Assess Yourself
Objective
Job seekers will create a job goal that matches their career interests, skills, and work values.
Materials / Resources
The Assess Yourself section of the website is divided into four sections: Know Your Skills, Know Your Interests, Know Your Work Values, and Put Your Assessment Together.
Job seekers will:
- Understand the different types of strengths they have; including talents, personality traits, hard skills, and soft skills.
- Identify their employability skills and strengths.
- Recognize that they can improve their strengths through training or practice.
- Learn about skills that are transferable across different jobs.
- Match their strengths to occupations.
Related Workbook Activities
Transferable Skills
Workbook page 10
Write out examples of skills that are transferable across different jobs in the following categories: people skills, leadership skills, technical skills, flexibility skills, and problem-solving skills. A short definition of each type of skill is given.
Strengths
Workbook pages 15 - 16
Review a list of strengths and select the ones you have. This exercise helps job seekers understand their talents, personality traits, and learned skills.
Job seekers will:
- Identify their interests.
- Learn how to interpret a Holland Interest Profile.
- Match Holland Interest Codes to career clusters.
Related Workbook Activities
Matching Interests to Work Options
Workbook pages 11 - 14
Pen and paper interest assessment. Results are three letter interest profile using Holland’s Inventory of Basic Interests. Profile can be mapped to career clusters and work options.
Definitions for each interest profile type can be found on the
Matching Interests to Work Options section of the website under the heading “What Does My Interest Code Mean?”
Job seekers will:
- Understand how values relate to a career.
- Evaluate types of work values and weigh their importance to them.
Related Workbook Activities
Work Values
Workbook pages 17
This activity helps job seekers identify their work values using the categories of job satisfaction, money, work environment, supervision style, and time. Review and select important items in each category. Identify the top three values.
Using knowledge gained in the previous three sections, job seekers will start to put together a list of careers that may fit their strengths, interests, and work values. They will refine this list in the next section.
Related Workbook Activities
Occupations that Best Match Your Assessment
Workbook page 18
This summary activity allows users to take the self-knowledge they gained during the previous assessment activities and identify jobs or job categories that are a good fit for them.
Direct users who are having a difficult time with this activity to the
Matching Interests to Work Options section of the website where they can search for occupation titles based on the interest type from their interest assessment [Workbook pages 11 – 14].
Other Assessment Resources on the Web
Work Values
- O*NET Work Values connects core work values directly to occupations. Select and rank three values from the list: achievement, independence, recognition, relationships, support, and working conditions to find the occupations that are the best match.
- The O*NET Work Importance Locator is a pen and paper assessment. Download PDF copies of the assessment or order pre-printed copies from the O*NET Resource Center.
- The Work Values Matcher is an online, interactive card sort activity that helps job seekers identify and understand their work values and match them to careers.
Explore Careers
Objective
Job seekers will expand and refine job goals that were created in the Assess Yourself section using career and labor market information.
The following concepts are introduced:
- The difference between a job and a career.
- Career clusters and pathways.
- Evaluating a career based on the labor market including:
- Current demand
- Future outlook (projections)
- Education requirements
- Earnings by educational attainment
- Barred occupations
Materials / Resources
The Explore Careers section of the website is divided into four sections: What is a Career?, Find Career Information, Discover Your Career Options, and Career Search Tools.
In this section:
- Concept that a “career” is an ongoing journey that requires lifelong learning is introduced. This concept will be reinforced later in the Create a Plan & Set Goals and Manage Your Career sections.
- See the impact of educational attainment on unemployment and wages.
In this section:
- Understand how to use career clusters to explore career options with common features.
- Learn how following a career pathway can help with career advancement.
- Find online career search tools.
- Learn how to sample a career before committing through different types of work-based learning including internships, job shadowing, mentorships, and volunteer service.
- Learn about services that provide career information career counselors and employment training programs. Includes information about CareerForce locations.
In this section:
- Tips to help job seekers start a new career.
- Learn how to explore the job market. Information about current job vacancies, in-demand career clusters, and how to use future projection information is included.
- Nontraditional careers for men and women.
- Self-employment tips.
- Search for careers by one of 16 career clusters. Career lists are organized by typical education in Minnesota.
