Definitions of terms used in Illinois workNet:
-A-
acquaintance
A person you know, but usually not a close friend. http://www.dictionary.com/ 
action verbs
Action verbs are used on resumes to identify the skills, experience, and accomplishments of job seekers.
http://www.illinoisworknet.com/vos_portal/residents/en/Jobs/Prepare/Resume/
active listening
Active listening is a way of listening and responding to another person that improves mutual understanding, allowing a person to speak their viewpoint without feeling threatened. Whether in a group or one-on-one, it is important to listen actively in order to understand what is being said. http://www.Dictionary.com
All Kids
The All Kids program offers Illinois’ uninsured children comprehensive health care at a reasonable rate. The care includes doctors visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, vision care, dental care, and medical devices.
http://www.allkids.com/
appropriate
Suitable or fitting for a particular purpose, person, occasion, etc. http://www.dictionary.com/
attitude
Attitude is defined as a mental position with regard to a fact or state (a helpful attitude) or a feeling or emotion toward a fact or state. http://www.merriam-webster.com/
-B-
Basic Computer Skills
Individuals need basic computer skills to gain essential knowledge to start using computers and Microsoft Office products. http://www.microsoft.com/about/corporatecitizenship/citizenship/giving/programs/up/digitalliteracy/default.mspx
behavior
The manner of conducting oneself or the response of an individual, group, or species to its environment.
http://www.merriam-webster.com/
body language
Body Language is the nonverbal, usually unconscious, communication through the use of postures, gestures, facial expressions, and the like. http://www.Dictionary.com
-C-
COBRA
Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 - This law amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), the Internal Revenue Code, and the Public Health Service Act to require most group health plans to provide a temporary continuation on group health coverage that otherwise might be terminated. (An Employee's Guide to Health Benefits Under COBRA, U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, September 2006, p. 2.).
http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/consumer_info_health.html
career
Profession or occupation for which one trains and pursues as a lifework. http://www.merriam-webster.com/
career pathways
The States' Career Cluster Initiative's 16 career clusters are made up of career pathways that frame student opportunities as they pursue postsecondary education and a wide range of career opportunities from career beginnings to professional and managerial careers. http://www.careerclusters.org/index.php
career (or job) transition
The process of making a career or job change (e.g., military to civilian employment, mid-life career change). http://www.illinoisworknet.com/vos_portal/residents/en/Jobs/Change/JobTransition/
career (or job) transition services
Information and services available through Illinois workNet to assist with the process of changing careers. Some examples include resources for learning about careers, starting a career plan, creating a resume, searching for jobs, and interviewing for a job. These services are found throughout the Individuals area of the site. http://www.illinoisworknet.com/vos_portal/residents/en/Home
Certified Illinois workNet™ Advisor
This is a career counselor or advisor, educator, employment specialist or other workforce professional who has successfully completed the Certified Illinois workNet Advisor Online Course. Certified Illinois workNet Advisors are knowledgeable about the state and federal workforce system and can help others use technology, especially the Internet, to locate career transition assistance, education and training, and support services.
chronological
Of, relating to, or arranged in or according to the order of time. http://www.merriam-webster.com/
Chronological Resume
Resume format that emphasizes employment history in reverse chronological order. http://www.illinoisworknet.com/vos_portal/residents/en/Jobs/Prepare/Resume/
cold calls
Unsolicited phone calls or letters to businesses that have not announced job openings to determine the potential for employment.
Combination Resume
Resume format that combines the strengths of functional and chronological resumes. http://www.illinoisworknet.com/vos_portal/residents/en/Jobs/Prepare/Resume/
Comprehensive One Stop Center – See Illinois workNet Centers community-based organization. Private, nonprofit organization that is representative of a community or a significant segment of a community and that has demonstrated expertise and effectiveness in the field of workforce investment.
conflict
A state of disharmony between incompatible or antithetical persons, ideas, or interests; a clash. http://www.thefreedictionary.com/conflict
cover letter
A cover letter is a one-page letter that is sent with a resume when you apply for job.
http://www.illinoisworknet.com/vos_portal/residents/en/Jobs/Prepare/Resume/
criticism (constructive criticism)
Criticism or advice that is useful and intended to help or improve something, often with an offer of possible solutions. http://www.Dictionary.com
-D-
Digital Divide Network
The Digital Divide Network is the Internet's largest community for educators, activists, policy makers and concerned citizens working to bridge the digital divide.
