Unprecedented crisis calls for unprecedented solution

Unfortunately, the fact that unemployment in Metro Detroit has reached crisis level is no longer news. But, Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit’s education, training and career services are more necessary now than ever before. From this necessity has evolved the one-of-a-kind “Broadcasting for Jobs” campaign that will commence at 6 a.m. tomorrow and last throughout the day. The effort will include a call to action broadcast across 11 top-rated Southeast Michigan radio stations simultaneously reaching out to a wide cross-section of individuals from all parts of Metro Detroit.

As you are driving to or from work, or even while you are at work during the day, we ask that you think about those in our community who have neither a commute to make nor a desk to work from because they need help securing employment. We invite you to be part the solution to the region’s unemployment crisis by tuning in to your favorite radio station tomorrow and urging others to do the same.

You and thousands of others will be encouraged to call (866) 964-GIVE or visit http://www.goodwilldetroit.org/ to donate to the fight against local unemployment. Just a few minutes of your time and a few dollars can help fellow Metro Detroiters secure job opportunities and take their lives in a positive new direction.

The stations on which Goodwill will be “Broadcasting for Jobs” Friday are:

· WCSX-FM (94.7)
· WDVD-FM (96.3)
· WJR-AM (760)
· WMGC-FM (105.1)
· WMXD-FM (92.3)
· WNIC-FM (100.3)
· WOMC-FM (104.3)
· WRIF-FM (101.1)
· WWJ-AM (950)
· WXYT-FM (97.1)
· WYCD-FM (99.5)

As many of you know, in just the past two years of our nearly 90-year history, Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit has placed more than 2,500 Wayne, Oakland and Macomb county individuals into new jobs and provided assistance to thousands more in the region. Your support of Friday’s “Broadcasting for Jobs” effort will help us make a positive impact on an even greater number of our unemployed friends and neighbors.

To maintain that momentum, “Broadcasting for Jobs” will embrace a powerful medium to deliver a message of hope to an entire region. Please listen and contribute, if you are able. Your support will help our community become trained, trusted and ready to work.

Lorna sends a letter to Washington...

To: The Members of the United States House of Representatives and the United States
Senate:

On behalf of the hardworking men and women of Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit, I want to share with you a story you did not hear during last week’s automotive industry hearings. For more than 80 years, our organization has supplied the domestic automotive industry. Our relationship with the industry has provided many years of productive employment for those who might never have been able to find steady work elsewhere. They are individuals with various physical, mental and social barriers to employment. Detroit’s Goodwill provides both the training and paycheck by producing automotive components. We are expected to perform at the same quality and production standards that all automotive suppliers must adhere to in today’s competitive environment. The revenue we earn as an auto supplier is critical to Goodwill. We rely on that income stream to finance our important mission of training individuals for jobs of the future, particularly those with barriers to employment.

It seems many in Congress want to punish the auto executives by denying them a loan. Please understand that your actions will impact so many others, including people who otherwise would not be able to work at a full-time job and earn a paycheck and the human dignity that comes along with it.

We strongly urge you to pass legislation providing a bridge loan to aid automakers that have been placed in this position because of the global financial crisis, for the good of the American economy, our nation’s future and the people who benefit every day from organizations like ours.

Sincerely,



Lorna G. Utley
President and CEO

Ten “Golden Rules” for Introducing Yourself to a Prospective Employer

We work with our customers and trainees every day preparing them for that employment application, interview, or a resume to apply for a job…..it occurred to me that over the years with my human resources experience, that many people who have a job for a very long time and are now without one may never have had to prepare a resume and write that cover letter of introduction. Here are my ten “golden rules” for introducing yourself to a prospective employer.

1. A resume must ALWAYS be one page
2. A cover letter of introduction must ALWAYS be one page
3. A cover letter should highlight and augment what you have in your resume to create the “hook” for the recruiter. They will look at both for a minute or less. Keep it business, never personal.
4. ABSOLUTELY no typographical mistakes in either document……check it over and over and have someone else do it, too.
5. Use a very legible font, no script, nothing tiny. Times New Roman 12 is a good font.
6. Describe what you can do for a company at the top, not the position you want….recruiters really don’t care what you want….they are looking to fill a job.
7. List ALL the ways to reach you…..home phone, pager, cell phone, email and then be sure to check it.
8. Consider a functional resume which describes your strengths and experiences in all the jobs you have had as opposed to one done by date. Be sure to list education and provide references by date.
9. If you do one by date, be sure to put the most recent job description at the top.
   Once you have gotten a new job, keep your resume current (I never was very good about that and I wish I had been).
   

And finally, remember this is only one way to find a job. A resume and a cover letter are tools to find a job. Networking with EVERYONE is the best way to make that connection.

Get on the Bus!

Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit(GIGD) has kicked off our second annual “Get on the Bus Campaign” to raise funds to meet the transportation needs of our clients who have secured employment, but now need to get to work, mostly via bus.

That is where the rub often is….no paycheck yet to pay for transportation to and from the new job. So that’s why “Get on the Bus” can really make a difference. When one of our “new graduates” needs help with transportation for a month, three months, or for whatever time necessary, Goodwill provides the resources to make that happen – primarily with bus tokens. $50 provides a bus pass for an entire month.

Last year, through our first campaign, we helped more than 700 people with transportation needs. It is just another way that we remove a barrier to work so those we help can do what they so desperately want to do - have a job to provide for themselves and their families.

This year, GIGD is partnering with WJR-760 radio, SMART, Comcast and Caribou Coffee for a whole month (September 2nd through October 3rd) in helping us to get more of our Goodwill “graduates” to their jobs through our “Get on the Bus” efforts.

Then, on October 3rd, SMART will match every $50 we raise with another monthly bus pass. So we can help double the funds. Also on October 3rd, some local McDonald’s with collect donations at their restaurants to support this effort. So join us and “Get on the Bus”, by donating at your local Caribou Coffee, calling 1-866-964-GIVE(4483) or through www.giveabuspass.org. Help people who are helping themselves!

Dream Cruise Wrap-Up

While most of Metro Detroit slept early Sunday morning, Goodwill Industries was hard at work.

Our trainees were out overnight Saturday night doing the clean up following another successful Woodward Dream Cruise on Saturday. The Dream Cruise is yet another Detroit tradition that trusts Goodwill to handle its cleanup effort.

We were so pleased to be included through Tanner Friedman and sponsored by Guardian Alarm Company to do the cleanup in both Royal Oak and Berkley.

Our crews picked up close to two tons of garbage in about 5 hours. It’s important work to do, a great business for us, but WOW, human beings sure know how to make a mess!

This is a great opportunity for Goodwill and our trainees and we appreciate the overwhelming support of the community when news of our involvement was reported over the past few weeks. We are ready to work and continue to contribute to the World’s Largest One Day Automotive Event!