Insights and Perspectives

Your Personalized To-Do List: How Work Items Find You (Instead of You Finding Them)

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 19:55:08 GMT

What if you had a personalized and intelligent to-do list for every unemployment claim and appeal? One that automatically updated, prioritized your work for you, and showed you exactly what to do next?

Geographic Solutions Unemployment System’s (GUS) comprehensive and integrated Workflow Management module, or work items, offers exactly that. Think of it as the central command center for your workday, and no longer worry about digging through emails and spreadsheets to figure out your next steps. Instead, work items will automate and guide you through the process of providing unemployment insurance claims, benefits, and appeal services.

Laura Ragain, Monetary/ICON/SIDES - Team Lead I, or as she is known at Geographic Solutions, as the Work Items guru, explains: "One should think of work items as post-it notes. They are simply a notification to you that something happened in the system that you need to know about and react to. They do not prevent anything from happening, though the work item may be tied to a non-mon (or issue that is considered non-monetary) which may prevent payment on a claim."

A Dashboard Built for You

The dashboard is your home base. It’s the tab you have at the top of your bookmarks and the place you always return to. It displays all work items related to your area of responsibility and updates as new activity is added or when it is completed.

Sort by what matters: It is YOUR dashboard! You can organize it however you want. Need to tackle the most urgent claims first? Sort your dashboard by priority. Is meeting your deadlines most important? Sort your dashboard by due date.

Search like a pro: Need to be even more specific? You can also use the Advanced Search feature to enter specific criteria, such as a claimant name or claim ID, to display only work items tied to a particular claim.

A top priority: One of the most critical parts of the system is the Adjudication Queue, where the highest-priority work items reside. These items are directly tied to issues that could prevent a claimant from receiving payment. This queue ensures that these time-sensitive cases are addressed front and center, so you can quickly resolve any potential payment delays.

Take initiative: If you’ve completed all your assigned tasks, you’re always free to visit the workgroups queue and pull a new item or view unassigned work items and choose to work on them or reassign them. Take those steps to keep your team on track and show initiative!

No More Piled-Up Work Items After Vacation

The system ensures your workload doesn't overload while you're away. Supervisors can use the blocked availability feature to temporarily prevent work items from being assigned to you.

Your queue stays clear, and you can breathe fresh air: On vacation, relax a little and stop worrying about the work you are behind on. The system won't assign you any new work items for the duration of your vacation and instead those new work items will automatically be routed to your available teammates, keeping the workload moving along without any disruption.

Realistic workday due dates: To ensure deadlines are realistic and achievable, the module automatically adjusts due dates that fall on a weekend or holiday to the next business day. However, you maintain full control over all work item configurations. All configurations, including due dates and priority, are set by you in the admin area. Do you want a work item due in 10 days? No problem. Do you want it to generate with a high priority? You've got it.

Now enjoy your time off knowing that everything is under control!

Screenshot of Staff Schedule

Build the Process Your Way

Creating new workflows is easy and intuitive. The system already has predefined workflows that align with your state’s specific needs and regulations, but you have the power to create, edit, and manage work item workflows by defining the steps and setting the rules. The system will handle the rest!

Specify business rules: As shown in the image below, you can determine exactly what needs to happen. The Client Identifier field is completely customizable for your organization to use as a way to organize or refer to certain work items internally, and it has no bearing on the work item itself or how it is routed. Beyond that, you can set rules to assign work items based on staff attributes, such as Staff Workgroup, Areas of Responsibility, availability, and experience level. These are the three core attributes that a work item needs to be assigned automatically. Without a role in the associated workgroup, an area of responsibility, availability in said role, and an experience level, work items will not be auto assigned to a staff member. Pro tip: If you are the manager or supervisor of an area of responsibility and do not want to be assigned any work items but have the ability to work them if you choose, you just need to leave your availability in that role blank.

Use experience and position to assign work: Are you a newbie or are you seasoned employee? It’s no secret that new employees and employees who have more experience can handle different amounts of work. The system can use a staff member's work item experience level to gauge how much they can take on. For example, a rule can be created to manage how many work items are assigned to a specific user based on their experience level.

Identify required documents: Make sure every piece of information is collected at the right time. No more getting to end of task and realizing that you missed a step, five steps ago. The module won't let the work item move forward until all required documents are attached, which helps you meet your state's documentation standards every time.

Smart automation and scheduling: The module is proactive, not just reactive. Your workflows can be triggered by specific events, such as an exact date. For example, you set up a workflow that automatically begins the review process for seasonal workers on a specific date each year.

Screenshot of Work Item Configuration Details

The Ultimate Toolkit for Your Tasks

Work items gives you more than just a list of tasks, it also gives you the tools to manage them effectively.

View and change status: You can easily see a work item's status and where it is in the workflow. Once you complete an action, the status will update in real time. You can also manually change the status and priority of a work item if needed.

