Technology can be amazing, and often it can help make our lives a little easier. Sometimes, however, the hard part is trying to figure out “how to apply” this technology so it does help. Many people find this true when it comes to searching for a job. So while I don’t believe there can ever really be a “one stop shop” to answer all your questions, here are some resources that may prove helpful in providing some answers and direction to your job search efforts.
Career Exploration: tools to help figure out “what you want to be when you grow up” 🙂
• Reality Check – interactive tool that assesses lifestyle needs and suggests career paths that match your salary requirements
• Choices Planner – interactive tool that helps with skills assessment, career planning, and resume building, just to name a few
• Career Cube – fun and informational resource to help you learn, prepare and find well-paying, satisfying jobs in four of the Gulf Coast region’s big industries and other fields
• O*Net – database of occupations that helps explore “related” fields, lets you know if an occupation is growing quickly, and suggests career paths based on your interests
• Career Planning Video
• Focus On Profiles – insightful summaries of various career opportunities
• High Skill, High Growth Occupations – a listing of the fastest growing occupations in the Gulf Coast region
• Easy Access, High Demand – list of occupations in the Gulf Coast Region that are experiencing high demand rates and are normally easy to gain entry into
Career Planning: tools to get you up to date on job seeking in today’s market
• Job Search Seminars – free job search workshops at public locations throughout the Gulf Coast Region
• Job Search Tips – quick summaries of information offered in the job search seminars
• BlogForce – weekly articles on job search and job market related topics
• Texas Work Prep – learning modules sponsored by the Texas Workforce Commission to assist with a more successful job search effort
• SOCRATES – tool that helps identify employers that hire for a chosen occupation, within a certain industry, in a prescribed geographic location
• LinkedIn – professional networking site that takes advantage of 24/7 social media techniques in your job search
Training: in case your career exploration and planning leads to the need for additional training
• Goodwill Community Foundation – free online tutorials on a variety of topics, including Microsoft Office
• FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid; the first step in getting almost any kind of financial assistance with college
• Workforce Solutions Financial Aid – steps to apply for Workforce Solutions financial assistance with training / higher education
• Scholarship List – high skills, high growth occupations supported by Workforce Solutions scholarships
• Training Provider Report Card – information on graduation and employment rates for various programs at area institutions
Job Seeking: tools to help find a job, keep a job, or get a better job
• Workforce Solutions – locate your nearest Career Office to get your job search off on the right foot
• Work in Texas – create a comprehensive profile in the largest FREE job database in the state of Texas
• Where the Jobs Are – monthly summary of employment trends in the local labor market
• Job Fairs / Hiring Events – calendar of when and where employers will be using Workforce Solutions locations to meet with qualified job seekers
• Work Support – information on additional types of financial assistance that may be available to job seekers
This list may seem a bit overwhelming, but it will at least get you started. There are tons of other amazing resources out there to make your job search a little smoother. Why not comment on this posting and share your favorite “go to” job search tool? You just might provide the last piece of the job search puzzle to help some other job seeker – and wouldn’t that be a great feeling!
Bobi Cook is a Regional Facilitator for Workforce Solutions in the Houston – Galveston area. She currently conducts job skills seminars throughout the 13 county Gulf Coast region utilizing her MBA and over ten cumulative years experience as a professional educator, quality systems manager within the automotive industry, and small business administrator to help job seekers develop and implement successful job search campaigns.
blogforce.wrksolutions.com 