Your Next Career
Starts Here
WE OFFER FREE EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING SOLUTIONS FOR JOBSEEKERS
JOBSEEKER PROGRAMS & SERVICES
Our Service Center staff will work one-on-one with you to provide the assistance you need to overcome employment barriers. Specialized programs (not listed below) may be available. All services are FREE to those seeking employment, regardless of your job situation, education level, experience or skill level.
EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
Whether you're looking for your first job or perhaps a career change, we can help. We offer one-on-one resume assistance, interview prep, online job search guidance, skills assessments, career advising, referral services, employment workshops, and more.
VISIT OUR RESOURCE ROOMS
Our Resource Rooms, located in each of our seven Service Centers, are continuously upgraded, and designed and equipped to accommodate the job search needs of jobseekers. View our weekly updated Job Board, use our computers/fax/phone/printers for job related activities, learn how to job search online, get resume/interview guidance, and get one-on-one assistance from our Career Navigators.
JOB TRAINING PROGRAMS & TUITION ASSISTANCE
Training programs include on-the-job training, classroom training, apprenticeships and more. Jobseekers may be eligible for training assistance (paid tuition, mileage reimbursement, and more) in a variety of in-demand occupation, such as nursing, truck driving, law enforcement, manufacturing, and more. Employers may be eligible for wage reimbursement during training, as well as hiring incentives for special populations.
Michigan Works! facilitates the WIOA in-school and out-of-school youth programs to help at-risk students 16-24 achieve their GED/diploma, learn leadership skills, and pursue future career paths. In addition, we offer many services to general student populations, including Career Readiness Workshops, Mock Interviews, Career Exploration events, Talent Tours with local employers, and more.
RE-ADJUSTMENT SERVICES AND ADULT EDUCATION
For workers experiencing company-wide layoffs, Michigan Works! offers rapid response, skills training, and basic re-adjustment services. For jobseekers who need basic education assistance, Michigan Works! offers soft skills workshops and adult education services.
Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) is a federal program that assists workers who have lost or may lose their jobs as a result of foreign trade. TAA provides adversely-affected workers with opportunities to obtain the skills, credentials, resources and support necessary to become reemployed. Michigan is home to one of the nation’s most diverse and productive workforces, and TAA helps ensure our adversely-affected workers have the job training and support they need to tap into new employment opportunities. The program provides resources such as job training, career counseling, wage supplements for older workers, job search and relocation allowances, and income support for workers in approved training programs. The TAA program is currently in termination status, but TAA eligible workers have life-long benefits. If you think your employment has been impacted by foreign trade, please contact your local MW! service center or visit Michigan.gov/TAA to learn more.
WELFARE REFORM PROGRAMS
The AEP and PATH Programs are for those receiving cash assistance. To be eligible, the Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) must refer you to Michigan Works! for required participation in activities such as Job Search and Job Readiness, Work Experience, Community Service, and more. These programs help move individuals from welfare to economic self-sufficiency by providing tools to help overcome employment barriers. Participation in the program is required.
SKILLS ASSESSMENT TESTING
Skills assessments are conducted through the WorkKeys system. The WorkKeys test measures your ability to perform in math, reading, and locating information on the job. The combination of these three tests result in a National Career Readiness Certificate, which can be presented to potential employers. The ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate measures and certifies the essential work skills needed for success in jobs across industries and occupations.
YOU FOUND THE JOB YOU WANT. YOU'RE READY TO APPLY.
NOW WHAT?
First impressions are critical when applying to a job. Make sure you're putting your best foot forward.
YOUR RESUME
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Review your resume for format, spelling and grammar typos before posting it online or sending it to an employer! Get a friend to review it as well.
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Once your resume rocks, don't forget to post it on Pure Michigan Talent Connect.
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If you're sending your resume to apply to a job, try to tailor your resume for that specific job. Does your objective fill their needs? Does your work experience show you can do the job you are applying for?
THE JOB APPLICATION
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When filling out a job application, fill out EVERY question. Even if you have to write "N/A" or "not applicable". You don't want an employer to think you're lazy or even worse, you aren't thorough and missed the question entirely! This will reflect on their opinion of how much effort you will put in as an employee.
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Dress "interview-ready" even when you are just stopping by a business to pick up an application or to drop one off. You never know if the hiring manager might be the person handing you the application or might even want to interview you on the spot!
THE INTERVIEW
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Read up on interview techniques and practice, practice, practice! Record yourself or practice with a friend. Remember, never bad-mouth others or past employers in an job interview!
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Dress professionally for the interview - no dirty, stained, or ripped clothing, and nothing too revealing. Think "church-dress".
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At the interview, remember to smile, make eye contact, don't fidget, have good posture, don't interrupt the interviewer, and shake their hand/thank them before you leave. Practice your handshake ahead of time - aim for firm, but not too hard.
PREPARE AHEAD OF TIME
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Nothing is worse than bombing the interview of a job you really wanted. Make sure you are as prepared as possible by researching the company and the position, in addition to preparing your resume and practicing for the interview.
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Utilize all the tools available to you. Attend as many workshops or training classes as you can. Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium offers free workshops to help job seekers with resumes, interview skills, job search, and more.
DON'T GIVE UP, BUT BE REALISTIC.
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Job search not working? Figure out what the problem is and work on fixing it. Are you getting interviews? Are you getting job offers? Are you hearing nothing? If you’re not being contacted, you may need to improve your resume and interviewing skills through workshops or an appointment with a Michigan Works! Career Navigator. HOT TIP: Remember to set-up your voicemail on your phone and make sure it's not full! Employers can't leave you a message if you don't have your voicemail set-up and working properly!
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Continue learning. Do you notice most of the jobs you’re applying for, or would like to apply for, require more education that you currently have? Or do you need a little tweak or enhancement of your skills? If you are eligible, Michigan Works! may be able to provide tuition scholarships to help you go back to school in an in-demand, high-wage field. Speak with Michigan Works! Staff to determine if this is the right choice for you. Remember, career success is a life-long commitment. You need to be realistic about your ability to compete for the jobs you are applying to.
