Filing for Unemployment

The Department of Economic Opportunity Unemployment Compensation (UC) program (also called unemployment insurance) provides temporary wage replacement benefits to qualified individuals who are out of work through no fault of their own. If you need to file for unemployment, visit the Agency for Workforce Innovation website by clicking here.

For the Department of Economic Opportunity Customer Service, call (866) 778-7356 or (888) 204-2418.

For information related to new law signed on July 1, 2011, you can download an overview (click here) or a before and after snapshot (click here).

Monster Mania Tips for You!

Need tips for your resume? Need to improve your interviewing techniques? Then your wait is over…WORKFORCE plus has partnered with Monster.Com to develop job seeker tips that are sure to make you stand out! We want to hear your success stories so please drop us a few lines using the comment link below.

Job Seeker Tips

Interviewing Techniques

What is the goal of an interview?

The goal of the interview is to be the likable solution to their problem. Think about it. Would any of you hire a very qualified person you did not like? You’re sitting there in the interview and you know they are the best candidate on paper and they answered all the questions “ right “ but you just did not LIKE THEM. He came across as arrogant, or never smiled, condescending, dressed poorly, rude, and other things I cannot mention.

Companies are willing to train LIKABLE people rather than to hire qualified unlikable people. What are you doing to increase your likability factor? What are you doing to be the most qualified likable solution to the problem?

The biggest problem we see with jobseekers interview skills is not being prepared for the interview and a lack of practicing for the interview. We have had many people who tell stories of blowing an interview because they did not know what to say or they just froze up. How many of you spend at least 2-3 hours practicing for an interview? Interview is competition. You may be the 9:30 appointment for the employer but they have a 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 1:30, and a 2:30 appointment and you will be compared to these jobseekers. Are you ready?

How would you answer these questions?

  1. Describe your three main accomplishments
  2. How have you successfully worked with difficult people?
  3. Tell me about a time you failed and what impact did that have on you.

Could you answer it in a way to distinguish yourself from other jobseekers? Are you confident you are communicating verbally and non-verbally in a powerful way?

In our Interview class, you will practice and get valuable feedback to make a good first impression in the interview.

  1. Define what an interview is
  2. Know the types of interviews
  3. Know the importance of an interview
  4. Know the goal of an interview
  5. Know the importance of an Interview checklist
  6. Create an Interview check list draft
  7. Know ways to reduce anxiety
  8. Make a positive and professional first impression on an employer using positive body language
  9. Answer interview questions in a professional manner (common questions) and more.

Click on the above Calendar to see workshops available near you.

Resume Writing

How many of you have a completed resume? How many of you are confident that your resume is ready to go? How many of you have gotten feedback on your resume from at least three other people who do not know you? Resumes are a work in progress.

Your resume is your calling card. It makes your first impression for you. Is it making a good first impression, an average first impression, or a great first impression? Good or average will not get you the interview many times. GREAT first impressions will drastically increase your chances of getting an interview, and then it is up to you to impress them with your skills.

Your resume will not be judged by itself. It will be compared to all the other resumes received for that job. Will yours stand out for the right reasons or for the wrong reasons? Here are the most common mistakes found on resumes:

Common Mistakes – Go over these mistakes

  1. Font too small or too fancy to read
  2. Misspelled or misuse of words
  3. Missing contact information
  4. Too personal do not include information about age, marital status, health, height, weight, gender, photographs, etc.
  5. Poorly organized
  6. Dull looking
  7. Duties driven and not Accomplishment driven
  8. Not bulleted
  9. Resume exposes the job seeker to age discrimination
  10. Stretching the truth
  11. No action verbs
  12. Poor layout

Coping with Job Loss

Losing a job can cause a range of reactions. In our American culture, much of our sense of self is connected with our career and work role. It can feel like a loss of part of our identity and self-worth when our job has been terminated. When this happens, we are likely to experience a number of emotional reactions.

Although each individual is unique, the process a person goes through with the loss of a job resembles the stages of grief when a loved one is lost through separation, death, or divorce. People do not always progress through the following stages in the same order. People also may recycle back around through the stages.

  1. Stage 1: Disbelief, shock, numbing, and denial. As a coping mechanism, the mind temporarily blocks out the emotional blow and attempts to avoid the painful feelings that accompany loss.
  2. Stage 2: Anger, bitterness, resentment. Blaming oneself or others for the loss are typical reactions. These feelings may also be directed toward family and friends or service providers, who are trying to help.
  3. Stage 3: Sadness, depression, and grief. There can be immobility, a lack of desire to act or ability to move into action. There can be feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, gloom or guilt and shame. People may doubt their own strengths and abilities in this stage.
  4. Stage 4: Acceptance, moving on. This stage is characterized by coming to terms with negative feelings and being able to focus energy on taking constructive steps toward changing the circumstances. This may consist of exploring options, taking better care of oneself through exercising, eating healthy foods, relaxing, and connecting with others.

The above stages of grief are normal. What can cause difficulty is getting stuck in any stage before getting to stage 4. A counselor can help you process your emotions and move through these stages. Remember that it is not a sign of weakness to ask for help, it is a way of respecting and taking care of yourself.

Symptoms During Loss: You may also notice these reactions or symptoms: poor concentration, forgetfulness, confusion, lack of coordination, sleep difficulties, loss of appetite, fatigue, headaches, digestive problems, difficulty making decisions, lack of interest in usual activities. IF YOU NOTICE THESE SYMPTOMS, BE GENTLE WITH YOURSELF. THESE ARE NORMAL.

Things to try:

  1. Do not isolate. Even though you may feel like being alone, connecting with others will help you immensely.
  2. Talk, talk, talk about what you are feeling and experiencing. Some people think their reactions are strange and no one else is feeling that way. Reaching out and sharing stories with others who have experienced similar loss will remind you that you are absolutely normal.
  3. Delay, if you can, major life-changing decisions until you’ve progressed to the acceptance stage where you will be able to think more clearly and decide more effectively.
  4. Structure your time and keep busy, but with a balance. Too much frantic activity can keep you from being able to acknowledge your feelings. Acknowledging your emotions and experience of this loss is vital to healing your grief and being able to move on.
  5. Concentrate on the aspects of your life over which you do have control.
  6. Do something fun and relaxing, even though you think you won’t enjoy yourself (some examples of things that can reduce stress and anxiety include: taking a long walk, preparing a favorite meal, talking to an old friend, sitting down with a good book, taking the time to listen to your favorite music, getting a massage).
  7. Avoid overdoing sugar, caffeine, and alcohol.
  8. Find comfort in prayer and your spiritual practices.
  9. Expect yourself to be in a transition time, a time of healing. Give yourself permission to cry, feel blue, frustrated, and irritable.
  10. Give yourself the gift of being supported during this time, whether it’s from family, friends, co-workers, or a counselor. Remember that reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness; it is a way of respecting and taking care of yourself.

Telling Your Family:

  1. Acknowledge that telling others will be difficult. However it can be helpful to talk with others about your thoughts and reactions.
  2. Each family member will have his/her own response and concerns; allow for differences. Remember, you do not have to protect others or “make it okay” for them, but allow them to voice their thoughts and feelings as well.
Tour of Services

Learn More

To learn more, contact your local WORKFORCE plus office today!