Gary was looking for a new job and discovered Mendocino Works via the Employment Development Department. He was delighted to discover that there were many other employment and training agencies housed within the same building, all of whom were partner agencies of Mendocino Works.
Gary was especially thankful for the Mendocino Works Employment Resource Center. He did not have a computer at home, and appreciated the fact that all the computers had Internet access. “When you’re sitting at home with the want ads and no computer, it’s easy to say to yourself, ‘Guess I’ll go out and cut some wood today.’ But here at the Resource Center—with all of the materials you need to conduct your job search at your fingertips—you approach it more like a job.”

Gary had quite a bit of computer experience and felt that the programs utilized in the Resource Center, particularly the WinWay Resume program, were very user friendly. For those not as adept at computers, Gary noted: “I’ve seen people who haven’t used a computer in 20 years come in here — and with help and support from the staff, within 20-30 minutes they’re off and running.”

Once his resume was completed in WinWay, staff on hand helped him convert it to a Word document so he could email it to employers as an attachment. Gary really appreciated being able to then print out his resume on quality paper, and fax it to employers right on the spot.

When he started getting calls for interviews, Gary was a bit apprehensive. He’d had just two jobs during the past 17 years, and hadn’t had to interview for either of them. Perusing the books available in the resource room library, he found two specifically on interviewing skills—both of which were extremely helpful.

Gary also received help from the Employer Service Representatives on hand at the resource center. In addition to giving him additional resume assistance, they arranged a “mock” interview—a chance to practice before the actual event! Gary appreciated the constructive critique he received from his own answers, because it helped him gain insight into how to most positively portray his skills and abilities.

It’s no secret that it’s hard looking for work and one can get easily discouraged. Gary found both the positive attitude of the resource center and the many votes of confidence he received every time he was in of tremendous help to combat such feelings. Even when he didn’t get some of the jobs he went after, getting that reassurance that he was doing everything right kept him in a positive frame of mind.

Gary then heard about a local Mendocino County job that wasn’t listed in the paper—through the Employment Development Department’s online CALJobs listing. Gary asked—and received—advice about how to conduct research relevant to the position. He credits that advice to helping him to land the job—an extensive process that took several weeks and three interviews. Gary will start his new job as Budget Analyst in the Solid Waste Division in February, 2003. “I want to thank everyone who helped me at Mendocino Works. The attitude of the staff is so positive it’s contagious!”