digital literacy
The ability to locate, organize, understand, evaluate, and create information using digital technology. It involves a working knowledge of current computer technology and an understanding of how it can be used to communicate with others.
diversity
The state or fact of being diverse; difference; unlikeness; variety; multiformity. A point of difference. http://www.Dictionary.com
-E-
e-mail
A system for sending messages from one individual to another via telecommunications links between computers or terminals. http://www.Dictionary.com
Earnfare
State sponsored training program that allows participants to get paid while learning on-the-job employment skills. “Earnfare is designed to provide adults who receive Food Stamps and who volunteer an opportunity to gain valuable work experience, earn cash assistance, and become self-sufficient. Noncustodial Parent (NCP) Earnfare is designed for unemployed parents who do not have custody of their children, when their children receive TANF. It provides these parents with an opportunity to gain work experience and to meet a portion of their child support obligation.” http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=31772
Economic Development Regions
As part of the process for developing the State plan, a State may require regional planning by local boards for a designated region in the State. The State may require the local boards for a designated region to participate in a regional planning process. The State may require local boards for a designated region to share information on employment statistics and coordinate the provision of workforce investment activities authorized under WIA Title IB. A designated region means a combination of local areas that are partly or completely in a single labor market area, economic development region, or other appropriate contiguous sub-area of a State, that is designated by the State under WIA section 116(c), or a similar interstate region that is designated by two or more States under WIA section 116(c)(4). The State of Illinois has designated 10 Economic Development Regions.
Elevate America Program
This program, beginning now through October 30, 2009, is a major public-private partnership between Microsoft and the State of Illinois to provide up to 51,000 vouchers to Illinoisans for free online technology training. The program provides an opportunity for individuals at all skill levels to enhance information technology skills needed to compete for the jobs of today and tomorrow. Whether an individual has basic computer skills, is proficient with Microsoft Office software or is a Technical Professional they can take advantage of online courses to help them learn new skills and information to meet their goals.
eligible spouse – Spouse as defined with section 2(a) of the JVA (38 U.S.C. 4215[a]). Click here to view the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations.
eligible training provider (Workforce Investment Act)
Organization, entity, or institution such as a public or private college and university, community-based organization, or proprietary school whose program has been approved by the local workforce board and submitted to the state for inclusion on the statewide list of eligible providers. Source: Workforce Investment Act Title I Training Provider Certification Policy Guide. http://www.illinoisworknet.com/vos_portal/residents/en/Education/Training_Providers/
Employment Linkages
A function of the local board is to coordinate the workforce investment activities authorized under WIA Title 1B and carried out in the local area with economic development strategies and develop other employer linkages with such activities.
employment outlook (job outlook)
Employment outlook provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings for occupations. http://www.illinoisworknet.com/vos_portal/residents/en/Jobs/Prepare/Wages_and_Trends/
-F-
FamilyCare
FamilyCare is an Illinois healthcare program that offers coverage to parents living with their children 18 years old or younger. It also covers relatives who are caring for children in place of their parents. Doctor visits, dental care, specialty medical services, hospital care, emergency services, prescription drugs, and more services are covered. http://www.familycareillinois.com/
feedback
Feedback is defined as the return of information about the result of a process or activity; an evaluative response. http://www.Dictionary.com
Federal Privacy Act of 1974 as amended (5 U.S.C. 552a)
Federal law which regulates the collection, maintenance, use, and dissemination of personal information by government agencies. http://www.usdoj.gov/opcl/
Food Stamp Program
“The Food Stamp Program was designed to help end hunger and improve nutrition and health. It helps low-income households buy the food they need for a nutritionally adequate diet.”
http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=30357
Functional Resume
Resume organized by skills and functions with limited information on employment history. http://www.illinoisworknet.com/vos_portal/residents/en/Jobs/Prepare/Resume/
-G-
Getting Started Courses
GCF offers free online courses, and whether you’re new to the computer, returning for review, or want to use technology to enhance your skills, GCFLearnFree.org has something for you. Courses available include: computer basics, internet basics, email basics, Facebook 101, money basics, and many more. http://www.gcflearnfree.org/
-H-
Head Start
Federal program that has provided comprehensive early childhood development services to low-income children since 1965. Source: Congress Research Service Report for Congress, Head Start Reauthorization: A Side-by-Side Comparison of H.R. 1429, S. 556, and Current Law, Updated May 9, 2007, Melinda Gish, Specialist in Social Legislation, Domestic Social Policy Division. http://www.ilheadstart.org/
High-performance workplaces
The idea that workers are more likely to give their best if they are valued and have the opportunity to contribute, characterized by decentralized decision-making, flexible job design and quality-related priorities, flatter organizational structures, and team work.