- A caution symbol is used to indicate that a specific career might be affected (barred) by a criminal record.
- A high demand indicator shows that a career is “in demand” in Minnesota.
Note: In Demand is defined as any career ranked with a rating of 3 stars or higher in the Occupations In Demand (OID) data from Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).
- What’s in a career profile?
- Career video
- Wages
- Caution symbol if a career may be impacted by a criminal record
- High demand indicator
- Outlook information showing expected growth of the career over the next ten years. Outlook is categorized as either: Poor, Fair, Good, Very Good, or Excellent.
- Typical education and training requirements in Minnesota
- Links to related programs at Minnesota State colleges and universities
- Work activities
- Link to related career pathways
- Link to job postings on the state job bank, MinnesotaWorks.net.
- You can also Search for Career video by title.
Find hundreds of career videos by title. Each video is 3 – 5 minutes in length and provides information about working in a specific career.
Other Career Exploration Resources on the Web
Minnesota Resources
- Minnesota State CAREERwise
This career information system includes free interest assessments, information on unique career paths including nontraditional careers and self-employment, information about job vacancies in Minnesota, occupations in demand. CAREERwise also offers audience specific career information including Career Planning for People with a Criminal Conviction. CAREERwise is managed by the Workforce Development Unit of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.
- CareerForce
CareerForce helps Minnesota job seekers find careers and connect to training and employment. There are CareerForce locations in every region in Minnesota where job seekers can get help from career counselors and other trained staff. CareerForce is managed by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).
- Minnesota Career Information Systems (MCIS)
MCIS is a career development system that guides students through the career planning process using assessments, career profiles, and the ability to create a personal learning plan. A locked down Adult Basic Education version of MCIS is available for State of Minnesota Corrections. MCIS is a licensed tool managed by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE).
National Resources
- CareerOneStop
CareerOneStop offers career planning resources, including free interest and skill assessments, for job seekers. It is a comprehensive site that includes national data and resources. It offers many audience specific portals including resources specifically for Ex-Offenders, Youth [ GetMyFuture.com ], and Veterans. CareerOneStop is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.
- O*NET
Use O*NET to find detailed career exploration and job analysis information. O*NET also offers many useful crosswalks.
Job Seekers can use the O*NET My Next Move portal to search careers and industries and assess their interests. O*NET is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.
CREATE A PLAN & SET GOALS
Objective
Job seekers will create a career plan to reach their desired job goal. Potential job goals were identified in previous sections.
Materials / Resources
The Create a Plan & Set Goals section of the website is divided into three sections: Making Decisions, How to Set Goals, and Make a Career Plan.
Making Decisions
In this section:
- Learn how to set realistic expectations.
- Make decisions and weigh different career options.
- Steps to help with time management.
- Learn how/whether to disclose a criminal record or any disability to an employer.
How to Set Goals
In this section:
- Short-term goals
- Long-term goals
- Making goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-based (SMART)
Make a Career Plan
In this section:
- Tips to create and stick to a career plan
- Sample career plan
- Timetable showing for stages of career advancement. Timetable starts with tips for people who are currently incarcerated
- Information about creating an alternate “Plan B” if your career plan is disrupted.
Related Workbook Activities
Employment Planning Worksheet
Workbook page 20
Make decisions to help start a job search including the location, schedule, minimum pay-rate, benefits, and work environment you are looking for.
Job Search Schedule
Workbook pages 21 - 22
Plan daily job search activities for the next month using this chart.
What Can You Do Now?
Workbook pages 7 - 8
Employment preparation for people who are currently incarcerated.
Other Planning and Goal Setting Resources on the Web
- GPS LifePlan
GPS LifePlan offers online goal setting worksheets to help create career and education goals. Identify a goal and create action steps to achieve it. Also identify a network of people who can help support achieving goals. Information about obstacles and plan adjustments can be added as needed.
- (Disability) Disclosure Decisions to Get the Job (PDF worksheet activity)
Some people who have a criminal record also have a disability. This activity helps job seekers understand if, when, and how to disclose a disability to an employer. Worksheets is available in the Appendix of the Career Planning for People with a Criminal Conviction workbook.