All the info, all in one place: When editing a work item, you can access all the important information, including the claimant's name and claim ID. You can also add notes and attachments directly to the work item and have them automatically linked to the claim, ensuring a complete and accurate history.

Flexible reassignment: Need to reassign a work item? You can easily change the assignment to another staff member or an entire workgroup. Assign a work item to a different workflow, all with a simple drop-down selection.

Screenshot of Work Item Tools

Insight and Analytics

Understanding performance and spotting trends within your workflows is just as important as managing individual tasks. The report component of work items gives you the data you need to see exactly what is happening. You can find reports on key metrics such as work item status, assignments, and time reporting.

For supervisors, the My Staff Workgroups link provides valuable information on staff productivity. Supervisors can see each staff member's workload, how many items are overdue, experience level, and availability. The system even generates an error report to quickly identify and work items with data issues and keep your workflows running smoothly.

What About VOS?

Work items can also be used as an integrates component in our Virtual OneStop (VOS) solution. This module offers the same intelligent workflow management capabilities, but it is designed specifically for the workforce process. It automates and guides the business of connecting job seekers with opportunities, managing training programs, and supporting employers.

Within both our GUS and VOS solutions, work items are a must have to get work done efficiently, with a complete audit trail, and in compliance with your organization's business rules.

Interested in learning more about the Workflow Management Module and how it can revolutionize your workflow? Request a demo today to learn more and see our solutions in action!

Ultimate Guide to Finding Scholarships Using Geographic Solutions Software

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 18:54:52 GMT

National Scholarship Month is the perfect time to explore scholarship opportunities available to fund education goals. Established in 1998 by Scholarship America, National Scholarship Month provides recognition to communities, organizations, and businesses in the scholarship industry and serves to encourage others to improve educational opportunities and educational achievement. With the right tools, finding scholarships can be easy and efficient. Geographic Solutions’ Virtual OneStop, also known as VOS Sapphire, and Virtual Career Center (VCC) help students and individuals find scholarships that match their academic qualifications, interests, and personal characteristics. These platforms simplify the search process, making it easier to secure the financial support an individual needs.

Here is a step-by-step guide for finding scholarships using Geographic Solutions’ software:

1. Creating a Profile

When using a Geographic Solutions-powered workforce website at the state, local, or college level, individuals can use our scholarship tool as a guest to quickly browse opportunities. For a truly personalized experience and to track your progress, create an account. By creating an account and building a profile, you can tailor your search for education and training, save favorites, and focus in on career planning criteria that might be relevant for scholarships such as field of study, demographic information, and extracurricular activities.

2. Using the Scholarship Search Tool

The scholarship search tool is available to all individuals using a VOS or VCC powered site. The tool allows individuals to filter scholarships based on various criteria such as:

•   Keyword: Use specific keywords to find scholarships that match your unique interests
•   Area of Study: Find scholarships specific to major or area of interest.
•   Demographics: Search for scholarships aimed at specific groups.
•   Location: Look for scholarships available in a state or region.
•   Academic Achievement: Filter by GPA requirements or other academic criteria.

The database of scholarships is comprehensive, using both Peterson’s database and other client-secured opportunities. Peterson’s scholarship database is a resource designed to help students find financial aid for their education. It includes over 1.9 million scholarships, grants, and fellowships, from more than 4,000 providers.

3. Review Matched Opportunities

Based on individuals' manual search, the tool will generate a list of scholarships that match the individuals' filters. The list will include details on the scholarship requirements, award amount, donor name, area of study, and more! As individuals click on scholarships, they can find more details on the application process and deadline. Saving favorites helps you stay organized with deadlines and focused on the scholarships that matter most to you.

4. Apply for Scholarships:

After reviewing your favorite scholarship opportunities, it is time to apply! Individuals should apply for scholarships that best fit their profiles. When applying for scholarships, it is important for individuals to follow the application guidelines and submit all required documents before the deadlines. Geographic Solutions’ software also provides additional resources such as resume-building tools, interview preparation tips, and additional career services which can aid individuals throughout the application processes.

5. Stay Updated

Regularly checking the tool for new scholarship opportunities and setting up alerts to stay ahead of deadlines can increase individuals’ chances of receiving scholarships to fund their education. Keeping profiles updated with new achievements or changes in interests helps the system provide more relevant matches. By staying proactive and engaged with the platform, individuals ensure that they do not miss out on any opportunities. Scholarship application processes and deadlines can vary depending on the specific scholarship. It is crucial to monitor these deadlines to avoid missing any key steps. Based on a member survey, Scholarship America developed a graph to map out the various deadlines and application processes throughout the year. The graph below illustrates the various times of the year when deadlines can occur.

6. Follow-Up and Networking

After applying for scholarship opportunities, following up and networking with scholarship donors and other individuals who have received the same or similar scholarships can improve chances for receiving the scholarship award. Additionally, building relationships with these contacts can be beneficial for both educational and career goals.

