Megan
Workforce Challenge:
Mega
n came to SELACO WDB in early May 2017 to inquire about displaced worker services and make use of the job center to upgrade her skills and learn how to better market herself.
Megan had worked in many part-time retail jobs while going to school for radiology technology. She had a short stint in the hospital and interned on a per diem basis. Her last job was at a temp agency. At the time of her last assignment, she was starting her second trimester of pregnancy. Since part of her duties included boxing files and preparing them for storage, she may have been let go before the assignment end to reduce liability.
After being a stay-at-home mom for 4 ½ years, Megan was ready and looking for help to enter back into the workforce hoping to remain in the medical field. She mostly searched online job boards for openings. At one point, she had an opportunity to work with her brother-in-law, but unfortunately due to an unexpected company merger, plans fell through.
Megan felt that her biggest challenges in seeking employment were lack of current experience, having big employment gaps, finding a schedule compatible to child care service availability, and lastly, not being bilingual.
Workforce Solution:
SELACO WDB staff helped Megan by offering job search workshops and Steps to Economic and Personal Success (STEPS), proofreading her résumés and cover letters; and instilling more confidence and self-worth.
Megan eventually found a job through the Helpmates Staffing Network; “I originally applied for a different position directly through the Helpmates website. After about a week, I walked into the staffing office and requested to work with an agent, whom I had read great reviews about on Yelp and who I looked up on LinkedIn. A little more than a week after my 1st unsuccessful interview with the client company, Trojan Professional Services, I received a call out of the blue by another Helpmates branch inquiring if I would be interested in a part-time, long-term administrative support position. I had one interview with the client company before receiving an offer.”
Outcome & Benefits:
Megan’s official title is Senior Secretary. The client company is Nutrilite, a supplement manufacturing division of Amway, located in Buena Park, CA. The hours match what Megan was seeking and she is able to use her administrative skills while building current work experience.
Congratulations, Megan!
