This week began with many observing service members on Memorial Day who gave the ultimate sacrifice while defending our country. A few days later, we mourned the passing of more than 100,000 lives lost in America’s battle against COVID-19. These were disproportionately people of color, older Americans and people with pre-existing medical conditions — and they were so much more than a statistic.
READ MORE from House Committee Examines Sobering COVID-19 Statistics
Indeed, the world’s number one job search site, has partnered with Goodwill to help individuals find jobs and advance their careers. Indeed is providing resources to make it easier to navigate the online job seeking world during and after the pandemic.
READ MORE from Make the Most of Your Job Search with Indeed + Goodwill®
Goodwill’s Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is a community service and work-based job training program for adults who are age 55 and older. In January 2020, Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana was serving over 250 SCSEP participants who were earning money while learning new skills, mastering job search techniques and building work experience to obtain employment, all with the support of a SCSEP guide.
In an overly crowded and competitive job market, being prepared can help you stand apart so you can land your next job. While you’re refreshing your résumé and picking your interview attire, take some time to brush up on your interview skills, including the often-overlooked behavioral interview questions.
On Tuesday, May 19, the American Workforce Policy Advisory Board held a virtual meeting to discuss strategies for supporting workers who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Comprised of leaders from industry, higher education, government and nonprofit organizations, the board advises the Administration on workforce development policy and work to promote career education and job training opportunities.
READ MORE from White House Policy Board Tackles COVID-19 Workforce Recovery
If you or someone you know is looking for a job, you will note that the job market is quite different. While online job searching is not new, many other aspects of the process are taking place online. Let’s look at a few ways the job market is changing and how you can prepare for a virtual interview
Robert Aronson proudly served his country as a Combat Medic with the Navy Seals. Despite this impressive accomplishment, the last 10 years have been difficult for him. After he lost his job, he was unable to find other work and slowly fell into a deep depression. A few years ago, he was referred to Goodwill Southern Nevada from the Veteran’s Administration.
Goodwill South Florida has long been in the apparel manufacturing business, producing more than a million apparel and textile items annually for various commercial and military customers. When Goodwill® temporarily shuttered its operations due to the COVID-19 health crisis, it converted a portion of its business to produce personal protective equipment for local healthcare personnel and hospitals. Then, Ryder System reached out to inquire about the possibility of sewing masks for its essential workers.
READ MORE from Goodwill South Florida Produces 20,000 Masks for Ryder’s Essential Personnel
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to reexamine our work and how we present ourselves in an ever-evolving workplace. As unemployment continues to rise, job seekers are having to prepare to find work among a lot of uncertainty. Having an updated resume is the first step to feeling confident about making your next career move.
READ MORE from Creating a Winning Resume – Two Simple Steps to Get Started
With more time on our hands during these unprecedented times, people have turned to creativity to keep themselves busy. Instead of giving in to online shopping, I’ve seen posts on social media from people who have learned to make do with what they have and turn it into something creative and fabulous. I’ve loved pouring through posts on social media, seeing how everyone has been upcycling their thrifted finds, both clothing and home goods, and turning them into something new again.
READ MORE from Three Crafty DIYs to Make At Home Using Your Goodwill Finds
Another week has gone by and another 3 million individuals have filed for unemployment, bringing the total number of unemployed to more than 36 million over the last two months. What started as a public health crisis became an economic crisis and morphed into an employment crisis. Lawmakers play a significant role as well, which is why Goodwill Industries International continues to join 450 other charitable nonprofits in asking Congress to provide #Relief4Charities.
READ MORE from Urge Congress to Support Nonprofits in the Next COVID-19 Relief Package
As we limit our time in public during this pandemic, staying connected with others is more important than ever. As we experience online conversations and meetings, adequate technology and internet access are essential. Free and low-cost phone and internet programs are available for those who may need help accessing connectivity.
