October 18, 2011

Access*Point Gives Local Jobseekers a Jumpstart in the Hiring Process

FINDLAY, Ohio, Oct. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- JOBsolutions, in conjunction with 10 local employers, has developed Access*Point, a "first of its kind" initial job screening process that can be accessed from a home computer or at several kiosks located throughout Hancock County. The participating companies are: Rowmark, Whirlpool Corporation, Cascade, Findlay's Tall Timber Distribution Center, Ohio Logistics, Findlay Machine & Tool (FMT) Inc., GSW Manufacturing Inc., GROB Systems, Cooper Tire, and new company-MITEC Powertrain.

Access*Point Gives Local Jobseekers a Jumpstart in the Hiring Process With 'First... -- FINDLAY, Ohio, Oct. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Access*Point gives jobseekers the ability to fill out a web-based aptitude application with initial employment assessment via the internet. Jobseekers have the opportunity and access to all 10 companies through this one assessment. The results of the applicant's assessment are then sent to the selected participating area employers as an initial screening process for a potential new hire. Jobseekers can access the site directly from a home computer. Those without computer access can visit various sites in Hancock County that have kiosks set up specifically to administer the screening test. It will also be utilized as an important workforce development tool by assisting JOBsolutions in growing the manufacturing base and upgrading the area workforce.
"This is a great opportunity for jobseekers to get a jumpstart on the application process by completing an initial screening through Access*Point," said Carolyn Rodenhauser, Workforce Development Administrator for Hancock County JOBsolutions. "Having the kiosks available at different locations makes this a process everyone can access. This endeavor would not have been possible without the cooperation of our local employers and other community agencies. We are excited to offer Access*Point to our area jobseekers."
Rodenhauser also stated, "This innovative system is the first in the nation. It was initiated by the former Hancock County Job and Family Services Director, Judy Wauford, after a meeting with area companies."
To access the screening process visit www.jobsolutions.net homepage and click on the link or go directly to www.proveit2.com/accesspoint.
Participating companies are also eager to launch the project.
"Access Point will provide applicants to area employers that in the past may not have been available," said Rick Aurand of Ohio Logistics. "As employers in today's marketplace, I think we all like to see applicants that are willing to go outside their comfort zone and embrace a new way of doing things. This project has been a long time from concept to fruition, but will benefit employers and potential employees alike."
Beth (Linhart) Kroetz from Rowmark agreed.
"When we can help to match job seekers with open positions within the community, everyone wins," said Kroetz. "This new system utilizes technology to help both the employee and employer during the hiring and screening process."
Access*Point kiosks will be located throughout the community at JOBsolutions, Hancock County Job & Family Services, Findlay-Hancock County Public Library, Hope House, Century Health, Owens Community College and the Findlay-Hancock County Alliance (Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development offices). Additional locations can be added by calling the JOBsolutions office at 419-422-3679.
JOBSolutions is an employment resource that works with its partner agencies to enhance workforce preparation and grow area employment levels. JOBSolutions staff and representatives from its partner agencies are available at the One Stop Center located at 7746 CR 140, Suite B, Findlay.
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Access*Point Gives Local Jobseekers a Jumpstart in the Hiring Process With 'First... -- FINDLAY, Ohio, Oct. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Posted by staff at 12:57 PM

September 02, 2011

A New Approach to the Job Hunt In Iowa

Iowa job program offers resources for four main groups, job seekers, unemployed, veterans, and employers. The program provides job listings, resume and interview tips, as well as typing and computer lessons to those who need it

A New Approach to the Job Hunt In Iowa | KCRG-TV9 | Cedar Rapids, Iowa News, Sports, and Weather | Local News

NORTH LIBERTY, Iowa - 36 Iowa Workforce development offices will close tomorrow due to budget cuts, many of them in small towns. Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, Dubuque and Iowa City will all remain open. But new employment kiosks will now be available as a resource in areas that no longer have offices. The computers can help people find jobs, gain computer literacy, and find unemployment information.

Brenda Dodge, the Operations Director for the Iowa Workforce Development Office in Iowa City, says the new kiosks will help spread resources needed for those seeking employment all over Iowa. "I think this allows greater access to services that would not be available in those communities where the offices are closing," Dodge said.

The kiosks are also known as virtual access points. They can be found mostly in libraries and private community organizations. North Liberty Library is one of the first places in Eastern Iowa to have the new program. Jennie Garner, is the assistant library director at the North Liberty Library, and is hoping people utilize it. "I think it is a great addition, since we are so far out from Iowa City. If you are unemployed or out of work it also may be a challenge to find transportation," Garner said. "We only had offices in 55 location, and we have 99 counties. We have never had access in all 99 counties but now with the virtual access we can make partnerships with counties to provide more availability to services," Dodge said.

The program offers resources for four main groups, job seekers, unemployed, veterans, and employers. The program provides job listings, resume and interview tips, as well as typing and computer lessons to those who need it. "It was sort of a sigh of relief for me to see that was there to help people. I think some big challenges are that people don't know how to use a mouse, or how to point and click," Garner said.

The kiosk also offers an online chat option that allows users to ask questions to someone in a workforce office, even if they are sitting in a library. "We don't anticipate or expect that the librarians would be someone who could answer questions especially on unemployment insurance and the application process," Dodge said.

The program is free of charge to install and free to users. With Iowa unemployment holding strong at six percent, some are hoping this kiosk will help provide the resources needed to put Iowan's back to work. If you would like to find a kiosk near you, you can check this link or call: (866) 239-0843.


A New Approach to the Job Hunt In Iowa | KCRG-TV9 | Cedar Rapids, Iowa News, Sports, and Weather | Local News

A New Approach to the Job Hunt In Iowa

Posted by staff at 02:02 PM