Holland Personality Types
Six ideal vocational personality types (realistic, investigative, artistic, social, enterprising, and conventional) developed by psychologist John L. Holland, Professor Emeritus at Johns Hopkins University, to assist individuals in making effective career choices. http://www.careerkey.org/asp/your_personality/hollands_theory_of_career_choice.asp
-I-
Illinois Community College Board (ICCB)
Administers the Public Community College Act and promotes high-quality, accessible, cost-effective educational opportunities for the individual and the community. http://www.iccb.org/index.html
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO)
Lead state agency responsible for improving the competitiveness of Illinois in the global economy resulting in growing, prosperous industries, high quality jobs, and world-class communities. http://www.commerce.state.il.us/dceo/
Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES)
Operates Illinois’ unemployment insurance program, Illinois employment services, veterans programs, and other programs for the unemployed and underemployed, and measures and analyzes the state's economy and workforce through its labor market information program. http://www.ides.state.il.us/
Illinois WARN Act
The Illinois Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (Illinois WARN) became effective January 1, 2005. The Illinois WARN Act requires employers to give 60 day notice to employees and their unions, the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity's Bureau of Workforce Development, and the Department of Labor, of an impending plant closing or mass layoff. The Illinois law is very similar to the Federal WARN Act. However, there are some important differences between the two. http://www.commerce.state.il.us/dceo/Bureaus/Workforce_Development/WARN/
Illinois workNet Centers
Illinois workNet Centers are a combination of agencies working in partnership that bring together employment and training services for all Illinois residents, including people with disabilities. The Centers provide information about job vacancies, career options, relevant employment trends, and services such as: job search assistance, help with improving interview skills, and referrals to training programs and/or support services. Most services are free to local residents. The Centers also provide services to businesses to assist with recruiting new employees, training employees, and connecting to information for managing a business. Some programs and/or training have qualifying criteria under the Workforce Investment Act. http://www.illinoisworknet.com/vos_portal/residents/en/Home/Career_Specialist_Directory
industry
An industry is a category used to describe a company's primary business activity, usually determined by the largest source of a company's revenues. It can be classified very broadly (i.e. manufacturing) or specifically (i.e. fast-food restaurants). http://www.Dictionary.com
informational interview
Interview technique used to choose a career field, learn how to enter it, and determine what it takes to have a successful career. http://www.illinoisworknet.com/vos_portal/residents/en/Jobs/Prepare/Interview/
initiative
Initiative is the power or ability to begin or to follow through energetically with a plan or task; enterprise and determination. http://www.Dictionary.com
interests
A state of curiosity or concern about or attention to something: an interest in sports. http://www.Dictionary.com
Interest Profiler
A self-assessment that will help you find out what occupations most closely match your occupational interests. The Interest Profiler helps you identify your strongest work-related interests, and matches occupations to those interests.
Internet
The Internet is a vast computer network linking smaller computer networks worldwide. The Internet includes commercial, educational, governmental, and other networks, all of which use the same set of communications protocols.
interpersonal relationships
Relationship existing or occurring between persons; a connection, association, or involvement.
interview (for a job)
Employers review job applications and resumes and based upon the review, determine which job applicants qualify. Applicants that appear qualified based upon their application or resume are typically invited to participate in a job interview. A job interview may be in person with one employer representative or a group, over the phone, or online through a video feed. The interview provides the employer an opportunity to learn more about the applicant and to select an applicant to be offered the job.
http://www.illinoisworknet.com/vos_portal/residents/en/Jobs/Prepare/Interview/
-J-
job
Position of employment; situation; work (Webster’s New World Dictionary, Second College Edition). http://www.merriam-webster.com/ and http://www.illinoisworknet.com/vos_portal/residents/en/Jobs/
job application (employment application)
Form used by employers to gather and review information about the job applicant. The application is reviewed by the employer to determine if a job applicant meets the job’s hiring qualifications. Employment or job applications can be online forms, forms that are downloaded and then completed by typing directly on them, or printed and completed with pen or pencil.
