Kankakee Valley Publishing
Career Guide
Page 2 January 2018
Kankakee Valley Publishing
Kankakee Valley Publishing
Page 3 January 2018
The difference between a good resume and a great one BY SCOTT BUCKNER City Editor, KV Post-News
Some years ago, I worked for a professional resume service as a resume writer. Consequently, I’d have friends and family members ask what amounted to one basic question: “What makes a good resume?” There’s only one answer to that, really: There’s a good resume, and there’s a great resume. The difference between the two is a great resume will tell a prospective employer, in less than 30 seconds of reading, why you’re one heck of a catch. As a resume writer, I’d have people come into the office with their whatever resume they started working on for themselves before they decided there are far more pleasurable things to do with their time, and that it really is worth the expense to let a professional handle things. And every single time, they were walking in with what I call the “here lies John” resume. Everyone’s familiar with those. They list the places worked, employment dates, and a listing of job duties. There’s two main problems with those resumes, though: 1) They don’t say anything about you, and 2) They make the person reading them have to work to figure things out for themselves. Given that employers will only spend a few seconds scanning your resume (yes, resumes are rarely, if ever, actually *read* all the way through), why not show a prospective employer why you’re the best thing to come along since sliced bread right from the very start ? Because in the end, any employer wants to know one single, basic thing: “What can you do for me?” By not submitting a “here lies John” resume, you’ll answer that question. For a lot of professions, it’s not *where* you worked that’s important. Rather, it’s what you know and how well you did it at the places you have worked. Back in the day, you’d start out with something called the Objective, which told an employer a little something about your character (“congenial, hard worker” or “experienced self-starter”) and what
sort of job you’re looking for. This has fallen completely out of favor because pretty much anyone will say they’re friendly and work hard (why would someone hire someone who wasn’t?) , and an employer already knows what sort of job you’re looking for because, well, that’s why he’s looking at your resume. But mainly, the objective has fallen out of favor because it’s both unnecessary and really says nothing about the value you represent. So what you want to do is create a short introduction which starts to highlight the benefits of you. (Don’t label or headline it “Introduction.” Just make it a simple stand-alone paragraph.) Since I don’t know your job, I’ll use the introduction from someone in my profession as an example: catalogs, direct mail materials, market- clients and sourcing regional editorial, An award-winning Art Director/ ing collateral, Web banners, and e-mail Graphic Designer with consumer and blasts. Experience working with national See Resume page 13 B-to-B background in the development, design, and copywriting of benefitsdriven print and digital display ads, and the development and design of dynamic, content-driven publications, product catalogs, direct mail materials, and marketing collateral. Knowledge of best production practices for offset print and digital. Design skills complemented by an extensive career in journalism as a Managing Editor, news and features Writer and spot news Photographer well-versed in AP style. We’re proud to support the local economy with That introduction is followed by a hundreds of employment opportunities (full-time, Summary of Qualifications (which you part-time, seasonal, and internships) in the areas of: would label or headline as such); in other words, a showcase of your accomplish• Agronomy ments or skills. Since a big part of what I • Grain Marketing do is technical in nature, I get into those • Energy (Petroleum & Propane) sort of specifics: • Swine & Animal Nutrition Works from the concept that design should serve the message, and copy and design should work together to showcase Find out more about Co-Alliance and our latest benefits or vital information to the reader employment opportunities at: in concise, easily-understood ways. Background in development, design, redesign, and production of newspapers, www.co-alliance.com magazines, newsletters, print ads, product
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Page 4 January 2018
Kankakee Valley Publishing
What are employers looking for? BY WENDY DAVIS Reporter wdavis@intranix.com
Jobs are available but it takes effort put forth to get one. Mark Anderson, director of manufacturing technology at Kankakee Community College in Illinois, has some advice. Employers are looking for individuals who have experience, he said, or background in the field. This experience isn’t always previously having a job in the area. He said it can be education classes with both book and lab work, or there are stackable credentials and certifications. “Experience in lab work does qualify as experience,” stated Anderson. He said those who are working toward their associate’s degree are looked favorably upon, but one with a completed degree is
often chosen. Local employers want to stay in the area because they’ve already made an investment, but if they are to grow they have to make sure there is a workforce available to them, Anderson said. This is also true in getting new employers to the area; workers — from welders to accountants — need to be available. They ask “Do we have enough people here we can staff from,” Anderson said. It starts with a resume, and there are individuals who are available to go over it before submission. “When there’s a hiring blitz what gets your foot in the door?” Anderson recommends having more than just fast food jobs on the resume; it would be nice to see things like certification within the field on it. If someone is taking
“A lousy interview can courses at college, earning ruin it all,” said Anderson. a degree, add a certifica“Manufacturing is the tion class while there, he said. “That all builds on a resume. That can be the foot, leg, and arm in the door.” Then, once a resume is built, there’s the interview process. There are also individuals who can help with that.
