Wiser Worker Blog

If you are looking for a new career with the freedom of the road and you live in Michigan you might be in luck! You may qualify for free truck driving training if you have been laid off, not working, and make less than $40,000 a year through Michigan Works. I found this opportunity and I had to share it with you, you might remember I wrote about finding a new career in truck driving.

In that article I shared that over 65% of truck drivers today are over the age of 50. With the help of Great Truckers Driving School you can realize the dream of becoming an open road truck driver is you so desire the freedom a career in truck driving offers. If this career field is of interest to you and you live in Michigan you need to take advantage of their programs and opportunities.  There is no better time than today to make a change that can changes your life, what other job gives you the freedom to see the country while earning a paycheck?

Great Truck Drivers School is a certified licensed school from the State of Michigan. Owners are instructors as well, making a difference in training and they are friendly, patient their only interest is your safely and success. Great Truckers Driving School offers the very best in fully insured state certified vehicle training. Available seven days a week and our hours are very flexible to meet your needs, you can start anytime! Call today 1-313-271-6600 or email for more information greattruckschool@yahoo.com .   

Still want to learn more? Check out WiserWorker.com or our sister website Careersingears.com dedicated solely to transportation jobs. People just like you are already driving into retirement! Our websites have many resources you might find useful when researching if a career in truck driving is right to you.   

Part 3

I thought it might be helpful to explain the difference between online applicant profiles and online applications, there is a difference and you need to understand it.

Online Applicant Profile- Companies have the ability to build their search database of applicants by allowing the job seeker to enter your information into their database.  Recruiters often shop these online databases for candidates before they even post positions.  It’s not uncommon for a company to require you to create an online profile before completing an application, usually after you create an online profile then you can “shop” for jobs that are open within that company and then quickly apply for those jobs.  

Job Application- Usually when you fill out an application it’s for a specific position, and once that position is filled your application is archived. Applications are time sensitive and job specific.

Important - a profile is long term permanent record with that company where as a application is for one specific job opening.

It’s in your best interest to create online applicant profiles at the job boards you are most comfortable with such as WiserWorker.com.  Our employers visit our applicant profiles often looking for job seekers just like YOU. Click on this link to start your applicant profile.

Good Luck!

Part 2

Just like everything else in life if you are prepared the online application process will be far less intimidating. Before you jump in feet first prepare yourself. Make sure you have the appropriate amount of uninterrupted time set aside to fill out the application, figure on anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes for the first one.

So how do you prepare for something that is online? It’s just like being prepared for a traditional sit down interview. You wouldn’t go to an interview unprepared to talk about yourself and your skills so don’t sit down to a computer unless you are prepared as well.  Make sure you have these items ready and accessible when you get ready to sit down and fill out an application.

1.   Printed copy of your resume – use it as a reference.

2.   Electronic resume– In many cases you can copy information by selecting the information on your resume and pasting to the online application. 

3.   Your personal information – depending on what types of position you are applying for you may need information such as your driver’s license.  Have it handy!

4.   Your job history details – Have your dates of employment for both active and volunteer positions.

5.   Small note pad– keep a notepad with you to jot down any questions you might have…just like in a traditional interview.

So in a nutshell take the time to prepare for the time you will spend online filling out applications. IF you do the preparation work it will go so much better. I promise, hang in there we are in this together!

Everyday businesses across the United States make decisions, some tough and some are easy. Hiring new employees are one of the most difficult decisions managers have to make. Why? Well if you hire the wrong candidate you run the risk of actual hurting your business.  When you hire someone you are actually hiring people to represent you and your business. Still need convincing?  Here are the obvious outcomes of hiring the wrong candidate:

1. Conflict:  How much of your time is spent trying to get employees to communicate more effectively with you or their co-workers. 

2. Poor Productivity: This is the number one business issue today.  

3. Errors: Some people have the competencies to be trained quickly, continue processing new information and multi-task. Others don’t and create the costly errors that their teammates are forced to solve.

4. Lost Customers & Sales:  You know when you’re business is experiencing conflict, apathy, low motivation and errors. So do your customers; and they won’t put up with it.

If you really care about YOUR customers that keep you in business, stop hiring the wrong people and stop losing clients to your competitors.  The topic at hand is WHY should employers hire older workers?  Today I learned a pretty amazing statistic about the older jobseeker.

The turnover rate for employees under 30 is six times greater than that of employees that are over 50.

Do you need any more proof you need older workers for your business?  Email me I will help you, in your mission to hire older workers.