Need Free Job Advice? CareerForce Offers Guidance

If you’ve been searching for a job, you might be feeling like you’re just one in a crowded field of applicants.

According to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, the state’s unemployment rate is 4.5 percent. That is slightly above the national average of 4.3 percent.

With a tighter job market, many are feeling frustrated with the hiring process and looking for a place to turn.

While there’s online sites and job boards that offer advice, there’s also a place that offers free in-person, one-on-one coaching.

CareerForce Helps Job Seekers Get Competitive Edge

CareerForce is a job resource center that has locations across the state including one at the Northwest Family Service Center in Brooklyn Center.

It is staffed with experts to help you search for a position, write a resume, and practice interviewing — all at no cost.

CareerForce specialist Robin Johnson said she is seeing everyone from recent high school graduates to seasoned workers in their 50s looking for a career change.

“Looking for a job has gotten to be kind of complicated,” said Robin Johnson, workforce development specialist at CareerForce. “There’s a lot of moving parts, it not like it was years ago where it was just send out a resume and have one or two interviews, and boom that is it. So, I think mindset is really, really important.”

Robin Johnson explains services offered by CareerForce.

Johnson said in order to land that next job, you should be prepared to do some skill training.

CareerForce can help you find short-term programs to obtain a certificate or licensure.

She also said CareerForce offers advice to job seekers on how to stand out to potential employers.

“If they take that leap and they come in and see us,” said Johnson, “They suddenly realize, ‘oh wow,’ these are people who can help, and they know everybody in the state, so if they can’t help us, somebody else will.”

How You Can Get Help

CareerForce will take walk-ins, but you can also call to set up an appointment.

Consultations are about 30 minutes long.

For more information: CareerForce.mn.gov. 

Brooklyn Center