Dress for Success

A great resume will get you an interview - but you have to get yourself the job.

From the moment you walk in to an interview, your perspective employer is forming an opinion about whether to hire you - so it's critical to make a good first impression.

This segment shows how you can dress for success on a budget!

TAP - Total Action Against Poverty job resources

Find out how what resources TAP has to offer people in our region who are looking for a job. 

More information at:

Total Action Against Poverty (TAP)
108 North Jefferson Street, Suite 303
Roanoke
(540) 767-6220
TapIntoHope.org

Learning a new skill - horseshoeing

One of the necessities we've been talking about since the recession hit, is the idea of changing jobs and re-training for a new career.

When the economy is down and you can't find work in your field then maybe it's time to learn a new skill.

That's exactly what a group of students came to Martinsville to do.

More information at
dannywardhorseshoeingschool.com/

Council of Community Services

Being out of work can lead to many other problems.  Help is available from the Council of Community Service and 2-1-1 Virginia.  2-1-1 is a 24 hour information and referral number for health and human services.

More information at www.councilofcommunityservices.org/

Interview with Governor Tim Kaine 

We talked with Governor Tim Kaine while he was in Roanoke. Here's his take on how Virginia is faring in the recession compared to the rest of the country.

GED

Job interview pointers

What kind of questions might you get in a job interview?  What are potential employers trying to find out about you?

 This segment gives insight on what to expect in a job interview and how to prepare for it.

Interview with Governor Tim Kaine 

The July 7 episode of "JobQuest" featured an exclusive interview with Virginia Governor Tim Kaine, who discussed economic issues and the challenges facing many Blue Ridge PBS communities.

Kaine acknowledged that times are tough for many job seekers, but noted that Virginia has a good education system and good global connections that will help the state's economy to recover.

"Our unemployment rate, while it's not what we would like, is much better than the national average," he said. "All of the indicators right now would suggest that we will come out of it sooner and stronger than other states."

Library Resources

Local libraries offer a wealth of resources for people who are looking for a job.  Visitors will see that it's much more than books!

Job Fair

If you're looking for a job, chances are, you've been to a job fair.  But were you really prepared for it?

We talked to some experts about how to make the most of this unique opportunity to talk to face to face with companies who are hiring. 

Here's what you need to know about preparing for what is essentially a pre-interview.

Hot Jobs in Nursing

Occupations in nursing are projected to have the largest growth of any industry over a ten year period (2006-2016). 

The salary for a Registered Nurse is just over 60-thousand dollars a year, on average. 

You can earn a degree at Jefferson College of Health Sciences in Roanoke, and even apply online.

More information is available at www.jchs.edu/

A JobQuest Success Story

The goal of JobQuest is to help you find a job - and it's working.

Celia Carter is our first success story. She watched our show and got a job in Food Service at Virginia Tech.

She says JobQuest was there for her when she needed it most.

And if you get a job through JobQuest, let us know, we'd love to tell your story. Email us at jobquest@blueridgepbs.org
 

Virginia Education Wizard

Some of you at home may be wondering how to figure out what job is right for you.

There's a really exciting website that acts like a digital guidance counselor called the Virginia Education Wizard.
Here to tell us about it is Dr. Craig Herndon with Virginia's Community College System.

You can access it at www.VaWizard.org.

Mechatronics

If you're considering a career change, take a look at this program.

In as little as 6 weeks, you can be earning a higher paycheck.

This course is offered at Virginia Western Community College, but there are similar programs at community colleges in Danville, Abingdon, Lynchburg, Big Stone Gap, and Wytheville.

More information is available at www.vccs.edu/

Click here to see segments about building your resume and writing a cover letter.