With apologies to Julie Andrews
These are the Employment services I recommend to my clients in Phoenix. If you live outside of Maricopa County, you will have to search a bit to find your local-market equivalent.
Arizona Workforce Connection, through Maricopa County and the City of Phoenix
The Career One-Stops have computer labs and Career Advisors. They conduct workshops on job search, resume writing, interview skills, and other topics. You may qualify for funding for short-term certification training to make you employable in a new field, or more employable in your current occupation. They frequently sponsor job fairs and hiring events. Go to www.azjobconnection.gov.
Goodwill of Central Arizona
A not-for-profit whose mission is, “We put people to work,” in 2014, they helped 45,000 Valley job-seekers secure employment. They currently have 20+ Career Centers with computer labs and Career Advisors. Goodwill offers a two-week Computer and Customer Service Training, and nearly everyone who goes through the program lands a position within a matter of weeks. They offer specific programs for persons with disabilities, mature workers, and Veterans. They have hiring events at various locations almost every week, and Goodwill annually sponsors one of the largest Career Expos in the state. For more information, call 602-535-4000.
St. Joseph the Worker
A not-for-profit whose mission is to serve low-income, homeless, and disadvantaged job seekers. Headquartered in the Humans Services Campus downtown Phoenix, in mid-2014 they debuted their Mobile Success Unit, a decked-out RV that takes services into neighborhoods throughout Maricopa County. SJtW removes barriers to employment by providing transportation assistance (bus passes or limited gas cards); professional clothing for job interviews or work; and in some cases, with a job offer on the table, financial assistance to pay for certifications (restrictions apply). Call 602-417-9854.
Community Re-Integration Program through the Family Services Agency
The FSA is the oldest not-for-profit in Arizona, providing many diverse services. Specifically, the Community Re-Integration Program works with job seekers who have felony backgrounds. They have a three-day workshop (fee-based, call for details) to address issues specific to backgrounds, with follow-up assistance. Historically, a ridiculously high 75% of those who complete the workshop are able to find employment. They know what they are doing. Call 602-264-9891.
Career Connectors
Meeting multiple times per month throughout the Valley, to connect professionals in career transition with hiring companies and quality resources. Every meeting has employers and a Topic of the Week, plus resume writers, social media coaches, photographers to take a professional profile photo, and excellent networking opportunities — all at no cost to the job seeker.
Greater Phoenix Urban League Mingle with Employers
With a promising rollout late 2014, the GPUL hosts a dozen or more employers, once or twice a month. Very specifically designed to not be a job fair, employers will share their openings with job seekers, providing an opportunity to meet, network, and learn how to follow up. Call 602-254-5611.
LocalWork.com and Jobertising.com
LocalWork and Jobertising provide two of the better Career Fairs several times per year in the Valley and throughout Arizona. Each brings 30-40 or more employers to their events.
Finally, I recommend our own Central Arizona Shelter Services Job Club. We meet every Wednesday morning in the Lodestar Day Resource Center on the Human Services Campus, 1125 W Jackson St. We rotate through a number of topics, including STAR Stories, Elevator Speeches, Networking for Job Seekers, How to Work a Job Fair, and others. Free and open to the public. Call me at 602-256-6945 x 1401 for more information.
What Phoenix-area services do you use? Please leave a comment below and let us know!
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Tips for Job Seekers 