RESOURCES
JOB SEARCH RESOURCES
Check out the FREE Resume Builder that is part of the Nebraska Department of Labor website. You need to be registered with the NDOL (this is open to both people that are collecting Unemployment Benefits and those that are not). This tool also provides you with the ability to check the job outlook for various positions, the number of jobs availability on the site by county, salary levels, and competitive position (how many other job seekers that are registered on the NDOL web site with similar credentials for the position) and a lot more. Very interesting stuff.
Other Resume Tools to consider:
Careerlink offers a resume building tool if you register on the site. LinkedIn
Do you have a LinkedIn Profile? No? LinkedIn is the best Professional networking tool available. It can help you find a way to infiltrate a company to get your resume past HR and directly to the hiring manager. To learn more how you can use LinkedIn, refer to this handy guide or check out the LinkedIn Learning Center
If you do not have a Profile on LinkedIn, it is time to contact our LinkedIn Specialist and Social Media Explorer, Jeff Quandt. Jeff offers 1-on-1 counseling sessions to help you with LinkedIn; the best professional networking tool available.
NEW Sessions are held at the Millard Public Library by Appointment. The library is located at 13214 Westwood Lane. Hours available for sessions are Mon-Wed 10 am - 8 pm; Thurs - Sat 10 am-6 pm. The library has two private study rooms where the sessions can be held. Since the rooms cannot be reserved, there is a chance a meeting may be delayed until a room becomes available, unless the session is scheduled for 10 am when the library opens. To arrange for a session email Jeff at jquandt777@hotmail.com.
Online Visibility - NEW
Have you Googled Yourself? You should! Also Check out Vizibility.com where you can create an account and under a free account control a bit more of your online persona. You can see where you might have to add a middle initial to separate yourself from the other person with the same name that is a convict felon.
Interview Preparation
FREE expertise in the preparation for the interview process, Erik Wheelock, for Omaha Career Networking Support Group (OCNSG) members only. Please email all questions to: ericw@maxumgrp.com
Company Information Research
Whenever you get an interview, be sure to use the following resources to find out as much as possible on the company:
LinkedIn Company Profile Search
Search Engines like Google, Bing or Yahoo. Conduct a search on the company and
news from the company
The Company's web site
GlassDoor.com You can get additional limited information on a business through
this tool.
Career Tools
If you go to the public library website they now have FREE career help and resume writing but you have to have a library card--see the below web link: www.omahalibrary.org. The New Nebraska Department of Labor NEworks site also has several new tools that may help you. In addition you can also seek assistance from any local office of the NDOL Workforce Development.
You can also check out the web sites and seek assistance from many of our past speakers. They provide career counseling services for which you pay for.
Business Cards
FREE Business cards come in handy when conducting face-to-face networking. You can get 250 professional looking business cards to help you in your job search FREE (just pay for shipping and processing) from Vista Print. More Information available on the web site. Be sure to place the basics of your elevator speech on your card...do more than just contact info. Other Low Cost or FREE Cards: Business Cards USA, 123 Print and many others. Make sure you use both sides of the card and include a short elevator speech about yourself.
CREATE YOUR OWN CARDS. If you have Microsoft Word or Publisher on your computer (or using WORD online for FREE with a LIVE or Hotmail email account), there are business card templates that you can use to create and print up your own card. You can buy business card stock at most office supplies stores under AVERY or their own brand. Check out the WORD and Publisher templates at Office online.
Portrait Service
If you need a photo for LinkedIn or other social networking service, maybe your business cards, We now offer a FREE service to have a professional portrait taken for you. Details available and sign up sheet the Tuesday Meetings.
Career Fairs
Here is a link to Careerlink's listing of upcoming Career Fairs.
Pastoral support network
For anyone that would like to speak with a Pastor about any challenges they maybe having. This is a FREE service. You can contact Virg Ediger at Christ Community Church virgile@cccomaha.org.
Networking
There are a plethora of networking opportunities that every job seeker should employ; social/service groups (Rotary, Optimist, Kiwanis, etc.), neighborhood associations, school groups, professional organizations, and event calendars on the various chamber sites: Omaha, Ralston, Council Bluffs, and Sarpy Co. Chamber, etc.
You can also network with people in such common places as a restaurant. One of the best places in West Omaha is the Boys Town Cafe/Visitors Center for breakfast. If you are looking for other events, check out the networking calendar that Whettstone Business Solutions has on their web site. Networking should not just start when you need a job and should never end once you have a job. Networking is a lifelong activity.