http://www.illinoisworknet.com/vos_portal/residents/en/Jobs/Apply/
job board
A website dealing specifically with employment (jobs) or careers. Many employment websites are designed to allow employers to post job requirements for a position to be filled and are commonly known as job boards. Other employment sites offer employer reviews, career and job-search advice, and describe different job descriptions or employers. Through these websites a prospective employee can locate and fill out a job application or submit resumes over the Internet for the advertised position.
http://www.illinoisworknet.com/vos_portal/residents/en/Jobs/Find/JobSearch/
job description
An official written description of the responsibilities and requirements of a specific job, often one agreed between employer and employee. http://encarta.msn.com/dictionary_/job_description.html
Jobs for Veterans Act (JVA) - Public Law 107–288 (2002). Section 2(a) of the JVA, codified at 38 U.S.C. 4215(a), provides priority of service for covered persons. Click here to view the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations
job information
In Illinois workNet, the Explore Job Information page provides options for individuals to review information about occupations including an occupational overview, labor market information, wages and trends, skills, related training programs and other information to help individuals learn about and make informed career choices. http://www.illinoisworknet.com/vos_portal/residents/en/Jobs/Prepare/Careers/
job preparation
Steps and a process used by job applicants to gather information and get prepared before applying for jobs.
http://www.illinoisworknet.com/vos_portal/residents/en/Jobs/Prepare/
job search engine (job spidering)
A job search engine is a website that facilitates job hunting. The Illinois workNet Job Search tool is a job search engine that spiders or crawls hundred of job boards, online classified advertisements, employer websites, and other websites to search for job openings based on a key word search. http://www.illinoisworknet.com/vos_portal/residents/en/Jobs/Find/JobSearch/
job transition (career transition)
The process of making a career or job change (e.g., military to civilian employment, mid-life career change).
http://www.illinoisworknet.com/vos_portal/residents/en/Jobs/Change/JobTransition/
-K-
kiosk
an interactive computer terminal available for public use, as one with Internet access or site-specific information. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/kiosk
Key Sectors
In Illinois, Key sectors have been identified that meet these criteria:
• projected to have significant job openings or affect the growth of other industries
• existing or emerging groups of industries being transformed by technology and innovation or economic conditions requiring new skills sets for workers
http://www.illinoisworknet.com/vos_portal/industry/en/Home
keyword
A significant or descriptive word used on a resume or cover letter. If your resume is scanned electronically by a potential employer, the computer scanner will pick up on these keywords.
http://www.resume-help.org/resume_action_words.htm
-L-
Labor Market Information (LMI)
LMI covers economic, social, demographic, and labor force data. It describes the characteristics of the supply of labor (the people who are workers or potential workers in the labor market) and provides information on the job opportunities in the labor market (current and projected needs of current and future employers). Sources of LMI often give historical, current, and forecast information to satisfy the different users’ needs. http://lmi.ides.state.il.us/
Lekotek Centers
Play libraries and resource centers for all children with special needs. http://www.iltech.org/fm-lekotek.asp
Local grant sub-recipient
In order to assist in the administration of the WIA Title I grant funds, the chief elected official(s) or the Governor, where the Governor serves as the local grant recipient for a local area, may designate an entity to serve as a local grant sub-recipient for such funds or as a local fiscal agent. Such designation shall not relieve the chief elected official or the Governor of the liability for any misuse of grant funds. According to the Federal Rules and Regulations, this provision is interpreted as holding the chief elected officials liable in their official capacity and not holding them personally liable for misuse of WIA funds. The local grant sub-recipient shall disburse such funds for workforce investment activities immediately at the direction of the local board, pursuant to the requirements of WIA Title 1B.
