-
Newark Now Programs:
What is J.E.M.S.
(Job Education Management Services)?
J.E.M.S. is one of the main components of Fathers Now. During the 6 week of instruction our participants are exposed to career training, volunteering, resume building, where we create a resume for guys that are currently in the program and also Alumni. We also talk about being aware of what Business Etiquettes is, consisting of and the Do's and Don'ts for an interview. Our goals are to make our Fathers employable and better equipped to face today's economy.
Getting our Fathers prepared for TODAY!
With the way this economy is nowadays, if you're unemployment and are in the job search market you will have to come to the conclusion that you have to network. Go out there and meet new people, form a conversation with your friends, neighbor, store manager where you shop on a regular and I would even strike you a conversation with a total stranger. Networking is one of the simplest things you can do to get to know people and it begins with a simple greeting hi, hello or good morning my name is… and that's the beginning of a conversation that will provide information on if this person might be able to help you in your quest to employment. Whenever you come in contact with a Professional, don't be shy as him/her if their job is hiring and always ask for their business card. I know you've heard people saying this ‘it seems like you have to know someone around here to get a job’…yes you do.
It's only about 30% of the jobs that are published in the newspaper classifications and job search websites, the other 70% are posted on the company's notice board in the break room or word of mouth. Because they will not have to pay for advertisement and the new employee will most likely be a close friend or a family member of a current employee. My Director always says "A closed mouth don't get fed", in other words if you don't tell us what's going on or ask questions how would we know what your needs are. Here at Fathers Now we stress the importance of networking and being presentable so when opportunities presents itself you're ready.
What are some new trends in your field that you think clients or everyone should know?
Merriam-Webster Dictionary list the definition of a Habit is "behavior pattern acquired by frequent repetition or physiologic exposure that shows itself in regularity or increased facility of performance"; with that being said our habits good or bad can hinder us in an interview, whether from gaining employment or taking advantage of opportunities that's presented to us. Now these habits that I'm going to talk about is not the regular bad habits that we were all told as kids that we shouldn't do. I'm talking about habits that we do every day whether we know we're doing it or unconsciously doing it. The biting of your nails, repetitive use of a word(s) or phrase, slangs, hand gestures, chewing gum and a host of others. You probably have some of these habits yourselves. Some of these habits can be brought on because of being nervous. In order to make sure you're in control of what you're doing at that particular moment you should prep yourself.
How can I prep myself you may ask; practice talking in front of the mirror (by doing so you might recognize some of the more noticeable habits like body movements and hand gestures), you can also ask a friend or a relative to assist you in a mock interview where they'll act like the interviewer (at first you may think this is silly and it will be a lot of giggling between you and your fake interviewer but you have to get over it and start working on being in control of the moment. In you mock interview your fake interviewer might notice those habits that you haven't notice like the repetitive use of a word, phrase or slang). You should also practice breathing to calm yourself before you go in to see the interviewer.
Partnering to Bring More Services to More of our D.A.D.S
Fathers Now collaborated with Legal Services of New Jersey for a
Record Expungement Workshop.
According to http://www.judiciary.state.nj.us, "An expungement is the removal and isolation of all records on file within any court, detention or correctional facility, law enforcement, criminal justice agency or juvenile justice agency concerning a person's apprehension, arrest, detention, trial or disposition of an offense within the criminal or juvenile justice system. Unless otherwise provided by law, if an order for expungement is granted, the adult arrest, the record of law enforcement taking you into custody as a juvenile, conviction, adjudication of delinquency, disposition and any related proceedings are considered not to have occurred."
Now that the Job market is scarce, a lot of employers can pick and choose from an overwhelming potential of interested candidate for employment. Most of these employers are looking for candidates with a clean background. So this workshop was very much needed not just for Fathers Now participants but also for the general public. People get frustrated and discouraged every time they see an employment posting and right at the bottom it says ‘Clean background required’. I can understand it if the job requires a security clearance but even some general labor jobs is requiring you to have a clean background.
This Expungement Workshop clarified to those in attendance the facts and the myths about expungement. What type of charges was expugnable and how long does it takes to have your record expunge was two of the top questions. The representatives from Legal Services of New Jersey did a wonderful job by making sure that every question that was asked where answered and adhere to. They also took the time to go through the expungement process with those in attendant. This event was a success because we had a full house and the people in attendance received some much needed and helpful information.
---
Jobs Education Managements Services primarily focuses on current members of Newark Comprehensive Centers for Fathers and alumnus of Fathers Now. We are here for the progression and betterment of our Fathers.
