The 2011 Housing Summit

14th Annual Dinner Weekend

The latest photos from The Greater Toledo Urban League 14th Annual  Dinner Weekend
[/toggle]

[divider_top]…[/divider_top]

Thank you to all of our sponsors and supporters who have helped us make A NEW WAY FORWARD

[fancy_box]

[kml_flashembed movie=”http://www.gtul.org/wp-content/logo_scroller/logo-scroller.swf” width=”970″ height=”50″ base=”http://www.gtul.org/wp-content/logo_scroller/” wmode=”transparent”]
Get Adobe Flash player
[/kml_flashembed]

[/fancy_box]
[two_third] [fancy_header] Note from the President & CEO[/fancy_header] [fancy_box]

[frame_left]http://www.gtul.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/jjones1-e1272051992336.jpg[/frame_left][dropcap1]N[/dropcap1]ow that the dust has settled and the smoke has cleared its time for the real work to begin. In case you missed it, pill our humble organization was honored to invite Dr. Bill Cosby to our fair city to electrify and empower the masses. Dr. Cosby dedicated an entire weekend of his time to our hefty cause, uniting the city in A New Way Forward. His presence in our town caused such a buzz that we could barely keep up with all the positive press across the country about this enormous event. Having said that we are pumped and ready to move on to the next step. We would like to thank all of our supporters but especially those that volunteered their time and energy to make this one of the biggest and best weekends this city has ever seen.

Rev. John C. Jones – President / CEO

[divider]Insert your text here[/divider]

[button_icon icon=”briefcase” url=”http://www.gtul.org/get-involved/join”] Join the Movement [/button_icon] [button_icon icon=”door” url=”http://www.gtul.org/community-rally-volunteer-form”] Become A Volunteer [/button_icon] [button_icon icon=”house” url=”http://www.gtul.org/get-involved/suppport/contact-us”] Contact Us [/button_icon]
Thank you for supporting the Greater Toledo Urban League where we Empower Communities & Change Lives

[/fancy_box] [/two_third] [one_third_last]

Click here to subscribe to the Greater Toledo Urban League RSS FeedClick here to contact us

Subscribe to our [tooltip color=”red” text=”Subscribe to our channel at youtube.com/GTUL100″] You Tube Channel [/tooltip]  and stay up to date with messages from our President / CEO John Jones.

[button link=”http://www.youtube.com/user/GTUL100?feature=mhum”]Click Here to Get Empowered Today[/button]

[/one_third_last] [divider]…[/divider]

[toggle state=”closed” title=”Click here to view photos from The Greater Toledo Urban League 14th Annual  Dinner Weekend”][/toggle]

[divider_top]…[/divider_top]
[fancy_header]WHAT WE DO[/fancy_header] [one_fourth]

Education and Youth Services

[dropcap1]1[/dropcap1]All that we do as adults is built on a foundation of education. The primary focus of our organization is on equal opportunity education for all students. We offer a wide range of educational programs that serve youth and adults. Our programs are designed to compliment the current trends and climate of the modern workforce and are built to level the playing field for minorities and those that are disadvantaged.

[/one_fourth] [one_fourth]

Workforce Development

[dropcap1]2[/dropcap1]In our modern economy it is even more critical that we properly train and assist those in need of employment to get the skills and experience needed to be successful in the workforce. We have extensive programming and staff resources available to achieve the very ambitious goal of turning the unemployment rate of Toledo on its head. We currently service clients seeking employment and offer one on one assistance to help them over come any barriers they may have.

[/one_fourth] [one_fourth]

Health and Quality of Life

[dropcap1]3[/dropcap1]Nothing is more important than living a happy, healthy, and full life. We offer senior services, health awareness and youth activity programs in order to help improve the quality of life in the Toledo community and beyond. Our programs, partnered with local community organizations focus on improving the entire being (mind, body, and spirit) while encouraging people of all ages to reach their full potential as a productive addition to their community.

[/one_fourth] [one_fourth_last]

Our Vision and Social Media Mission

[dropcap1]4[/dropcap1] The vision of the Greater Toledo Urban League is an empowered community of economically and socially self suffiecient individuals.” Having said that there is no more powerful movement then that of the social media community. You can find us on all the major social media outlets sharing our resources and presenting our achievements to the community.

[/one_fourth_last]

[one_fourth][button link=”http://www.gtul.org/what-we-do/services/education-and-youth-services”]Read More[/button][/one_fourth]

[one_fourth][button link=”http://www.gtul.org/what-we-do/services/work-force-development”]Read More[/button][/one_fourth]

[one_fourth][button link=”http://www.gtul.org/what-we-do/services/health-and-quality-of-life”]Read More[/button][/one_fourth]

[one_fourth_last][button link=”#”]Read More[/button][/one_fourth_last]

[divider_top]Find out what we do[/divider_top] [one_half] [fancy_header]Latest posts from the Blog[/fancy_header] [cetsEmbedRSS id=http://www.gtul.org/feed itemcount=2 itemauthor=1 itemdate=1 itemcontent=1] [/one_half] [one_half_last] [fancy_header]Latest News from the National Urban League[/fancy_header] [arrow_list] [cetsEmbedRSS id=http://www.nul.org/feed.xml itemcount=4 itemauthor=0 itemdate=1 itemcontent=0] [/arrow_list] [/one_half_last] [divider_top]divider[/divider_top]

[info_box]Originally posted on the Simply hired Blog By Andrew Neitlich[/info_box]

The previous two blog entries presented the first two in a four-step process for finding a new job. The first entry challenged you to pretend that your life – and the lives of those dearest to you – depended on finding a new job. Literally. The goal was to get you into the mindset you would have if this really happened to you.

