Building a Better Workforce for a Brighter Future!                                                                                      1 January 2005

 

Welcome to the Pikes Peak Workforce Center Job Seeker Newsletter.  We hope you find this newsletter to be informative and timely.  If you have a subject you would like to see covered here, please contact ferguson.p@ppwfc.org.

 

In this issue:

·        Did you lose your job

·        Finding the Best Companies for Workers Over 50

·        On-line Job Applications

·        What’s Happening to Salaries in 2005?

·        Write a Thank-you Letter

·        Add Innovation to an Arduous Job Search

·        Network Strategies for Shy Professionals

·        Upcoming Events

 

Unemployment Rate (SA)

Colorado:  5.0% (11/04)
USA:  5.4% (11/04)

 

Colorado Job Growth (SA)

Oct. '04 - Nov. '04:  -4,000
Nov. 2003 - Nov. 2004: 29,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Workshops

PPWFC offers a variety of workshops for all levels of job seekers.  For more information on or to register for one of our workshops visit us at http://www.ppwfc.org.

 

Did you lose your job because of a plant or business closing or due to a reduction in labor force?  If so, you may be eligible to receive training dollars to help you move into another field or to upgrade your existing skills.  For more information, please call 667-3733 or 667-3706.

 

Finding the Best Companies for Workers Over 50

According to the AARP, 14 percent of today's workforce is aged 55 and older, and that number is expected to reach 19 percent by 2012. That's an increase of more than 10 million workers in this age group. As the American population ages, some companies are beginning to realize that older Americans will be a vital part of their workforce and are starting to put programs into place to support and attract workers over 50.

 

On-line Job Applications

Have you ever submitted a fabulous resume and cover letter for a job you felt perfectly suited for ... then heard nothing from the employer?  Click here for a list of reasons why.

 

What’s Happening to Salaries in 2005?

What kind of compensation can employees expect in 2005? While jaw-dropping bonuses and lifestyle-altering raises may not be in the cards, the picture does appear more promising than in recent years.

 

Write a Thank-you Letter

Don't think of a thank-you letter as a thank-you letter. That's the last thing it is. Instead, view it as an interviewing tool that will increase your chances of winning the offer. If you write and send your thank-you letter immediately after the meeting, you'll reinforce the qualifications you discussed with the interviewer and rise above other applicants -- perhaps to the top of the list.

 

Add Innovation to an Arduous Job Search

"Innovation is the process of coming up with ideas and bringing them to life," says Robert B. Tucker, president of the Innovation Resource Consulting Group in Santa Barbara, Calif., and author of "Driving Growth Through Innovation" (Berrett-Kohler, 2002).

 

Network Strategies for Shy Professionals

If you're a reserved person, losing a job may feel like your worst nightmare coming true. Like anyone else, you'll likely have financial worries during your transition. But your problems won't stop there. To land a new position quickly, you need to do what every shy person hates most: talk to people you don't know.

 

Upcoming Hiring Events

January 4th – Stevens Transportation

January 6th – Plumbers & Pipe fitters Local 58 JATC Apprenticeship Program

January 6th – Advanced Healthcare

January 12th – Job Fair at PPCC, Centennial Campus, 10 am – 2 pm

January 25th – Stevens Transportation

*You MUST pre-register to attend any of these events.  For more information and to see an up-to-date list of upcoming events, please see our web page at http://www.ppwfc.org/job_seekers_hiring_events.asp

 

Main Office

2306 E. Pikes Peak Ave.

Colorado Springs, CO 80909

(719) 667-3700

 

Youth Work Zone

8 S. Nevada

Colorado Springs, CO 80903

(179) 667-3860

Aspen Mine Center

166 E. Bennett Ave

Cripple Creek, CO 80813

(719) 689-3584 ext 13