Employment Readiness Program
Weekly Update - 21 October 2013
JOB SEARCH TIP OF THE WEEK
An effective cover letter will (concisely) highlight your strongest qualifications for the position you are seeking without repeating information word-for-word from your resume.
Here are some great articles about cover letters:
http://www.careerealism.com/category/job-search/cover-letter/
RESOURCE OF THE WEEK: Blue Star Careers
Blue Star Careers is a program offered through Blue Star Families. There are a number of resources availble including:
The Blue Star Spouse Employment Kit, which addresses the unique employment challenges that military spouses face and also helps military spouses translate volunteer and military experience for for a resume.
The Blue Star Network, career-specific professional networks. There are currently three networks: Educators, Health Care Professionals and Entrepreneurs.
Blue Star Jobs, an online job database.
Visit http://bluestarfam.org/Programs/Blue_Star_Careers to access these resources!
Upcoming ERP Workshops/Events
o 22 OCTOBER (9:30-11:30am) – MYERS-BRIGGS TYPE INDICATOR (MBTI) - What’s your type? Awareness about your personality type will help you discover your work preferences, strengths and weaknesses, and the types of jobs for which you are best suited. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED as all participants must complete the MBTI assessment prior to the workshop.
o 22 OCTOBER (12-1:30pm) – FALL KICKOFF LUNCHEON WITH IN GEAR CAREER - Military spouses are invited to join us for lunch and to find out about the resources available through the Employment Readiness Program and In Gear Career. Free lunch catered by American Burrito. RSVP by 18 October.
o 14 NOVEMBER (1-4pm) – 10 STEPS TO A FEDERAL JOB - If you are seeking federal employment, this workshop will provide you with valuable information about the federal job system, including how to search for and apply for positions with USAJOBS. All participants receive a free copy of Kathryn Troutman’s Jobseekers Guide.
o 19 NOVEMBER (10-11:30am) – MILITARY SPOUSE PREFERENCE INFORMATION SESSION – Gain a better understanding of Military Spouse Preference, including how to claim it.
o 21 NOVEMBER (10-11:30am) – FEDERAL RESUME WORKSHOP – Not understanding the difference between a professional resume and a federal resume can significantly reduce or eliminate your chances of obtaining a federal job. We will provide tips for how to create an effective federal resume.
Workshops are held at Army Community Service, Bldg. 622 (between the Post Library and Bowling Center) unless otherwise noted. Schedule is subject to change at any time, and classes will be cancelled if minimum registration levels are not met, so please register if you would like to participate. Register for an upcoming class by calling 938-5658, emailing christina.overstreet@usma.edu or online by visiting our webpage at www.westpointmwr.com/acs/employment_readiness.htm.
Additional Resources/Events
- 23 October (10am-3pm) - ORANGE COUNTY JOB FAIR - Newburgh Mall, 1401 Route 300, Newburgh, NY - More than 30 employers will participate in this job fair coordinated by Orange Works and the Employment and Training Administration. Participating employers include: Shoprite, Elant, and Crystal Run Healthcare. Call 845-346-1103 for more information.
- 24 October (11am-1pm) - SUNY ORANGE CRIMINAL JUSTICE CAREER FAIR - Kaplan Hall at SUNY Orange in Newburgh, NY - Representatives from an array of local law enforcement-related and human service agencies will be on hand to discuss career paths, job opportunities and educational requirements. Among the businesses and organizations that will be represented are the U.S. Army, Allways Secure, New York State Police, local police departments and the following Orange County agencies and departments: Probation Department, Crime Victims Unit, Human Resources, Health, Emergency Services, Medical Examiner and Sheriff. For more information, please visit http://www.sunyorange.edu/wea/grapevine/eventShow/ev_id/3060 or call 845-341-4444.
Employment Readiness Program
West Point Army Community Service
622 Swift Road
West Point, NY 10996
Email: christina.overstreet@usma.army.mil
Website: www.westpointmwr.com/acs/employment_readiness.htm
Phone: (845) 938-5658