MAFCS Community 4 Meeting
June 24, 2014
Learning Zone Express
667 E. Vine St
Owatonna, Mn 55060
9-11:30 AM
Those in attendance
Susan Sunderland,
HR Mgr. Cabela’s
Barb LeCuyer
HR Generalist Owatonna Hospital
Calie Afdahl-Doble
Coach-CCR & R
Val Rose
Owatonna HS
Denise Lage
Owatonna HS
Mary Behrens
Mn State. University
Jane Christian
WEM Schools
Brenda Stevermer
Austin HS
Notes from Community 4 Business and Education Meeting
Topic
Attitudes toward employment
“not part of my job”Not willing to do the assigned job
Lack of respect for management
Calling in sick
Application/interviewing for jobs
At present time it is too easy for teens to get a
job without really needing to follow interviewing,
job seeking skills
Response/discussion points
Employers see this from 18-22 year old group
Constant negotiation
They quit and move on to another job within 6
months of being hired.
Employers highlighted the following areas filling
out an
application, resume, the concept of the
interviewing process, focus on spelling, ringtones,
call messages, email (appropriate for business,
phone skills, what to say in an interview, follow
up after interview,
The interview is the 1st impression not only with
the interviewer but with the office personnel,
every person you meet.
Older or employees who have been in the job for
10 or more years are stuck in the job and may not
move on or expand themselves
Should focus on lifelong learning/continuing
education at the high school level
Communication Skills
Losing writing skills due to cell phones, texting
etc.
Cell phones are a huge issue
Businesses suggested schools need to address the
issue so that it carries over to the workforce because
habits are formed from one place to the other.
Need for public and parent education on the
appropriate use of phones (when and who to contact)
Problem solving skills/communication skills
No contact at all or easy to email or text manager few
minutes before shift rather then call and talk to the
manager within a reasonable time. Also, loses the
emotion when employee doesn’t have to talk to
manager in person.
Policy and confidentiality
Social media is a new and legal issues have not been
addresses. Be careful about what they put on social
media, bad mouth a company, talk about incidents on
the job.
Know the policy when they sign the agreement. That
signature indicates the employee has read and
understands the policy of the company.
Lack of following policy is grounds for firing
Basic skills, ethic for working and problem
Time management--Employers need workers to
solving skills
Tardiness/attendance-huge issue
Problem solving skills
Work ethic
Quality of work
Attire and Hygiene
“plan backwards”
If they need to be at the job at a certain time,
plan how long it takes to get to the job (including
weather and construction), getting ready (include
self and family members)
Know the job, what does it look like, job outlook,
pay range, etc.
Know the job expectations, read policies and if
you have questions--ask
Know that your work or lack of work affects
others on the team.
Know what is a quality worker
Be positive, motivated, do your best
Bring up solutions to a problem don’t just
complain about it.
Learn to give and take constructive criticism
Learn how to have good discussions without
confrontation
Tattoo and piercing-take them out or cover them
up. Know the company policy and follow it. Be
aware of what is showing all over the body.
Dress for the job in the interview
Dress for the environment and the demands of
the job performance
Technology
Need to know the basics, Word, Excel,
Powerpoint. Other items can be a plus.
Once again, remember the awareness social
media, friending people, connections and images.
Fine line with Freedom of Speech Act.
Financial Skills
Schools need to include these skills
Checkbooking, savings, budgeting, credit cards,
debit cards, W4, W2, 401K plans, insurances
What they are and how to fill out the forms.
Plan and prepare for their futures.