Résumé Development
Job Development
Mentoring
Small Business Development

Résumé Development

Who Does This Strategy Benefit?

People who are entering the job market anew can benefit from a well presented résumé, yet often have the least practical experience and assistance with this task. The competition for quality entry level positions
requires that candidates look their best on paper.

What Does It Require?

Résumé development can take place in many ways. For example, résumés can be developed through small group workshops or individual sessions. The important thing to remember is a résumé is an evolving and changing document that builds a bridge between the skills and talents of the job applicant and the needs of the employer.

How Can Head Start Help?

Head Start provides parents with training, volunteering, and other experiences that they can build into career opportunities. Make sure that parents’ skills gained through involvement in Head Start are reflected
in their résumés and that they clearly represent their strengths. For example, they may want to include as part of a résumé:

• Volunteer Experiences
• Paid Work Experiences
• Educational Experiences
• Networks & Memberships
• Training Experiences
• Other Interests and Achievements

It is also important to know the basic difference between résumé types and which is most useful to program participants. The two basic résumé types are Chronological and Functional:

The Chronological Format: This is the most familiar format. This résumé reflects the most recent job and works backward. Emphasis is placed on duties and accomplishments within the job titles mentioned. Use this format if: You have a steady work history, with no gaps. Your most current job is in the same field you want to work in. Your work history reflects continuity and career growth. Do not use this format if: You plan to get a job in another area of work. You have gaps in employment.

The Functional Format: This is different from the chronological. It emphasizes areas of strength rather than experience. Use this format if: You are planning to get a job in a new area of work. You have limited work experience. You want to emphasize the skills you do have. Do not use this format if: You are unable to identify four to five functional headings to highlight. You want to stay in the same work field.

Source: Work, Sister, Work: How Black Women Can Get Ahead in Today's Business Environment by Cydney Shields and Leslie C. Shields, Fireside, 1993.

Job Development

Who Does This Strategy Benefit?

Job development benefits people who have little work experience or feel stuck in low wage jobs and want jobs that offer them greater pay and opportunity for advancement.

What Does It Require?

Job developers identify job leads and recommend applicants who, while they may not have all of the stated qualifications, would be a good match. They also may provide early work entry support. Job development is a supplement to, not a substitute for, an individual’s job search. There are four components of job development: (1) Identifying job leads; (2) Contacting employers; (3) Matching participants to jobs; and (4) Providing ongoing support

Identifying Job Leads

All staff, from the secretary to the program director, can identify job leads. Program participants can bring in leads that they hear about that may be of interest to others. Job leads should be placed in a central job bank. A computerized job bank makes it easy to update information. Having one staff member responsible for job development is especially important when the program is working with a few employers who will not want to be approached by different people.

Contacting Employers

Networking with employers is a primary means of obtaining job leads. Job developers may wish to pursue a staffing partnership with businesses that regularly have entry level openings in manufacturing, utilities, hospitality, and other service industries.

Matching Participants to Jobs

Successful job developers work hard to match the right candidate to the right job opening. Successful matches build employer confidence in partnering with your program. Also, program participants who are appropriately placed are more confident about their abilities to advance on the job. To increase the likelihood of a successful match, job developers must screen applicants for their work/interview readiness. They also need to help applicants prepare for interviews by providing information about the employer and the job for which they are applying. Additionally, job developers can promote success by working with the employer and the applicant to address any stigma attached to program involvement.

Providing Ongoing Support

Job developers can tailor activities to the needs of individual participants. They can provide specific information on the types of jobs a participant wants and help people improve their job search and inter-viewing skills.

Mentoring

Who Does This Strategy Benefit?

Anyone who is taking on the challenge of working (or finding work) in a field that is new for them, can greatly benefit from a mentor relationship. This is also an ideal relationship for someone who is planning to re-enter a work field where they have been unsuccessful in the past.

What Does It Require?

Mentors must have a strong work experience to share that can help others reach their life goals. They must be willing to listen first and then provide guidance, support and constructive criticism when needed. Three key steps to mentoring are:

• Finding mentors
• Matching mentors and job hunters or newly employed workers
• Developing and supporting the mentor/job seeker relationship

Finding Mentors

There are a number of professional, cultural, and civic organizations that provide community service. Growth industries such as health, education, technology, and service industries are good areas from which to draw mentors.

Matching Job Seekers with Mentors

A mentoring relationship is more likely to succeed when the job seeker is able to “relate to” his or her chosen mentor. Mentors and job seekers can be matched through several approaches. It may work to hold an open house or conduct interviews to identify mutual interests. A formal matching of job seeker/ mentor pairs can follow. Once a match is made, the pair will need to agree to a time, place, and goals for their first few meetings.

Supporting the Job Seeker/Mentor Relationship

It is important to designate a staff person to address any issues or concerns of either party. It is also important to plan ongoing group gatherings that are both informational and social, for example, a dinner with a guest speaker. This type of activity will help to ensure continuity.

Small Business Development

Who Does This Strategy Benefit?

People who are self-starters and who prefer not to work outside of the home. Parents of young children and others may find this to be a more viable way to balance family and work responsibilities. Small business entrepreneurship is also an excellent strategy for supplementing family income.

What Does It Require?

Beginning a small business requires three steps:

• Developing a business idea
• Writing a business plan
• Financing the business

Developing A Business Idea

This is the creative part. People must decide what they like to do and would be willing to work at as hard, if not harder, than anyone else. They need to think about the kinds of products or services they could ‘sell’ others on. Once this decision is made, they need to have a good idea of the market: who is looking for these products and services? How does one get to that customer base? Ideally, a small business should start from home. A person should ask themselves these five questions:

1. Do I have the space I need for inventory, set up, distribution, etc.?
2. Am I able to market and distribute my service or product easily?
3. Am I able to sell my product or service without the need for customers to shop regularly at a place of business?
4. Can electrical and telephone lines or safety features be added to the area of my home that I intend to use for business?
5. Is my home environment quiet enough to allow me to concentrate or carry on a telephone conversation?

Writing A Business Plan

Whether the business is day care, catering, or some other product or service, you need a clear and comprehensive plan. A business plan should include:

• A business summary and statement of purpose
• A description of the product and industry
• A marketing plan

Depending on the type of business, additional information will need to be provided.

Financing the Business

Mircrocredit programs provide start-up and continual funding for business growth in low income communities. Programs include training, peer support, networking, and other support services. Usually a person must be part of a lending circle where all members are mutually responsible for the repayment of loans. Memberships costs are low and initial financing is for small amounts that are repaid over a short period of time.

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

The Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC, can help low-income families finance the start-up of a small business. It can come in the form of a tax refund or as a cash payment to families who do not owe taxes. Consulting with a tax advisor would be necessary. Educating parents about the EIC and helping them take advantage of it can enhance their success in meeting their goals.