Job Search Help Using Various Employment Resources

Whether you have been unemployed for 12 months or 12 minutes, there are employment resources available to assist with you job search and allow to you hit the ground running in your job hunt.  I will list the four types of resources along with some of the pros and cons to assist you in this activity.

• Resource #1: State and Federal Employment Resources: With the federal stimulus funds distributed, each state has additional resources to help the unemployed get back into the workforce.  This includes the use of computer labs, help with resume writing and, most likely, the opportunity to interact with potential employers.  Although this is usually a free service, the downside is that they have a one size fits all approach.  If you are competing for professional positions or looking to command a higher wage, this may not be the most appropriate job search help you can find.
• Resource #2: Staffing Agencies:  These organizations partner with employers and can keep you up to date with job trends in your industry and help promote you to their employer contacts.  These employment resources are also a free service to the job seeker as the staffing agencies are paid by the employer.  The downside is that quite often they do not offer coaching, and you have to follow up with them frequently to stay fresh in their mind.
• Resource #3: Community service organizations:  These are typically nonprofit organizations that offer computer training, some resume writing and soft skill development.  Although this job search help is typically free, you may find these organizations are not tied in well to the business community, instead these employment resources are usually tied in to higher education programs that will allow you return to school, based on your financial situation.
• Resource #4: Employment coaches.  Employment coaches are tied in to the business community and offer very specific job search help.  Although they typically charge a fee up front, they offer assessments and work with you on a one on one basis to help you identify appropriate employment opportunities and take ownership in guiding you through the
  employment process.

By taking advantage of these employment resources, you will find improved results in your job hunt.  I look forward to sharing more information with you soon.