Resources for Launching Your Job Search

If you are one of the many workers who have lost a job due to COVID-19, knowing where to start and how to scale up for a job search can be a daunting prospect. This is especially true if you haven’t been in the job market for several years.

Before jumping into your search, make use of the many of resources available to figure out where you want to go.

Here are a few of note:

The Clifton Strengths assessment identifies your top strengths and offers suggestions for applying them. It can be found at https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/strengthsfinder.aspx. My clients find this tool valuable because the focus is on developing strengths rather than correcting deficiencies. Using one’s strengths at work has been shown to increase employee engagement and improve overall quality of life.

The Values in Action Survey (VIA) developed by the VIA Institute on Character, https://www.viacharacter.org/, is a free survey that helps you identify and rank your most important values. Understanding your values can help you make better choices about where to work.

Johnson O’Connor Research Foundation, https://www.jocrf.org/home, tests 19 inborn aptitudes and uses the results to identify careers that match. Aptitude testing provides objective data about the careers you’re likely to succeed in and the ones to avoid. Aptitudes do not change over time so the test results can be used to make career decisions throughout your life. And, research shows that you are more likely to be satisfied and successful in occupations that use your aptitudes.

Once you’ve made a decision about your direction, create a resumé and LinkedIn profile that take you there. When your job search tools are in place there are a number of job-related resources available online to help you find opportunities. The Monterey County Free Libraries offer free access to several subscription databases with a Monterey County Free Libraries card. Don’t have a library card?  Apply for an ecard online.  https://www.co.monterey.ca.us/government/departments-i-z/library/how-do-i/get-a-library-card. AtoZdatabases and LearningExpressLibary are just two of the many resources accessible through the county library system.

AtoZdatabases is an easy-to-use site for job opportunities and much more. It also offers free webinars on résumés and interviewing.

LearningExpressLibrary offers job skills tests and tutorials (medical assistant certification, etc.), job search and interview tips. It also offers resources to prepare for GED, college entrance and US citizenship exams.

Job search resources found elsewhere:

CalJOB, https://www.caljobs.ca.gov, provides job leads and gives you access to the Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL) featuring educational programs and apprentices for job seekers. You can also find resources for veterans, job seekers, seniors and those with disabilities. Registration requires your social security number.

Indeed.com, https://www.indeed.com/, consolidates listing from many job boards into one place and it allows you to search by job and location (locally and nationally).

Staying positive and motivated during a job search can be hard. Develop a job search plan, create a support system and network, network, network. When you combine networking with online job and career resources, your chances of success increase exponentially. Good luck! I am rooting for you.

©2020 Mary Jeanne Vincent.  All rights reserved.