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Page 5 January 2018
Kankakee Valley Publishing
Manpower makes use of all types of employees BY NICK FIALA reporter@rensselaerrepublican.com
The Manpower Employment Agency’s local outlet, located along Washington Street in Rensselaer, provides employees for numerous companies in the area. There are a variety of reasons why potential employees come in, many reasons why they fail or succeed and a broad spectrum of places they could be in their personal life at the time. Recent events can also have a big impact on the circumstances they find themselves in. “We’ve had people being laid off from or losing their jobs out of St. Joe,” said Manpower Staffing Specialist Candy Wiseman. As one might expect, most of the employment opportunities for the area are blue-collar jobs. Usually, young people just out of high school don’t come into the agency, although seasonal work in between college semesters is known to happen. A lot of them don’t have GEDs or diplomas. They may be in their early-to-mid-20s and already have children, giving them a need to find help for fast employment. “A lot of them are men and women, mostly men, that have lost their jobs,” Wiseman said. “Businesses have closed and they don’t know where to go. They don’t
know where to start over at.” The agency can attract would-be employees from as far away as Valparaiso. Some of them may have worked decades at a certain location, only to see it suddenly close for whatever reason. An important theme for people like Wiseman, while gauging where to suggest the employee work at, is to find out what specifically is important to them about a job. The applicants are asked why they left their last employer, what their strengths and weaknesses are, if there is a specific place they wish to go to and where they see themselves being in five years. Aside from such questions, applicants don’t have to upload a resume of their own in order to get placed at a job. But if a business client wants to see one before hiring, it may become a necessity if the applicant wants to work at that specific business. Manpower has about 12 active business clients to supply employees for. A majority are factories, although the agency does supply employees for lawyers’ offices and administrative offices. No driving or government jobs are offered. Housekeeping and janitorial jobs at factories have also been offered, although
actual residence cleaning jobs are not offered. There are also consequences if a new employee doesn’t perform properly at their job. If an employee falsifies documents or fails a drug screening, they are terminated. If they make errors or bad judgment calls, such as slacking on work or leaving early and arriving late, they may be written up by the employer. Wiseman said the employees may also get coached if they get to many write-ups. This can happen to employees of virtually any age. “We…explain to them why its important, their attendance,” she said. “… just explain to them why attendance is important — ‘Our customers have production that needs to get out. It needs to be shipped out. If you’re not there doing what you’re supposed to do, that production’s not getting out. If you can’t be there, we’ll find someone else that can be,’ — things like that.” She said the employee is reminded that the agency is actually working to serve its business clients. And if an employee is not working well for that client, the company will need to find someone else who can get the job done. The jobs are arguably geared toward a blue-collar work environment, staffed by numerous employees who may be coming in and out over
different spans of time, or by those who are not very particular about where they happen to be working. But the applicants are also asked if they wish to move up from a given
placement in the future. They can make more of a job placement if they have the desire and initiative to do so. “ Yo u g e t t h a t , ” Wiseman said of the stan-
dard jobs. “But then you get the ones that come in here — They have their goals set, they know what they want to do, and they’re out to achieve them.”
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Page 6 January 2018
Kankakee Valley Publishing
Interview Tips: Dress for the position BY JAMES D. WOLF JR.
news@thehj.com
If you’re going for that first interview or getting dressed for a job you’ve had for a while, clothes make a statement about you. “Whether you like it or not, you’re showing your personality in your appearance,” said Becky Lehe, Owner of B Boutique in Brookston. “I can’t stress enough how important a first impression is,” Lehe said. “You need to show me you care about how you look.” She added, “You don’t have to spend a lot of money to do that.” Trends change and the proper attire may change from job to job; however, the basics remain the same for both men and women, according to clothes shop owners in White County. Crystal Bonnell, Co-Owner of Lovely Ladies Fashion Boutique in Monticello, said, “I always make sure the clothes are clean, ironed, fresh.” If in doubt be more formal than more casual, Bonnell added. Black and simple dress pants or skirts that cover the knees are good, and women should stay with a conservative heel B Boutique Owner Becky Lehe suggests people dress for the job they’re interviewing for, showing the and maybe a sweater, she said. Interviewees shouldn’t wear tops cut too low or skirts cut side of their personality that’s suited for the job. (PHOTO BY JAMES D. WOLF JR.) too short or clothes fitting too tight. “Make sure you’re covered very well,” she said. Makeup should be a more natural look with hair kept out of the face, she added. Jeff Alexander, Co-Owner of Alex’s Apparel in Monticello, said that for a big corporation or an upper level management job, men should definitely wear a suit and “a nice, crisp white shirt.” White is still the standard, and ties should be subdued, compared to the 1980s when the trend was paisley power ties in reds and yellows. John Alexander, Co-Owner of Alex’s, said that grey suits are the new black and have doubled in sales over the last two or three years. For a less corporate job, a Friday business casual look is fine, Jeff Alexander said. That would be a dress slacks and a dress shirt, possibly with sweater or sports coat. The men Jeff Alexander sees buying most new suits are young men applying for Indiana State Police jobs, he said. Lehe said that for more corporate interviews for women, the colors are still black, grey and navy. “Today, you can add a little more jewelry or a scarf,” Brothers John Alexander (l) and Jeff Alexander (r), Co-Owners of Alex’s in Monticello, advise dark suits
See Dress to impress page 11 and white shirts for men going to job interviews. (PHOTO BY JAMES D. WOLF JR.)