Step two showed you how to create messages that communicate your value in ways that an employer would take notice.

Now you are ready for step three…

Step Three: Think like a consultant. Consultants make marketing their top priority. They are very effective at three types of marketing in particular, sales and you need to become experts here, ask too. The first is in getting referrals. They are pros when it comes to telling people about the value they provide, and then educating them about the types of people they want to meet. They also know how to help other people, by making introductions for them and helping them in other ways to advance their careers. You need to be willing to tell everyone you know about the value you provide, and then explicitly ask people who they know who might be looking for that value. Don’t be shy; your life depends on making direct requests!

Second, consultants get visible by establishing themselves as experts. They write articles, speak, set up blogs, post videos of them speaking, get active in their industry associations, start online groups, and even do simple research projects. All of these things establish their credibility and prove that they are thinking about, and can solve, the most pressing problems the people in their target market face. I don’t care if you are at the lowest level of a company. You can still do some sort of educational marketing to establish yourself as an expert in your field.

Third, consultants are early adopters of social media. They know every feature of LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, BlogTalkRadio, YouTube, and question and answer sites – and they know how to use these technologies to meet new people and get introductions. I don’t care if you think you are too old! Your life depends on learning these technologies.

Interestingly, if you take this exercise seriously, you might even end up getting consulting offers, which could launch your career in a very different, exciting direction. Personally, I prefer being a consultant than an employee. As a consultant, I have dozens of clients; if I lose one, I only lose a small portion of my income. Plus, as a consultant I am constantly marketing, and so landing a new opportunity is not such a huge deal. For the purposes of this exercise, you are seeking a full-time job offer. However, in the real world, be flexible and agile, ready to turn someone’s interest in you into any form of assignment you can get!

Once you have the right mindset, messages that communicate your value, and you are thinking like a consultant, you are ready for the fourth and final step, coming next…

 

Andrew Neitlich is the co-author, with Jay Conrad Levinson, of Guerrilla Marketing for a Bulletproof Career, a book that reveals the secrets to career success in perpetually gut-wrenching times. For more information, and for additional articles, visit www.bulletproofcareer.com. He also runs the Center for Career Coaching, which trains career coaches.

Read more on the Simply Hired Blog: http://blog.simplyhired.com/2011/03/finding-a-new-job-as-if-your-life-depended-on-it-part-three-think-like-a-consultant.html#ixzz1IlqoZAYE
[info_box]Originally posted on the Simply hired Blog By Andrew Neitlich[/info_box]

The previous two blog entries presented the first two in a four-step process for finding a new job. The first entry challenged you to pretend that your life – and the lives of those dearest to you – depended on finding a new job. Literally. The goal was to get you into the mindset you would have if this really happened to you.

Step two showed you how to create messages that communicate your value in ways that an employer would take notice.

Now you are ready for step three…

Step Three: Think like a consultant. Consultants make marketing their top priority. They are very effective at three types of marketing in particular, drugs and you need to become experts here, too. The first is in getting referrals. They are pros when it comes to telling people about the value they provide, and then educating them about the types of people they want to meet. They also know how to help other people, by making introductions for them and helping them in other ways to advance their careers. You need to be willing to tell everyone you know about the value you provide, and then explicitly ask people who they know who might be looking for that value. Don’t be shy; your life depends on making direct requests!

Second, consultants get visible by establishing themselves as experts. They write articles, speak, set up blogs, post videos of them speaking, get active in their industry associations, start online groups, and even do simple research projects. All of these things establish their credibility and prove that they are thinking about, and can solve, the most pressing problems the people in their target market face. I don’t care if you are at the lowest level of a company. You can still do some sort of educational marketing to establish yourself as an expert in your field.

Third, consultants are early adopters of social media. They know every feature of LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, BlogTalkRadio, YouTube, and question and answer sites – and they know how to use these technologies to meet new people and get introductions. I don’t care if you think you are too old! Your life depends on learning these technologies.

Interestingly, if you take this exercise seriously, you might even end up getting consulting offers, which could launch your career in a very different, exciting direction. Personally, I prefer being a consultant than an employee. As a consultant, I have dozens of clients; if I lose one, I only lose a small portion of my income. Plus, as a consultant I am constantly marketing, and so landing a new opportunity is not such a huge deal. For the purposes of this exercise, you are seeking a full-time job offer. However, in the real world, be flexible and agile, ready to turn someone’s interest in you into any form of assignment you can get!

Once you have the right mindset, messages that communicate your value, and you are thinking like a consultant, you are ready for the fourth and final step, coming next…

 

Andrew Neitlich is the co-author, with Jay Conrad Levinson, of Guerrilla Marketing for a Bulletproof Career, a book that reveals the secrets to career success in perpetually gut-wrenching times. For more information, and for additional articles, visit www.bulletproofcareer.com. He also runs the Center for Career Coaching, which trains career coaches.

