Top 5 Things a Job Seeker Should Do: Tip #1: Researching Employers

Posted on August 31, 2023August 31, 2023 by Diana Ramirez

Close-up of an Old 1945 Webster Vintage Dictionary showing the Word RESEARCH

Master the Art of Researching Potential Employers: Your Key to Job Search Success

Hey there, career warriors! Are you ready to land that dream job? We have an important strategy that could give you the advantage you need: extensive research on potential employers. Sounds serious? Not to worry! It may seem daunting, but we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Your job search is a journey, and we want to equip you with the tools you need to navigate it confidently. Extensive research about the companies you’re interested in can be your secret weapon. It’s all about empowering yourself with the knowledge to create killer applications, ace those interviews, and make confident decisions when weighing job offers.

Why Researching Potential Employers is a Must-Do

Creating the Perfect Job Application

Every company is unique, just like you. Understanding a company’s mission, culture, and needs can help you create applications that hit all the right notes. Like that personalized touch on a gift, customizing your application can make all the difference. It shows your genuine interest in the company and highlights why you would be a perfect fit.

Nail Your Interviews Like a Pro

Imagine knowing your interviewers so well you’ll feel like old friends. Researching your potential employer not only helps you understand how to answer their questions better but also turns the table by helping you ask insightful questions that demonstrate your preparation and passion.

Choosing the Best Job Offer

You’ve impressed them all, and now you have multiple job offers. It’s a significant problem to have! However, making the right decision can feel overwhelming. This is where your comprehensive research comes into play. Knowing the ins and outs of each company can guide you to make the best decision for your career path.

Sweet Tips on How to Start Your Research

Check out their website: It’s like the company’s home base. The ‘About Us’ page would be your starting point for understanding the company’s values, culture, and goals.
Go news hunting: Look for recent news articles, press releases, or industry reports on the company. It’ll give you an understanding of their current situation and future direction.
Social media is your friend: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram—their social media presence can tell you a lot about their brand and culture.

Your job hunt doesn’t have to feel like you’re stepping into the unknown. Equip yourself with knowledge and stride confidently toward your dream career. Remember – research is the best friend you never knew you needed on this journey. Here’s to your success in the job game! Let’s go out there and conquer that dream! 💪🔥

Embracing the Future: Meet Alfred L. Reeves, the New In-School Youth Program Manager

Posted on August 28, 2023August 25, 2023 by Diana Ramirez

Introducing Alfred Reeves

We’ve got something exciting to share. SWN proudly welcomes Alfred L. Reeves as our new In-School Youth Program Manager! With years of experience as an educator and academic administrator, Reeves is poised to tackle big challenges like workplace readiness among students.

Reeves will helm Blueprint for Maryland’s Future in Harford and Cecil County Public Schools, supporting students and preparing them for the world of work. Our goal? To arm students with effective workplace readiness strategies and help them bounce back from the workforce development losses caused by the pandemic.

A look at Alfred: he’s previously worked with students in Harford and Cecil Counties. His role as the Dean of Culture and Community and a specialist in Culturally Responsive Education at Denver Public Schools shows his commitment to improving educational outcomes. A board member of the ‘He is Me Institute, Inc.’, he’s brought about significant positive change in areas he’s worked.

Multi-degreed (Master’s from Georgetown University, Bachelor’s from both Howard University and Columbia Union College), Alfred is excited at the prospect of leading the In-School Youth Program into a new phase.

In Reeves’ own words: “It is with great excitement and purpose to have this opportunity to work in SWNetwork, along with the school systems and businesses of Cecil and Harford County, in a new exciting program that will help elevate the lives of the students as well as the communities they live and serve in. Returning to both of the counties who allowed me the opportunity to serve them as Director of the boys2MEN mentoring program is nothing short of a blessing and with that said I look forward to embracing former colleagues and establishing new ones! I am humbled to be serving in this great community venture.”

Stay tuned for more updates on our programs; we will continue to drive forward. The road to the work world may seem challenging, but it’ll be an adventure with the right guidance. An adventure that leads to the promising career you’ve always dreamt of.

Read the full Press Release here.

Top 5 Things a Job Seeker Should Do

Posted on August 24, 2023August 24, 2023 by Diana Ramirez

Join the Success Journey: A Comprehensive Guide for Job Seekers

Join us as we explore, in a multi-part series, the Top 5 Essential Tips every job seeker should employ to enhance their search. Buckle up as, week by week, we delve into why and how each tip can impact your job search and ultimate success.

We will look at strategies such as:

Research Potential Employers
- Extensively researching potential employers can give job seekers an advantage during their job search. This knowledge will serve in crafting tailored applications, performing well in interviews, and in deciding which job offer to accept if multiple are offered.
Craft a Tailored Resume and Cover Letter
- Each application a job seeker submits should be tailored specifically to the job description and company they’re applying to. Generic applications are often easily spotted and quickly disregarded by hiring managers.
Develop and Showcase Relevant Skills
- Job seekers should constantly work towards developing new skills and improving existing ones. These skills should be showcased on a resume, cover letters, and during interviews and networking opportunities.
Network
- Networking can bring about job opportunities that may not be advertised publicly, whether online or in person. Building these relationships also improves job seekers’ chances of getting a referral, which can be extremely valuable during hiring
Follow Up On Applications and Interviews
- Following up on sent applications lets employers know a candidate is genuinely interested in the job and may increase the chances of securing an interview. Similarly, following up after interviews allows job seekers to express gratitude for the opportunity and reaffirm their interest.

Each tip carries weight, ensuring your job search is not just another shot in the dark but a meticulously planned and executed career move.

So get ready as we equip you with tools and tips to enhance your job-seeking strategy and maximize your success. Don’t miss out!

SWN Celebrates 40 Years of Serving Cecil and Harford Counties

Posted on June 16, 2023August 24, 2023 by Diana Ramirez

Buffet table covered with SWN tablecloth topped with photos, books, and other memorabilia for the past 40 years.

On June 16, 2023, SWN celebrated its 40th annual meeting with special guests, employee accolades, and a surprise Secretary’s Citation honor.

We were excited to have Erin Moran join us as our Keynote Speaker. Erin is the inaugural executive director of the Dr. Nancy Grasmick Leadership Institute at Towson University. Throughout her 24-year career, Erin has been dedicated to developing leaders. She has received several awards, including being named one of the Top 50 Women Innovators in the Restaurant Industry and Women’s Foodservice Forum, Top Woman Metro New York Foodservice & Hospitality.

We were thrilled to have the opportunity to recognize two of our esteemed staff, Karen Hamilton, for her decade-long tenure at SWN and Melanie Davis, for her 20 years of dedicated service. Both women are vital pieces of the Susquehanna Workforce Network team, and we are proud to have their leadership.

Brigitte Peters of Maryland Commerce presented SWN Executive Director Kimberly Justus with the Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary’s Citation from Kevin A. Anderson. The honor was bestowed upon SWN “in recognition of being a leader in workforce development assistance in Harford and Cecil County.” Brigitte Peters of the MD Department of Commerce presented Kim Justus of SWN with the award at our 40th annual board meeting on June 16.

We thank Secretary Anderson for this prestigious acknowledgment and are honored to accept it. As we continue to offer free services that better businesses and job seekers in our region, we remain committed to maintaining the high standards that earned us this recognition.

We could not have accomplished our successful meeting without the support of our sponsors, WL Gore, Northrop Grumman, Harford Community College, IBEW Local 24, Cecil College, Voices of Hope, and Don Mathis & Suzanne Tuthill.

Lastly, we thank everyone who attended and celebrated our special event. We look forward to continuing to serve the community for the next forty (plus) years.