Page 7 January 2018
Kankakee Valley Publishing
Adult Learning Centers help many prepare for next phase in life BY STEVE WILSON nceeditor@centurylink.net
In addition to working part time at the Newton County Animal Shelter, Josh Fritz, of Lake Village, is pursuing his High School Equivalency degree (HSE) at the Newton County Adult Learning Center. “I have a big heart, and may want to work with animals at some point,” Fritz said. Formerly a student at North Newton High School, Fritz left after his sophomore year. Later, a talk with his grandfather prompted him to go for his HSE. “Even if it takes a year, it would be worth it,” he
said, adding that people who drop out of school often find it difficult to become motivated to go back for their HSE. “There will be obstacles but you have to find ways to motivate yourself.” Dana Foland is the director/teacher at the Newton County Adult Learning Center, which is located at the county government center in Morocco. “We’re here to try and meet the needs of the community,” Foland said. Last June, the ALC formalized it’s partnership with WorkOne, a regional agency which offers, at no-cost, services such as resume/cover letter devel-
opment assistance, career planning, training dollars and scholarship/grant information, skills evaluation (as available), job search assistance, interview preparation and youth career and work information. WorkOne has two program areas – it’s Youth Program is for those aged 16-24, and the Adult Program is for those aged 24 and older. “Although we are two separate entities, we’re right here, and we refer those who come in back and forth to each other,” Foland said about the partnership. According to recent sta- Josh Fritz, of Lake Village, pictured with Dana Foland of the Newton County
Adult Learning Center, arrives at the center on Jan. 15 to work on his High
See ALC page 12 School Equivalency degree. (PHOTO BY STEVE WILSON)
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Page 8 January 2018
Kankakee Valley Publishing
DACC Higher Learning Center opens new career opportunities for area residents BY JORDAN CROOK Hoopeston Chronicle Editor Thirty miles. That’s roughly the distance between Hoopeston and Danville Area Community College. While 30 miles may not seem like an insurmountable distance, for many years Hoopeston residents seeking to attend classes at DACC had to travel that distance daily. Certainly there were many students willing to make that journey, but, for some, juggling that lengthy trip along with a full class load and, oftentimes, a full-time job wasn’t feasible. That all changed with the advent of the DACC Higher Learning Center in Hoopeston. Opening in 2013, the center has opened a multitude of new
Career Guide Pic 2: DACC HLC Director Karla Coon discusses the progress of the Higher Learning Center during a 2017 DACC Board of Trustees meeting at the center in Hoopeston. (PHOTO BY JORDAN CROOK)
educational opportunities for students of all ages. Retired DACC President Dr. Alice Jacobs oversaw the creation of the Higher Learning Center, and credited the com-
munity, not just any one individual, made the dream of the Higher Learning Center a reality. “It was really the people of Hoopeston who made this
happen,” she said. “It would not have happened without their tremendous community support. When you have that much support behind an idea, it’s hard not to be successful.”
While the DACC Board of Trustees was in favor of the center initially, there were some concerns about funding it, but those concerns were soon alleviated as donations
started to roll in. Jacobs recalled telling Tracy Wahlfeldt, executive director of the DACC Foundation, after
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Page 9 January 2018
Kankakee Valley Publishing
The best references to give on a job application BY KATE LOPAZE
Your job references aren’t just warm bodies who can verify that you’re “the best employee ever, and a totally great fit for [insert job here].” If done thoughtfully, your references can help you create a specific “hire me because I have these skills” narrative, or support the one you’ve set up in your cover letter, resume, and interview. The groundwork for these references should be done ahead of time, before you even think about applying for a job. That way, they’re ready to go when you need them—and won’t be taken by surprise when someone calls them for a reference. So who should be included on your list of professional references? Your current boss This is complicated if you’re looking for jobs on the down-low, but if it’s an open concept that you’re leaving your current job and looking for a new one, your current manager is the best bet. He or she knows you as If done thoughtfully, your references can help you create a specific “hire me because I have these skills” you are right now and can speak to recent accomplish- narrative, or support the one you’ve set up in your cover letter, resume, and interview. ments. Before you offer up your current boss, though, it’s off the list. current boss to know you’re actively seeking another important to know roughly what they’ll say. If there are Your current colleagues See References page 15 any concerns or uneasiness about that, then leave them This can be a great alternative if you don’t want your -Flexible scheduling
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Kankakee Valley Publishing
Dress to impress Continued from page 6
Lehe said. However, for corporate types of interviews, keep the jewelry and scarf simple. Bonnell said no more than one ring per hand, simple earrings and “no statement necklaces.” For interviewees at B Boutique, Lehe likes to see women dress with a little pizzazz or zap because that’s what women who shop there are looking for.
