OUR VIEW: Workforce policies can frustrate

Hopefully the goal of every graduating college student is to find a job he or she will enjoy – one that will justify the hard work and money put into years of education.

Almost anyone will tell a prospective graduate to start applying early and not wait to have a diploma in hand. By starting early, a graduate can introduce herself to employers and become familiar, even if there are no immediate openings.

It looks great on paper – planning ahead, beating others to the punch. But actually achieving that goal is not as easy as it may sound.

Finding the jobs is the first step. The career center on campus, the Internet and the Department of Workforce Services operated by the state are some routes that may be taken.

After the job is found, it’s time to apply. The traditional way of applying is not necessarily the way it’s done today. For example, the Department of Workforce Services lists openings, but leaves out the company.

In order to apply, a request must be made to an agent at the office, located in Logan at 446 N. 100 West. In order to receive the information, an applicant must demonstrate proof of all qualifications of the job description, such as required degrees and years of experience. A person three months away from a diploma will be denied access to applying.

Here’s another brick wall: Some people suggest applying early, while others suggest waiting until a set of credentials is in place. New graduates are either lacking in experience or are overqualified. It goes back to the question: How do you gain experience if you can’t get hired? Or in this case, even apply!

Granted, the job of this office is to screen applicants for their clients. But what they might not understand is filling positions typically isn’t a short process. It may be weeks; it may be longer than that before a company is ready to hire a specific applicant. It all depends on the time frame an employer is working with. Perhaps it might be beneficial for all to be aware of that.

As graduation approaches for many students, the pressure is on to start building a future, but according to policies and procedures at the Department of Workforce Services, that future does not begin until May 6.