Finding a job
After graduation, some students may fear unemployment. The Department of Work Force Services, is an off campus service available to help students find a job.
“We offer a full gamut of services, job information and one-on-one coaching based on individual needs,” Gaylene Pebley, department supervisor said.
Best of all, it is free, she said.
Another benefit of conducting a job search at the department, Pebley said, is the access to specific information that may not be available elsewhere.
“Some local employers choose only to hire through the department,” Pebley said.
Along with free access to paper, fax and copy machines, there is a Job Connection room containing several computers with Internet access, local job listings updated daily, job search links, an interest inventory program, labor market information, a simulated voice interview program and a résumé writing program.
“I love this,” Lara Crowton, a Utah State University graduate student, said. “It pretty much writes the résumé for you.”
Crowton is one of the many employment counselors at the department who offer services free to job-seeking citizens.
These counselors provide information, assist in job searching and evaluation, give advice, administer skills tests and even give mock interviews to best prepare the individual for employment, Crowton said.
“I like to look at myself as a coach or a cheerleader, depending on the situation of the individual,” Crowton said. “Our goal is to help people get jobs and be self-sufficient. To do that, we provide whatever level of service customers want or need.”
In addition to individual counseling, the department holds workshops monthly to train clients in important areas of the employment process, such as job-seeking skills, job retention and interviewing.
A concern of some students attempting to begin their job search prior to graduation is the inability to meet the initial qualifications in the department’s screening process.
“I would take the time to call the employer and explain the situation,” Crowton said. “Some say no, but some are willing to work with you. Our agency is.”
The department also assists with unemployment claims and supportive services such as food, medical, financial and child care to eligible families and individuals. They offer several education and training funding programs.
Karen Hess, a senior employment counselor for 27 years, said one of the funding programs is putting a 56-year-old USU student through the Farm Management Program.
“Many students are unaware of the funding they could qualify for,” Hess said. “It is definitely worth the time to check it out.”
The Department of Work Force Services is located at 446 N. 100 West. The phone number is 792-0300. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or students can visit the Web site at: http://www.dws.state.ut.us.