It’s a matter of adapting for the job you’re interviewing for, she said. All four agreed on one point: your belt and shoes must match. Jeff Alexander said that for men, the belt and shoes should also stay in the browns and black, no matching white belt and white shoes like Herb Tarlek from “WKRP in Cincinnati.” Lehe said that when you have the job, it’s pos-
sible to take more chances, including wearing more ornate jewelry and larger necklaces. “Our motto with the jewelry is ‘go fun or go home,’” Lehe said. For men, a blue blazer is a staple that’s good to have in non-interview situations, Jeff Alexander said. It pairs well with khaki pants in the summer and grey pants in winter and with jeans for informal events, he said. Trends John Alexander said that suit coats are going from three buttons to two buttons again, and threepiece suits with vests are making a comeback. “It’s pretty much going back to the traditionals,” he said. However, double-breasted suits have been out for years, both Alexander brothers agreed. Jeff Alexander said that for men, wild socks are becoming a trend. “The ‘conversation socks’ are out there. Whether I’d tell you to wear them for an interview, probably not,” he said. It might be appropriate for an edgier company
Crystal Bonnell, Co-Owner of Lovely Ladies boutique shop in Monticello, recommends interviewees keep their outfits simple and conservative. (PHOTO BY JAMES D. WOLF JR.)
like Google, he added. The Alexanders said that last year at the menswear show, they saw a lot of grey suits with cognac-brown shoes, which surprised them at first because that had always been avoided before. Lehe said she’s seeing a similar thing in women’s fashions with people mixing neutral colors – the greys and blacks and navy blues and browns. “It actually looks pretty nice,” she said. Many people look at these kind of fashion chances and think they can’t do it, but the secret is confidence. “It’s more attitude than it is skill. I think if you’ve got the attitude, it makes it (work),” she said. Bonnell said that at the Nov. 1 Style Max show in Chicago, large bell sleeves on blouses are the big thing coming from Los Angeles. Although a woman could wear that kind of blouse in an office, it’s best to avoid the style in an interview, she said. Lehe said new brighter colors are coming in for spring, including papaya, an orange-yellow color, and a pinkish reboot from the 1980s. “Mauve is making a comeback,” Lehe said.
Kankakee Valley Publishing
Page 11 January 2018
Manufacturing jobs now in demand BY WENDY DAVIS Reporter wdavis@intranix.com
Manufacturing is still alive and well in the United States, and locally. In fact, there are trending occupations in the sector. This is according to Mark Anderson, director of manufacturing technology at Kankakee Community College in Illinois. He’s had his position for five years and for those five years the numbers continue to rise. “This is about supply and demand and right now the supply of workers is low with an increase in demand from employers,” he said. He said he talks with human resources personnel and business managers who are all looking for employees to take jobs they have to offer. They call up asking, “Who do you have?” and “Who will you have?” “It’s a scramble for manufacturers to hire people. They’re paying third party companies to staff.” There’s a problem when there’s a noticeable skills gap within the workforce. He said baby boomers are retiring and taking their experience with them. One such trending job is industrial maintenance technicians. “Every industry needs one,” stated Anderson. Even a low entry-level job can start at $10-15 an hour. With an associates degree and some production work experience he
said he’s seen employers pay up to $45 an hour. Welding will always be a career. He said welders are needed locally and nationwide. It’s not just factory welding, but also robotic welding and underwater welding. These careers are also $10-15 an hour, or some places could start at $25 an hour “and go from there”, he said. Machine tool operators are also another Welding will always be a career. Welders are needed locally and nationwide. career, which can start at $10-15 an hour It’s not just factory welding, but also robotic welding and underwater welding. at an entry-level position, but one who has an associate’s degree could make $25-35 an hour. The Career Center used to have more in the way of manufacturing education offered but because it had diminished enrollment it’s ended. It’s now about getting the word to high school students, and even junior high aged kids, that there’s money to be made in manufacturing and a four-year degree isn’t always needed. “It’s challenging, very difficult to change the way people think.”
