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How to Discuss a Criminal Background with Employers

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There are many challenges people can face in finding employment (education, health issues and lack of transportation to name a few), but having a criminal record is one of the most significant. Here are some universal best practices about how to best communicate your criminal history.

My Story: Mark McNie

Row of people seated in chairs, each with laptops, notebooks, or papers, implying a recruitment or meeting setting.

I came to Goodwill Industries of St. Clair County (Port Huron, MI) in September, 2014 via a situational assessment from Michigan Rehabilitation Services. In 1996 I went into anaphylactic shock after being prescribed an antibiotic I was severely allergic to that put me out of commission for close to three years.

Simplify Spring Cleaning

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It’s finally time for some spring cleaning! I know it sounds crazy, but I honestly wait all year for this. Nothing feels better than donning a well-worn tee shirt, sweats, and a pair of rubber gloves, then setting to work with a spray bottle in hand. If this process seems a little daunting to you, though, here are a few ways to simplify your spring cleaning.

March Madness: DC Style

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Most everyone is familiar with March Madness, the NCAA college basketball playoffs – the brackets, the hype, the fans and ultimately the games themselves. Well Washington, DC is in the midst of its own style of March Madness.

Who's Prepared to Network at a Career Fair?

The key to attending any career fair is to have a well-prepared résumé, references, portfolio, appearance and a plan to network. Do you think that these example job seekers have come to the fair prepared to network?

Who’s Prepared to Network at a Career Fair?

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The key to attending any career fair is to have a well-prepared résumé, references, portfolio, appearance and a plan to network. Do you think that these example job seekers have come to the fair prepared to network?

My Story: Christina Banfield

Smiling woman wearing glasses sits at a desk in an office, with a computer monitor blurred in the background.

I was introduced to Goodwill Industries of Southern Oregon (Medford) through the Make Parenting a Pleasure class. The classes provided me with opportunities to make my family stronger, especially during some pretty difficult times in our family history. It was an intimate setting and I felt safe and empowered. Then, after having been unsatisfied with my progress in other available job search programs at the Department of Human Services (DHS), I requested to participate in the Goodwill Jobs program.

Wedding Accessories on a Budget at Goodwill

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Wedding season is just around the corner and most 2015 brides are already knee-deep in the planning process for their big day. In March of my wedding year, I had already made all of the major decisions (which meant that I had also nearly exhausted my budget), yet the wedding itself wasn’t until September! What did I do? I turned to Goodwill to find my last minute wedding bits and pieces at a reasonable price.

Tailwind Economy Represents a First Down in a Long Drive

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Last Friday, the U.S. Department of Labor released its jobs report for the month of February. The February jobs report finds that the unemployment rate has fallen to 5.5 percent, its lowest level since May 2008. In addition, 295,000 jobs were added last month. In response to these findings, Secretary of Labor Tom Perez stated, “No one’s spiking the football here, but there’s an undeniable tailwind in the economy.”

Careers in Focus: Food Service

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The food service industry may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about long-term career options, but there are many people out there that choose the food service industry and excel in it. Check out this overview for more information.

Goodwill’s Buried Treasures: 1920s – 1940s

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Most vintage-lovers already know to shop for treasures in antique stores, yard sales, and online marketplaces, but Goodwill also offers the opportunity to unearth some true gems. All it takes is for one stranger to enjoy a thorough spring-cleaning session and your new favorite brooch or billiard table might be newly donated and waiting for you to find it.

Women’s History and Developmental Disabilities Awareness in March

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March is National Women’s History Month and Developmental Disabilities Month. These should not be viewed as competing events. In fact, in terms of the barriers that women and people with developmental disabilities still struggle to overcome, they have more in common. Both have to address stereotypes and discrimination.