Online Job Boards
Looking for a job online is certainly one tactic you can employ to find that next job. Some good sources include Careelink.com, Nebraska Job Link, and LinkedIn.com. You can also use other sources such as Careerbuilder, Monster, Indeed, Simply Hired, Dice, and many others. Generally we do not recommend Craig's list nor do we recommend placing your resume for public viewing on any job board as it could increase the risk of identity theft and also makes your email available to spammers. Building an online presence on LinkedIn is also different than simply putting your resume online.
Be sure to look at web sites at companies that you might like to work. Some local firms do not use online job tools outside their own web sites or post all positions at Careerlink for example.
Once you find a position on one of the job boards, your next step is NOT to simply apply online. Applying only online has a greater than 95% chance of your resume of not being seen by anyone and you not getting the opportunity to get an interview. It is always best to use tools like LinkedIn to research who is at the company and connections you may have to get your resume to the hiring manager using the "warm handoff" method. Then applying online after you get the chance to talk with the hiring manager.
Staffing Services
Do Not discount the possibility of working as a temp to hire with a staffing firm. Check out one of the presenters we had Express Employment Professionals and talk with Curt Anthony.
Salary Information
Salary information is available at a variety of web sites. Two of the best include Salary.com and NEWorks, the Nebraska Dept. of Labor job web site.
Personal Needs Resources
NE211.ORG - NEW
NE211.org is a comprehensive web site operated by the United Way of the Midlands. Use it for:
Clothing
Disability- Employment
- Financial Counseling
- Food
- Health/Medical
- Housing/Shelter
- Legal
- Transportation
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE:
Medicaid/Primary Health Care--595-3400
Charles Drew Health Center (Medical/Dental) see their web site, sliding fee schedule
Creighton Dental Clinics (low cost dental care)
COUNSELING:
(Low priced/sliding fee scale or free)
Samaritan Counseling Center--891-8300
UNMC--554-2727
Discovery Center--330-0560
ENERGY/UTILITY ASSISTANCE:
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services--595-3400
FOOD STAMPS--595-3400
FOOD PANTRIES:
*Offers other assistance-check with agency-some offer clothing, rent, utility and other assistance.
COUPONS: One of our members saved $28 on a recent shopping trip by using this service. CouponMom Also try Coupons.com, MissCouponDiva.com, theKrazyCouponLady.com (the last two are the TLC reality show hosts showing people how to use coupons to buy food with very little money or for FREE).
RENT ASSISTANCE -- General Assistance--444-4700
Medication Needs:
Your RX Coupons
You maybe able to receive up to 75% off on medications
Needymeds Medications (in most cases this link will take you to the drug manufacturer directly and then if they have a program it will walk you through the application process)
If you are in need of medications and you can't afford it ask your doctor for samples-if they don't have the exact medication you take then they should be able to get a substitute that works.
Legal Assistance:
Volunteer Lawyers Project
PO Box 81809
Lincoln, NE 68501-1809
In Lincoln: (402) 475-7091
Client WATS: 800-742-3005
Legal Aid 402-348-1060
If you have further questions, contact Kathleen Lacy Kathleen669@cox.net
Top Ways that Work To Save MONEY:
If you have a cell phone do away with your house land-line phone. If you have No cell phone, but are paying for Cable Internet Service consider a VOIP service like MagicJack.
Refinance your home for a lower rate, or extended loan period.
Go to basic cable only or over-the-air broadcast digital TV. New Digital TV offers more channels than standard broadcast TV did in the past.
If you are carrying a balance on your credit cards, call your credit card providers and renegotiate a lower interest rate with them. You can do this easier, faster and cheaper than through one of the credit services advertised on TV.
Increase both your home owners and auto insurance deductibles. The higher the deductible the lower the premium you pay. Consider Liability only insurance on older cars, check with your insurance agent for advice.
Cancel newspapers (go to the library to read the paper, or do so online).
Adjust your thermostat to save money. In the winter lower the temp, especially at night when sleeping. In the winter raise the settings.
Change your furnace filter every 30 days, or buy the extended 90 day filters and look for sales. For example: I purchased some 20x30 high efficiency filters for my furnace which takes a 16x20 size filter that were on closeout for $5.00 each. I use one half for 90 days then flip it for another 90 days. I get six months of high efficiency filter use for less than a dollar a month. Believe me it cuts costs for heating and AC.
Utilize Walmart price matching policy when shopping and use coupons (see above).
If your Internet provider has different pricing packages for speed, consider going to a slower speed package to save money.
Look at bundling all cell phone, house phone lines, cable and Internet services.
Utilize the Gas and Electric companies monthly average bill payment (level payment plan), free service.
Look at the above Resource assistance programs if needed. This is no time to be prideful.
Always look at receiving competitive quotes for services to leverage for lower payments.
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This page was last modified on Thursday, January 26, 2012