Read more on the Simply Hired Blog: http://blog.simplyhired.com/2011/03/finding-a-new-job-as-if-your-life-depended-on-it-part-three-think-like-a-consultant.html#ixzz1IlqoZAYE
[info_box]Originally posted on the Simply hired Blog By Andrew Neitlich[/info_box]

The previous two blog entries presented the first two in a four-step process for finding a new job. The first entry challenged you to pretend that your life – and the lives of those dearest to you – depended on finding a new job. Literally. The goal was to get you into the mindset you would have if this really happened to you.

Step two showed you how to create messages that communicate your value in ways that an employer would take notice.

Now you are ready for step three…

Step Three: Think like a consultant. Consultants make marketing their top priority. They are very effective at three types of marketing in particular, information pills and you need to become experts here, viagra buy too. The first is in getting referrals. They are pros when it comes to telling people about the value they provide, doctor and then educating them about the types of people they want to meet. They also know how to help other people, by making introductions for them and helping them in other ways to advance their careers. You need to be willing to tell everyone you know about the value you provide, and then explicitly ask people who they know who might be looking for that value. Don’t be shy; your life depends on making direct requests!

Second, consultants get visible by establishing themselves as experts. They write articles, speak, set up blogs, post videos of them speaking, get active in their industry associations, start online groups, and even do simple research projects. All of these things establish their credibility and prove that they are thinking about, and can solve, the most pressing problems the people in their target market face. I don’t care if you are at the lowest level of a company. You can still do some sort of educational marketing to establish yourself as an expert in your field.

Third, consultants are early adopters of social media. They know every feature of LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, BlogTalkRadio, YouTube, and question and answer sites – and they know how to use these technologies to meet new people and get introductions. I don’t care if you think you are too old! Your life depends on learning these technologies.

Interestingly, if you take this exercise seriously, you might even end up getting consulting offers, which could launch your career in a very different, exciting direction. Personally, I prefer being a consultant than an employee. As a consultant, I have dozens of clients; if I lose one, I only lose a small portion of my income. Plus, as a consultant I am constantly marketing, and so landing a new opportunity is not such a huge deal. For the purposes of this exercise, you are seeking a full-time job offer. However, in the real world, be flexible and agile, ready to turn someone’s interest in you into any form of assignment you can get!

Once you have the right mindset, messages that communicate your value, and you are thinking like a consultant, you are ready for the fourth and final step, coming next…

 

Andrew Neitlich is the co-author, with Jay Conrad Levinson, of Guerrilla Marketing for a Bulletproof Career, a book that reveals the secrets to career success in perpetually gut-wrenching times. For more information, and for additional articles, visit www.bulletproofcareer.com. He also runs the Center for Career Coaching, which trains career coaches.

Read more on the Simply Hired Blog: http://blog.simplyhired.com/2011/03/finding-a-new-job-as-if-your-life-depended-on-it-part-three-think-like-a-consultant.html#ixzz1IlqoZAYE
[info_box]Originally posted on the Simply hired Blog By Andrew Neitlich[/info_box]

The previous two blog entries presented the first two in a four-step process for finding a new job. The first entry challenged you to pretend that your life – and the lives of those dearest to you – depended on finding a new job. Literally. The goal was to get you into the mindset you would have if this really happened to you.

Step two showed you how to create messages that communicate your value in ways that an employer would take notice.

Now you are ready for step three…

Step Three: Think like a consultant. Consultants make marketing their top priority. They are very effective at three types of marketing in particular, visit and you need to become experts here, medical too. The first is in getting referrals. They are pros when it comes to telling people about the value they provide, and then educating them about the types of people they want to meet. They also know how to help other people, by making introductions for them and helping them in other ways to advance their careers. You need to be willing to tell everyone you know about the value you provide, and then explicitly ask people who they know who might be looking for that value. Don’t be shy; your life depends on making direct requests!

Second, consultants get visible by establishing themselves as experts. They write articles, speak, set up blogs, post videos of them speaking, get active in their industry associations, start online groups, and even do simple research projects. All of these things establish their credibility and prove that they are thinking about, and can solve, the most pressing problems the people in their target market face. I don’t care if you are at the lowest level of a company. You can still do some sort of educational marketing to establish yourself as an expert in your field.

Third, consultants are early adopters of social media. They know every feature of LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, BlogTalkRadio, YouTube, and question and answer sites – and they know how to use these technologies to meet new people and get introductions. I don’t care if you think you are too old! Your life depends on learning these technologies.

Interestingly, if you take this exercise seriously, you might even end up getting consulting offers, which could launch your career in a very different, exciting direction. Personally, I prefer being a consultant than an employee. As a consultant, I have dozens of clients; if I lose one, I only lose a small portion of my income. Plus, as a consultant I am constantly marketing, and so landing a new opportunity is not such a huge deal. For the purposes of this exercise, you are seeking a full-time job offer. However, in the real world, be flexible and agile, ready to turn someone’s interest in you into any form of assignment you can get!

