This post is from our friend Dave O'Farrell and the good people of JobSeekers in Peachtree City. Read down to the testimonial from the Jobseeker who braved tornado weather to interview for--and land--a new job!
Helping People Find Good Jobs, Close to Home, in Minimum Time
Get out and about. Come to JobSeekers this week. Bring a friend.
If you're not looking, forward this message to someone who needs it.
In This Issue
1. Inspiration: Christmas from a New Perspective
2. Success Story: Tornado Warnings Don't Deter Scholarship Recipient
3. This Week's Meeting: Using Testimonials to Build Your Brand
4. Networking: ABC from 10:15 to 11:30
5. Job Leads: Leads and Links in South Metro Atlanta
6. Contact: Chaplain and Ship's Crew
7. Donate: You Could Help Save a Career, a Home or Even a Marriage
JobSeekers of PTC Website | JobSeekers of PTC on LinkedIn
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1. Inspiration: Christmas from a New Perspective
If you are unemployed at Christmas for the first time this year -- or for the first time in many years -- I suppose you're looking at Christmas from a new perspective. (If you've had any other major life events this past year, you're probably looking at Christmas from a new perspective too.)
When your life and career are rockin' and rollin' along it's easy to say something like, "Money is nice, but it's not what makes me happy; I could live on a lot less." Or maybe something more like this: "Being a manager in a well-known company and having over 20 years of service is nice, but it's not what makes me happy; I would be content no matter what my circumstances."
Now that you've hit an inevitable bump in your life and career, maybe those words don't ring so true anymore. If they don't, I encourage you to listen to the disquiet spirit within you to figure out what your spirit saying. The message is important; it's up to you whether you listen and take heed.
When I hit a rough spot in my life and career, I had my prideful self-talk dashed against the rocks and pounded by the waves. Now I am learning not only to look at Christmas from a new perspective, but at all of life from a new perspective as well. I am being transformed by the renewing of my mind. (Notice the present tense here; I have a long way to go.)
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what's God's will is -- his good, pleasing and perfect will." -- Romans 12:2
The pattern of this world is "success." The world measures success in titles, degrees, income, houses, cars, toys, vacations, children and spouses. In Joy That Lasts, Gary Smalley describes how his life changed when he hit a rough spot: "For the first time I began to realize my major mistake: I was expecting to find fulfillment in people, places, possessions and position."
The pattern of the kingdom is "significance." Life is about moving from success to significance. It's about moving from the sinful, human nature that is within all of us toward a higher, Godlier nature. I wrote this a few years ago when I was struggling with this issue:
Christmas isn't about the money we spend; it's about the time we spend with God.
It's not about the gifts we give; it's about the love we give to one another.
It's not about preparing our homes for guests; it's about preparing our hearts for Christ.
- - - - - - -
Arriving at Christmas without a job is one more mile on your journey of faith, one more step in your sanctification process, one more call from God asking you to allow him into your heart -- or into the deeper recesses of your heart. In Ephesians 4:22-24 Paul said, "Put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."
Here are three quick points from Paul's words above:
1. Put off your old self.
He lists deceitful desires elsewhere in his letters; they include: anger, greed (which he says is idolatry), selfish ambition, lust and envy. (These five desires are selected from Galatians 5:19-21 and Colossians 3:5.) Referring to these desires in his song, "The Change," Steven Curtis Chapman sings, "I got this way of living that I have to die to every single day." Chapman says that even though he's a Christian, he still has to suppress his human nature every single day.
2. Adopt a new attitude.
You might have to fake it 'til you make it, but put on the best attitude you possibly can (except with God and about three close confidants). Nobody wants to hire Eeyore, so stop acting like him and start acting a little more like Tigger. Follow Paul's instruction in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
3. Put on the new self.
Here's where the growth occurs. God speaks to us through our feelings. If we are experiencing negative feelings, he is showing us an area for growth. As we grow we become more like Christ, as Paul explains in 2 Corinthians 3:18, "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." As we grow we are transformed in Christ's likeness.
Christmas is about God's presence in our lives. He sent his Son, born a lowly birth, to live and die as one of us, a perfect example for all mankind. Take the three steps above; you will begin to experience God's peace and feel his presence in this Christmas season. Here are two final words for this week from Paul:
"Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace." -- Romans 8:5-8
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." -- Romans 15:13
See you tomorrow at JobSeekers, where life and joy and hope and peace and power abound.
Copyright © 2010 / Dave O'Farrell / All Rights Reserved
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2. Success Story: Tornado Warnings Don't Deter Scholarship Recipient
We love to hear from you when you land a new position. Please write and let us know how you found your job, what you learned from the experience, and how JobSeekers helped you.