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Page 12 January 2018
Kankakee Valley Publishing
DACC
Continued from page 8 the project received its first major donation, from the Hoopeston Area Healthcare Foundation, that the project would succeed. “I told Tracy ‘It’s a go. This will happen,’” she said. One of the driving forces behind the center in the community was the Economic Development Committee. Bill Nicholls, who oversees the committee, recalled the Economic Development Committee meeting where Jacobs approached the committee about the idea vividly. “She came in, shared her vision for her dream of a DACC learning center in Hoopeston,” he said. “When she got done, we really didn’t know what hit us. It was like lightning had struck.” Nicholls described the whirlwind of excitement that passed through the community, which rallied to support the project. “It took off from there and five years later, here we are,” he said. “It’s a place that’s developed beyond my dreams and expectations.” For Nicholls, the Higher Learning Center is “the crown jewel of Hoopeston.” DACC President Dr. Stephen Nacco feels that the center is a “microcosm of everything a comprehensive community college should do.” He cited the seamless blend of community education, general education, certified nursing education, dual credits for high school students and more all being offered at the local level. “This, like it’s own little oasis, has everything that the big community college needs to have,” he said. HLC Director Karla Coon has overseen the rapid rise of the center for the past five years. Coon has consistently pushed to expand the roster of programs the center offers while also building partnerships within the community. Coon, speaking during a recent event at the center, proudly described all of the educational programs that were going on in the building during that night. “Every room in our building is being occupied tonight,” she said. “That’s what we like to see.” Coon said the center has a strong base of support from the main campus, with staff members from the main campus always being willing to step up to provide assistance when asked. Coon described how participation numbers for courses this year are all at or near capacity. Despite this success, Coon said the goal is to continue to expand what they offer. “We do want to continue to grow,” she said. One way they want to continue to grow is
through partnerships with the Hoopeston Area School District. She said they are currently focusing on high school completion for local students. “It’s a challenge with kids who are dropping out of high school,” she said. Coon said many students who are in their second and third year of high school don’t have enough credits even to be a sophomore. “We’re going to be working with the high school on credit recovery,” she said. Coon hopes this initiative and other programs will allow the partnership between DACC HLC and the school district to grow. “We’re hoping to really expand the partnership between Hoopeston and the college,” she said. Having access to educational and career training courses at the local level has made a huge impact on many in the community who previously would have had to make the long daily journey to DACC in Danville to pursue a career through higher education. Kasey Burge and Aubrey Irwin were both taking classes at the center in the first semester it offered classes, with Burge taking adult CNA classes and Irwin in the College Express classes. Irwin described how she was never able to have access to a computer or internet at her home. Having access to the computer lab at the center has meant the world to Irwin and has allowed her to expand her educational opportunities. “Not having to drive to Danville every time I have to check my email or submit an assignment, being able to come here and do it means a lot to me,” she said. Irwin, who said she has worked two jobs for much of her time at DACC, said having a local facility to go to saved her the hour long trip to and from Danville to work on or submit assignments. “It’s really nice being able to come out and here and work and not have to drive to Danville,” she said. Irwin also applauded the center’s staff for being willing to go above and beyond to accommodate student needs, keeping the center open after closing time to allow her to work on an assignment. Burge said she is truly thankful for the center for allowing her to “crush” her goal of earning her CNA certification and to continue along that career path. To learn more about the opportunities offered through the DACC Higher Learning Center, visit www.dacc.edu/hoopeston or call 217-283-4170.
ALC
Continued from page 7 tistics provided by the State of Indiana, Newton County has the tenth highest unemployment rate in the state. In Newton County, Foland said that factors that contribute to this include lack of a high school diploma and/or marketable job skills, including computer skills. “That’s pretty much a standard that most employers expect now,” Foland said about computer skills. “A lot of job applications are online now, and they will come in and I will help them fill them out online, even for your lower paying jobs.” Brandon Graham, who turned 18 in November and currently lives with his grandparents in Lake Village, is also working towards his HSE. “It’s not hard to do it,” he said about his expe-
rience working so far towards the HSE. Graham previously worked in the fast food industry but had a negative experience there. “It wasn’t my best first job experience,” he said. “I just want to find something I’m good at and have fun doing.” If you are looking to obtain your HSE, or possibly explore new job skills or other vocational training, contact the Newton County ALC, which is located at 4117 S 240 W, Suite 400 in Morocco, and can be reached at 219-285-8005. WorkOne has offices at the same location, as well as at a number of other offices across Northwest Indiana. To learn more about them visit www.gotoworkonenw.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/workonenwi, or contact their Newton County office at 800-661-2258.