Once you have the right mindset, messages that communicate your value, and you are thinking like a consultant, you are ready for the fourth and final step, coming next…

 

Andrew Neitlich is the co-author, with Jay Conrad Levinson, of Guerrilla Marketing for a Bulletproof Career, a book that reveals the secrets to career success in perpetually gut-wrenching times. For more information, and for additional articles, visit www.bulletproofcareer.com. He also runs the Center for Career Coaching, which trains career coaches.

Read more on the Simply Hired Blog: http://blog.simplyhired.com/2011/03/finding-a-new-job-as-if-your-life-depended-on-it-part-three-think-like-a-consultant.html#ixzz1IlqoZAYE
Tuesday, cost April 12, viagra 100mg 6 – 8pm

[fancy_box]Ramada Inn – 3536 Secor Road, Toledo

Home ownership continues to be one of the best investments.

Come explore this informational homeownership summit.

Everything you need to know about purchasing, refinancing and maintaining a home all at your fingertips.[/fancy_box]

Homeownership 101 Educational Program, 6 – 7pm

[one_half]
• Realtor vs. Broker

• Getting Credit Ready

• Understanding Mortgage Lingo

• Financing Options

[/one_half]

[one_half_last]• Down Payment Assistance Programs

• Insurance Needs

• Home Maintenance Education

[/one_half_last]

[info_box]

Also, on-site vendors to talk with if you’re looking for a new home or, if you’re trying to save your home

[/info_box]

* Pre-qualifications and 1 on 1 counseling

Fifth Third Mortgage Lenders

* Buying Power and Credit Scores

Consumer Credit Counseling Services CCCS

* Foreclosure Prevention

Representatives providing resource information, ESOP

* Community Homes on Display

Neighborhood Stabilization Program and The Dorr Street Brownstones

* Home Ownership Corner

Meet area Realtors, Insurance and Title Company Representatives

[download_box]Download the Flyer here[/download_box]

 

 

 

Finding a New Job As If Your Life Depended on It: Part Two – Communicate Your Value

An image of a life monitoring device sourced from http://www.sxc.hu/photo/36776
[info_box]Originally posted on the Simply hired Blog By Andrew Neitlich[/info_box]

Looking for a new job and not having success? In this four-part series, discount you will increase your odds of job search success in four steps.

Step One: Pretend that you’ve just gotten the scariest call in your life, order and get in the right mindset. Before you read about what this means, please realize that step one might be a reach for some of you. You might roll your eyes. You might want to stop reading immediately. However, if you can suspend your disbelief for a moment and take in what I am asking you to do, then you might find that getting a new job becomes much easier.

Here is the scenario: Assume you get an anonymous call on your cell phone. The person on the other end gives you very scary news. They are holding hostage the person in your life that you hold most dear. You have exactly 30 days to find a new job, or you will never see this person again. At the same time, if you fail, they will come and get you next. Then they hang up.

Most people in this scenario would be clueless, but not you. You are going to take this scenario seriously.

You really are going to act as if your life depended on getting a new job. Most people lack urgency and edge when they want a new job – especially compared to someone whose life depends on it. Many are so cynical and discouraged that they give only a half-hearted effort. Others don’t work full time at it, even though they claim that they are. Too many job seekers treat the exercise as if their life were a dress rehearsal, not their one and only chance in this brief moment in this very short life.

You are different. You realize that getting a new job in just 30 days is going to be like pushing a boulder up a steep hill. You understand that you have to put five, 10 — even 20 — units of effort in, just to see one unit of result come back to you. While others barely get the rock moving before they quit, you are going to keep pushing and pushing – no matter how exhausted you are, until that rock starts its way up the hill. And then you are going to keep pushing. Even if you have to take a step or two backwards, you are never going to give up. You will keep moving up that hill.

One other thought: People pushing a boulder up a hill don’t have time to think about status, pride, or whether the next job is going to be as good as the last one. You also don’t have the luxury of going back to school or making a long-term plan to change your skills. Right now, you don’t have a job, and your life is at stake. You don’t have the luxury to whine, or think like a victim. Keep pushing up the hill!

Before you read the next part of this series, get into the mindset that your life – and the lives of those dearest to you – literally depend on your getting a job, fast. Then think about what you are going to do next.

Read more on the Simply Hired Blog: http://blog.simplyhired.com/2011/03/finding-a-new-job-as-if-your-life-depended-on-it-part-one-get-in-the-right-mindset.html#ixzz1HRDF0wT4

 
[info_box]Originally posted on the Simply hired Blog By Andrew Neitlich[/info_box]

The previous blog entry presented the first in a four-step process for finding a new job. It challenged you to pretend that your life – and the lives of those dearest to you – depended on finding a new job. It asked you to pretend that you get an anonymous call on your cell phone. The person on the other end gives you very scary news. They are holding hostage the person in your life that you hold most dear. You have exactly 30 days to find a new job, page or you will never see this person again. At the same time, pill if you fail, prostate they will come and get you next. Then they hang up.

Step one was to get into the mindset you would have if this really happened to you. Now you are ready for step two….

Step Two: Create messages that communicate your value. Lives are at stake, but you can’t just scramble around looking for a new job. You have to be efficient. You need a strong foundation before you can take action. You have to know how to communicate your value to others so that they notice you, and think of you first when they have a need.