Local Workforce Investment Areas (LWIAs)
In Illinois, there are 26 LWIAs that, with their Local Workforce Investment Boards, provide resources and services through the federally funded Workforce Investment Act. The LWIAs operate Illinois workNet Centers and their satellites and maintain partnerships to provide access to career transition and business services. http://www.commerce.state.il.us/dceo/Bureaus/Workforce_Development/Job+Seeker/2-program+overview.htm
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps pay the winter heating bills or summer cooling bills of low-income and elderly people. http://www.liheapillinois.com/
-M-
Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)
County or group of counties that has at least one urbanized area of 50,000 or more population, plus adjacent territory that has a high degree of social and economic integration with the core as measured by commuting ties. http://www.census.gov/population/www/metroareas/metroarea.html
Microsoft Office software includes programs aimed at simplifying office, and in some cases home, tasks to make organizing and processing information easier through the creation of documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, and managing e-mail. The Microsoft Office software suite includes Outlook, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Word, OneNote, SharePoint, Publisher, Visio, and more. http://office.microsoft.com
Moms & Babies
This program covers health care for women while they are pregnant and for 60 days after the baby is born. Moms & Babies covers both outpatient health care and inpatient hospital care, including delivery. www.hfs.illinois.gov/programs
-N-
-O-
occupation
“That which chiefly engages one’s time; (one’s) trade, profession, or business.” (Webster’s New World Dictionary, Second College Edition). http://www.merriam-webster.com/
OSHA
U.S. federal agency created in 1970 under the U.S. Department of Labor to establish and enforce standards and laws for working conditions in commercial and industrial sectors.
http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/Occupational-Safety-and-Health-Administration-OSHA.html
One-Stop delivery system (aka Illinois workNet™ Center)
The One-Stop delivery system is a seamless system of service delivery created through the collaboration of entities responsible for separate workforce development funding streams. The One-Stop delivery system is designed to enhance access to services and improve outcomes for individuals seeking assistance. This delivery system streamlines access to numerous workforce investment and educational services, and other human resource services, activities and programs. Rather than requiring individuals and employers to seek workforce development information and services at several different locations, which is often costly, discouraging and confusing, WIA requires States and communities to integrate multiple workforce development programs and resources for individuals at the “street level” through a user friendly One-Stop delivery system. This system will simplify and expand access to services for job seekers and employers. Each One-Stop delivery system consists of at least one or more comprehensive, physical One-Stop centers in a local area. The One-Stop system is the basic delivery system for adult and dislocated worker services. Through this system, adults and dislocated workers can access a continuum of services. The services are organized into three levels: core, intensive, and training.
One Stop Operator (aka Illinois workNet™ Center Partners)
One-Stop operators are responsible for administering the One-Stop centers and their role may range from simply coordinating service providers in the center to being the primary provider of services at the center. The operator may be selected by the Local Board through a competitive process, or the Local Board may designate a consortium that includes three or more required One-Stop partners as an operator.
One-Stop Partners (aka Illinois workNet™ Center Partners)
The Workforce Investment Act specifies nineteen required One-Stop partners and an additional five optional partners to coordinate activities and streamline access to a range of employment and training services. All required partners must make available to participants through the One-Stop delivery system the core services that are applicable to the partner’s programs. To the extent allowable under Federal law, the required partners must also use a portion of their funds to create and maintain the One-Stop delivery system and provide core services. The required partners must also enter into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Local Board relating to the operation of the One-Stop system that meets the requirements of WIA and participate in the operation of the One-Stop system consistent with the terms of the MOU and requirements of authorizing laws.
online
Computer or device connected to a network (such as Internet) and ready to use (or be used by) other computers or devices. http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/online.html
orientation
Part of orientation process in which a new employee is introduced to coworkers, and is given information such as working hours, place of work, performance standards, benefits and facilities and names of the immediate and other supervisors.
http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/job-orientation.html
-P-
Performance Measures
WIA establishes a performance accountability system, including State and local performance measures intended to assess the effectiveness of States and local areas in achieving continuous improvement of WIA Title IB funded workforce investment activities. As part of the submission of the Illinois State Plan for 2007-2009, a waiver request was included that would permit the early adoption of the WIA Common Measures. In response to the State’s request, the U.S Department of Labor (USDOL) has issued a waiver permitting the early adoption.
potential employers
Businesses with jobs and employees that may or may not be hiring. Illinois workNet offers a page with Potential Employers for individuals to review based upon occupation. The employer information found using this page, can be used to make cold calls or connect to the employers website for the purpose of inquiring about job openings.
