Assistance

Our knowledgeable staff is ready to guide you through all steps of job search and career planning. We’re happy to:

• Tell you about all the services available at any WorkForce Center and any special services for which you may qualify
• Help you use MinnesotaWorks.net, our online job bank, and other employment web sites to search for and apply for jobs
• Help you research local employers that are hiring
• Help you understand the fundamentals of a successful job search and help you apply those basics as you plan your own job search
• Offer advice about how to write effective resumes and cover letters
• Help you set up free email accounts to keep to contact and follow up with prospective employers
• Assist you with taking a typing test where you can print your results to take to employers
• Teach you to use the Internet effectively in your job search
• Recommend other resources and services in your community

Computer Access

A wide variety of computer software is available for your use, including programs to help with career planning, computer skills development, and effective Internet job searches. 

In addition, we provide free email accounts and Internet access to all job seekers. Here’s a sample of what you’ll find.

Job-Search Tools

• Our WorkForce Center Organizer software identifies and sorts Web sites for job search or career planning
• Access to MinnesotaWorks.net, our job search database
• Access to a typing test for customers to print results and take to an employer

Word-Processing and Resume Tools

• Typing tutorials and software help you develop keyboarding skill
• Word processing software helps you to write resumes, cover letters and other job-search documents
• Special software helps you create custom resumes from templates

Career Exploration Tools

• Career software such as Minnesota Career information System helps you explore your interests and personality
• Our career research tools help you learn about occupations and understand the education and training needed to work in selected fields
• Other tools provide Information about salaries, occupations, job market predictions and economic trends in your local labor market in a way that is easy to access and understand

Office Equipment

At every WorkForce Center, you’ll have access to office equipment that is crucial for every job search, including:

• A telephone for reaching potential employers or networking contacts
• Photocopy machines for copying resumes or other information needed to prepare for job interviews
• Computers and software for creating and updating resumes, plus Internet access for job-search related research
• Printers for producing high-quality resumes and other job-search related documents
• Fax machines for sending your resume and other related documents to potential employers

Library

We offer a wide variety of books and directories to help with job hunting and career planning. 

You’ll find a slightly different mix of materials in each individual WorkForce Center, based on unique local needs. However, every center carries a selection of books and other publications that cover the following subject areas:

• Business and employer directories
• Conducting basic job searches
• Writing resumes and cover letters
• Interviewing and salary negotiation
• Career Planning and Development
• Labor Market Information

Assistive Technology

We offer assistive technology to help customers with disabilities better use our services and resources. 

All WorkForce Centers are equipped with computer software and equipment to help people who are blind, visually impaired, or have other physical impairments to use computer programs, Web sites, and read printed materials. 

For telephone use, each center has a TTY for people who are deaf or have hearing impairments, and access to speech-to-speech service for people with speech impairments. 

Available assistive technology includes:

• Closed Caption Decoder-Enabled TV/VCR
• Job Access with Speech (JAWS) for Windows
• Okay Vision Aide Corporation (OVAC) Reader
• Pocket Talker Personal Amplifier
• ZoomText Software
• UbiDuo
• NexTalk

Career Readiness Certificate

The National Career Readiness Certificate is a credential that helps you stand out in a competitive job market by showing employers that you have the skills and motivation they're seeking.

The exam highlights your strongest, most marketable skills. It also identifies areas of improvement that would make you a stronger candidate with potential employers. See the list of Minnesota employers that recognize the credential.

The NCRC™ assessments are offered at no charge at select Minnesota WorkForce Centers. See the schedule of workshops offered statewide.