7. Achieve Educational Goals

Finding scholarships doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following this guide and using solutions powered by Geographic Solutions, individuals can find and apply for scholarships that align with their qualifications and interests.

National Scholarship Month is the perfect time to take advantage of these resources and secure the financial support needed to achieve educational and career goals. Whether someone is a high school student planning for college, a college student seeking additional support, or an adult looking to further their education, there are scholarships available to help everyone succeed!

Inside Look: How VOS Sapphire AI Will Redefine Workforce Solutions

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 17:39:00 GMT

Every year, Geographic Solutions explores how technological advancements can enhance the user experience and add value to our products. Recognizing the value of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), our team worked tirelessly over the past year to incorporate instances of AI throughout the next generation of our industry-leading software suite, aptly named VOS Sapphire AI.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the many unique features of VOS Sapphire AI and how this version is poised to further streamline the job search process for job seekers and employers.

What is VOS Sapphire AI?

Thanks to a dynamic collaboration between OpenAI, Microsoft, and our own innovative functionality, we’re able to showcase the art of prompt engineering and the transformative potential of reshaped interactions for labor exchange.

This next-gen software builds upon existing infrastructure, incorporating advanced AI and ML capabilities throughout the system to provide end users with a range of innovative AI-assisted features for building résumés, interview preparation, job search, job posting, and more.

With these features, VOS Sapphire AI streamlines the job search process and reduces the time it takes for job seekers to find suitable employment. It also enables employers to quickly identify the most qualified candidates for their job openings.

As a testament to our efforts, the system was recognized by the 2024 Tech Ascension Awards as the Best AI / ML Powered Solution for its modular, customizable design, robust security protocols, and ability to help employers and job seekers in today's competitive job market.

Diving into VOS Sapphire AI’s Key Features

The platform’s innovative features offer a wealth of long-term benefits that not only positively impact employers in recruiting talent but can also aid job seekers in standing out as the best-suited candidates.

Let’s take a look at some of the key features and enhancements that users can utilize.

Bespoke & Professional Résumés and Cover Letters

VOS Sapphire AI enables users to effortlessly generate a new résumé and cover letter using their profile data and AI-generated text - creating a bespoke résumé that perfectly aligns with any requirements and specifications listed in a job description; as well as a cover letter that conveys enthusiasm, experience, and captures the attention of hiring managers.

Interview Preparation with AI-Generated Questions Tailored to User, Company, and Role

VOS Sapphire also helps job seekers prepare for interviews by providing them with details about the employer and position, as well as an AI-centric practice interview platform. Additionally, the system curates a list of AI-generated questions they can use throughout the interview process. VOS Sapphire AI provides similar interview preparation features for employers as well, enabling recruiters to generate a list of interview questions that are specifically tailored to the applicant’s job title and work experience.

Detailed Job Description Creation Based on Role and Company Profile

Recruiters can use AI to optimize existing or generate new job descriptions. Based on the selected role and the employer’s profile, the advanced AI algorithm takes care of the rest; seamlessly merging the position details with the company’s preferences and requirements for a role.

Accurate Job Matching with Reactive Matching Algorithms

VOS Sapphire AI also includes a proprietary Reactive Matching component, which automatically matches job seekers with suitable employment options. By leveraging pattern-matching algorithms, the system automatically extracts key information from a résumé to provide more accurate job matches that perfectly align with a user’s experience, interests, skillset, and background.

Whether it’s generating customized cover letters specifically targeted to jobs, creating a résumé from scratch, or even enhancing preparations for interviews, VOS Sapphire AI offers new and innovative ways to support the end-user throughout the job their search process.

In the coming months, Geographic Solutions’ training team will cover various functionality found in VOS Sapphire AI. Be sure to keep an eye on our Training Opportunities Page to sign up for Geographic Solutions’ next training session. In the meantime, check out our press release and video on VOS Sapphire AI to learn more.

Answers To Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Unemployment and PUA Claims

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 17:57:00 GMT

Find answers to common questions about unemployment claims and PUA claims through a Virtual OneStop portal.

If you have filed a claim for unemployment benefits or pandemic unemployment assistance, there are many self-service actions you can manage within your account. Read below for answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding claims through our systems.

How do I check the status of my claim?
Log into your account on your state’s website. From there, you can check your Message Center where you can receive messages directly regarding your claim. You may also see a widget on your Dashboard that will contain a link to your claim status. It is highly recommended that you frequently check your Message Center and Dashboard for information.

How do I update my claim?
You can make many edits to your account in self-service mode. Navigate to Services for Individuals > Unemployment Services > General Information. From here you can update and edit many items including your bank account information. If you cannot locate information that requires updating, please reach out to your workforce/unemployment agency via the contact information found on the website.

How do I receive a claim ID, and how long will it take after my initial claim is filed?
You will be assigned a claim ID immediately upon completion of registration. Check your Message Center or claim review information, which is also issued upon completion of registration.

