July 2016 Workforce Development Center (WDC) Consumer eNews

July 2016 WDC eNews!

TOPICS

Word of the Month
CDL Training Program
Career Readiness Workshop Calendar
Upcoming Hiring Events, Recruitment's and Job Fairs
Employment News
WDC Website
Contact Us

Words of the Month: Persistence

Persistence (/ pərˈsistəns/) is defined as "firm or obstinate continuance in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition." If you are looking for a job, make persistence your best friend. Invite him to dinner, ask him to stay so you're not tempted to watch television instead of writing cover letters, introduce him to your friends and family so they can see how much this effort means to you.

Getting discouraged when you're trying to meet a goal is almost unavoidable. And the more important the goal, the larger the frustration. You've done everything right, sent out great cover letters or filled out applications for a position that fit you to a tee and...nothing. Or, maybe what you're being offered isn't what you truly wanted. Whatever the source of the disappointment is, it can be hard to overcome.

A close friend of persistence is follow-up, a habit that will reward many job seekers. Following up is key for several aspects of the job search, sending a thank you note to someone who gave you a job lead or a contact is an effective way to reinforce your interest and enthusiasm. Here are some guidelines for follow-up timing and the main message for these follow-up communications.

And regardless of what challenge you are overcoming, the Workforce Development Center (WDC) can help, with resources for everyone, including (but not limited to) 50-plus workers . If there is a skill you need to learn or sharpen to be more competitive, check out this list of training opportunities , many of which are free.

So remember, you're not alone and you do have it in you. To quote the late South African anti-apartheid Nelson Mandela, " It always seems impossible until it's done."

CDL Training Program

WDC in partnership with Alexandria City Public Schools Adult Learning Center, have implemented a training program for English learners to receive their Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class B Learner's Permit.

Six-week in-class English instruction as related to CDL training. Meet hiring directors for Metro/WMATA, DASH and others.

Requirements:

21 years or age or older
Valid drivers license
Good driving record
Valid authorization to work in the U.S.
High School Diploma/GED

Registration Jun 6 - July 7!!!

For more information, contact Lenwood Roberts at 703.746.5884 or email

lenwood.roberts@alexandriava.gov .

Calendar of Events

Click the date to register

July 2016 Career Readiness Calendar PDF

Career Pathways & Training Programs (WIOA)	07/06
Orientation of WDC Programs and Services	07/11, 07/18, 07/25
Introduction to Basic Computer	07/11 - 07-14
Ace the Interview	07/19
Basic Resume Writing	07/20
Completing an Effective Application Online	07/20
Employment Strategies for the Experienced Worker 50+	07/21
Introduction to Microsoft Word	07/25-07/28
Complete Job Search	07/26
Meet the Employer: Interviewing from the Employer's Perspective	07/28

Upcoming Hiring Events and Job Fairs

WDC Events

Labor Ready Hiring Event on Wednesday, July 6 at 10 a.m. at the WDC, 1900 N. Beauregard Street, Suite 300, Alexandria, VA 22311. Click here to register. For more information, contact Aster Alemayehu at 703.746.5859 or aster.alemayehu@alexandriava.gov.

Alexandria Yellow Cab Hiring Event on Monday, July 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the WDC, 1900 N. Beauregard Street, Suite 300, Alexandria, VA 22311. Click here to register. For more information, contact Dana Matthews at 703.746.5873 or dana.matthews@alexandriava.gov.

Would you like to earn $50? Maximus is looking for people to review a Medicaid web page. If you are 18-65 years old, Maximus would love to talk to you for about an hour, to review at and answer questions about the web page. If you are interested, contact Dana Matthews at 703.746.5873 or

dana.matthews@alexandriava.gov.

Community Hiring Events and Job Fairs

Don's Johns Sanitation Service Job Fair on Thursday, July 7 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Don's Johns Headquarters, 5524 Wellington Road, Gainesville, VA 20155. For complete details or to apply in advance, click here to register.

Hospitality/Food Services Career Fair on Tuesday, July 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Loudoun Workforce Resource Center, Shenandoah Building, Second floor, 102 Heritage Way N.E., Leesburg, VA 20176.

Best Hire Career Fair on Thursday, July 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at DoubleTree by Hilton Washington, D.C./Crystal City, 300 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, VA 22202. Click here to register.

The 2016 Job and Opportunities Fair on Thursday, August 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place NW, Washington, D.C. 20001. Click here to register.

Job Zone 2016 Patuxent River MD Job Fairs on Tuesday, August 16 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Bay District Volunteer Fire Department Social Hall, 46900 S. Shangri-La Drive, Lexington Park, MD 20653. Click here to register and post/link resume.

Washington DC Choice Career Fair on Thursday, August 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at DoubleTree by Hilton Washington, D.C./Crystal City, 300 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, VA 22202. Click here to register.