Most people have no idea how to communicate their value to other people. Specifically, they can’t justify how they can bring value equal to two, three, five, even ten times their salary and benefits back to a company.

Once again, you are different. You can tell people precisely how you help them, and the benefits they get by hiring you. How can you help increase sales? Decrease costs? Improve customer relationships and create raving, loyal fans? Bring new products to market more quickly and successfully? Save your boss time and hassle, so that he can focus on advancing his own career?

Once you figure out how you add value, you need to be able to explain your unique edge. Why you? What sets you apart compared to everyone else looking?

Finally, you need to prove that your claims are true, with past achievements, references, and case studies about your results.

If you can do this, you have a good chance of seeing your loved one again. If you can’t, you need to finesse your story as best you can because, again, your life depends on it.

Once you have your messages in place, you can move to Step Three, coming next.

Read more on the Simply Hired Blog: http://blog.simplyhired.com/2011/03/finding-a-new-job-as-if-your-life-depended-on-it-part-two-communicate-your-value.html

 

The State of Urban Jobs

What You Need to Know About the State of Urban Jobs!

NUL’s State of Urban Jobs site at iamempowered.com gives you everything you need to know about jobs including the monthly employment report with stats for Blacks, recipe Whites and Latinos, dosage the National Urban League’s position on employment and job creation policy, here the facts about how investing in job creation is the best strategy for reducing the deficit, as well as resume writing tips and job listings. Click here to view and stay abreast of the latest developments.

Highlights of the March 2011 Employment Report:

The economy gained 216,000 jobs in March while private sector employment (excludes government losses) increased by 230,000.  Together with last month’s revised numbers of 194,000 net total job growth and 240,000 net private jobs, this represents the fastest two month pace since before the recession.  The number of unemployed people in March declined to 13.5 million, while the labor force participation rate was unchanged.

The largest private sector job growth occurred in professional and business services (+78,000), education and health (+45,000; 36,600 in health care alone), and leisure and hospitality (+37,000).  Most losses were concentrated in government , with local governments shedding 15,000 jobs in March.

The unemployment rate changed little – now 8.8% (from 8.9% in February).  The black unemployment rate increased slightly to 15.5%(from 15.3%) – the unemployment rate for black men was up to 16.8% (from 16.2%); for black women, down to 12.5% (from 13.0%). The unemployment rate for whites was 7.9% (from 8.0%) while the Hispanic rate was 11.3% (from 11.6%).  Rates of teen unemployment were 21.6% for whites (from 21.3%), 42.1% for African-Americans (from 38.4%) and 31.9% for Latinos (from 30.6%). The rate of underemployment (including the unemployed, marginally attached and those working part-time for economic reasons) was 15.7% (from 15.9%).

The ranks of long-term unemployed (jobless for 27 weeks or more) has been trending up since September 2010 – now at 6.1 million (from 6.0 million) or 45.5% of all unemployed.

The March 2011 Employment report is available at the State of Urban Jobs website.  For more information on state and regional unemployment statistics for January 2011 (latest available), click here.  For more information on metropolitan area unemployment statistics for January 2011 (latest available), click here.  Also, available from the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee (JEC), the March 2011 edition of its state-by-state snapshots which detail each individual state’s economic progress for the previous month.

Check out the original post on NUL.Org

Finding a New Job As If Your Life Depended on It: Part One – Get in the Right Mindset

[info_box]Originally posted on the Simply hired Blog By Andrew Neitlich[/info_box]

Looking for a new job and not having success? In this four-part series, approved see you will increase your odds of job search success in four steps.

Step One: Pretend that you’ve just gotten the scariest call in your life, thumb and get in the right mindset. Before you read about what this means, this site please realize that step one might be a reach for some of you. You might roll your eyes. You might want to stop reading immediately. However, if you can suspend your disbelief for a moment and take in what I am asking you to do, then you might find that getting a new job becomes much easier.

Here is the scenario: Assume you get an anonymous call on your cell phone. The person on the other end gives you very scary news. They are holding hostage the person in your life that you hold most dear. You have exactly 30 days to find a new job, or you will never see this person again. At the same time, if you fail, they will come and get you next. Then they hang up.

Most people in this scenario would be clueless, but not you. You are going to take this scenario seriously.

You really are going to act as if your life depended on getting a new job. Most people lack urgency and edge when they want a new job – especially compared to someone whose life depends on it. Many are so cynical and discouraged that they give only a half-hearted effort. Others don’t work full time at it, even though they claim that they are. Too many job seekers treat the exercise as if their life were a dress rehearsal, not their one and only chance in this brief moment in this very short life.

You are different. You realize that getting a new job in just 30 days is going to be like pushing a boulder up a steep hill. You understand that you have to put five, 10 — even 20 — units of effort in, just to see one unit of result come back to you. While others barely get the rock moving before they quit, you are going to keep pushing and pushing – no matter how exhausted you are, until that rock starts its way up the hill. And then you are going to keep pushing. Even if you have to take a step or two backwards, you are never going to give up. You will keep moving up that hill.

One other thought: People pushing a boulder up a hill don’t have time to think about status, pride, or whether the next job is going to be as good as the last one. You also don’t have the luxury of going back to school or making a long-term plan to change your skills. Right now, you don’t have a job, and your life is at stake. You don’t have the luxury to whine, or think like a victim. Keep pushing up the hill!