Last Thursday morning I made an appeal for donations to our scholarship fund. Last Thursday evening I received this message from a recent scholarship recipient, Bert J. For the first time ever, I am publishing a letter from a recipient who mentions this gift in his or her message. Thanks Bert!
You don't realize it, but you've read messages from other scholarship recipients. This is the fourth letter this year. Other scholarship recipients have spoken at JS when they landed their jobs, and three have done the devotional this year. It's really cool to see God's hand at work as their lives are transformed in the midst of the fire.
» Rekindle a career. Save a home. Transform a life.
» Donate to JobSeekers.
If your life has been positively influenced by the JobSeekers ministry, please make a financial contribution before the end of the year. Any amount will help, and the donation is tax-deductible. Please send it to: JobSeekers of PTC, P.O. Box 2124, Peachtree City, GA 30269. Thanks to the generous people who have donated in the past week; bless you all.
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By the way, this job is perfect for Bert. He spent his early career at Marriott and his recent career in entrepreneurship. At Marriott, he was a Sous Chef, Banquet Manager, and Food and Beverage Director, among other things. You may be familiar with The Plumyumi Day Spa; he founded it in 1997 and sold it in 2004.
- - - - -
Hi Dave,
On Tuesday, November 23, I sat down at my PC and decided I'd look under some rocks; I went online with Craigslist to search postings for every Craigslist city in a 500-mile radius from Atlanta. I knew beforehand that only 5-8% of all jobs are found through newspapers and job boards. Additionally, this search put me way out of my target geography.
I sent my resume and appropriate cover letter from my communications plan to four CL postings. Six days later, on Monday, November 29, I had a phone interview with the owner of a bed and breakfast inn at Hotel Defuniak in Defuniak Springs Florida. He had already filled the position; however, three days earlier, the person he hired backed out for personal reasons. They wanted me to come the next day for an interview in Defuniak Springs.
I left at noon on Tuesday in the middle of tornado warnings and a torrential downpour. Concerned that my truck might not make the drive, I went in a borrowed sub-compact. In the severe weather, the usual five-hour drive took over seven hours. A mile away from the hotel, I pulled into an abandoned gas station, still in a downpour, and changed into a pressed dress shirt and dress shoes. I walked into the hotel lobby with my best-ever first impression smile across my face, eye contact and firm handshake. The only thing I could hear was seven hours of the windshield wiper's "SHWISH-SHWISH-SHWISH-SHWISH" going through my head as I introduced myself.
I got a one-hour interview, a two-hour three-course dinner, an overnight B&B suite, breakfast the next morning, another two hour conversation, and a job offer on the spot. I just signed my offer letter.
My package includes half of my target income, however I will receive a furnished innkeeper's suite, all utilities, cable and phone provided plus breakfast every morning and my suite cleaned for $10 a week.
I will live a half hour from the beach.
OK, I can do this job!
A nice bonus package was also included.
I got major points for:
§ Leaving some old but very relevant work history in my résumé.
§ Offering that a trip to Florida the very next day was no problem.
§ Driving seven hours through tornado warnings to get there.
§ Initially they asked if I could start on Sunday, 12/5 and I told them, "absolutely no problem" (when it really was a huge problem).
There is nothing about finding this job lead or the immediacy of the interview or the borrowed car or the tornado warnings or changing in an abandoned gas station in a downpour or having to endure a really nice dinner and deluxe suite that was orthodox.
Everything about this process was so totally off the wall, but hey Dave, I got the job!
My word to other job seekers is to expect the unexpected and GET OUT OF THE BOX and out of your comfort zone – and something that seems really weird and requires you to do really weird things (like changing in an abandoned gas station) might end up being a job.
I got this job only because of the generosity of others.
The generous love, support and encouragement of my fellow JS and small support group members. The generous support and encouragement of ALL the Ship's Crew. The generous financial contributions of others to the scholarship fund made your workshop a reality. So please, get a jar and put a "Scholarship Fund" label on it and stick it at the end of the doughnut table.
I shared my season of loss and sorrow with you and the Ship's Crew. I did not know, when I found my new job, how I could possibly afford appropriate clothes or how I would be able to afford new housing or utility deposits or if I did find something out of Georgia how could I afford moving my stuff. Enter God, stage right. All handled. Just like that. All I had to do was drive seven hours through a tornado warning.
Thanks for everything Dave.
Bert J.
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3. This Week's Meeting: Using Testimonials to Build Your Brand
This week you will learn (or learn more about) how to use testimonials to build your brand. I've had several clients credit this specific process and the accompanying tool as the key to landing a new job.
To be better prepared for the meeting, bring letters of recommendation, performance evaluations with strong praise in them, and hand-written "thank you" notes that you have received. Come Friday to learn the secrets of creating a truly powerful, brand-building set of references!