How do I cancel my claim?
Navigate to Services for Individuals > Unemployment Services. There you will find a link to cancel or withdraw your claim.

How do I back date my claim?
This action requires the assistance of staff at your state’s workforce/unemployment agency.

How do I resubscribe to email or text notifications?
Navigate to Services for Individuals > Unemployment Services > General Information. Change your email/text preference and click Save at bottom of page.

I am encountering trouble when trying to file my claim. I am either receiving a “session timed out” message or an Error ID/Log ID.
These errors need to be reported. Please contact your state’s workforce/unemployment agency with this information.

I can’t remember my username and/or password, or the system is asking me for a PIN I never received and/or security questions I never selected.
There is a link to retrieve a username and reset a forgotten password. If that process is not successful for you, please contact your state’s workforce/unemployment agency for further assistance. If you do not have the correct PIN or have encountered an issue with security questions, please contact your state’s workforce/unemployment agency for further assistance.

Creating Awareness For Digital Accessibility

Wed, 20 May 2020 14:55:00 GMT

Geographic Solutions as a company is focused on bringing ease-of-use in their products to people with disabilities. In the United States alone, over half of working-age people have a disability or impairment, making it imperative to consider accessibility from the initial stages of software development. Geographic Solutions is committed to making our software as accessible as possible, and we are proud to observe Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD).

Each year, GAAD is observed on the third Thursday of May, as a means to get everyone talking, thinking, and learning about digital access for individuals with disabilities. GAAD was first celebrated in 2012 to help highlight the need for increased accessibility for over one billion people with disabilities and/or impairments.

"GAAD creates awareness. The more people who begin to know and understand what digital accessibility is -- everyone will benefit in way they may not know," said Geographic Solutions' Accessibility Services Programmer, John Contarino.

Ensuring Inclusiveness for All Users

To offer a truly inclusive experience, individuals with disabilities must be able to experience web-based services, content, and other digital products with the same successful outcome as those without disabilities. Accessibility guidelines enhance the product experience for those with disabilities as well as for all users. These guidelines became part of an industry-wide movement with revised regulations from the Department of Justice in 2010.

As a company, we are committed to ensuring our software is universally accessible. As a testament to this commitment, our Accessibility Services Team periodically creates awareness labs. These workshops not only show how imperative inclusive design is to our user base, but they also demonstrate to our employees how advantageous accessible design can be.

While no days are typical in an agile-driven software development company, this team spends any given week analyzing websites, documents, and other materials for compliance with the latest accessibility guidelines.

"We continually research, train, and ask questions to better understand the barriers that persons with disabilities encounter," said Accessibility Services Team Lead, Patti Arouni.

Looking Toward the Future

The benefits far outweigh the challenges, and our accessibility services group agrees that the most rewarding part is helping level the playing field for all individuals, regardless of impairment.

"We recommend visiting the GAAD website, globalaccessibilityawarenessday.org, to take part in the event," said Contarino.

Our Response To The COVID-19 Outbreak

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 12:46:00 GMT

Here is an update from our president, Paul Toomey, about how we're responding to the COVID-19 outbreak.

At Geographic Solutions, our primary focus is on the health, safety, and well-being of our clients, users, and employees. We are closely monitoring the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation as it unfolds and continue to direct our business decisions with this focus as we work together through these unprecedented times. During this time, I wanted to reach out and update you on how we are approaching the situation at Geographic Solutions:

Service to Our Clients and Users
It is critical that we continue supplying the same level of service and support upon which our clients and users depend. We are already seeing an increase in traffic on our websites, and we are adding hardware and network resources to ensure the continued performance of all the sites that we host.

For those sites where we process unemployment claims, there is already a significant increase in initial claims. For example, in Louisiana 291 initial claims for unemployment were submitted on March 10, 2020, while 11,304 initial claims were filed one week later on March 17, 2020. We are working with our Unemployment Insurance (UI) clients to take actions to accommodate the increased volume with actions that include:

• Waiving and modifying of work search requirements
• Waiving of waiting weeks
• Adding COVID-19 questions to claim forms
• Relief of employer charges

We are also ready to help enact any new Federal UI legislation, as it is passed. This includes all aspects of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

We understand that several of our clients have transitioned their employees to work from home, and that several more are considering this move. Our software fully supports remote working and allows agency staff to operate anywhere there is an Internet connection. The only exception to this flexibility is the handling of physical documents such as verification forms or the scanning of incoming correspondence. We are here to help with any challenges. Please feel free to contact us if you need assistance in setting up your remote operations.

Our Operations
On March 11, 2020, we enacted our Infectious Disease Outbreak Response Plan. Most of our employees are now working from home with company-supplied laptops and remain connected to both our phone system and servers through our Virtual Private Network (VPN). Under this plan, we are able to operate business as usual. Some of our key Administration, Operations, and Systems team members are still onsite and adhering to best practices for social distancing.

