Workforce System Success Stories - Workforce Development and Adult Learning

Janet had lost her job through no fault of her own and was receiving Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits through the Maryland Department of Labor’s Division of Unemployment Insurance. To help Janet return to work as soon as possible, the UI team referred her to the state’s Reemployment Opportunity Workshop (ROW) program. Per instructions she received in the mail, Janet completed a registration on the Maryland Workforce Exchange, and signed up to attend a ROW workshop offered through the American Job Center (AJC) in Wheaton, Maryland, facilitated by workforce specialist Richard Montalvo. Richard recalled Janet seeming depressed and withdrawn at the start of the workshop, a reaction he often encounters early in ROW sessions. As Richard began to draw Janet out of her shell, she shared that the job interviews she had been on so far hadn’t gone well, and she was becoming discouraged.

Richard devoted an entire section of his ROW sessions to effective interviewing techniques. He couldn’t help but notice that Janet was completely engrossed in the presentation, particularly when he discussed the importance of having a positive attitude, and preparing responses to interview questions to strategically highlight how her skills qualified her for the employment opportunity. Janet left the workshop with a solid plan mapped out for a successful reemployment campaign – and much more up-beat demeanor than when she’d arrived. Following the workshop, she sent Richard the following note:

Good morning, Richard,

First and foremost, thank you for facilitating a wonderful reemployment workshop (ROW) yesterday. Honestly, I wasn't looking forward to attending, as I have been very discouraged about my job loss and reemployment. However, you brought such positive energy and enthusiasm that opened the door for honest and helpful discussions. Yesterday's workshop was just the shot of adrenaline I needed. It made realize it’s imperative to have a positive attitude. And take a good look at how I am interviewing. As you mentioned in the workshop, we need to start with a realistic objective when it comes to our job search and know the reason(s) why we are there.

Again, thank you Mr. Montalvo for making me feel hopeful. Keep up the good work.