Blog Post: Your Local Job Center : An Untapped Resource in Your Job Search

Your Local Job Center : An Untapped Resource in Your Job Search

By Amy Hansmann & Heather Nilsen

Employment & Training Specialists

Job Service – Dept. of Workforce Development

You’ve searched online, combed the newspapers, sent out your resume a hundred times, but you’re not seeing the desired results of your job search. There may be one resource you haven’t fully explored – your local Job Center . “But aren’t job centers for low-income people?” you may ask yourself. Well, certainly some people have suffered more hardships than others during this economic downturn, but the Job Centers are for EVERYONE, regardless of race, creed, religious preference, social standing, education level, fashion sense or employment status.

Job Centers offer FREE (c’mon Wisconsin , we know how you love free things!) services such as:

·         Internet access for job search and employment-related research

·         Job-related copies and faxes

·         Resume writing software programs

·         Career exploration and labor market information

Not only that, Job Centers offer a variety of workshops on everything from “How to Create an Email Account” to “Stress Management” to “Interviewing” and 1 on 1 Resume Critiques.  Thinking about a career change? Meet with a licensed professional Career Counselor. You may have seen online or heard of companies offering similar services; however, they might charge you hundreds of dollars.  And we’re just giving it away.

One of the most important aspects of your job search is networking and the Job Center is an excellent place to meet employers who are hiring. It’s also an opportunity to expand your network. Most Job Centers offer on-site recruitment and information events with local employers, as well as resource fairs geared toward health, financial management and training or educational opportunities. Get to know the staff at the Job Center . They can be a gold mine of information and assistance – just ask! Your Job Center also stocks up-to-the-minute job leads and numerous publications with advice on job search strategies, resumes, interviews and more.

Other services you can access at no cost to you are the many partner programs at some centers including Veterans Services, Vocational Rehabilitation, Youth and Mature Workers services. There are seven Job Centers that serve Milwaukee County and at least one Job Center in almost every county throughout the state.

Visit http://www.wisconsinjobcenter.org/directory/ or call 1-888-258-9966 to find the Job Center nearest you.