Before you read the next part of this series, get into the mindset that your life – and the lives of those dearest to you – literally depend on your getting a job, fast. Then think about what you are going to do next.

Read more on the Simply Hired Blog: http://blog.simplyhired.com/2011/03/finding-a-new-job-as-if-your-life-depended-on-it-part-one-get-in-the-right-mindset.html#ixzz1HRDF0wT4

 

Ways to Ask for the Job at Interview’s End

[fancy_header]Blog Archives[/fancy_header]

[smart_archives]

[divider_top]Top[/divider_top]
[info_box]Originally posted on the Simply hired Blog By Phil Rosenberg[/info_box]

What do you do at the end of an interview?

Everyone tells you to ask for the job … but few people will tell you how to ask for it.

Many job seekers take a passive approach and just don’t ask for the job. There are not many situations where a passive approach works well and is often interpreted in a lack of interest in the job.

Interviewers and hiring managers typically assume that if a candidate doesn’t ask for the job, view they just aren’t interested. From the candidate point of view, diagnosis asking for the job makes many uncomfortable, approved opens themselves up for rejection – this is especially common among candidates who have had long term frustrations with job search. Others feel that asking for the job is “too pushy”.

I give this general career advice to all candidates: Take a risk and ask because you miss 100% of the shots you never take. So far, this isn’t earth shattering news.

Here’s the real meat of today’s career advice: Let’s go over some strategies that work well, and contrast with a few that don’t. In addition, I’ll help you translate the interviewer’s response to better understand if you’ll move forward in the hiring process.

7 ways to ask for the job at interview’s end:

Common Approaches

[dropcap1]1[/dropcap1] Direct Approach: “I’d really like to work for your company – the job sounds perfect for me”
While the most popular approach, this method is riddled with problems. It’s centered around what the candidate wants, not what the company wants. If delivered with the wrong tone, in the wrong situation, or to the wrong person, it can be perceived as desperate or pushy. This approach doesn’t ask the interviewer for their opinion of the candidate, which could even appear insulting. Where this can work – for a high pressure, transactional sales position, this demonstrates an ability to go for the close. At an employer that values relationships and taking the time to build trust, this approach can ruin an otherwise great interview.

[dropcap1]2[/dropcap1] Feedback Approach: “So how did I do?”
This approach asks the interviewer for feedback, and puts the interviewer on the spot. If you are one of the leading candidates, and the interviewer definitely has you on the callback list, you’ll probably get a strong answer. The problem with this approach is if you are on the bubble for callback, you’ll rarely have an interviewer tell you this (interviewers don’t want confrontation, or to make a discussion uncomfortable – plus they probably have to move on to the next candidate). If you’re on the bubble, you’ll probably get a non answer telling you that they will review all candidates and make callbacks in the next week or two – basically “Don’t call us, we’ll call you”.

Closing Approaches

[dropcap1]3[/dropcap1] Next Steps Approach: “What’s our next step?”
While a favorite among salespeople, this approach can have drawbacks also. This approach uses an assumptive close technique common in the sales world, assuming there’s a next step and that the interview process will move forward. If you’re a leading candidate, you’ll likely get the response you want, otherwise you’re likely to hear that the company is still reviewing candidates and …. “Don’t call us, we’ll call you”.

[dropcap1]4[/dropcap1] Objections Approach: “Do you have any remaining concerns about how well I could do the job?”
This is another approach that might work more effectively for a sales position than for others. For a transactional sales position, it demonstrates closing techniques. For non-sales positions, you risk that you haven’t asked the right question. The interviewer may answer “no”, which can still leave the candidate in confusion – The interviewer may have decided that you are not a good fit, so they have no remaining concerns … the interviewer’s decision has already been made.

Leveraged Feedback Approaches

[dropcap1]5[/dropcap1] Ranking Approach: “In comparison to other candidates for this position, how do I rank?”
This is a higher level approach, which can give the candidate insight as to chances of getting the job. Higher quality feedback is one of the advantages to this approach. You open the interviewer to give some great feedback, allowing a comparison of how strong of a fit the interviewer perceives vs your own perception of how the interview went. If the response that doesn’t translate into “you’re one of the top candidates” … move to the next opportunity, because this one’s not happening.

[dropcap1]6[/dropcap1] Fit Approach: “How do you see me fitting in with your company?”
This approach can uncover unmentioned objections in an interview and can give feedback to understand how well you “read” the interview (do your perceptions of fit match the interviewer’s perceptions). This can be effective especially when a key criteria is sensitivity to others. If the response isn’t excited and glowing, if the word “fine” or something similar is used, or if the interviewer is waiting to review all the candidates, you aren’t a top choice. Again, move on and don’t wait by the phone.

[dropcap1]7[/dropcap1] 1 to 10 Approach: “On a 1 to 10 scale (10 being best), how do you think I’d do in the position?”
For most situations, I like this approach best, other than for highly transactional sales positions. This approach treats your desire to get feedback as an employee review, showing that you truly seek constructive criticism. It’s also a process that HR personnel, recruiters, and hiring managers are very familiar with, increasing your chances of getting an honest response. To get additional feedback, you can ask a secondary question “What could I do to make that a 10?” This approach gives you a very clear idea of where you stand and your best shot at understanding any objections in the interviewer’s mind – maybe even a chance to clear up any misunderstandings. If you get anything but a 9 or a 10, move on.