http://www.illinoisworknet.com/vos_portal/residents/en/Jobs/Find/PotentialEmployers/
phone interview
Interview technique used by employers to determine if there is a good enough match to schedule a personal interview. http://www.illinoisworknet.com/vos_portal/residents/en/Jobs/Prepare/Interview/
portfolio
Job-search tool developed to give prospective employers a complete picture of job seekers’ experience, education, accomplishments, and skills. http://www.illinoisworknet.com/vos_portal/residents/en/Jobs/Prepare/Organize/
Priority of Service - A federal requirement that any service providers receiving U.S Department of Labor funds have processes to ensure veterans and eligible spouses are aware of (1) their entitlement to priority of service, (2) the full array of employment, training, and placement services available under priority of service, and (3) any applicable eligibility requirements for those programs and/or services. Click here to view the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations.
professional networking
Connecting with multiple groups of people to make contacts. Networking online is popular and efficient because you can connect with people from any location. Connecting through social networking sites means finding out who your friends, family, and acquaintances know and helps to make connections.
http://www.illinoisworknet.com/vos_portal/residents/en/Jobs/Find/ProfessionalNetworking/
program(s) of study
A structured sequence of topics, that students are required to successfully complete in order to gain an academic award or training certificate. Examples of academic awards include an associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, and graduate degree.
http://www.illinoisworknet.com/vos_portal/residents/en/Education/Illinois_Schools/Schools_Search/
punctual
Acting or arriving exactly at the time appointed; prompt; precise; exact. http://www.Dictionary.com
punctuality
The quality or state of being punctual; especially, adherence to the exact time of an engagement; exactness. http://www.dictionary.com/
-Q-
Qualified job training program - Any program or service for workforce preparation, development, or delivery that is directly funded, in whole or in part, by the Department of Labor. Click here to view the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations.
-R-
recruiter
Recruiters are people paid by employers to find appropriate candidates to fill the employer's job openings. http://www.job-hunt.org/recruit.shtml
regulation
A principle or rule employed in controlling, directing or managing an activity, organization or system.
http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/regulation.html
resumé
A summary of somebody's educational and work experience, for the information of possible future employers. A résumé is typically used by people in all professions. http://encarta.msn.com/dictionary_/resume.html
-S-
scenario
An imagined sequence of possible events, or an imagined set of circumstances. http://encarta.msn.com/dictionary_/scenario.html
sexual intimidation/harassment
Workplace harassment consisting of unwelcome and repeated sexual advances, comments, looks, physical contact, stereotyping, or request for sexual favors. Or any such act not clearly sexual in nature when (1) submission to such act is made a term or condition of employment, (2) submission to rejection of such conduct is used as a basis for employment related decision affecting the individual, or (3) such conduct has the purpose of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s performance, or of creating a hostile, intimidating or offensive work environment.
http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/sexual-harassment.html
shortcut
A means of quickly ordering a computer to perform a complicated function, e.g. an icon on a computer screen or a short series of keystrokes. http://encarta.msn.com/dictionary_/shortcut.html
Social Security Number
A number which is assigned by the government to people in the United States of America, for purposes of the Social Security System. Each person is assigned a unique number, which is also used in some situations as an identification number.
http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/Social-Security-Number-SSN.html
soft skills
Cluster of personal qualities, habits, attitudes, and social graces that make individuals good employees and compatible co-workers (work ethic, attitude, communication, time management, problem solving, teamwork, self-confidence, etc.). http://www.illinoisworknet.com/vos_portal/residents/en/Jobs/Prepare/Skills/
solution
Answer(s) or suggestions to try and solve a question or problem. A solution can be either simple or complex and may require few resources or many resources.
http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/solution.html
spam
Mass mailing over the internet by sending promotional messages to practically everyone whose email address is known, without asking for anyone’s permission.
http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/spam.html
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC)
Occupational classification system used by statistical agencies to classify workers into occupational categories for the purpose of collecting, calculating, and disseminating data. http://lmi.ides.state.il.us/wagedata/wage.htm
States' Career Cluster Initiative
The States' Career Cluster Initiative consists of 16 career clusters representing career opportunities for the 21st century economy identified by the U.S. Department of Education Office of Vocational and Adult Education. These clusters frame student opportunities as they pursue postsecondary education and a wide range of career opportunities from career beginnings to professional and managerial careers. http://www.careerclusters.org/index.php
Sunshine Law (provision)
The State and local boards shall make available to the public, on a regular basis through open meetings, information regarding the activities of the State and/or local boards, including information regarding the State or local plans prior to submission of the plans, information regarding membership, and, on request, minutes of formal meetings of the State and local boards. In addition, local boards shall make available to the public, the designation and certification of one-stop operators, and the award of grants or contracts to eligible providers of youth activities, and on request, minutes of formal meetings of the local board.
