A quick way to assess if you're ready to conduct a successful job search.
Job Readiness - Explanation
I know how to evaluate myself and research which jobs I should apply for.
It is important to apply for jobs for which you are a good fit, and jobs at which you can truly succeed. The best way to do this is through proper evaluation of your own skill set, and through researching both the job and the employer.
I know what Applicant Tracking Systems are, and the best ways to use them.
Applicant Tracking Systems are computer systems that allow employers to automate the process of receiving and screening job applications. If you do not know how to properly format your resume, it may end up in the "black hole" of an applicant tracking system.
I know how to customize my resume for every job that I apply to.
You must tailor your resume for every job you apply to. Do not use one resume for every job. You need to know how to emphasize your relevant experience for each job.
I know the current trends in resume formatting.
Trends in resume formatting change often, and they are very different than they were several years ago. It is important to understand things like what typefaces you should use, whether or not to use shading and borders, and how many pages your resume should be.
I know the best ways to set up and optimize my LinkedIn profile.
LinkedIn is being used by many recruiters to source and screen job candidates. A properly optimized profile can make the difference in whether or not you get found by a recruiter on LinkedIn.
I know how to conduct the research necessary to be successful in job interviews.
Job interviews are more complicated than they used to be. Something that recruiters and hiring manager frequently bemoan is that job applicants do not perform the desired research. You need to find out about the company, what they do, know who your interviewers are and what they do at the company, etc. Doing research is crucial to succeeding in the interview.
I know how to answer behavioral interview questions.
Behavioral interviewing has been the trend for several years. The interviewer will ask questions that are designed to see how you think, and if you can think on your feet. The questions also emphasize how you have handled certain situations in previous jobs. Successfully handling behavioral interview questions is very important.
I know how to successfully handle the question of salary in a job interview.
The question of salary may be the most difficult part of a job interview. You must know how to prepare for this question, and know how to answer it without undercutting yourself.
I have the up-to-date professional skills required to be competitive in today's job market.
Having skills that are up-to-date is very important, especially if you were laid off from a job that you held for many years, or if you have been out of the workforce for a while. Here are some additional reasons to consider upgrading your skills.
I have the professional certifications that employers are looking for.
Many industries look for people who have updated certifications, and who continue to get new certifications. This is especially the case in I.T.
Need help with your job search?
Job Search Workshops
With workshops on resumes, LinkedIn, and interviewing, our Job Search Boot Camp workshops will help you "get fit" for today's job market.
Peek Inside: At this location, we offer our customers a wide range of manufacturing capabilities, from CNC machining all the way to complete product assembly and fulfillment.
Fun fact about our company: a robot works right alongside our machinists to produce parts with quality and efficiency!
You would like to work at our company if
you are interested in the wide range of evolving technologies, processes and creativity that go into the world of modern manufacturing.
In the next year, we expect to hire CNC machinists
To get that job, you typically need a high school diploma and vocational or technical training in machining. We offer additional on-the-job training once a new machinist with the foundational skills and experience joins the team so they can continue to master their craft.
Our best machinists have: a passion about the art and science that goes into taking a raw piece of metal or plastic and forming it into a high-precision design.
CNC Machinists From this position, you could grow into
Master Machinist
Machining Business Manager
Owner of your own machining business
In the next year, we expect to hire Assembly Operators
To get that job, you typically need a high school diploma, a mechanical aptitude and a willingness to learn and closely follow processes and work instructions.
Our best assembly operators are eager learners and pay attention to details. They enjoy working on different types of mechanical work every day.
Assembly Operators From this position, you could grow into
lead operator
supervisor
manufacturing manager
FEATURED ORGANIZATION:
Company Name: The Jel Sert Company
DuPage Location: West Chicago, IL
Total number of employees in DuPage: 900 during peak season
Peek Inside
The Jel Sert Company is a leading manufacturer of food and beverage products. For the past 20 years, our team has been dedicated to establishing an exemplary manufacturing infrastructure that supports the needs of some of the world’s largest Consumer Packaged Goods and pharmaceutical companies.
Jel Sert is committed to providing employees with development opportunities as we are invested in their long term success and advancement within the organization. An individual development plan assists employees in career and personal development and allows employees to reach short and long term career goals.
You would like to work at our company because
We are committed to attracting the best talent and developing our employees to exceed their potential. Our employees take pride in their work and are always looking for ways to contribute their ideas, skills, experience, and passion. We reward and value creativity, professionalism, teamwork, honesty, and longevity.
In the next year, we expect to hire 2-3 technicians
To get this job, you typically need a Minimum of 3 years’ experience working with electrical, hydraulics, programming, and mechanical PLCs is required.
We pay $2.00 per hour shift differential for all time worked on 3rd shift. *Rate of pay depends on one’s experience, education, and skills.
Our best technicians have: Strong mechanical and electrical skills Additionally, someone that takes pride in their work, is honest, creative in their ideas, and works as a professional in a team environment.
All Technicians are sent to College of DuPage for classes. Technicians are scheduled for a series of six mechanical and six electrical classes. Classes are during work hours, so Technicians are paid for their time in class. We adjust their hours to spend half their shift on the floor and the balance in the class. Jel Sert pays for this training which includes classroom and lab work. All Technicians are involved in this training despite their experience level.
TECHNICIAN
From this position, you could grow into
