New job portal matches seekers, skill sets to openings

There's a brand-new resource for Yuman job seekers.

The U.S. Department of Labor launched a new Web portal to help match skills and prior work experience with new occupations.

And that can mean good news for local residents looking for work. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for the Yuma area was 22.8 percent in July, down half of a percentage point from the month before.

The Department of Labor announced the new site Tuesday in a news release.

The site — www.myskillsmyfuture.org — helps users view local jobs posting and find training and education providers. According to the release, those looking for work will also be able to find descriptions, salary information and common job tasks associated with a new occupation.

John Morales, executive director or the Yuma Private Industry Council (YPIC), a local organization that helps match job seekers with work as well as offer training, says the site is another resource for Yumans looking for work.

Morales said the tradition of looking for work has turned “upside down” in recent years.

From what used to be scanning the traditional want ads is now very often an online search, he said, with search engines often filtering out many applicants before they have an opportunity to show off their qualities.

“It's becoming more challenging for job seekers,” he said.

The mySkills myFuture website, said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis, is one way the department will help ensure Americans can find access to good jobs.

“The mySkills myFuture portal personalizes job searches,” she said. “It allows people to explore work possibilities based on their experience, strengths and interests.

“It also connects them with high quality training programs and provides localized job postings.”

Morales said one-stop centers such as YPIC are nice, but they're being overwhelmed by the number of job seekers.

And, he said, “if you don't have a targeted resume and you're not up on your interviewing skills, this economy will throw you for a loop.”

“I think the Labor Department is trying a number of initiatives, and they should be.”

Stephanie A. Wilken can be reached at swilken@yumasun.com or 539-6857.