Who: All are welcome; the topics are targeted for professionals, managers and executives.
What: JobSeekers is a nondenominational career ministry.
When: Friday mornings from 7:30 to 10:00 am.
Where: First Baptist Church in Peachtree City; 208 Willow Bend Road.
Why: We work with you to find a job, and we walk with you on your journey of faith.
Attire: Business casual.
Agenda: 7:30 coffee / 7:45 welcome and devotional / 8:10 introductions and announcements / 8:45 job search training module / 10:00 adjourn to the Atlanta Bread Company
We look forward to seeing you on Friday!
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4. Networking
Atlanta Bread Company
After the JobSeekers meeting, we go to the ABC from 10:15 to 11:30 for an informal gathering. There's no agenda; we just have fellowship and help each other out.
Newnan First UMC Job Networking Ministry
Come join us at our next meeting on Tuesday 14 December 6:00 PM.
Meetings are always held the second Tuesday of each month in the Parish Hall of Newnan First United Methodist Church. The church is located at 33 Greenville Street in Newnan. You may reach them by telephone at 770-253-7400 or go to "newnanfumc.org" and select "Job Network" under "Resources" on the left side of the home page. We look forward to seeing you there.
College Park Job Seekers
Have a family member, friend or neighbor concerned that they may lose their job, and they cannot take time off to attend a job seekers group? Attend the College Park Job Seekers Group which meets the first Saturday in every month from 9:00 am – 11:30 am. The next meeting is Saturday 8 January. This is a community service of Living Hope Christian Fellowship, 5885 Mallory Road, College Park, Georgia 770-306-9922.
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Thursday, December 9, 2010
Bookkeeper, experienced only
from today's DC Sentinel: Bookkeeper/comptroller-full charge-specialty construction company. Must know % complete accounting, general ledger. AIA billing, certified payroll and depreciation. Must be able to multitask; fast pace and organized. 5 yrs experience as full charge bookkeeper; only qualified applicants should apply to 11humanresource@gmail.com
Patient account specialist - Bowdon
KidsPeace National Centers in Bowdon seeks experienced patient Account Specialist for billing MRO core services. Outstanding benefits package. Apply at kidspeace.org
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Credit & Collections Mgr needed in Covington
SPG, INTERNATIONAL LLC
POSITION: Credit & Collections Manager in Covington, GA
NATURE & SCOPE: This position is responsible for managing the activities of credit approval and collection activities to minimize the company’s credit risk and ensure that cash flow is maintained at acceptable levels. Develops and implements policies and procedures for all credit and collections functions. This individual will a critical team member that helps to define processes for and implementation of new enterprise system. Supervises AR/Collections Specialist.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
• Performs credit investigations on new and existing customers by analyzing 3rd party credit reporting, financial statements, bank, and trade references to identify potential risk
• Performs credit and collection tracking and monitoring
• Sets risk-based credit limits by using all available credit resources
• Regularly reviews customer accounts for credit limit adjustments
• Communicates credit decisions to senior management and customers
• On-going communication of credit and collection procedures
• Continuous strives to improve credit and collection functions
• Research discrepancies, follow-up as needed and recommend resolution
Qualifications:
• Bachelors Degree in Business Administration, Accounting or Finance
• Minimum 5 years experience in credit and collections
• Strong analytical skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Effective oral and written communication
• Strong proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel)
• Knowledge of financial/accounting software, experience in implementation of new accounting software system a plus
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize heavy workload
Interested applicants can forward e-mails to: Karen.hall@lpstorage.com
POSITION: Credit & Collections Manager in Covington, GA
NATURE & SCOPE: This position is responsible for managing the activities of credit approval and collection activities to minimize the company’s credit risk and ensure that cash flow is maintained at acceptable levels. Develops and implements policies and procedures for all credit and collections functions. This individual will a critical team member that helps to define processes for and implementation of new enterprise system. Supervises AR/Collections Specialist.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
• Performs credit investigations on new and existing customers by analyzing 3rd party credit reporting, financial statements, bank, and trade references to identify potential risk
• Performs credit and collection tracking and monitoring
• Sets risk-based credit limits by using all available credit resources
• Regularly reviews customer accounts for credit limit adjustments
• Communicates credit decisions to senior management and customers
• On-going communication of credit and collection procedures
• Continuous strives to improve credit and collection functions
• Research discrepancies, follow-up as needed and recommend resolution
Qualifications:
• Bachelors Degree in Business Administration, Accounting or Finance
• Minimum 5 years experience in credit and collections
• Strong analytical skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Effective oral and written communication
• Strong proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel)
• Knowledge of financial/accounting software, experience in implementation of new accounting software system a plus
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize heavy workload
Interested applicants can forward e-mails to: Karen.hall@lpstorage.com
City of Douglasville needs accounting clerk
Under the general direction of the Finance Director, the Accounting Clerk position will be responsible for providing assistance in the Finance department including, but not limited to, processing various business licenses, applications and permits.