EXPAND SKILLS
Objective
Job seekers will identify what type of skills training they need to achieve their job goal and add this information to their career plan.
The following concepts are introduced:
- Multiple ways to gain skills and training options
- College application process
- College financial aid process
- Search online tools to find training programs
Materials / Resources
The Expand Skills section of the website is divided into four sections: Skills Employers Want, How to Develop Skills, Going to College, and Search Training Tool.
Skills Employers Want
In this section:
- Skills are both learnable and transferable. This concept was first introduced in the Assess Yourself section and is reinforced here.
- To help job seekers identify their skills a list of skills that can commonly be transferred between different jobs and a list of common jobs people participate in while they are incarcerated is included.
How to Develop Skills
In this section:
- Ways to gain skills, such as volunteering, job shadowing, researching books, etc. are introduced.
- Education options including online learning, licensure, apprenticeship programs, ABE programs, short-term training, and college degrees are defined.
Going to College
In this section:
- Different types of colleges and degrees
- Tips for succeeding in college and specifically for adult students
- College application process including the different types of college entrance tests
- How to pay for college including specific information about financial aid for people with a criminal conviction and people who are currently incarcerated
Search Training Tool
In this section:
- Minnesota State colleges and universities guidebook showing detailed information about each school and the types of programs offered.
- Adult Basic Education (ABE) provider listing for classes in Minnesota.
- Apprenticeship sponsor list for Minnesota.
Other Resources to Help Job Seekers Expand Skills
- Minnesota State
The Minnesota State website offers information on admissions and the cost of college. A college and program search helps job seekers to search for programs at any Minnesota State college or university. The Career Exploration section includes a link to the CAREERwise website and to short-term continuing education courses.
- Goodwill-Easter Seals
Goodwill-Easter Seals offers industry specific training to help job seekers develop skills, and find and maintain employment.
- CareerForce
Dislocated workers in Minnesota can connect with counselors at CareerForce to find out if they qualify for WIOA (Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act) funds or other state-based aid to help with training.
- CareerOneStop
Find training options in any state in the nation on the CareerOneStop website. This website is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Find a Job
Objective
Job seekers with a criminal record will understand and be prepared for each step of the hiring process.
Materials / Resources
The Find a Job section of the website is divided into seven sections: The Hiring Process, Job Search After Release, Know the Workplace, Making Connections, Develop Your Resume, Know How to Interview, and Get Job Search Help.
Job seekers are introduced to:
- Typical hiring steps employers follow
- How to fill out a job application online or in-person. This section includes details about the “Ban the Box” law in Minnesota. A practice online job application form is available for job seekers.
- Where to find job openings including employer websites, job boards, job fairs, temporary agencies, and networking
- How to negotiate a job offer
Related Workbook Activities
Application with Errors
Workbook pages 30 - 33
Identify the mistakes on this sample job application.
Application for Employment
Workbook pages 34 - 36
Fill out this application as if you were actually applying for a job. Includes information about "Ban the Box."
Employment References
Workbook page 29
Learn about what makes a good employment reference and create a list of references you can use.
How to Describe Gaps in Employment
Workbook page 38
Tips to help you describe employment gaps on your resume, cover letter, and during an interview.
In this section job seekers learn how having a criminal record affects their job search. Topics include:
- Jobs that are common for people who are newly released from incarceration. The concept of a “transition” job that is not related to their long-term career goal is also introduced.
- Details about barred occupations and work restrictions after release are provided. Specific information is included about how having a criminal record can affect licensure.
- Keeping a positive attitude during a difficult job search and the negative consequences of not finding a job
- How and why to obtain a copy of your criminal record
- Criminal expungement and pardons
- The types of employment checks an employer may do like employment history, references, social networking and internet searches, drug testing, credit checks, and other common pre-employment screening.
In this section job seekers are introduced to concepts to help them understand how to be successful in the current job market. Topics focus on self-management of work-life, workplace culture and expectations, and being prepared for career changes. Tips for older workers are also included in this section.
In this section job seekers are introduced to networking. Topics include:
- Who to use as a networking contact and how to nurture and expand your network.
