Choosing a Career Pathway That’s Best for You

It can be hard to pinpoint exactly what job is best suited to your skills and talents, and sometimes you’re not exactly sure what you need to do to be able to get there. Here are some steps that you can follow to build a satisfying, effective career pathway.

My Story: Richard Nickell

When I was released from prison for crimes I committed in the past, I came to a shelter in Des Moines, IA. I was hoping to find a job and start to rebuild my life. I’m the kind of person who’s kind of obstinate and I want to do things my own way. But, when I found Justin at the Goodwill of Central Iowa Career Center, I tried to learn from him.

Five-Minute Fixes

Life is messy! And no matter how much time you have, it never seems like it’s enough to clean everything up. Today I wanted to share a few champions of the five-minute fix. Whether you’ve got cosmetics covering your bathroom vanity, seriously scuffed up flats, or papers strewn across your kitchen counter, there is a solution out there that doesn’t have to take up all of your time.

Goodwill Reacts to State of the Union Address

President Obama fulfilled his constitutional requirement to address the nation earlier this week with the annual State of the Union. The pundits will weigh in on whether or not the policies laid out will be achievable in a Republican-controlled Congress. The economists will debate what can be paid for and how. The journalists will count how many times the crowd clapped and stood. As an advocate, I looked for the programs that impact Goodwill and the people we serve.

Online Resources to Prepare for Your Job Interview

Congratulations! Your résumé impressed the hiring manager, and now you’re invited you in to interview for the job you’ve been hoping for. Are you ready? Interviewing is something that you can prepare to excel at. On top of those tips, here are some resources that you can use to make sure that you’re ready and confident that you’re going to shine.

House Hostility Boils Over on Immigration Amendments

Jobs. Workers. Helping people get ahead. These are all issues central to our mission here at Goodwill. But some might ask: what about those individuals who came to the United States desperate for work even if it meant risking all? The U.S. House of Representatives gave its answer this past Wednesday: no.

Snuggle Up This Winter With Goodwill Finds

The e-reader vs. real books debate rages on! Many people have made the switch to paperless readers like Kindles or Nooks because they take up less space and are easier to carry around. Then there are those die-hard book readers who still prefer the thrill of cracking open a new spine and inhaling the distinct smell of a good old-fashioned printed book. Either way, there is one thing that can’t be denied: snuggling up with a new read (whether digital or physical) is a sure way to cure the winter blues.

Three Tips to Be More Confident in Job Interviews

No matter what your age or career level, you can be confident in interviews by following three easy steps.

Hey, I Can Do That: Recreating Trends From Thrift Store Finds

While it can be really fun to splurge on a very special piece occasionally just because you love it, indulging in every new fashion or home décor craze is just not financially feasible for the average person. But that doesn’t mean your home or closet has to remain stagnant from season to season! With a little creativity and thrifting luck, it’s easy to recreate your favorite trends from thrift store finds.

New Congress Should Get the Talent Pipeline Flowing

This week, the new 114th Congress convened with Republicans in control of both chambers for the first time since 2007. One of the first items on the House’s agenda is a bill to approve a pipeline that is estimated to have the potential to create more than 40,000 jobs. The bill in question is the Keystone Pipeline, a source of controversy; yet, it got me thinking about another pipeline of particular importance to American businesses, employers and workers – the talent pipeline.

Creating a Career Plan? First, Assess Your Skills

Whether you are changing career fields, re-entering the workforce or seeking a promotion, having a career plan is an absolute must. Creating the plan, however, isn’t always as easy as knowing your end goal. Here’s how to assess your skills so you can best determine your next steps.

My Story: Nick Biddlecome

With Goodwill’s help, a man from Indiana lands a full-time job at a local plant. He is now saving to buy a house that he and his young son can call home.