Looking for work?
July 2021
Dear Neighbors and Friends,
Whether you're entering the workforce for the first time, looking for a job as part of certifying for benefits through the Employment Development Department, (EDD) or find yourself ready to make your next career move, here are some of the resources available to support you.
- The Strong Workforce Program offers Career Technical Education (CTE) opportunities leading to high-demand, high-wage jobs so students can get employed and improve their earnings.
- CalJobs, OnwardCA, and CareerOneStop help job seekers find jobs, apply for them, get professional training and support, and answer their employment related questions.
- From entry-level jobs to student opportunities to full career paths, ca.gov offers a wide variety of opportunities for job applicants, including jobs fairs for diverse employers. Use CalHR.ca.gov or GovernmentJobs.com to apply to work for a state or local government office and provide essential services to your fellow Californians every day.
- A lack of access to childcare is often a barrier preventing parents from working. Call 211 or visit 211la.org for childcare services, as well as early childhood education, school readiness, and welfare-to-work services information and referrals. Visit the CA Department of Education to learn more about childcare and schools reopening.
- My Next Move is an interactive tool created by the US Department of Labor for job seekers and students to learn more about their career options. There is also a My Next Move specialized website for Veterans, as well as for Spanish speakers.
- Through an apprenticeship program, you can obtain paid, relevant workplace experience while acquiring the skills and credentials that employer's value. 94% of apprentices who complete an apprenticeship retain employment. Visit gov to learn more.
- The Miguel Contreras Foundation helps people of color, formerly incarcerated Californians, immigrants, women, and others find better jobs through its readiness training and placement programs. The MCF can also connect job seekers with worker centers, partnerships, academies, and other resources.
- Homeboy Industries offers adult and career training programs in the Los Angeles community for those seeking to transform their lives. Call their workforce development department at 323-526-1254 ext. 333 for more information.
- As two of the largest job posting and recruiting sites in the world, Monster and Indeed are used by countless employers to fill vacant job positions around the world. Idealist and Foundation List are great places for those who wish to work in the nonprofit sector.
- New tools, technology skills training, and other resources for job seekers available from LinkedIn, Microsoft Learn, and GitHub are available for free at linkedin.com.
Applying to jobs is like cultivating a garden. You need to plant and water those seeds. In a typical job market, the hit rate for getting an interview is maybe 10%. It's tough. Plan on sending out lots of resumes, not just a few, and focus on what you can control. Getting a job is a skill. You get better by practicing and getting feedback. Share your resume with three to five people you respect, who can tell you how to make it better. Make sure you're networking. Practice interviewing. Do your research before you go in to speak with someone, and your garden will bear fruit.
Please reach out to my office if you need help with EDD. You have until October 15 to prepare and file your state and federal taxes for free, so you can receive the California Earned Income Tax Credit, the Young Child Tax Credit, and the Golden State Stimulus https://a51.asmdc.org/caleitc. There is a vaccination site map on my webpage, https://a51.asmdc.org/covidvaccine, so you – and everyone over age 12 in your household – can get one. Use this map if you need to find a COVID-19 testing site, and visit HousingIsKey.com for help covering the cost of back rent and overdue utilities.
My office’s top priority is ensuring that you have access to the support you need. Please visit my website https://a51.asmdc.org/ or call 213 483 5151 if you need assistance accessing housing, healthcare, food, financial, or any other resources for your family or business.
In Service,
WENDY CARRILLO
Assemblywoman, 51st District