- Creating a one minute “Elevator Speech” to talk to a potential employer. A sample speech is included. How to set up a successful informational interview.
- How to use online networking tools like LinkedIn. General tips for maintaining a professional online presence are included.
- How to talk to an employer about employer incentives like the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) and Minnesota Federal Bonding Program.
Related Workbook Activities
In this section find resume and cover letter writing tips. Learn how to choose references. And learn how to put together work samples to show off your experience and skill.
Related Workbook Activities
In this section learn about types of interviews and how to schedule and prepare for an interview. Job seekers will also find:
- Interview tips specifically for people with a criminal conviction
- What to wear to a job interview
- Sample interview questions
- How to follow up after a job interview
Related Workbook Activities
In this section job seekers find information about and links to job coaches, disability services, and employment agencies. A provider list for community resources that offer employment, housing, transportation, and other transitions services is included in this section. There is also information about childcare, healthcare, and legal programs and service providers in Minnesota.
Other Resources on the Web to Help Job Seekers
General Resources
- Creative Job Search Guide
The Creative Job Search Guide from the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) provides tips to help plan a successful job search. Guide topics are listed below. A print copy of the guide is available for a small fee.
- Career Planning
- Identifying Your Skills
- Applications and References
- The Internet and Social Media
- The Job Interview
- Case Studies
- Job Search Training
- Preparing for the Job Hunt
- Resumes and Cover Letters
- This section includes many resume samples including targeted resumes with a focus in Finance and Health Care.
- How People Find Work
- Facing Unemployment Over 50
- Finishing Touches (Post-Interview Steps, Getting Turned Down, Salary Negotiation, When You Get the Job, How to Succeed)
- MinnesotaWorks
MinnesotaWorks.net is a free job bank managed by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Job seekers can create or upload resumes, find job postings, and receive notifications of new jobs. For job seekers outside of Minnesota, CareerOneStop offers links to every major state job bank.
- Annual Credit Report
Access a free credit report from the three consumer credit reporting companies: TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian.
Resources Specifically for People with a Criminal Conviction
Ban the Box
Minnesota Department of Human Rights website explaining the Ban the Box law.
Collateral Consequences Inventory
Created by the American Bar Association, this website shows how different types of criminal convictions affect employment. After you enter the website, select Minnesota on the map and search for consequences on “employment.”
Minnesota Statutes for Supervised Release
Minnesota Statutes for Intensive Community Supervision and Intensive Supervised Release
Minnesota Public Criminal History Search (BCA)
Search for Minnesota criminal records online. For a complete record you should request a written copy from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
FBI
Request a copy of federal criminal records
FBI-CJIS Division - Summary Request
1000 Custer Hollow Road
Clarksburg, VA 26306
Phone: 304625-5590
Criminal Expungement (Minnesota Judicial Branch)
MANAGE YOUR CAREER
Objective
Job seekers will be learn strategies to help them succeed once they find a job.
This section also reinforces the need for ongoing career management, a concept that was introduced in the Create a Plan & Set Goals section.
Materials / Resources
The Manage Your Career section of the website is divided into four sections: Overcoming Obstacles, Managing Your Finances, How to Manage Your Career, and Success Stories.
Overcoming Obstacles
In this section job seekers are prepared to face problems in their career and personal life. They are introduced to the importance of taking care of their personal life to make sure they are prepared to work. Community Resources, which were introduced in the Get Job Search Help section are also available here.
Related Workbook Activities
Manage Stress
Workbook pages 59 - 60
Answer questions about which stress reducing strategies you use and would like to try.
Managing Your Finances
In this section job seekers find:
- Cost of living data
- Budget planning worksheet
How to Manage Your Career
In this section job seekers find:
- How to stay current in a career pathway
- How to succeed at work by acting professionally
Related Workbook Activities
Professionalism
Workbook pages 54 -55
Job seekers test themselves to see if they know what type of behavior is expected in the workplace.
Sexual Harassment
Workbook pages 56 - 57
Job seekers can test themselves to see if they know what sexual harassment is.
How to Leave a Job on Good Terms
Workbook pages 61
Checklist to make sure you leave a job properly.
Success Stories
In this section job seekers find:
- Videos with success stories from real people