If you are looking for a family owned company with a record of excellent service to both the external customers and internal customer, the drivers, then continue reading. Our drivers both company and owner operator are known by name, not by any number. We know we are only as good as the people we have around us. If you are as committed to your success as we are, Please, give us a call to become an independent contractor. 765-471-8216 ask for Don Independent Contractor Package Midwest Regional Freight (IN, IL, MI, OH, MN, SD, IA, NE, KY, TN, MI, WI) Routine Lanes • No Touch Freight • Use our trailer 100% of the fuel surcharge • Home Weekends • Weekly Pay/ Direct Deposit Fuel Card Available • All ages of equipment considered Requirements 18-24 Months CDL-A experience 2000 and newer equipment will require our ELD Subscription Escrow Base plate
Page 13 January 2018
Kankakee Valley Publishing
CLASS A OTR DRIVERS • Home weekends • Paid Weekly/Direct Deposit Avail. • Paid Vacation/ 4 Paid Holidays • Full Benefits Package • Competitive Pay • Van and Flatbed freight available • Newer Model Trucks
Family owned and operated 2+ Yrs Exp. Must be 22 years old Email vanmeter08@gmail.com for more information.
Resume
Continued from page 3
illustration, and photo talent. Fluent in concepting, layout exploration, and implementing client input while maintaining design integrity, balance, and readability. Proven ability to produce under tight deadlines and with limited resources. Extensive knowledge of image scanning, image quality assessment and troubleshooting, PDF creation, extensive multi-image compositing, vector image creation, photo/color correction for print and digital production, and 35mm digital and film photography. For someone in a profession such as sales or management, instead of a Summary of Qualifications, you’d title this section Accomplishments and instead showcase specific results. For example: “Improved my department’s productivity by 40 percent by introducing flex time scheduling, which improved worker morale” or “Increased widget sales volume from 300 units per week to 420 per week by concentrating on providing more
attention and service to our existing base of customers who typically ordered in very low volume.” You get the idea. And now you can start listing the places you worked, dates of employment, the sorts of everyday tasks you performed, and your education. So take a look at your own job, and find things about it — and about you — to highlight from the very start. I can confidently say that very few of the dozens — maybe even hundreds — of other applicants aren’t doing that. They’re sending off the same “here lies John” resume as everyone else and making prospective employers slog through little more than a list of job duties. By telling a prospective employer why you’re a catch instead of making him try to figure it out for himself, you’re putting yourself in a much better position to be toward the top of the very short stack of people who will be getting calls for personal interviews.
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Top 10 jobs for trade school graduates KATE LOPAZE Your educational path post-high school should be one that works best for you. For some people, that’s a four-year degree (or beyond). But for many others, choosing a trade-specific education and building career skills that way is the most fulfilling and financially viable option. If you’re thinking about opting for a specialty trade school as you set your own professional goals, we have info on some of the top careers you can pursue without going the university route. 1. Electrician Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring and equipment. The day-to-day work may involve installing, maintaining, and fixing wiring and electrical equipment, installing transformers and circuit breakers, using devices to diagnose electrical problems, reading blueprints, ensuring safety and compliance with national regulations, and ensuring that others are working safely with electrical devices, tools, and infrastructure. What you’ll need: Electricians typically serve a four-year apprenticeship in which they receive direct on-the-job training. This may be done in conjunction with an electrician training program at an accredited trade school, or right out of high school. Most states require electricians to be licensed, so be sure to check your own state’s requirements. How much they make: $52,570 per year, or $25.35 per hour The career outlook: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects that the field will grow about 9% by 2024—about average for all jobs. 2. Plumber Plumbing can be a dirty job, but someone has to do it, and that someone can build a lucrative career out of this specialty. Plumbers install and repair water pipes and septic systems. Their day-to-day work may include installing pipes and water fixtures, diagnosing and troubleshooting waterrelated issues, repairing or replacing water pipe systems, ensuring that plumbing systems are up to code, reading blueprints, and billing customers. This can be a very physically demanding job, as it also requires a lot of hands-on manual work and dexterity. Some plumbers are hired full-time by government agencies or private companies, but many are small business owners and contractors working on their own. What you’ll need: Plumbers typically serve an apprenticeship in which they receive direct on-the-job training. This may be done in conjunction with a plumber training program at an accredited trade school, or right out of high school. Most states require plumbers to be licensed, so be sure to check your own state’s requirements. How much they make: $51,450 per year, or $24.74 per hour The career outlook: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects that the field will grow about 16% by 2024—much faster than average for all jobs. 3. Dental Hygienist At a dental appointment, hygienists are the ones who handle prep for procedures, as well as clean teeth and treat minor dental health issues. (They’re also the ones who can tell immediately whether you’re flossing as much as you say you do.) Their day-to-day responsibilities may include cleaning teeth, examining patients for signs of oral disease (like gingivitis), providing preventative dental care, assisting with dental surgeries and procedures, and educating patients on oral health and follow-up care. Most hygienists are employed by private dental offices, though they may be found in healthcare facilities that offer dental care. What you’ll need: An associate’s degree in dental hygiene from an accredited program (which generally takes two to three years to complete). And although every state requires dental hygienists to be licensed, the requirements to get and keep a license may vary, so check your state’s requirements. How much they make: $72,910 per year, or $35.05 per hour The career outlook: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects that the field will grow about 20% by 2024—much faster than average for all jobs.
