Leader Publications

By JESSICA SIEFF
Niles Daily Star

Tuesday Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernake made a careful assessment of the nation’s economy – saying the recession was “very likely” over.

But it was also made clear that the news didn’t mean things would be looking up for the nation’s unemployed workers.

“From a technical perspective, the recession is very likely over at this point,” the chairman was quoted as saying. “It’s still going to feel like a very weak economy for some time because many people will still find that their job security and their employment status is not what they wish it was.”

The nation’s unemployment reached its highest percentage in over a quarter of a century following reports of over 200,000 more jobs lost in August.

An estimated number of close to 7 million Americans have lost their jobs since the start of the recession two years ago.

A large number of those unemployed continue to struggle in the state of Michigan.
And in Niles the situation continues to be a challenge as close to 500 entered the ranks of the unemployed after the closing of Tyler Refrigeration.

Tammy Stepien understands what so many in the community are going through now. Currently unemployed Stepien is facilitating a seven-week seminar called “Hire Yourself” at Mapleview Free Methodist Church tackling several employment topics to help those searching for more meaning in the jobs they have – or looking for ways to make themselves more marketable for a very challenging workforce.

“I think all the topics are very valuable,” said Stepien. With seven and a half years of recruiting and sales experience, Stepien said the idea to offer a seminar came from her current situation of being unemployed and seeing members of her church and her community going through the same thing.

“I thought you know what? Maybe I can help some people,” she said. “I saw a need.”
The seminar kicked off Tuesday night, but anyone interested can attend any or all of the next six sessions.

Each group meeting will take place at Mapleview Free Methodist Church on Niles-Buchanan Road between 7 and 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays. The next session will be on Sep. 22.

Unemployment can open up a door to a new opportunity. Stepien said those job seekers can reevaluate the career paths they really want to take and for those who are currently working, that reevaluation can also be valuable – allowing them to focus on gaining fulfillment in their work.

The next session will feature a guest speaker and look at ‘What’s in a resume?’

“That’s going to be an exciting one,” Stepien said, adding the session will help in identifying “what makes you look the best on paper.”

Additional topics covered during “Hire Yourself” include:

Sept. 22: What’s in a resume?
Sept. 29: Why should they hire me?
Oct. 6: Dress 4 Success!
Oct. 13: The power of networking.
Nov. 3: Interview do’s and don’ts.
Nov. 10: Giving out, not up.

Some of the seminars will feature guest speakers, Stepien said, including Lisa Chapman of Chapman Services Group who will discuss resumes Sept. 22.