Job Tips - Posts By Liz Kennedy

If you are looking for a new position, our upcoming Virtual Corridor Career Fair on April 9th will be a great place to interact with employers from the comfort of your home. But if you are wondering how to attend a virtual career fair, here’s how you can do it. Step 1. Register online. Go to corridorcareers.easyvirtualfair.com and complete the registration form. All attendees must register. Bookmark this website for later, or save to your home screen on your cell phone. Step 2. Review your resume. Do you need to update your resume? If you have an outdated resume, now is the time to get polished up. Review it for typos and if you’ve learned new skills recently, update that. Be sure to include any remote working technical skills you have...

This post is the first in our 2020 Job Search 101 series, focused on crafting a resume in 2020. Specifically, we’ll focus on something more like a template that you are going to use in many ways. Let’s get started on making a resume that helps you tell your story, while keeping things brief and snack-able. Beyond Resume Paper Gone are the days where you would (gasp) mail a printed resume to an employer…or are they? My guess is that in Eastern Iowa if you mailed a resume to an employer, you’d certainly stand out, but you’d have to be pretty careful in how you positioned yourself, so you don’t come across as old fashioned and invite unconscious bias. Besides, you’re probably going to have to apply online for that job anyway – either in the...

One of the advantages of interviewing for an administrative or clerical job is the large number of sample interview questions on the internet. You only need to search “preparing for an administrative or clerical job” and you’ll find several pages of sites offering ideas. We’ll share the most pertinent questions and help you make sure you’re not caught off-guard in the interview. Just preparing answers for likely questions can help you better present yourself to a prospective employer. Sample Questions How does your past work experience relate to this job? This can be a bit challenging if you’re making a career shift. But try to isolate skills from the previous job that could apply to clerical or administrative work. In other words, a...

If you read the headlines, you know wages are flat. While unemployment is low, employers may not be using higher wages as incentives to bring on new employees. And you could look at that number positively if you understand that wages, while not growing dramatically, are not going down. Most people wish they could make more money, but aren’t ready to have the conversation with their employer about why they deserve more. This occasionally leads to employee turnover as employees seek greener pastures. What Does “Median Salary” Even Mean? Dust off your thinking cap and remember these concepts: Median, Mean & Average. Median = the middle value of the range Mean = the average salary (add up all the salaries and divide by the number of...

Tired of having limited employment options due to a lack of a GED or High School Diploma?  The Corridor workforce is highly educated1, and not having this credential can hurt your chances moving up.  That said, there are some options – and it’s not too late to get started.   It will take some courage and dedication, and a real commitment.  Ready for a change?  Here are local resources that can help you fit your schooling into your schedule.   Kirkwood Community College offers adults a few ways to get their high school diploma.  We spoke with Marcel Kielkucki at the Kirkwood Center for Lifelong Learning to get more details.   What’s the difference between a GED® and an adult high school diploma? The GED® is an assessment and up until...

So you’re considering relocating to Cedar Rapids, IA or Iowa City, IA?  Good choice!  Once the dust has settled on your idea, it’s time to start thinking beyond all the homemade pie you’re going to eat once you get here and plan for your move. See How Far Your Potential Salary Will Go Knowing the cost of living can impact where you land in the corridor. This is true whether it be Cedar Rapids, Iowa City or smaller communities like Marion, Robins, Hiawatha, North Liberty or Coralville. Iowa City’s quality of life for young professionals and academics is one reason its cost of living is a bit higher than the Corridor’s other metro areas, and its only one factor in considering what community you should call home.  To compare communities,...

With its low cost of living, good schools, and recreation options, it’s no wonder more people are relocating to Cedar Rapids. Yet, if your spouse or partner is the one with the job move, you may be understandably apprehensive.  Sure, the homes are affordable, and it seems like the schools are pretty good – but it’s in the middle of the Midwest! And you’re wondering what you’re getting yourself into. Relax – this community has a ton to offer beyond what’s on all those top 10 sites. Relocating to Cedar Rapids Resources One resource for spouses is the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance. They offer assistance to trailing spouses and partners following a loved one to the community. Another is ICR’s Wingman program to get you connected. ...