This position will accept and process applications for business licenses, prepare requests for Council action to authorize liquor licenses; Research, compare and review records of businesses and individuals to ascertain facts, offer assistance, and determine compliance with the City Tax and License Code; Interpret and give oral and written explanations of legal requirements, rules, regulations, procedures, and ordinances of the City to community business managers and the public; Prepare periodic licenses and permit billings and performs other related duties as assigned by the Finance Director.
Qualifications include a high school diploma or GED; One (1) to two (2) years related experience preferred or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in Occupational Tax Licensing preferred.
Salary Grade: R55 ($24,429 - $30,781 - $37,133)
Applications are being accepted in the Human Resources Department at Douglasville City Hall, 6695 Church Street, Douglasville, Ga 30134. A resume and cover letter can be faxed to 770-920-3951 or E-mailed to perryf@ci.douglasville.ga.us. The application deadline is Friday December 10, 2010 at 4:30 p.m.
EEOC/AA/DFW
Contact Information
Business Name: City of Douglasville
Contact: Frederick Perry
Street: PO Box 219
City/State/Zip: Douglasville, GA 30133-0219
Local Phone: (770) 920-3000
Fax: (770) 920-0499
Email: perryf@ci.douglasville.ga.us
Website Address: http://www.ci.douglasville.ga.us
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This position will accept and process applications for business licenses, prepare requests for Council action to authorize liquor licenses; Research, compare and review records of businesses and individuals to ascertain facts, offer assistance, and determine compliance with the City Tax and License Code; Interpret and give oral and written explanations of legal requirements, rules, regulations, procedures, and ordinances of the City to community business managers and the public; Prepare periodic licenses and permit billings and performs other related duties as assigned by the Finance Director.
Qualifications include a high school diploma or GED; One (1) to two (2) years related experience preferred or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in Occupational Tax Licensing preferred.
Salary Grade: R55 ($24,429 - $30,781 - $37,133)
Applications are being accepted in the Human Resources Department at Douglasville City Hall, 6695 Church Street, Douglasville, Ga 30134. A resume and cover letter can be faxed to 770-920-3951 or E-mailed to perryf@ci.douglasville.ga.us. The application deadline is Friday December 10, 2010 at 4:30 p.m.
EEOC/AA/DFW
Contact Information
Business Name: City of Douglasville
Contact: Frederick Perry
Street: PO Box 219
City/State/Zip: Douglasville, GA 30133-0219
Local Phone: (770) 920-3000
Fax: (770) 920-0499
Email: perryf@ci.douglasville.ga.us
Website Address: http://www.ci.douglasville.ga.us
print email to a friend exit
Monday, December 6, 2010
OTR drivers
Landair needs drivers; home weekly. Class A CDL and 1 yr. OTR exp. "Great pay and benefits." 1-866-269-2119. www.landair.com
Network admin needed in Douglasville
From today's DC Sentinel: Network Administrator needed in Douglasville. Install, configure, support, supervise, support LAN & WAN servers. Plan, coordinate and implement security network measures. Prepare user documents. Req. Bachelor degree or equivalent in CS or IT related fields with proficiency in Auto Magic servers, Veritas Backup Exec, Cheyenne Arcserve, Cisco Pix Firewall and MS SQL Server. Send resume to Andy's Wholesale, 5955-A Stewart Parkway #9, Douglasville, GA 30135
Thursday, December 2, 2010
JobSeekers of Peachtree City - Hope to Cheer You
JobSeekers of Peachtree City
Helping People Find Good Jobs, Close to Home, in Minimum Time
Get out and about. Come to JobSeekers this week. Bring a friend.
If you're not looking, forward this message to someone who needs it.
In This Issue
1. Inspiration: Are You Melancholy or Merry This Christmas?
2. Success Story: Barton Cites Knowledge from JobSeekers as Key to Success
3. This Week's Meeting: Articulating Past Achievements
4. Networking: ABC from 10:15 to 11:30
5. Job Leads: Leads and Links in South Metro Atlanta
6. Contact: Chaplain and Ship's Crew
7. Donate: You Could Help Save a Career, a Home or Even a Marriage
JobSeekers of PTC Website | JobSeekers of PTC on LinkedIn
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We need your help.
We don't talk about it a lot, but we have a scholarship program to help job seekers who are in a very difficult job search situation. There are three criteria for eligibility: the individual must have been out of work for at least 90 days, must have a demonstrable economic need, and must not have been offered outplacement services. On any given Friday, we have several people who would be eligible, but we don't have the money. In fact, we've only provided a scholarship to nine people in 2010.