4. Respiratory Therapist Healthcare fields are growing exponentially, and although many career paths in this field require an advanced degree, there are plenty of options that require trade-specific programs and certification to get started. One such field is respiratory therapy. These professionals work with patients of all ages who may have trouble breathing due to chronic respiratory conditions like asthma, heart conditions, or emphysema. Their day-to-day work may include examining patients, working with physicians and other medical staff to develop treatment plans, diagnosing conditions through tests, treating patients with therapy and medications, monitoring and recording patient process, and educating patients on at-home or follow-up care. Respiratory therapists typically work in hospitals, private medical offices, or other healthcare facilities. The job may require shifts on nights, weekends, or holidays, especially for therapists who work in hospitals or other facilities that are open all the time. What you’ll need: An associate’s degree in respiratory therapy from an accredited program. Respiratory therapists need to be licensed in all states except Alaska, so you should check your own state’s specific requirements for licensing. How much they make: $58,670 per year, or $28.21 per hour The career outlook: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects that the field will grow about 23% by 2024—much faster than average for all jobs. 5. Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed practical nurses, or LPNs (also known as licensed vocational nurses) provide basic nursing care, under the direction of registered nurses and physicians. Their day-to-day work may include performing basic vital signs tests, changing bandages, inserting or removing catheters, helping patients with tasks like bathing or dressing, monitoring patients, and keeping detailed patient records. What you’ll need: A certificate from an LPN-specific program at an accredited school. All states require LPNs to be licensed and may have different regulations as to what an LPN can and cannot do on the job, so be sure to check your own state’s specific requirements. How much they make: $44,090 per year, or $21.20 per hour The career outlook: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects that the field will grow about 12% by 2024—faster than average for all jobs. 6. HVAC Technician With cooling issues in summer and heating issues in winter, HVAC (Heating, Venting, and Air Conditioning) technicians are often in demand year-round. These professionals work on the systems that regulate air and temperature in buildings. Their day-to-day work may include installing heating or cooling equipment, diagnosing and fixing issues with air quality and temperature, installing electrical components and wiring, inspecting air systems, performing general maintenance on air systems, and ensuring compliance with air quality regulations. What you’ll need: A certificate from an HVAC-specific training program at an accredited school, plus on-the-job training. How much they make: $45,910 per year, or $22.07 per hour The career outlook: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects that the field will grow about 15% by 2024—much faster than average for all jobs. 7. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Diagnostic medical sonographers use imaging equipment (like sonographs and ultrasound) to help diagnose or treat patients with internal injuries or conditions. Their day-to-day work may include preparing patients for testing, taking medical histories, educating patients about diagnostic imaging tests, preparing and maintaining diagnostic image equipment, operating diagnostic equipment, reviewing test results for accuracy, identifying normal and abnormal test results, analyzing the diagnostic results and providing them to physicians, and keeping detailed patient records.
What you’ll need: An associate’s degree or a certificate from an accredited diagnostic medical sonography program. Although there are no state-specific licensing requirements, many employers prefer or require Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) professional certification. How much they make: $64,280 per year, or $30.90 per hour The career outlook: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects that the field will grow about 17% by 2024—much faster than average for all jobs. 8. Cardiovascular Technologist Similar to diagnostic medical sonographers, cardiovascular technologists use imaging equipment to diagnose and treat heart issues and conditions. Their day-to-day work may include performing tests like electrocardiograms, stress tests, and Holter monitoring to track cardiovascular health and activity, preparing and maintain the testing equipment, reviewing test results for accuracy, identifying normal and abnormal test results, analyzing the diagnostic results and providing them to physicians, and keeping detailed patient records. What you’ll need: An associate’s degree or a certificate from an accredited cardiovascular technologist program. How much they make: $64,280 per year, or $30.90 per hour The career outlook: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects that the field will grow about 17% by 2024—much faster than average for all jobs. 9. Truck Driver If you really want a job that’s outside of the 9-to-5 world, truck driving is a field that literally leaves the office behind. Truck driving schools are becoming more popular, as logistics careers heat up in general. Truck drivers’ day-to-day work may include loading freight, inspecting and securing cargo, driving long distances to deliver goods or materials, performing vehicle maintenance, troubleshooting mechanical issues, and keeping detailed logs of their travels and deliveries. This is a job that requires long hours and the willingness to be away from home for extended periods of time. It also involves a lot of physical labor and stamina. What you’ll need: A commercial driver’s license (CDL), with additional certifications if you’re interested in handling and transporting hazardous materials. Truck drivers may also need to complete a certificate from a professional truck-driving school. How much they make: $41,340 per year, or $19.87 per hour The career outlook: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects that the field will grow about 6% by 2024—about average for all jobs. 10. Paralegal Paralegals are legal assistants who support attorneys, and it may surprise you to know that it’s not a job that requires law school, but rather a program in paralegal studies. Their day-to-day work may include maintaining and organizing files, doing legal research, gathering evidence and documents for attorneys, writing reports to help prepare attorneys for trials, drafting and reviewing legal correspondence, taking affidavits and other legal statements, filing briefs, and working with clients or witnesses to schedule appointments, interviews, or depositions. What you’ll need: An associate’s degree or a certificate from an accredited paralegal studies program. How much they make: $49,500 per year, or $23.80 per hour The career outlook: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects that the field will grow about 15% by 2024—much faster than average for all jobs. If you’re thinking about taking the trade school route, there are “think outside the college box” options that can get you working in your field fairly quickly, without much of the debt and time investment of a more traditional four-year college education. Again, your career path should be what works for you and your goals, and there are lots of specific programs out there that can give you the exact education you need to get started.