Please note that our main office phone line, 727-786-7955, is operational in order to keep the lines of communication open between staff and our clients. Our Network Operation Center, Help Desk, and Technical Support staff are all available to support you 24/7.

Travel Restrictions
While under the current national emergency we are restricting all employee travel. Whenever possible, we will be conducting activities, meetings, and training via web conference, in lieu of on-site interactions.

Our employees permanently located at a client site will follow any business continuity guidelines provided by the client or state agency.

Workforce Technology Conference
At this point, we are moving forward with our annual Workforce Technology Conference, which begins on June 15, 2020. We will, however, be monitoring the ever-evolving situation and our conference planning team will notify attendees if there is any change in plans.

Moving Forward
As new developments emerge regarding COVID-19, we will keep you updated on our response.

I want to personally thank you for your support and understanding during this difficult time. Please feel free to contact me at PToomey@geosolinc.com if you have any questions or concerns.

Take care and stay safe,
Paul Toomey
President

In Their Words: Honoring United States Service Men And Women On Veterans Day

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 18:19:00 GMT

On Veterans Day, we're taking a moment to recognize all veterans, past, present, and future, and thank them for their service.

In the workplace, veterans bring significant value through their education, experience, and leadership skills. For the more than 200,000 service members that return from active duty and transition to civilian life each year, the change in routine can be challenging, however, and often time presents unforeseen barriers. This can be especially true when it comes to finding suitable employment.

As a core part of our product line, we help service men and women find jobs. In Florida and North Carolina, our partners at the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and the North Carolina Department of Commerce have worked with veterans to launch custom entrances into their workforce systems. These branded micro portals are designed specifically to assist veterans and their families with accomplishing their employment goals.

Geographic Solutions employs many veterans, and each has a unique story that highlights their time in service. In all, we were able to capture the stories of 10 veterans.

We're pleased to present their stories in this video, which is our way of saying thank you to all veterans, past, present, and future.

Filling In The Gaps: How Workforce Agencies Are Using Alison To Fundamentally Change Skills-Based Training

Tue, 04 Jun 2019 16:54:00 GMT

By Dr. Tim Potenz

With more than 13 million users worldwide enrolled in thousands of free online courses, Alison.com has transformed into an industry-leading provider of online education and job skills training. On a global scale, their educational impact has earned them numerous awards from organizations and initiatives such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the World Economic Forum, and the World Innovation Summit for Education.

In 2007, Alison was launched by founder Mike Feerick, an early pioneer of the Massive Open Online Courseware (MOOC) movement. His vision is responsible for the success of more than 2 million graduates worldwide, with 175 thousand new learners signing up every month.

An Educational Cornerstone

In the United States, hundreds of workforce agency administrators have used Alison.com to develop suites of freely-accessible online courses, forming educational cornerstones key to federally-funded government programs.

When parents or guardians face periods of transition, sometimes due to job loss, programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T;) and the Florida-centric Welfare Transition Program (WTP) offer needed assistance to qualified participants. This form of help can include time-limited financial assistance for basic needs such as food, clothing, and housing, but also includes transitional services to help families become independent. A significant part of these transitory services include GED prep courses, job training and interview practice, vocational training, classes in basic English, and job retention services.

“In terms of workforce advantages, Alison.com is building inroads in several distinct areas,” says Dan Fitzgerald, a Corporate Workforce Trainer at Geographic Solutions. “It fills the training-related gaps for programs like SNAP E&T; and TANF, offering low-cost alternatives for program participants.

Impacting Training Completion Rates

For CareerSource, Florida’s statewide network of workforce development boards and career centers, program managers have been integrating Alison’s free learning resources into their workforce programs since 2009. Because Alison’s courses are self-paced and time flexible, registered learners can level up their skills anywhere, and at any time. This helps workforce agency administrators spend less resources on scheduling, structuring, and monitoring, and more time on their actual training. Devoting more attention to these critical areas has made a significant impact on training completion rates. And, with Alison’s data-rich user statistics, admins can immediately see how much time a job seeker has spent on training.

A newer feature in Alison’s arsenal is the Career Guide, which ushers job seekers towards the right courses, catered towards specific career paths. These courses are laid out on different skill levels, and learners are guided through each course appropriately. The time needed to structure training is therefore taken on by experts, which allows more job seekers to get the most out of their activity, helping them stick with the program.

Expanding Job Ready Initiatives

Looking towards 2020 and beyond, Alison plans to expand their Job-Ready initiatives to workforce-industry professionals striving to create their own suite of free online courses and certifications. You can hear more about essential free learning at the 2019 Workforce Technology Conference.

About the Author: Dr. Tim Potenz is the Editor at Alison.com, where he's responsible for the Careers section of the platform.

