This is the first in an occasional series called “Did you know?” in which DF staff present information about the various actors, and cool partners, helping job seekers to find and advance in good jobs, while helping employers find people they need and reducing the number of unfilled jobs.
Many of us have been through the process of finding a job. If you have had the opportunity to attend a four year university, you likely were able to use a career services center that taught how to write a resume, prepare for an interview, and scan the internet for openings for which you were qualified. Let’s dwell on this last one for a second – because you had multiple years of post-high school education, you were qualified for many job openings.
If you didn’t attend a university, though, your path may be less clear.. How can you find a good job? And, how do you make sure you have the skills that are needed for that job, when you don’t have a “degree” that acknowledges to the world that you have received a certain level of formal preparation and the skills needed?
The answer! Many organizations help individuals in this situation to not only find a job, but one that fits with their experiences, natural abilities, education, and interests. Today, we are highlighting one of the biggest: the local OhioMeansJobs office. This office, which is run by both the City of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County and in non-COVID times is located right on Carnegie Avenue near the CSU Wolstein Center, houses a team of people whose sole purpose is to understand what type of employment a job seeker wants, and to access resources needed so that person is able to secure the skills needed for that job. Often, that individual is able to train for and secure a “certification”, which is a way other than a degree to acknowledge to the world someone’s formal preparation and skills.
I’m not a fan of the word “resources” because it’s so general, so let’s be specific. One resource: the OhioMeansJobs team can find you money to pay for training (particularly if you are a person living in poverty). Some money you won’t have to pay back, and some you might, but on very reasonable terms. Another resource: support, of many kinds, which enable you to focus on getting and keeping your job. Hungry? Need childcare? Need someone to help you with resolving past legal issues which are a barrier to employment? Need housing assistance? Other things? The OMJ office can connect you with what you need to ensure you are successful in starting, securing, and being successful in your new role.
If you would like to learn more for yourself, or want to refer someone and would like assistance, feel free to call them at 216-777-8200, or find them online at https://omjcc.us. Or you can ping me directly. Meantime, big thanks to the team at OhioMeansJobs for all you do!