Job placement professionals are offering resume and interviewing tips for those navigating the job market during the phased reopening of Montana.
Jordan Nelson with Express Employment Professionals told MTN News that companies are hiring in the Flathead Valley and that amid COVID-19 concerns, many businesses are doing virtual video interviews to maintain social distancing.
"What's nice with the video interviewing is that you can still see the people face to face obviously," he said. "You can still see those reactions, you can still see their body language throughout that with still having that social distancing."
Nelson says that people should treat video interviews the same as an in-person interview -- make sure you dress professionally and that you have a professional background. He also suggests picking a quiet spot with a door to maintain privacy during the interview.
"Be in a room that has a door to shut, let your family know that hey I'm going to be doing an interview please be quiet," he said.
Nelson also has some resume tips and suggests highlighting concrete examples showing your growth within a company.
"You can put in I saved the company this amount of money, I did this for the company," said Nelson. "And then, when that employer is doing a reference call, they can confirm that."
He told MTN News that those who are looking for a new job for the first time in years focus on your strengths at your most recent job.
Meanwhile, Laura Gardner with Job Service Kalispell says its services are free to Montanans and with 17 locations around the state, they have direct resume building resources.
"Our workforce consultants here are trained and have the tools and expertise to help them write a winning resume. We don't do it for them, but we will help them through it so they can get a really good looking resume that's going to help them get interviews and help them get hired," said Gardner.
Gardner says that even though the Job Service Kalispell building is closed due to COVID-19 concerns, services are still available by phone and by email. They can be reached by calling (406) 758-6200 or by sending an email to kalispelljsc@mt.gov . Gardner also suggests looking at careeronestop.org where you can refine your searches by location and interest.
Express Employment Professionals can be reached by calling (406) 257-2255.
