Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler knew six years ago when he took office he wanted a new system to help residents elevate their job search. That system is now in place. It's called EmployGeorgia.com and it offers advantages to the job seeker and the employer.
For example, job seekers can upload up to five variations of their resume, instead of the older system's limit of one. Since employers are scanning resumes for exact matches, this allows a job seeker to cast a much wider net. Plus, career counselors have long said that a one-size-fits-all resume simply muddies the job-search waters. A post on Monster.com states if you have more than one career goal, the best strategy is to develop multiple resumes for your job search.
"It can even give you hints on how to improve your resume and present your education," Butler said. On the flip side, if an employer finds a resume he or she likes, they can take that resume and have the system search for more like it.
In addition, EmployGeorgia.com enables employers to post openings in real time. With the old system, they had to fill out a form, then fax, mail or drop it off at a Georgia Department of Labor career center.
"It was a little clunky," Butler said. "I used to joke the only reason they still made fax machines was to benefit us."
Want to know how many new jobs were posted on the site just yesterday? Log on to find out. It's on the home page, posted front and center. Just recently, there were 128,190 employers with open positions.
"If we see job growth slow down, it will be because employers are tired of looking," Butler said.
Also, because employers are now able to post job openings in real time, the GDOL can pinpoint "hot jobs" with piercing accuracy. And just in case you're wondering, the hot jobs right now are health care, registered nursing specifically, customer service, software development, wholesale manufacturing, welding, machinery, electrical work and transportation, Butler said.
"We can also tell the educational requirements for job openings," Butler said. "More than 60 percent of all the jobs posted on EmployGeorgia require a two-year degree or higher. Those who have a GED or high school diploma are having the hardest time."
Another benefit of EmployGeorgia.com is how it helps military personnel convert skills acquired in the service into civilian terms. Butler said that had been a challenge, but with the help of EmployGeorgia.com, members of the military are able to easily access various prompts that enable a computer to translate how experience, skills and service can benefit a private sector employer.
Additionally, EmployGeorgia.com is changing the process for those collecting unemployment. It's now a requirement to create an EmployGeorgia.com account and post a searchable resume. If someone collecting unemployment fails to do so, unemployment checks will be held. The system can also verify if recipients are applying for jobs. In the past under the old system, a recipient was required to document job searches on a green form and be ready to produce it if asked. EmployGeorgia.com also allows the GDOL to track individuals who have been searching for a while to no avail and offer job seekers assistance.
A word to the wise: A PDF file doesn't upload as easily as a Word document.
Also, anyone can create an account on EmployGeorgia.com. It's not just for those in the GDOL system because of unemployment. Individuals looking to change jobs or re-enter the workforce are encouraged to log on. You can also search the site without creating an account. There's no charge. It is a free service provided by GDOL.
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