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| Different Avenues |
| Contact Us |
| (202) 829.2103 |
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| Fax: |
| (202) 829.2104 |
| Different Avenues 821 Upshur St NW Suite B Washington, DC 20011 |
| Job Empowerment: Finding your dream job |
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| When you come to Different Avenues looking for assistance to get a job, the first thing we will ask you is "do you have a resume?" If you don't have a resume, or even if you don't know what a resume is, don't worry we are here to help you. |
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| First Steps to Making a Great Resume |
| You can call and make an appointment with Erika, the Drop In Center Coordinator. She will guide you through the steps. If you are reading this at home then make a resume by opening a template in Microsoft word and including the work and educational experience you have had. Did you know that volunteer experience counts? So if you've helped do outreach, taken care of your neighbor's kids, have done community service or similar, put this down to fill in any employment gaps you might have. Get a friend to help you review your employment/educational experience. Your friend might remember something important. If you have drafted a resume and want to email it to Erika, she can give you some advice online or via enail. Her address is erika (at) differentavenues.org |
| Next Step: Getting New Skills |
| If you have a chance to come into the drop in center, Erika can help you find out if you need some assistance building your skills. If you are at home and want to assess your own skills level then ask yourself the following question: What do I see myself doing in the next couple of years? You should think about where you would feel comfortable working, what inspires you... maybe get a friend to talk this over with you to get ideas. Maybe you might be interested in studying or traveling, not working right now. Or maybe you are ready to take on a career. Then ask yourself, what kind of skills would an employer look for when hiring for the work I want to do? * what kind of experience do I have right now? * what kind of training have I had in the past? * do I need a refresher course? You might also start thinking that you want to start your own business or be self-employed. |
| Are you worried that you won't be accepted for a job because you are transgender? Or you have little or no experience because employers won't give jobs to transpeople? Good news! A law has just been passed in DC that says that you cannot be denied employment because of your gender identity! |
| If you don't have a highschool diploma you can contact Potomac Job Corps for a GED and job training if you are 16 to 21 years. Perry School and Academy of Hope provide this training for 18 and over. Potomac Job Corps is trans-friendly. |
| Next Step: Applying for Jobs |
| We know that computer skills are important in many jobs these days. You can receive training in basics at Different Avenues or contact City Wide Computer Training. City Wide Computer Training provides access to the Internet, Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, Excel and Outlook to youth and low income residents. They are located at 3636 16th Street, NW, BG41 near Columbia Heights Metro or call 202/667-3719. |
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| Now days the fastest way to find employment is to go to an employment training center. It might not be exactly what you want right away but you can get some training and placement. We recommend Jubilee Jobs and they are trans-friendly. At Different Avenues we keep newspapers and job listings updated so you can come to our center and start sending out applications. You can also volunteer with us, get experience and a reference. The most important thing once you have an interview scheduled is to get there ON TIME! If you are nervous about an interview, Erika and other staff can practice interview techniques with you and help you feel more confident when facing employers. We value all the skills you have built up in your life, whether you have been homeless or faced barriers in your life. We know you have skills and special qualities, and we can show you how to make an impression at your interview. |
| If you believe that you have been discriminated against in the work place, here are two resources that will help you deal with that problem. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission helps people file claims against private employers for discrimination. Did you know that there are laws against employer discrimination if you are HIV positive? Another resource is the DC Office of Human Rights. |
| Need ongoing support? Then call and sign up for our weekly group at Different Avenues. You may eligible for an incentive to attend. Spaces are limited but we will do our best to find a place for you. |