Employers and Recruiters – What are some of the best approaches are you’ve seen for a candidate to ask for a job at the close of the interview?
Read more on the Simply Hired Blog: http://blog.simplyhired.com/2011/03/7-ways-to-ask-for-the-job-at-interviews-end.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mar22#ixzz1HR0xaZNa

Urban League position on Issue 3

[toggle title=”Latest Update”]

Voters of Toledo clearly expressed their will as it relates to Toledo Public Schools and Issue 3.  With the failure of this levy an opportunity has been created to really begin a dialogue between Toledo Public Schools, rx its Board, Administration, Administration and Teacher Unions, parents, community and most importantly the students.

The Greater Toledo Urban League, while expressing opposition to the levy, take no pleasure in its failure.  We rather view this as a potential watershed moment from which we can choose to either continue the same confrontational and “pass the blame” rhetoric or we can forge a “new way forward” that will address the varied issues we now face.  A plan to effectively address the inequities in the offering of a quality education for all students and the creation of a culture that supports community-based schools is paramount to the success of this district.

We further understand that the responsibility is not solely on TPS, but it is a collective responsibility that must be borne by all beginning with parents, citizens, the religious leaders, and business professionals.  NOW is the time for leadership! It is the desire of the Greater Toledo Urban League to work with TPS and this community to ensure that each child in Toledo receives a quality education that prepares them for college, careers and productive citizenship.  We ask that you join us in this effort!

[download_box]Issue 3 Follow up statement[/download_box]

[/toggle]

[info_box]A press conference was held on Friday April, 23, 2010 to address the Greater Toledo Urban League’s official Toledo Public School’s issue 3. Read the official statement by the Greater Toledo Urban League president John Jones below.[/info_box]
[fancy_box]

GTUL’s Position Statement on Issue 3 – Toledo Public Schools Levy

We face a crucial time in the life and history of our city.  Job growth in some sectors remains dismal, unemployment continues to hover around 12% for the City, and overall the economic rebound we desire to see is slow at best.  The City of Toledo in order to close a $48 million deficit has had to call on employees to take cuts in pay and do more with less, Unions to agree to concessions and everyday citizens to bear a larger percentage of the load.

At the same time, within the City our school system is facing an enormous budget crisis as well.  As it attempts to close a $30 million deficit, there has been much discussion about where to generate revenue and make cuts.  Unfortunately the Board and Administration of our District has engaged in little dialogue to collectively come up with a solution that creates the needed change and reform to provide ALL students with a quality, first-class education.

Over the past ten years we have seen a sharp decline in the number of students in the district (per Ohio Department of Education enrollment declined 27%, from approximately 35,000 to approximately 26,000).  While the enrollment has declined, revenues and expenditures per pupil not only have increased disproportionately, but have also seen an increase that has far outpaced inflationary rates.  This rough analysis supports our belief that this community has supported levies almost without question and in some instances blindly.  More specifically, the precincts that comprise the Central City (which is primarily minority) has staunchly supported each levy while receiving the majority of school cuts and the lowest amount of resources necessary to prepare students for college, work and life.  Additionally, through the “Building for Success” program we have seen a disproportionate share of contracts being awarded to minority contractors and new or renovated schools have seen a very apparent delay of and even exclusion from the plan altogether.  The levy, if passed on the backs of the community, will have a devastating impact on poor and working families, as many of them have little disposable income to bear an additional tax at this time.

The Greater Toledo Urban League, as an affiliate of the National Urban League, has adopted as one of its long range goals, “ensuring each child receives a quality education that prepares them for college, work and life by 2025”.  We are 100% committed to this goal, however locally we find it difficult to achieve within a District that is begging for reform and lacking in transparency and accountability.  It is disingenuous at best and blatantly hypocritical at its worst for Toledo Public Schools to ask the community to support a levy and trust their judgment when resources have been squandered and decisions made that will have a negative impact on success and progress in the future.

We support our students wholeheartedly and we support quality teachers within our District.   However we recognize that to continue providing funds without a clear strategic focus and vision; without a massive reform of administration; without a review and revision of union contracts; and without a concentrated effort to work collaboratively with the entire community, will be the greatest disservice we could do to our community’s most precious assets – OUR YOUTH.  Therefore the Greater Toledo Urban League, at this time cannot support Issue 3.

Now is the time for this community to step up and hold our elected officials and public institutions accountable!

Now is the time for this community to step up and volunteer to assist students in their quest to not only secure a quality education, but also to become productive contributors to our community!

Now is the time for this community to step up and contribute to the success of each youth in a way that is commensurate with one’s ability!

