When you earn a career certificate, your goal is often to find a job in the industry you’ve just spend several months studying and training in. But, you might not be sure how to go about finding work, at least not on your own.
That’s where work placement can come in handy. Earning a career certificate doesn’t just help you learn the skills you need to succeed on the job. It also helps you build connections and contacts in your chosen industry. Your school can also be a great resource when it comes to launching your career after earning a certificate.
What Is Job Placement Assistance?
Job or career placement assistance helps you land a job. Career placement can take several forms. It can involve getting support and advice from your school’s career services department. It can also involve your instructors pointing you in the direction of open positions or helping you make connections in your field.
Some agencies specialize in job placement. Companies contact the agencies, letting them know what roles they have open and what their hiring needs are. The agencies then reach out to candidates who have the skills needed to perform a specific role and connect those candidates to the employer.
If you get job placement help from an agency, the employer will often pay it for its services. You might be hired by the agency itself, usually on a temporary basis. If things work out between you and the employer, it might decide to hire you directly.
What Can You Learn From Career Placement Assistance?
Since most students decide to enroll in career certificate programs to change careers or find better-paying jobs, the schools often offer career services to students to help them find jobs.
Career assistance helps schools boost their job placement rates, which is a win-win for school
and students. A school with high job placement rates will have an easier time attracting new students. Students who find work easily after finishing their program will get a jumpstart on their new careers.
The services available from a school can vary, but often include:
Resume Help
A resume gives a potential employer a snapshot of your work history and skills. A well-written resume provides evidence that you have the skills needed to do the job and that you’re a great fit for a role.
Writing a resume takes skill and practice. It’s important to get some help when you do it, especially if you’re writing one for the first time. A career counselor or coach can help you create a resume that grabs employers’ attention and leads to an interview.
Interview Skills
The interview is another crucial part of the job placement process. Even with the best resume possible, an employer might decide not to hire you if you don’t do well during the interview.
A career counselor can teach you the skills you need to ace job interviews. They’ll cover what wear during the interview and other etiquette tips. They’ll also help you practice responding to questions employers often ask.
Since it’s important for candidates to ask questions during the interview process, learning what questions to ask potential employers is another important part of job placement assistance.
Recruitment Opportunities and Career Fairs
During recruitment events and career fairs, local companies that are looking for employees come to campus. They set up booths and provide jobseekers with information.
A career fair is a great opportunity to see what options are out there in your area and a chance to impress potential employers before you even apply for a job.
Before you go to a career fair, it’s helpful to come up with a little elevator pitch. Let employers know who you are, what you want and why you’re a good fit for the job in a minute or less. Bring a stack of business cards and some resumes to give to companies during the event.
How Do You Find a Job After Graduating?
You don’t have to find a job after you graduate on your own. If you earn a career certificate at Orange Technical College, we’re here to help you launch your career. To learn more about finding work after you earn your certificate, contact us today.