News

BY MEREDITH THORN • STEVENS POINT JOURNAL
CENTRAL WISCONSIN SUNDAY • AUGUST 24, 2008

Jackie Aron started working at the Domtar mill right out of high school -- and worked there in Nekoosa for almost 14 years.

After being laid off, the 33-year-old Wisconsin Rapids resident started school Thursday at Mid-State, training to become a respiratory therapist. She eventually wants to gain employment at one of the local hospitals.

"I guess I was sort of proactive," she said. "I had everything all in line before anything was officially decided."

With mill closures and layoffs affecting many throughout central Wisconsin, many fresh job seekers are thrown into the market without knowing how or where to begin.

Tom Younger, job service district director for central Wisconsin for the Job Center, said the first thing people should do is file for unemployment. Once that is complete, those who know what employment path to take should begin the job search.

He suggested that laid-off employees take self-assessments to explore what they would like to do and determine transferable skills. Workers also can consider taking a different career direction.

"Take those transferable skills and move them forward," he said.

Counselors are available to discuss career paths, and local job centers also conduct resume workshops, he said.

Younger also said there is a dislocated worker's program for people, including those who have lost jobs because of plant closures.

Tim Solinger, who owns Great Impressions Resume Service LLC in Stevens Point, said those who have been at an employer for an extended period of time should reserve time and really think about the different responsibilities and jobs they possessed at that employer.

Use available resources to craft a resume, spell the contact's name correctly and make sure to proofread to avoid mistakes, he said.

"What makes a resume strong is when you include accomplishments with the actual job duties," Solinger said.

He also suggests listing quantifiable achievements, including cost-cutting measures and sales increases.

And veteran employees can face some obstacles when it comes to finding a job.

Younger said older employees can find themselves facing specific challenges, including incorrect perceptions that older workers miss more work.

"Obviously, the huge plus is they've got this great work history," he said.