MatchBridge News
DCYF’s YouthFest | July 18, 2009
Youth Fest, sponsored by DCYF’s Youth Empowerment Fund Advisory Board (YEFAB) and the San Francisco Youth Commission, on July 18, 2009 from 12-6pm in Civic Center Plaza is an event to celebrate young leaders in the community, educate youth about programs and services in the city, encourage youth to fight for what they believe in, and inspire creative change.
Women’s Initiative | Employer of the Month
On May 26th, 2009, The Women’s Initiative for Self-Employment came in to MatchBridge to provide an informational session to candidates as the MatchBridge May Employer of the Month.
The Women’s Initiative for Self-Employment is a not-for-profit agency. Their mission is to build the entrepreneurial capacity of women to overcome economic and social barriers and achieve self-sufficiency. Women’s Initiative has proven that women create jobs for themselves and others, access the mainstream economy, and increase their economic self-sufficiency when they are given business planning and financing support.
Specialty’s Bakery & Café | Employer of the Month
On April 28th, 2009, Specialty’s Bakery & Café came in to MatchBridge to inform and interview candidates as the MatchBridge April Employer of the Month.
After 18-years of successful operation, Specialty’s Café & Bakery is a highly respected foodservice company with 17 bakery-cafes in the San Francisco and Seattle markets.
Each location features an exhibition bakery, where fresh bread, pastries, and cookies are mixed and baked from scratch. The aroma of fresh-baked breads and Specialty’s’ legendary chocolate chip cookies creates a unique, brand-building environment.
April: Tip of the Month
Tip of the month: Customer service is a crucial element to a successful business. When applying for customer service-related jobs, show your ability to be warm and engaging. Always remember to smile, give firm handshakes, and to greet employers in a friendly manner. This will communicate that you have the skills necessary to provide quality customer service and will ensure to your employer that you are prepared for the job you are applying for.
LINC | Employer of the Month
On March 31st, 2009, the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy became the first MatchBridge Employer of the Month for 2009. The GGNPC visited MatchBridge seeking applicants for their summer LINC program.
SFUSD | Career Techinical Education
On February 28th, 2009, SFUSD’s Career Technical Education program teamed up with MatchBridge to kick off the CTE Summer Internship Program. This year, 295 students participated in the event. Almost double the number from the previous year. Companies and organizations all across San Francisco sent volunteers to help prepare the youth for their internship placements with MatchBridge staff leading and coordinating them. Thank you to all the participating companies and community organizations!
YearUp | Professional Training and Apprenticeships
This year, YearUp opened their first office in San Francisco. Year Up is a free twelve-month, intensive training program that provides urban young adults, ages 18-24, with a combination of hands-on skill development, college credits, and access to corporate apprenticeships.
PowerPathways | PG&E Empowering Youth
PowerPathways is an innovative program run by PG&E Corporation focused on workforce develop¬ment. Currently, the program prepares college stu¬dents for a variety of high demand positions and apprenticeships within the company. The program is comprehensive in nature as it conducts out¬reach, recruitment, assessment, curriculum devel¬opment, training, and case management leading up to employment.
Making the Call | The Importance of Phone Skills
Understanding telephone etiquette is one of the more underestimated professional skills. Despite the growing popularity of electronic communications, one should never disregard the importance of a solid phone call. MatchBridge recommends remembering the three C’s.
December Tip of the Month
According to John Robertson of EzineArticles.com, “…within 60 seconds people will make assumptions about your education, background, ability and personality based on your voice alone.” Remember to be clear, confident, and concise whether you are talking to a person or leaving a message. Always rehearse what you are going to say ahead of time so that your call can go smoothly.