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EMPLOYMENT BRIEFS: Financial aid; Golden rule; Positive focus; Cover your bases; Experience pays

Source: Tribune Media Services

Financial aid

Public community and technical colleges, community college districts, state community college systems and One-Stop Career Centers will compete for a total of $125 million in grants, ranging between $500,000 and $2 million, the U.S. Department of Labor has announced. “This $125 million grant competition will leverage the partnership among community colleges, One-Stop Career Centers, business, labor, nonprofits and faith-based organizations to help students and workers gain the relevant skills essential for long-term career success,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. Over the past three years, the department has awarded approximately $375 million to 211 community colleges and community-based institutions in 47 states to promote the U.S. workforce’s potential. Through these grants, nearly 25,000 individuals have completed training, and more than 80,000 are currently engaged in training.

Golden rule still applies

It’s not easy being nice, especially when company morale is low. But Kristin Tillquist, author of “Capitalizing on Kindness: Why 21st Century Professionals Need to Be Nice” (Career Press, $15.99) says by choosing to cooperate rather than going against the grain for the sake of being difficult, you’ll be more likely to succeed in the long run. “Businesses that pool resources, collaborate and forgo a tit-for-tat mentality find solid business partners, new and innovating collaborations, and increased resources for all,” she says.

Positive focus

As the economy continues to struggle, company morale often follows suit. So what’s the remedy? A survey by Robert Half International found that almost half of executives polled said the best way to improve company morale is better communication between management and employees. Not surprisingly, 33 percent said a lack of open, honest communication is the biggest misstep employers can make, while 19 percent cited “failure to recognize employee achievements” as the No.1 mistake.

Cover your bases

Your resume is the staple of a job application, however, some job seekers overlook another key aspect of the interview process: the cover letter. “A cover letter often determines whether the recruiter looks at your resume or not,” says Lynne Sarikas, director of the MBA career center at Northeastern University’s College of Business Administration. “[The] cover letter is a unique opportunity to sell yourself – it won’t get you the job, but if successful, it will get you the interview [and] make them want to talk to you.”

Experience pays

As more baby boomers spend their retirement years in the workforce, some industries are embracing the experience these workers bring with them. Health care, retail, transportation and less-strenuous manufacturing work are the industries best suited for older workers, according to Experience Works, a career services organization specializing in older workers. “Jobs in the health care field are particularly well suited for seniors who seek flexible hours and work that is personally rewarding,” says Cynthia Metzler, president and CEO of the nonprofit.

© 2009, Tribune Media Services