the instructions provided by the employer about HOW they want you to apply (via Resume or Application, In Person, linking through CWDS to apply on their corporate website etc.)

 
  1. From your CWDS account homepage, bring the mouse arrow over “Jobs” located on the blue tool bar near the top of the screen, then click on “Browse Jobs” from the selections
  2. You have the option to search by Keyword OR search within a broad occupational category OR you can leave this section blank and choose to view ALL JOBS posted in a specific area.
  3. The next section asks you to select location parameters about WHERE you want to look for available job postings. It is recommended that you use the ZIPCODE AND RADIUS search capability. This feature will tell you how far away (in miles) the job is located from the Zip Code that you used.
  4. You can also input additional criteria you would like to use in the “Optional Search Criteria” section. In this section you can input a minimum wage level that you are willing to accept.
  5. WARNING: Searching using a minimum wage level will exclude jobs from your search that had errors that were missed when they were approved. For example: If an employer uses $1.00 per hour wage because they did not want to reveal the actual wage range, it will not show in your results.
  6. Click on the “Search” button. The screen will refresh, then scroll down to view your search results.
  7. The order of your search results can be changed by clicking on any of the column headings. For example: Because we used the Zip Code radius search, the jobs closest to the Zip Code used will appear at the top of the last. You can click on “Posted Date” and reorder the list to show the newest postings 
  8. If you see a job title that interests you, click on the Job Order Number to view and read the complete details and description of that posting. The important details will be listed, please read them carefully
  9. If you are not interested, click the “Back” button. DO NOT USE THE BROWSER BACK BUTTON.
  10. If you do want to apply to the posting, click on “Choose Options to Apply”

 
PART 6: APPLYING FOR JOBS ON CWDS

 
  1. On the top of the next screen you have the option to select which resume you would like to use to apply
  2. You have the option to send a Cover Letter with your resume. The cover letter can created from scratch or using one of templates from the drop down box after clicking the box to “Include Cover Letter”
  3. To bypass the Cover Letter, click on “Apply Now” button found below the cover letter box.
  4. IMPORTANT: The next screen is the MOST IMPORTANT screen in the application process. In the “Job Order Information” box will be the method or methods the employer has chosen for you to properly apply for the position. The methods provided for employers include: Phone, Fax, Postal Mail, Apply In Person, Email, a link to their website or using their inbox on their CWDS account.
  5. If the employer has made Email one of the methods of application, you may email the resume of your choice through the CWDS system OR use the email address to send a resume from your email account.
  6. IF YOU APPLIED BY MISTAKE: Click on the “Withdraw Application” button
  7. PRINT EMPLOYER CONTACT INFO: If you wish to print the employer contact information provided for that posting click on “Print Contact Information” link on the lower left hand side.
  8. If the employer has provided a link to their Website for you to submit your resume through their online system, DO IT. SOME EMPLOYERS USE ONLY ONLINE APPLICATIONS!!
  9. To return to your original search results, click on the “Browse Jobs” button to return to your search
  10. IMPORTANT: If you lose the contact information for a position that you have applied for, click on “Home”. On your homepage in the box titled “My Resume and Jobs” click “View Status” link to the right of “Job Applications” This will bring up the log of every job your have ever applied to on the CWDS system. Locate the posting on the list and click on the Job Title and Job Order Number Link on the left hand side. This will open the complete job posting and the employer contact methods will be below the job description under “Employer Contact Information”

Hot Notes, the Blog: An introduction

I've been asked by the Transition Team to create a website for dislocated CINRAM Olyphant employees.  This will be a way of getting all of the information relayed to the Transition Team out to everybody who has been affected by events at CINRAM.

For now we're going to start by reposting information that has appeared in the Transition Team's newsletter, Hot Notes, as well as useful information provided by the Career Link office.  As it is not possible to restrict access to this blog to CINRAM employees, I've been asked to take the precaution of moderating comments.

I am going to start by posting some of the documents supplied by the Career Link office.