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References Continued from page 9
job. A trusted colleague (one who can keep a secret) who works closely with you can be an excellent reference to have, since they know you in a day-to-day professional capacity. Ask him or her to talk about specific projects and what you’re like as a team member. Your former supervisor An old boss can be useful because they can give the hiring manager a sense of what you’re like as an employee, but the risk here is that their professional information about you may be a little out of date. And as with refer-
ring your current boss, it’s important to know roughly what they’re going to say. If you think they might want to talk about some of your lessthan-stellar moments, then think twice about including them. Your teachers or advisors This isn’t all that helpful if you’ve been in the workforce for a while, but if you’re a recent grad or just starting out, professors or advisors can tell the company about your skills and personality. Once you’ve decided who your go-to references are for this job applica-
tion, be sure to give them a heads-up that they may be contacted. Also give them information about the job itself and what you’re hoping they’ll emphasize in their chat with the new company. There’s only so much you can stage-manage what this person will say, but giving them a template of sorts helps them prepare and find the most useful information to share about you. It takes some of the onus off of them to figure out what they’re supposed to talk about. It’s also important to make sure your references are targeted to the job you
want. If you’re applying for a marketing job, your old boss at your summer restaurant job might not
be the most useful person to help you get this new gig. The more thought and preparation you put into
your reference list, the better and more focused information they’ll be able to provide.
WORK FOR A WINNER! WE HAVE MANY POSITIONS AVAILABLE TO SUIT YOUR SKILLS - Customer Service - Installation & Repair - Construction 211 W. Washington St., Suite A • Rensselaer, IN 219-866-2121 902 N. Sixth St., Suite F • Monticello, IN 574-583-6000 manpower.com
- Lands and Buildings - Sales and much more. - Marketing
Company Will Train Full Benefits Competitive Wages
To see what is available visit www.nitco.com
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Kankakee Valley Publishing
NOW HIRING Class A CDL Truck Drivers
United Natural Foods is a growing Organic, Natural & Specialty Food Distributor. We are a growing company seeking safe, motivated CDL-Class A Truck Drivers in Lafayette, IN. • $20.25 per hour starting wage - first pay increase after 6 months • Five year wage progression currently to $25.50 per hour • Paid overtime after 40 hours • Paid lunch break plus meal per-diem • Paid weekly • Home daily - great work-life balance • Newer, well maintained equipment • Trailers equipped with lift-gates and power jacks • Generous paid time off - accrues up to four weeks per year • Safety bonus and performance award programs • Outstanding benefits - Medical, Dental, Vision & Flex Spending • 401(k) with company match AND MORE!
Apply online at www.infi.com or call 262-886-5565 x21706 UNFI is an Equal Opportunity Employer
CDL DRIVER NEEDED www.strasburgertrucking.com Earl Park, IN
Locally family-owned company looking for experienced drivers to run regional and/or over the road pulling dry vans. Home weekends. Offering 401K, paid holidays and health plan.
Give us a call today
800.348.2232
What makes McElroy Truck Lines different? • Home every weekend guaranteed! • 48-51 cents per mile all miles • 1-4K sign on bonus for experienced drivers • Expedited program if no flatbed
• Free employee health insurance • Paid Vacations and Holidays • All trucks less than 3 years old www.drivemtl.com
McElroy Truck Lines, Inc. Training Facility
A flatbed truckload carrier operating primarily in the Southwest, Southeast, Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Our corporate headquarters/terminal is located at 111 80 Spur in Cuba, Alabama. We primarily haul building products and have been in business since the 1960’s. We are committed to supporting families and get all of our driver’s home every other weekend. We also have many regional operations allowing drivers to be home during the week as well.
PO BOX 104, 111 80 SPUR, CUBA, AL 36907
800.992.7863