This is my fault; I do a lousy job with fundraising.
The people who do receive a scholarship have typically been out of work for a year or more, and have been coming to JobSeekers regularly for many months. One gentleman had been out of work for three months when he first came to JobSeekers, and had come to 37 out of 45 meetings in the next 11 months before being awarded a scholarship. He landed a job five weeks later. The twist? He got a raise of about $7K after being out of work for 14 months. Seven months later his new company had a layoff; his job was impacted. He landed another job – at the same salary – one week later.
One recent recipient described this as a "transformational experience."
You can make a difference.
If your life has been positively influenced by the JobSeekers ministry, we ask you to consider making a financial contribution before the end of the year. Any amount will help, and the donation is tax-deductible. Please send it to: JobSeekers of PTC, P.O. Box 2124, Peachtree City, GA 30269. Thank you and bless you.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1. Inspiration: Are You Melancholy or Merry This Christmas?
Christmas is supposed to be a time of great joy; as the songs say, "It's the most wonderful time of the year." And, "City sidewalks, busy sidewalks, meeting smile after smile." And finally, "Joy to the world, the Lord is come." I remember a high school teacher who asked me if I'd gotten the Christmas "spirit" yet. I hadn't, and I wondered what was wrong with me. Maybe you haven't gotten the Christmas spirit this year, and you're wondering if there is something wrong with you.
Melancholy or merry? Many of us experience a profound sense of loss during this season of joy. We may find it harder to be cheerful when we don't have a job. In addition to being unemployed, many of us are more worried about making the mortgage payment than buying Christmas presents. On top of this, maybe we've lost our health, or we're coping with the poor health of a loved one; things seem overwhelming. Some marriages are at the breaking point; families teeter above the great chasm of divorce. Other marriages have failed. Some of us have relatives deployed overseas. Some will cope with our first Christmas after the death of a child, spouse, parent, sibling or close friend.
Some of us feel hurt, fear and frustration as the days drone on and on without a faint shadow of a job anywhere in sight. All these sensations are often more poignant at Christmas when everyone else seems so happy.
Sometimes the seasons of the year aren't synched up with the seasons of our life. If you're melancholy this Christmas, that's okay! Hang in there! I have good news: you're going to get a job -- it's not a matter of "if" but "when." More good news: at JobSeekers, we love you and want to walk with you on your journey. Even more good news: God loves you in the midst of your melancholy mood.
If you're melancholy instead of merry this Christmas, here's what I recommend:
1. Be your authentic self.
Don't pretend you're happy when you're not. I know someone who took his own life on Christmas Eve; he was the "happiest" person you'd want to meet, or so we thought. Be your authentic self. Bottled up negative feelings are like a cancer inside your body; they will do their best to kill you. Be joyful with most people, but for a few, take your mask off. Tell God and three trusted advisors how you are really feeling. Healing power is on the way.
2. Never, never, never give up.
Don't give up; it only makes matters worse. Many JobSeekers talk about the emotional roller coaster of job search. On the roller coaster, at least, good days offset some of the bad days. Others, however, talk about the downward spiral. This is more troubling because life gets darker and darker; hope less and less. Fight back! Hope is to the soul what air is to the body; have hope in spite of your circumstances. Renewed hope is on the way.
3. Think RED For the Holidays.
Rest, exercise and diet form the three-legged stool of good physical and mental health. Articles on conquering the blues consistently list these three items as keys to success. Instead of backsliding during the holiday season, take steps today to make incremental improvements in your rest, exercise and diet patterns. Next month, take another step. Better health is on the way.
4. Volunteer.
Psychologist Joan Borysenko, PhD, says, "Deliver presents for Santa or help at a homeless shelter. This is really the top thing that people can do to turn their holiday blues around. Altruism and volunteerism make you feel better about yourself; they also get you out of your rut, your home and your isolation. This is a time of year where the spirit of helping and compassion is right there. If you can tap into it by helping others, that's great!" Fulfillment is on the way.
5. Have faith in God.
Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, certain of what we do not see." You may not see a new job on the horizon or an end to your financial struggles. You may not see an end to other difficulties you are facing. God is at work in your life, even when you can't see the fruits of his work. Don't lose faith! A new job, better days and happier times are on the way.
6. Rejoice anyway.
God doesn't promise our lives will be easy, but he does promise to always be with us. "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." (Deuteronomy 31:8) And in the last verse of Matthew's gospel, Jesus promises, "I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Rejoice in Immanuel -- God with us. Joy is on the way.
7. Remember the best news of all.
If you're melancholy instead of merry, know this: Christ was born to be with you, especially during the most difficult days of your life. When everything else you hold dear is gone, you still have the love of God. God's gift to you is his son Jesus. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." Christ is on the way.