-T-
TANF
“The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program provides temporary financial assistance for pregnant women and families with one or more dependent children. TANF provides financial assistance to help pay for food, shelter, utilities, and expenses other than medical.” http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=30358
tasks
Smallest identifiable and essential piece of a job that serves as a unit of work, and as a means of differentiating between the various components of a project.
http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/task.html
teamwork
The process of working collaboratively with a group of people, in order to achieve a goal. Teamwork means that people will try to cooperate, using their individual skills and providing constructive feedback, despite any personal conflict between individuals.
http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/teamwork.html
time management
A set of skills for better using your time, which includes goal setting, prioritizing tasks, and scheduling activities. http://www.timemanagementtools.net/definition-of-time-management/
training programs
A program designed for training in specific skills.
http://www.illinoisworknet.com/vos_portal/residents/en/Education/Illinois_Schools/
trends
The current general direction of movement for wages or job openings. http://www.illinoisworknet.com/vos_portal/residents/en/Jobs/Prepare/Wages_and_Trends/
-U-
Unemployment Insurance (UI)
The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) collects unemployment insurance taxes from the state's liable employers and returns those dollars to eligible Illinois workers as unemployment insurance benefits. http://www.ides.state.il.us
-V-
Veteran – a person who served at least one day in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable. Reference: 38 U.S. C. 101(2). Click here to view the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations.
viewpoint
an attitude of mind, or the circumstances of an individual that leads to such an attitude. http://www.Dictionary.com
-W-
wages
A payment, usually of money, for labor or services usually according to contract and on an hourly, daily, or piecework basis. http://www.merriam-webster.com/
Web
Short for World Wide Web (WWW), which is a collection of internet resources, hyperlinked text, audio and video files and remote sites that can be accessed and searched by browsers based on standards such as HTTP and TCP/IP.
http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/World-Wide-Web-WWW.html
work attire
Adhere to the employer's dress code: find out whether it's formal (suit and tie) or casual by asking around or by observing employees arriving for work, unless your job requires you to wear a uniform. http://careerplanning.about.com/cs/dressingforwork/a/dress_success.htm
work ethic
The values of hard work instilled in or held by employees. For example, an employee with a good work ethic would complete projects and other tasks of high quality and take pride in the quality of his or her work.
http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/work-ethic.html
Workforce Investment Act (WIA)
This Act was signed into law on August 7, 1998, capping a seven-year effort to consolidate and streamline the nation’s employment and training programs. WIA replaced the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA), enacted October 13, 1982. Under WIA, the federal government, states, and local communities join efforts to develop a system providing workers with job search assistance, training, and advice. In addition, all entities work together to provide employers with skilled workers. See the Resources section of the course for more information. http://www.doleta.gov/USWORKFORCE/WIA/act.cfm
Workforce System
The network of Illinois workNet Centers, local and state agencies, and organizations whose combined efforts prepare and connect individuals to career planning, job search, employment, education and training, and work support services.
http://www.illinoisworknet.com/vos_portal/residents/en/Home/Career_Specialist_Directory/
workplace culture
A unique blend of workplace values that are reflected in the firm's policies and actions. http://www.officeteam.com/CultureCalculator
workplace skills
The sum total of one’s marketable or occupational abilities, experience and knowledge.
http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/career-skills.html
-X-
-Y-
Youth Council
The youth council is a subgroup within each local board appointed by the local board in cooperation with the chief elected officials and is responsible for recommending and coordinating youth policies and programs. The youth council membership includes members of the local workforce investment board, representatives of youth service agencies, local public housing authorities, parents of eligible youth seeking assistance, individuals, including former participants and representatives of organizations that have experience relating to youth activities and representatives of the Job Corps as appropriate. Members of the youth council who are not members of the local board shall be voting members of the youth council and nonvoting members of the board.
-Z-