Tools to help you get back to work

By Jeff Altman, Big Game Hunter

CareerOneStop.org created a webinar based on the top ten tools to help people return to work. This is a short representation

So, are you considering a new job, or even a different career entirely? I know, it feels like a big, daunting task. But what if I told you there was a free toolkit backed by the U.S. government that could walk you through the entire process? Well, today we’re going to dive into CareerOneStop.org and detail how to use its best tools to find and seize your next great opportunity. You know, that statement really hits the nail on the head, doesn’t it? It comes from the U.S. Department of Labor, which is actually the sponsor of this website.

We are all feeling this huge shakeout. The world of work has changed and millions of people are looking for something more. More flexibility, a better paycheck, or work that just feels more meaningful.

This does bring it back to your mind, right? Are you part of this reorganization? Are you craving something new and better? It doesn’t matter whether you’re just getting back into the workforce, aiming for a promotion, or considering a 180-degree change in your career path. You’re definitely not the only one doing this. That’s where CareerOneStop.org comes into play.

Seriously, think of this as your personal guide, your expert navigator throughout your new career field. It’s built from the ground up to give you real data and powerful tools to help you make choices you feel good about. That’s what’s great about it.

Trust and access. Because it’s sponsored by the Department of Labor, you know the information is top-notch and reliable. This is more than just a jobs committee.

From exploring new careers to getting resume tips, this is a great resource. Honestly, the best part? It’s completely 100% free. No subscriptions, no hidden fees, nothing.

So, to keep things simple, we’ll think of the job search as a three-stage journey. First, explore your options. Then comes the second phase, finding actual job openings.

Finally, the third stage, closing the deal. For each stage, we’ll examine a very key tool that can help. Well, let’s start with phase one and explore the options.

This is for people who just look at the horizon and think, “Okay, what’s my next step?” You may have a feeling that you want to change, but you’re just not sure what to change. This is something you have to remember. You are not starting from scratch.

not at all. Every job you’ve ever had has provided you with valuable skills. The real trick is learning how to see how these skills fit into a completely new field.

This is where Career One Stop has a great tool called My Skills, My Future. It’s that simple. You just enter a job you’ve had in the past and it will come up with a list of new career ideas that match up well with the skills you already have and help you see your experiences in a new light.

Okay, look at this. This is a perfect example of how it works. Assuming your previous job was as a medical assistant, this tool indicates that you can become a speech-language pathologist assistant.

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The left side shows all the transferable skills, such as critical thinking and customer service. But just as important, look at the right side. It points out specific skills you need to master, such as some knowledge of psychology.

It just makes for a huge career change that feels more doable. Okay, onto phase two, look for openings. You’ve done your exploring, you have a target career in mind, now it’s time to find the actual job.

let’s do it. Therefore, job search tools will become your best friends. This powerful search engine pulls listings from all over.

Super simple. Just enter keywords and location. But here’s a little pro tip.

Make sure to use a filter. If you’re looking to work from home, the remote work only filter is a game changer. But hey, what if you want to be more proactive? Well, that’s what Business Search is for.

It allows you to conduct what is called a targeted job search. So instead of waiting for ads to pop up, you can find companies you actually want to work for and contact them directly. This thing has a database of over 12 million employers, so it really puts you in the driver’s seat.

This brings us to the final phase, phase three, reaching agreement. You found the perfect role, you crushed the interview, and you’ve reached the finish line. This is where a little bit of data can give you a huge competitive advantage.

Let’s talk about money. When negotiating, it’s absolutely crucial to know your worth. The site’s salary finder tool gives you hard data, such as the median salary for a job nationwide, but that’s just the beginning.

That’s where it’s really powerful. For example, a graphic designer in Minneapolis-St. Paul’s earnings may not be the same as those a few hours away in Duluth or Green Bay.

The Salary Finder lets you compare salaries in different cities and states. Whether you’re negotiating a job offer or considering relocation, this is priceless information. Want another way to make your resume pop? Check out the Certification Finder.

It can help you identify certifications that will give you a real boost. See this, see that little pepper icon? Based on real job postings, this is a small sign that they have certifications that are highly desired by their current employer. How cool is that? It’s a great shortcut to what’s popular.

So when you put it all together, Career One Stop is more than just a job board. It’s a complete toolkit designed to support you at every stage of your career. It gives you confidence because you have reliable, expert information at your fingertips.

If you are looking for more practical support, you can find more information to help you in JobSearch and the community. There are video courses, job search guidance from Jeff Altman (you may know him as “The Big Game Hunter”), plus books, guides, resume and LinkedIn profile reviews, and even custom interview prep. There is still much to discover.

Again, this is JobSearch.Community.

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