Healing power, hope, better health, fulfillment, new jobs, better days, happier times and joy are on the way. Best of all, Christ is on the way. Ask God to have mercy on you. Lay your burdens at the foot of the cross; the cross where he died for you. Lift your eyes to him. Ask him to come into your heart so you can feel the warmth of his presence. Place your hope in him -- your strength and redeemer. Ask for his blessings so you may bless others. Thank him for loving you, and for reminding you of his love by sending the Light of the World in the form of an infant son.
See you tomorrow at JobSeekers, where we rejoice in Immanuel -- God with us.
Copyright © 2010 / Dave O'Farrell / All Rights Reserved
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Helping People Find Good Jobs, Close to Home, in Minimum Time
Get out and about. Come to JobSeekers this week. Bring a friend.
If you're not looking, forward this message to someone who needs it.
In This Issue
1. Inspiration: Are You Melancholy or Merry This Christmas?
2. Success Story: Barton Cites Knowledge from JobSeekers as Key to Success
3. This Week's Meeting: Articulating Past Achievements
4. Networking: ABC from 10:15 to 11:30
5. Job Leads: Leads and Links in South Metro Atlanta
6. Contact: Chaplain and Ship's Crew
7. Donate: You Could Help Save a Career, a Home or Even a Marriage
JobSeekers of PTC Website | JobSeekers of PTC on LinkedIn
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We need your help.
We don't talk about it a lot, but we have a scholarship program to help job seekers who are in a very difficult job search situation. There are three criteria for eligibility: the individual must have been out of work for at least 90 days, must have a demonstrable economic need, and must not have been offered outplacement services. On any given Friday, we have several people who would be eligible, but we don't have the money. In fact, we've only provided a scholarship to nine people in 2010.
This is my fault; I do a lousy job with fundraising.
The people who do receive a scholarship have typically been out of work for a year or more, and have been coming to JobSeekers regularly for many months. One gentleman had been out of work for three months when he first came to JobSeekers, and had come to 37 out of 45 meetings in the next 11 months before being awarded a scholarship. He landed a job five weeks later. The twist? He got a raise of about $7K after being out of work for 14 months. Seven months later his new company had a layoff; his job was impacted. He landed another job – at the same salary – one week later.
One recent recipient described this as a "transformational experience."
You can make a difference.
If your life has been positively influenced by the JobSeekers ministry, we ask you to consider making a financial contribution before the end of the year. Any amount will help, and the donation is tax-deductible. Please send it to: JobSeekers of PTC, P.O. Box 2124, Peachtree City, GA 30269. Thank you and bless you.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1. Inspiration: Are You Melancholy or Merry This Christmas?
Christmas is supposed to be a time of great joy; as the songs say, "It's the most wonderful time of the year." And, "City sidewalks, busy sidewalks, meeting smile after smile." And finally, "Joy to the world, the Lord is come." I remember a high school teacher who asked me if I'd gotten the Christmas "spirit" yet. I hadn't, and I wondered what was wrong with me. Maybe you haven't gotten the Christmas spirit this year, and you're wondering if there is something wrong with you.
Melancholy or merry? Many of us experience a profound sense of loss during this season of joy. We may find it harder to be cheerful when we don't have a job. In addition to being unemployed, many of us are more worried about making the mortgage payment than buying Christmas presents. On top of this, maybe we've lost our health, or we're coping with the poor health of a loved one; things seem overwhelming. Some marriages are at the breaking point; families teeter above the great chasm of divorce. Other marriages have failed. Some of us have relatives deployed overseas. Some will cope with our first Christmas after the death of a child, spouse, parent, sibling or close friend.
Some of us feel hurt, fear and frustration as the days drone on and on without a faint shadow of a job anywhere in sight. All these sensations are often more poignant at Christmas when everyone else seems so happy.
Sometimes the seasons of the year aren't synched up with the seasons of our life. If you're melancholy this Christmas, that's okay! Hang in there! I have good news: you're going to get a job -- it's not a matter of "if" but "when." More good news: at JobSeekers, we love you and want to walk with you on your journey. Even more good news: God loves you in the midst of your melancholy mood.
If you're melancholy instead of merry this Christmas, here's what I recommend:
1. Be your authentic self.
Don't pretend you're happy when you're not. I know someone who took his own life on Christmas Eve; he was the "happiest" person you'd want to meet, or so we thought. Be your authentic self. Bottled up negative feelings are like a cancer inside your body; they will do their best to kill you. Be joyful with most people, but for a few, take your mask off. Tell God and three trusted advisors how you are really feeling. Healing power is on the way.