Top 10 Reasons To Attend The 2019 Workforce Technology Conference

Thu, 28 Feb 2019 16:20:00 GMT

While parts of the country are still locked in the throes of winter, we’re already dreaming of warmer temperatures in the seasonable summer climate of coastal California. This can only mean one thing – it’s almost time for Geographic Solutions’ 2019 Workforce Technology Conference!

Held annually for the last 16 years, our client summit doubles as a big reveal where our staff members can demonstrate their hard work and dedication to our product development.

In 2019, we’re eager to present our newest developments for Virtual OneStop®, our flagship software suite. The all-in-one modular system features a component library that is customizable to meet the needs of several industries, including case management, vocational rehabilitation, unemployment insurance, higher education, human services, and corrections.

It was extremely difficult to pinpoint one singular reason you should join us this year, and it was even more challenging to stop at 10. With that said, here are 10 of our favorite reasons to say, “See You in Monterey!”

Sneak Peek of Virtual OneStop Version 20!

The cornerstone of our conference is your chance to hear from our president, Paul Toomey, about what we’re cooking up for Virtual OneStop Version 20.

Pre-Conference Training and Countless Breakout Sessions on Reports

We know that reporting is a critical part of your role. That’s why we’re dedicating half of our pre-conference training to ensuring you return to your agency or board with the latest Virtual OneStop reporting tips and tricks. To sweeten the deal, we’ll have multiple sessions throughout the week that focus solely on reports.

Keynote Speaker Maria Smith

We’re excited to welcome Bounce Australia’s Maria Smith to the main stage at the 2019 Workforce Technology Conference! With over 15 years of experience in business management, client engagement, training the highly disengaged, and creating tailored programs, Smith’s vision and attitude is contagious. Her mantra is “Everything is Possible,” and you’ll find out why this summer.

Ways to Make Your Job Easier with the Latest Efficiency Tools

If you love learning ways to work smarter, not harder, we have the tools for you. Hear from our experts how Staff Efficiency tools will make your life easier.

Networking With Agency Staff from All Over the Country

Reading about best practices or participating in an online webinar are invaluable resources. However. the 2019 Workforce Technology Conference gives you the opportunity to meet face-to-face with hundreds of industry professionals and pick their brains about what’s working and not working back at their agency or board.

Voting for Future Product Enhancements and Roundtable Discussions

We want to know how we can help you do your jobs better, and we’re inviting you to tell us at our yearly enhancements voting session. Submit your enhancements requests before the conference, and we’ll conduct live voting with a group of your peers.

One-On-One Meetings with Geographic Solutions Staff Members

Nothing beats collaborating in person with a subject matter expert. At the 2019 Workforce Technology Conference, we’ve carved out a three-hour block after the summit’s closing remarks to meet with Geographic Solutions’ staff members.

The Client Awards Luncheon

Perhaps more significant (and more important) than the Oscars, our client awards ceremony is a chance for you and your agency to earn bragging rights in multiple categories. Plus, enjoy a free lunch on us!

WID Geeks Unite Chat With our LMI Data Experts

Come together, right now…WID geeks! New to the conference in 2019, labor market information specialists will be able to meet with our data experts to discuss all things related to the Workforce Information Database.

Monterey Otters!!!

With up to a million hairs per square inch of fur, Monterey’s Sea otters are often seen floating near the shore, searching for clams, mussels, urchins, and crabs. Ubiquitous along the Central Coast, the largest members of the weasel family are numerous in places such as Moss Landing, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Cannery Row.

What are your favorite reasons to attend the Workforce Technology Conference? Want to share a fun story describing your experiences? Tell us in the comments below!

Haven't registered yet? Visit the conference registration page to join us this summer!

Employ Florida Disaster Recovery Jobs Portal Wins Tampa Bay Tech's Project Of The Year

Tue, 15 Jan 2019 14:35:00 GMT

At 2018's Tampa Bay Tech Awards, Geographic Solutions received the Technology Project of the Year Award for developing and launching Employ Florida's Disaster Recovery Jobs Portal.

Tampa Bay Tech, Florida's largest technology council, honored all winners during an awards ceremony at Armature Works in Tampa. Hundreds of technology professionals from across the region were in attendance.

The night also honored fellow Tampa Bay technology leaders and companies in various tech-related categories.

Thank you to those who worked so hard to make this project a success. Your dedication is truly making a difference in our local community.

North Carolina Launches New Tools To Help Veterans Find Jobs

Wed, 07 Nov 2018 15:42:00 GMT

Article written by Ford Porter, and first appeared in the newsroom at governor.nc.gov.

North Carolina veterans now have new tools available to help them find jobs, Governor Roy Cooper announced today just ahead of Veterans Day and Employ a Veteran Week. The North Carolina Department of Commerce has developed the NCWorks Veterans Portal – located at veterans.ncworks.gov – to help both job seekers and employers.

