Want to keep a job? Start by showing up on time

Workforce experts share their tips for fi nding and keeping a job

BY NANCY A. OLSON Brattleboro Reformer correspondent

When it comes to finding a job, of course it’s important to have the skills that fit the bill. But the region’s workforce experts say it’s even more important for prospective employees to demonstrate that they will show up on time, work hard and can stay motivated in the workplace.

“Companies are willing to train the right person, that is, someone who may not have the necessary industry-specific skills but who fits in with the company’s culture,” said MassHire Berkshire Career Center Executive Director Heather Boulger. “Employers want employees who are motivated, excited, and willing to work hard.”

Brattleboro Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kate O’Connor echoed the necessity of job seekers having a strong set of the so-called soft skills.

“The biggest gripe employers share with me,” she said, “is that they hire people who then don’t show up for work. Employers are willing to train people who are consistent and show up.”

‘Work hard’

The MassHire Berkshire Career Center (masshireberkshire.com) based in Pittsfield, Mass., is a partnership between Berkshire Training & Employment Program and the MassHire Department of Career Services designed to provide quality programs and services to employers, job seekers and its community partners.

MassHire serves all 32 cities and towns in Berkshire County, and consults with the Berkshire Workforce Board. According to the MassHire website, the board is composed of knowledgeable, influential business and community leaders appointed by Pittsfield’s mayor on behalf of the 32 Berkshire County communities. The board has two specific roles: to serve as the oversight and policy- making body for federally funded employment and training services in the region, and address critical labor market issues by developing strategic partnerships with local leaders in economic development, the K-12 and higher education system, government agencies, chambers of commerce, and community-based and labor organizations.

Based on her work with the board, Boulger said that young people in high school or college who seek to acquire the skills that will make them employable should participate in as many internships as possible.

“Internships expose young people to a variety of occupations that they may not have thought about,” she said. “Also, students should take STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) courses, as those are the fastest growing careers.”

Another important attribute, Boulger said, is a commitment to lifelong learning.

“Always take a new course to expose yourself to new experiences,” she said. “Don’t be afraid to take a chance. Follow your passion. Work hard. Find a way to say yes to things and be prepared to fail. You will fail. It’s inevitable. It’s what you do with that failure that matters. Learn from your adversity and move on.”

‘Soft skills’ matter

In June 2019, the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (brattleborodevelopment.com) published a white paper online titled, “What is a ‘Good Job’? Defining Opportunity in Southern Vermont.” In it, Alex Beck, BDCC workforce and education program manager, writes that the “importance of and need for self-advocacy, self-reliance and grit as they relate directly to successful career outcomes, should be taught, practiced and reinforced. Armed with this knowledge, all students will feel empowered as they traverse the job exploration, application, and negotiation process.”

To address these needs, the BDCC in 2018 launched the Pipelines and Pathways Program (P3) initiative, a high school career awareness and preparedness program the goal of which is to improve post-graduation outcomes for all Windham County youth.

The program, according to a news release, assists in developing workforce-oriented curricula, expanding classroom relationships and growing work-based learning opportunities with local employers. It also supports teachers as they help students develop and implement their personalized learning plans, which are mandated by the state’s Flexible Pathways Initiative.

P3 coordinator Christy Betit works with the four high schools in Windham County.

By offering worksite tours to school personnel, she said, “We are hoping to bring greater awareness of career opportunities to guidance counselors and other educators so that they can better guide students through coursework that prepares students for chosen careers.”

While specific occupations require specific skills, Betit said, everyone needs the foundational “soft skills.” These range from punctuality, attendance and organizational skills to conflict resolution, working on a team, taking initiative, creative problem-solving, and maintaining a positive outlook, among others.

“It’s important for people to understand that many employers will train people who have the capacity to show up and learn,” she added. “I will say, in addition to soft skills, preparing resumes and cover letters, and participating in mock interviews — all topics we’ve covered at many of our schools — are obviously all very important to being hired. We would like to see every student participate in resume and interview prep within the county.”