Questions & Answers
Our panelists tried to answer as many audience questions as possible during the live event. For the questions we were unable to get to, our panelists have since answered the questions and we have listed them below for your convenience.
With a severance package and end date in the future, when, at what date, am I eligible for unemployment?
You should apply for unemployment the day you are laid off or the next day. Unemployment insurance will let you know based on the type of severance you are getting when you’ll be able to start collecting payments.
Are there articles or lists where to look for the companies that are hiring?
LinkedIn, Indeed and Google (search “job title” followed by word “jobs”) are all great places to look as is the NOVAworks job board. Company hiring opportunities change quickly so check these resources regularly. You can also set up job search alerts so that you’re notified of job postings that fit your search criteria as they’re posted.
How do you find groups related to the healthcare field?
You can search meetup.com for any topic. You can also Google search “healthcare groups.”
For more information regarding the healthcare industry, look at NOVAworks Industry Snapshot for Healthcare.
Where can I go for resume and cover letter help?
NOVAworks can provide assistance with both resume and cover letter development. Additional information about resume writing can be found in NOVAworks MyPlan job search planning tool.
Any tips on tracking activity?
The key is to find what works for you. It’s important to have an organizational system in place as a job search can become overwhelming if not organized. You’ll also want a way to access information accurately and quickly when that employer calls!
Some job seekers have great success managing their job search and tracking with resources they already have at their disposal. This can be as simple as an Excel or Google spreadsheet or organizing job search folders on their desktop. However, some like to access applications or tools available to them online (free or fee based). Here are some (not all) of the sites that have come in discussion with job seekers:
What are some questions to ask professionals on informational interviews?
NOVAworks offers a sample list of questions to ask during an informational meeting.
DeAnza Alumni graduated about 20 years ago, can we still receive services?
It depends on what services you’re interested in. To be involved in internships you must be a student taking at least 6 units. As far as counseling, you can call and make an appointment with De Anza College counseling division about becoming a retraining student. You can also contact Randy Bryant for more information at 408-864-8840 or [email protected].
Any advice for reentry into the workforce in 60s after being a homemaker. Just completed an associates degree in math engineering and computer science from Foothill college.
Take advantage of the career resources available to you from Foothill and DeAnza colleges. As Randy mentioned, there are many opportunities for students through the career centers.
Also, feel free to join NOVAworks and access the Mature Worker Job Coaching Program. The program, a partnership between NOVAworks and Peninsula Family Service, provides resources and support to help older adults (age 50+) return to work or change careers.
What set of skills do you think is more important to a middle manager – technical or manager skills?
It depends on the job. If the job is not highly technical, then managerial skills will be paramount. If you’re not yet in a managerial role, try to seek out and take on increased leadership of projects, responsibilities, and people, when possible. This will allow you to show that you can handle what is needed to be a successful manager.
However, for technical roles, often individuals who start with a strong technical background and showcase excellent soft skills (communication, conflict management, collaboration, etc.) are often chosen or promoted into managerial positions.
Employers consistently tell us that technical skills can be learned but having strong “people skills” are what ensures success in the workplace.
Are there any skills someone out of work and not currently in college, or with the ability to attend, can work on and start developing?
The first step is to determine a career focus. NOVAworks has a structured career exploration process to help people understand their skills and interests and then align that with the jobs that are in demand. Once the focus is determined, then the appropriate training plan can be created.
If you’re unable to seek out formal education (college), don’t despair. There are many online and free resources for you to take advantage of that will help you attain skills that align with your career goals.
You can seek out learning resources through your local library. In addition, NOVAworks maintains a list of low or no cost training options you can access.
How does one address coming to a new field without experience? Is self-learning enough?
Self-learning may not be sufficient for all positions. Entering a new field without experience can be challenging but is not impossible. Find a trusted person to introduce you to the company.
A great way to gain some experience is to volunteer. The skills you learn and people you meet while gaining experience will be invaluable when it comes to job search. Not only will you be able to show real time experience (unpaid/pro bono), but you’ll also possibly be able to get a reference or recommendation from the volunteer organization regarding your work ethic, quality of work, dependability, friendliness, attitude, etc. You’ll also be able to expand your network through volunteering which could also lead to an employment opportunity!
NOVAworks maintains a list of organizations that regularly post volunteer opportunities.
When is it (if it is) appropriate to ask about work-life balance?
This is a common question. While I understand the intent of the question, some managers might assume the candidate does not want to work. It’s best to do some informational meetings with people who work at the company to get a sense of the time commitments.
Remember that interviewing is a two-way street so another strategy may be to ask the company a question that will help you get to this knowledge based on the employer's response. Examples of questions you can ask the interviewer are:
- Can you walk me through a typical day/week for a person working in this role?
- Is it common to work outside of normal business hours / long days or weekends for this role?”
- How does the manager/team handle tight business deadlines?
- What is the workload/energy like at the end of each quarter?
By asking these questions, or similar ones, you may be able to ascertain what spectrum of work life/balance is attainable or the norm for the organization.
I devoted years of my life to my family and volunteered in my son's school and helped the family. Most people thought "I was not doing anything" and ignored my real-life experience. How can I show my value to employers, without being ignored?
A lot of the skills you use in your daily life and volunteering are transferable workplace skills. The key is to identify the skills that are relevant to the position you’re applying to. Then craft statements that show that you used the skill.
Most people do have difficulty identifying their skills. You can start by looking at NOVAworks’ skills checklist and reviewing what might be applicable for you.
With the free two years of community college, can you clarify whether that is available with NO DEGREE, or only if you have not attended any college? I had been enrolled and attended college for a few years but never finished any degree.
The De Anza College Promise, which is the two years free college, is available to students who have never attended college. Additional information is available on the De Anza website.
I would like to know more about networking skills. How does one know what to say while meeting people? Interested in knowing what to say to people, words to use, social prowess, proper responses to questions, how to work the room, how to strike up a conversation, what different topics to talk about, etc.
NOVAworks offers weekly opportunities for members to network with each other and hone their skills. The NOVAworks MyPlan website has information on networking.
Do you need a referral even for entry-level jobs?
A referral is always a good thing. A known entity is a stronger candidate. That said, people get jobs every day without referrals, for entry level and above.
Programs and tips for those working beyond retirement age, including part-time.
Feel free to join NOVAworks and access the Mature Worker Job Coaching Program. The program, a partnership between NOVAworks and Peninsula Family Service, provides resources and support to help older adults (age 50+) return to work or transition careers.
Cover letters. Different types and what format is the most effective?
NOVAworks offers tips on sending a cover letter and provides examples.