What Millenials Need to Know About Securing Employment

The is located in Lake Forest and provides professional, individualized and comprehensive resources for re-employment. For more information, visit www.CareerResourceCenter.org or call (847) 295-5626.

“The Peak Interview- Differentiate Yourself"

• When: April 5
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Cost: Free for members; $10 fee for non-members

Being at your peak during a job interview can mean the difference between landing a job or not.

Every expert in the field will tell you that the truth about the job interview is that the hiring manager will end up hiring the person he or she likes the most. By the time you get an interview, the company has determined you are qualified for the job.

But so are all the other interviewees. You need an edge. Bill Burnett, partner at Tailwind Discovery Group, and author of "The Peak Interview," will bring a fresh look at the interview process.

He takes the existing research into the interview process and marries it to the best in neuroscience to provide an easy to follow pathway to be the person the hiring manager likes the most. People evaluate an experience based on its peaks (good or bad) and how the experience ended. Burnett will show you how to build peaks as you prepare for and produce an outstanding interview.

“How to Create a Compelling Resume"

• When: April 11
• Time: 10:15 a.m.
• Cost: Free for members; $10 fee for non-members

Getting noticed in today’s competitive job market requires a resume that markets your talents. While a resume will not get you a job, a well crafted one that articulates your accomplishments and capabilities can make an impact in setting you apart from the competition. Assessing your talents and skills is the essential first step to building a resume.

Melissa Jensen will offer you a framework for unearthing your unique talents and accomplishments and then focus on the content and formats that work in today’s competitive market.   Jensen gained years of cross-functional management experience at WW Grainger, finishing her employment there as director of employee development.

“Expand Your Connections & Your Knowledge"

• When: April 12
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Cost: Free to all attendees

The best strategy for building relationships is helping others solve their problems. Reframe your thinking about what networking is all about. “Show up” and you might be surprised to find the information and connections you are looking for while helping others in their quest for new employment. Come with specifics on what you are looking for, your inventive ideas, handbills, and business cards. The session is hosted by Rob Meersman, account executive with TDS.

“Enhance Your Visual Impact"

• When: April 15
• Time: 10:15 a.m.
• Cost: Free for members; $10 fee for non-members

Wardrobe choice is one option for improving your personal marketing power.  Because designs shift, awareness of what remains constant and what changes can help you select a wardrobe that enhances your credibility.

This session is an interactive workshop that covers the 3 C's of business style:  communication, credibility, and creating visual harmony with color selection.  Maureen Costello is an internationally certified image consultant. She brings a deep understanding of how wardrobe, color, voice, body language, attitude, and proper business etiquette intertwine with impression strategy.

“The Millenials: What You Need to Know About Securing Employment"

• When: April 20
• Time: 1:30 p.m.
• Cost: Free for members; $10 fee for non-members

In these tough economic times, jobs are hard to come by. Do you know what you want, really want to do with your life? Do you feel as though you should be further along in your career?

Many individuals avoid spending time on career and job search planning and strategies, perhaps because they are simply too busy living their lives. As a member of Gen Y (1980-2000) you have a unique set of requirements, expectations, and values. What you also have is a unique set of challenges when looking for a job. How do you break through? How do you compete?

The majority of young adults are spending their time searching the job boards, sending countless resumes into a black hole without response. A successful job search strategy needs to be robust, comprehensive and set you apart from the competition. This interactive and engaging overview will highlight the skills and strategies you need to navigate today’s competitive job market. Dave Gradstein, a Gen Y specialist, will offer invaluable information to young adults and their parents on strategies and tactics that will make an impact. He will cover resumes and elevator speeches, networking, the dos and don’ts of interviewing, and address your questions. Gradstein’s diverse career includes 30 years of corporate experience in the telecommunications sector.

“Presenting Yourself With Impact"

• When: April 28
• Time: 1:30-3:30 p.m.
• Cost: Free for members; $10 fee for non-members

First impressions are critical, especially if you want to stand out in the crowd.  Whether you are networking, introducing yourself in a phone screen or interview situation, or attending an industry conference you need to present yourself in the best way possible. Effective use of the delivery skills covered in this workshop will build confidence and credibility whenever you are communicating or presenting yourself to others.

Key features:

• Identifying communication elements that build trust and credibility.
• Effectively applying the use of non-verbal, vocal and verbal communication elements.
• Reducing or eliminating use of non-words.

Cari Walquist is a leader and implementer of learning and organization development programs that focus on increasing effectiveness of individuals at all levels.  Her career spans 20-plus years working in a variety of industries from hospitality to manufacturing to pharma-healthcare. Malcolm Fraser has held a variety of training and development positions in the Chicago area since 1978.