GTUL’s Recommendations
  1. Develop a Strategic Plan: There is a “plan” that is more than five years old.  This could be revisited, but the landscape is different and our students, teachers and community should know that there is a plan and that it is being followed and implemented
  2. Review and “right-size” the administration: Based on what is present today within the District are the levels and layers of administration still applicable and more importantly appropriate.
  3. Review and revise union contracts: This must be done in collective and collaborative so as to make student education and learning the best it can be.  We must be “ahead of the curve” on many issues and realize that what worked even five years ago is different today given our current situation.
  4. Develop and foster an environment that welcomes continuous collaboration and innovation, while valuing human capital: This is critical in bringing about transformational change to this community.  TPS cannot be seen as “the problem” alone, as it will take an entire village to ensure that children are prepared for post-secondary education, work and life

[note_box]NOTE:  Some of this discussion and corresponding support for focusing on these areas can be found in the report entitled, “Restoring Prosperity: The State Role in Revitalizing Ohio’s Core Communities” prepared by the Brookings Institution in conjunction with Greater Ohio.  The link to this document is below.

[download_box]restoring_prosperity[/download_box]

[/note_box]

[download_box]Official Greater Toledo Urban League Statement on Issue 3[/download_box]

[download_box]TPS Issue 3 recomendations[/download_box]

[/fancy_box]

Thank you all

The Greater Toledo Urban League would like to thank all of you that attended our 13th Annual Dinner and Centennial Celebration this past Friday. We would especially like to thank Marc Morial (President/CEO The National Urban League) for taking time out of his busy schedule to honor us with his wonderful and empowering  presentation for the event. We would also like to thank all of the public officials and the entire city of Toledo for supporting us in this historic occasion.

This event marks the beginning of our campaign to raise awareness of not only what we at the Urban League can do but what we as an entire community are capable of when we work together.  From the staff, website abortion board, and annual dinner committee we’d like to say, Thank you!

Consolidation and Conservation: It Saves Money

The Greater Toledo Urban League Young Professionals and Greater Toledo Urban League GUILD have organized this event in tandem with the upcoming 2010 13th Annual Dinner and Centennial Celebration.

This event is free to the public and is a chance to find out more about the Urban League and our programs and services.

For more information please call (419) 243-3343 and RSVP for this event on our Facebook page.
[pullquote_right]Their competitors have taken notice and are planning similar operations changes
in the near future, this not just because its innovative, what is ed but because it makes good
financial sense. Spend less to make more![/pullquote_right] [dropcap2]A[/dropcap2]ll over this country we are seeing a wave of consolidation in real estate users
and tenants to save money. Commercial users have known for a long time that they
could improve the bottom line by locating two, three, or more food concepts at
one restaurant outlet. By cross marketing several brands they own, but more
importantly, saving money on opening additional brick and mortar stores they
achieve increased revenue without the additional expenses. For example, Yum
Foods! one of the largest corporations in the country, which owns brands like
KFC, Taco Bell, A&W, and Pizza Hut, often times opens locations with up to three
of these restaurants at one spot with drive thru access. These free standing operations
have begun to revolutionize fast food. Brands you know and food you love all in
one location. No more running around to satisfy the taste of each person in the
car, its all right at your finger tips.

Their competitors have taken notice and are planning similar operations changes
in the near future, not just because its innovative, but because it makes good
financial sense. Spend less to make more!

In other ways real estate consolidation has been an effective tool
to maximize limited resources. During our current financial crisis nationally in
the residential housing market a similar phenomenon is happening. Many home
owners who have fallen behind on mortgage payments or may be facing loss of
employment have began taking in tenants or relatives to share the cost of
utilities and other living expenses. We are seeing many colleagues use
carpooling as a method to save on gasoline. These are all very smart tried and
true ways to save money.

These words; consolidation, conservation, and cash-flow, are more important than
ever today. Businesses, individual people, and even our government all have the
same challenges of high cost and low revenue. With that in mind, the merger of
companies, banks, households, and government agencies not only makes sense, but
it has become a necessity.

[pullquote_right]Always remember that in life success is the greatest revenge…[/pullquote_right]For Northwest Ohio we could apply some of this same logic. The City of Toledo
currently has an estimated $48 million dollar deficit with no clear way to dig
ourselves out. Although I have complete confidence in Mayor Mike Bell’s
strategy, he could take this advice as well. “Look at your facilities and merge
where you can.” Of course the politics will have to be worked out, but the
savings on operating cost could reduce the deficit by millions over time. We
didn’t get into this whole over night and we probably won’t climb out by
morning. As well with Lucas County, there are many facilities and agencies that
could be consolidated to save money. Due to the age and condition of most of the
buildings occupied by the agencies supportive services, now is probably the best
opportunity to implement and consolidation and conservation strategy. By either
constructing new or rehabilitating old buildings to house the larger most
essential County service agencies, an almost immediate savings could be
realized. Through using renewable energy and green technology sources the long
term reduction in operating cost would be a direct benefit to the Lucas County
taxpayer to the tune of millions of dollars.

Through the leadership of our County Commissioners and Mayor Bell we are heading
toward increased financial stability. The strategies and techniques of
consolidation and conservation in tandem, in my opinion, are two of the ways to
begin that journey.

Always remember that in life success is the greatest revenge…

Rodney K. Neely

Pre-Centennial Reception

The Greater Toledo Urban League Young Professionals and Greater Toledo Urban League GUILD have organized this event in tandem with the upcoming 2010 13th Annual Dinner and Centennial Celebration.

This event is free to the public and is a chance to find out more about the Urban League and our programs and services.

For more information please call (419) 243-3343 and RSVP for this event on our Facebook page.