2. Never, never, never give up.
Don't give up; it only makes matters worse. Many JobSeekers talk about the emotional roller coaster of job search. On the roller coaster, at least, good days offset some of the bad days. Others, however, talk about the downward spiral. This is more troubling because life gets darker and darker; hope less and less. Fight back! Hope is to the soul what air is to the body; have hope in spite of your circumstances. Renewed hope is on the way.
3. Think RED For the Holidays.
Rest, exercise and diet form the three-legged stool of good physical and mental health. Articles on conquering the blues consistently list these three items as keys to success. Instead of backsliding during the holiday season, take steps today to make incremental improvements in your rest, exercise and diet patterns. Next month, take another step. Better health is on the way.
4. Volunteer.
Psychologist Joan Borysenko, PhD, says, "Deliver presents for Santa or help at a homeless shelter. This is really the top thing that people can do to turn their holiday blues around. Altruism and volunteerism make you feel better about yourself; they also get you out of your rut, your home and your isolation. This is a time of year where the spirit of helping and compassion is right there. If you can tap into it by helping others, that's great!" Fulfillment is on the way.
5. Have faith in God.
Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, certain of what we do not see." You may not see a new job on the horizon or an end to your financial struggles. You may not see an end to other difficulties you are facing. God is at work in your life, even when you can't see the fruits of his work. Don't lose faith! A new job, better days and happier times are on the way.
6. Rejoice anyway.
God doesn't promise our lives will be easy, but he does promise to always be with us. "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." (Deuteronomy 31:8) And in the last verse of Matthew's gospel, Jesus promises, "I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Rejoice in Immanuel -- God with us. Joy is on the way.
7. Remember the best news of all.
If you're melancholy instead of merry, know this: Christ was born to be with you, especially during the most difficult days of your life. When everything else you hold dear is gone, you still have the love of God. God's gift to you is his son Jesus. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." Christ is on the way.
Healing power, hope, better health, fulfillment, new jobs, better days, happier times and joy are on the way. Best of all, Christ is on the way. Ask God to have mercy on you. Lay your burdens at the foot of the cross; the cross where he died for you. Lift your eyes to him. Ask him to come into your heart so you can feel the warmth of his presence. Place your hope in him -- your strength and redeemer. Ask for his blessings so you may bless others. Thank him for loving you, and for reminding you of his love by sending the Light of the World in the form of an infant son.
See you tomorrow at JobSeekers, where we rejoice in Immanuel -- God with us.
Copyright © 2010 / Dave O'Farrell / All Rights Reserved
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Operations Supv needed in Lithia Springs
Job: IRC96212
Job Title Operations Supervisor , Exel
Location Lithia Springs, GA, US
apply at: https://irecruitment.exel.com/OA_HTML/OA.jsp?OAFunc=IRC_VIS_VAC_DISPLAY&p_svid=96212
Brief Job Description
Coordinates and supervises the daily and weekly activities that occur within assigned area of the location/operation; provides leadership, motivation, training, and development of workforce; executes against customer/site requirements; participates in continuous improvement activities as part of the site management team and ensures company policies are followed and site develops positive work culture that makes our Company First Choice for Associates.
Detailed Job Description
Associate Interaction (70% time) – Example activities include Associate Development, one on one coaching, walking throughout work area during assigned shift, conflict resolution among associates, associate group meetings and training. Specifically:
Direct the necessary daily activity to ensure a safe, secure, clean and fair work environment for associates.
Deliver associate orientation, training, performance reviews, and/or development as appropriate.
Participate in the management of turnover among hourly staff consistent with the site turnover objectives.
Ensure the associates have proper access to the necessary tools to perform their assigned duties and that the tools are routinely inspected and maintained.
First Choice / Process Improvement (10% time) – Example activities include action planning with client, project planning follow-up, space planning, turnover review and workshop participation. Specifically:
Organize and lead the focus on improved productivity levels in a manner that first stresses effectiveness by improving processes and secondly stresses the efficiency of associate work.
Collaborate with the regional sites to share in safety, labor sharing, and best practice initiatives.
Participate in the completion of workshop action plans, projects and best practice sharing/implementation.
Planning (5% time) - Example activities include manpower planning, equipment maintenance, work flow prioritization and daily scheduling. Specifically:
Plan, manage, and adjust the daily workload and staffing to minimize the unplanned overtime.
Ensure shift/daily/weekly workload planning and volume forecasting routines are accomplished (i.e., staffing, equipment, space).
Human Resources (5% time) - Example activities include identifying labor needs, interviews and recruiting activities, implementing training, and coaching / counseling for improved performance. Specifically:
Ensure company policies are communicated, applied, and enforced (i.e., safety, accounting, operational, regulatory, and administrative).
Maximizes quality and productivity by understanding job standards for each function, and evaluating performance variances in order to identify root cause and corrective action.
