Being in the staffing business, we consistently encounter students who realizing their stint in the public education system is about over, start searching for “What Next?” Many are distressed they have not thought of this sooner. However, now school system has started to stepping up to the plate. To help answer that question, Waco ISD offers viable opportunities to eliminate many uncertainties for some of its students through their Greater Waco Advanced Manufacturing Academy program (GWAMA).
Far too long our well intentioned society has mistakenly drilled into the heads of young people if you do not attend college, success will be out of reach. Nothing could be further from the truth.
In my younger years, most of my parent’s best friends owned their own business. These “tradesmen” were as economically successful as most college educated professionals and it remains so today. One owned an auto repair shop, another a plumbing business that later added plumbing supplies, several owned appliance repair businesses, and yet another owned a commercial air-conditioning and heating business. All very successful people with not one laying claim to a college education. Not knocking college in the least, but not everyone is meant for college and the “trades” are vitally important to keep our nation running smoothly. Somewhere along life’s path we lost that realization.
Once, uncertainty and fear greeted the unprepared graduate. Now for many, thanks to the Greater Waco Advanced Manufacturing Academy, graduation marks the start of a lucrative career in the trade of their choice. Presently GWAMA offer courses in Electronics, Robotics, Precision Metal and Plastics machine operation, Welding, and Building trades such as Masonry, Plumbing, Carpentry, Electrical, and HVAC. As the older population is retiring from these trades in ever increasing numbers, there is a shortage of skilled artisans.
GWAMA programs have been designed with the help of local businesses to insure students graduate with marketable skills. This is not academia run amuck. It is a program designed to achieve an end result that is actually beneficial to their graduating student’s success. This includes life skills such as attendance, job performance, and employability.
Being in the staffing business since 1989, the difficulty in finding people skilled in the trades has never been greater. Trades people are in high demand and short supply. For many, it makes real dollars and “sense” to get into these fields. Don’t discount the “trades.” Who knows, I may be calling you to help me one of these days!
For more information on GWAMA, visit http://gwama.wacoisd.org/cms/One.aspx
Sitting at home in front of your computer day in and day out answering job board ads for jobs in Waco and elsewhere, is not the most effective way to conduct your job search. In fact, job boards are where you have the highest level of competition and lowest rate of success.
Instead, invest your time where people enjoy the highest rates of success – networking and connecting with people in all areas of their lives. When you are not working it is tempting to do things during the day instead of networking and making contacts. Don’t. During your “days” you should be “employed” networking, making contacts and meeting people. Statistics show you next job is more likely to be the result of a referral, than answering some random web posting.
Any working person could open a door through a referral or provide a lead that could result in your next job – much more than an unemployed contact. That is why it’s important for you to be out and about when you have the best chance of running into people who are employed.
- Job Fairs – Even if you think the job fair is beneath your level of experience; it’s the company reps in attendance that can make referrals to the decision makers.
- Networking Events like Waco Chamber of Commerce Business after Hours are open to all and are attended by hiring authorities and department heads – all worthy referrals.
- Social Gatherings – It is tempting to avoid social gatherings because you fear the question “What are you doing?” You need to respond “I’m a free agent in the open job market and I’ve learned so much.” Then, give them your contact info to encourage referrals.
- Community Events – There are many different free events. Go wherever there are crowds. You will inevitably run into people you know, which provides more networking opportunities for referrals.
- Association Meetings – There is an association for every industry or career. Most associations will allow you to attend as a guest.
- Trade Shows – Network with exhibitors as well as the attendees at these events. Have business cards made with your name and contact information on them. You just need your name, address, phone number and email address. They won’t forget you.
Read more on how to improve your job hunt successes by registering for Career Help with Free access to job search webinars, libraries, and search over 1000 job boards with a singe click.
When answering large job board postings, you are competing against thousands of resumes. Your resume is easily lost unless an automated system searches for specific keywords which hopefully appear in your resume. These bulk resume houses represent the highest level of competition with the lowest level of return on your efforts in the industry. Make life easier by concentrating on placing your resume directly in the hands of the hiring authority experiencing the pain of a poor performer or vacancy. Be the only resume on their desk! That person’s desk is usually not in HR. Why do I say that?
• Department heads know of job openings before HR.
• Department heads are always looking to replace poor job performers.
• Managers need people who perform, but are slow to post it with HR .
• Someone just quit or was fired and job opening not yet listed with HR.
• You get more attention if you are not just another resume in the stack.
• HR is the last to know of upcoming projects not currently active.
• Lastly, you want a department head, manager, or other influential person the company
trusts to refer you to HR. You will receive much more attention that way.
Make it your mission to discover as much as you can about the companies where you would like to work. Know the names of the leaders within the company, know their roles, and learn about their industry before interviewing. When possible, for best results send your resume directly to the head of the department you want to be working within. Better yet, walk in with confidence and ask to speak with them, but do not tell the receptionist it is about a position. You will be sacrificed to HR. Make your case in person, but only after you have thoroughly researched the company, what they do, their competitors, and have developed intelligent questions. If he will not see you, leave your “package” addressed to him or her – not HR.
Good luck on your job search
Bottom line; “Wow” them with intelligence so they will see you as someone who is seriously interested in their company.
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