“We’re grateful for veterans’ service to our nation, and proud that so many veterans choose to call North Carolina home when they leave the military,” Gov. Cooper said. “This new portal gives veterans a direct way to connect critical skills and experience gained through military service to new careers in high-demand fields, and it will also connect North Carolina employers looking to hire these proven hard workers.”

The NCWorks Veterans Portal is part of Governor Cooper’s NC Job Ready strategy to prepare North Carolinians for the jobs of today and tomorrow. NC Job Ready has three core principles: skills and education attainment, employer leadership to remain relevant to evolving industry needs, and local innovation to take great ideas and apply them statewide.

Résumés That Rock

Mon, 01 Oct 2018 14:42:00 GMT

Each year, Virtual OneStop helps thousands of job seekers find the perfect job and guides employers to their next great hire.

During the fall of 2017, our corporate workforce trainer, Dan Fitzgerald, conducted several webinars on labor exchange concepts that workforce staff deal with on a daily basis. At least once a year, Geographic Solutions conducts informative training of this nature, focusing on best practices for résumé development, job and candidate search, and effective job order creation.

In our most recent series, we received close to 800 responses on a variety of résumé-related questions. Survey participants gave their professional insights on several hot topics, including acceptable titles and length, desired employment history length, and the best way to summarize skills and experience. A few questions were specific to our software, and we excluded those questions to stay generic.

Daniel Fitzgerald, Geographic Solutions Trainer, compiled these insights into the article “800 Workforce Staff Can’t Be Wrong: Best Practices for Creating Effective Résumés.” Below is a summary of the key points from that article.

Résumé Length

1 to 2 pages is preferred by most workforce staff.
1 page is also popular for its brevity.
3 pages is acceptable to some, but less common.
Longer résumés (7-10 pages) are rarely recommended.

Résumé Title

Should include the occupation and some personalization.
Avoid including personal details like name or social security number.
Tailor the title to the job being applied for.

Should Résumés Have an Objective Section?

Most respondents prefer a Professional Summary instead of an Objective.
If included, the Objective should be short, and employer focused.

Should a Résumé Be Written in First Person?

Most respondents indicated that job seekers should avoid first person in their résumés.

How Many Years Back Should You Go with Your Employment History?

Nearly all responses were consistent, stating that your Employment History should go back 10 years.

What is the Worst Universal Problem with Résumés?

Here are some of the worst problems workforce staff encountered, in order of importance:

Bad grammar, misspellings, and punctuation
Bad titles
Too long
Not enough keywords for applicant tracking systems
Unsure of salary and other labor market job attributes in a specific area
Too much contact information
Not enough emphasis on achievement in the Employment History
Not dynamic enough

How Should You Save Your Résumé?

Microsoft Word 97-2003 headed the list as a universal choice. Save in Microsoft Word 97-2003 format and include a PDF version.

Should You Provide References with Your Résumé?

The responses were split among the webinar attendees. Some suggest not including references, others recommend a separate attachment or indicating that references are available upon request.

Additional Tips and Insights

Term for Stay-at-Home Parent: The most popular term suggested was Domestic Parent.

Addressing Employment Gaps: Long-term unemployment gaps should be explained. A text section detailing the circumstances could be helpful.

Helpful Tips for Résumés:

Watch capitalizations, grammar, and punctuation.
Avoid using too many bullet points.
Utilize Labor Market Information.
Have multiple people review the résumé.
Ensure keywords from the job description are included.
Use a unique email for job applications.
Email the résumé to yourself to check formatting.
Avoid texting format.
And more…

Take a moment to read each installment of Dan’s three-part series for more detailed insights.

Unmasking Trojan Horse Employers

Thu, 13 Sep 2018 14:40:00 GMT

Considered a persistent nuisance on job boards across America, scam employers are perpetually masking empty career opportunities to look like good fortune.

At the 2018 Workforce Technology Conference, we brought together a panel of subject matter experts from our clients in North Carolina, Virginia, and Florida to discuss best practices for vetting employers in Virtual OneStop.

During the chat, the group acknowledged that regardless of an agency's location, there are a few red flags that should be watched for during account validation. They agreed that staff members should be vigilant when an account has been created with no registration information, no address, or an IP that is a considerable distance from the employer's main location. Unusual registration creation times should also be viewed as suspicious. The panelists also noted that non-business email accounts such as Yahoo, Gmail, and Outlook and unusual contact names and security question responses were red flags.

Job listings or job orders with the following should be scrutinized when reviewing for scam employers:

• Data Entry Clerk
• Manager
• President
• Customer Service
• Administrative Assistant

Practice Vigilance

In a recent Forbes.com article on fake jobs, it was estimated that employment scams cost workers about $2 billion in direct losses each year. Senior Forbes contributor Jack Kelly covers career growth, job market, and workplace trends. He recommends being vigilant about too-good-to-be-true job listings, including those that tout high pay and low requirements. He also recommends giving a skeptical eye to job postings or listings that don't require much skill or experience.

The Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) blog warns to be leery of work-from-home job scams. Post-Covid, many employers do offer fully remote or hybrid roles. But some scams that the FTC has seen include charging for starter kits, job training, or certifications before the position even starts. The commission addressed several reoccurring themes that they've seen in employer and job scams, including reshipping and reselling merchandise.

Indeed's Career Guide blog on job scams advises to control the risk of becoming a victim of a scam by carefully researching all potential employers and scanning job posts for suspicious behavior. The article lists 17 common job scams, including high-paying data entry jobs, career advancement grants, and government jobs that ask you to pay a fee to apply.

The Bottom Line

Whether you are a staff member at a workforce agency, or a job seeker looking for the next waypoint in your career journey, stay vigilant. Chances are you may not encounter a scam or Trojan Horse employer. But if you do, look for the warning signs before proceeding. Verify that the information is correct. Consider using cybersecurity awareness best practices when weighing the validity of a suspicious employer or job posting.

Enhancing The User Experience

Mon, 03 Sep 2018 14:39:00 GMT

How Geographic Solutions Ensures Accessibility in Software Development

You won’t find it on a list of the world’s most dangerous jobs, but this career path requires brave employees who are willing to work with JAWS. No, not the infamous great white shark, but something equally powerful in the world of accessibility technology: JAWS (Job Access with Speech). This screen reader software is a key tool used by Geographic Solutions’ Accessibility Services Team to ensure that web pages and applications are fully accessible to users with low or no vision.

JAWS Technology: Enhancing Accessibility for All Users

Considered the next frontier in worldwide accessibility equality, Geographic Solutions is focused on bringing ease-of-use in their products to people with disabilities. In the U.S. alone, over half of working-age people have disabilities, making it even more imperative to consider accessibility from the second a product is conceived.

The Accessibility Services Team: Pioneering Inclusive Design

The benefits far outweigh the challenges, and this group within the development department agrees that the most rewarding part is helping level the playing field for all individuals, regardless of specific impairment. JAWS technology is crucial in enabling this mission and ensuring our software meets the necessary accessibility standards.

As a company, we're committed to ensuring our software is universally accessible. As a testament to this movement, the Accessibility Services Team periodically creates awareness labs. These workshops not only show how important inclusive design is to our users, but also demonstrate to employees across all departments how impactful accessible design can be.

The Importance of Accessibility Compliance in Software Development

Part of an industry-wide movement since the Department of Justice revised regulations in 2010, accessibility guidelines not only enhance the product experience for those with disabilities but improve usability for all users.

“The Accessibility Services Team is here to help,” said Accessibility Services Team Lead, Patti Arouni. “We can answer questions, provide training, recommend tools, and do whatever else is necessary so that our products are usable by as many people as possible.”

Giving You the Power to Report

Tue, 03 Jul 2018 00:19:00 GMT

What's the best way for frontline staff to get their feet wet with reporting?

Are there any ways to save time when creating reports? What new reports have been added to Virtual OneStop?

Join us to see the answers to these questions by watching this quarter's spotlight on Sr. Business Analyst Liliya Tanska.

Watch video here.

Sun, Surf, and Workforce Tech

Mon, 02 Jul 2018 01:05:00 GMT

Earlier this summer, we hosted the 2018 Workforce Technology Conference at the Wyndham Grand Resort on Clearwater Beach. Our annual client summit attracted more than 220 workforce development professionals, representing 98 distinct agencies in 30 states from across the United States. A group of 80 attendees also participated in pre-conference training on Virtual OneStop® reporting and labor market tools.

This year, attendees had more presentations to choose from than ever before. Industry leaders and Geographic Solutions subject matter experts presented on a variety of topics, including unemployment insurance, labor market data, case management, current legislation, career tools for students, staff efficiency, and more.

And where one conference sails into the horizon, another appears. We've already set the gears in motion for 2019's client summit, taking place in Monterey, California. Stay tuned for more information in the next few weeks announcing the opening of registration.

To our guest speakers: we'd like to extend a warm thank you for not only traveling to speak at the conference, but also taking the time to share your knowledge and expertise with our attendees. We hope to have you join us as a speaker again at one of our future conferences.

Reaching The Peak: The 2017 Workforce Professional Development Summit

Wed, 25 Oct 2017 17:38:00 GMT

Geographic Solutions recently attended and exhibited at the 2017 Florida Workforce Professional Development Summit, held in Orlando, Florida.

As part of the three-day conference, we hosted two separate meetings. The first, facilitated by Florida Project Manager Charlotte Hearn, spoke to attendees about recent changes in Virtual OneStop®, the internet-based software that powers Employ Florida. In Tuesday's session, Staff Efficiency Business Analyst, Mac McCarthy, showcased several tools that help to not only streamline job centers, but also to track and quantify services they provide.

We'd like to thank all attendees that participated in a session, stopped by our booth to say "hello," or did both! Keep an eye on our Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn accounts to see where you can find our team next.