Communications (5% time) - Example activities include staff meetings, customer interactions, vendor/service provider interactions, and internal communications with peers, staff and internal business unit departments. Specifically:
Effectively communicate work task Standard Operating Procedures, convey key information during pre-shift meetings and ensure appropriate shift hand-offs.
Provide a professional environment with relation to external customers and vendors such as drivers, dispatchers, and customer representatives.
Reporting (5% time) - Example activities include Key Performance Indicator tracking, quality reports, audits, financial reporting, material handling equipment reports, site or individual performance tracking and customer required reports. Specifically:
Execute daily customer / vendor contract requirements and identify accessorial activity (work outside commercial contracts) and ensure necessary documentation.
Ensure inventory integrity by timely and accurate receiving, picking, shipping, and inventory management.
Participate in the collection of performance measurements consistent with customer, vendor, and site requirements.
Job Requirements
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
Operations background
1-2 years logistics industry experience
1-3 years experience in lead/supervisor/management role
Meets corporate competency model requirements
Objective setting
Organizational skills
Staff management
Workload planning
Preventative maintenance routines
Facility management (i.e., maintenance, sanitation, etc.)
Interviewing skills
Communication skills
People skills
Fluency in English
Job Title Operations Supervisor , Exel
Location Lithia Springs, GA, US
apply at: https://irecruitment.exel.com/OA_HTML/OA.jsp?OAFunc=IRC_VIS_VAC_DISPLAY&p_svid=96212
Brief Job Description
Coordinates and supervises the daily and weekly activities that occur within assigned area of the location/operation; provides leadership, motivation, training, and development of workforce; executes against customer/site requirements; participates in continuous improvement activities as part of the site management team and ensures company policies are followed and site develops positive work culture that makes our Company First Choice for Associates.
Detailed Job Description
Associate Interaction (70% time) – Example activities include Associate Development, one on one coaching, walking throughout work area during assigned shift, conflict resolution among associates, associate group meetings and training. Specifically:
Direct the necessary daily activity to ensure a safe, secure, clean and fair work environment for associates.
Deliver associate orientation, training, performance reviews, and/or development as appropriate.
Participate in the management of turnover among hourly staff consistent with the site turnover objectives.
Ensure the associates have proper access to the necessary tools to perform their assigned duties and that the tools are routinely inspected and maintained.
First Choice / Process Improvement (10% time) – Example activities include action planning with client, project planning follow-up, space planning, turnover review and workshop participation. Specifically:
Organize and lead the focus on improved productivity levels in a manner that first stresses effectiveness by improving processes and secondly stresses the efficiency of associate work.
Collaborate with the regional sites to share in safety, labor sharing, and best practice initiatives.
Participate in the completion of workshop action plans, projects and best practice sharing/implementation.
Planning (5% time) - Example activities include manpower planning, equipment maintenance, work flow prioritization and daily scheduling. Specifically:
Plan, manage, and adjust the daily workload and staffing to minimize the unplanned overtime.
Ensure shift/daily/weekly workload planning and volume forecasting routines are accomplished (i.e., staffing, equipment, space).
Human Resources (5% time) - Example activities include identifying labor needs, interviews and recruiting activities, implementing training, and coaching / counseling for improved performance. Specifically:
Ensure company policies are communicated, applied, and enforced (i.e., safety, accounting, operational, regulatory, and administrative).
Maximizes quality and productivity by understanding job standards for each function, and evaluating performance variances in order to identify root cause and corrective action.
Communications (5% time) - Example activities include staff meetings, customer interactions, vendor/service provider interactions, and internal communications with peers, staff and internal business unit departments. Specifically:
Effectively communicate work task Standard Operating Procedures, convey key information during pre-shift meetings and ensure appropriate shift hand-offs.
Provide a professional environment with relation to external customers and vendors such as drivers, dispatchers, and customer representatives.
Reporting (5% time) - Example activities include Key Performance Indicator tracking, quality reports, audits, financial reporting, material handling equipment reports, site or individual performance tracking and customer required reports. Specifically:
Execute daily customer / vendor contract requirements and identify accessorial activity (work outside commercial contracts) and ensure necessary documentation.
Ensure inventory integrity by timely and accurate receiving, picking, shipping, and inventory management.
Participate in the collection of performance measurements consistent with customer, vendor, and site requirements.
Job Requirements
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
Operations background
1-2 years logistics industry experience
1-3 years experience in lead/supervisor/management role
Meets corporate competency model requirements
Objective setting
Organizational skills
Staff management
Workload planning
Preventative maintenance routines
Facility management (i.e., maintenance, sanitation, etc.)
Interviewing skills
Communication skills
People skills
Fluency in English
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