On January 29, 2009 Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County hosted the 1st annual New Directions Job Fair at the Salvation Army. Well over 100 customers from the Community of Hope attended.

Remembering old lessons

As the ecomony worsens, we all get a little afraid. Finding ways to cope becomes even more important. After 9-11, this community came together and faced the fear after that event head on. This quote from Bob Ray Sanders and R. J. Rabbe, both journalists for the Star Telegram at the time, rings true today, just as it did back then. All of us in Tarrant County are in this together and the best way out continues to be together. This booklet contains some great resource information so we've posted the entire document on the resource page of our website.

"The community organizations which developed this guide are committed to helping each of us move beyond the tragedies which have consumed our attention over recent months to see the possibilities for the future. There is no denying that lives have been shattered, but we must not let despair drive our decisions. We have heard commentator after commentator proclaim that our lives will never be the same again, but that does not mean that our lives have to be forever worse. For many, this period of seeking to understand what has happened in our world has also led, perhaps for the first time, to serious introspection. Hopes, dreams, priorities have been re-evaluated. It is not just a new year, but a new world for us, and it can truly be a time of starting over, of focusing on what really matters to us now. Opportunity calls. Just as businesses are devising new strategies to achieve success despite the economic downturn, so can families and individuals. The information presented on the following pages is designed to do just that—to help you discover ways that you can turn the tide in your own life and in your community."

Click here to review the entire document: https://sites.google.com/site/survivingalayoff/resources-to-help-you-during-your-lay-off

More Ways to Get Your Resume in Front of an Employer

There are many different tools available on-line to assist you in your job search. But, as in dating, beware! If it costs money, don't make it your first choice. After doing some serious on-line research, I've found many sites that offer free assistance with preparing and submitting your resume. Of course, the most obvious for those of us in Texas is WorkinTexas.com. We'll be posting a lot more information here about WorkinTexas and other services offered on-line from TWC later. Another on-line resource that TWC provides a link to is GadBall. What is GadBall? According to their website, "GadBall is a free service to job seekers brought to you by Data Frenzy, the world's largest job distribution company. This site utilizes the advanced technologies, Job Board Partnerships and Employer relationships of Data Frenzy to provide a comprehensive free resume distribution site. GadBall is a Career Portal designed to give you, the Job Seeker, the tools to evaluate your career path and connect with Employers who can hire you." If you know of other free sites for posting your resume, please let us know in the comment section.

Using key words in your on-line job search

Other advice comes from Darlene Zambruski who is a Certified Resume Writer and Managing Editor of ResumeEdge.com.in her online column for the online candidate. She says, "Keywords can include industry-specific jargon or acronyms, such as the following: Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), for accountants Series 7 licensing, for brokers Initial public offering (IPO), for investment bankers At-risk child, for social workers Level 2 Training, for physicians Intellectual property law, for attorneys Triage, for nurses You should employ other nouns or phrases that indicate your qualifications and knowledge of required tasks. Such words might include: General ledger, word processing, contract negotiations, benefits, payroll, closing (for sales people) Catering services, new menu items, capacity planning (for chefs) Logistics, quality assurance, advertising campaigns, product launches, staffing, training, orientations (for a marketing position) Companies that employ scanners require a set number of hits on keywords before the hiring manager will personally review a resume. For that reason, it is always wise to incorporate as many keywords as possible into your resume. By deciding what you want, and crafting your resume appropriately to reflect your goal, you will find that perfect job. Make sure to start by getting clear on what you want to achieve and review the qualifications that are required for a particular opening. Develop your resume around your particular wants and the needs of the hiring manager. You'll be glad you did!"

Featured Video for your career | DFW Metroplex, Texas

Featured Video for your career DFW Metroplex, Texas

Two ways to apply for Unemployment in Texas

The Texas Workforce Commission offers two basic ways to apply for Unemployment Insurance. You can apply by phone or on-line. If you apply by phone, TWC lists the following numbers to call: Austin local: (512) 340-4300 Dallas local: (972) 339-6200 El Paso local: (915) 832-6400 Fort Worth local: (817) 420-1600 Houston local: (281) 983-1100 McAllen local: (956) 984-4700 San Antonio local: (210) 258-6600 Others call toll free: 1-800-939-6631

To avoid busy signals and long waits on hold, filing on-line could be a solution. Our companion website contains instructions and information about the on-line process. We will also post some "insider" tips on the process on that website. So, if you are just starting the process, click on this site before you begin: https://sites.google.com/site/survivingalayoff/Home/applying-for-unemployment-on-line