Job Hunting in Los Angeles

CalJOBS/EDD - CalJOBS is a statewide database run by the California Employment Development Department (EDD). Anyone may use this to conduct work-related transactions and resources such as job searches, career training, unemployment benefits and other services. If you file an unemployment claim in California, registration on CalJOBS is mandatory in order to receive benefits. In 2008, the EDD was one of many state agencies affected by state cutbacks so service may not only be a little slow but in January 2009, there were reported delays in receiving unemployment checks. Their website address is www.caljobs.ca.gov.

One Stop Career Centers - One-Stop Career Centers are fairly new but function just like the typical "unemployment office". One difference is that they are smaller (some are office suites located inside of a high-rise building) and tend to be a little more intimate. The staff is more personable and is trained to assist clientele in the following -

Completing forms necessary to receive unemployment insurance and register for work

Hand out job leads and related prospects

Give tips on how to have a more prosperous job search

Staff members may also teach short-term classes like resume writing or software instruction. Services vary by office and the good news is that employment seekers are not restricted to just one. Here is the link.

CDC/Non-Profit Agencies - Community Development Centers (CDCs) or Economics Development Centers can aid in job searches, career training or starting a small business Like One Stop, each offers something different but it is a good start if a person wants to start making income without punching a clock. A good place to start is Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment (PACE) or go to this link www.lacdc.org for a location near you.

Some non-profit agencies can assist with jobs searches, free or low-cost training or starting a small business. With the current economic crunch, funding to keep these places in consistent operation is a challenge but a good place to start is www.womenatwork1.org(anyone may utilize their services).

Part-Time/On-Call Work -Industries such as hotel/hospitality and law enforcement have entry-level opportunities that offer flexible hours. Experience is usually not necessary but these opportunities are far from glamorous or elite. Free periodicals such as Working World or Employment Weekly have many companies listed that hire on an ongoing basis.

If you seek on-call work, consider working as a mystery shopper or inventory specialist (paid training is usually provided). A short test may be given to determine capability but the work is fairly easy.

Government/Public Service - As mentioned earlier, state agencies are cutting back on staff and reducing hours of operation to accommodate the loss. In addition, Los Angeles Unified School District reported a loss that would lay off teachers and supporting staff. While these are large employers, fortunately they are not the only employers in Los Angeles County. If you check out www.governmentjobs.com, there are quite few jobs with smaller agencies and school districts. Even temporary or on-call opportunities can lead to full-time employment with benefits and room to grow.

Last words - If you decide to use a personnel service such as AppleOne, Manpower or Adecco - register with at least three but no more than five at a time. Reason is that work prospects could possibly conflict with one another and if you repeatedly tell a person 'no', your name will be removed from their database altogether.

Do not just read the classifieds or like periodicals for job listings, check into educational opportunities, work-related advice columns and other information because there is more to work these days than just making money!

At one time, you may have been taught that the office receptionist can be the gateway to your new career. This still holds true as more people than ever are taking entry-level jobs to learn the ins-and-outs of a particular industry. As time passes, they may have obtained the experience or qualifications for a particular position that may give them authority or their feedback may be valuable in the hiring process.