Congress Breaks on a High Note—But Defers Tough Decisions ‘Till the Fall
Congress recessed last week until after Labor Day for its traditional August recess. For most of us, it’s a time for travel and vacations. Here in Washington, it’s also a time for reflecting on what has been accomplished and what remains to be done that can be done. So, here is a quick recap of this Congress’ achievement and what remains.
How to Overcome Being Overqualified
Brendon from Denver, CO, asks, “I have a good educational background and strong work experience on my résumé, but higher-level jobs are too hard to come by in my field. I’m applying to positions that are a step down from my previous role as a last resort. I really just need a job. How do I handle the fact that I’m overqualified during the application and interview process?”
My Story—Alyssa Cowin
I work with the Office of the Secretary. I’m starting a new project called Disability Mentoring Day where we have meetings every month. The students who don’t have a job follow me or someone else around in a job. I spoke two months ago about my journey to appointment—what does it take. They have a transitioning conference, and other people were like, “I would like to learn more information about Alyssa.”
Tacoma Goodwill Employee Testifies Before Congressional Subcommittee
This week I had the great pleasure of working with Sandra Collins, assistant store manager from Goodwill Olympics and Rainier Region (Tacoma, WA), as she testified before a House Ways and Means subcommittee during a hearing titled Subsidized Job Programs and Their Effectiveness in Helping Families Go to Work and Escape Poverty.
Don't Just Find a Hot Job—Find the Right Hot Job
Tami from Long Beach, CA, asks, “I’m going to be a senior in high school and am feeling a lot of pressure to decide what I want to do with my life. I don’t want to waste my time by picking a career field that has no jobs. How can I make a good decision?”
Don’t Just Find a Hot Job—Find the Right Hot Job
Tami from Long Beach, CA, asks, “I’m going to be a senior in high school and am feeling a lot of pressure to decide what I want to do with my life. I don’t want to waste my time by picking a career field that has no jobs. How can I make a good decision?”
My Story—Ralph Lopez
During my sophomore year of high school, I sat down with my career counselor, and she asked me, “What do you want to do?” I told her, “I don’t know.” She asked me, “What do you like to do?” I said, ever since I was little, I liked to put things together and take things apart. She said, “Well, that sounds an awful lot like a mechanic or an engineer.”
Take Action in Support of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Today we are asking you to join Goodwill in our efforts to help people with disabilities around the world receive equal treatment in accessing these same services. Take action and urge your Senators to support U.S. ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
Unemployed? Five Tasks to Include in Your Daily Routine
Mark from Missoula, MT, asks, “I’ve been unemployed for two months — it’s getting harder and harder to get up each day and look for work. I don’t know how I’m going to be able to keep this up. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.”
My Story—Rawlicia Pryor
I was filling out five or six job applications every day. I tried to do fast food, but fast food wasn’t even calling me back! My social worker referred me to Goodwill, where I entered the Transition to Independence and Employment program. Now my job title is sales associate. It meant a lot to me to actually support my daughter now that I am employed. To give her the things she needs, that means more to me than anything in the world.
Life After Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Reauthorization
Last week, Congress overwhelming cleared the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) (H.R. 803) for the President’s expected signature. The action signals the end of an 11-year effort to reauthorize the nation’s job training program.
Make the Right Lasting Impression During Your Exit Interview
Shelley from Little Rock, AR, asks, “I found a new job and recently gave my two weeks’ notice. My current human resources department would like me to participate in an exit interview before I leave, but I’m nervous about what I should and shouldn’t say. Help!”