On any given day, there are more than 400 jobs open and available for workers in Southwest Minnesota, ranging from manufacturing engineers to network & computer systems administrators to home health aides to security guards. In addition, about 6,000 jobs are expected to be created and nearly 20,000 jobs will be available due to retirements and replacements in Southwest Minnesota over the next ten years.

We live in a constantly changing economy. Corporate reorganizations, new technologies and global competition affect all our lives. Workers today will hold many jobs and will change careers several times. Workers who keep up with change will see greater potential for personal growth and economic security.

One area of change is the way people look for work. It isn't enough to be ready and willing to work. A successful job search today requires a calculated effort. Job seekers not only need marketable job skills, they need the skills to market themselves. You may be motivated toward employment, and you may be good at what you do, but if you cannot convince a potential employer that you're the most qualified, you will not be the one who wins the job. Today's successful job seekers use a variety of skills and strategies that can be learned. Your local WorkForce Center can assist you in mastering your job search. Investment in learning this information will provide job seekers an opportunity to reap benefits such as:

• Shorter time to obtain a new job
• Increase in the number of interviews and job offers
• Higher starting wage
• Reduced fear of unemployment
• Increase in potential for job satisfaction

MinnesotaWorks.net
Create an account for yourself and search thousands of job openings! You can track the jobs you've applied for and apply for jobs online with your resume. This service is offered at no cost for job seekers or employers.

Minnesota WorkForce Centers & Veteran's Services
WorkForce Centers are a collaboration of partners, including the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), the Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council, and local community agencies. Students, people seeking work, businesses seeking employees, and those looking for a first job or returning to the workforce will find services to meet their needs offered at no cost. Each WFC houses a Resource Area offering computers with high-speed Internet connections and email access, phones, fax machines, and printers. Resource Areas have knowledgeable staff ready to guide you through all the steps of your job search and career planning process. Many state and federal programs exist to ensure that Minnesota veterans get specialized employment and training services. Minnesota's Veterans Employment Representatives work with local businesses and veterans.

Minnesota WorkForce Center - Marshall
Lyon County Courthouse
607 W. Main Street
Marshall, MN 56258
Phone: 507.537.6236
Veteran's Rep: Ron Kellen
Website: www.swmnpic.org; www.mnwfc.org/marshall/

 

Minnesota WorkForce Center - Montevideo
Post Office Building
202 North 1st Street
Montevideo, MN 56265
Phone: 320.269.8819
Veteran's Rep: Dave Heidebrink, Ron Kellen
Website: www.swmnpic.org; www.mnwfc.org/montevideo/

 

Minnesota WorkForce Center - Worthington
Nobles County Government Center
318 9th Street
Worthington, MN 56187-2342
Phone: 507.376.3116
Veteran's Rep: Ron Kellen
Website: www.swmnpic.org; www.mnwfc.org/worthington/

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU)
The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system comprises 32 colleges and universities, including 25 two-year colleges and seven state universities, and separate from the University of Minnesota. The 14-County Southwest Minnesota region is home to Southwest Minnesota State University and five campuses of Minnesota West Community & Technical College.

Minnesota West Community & Technical College
Canby - Granite Falls - Jackson - Pipestone - Worthington
Phone: 800.658.2330
Website:www.mnwest.edu
Enrollment: 4,354 total students served; 2,154 full-year equivalent enrollment
Degrees Offered: Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Applied Science, certificates, diplomas
Largest Programs: Nursing, collision repair, electrician, liberal arts, powerline
Unique Programs: Renewable energy technology, wind energy technician, power sports technology, law enforcement, biotechnology lab technician

Southwest Minnesota State University
Marshall
Phone: 800.642.0684
Website: www.southwestmsu.edu
Enrollment: 7,221 total students; 3,695 full-year equiv. enrollment
Degrees Offered: Bachelor's degrees, Master's degrees, certificates
Largest Programs: Business administration, education, accounting, math/computer science, wellness and human performance (physical education), social work
Unique Programs: Global studies, honors program, radio/television, culinology, agribusiness management, indigenous nations/Dakota studies

Southwest Minnesota Small Business Development Center & Southwest Initiative Foundation
Whether you're a business owner looking for ways to expand your business, or you're just starting out, the Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) and the Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) can help. If you're already in business, consultants can analyze your business situation and help you develop tools for growth: a good business plan, financial analysis, or a marketing strategy. We can also help you identify sources of financing. If you have an idea for a new venture, SBDC & SWIF specialists can help you develop a sound business plan and provide basic information on where to start.

Southwest Minnesota Small Business Development Center
Marshall - Southwest Minnesota State University
Phone: 507.537.7386
Website: www.southwestmsu.edu/sbdc/
E-mail: sbdc@southwestMSU.edu
Contact: Liz Struve, Regional Director

Southwest Initiative Foundation
Hutchinson
Phone: 800.594.9480
Website: www.swmnfoundation.com
E-mail: info@swifoundation.org
Contact: Sherry Ristau, Chief Executive Officer

Southwest Initiative Foundation's “Just Imagine” Mini-Documentary
The Southwest Initiative Foundation has produced a mini-documentary about the opportunities Southwest Minnesota has to prepare for a bright and prosperous future. The video explores four areas that will be critical to the region's future growth and shows examples of progress and innovation in our region today. It is the Southwest Initiative Foundation's hope that this video will spark dialogue and brainstorming about how we can help Southwest Minnesota adapt and thrive in a changing world.

Southwest Adult Basic Education
Southwest Adult Basic Education (ABE) provides educational opportunities for area adults wishing to acquire or enhance their basic education. The Southwest ABE plays an important role in improving the overall quality of the families and children in Minnesota communities by providing learner-centered, flexible, individualized instruction and support services to adult learners to enable them to participate fully and effectively in society as workers, consumers, family members and citizens.

Granite Falls Region	Jackson Region
Minnesota West Community & Technical College	Minnesota West Community & Technical College
Phone: 320.564.4511 or 800.657.3247	Phone: 507.847.3320 ext. 127 or 800.658.2522
Contact: Jennifer Rud	Contact: Dona Anderson
E-mail: Jennifer.Rud@mnwest.edu	E-mail: Dona.Anderson@mnwest.edu
Marshall Region	Worthington Region
Lyon County Government Center	ISD 518 - Worthington Schools
Phone: 507.537.7046	Phone: 507.372.2172
Contact: Pat Thomas	Contact: Jerry Fiola
E-mail: marshallabe@starpoint.net	E-mail: Jerry.Fiola@isd518.net

Resume Help and Creative Job Search
Making a good first impression is important. Applications, cover letters, and resumes are most often your first contact with a potential employer. Most employers will not meet with you if your application is not filled out properly or your resume is written poorly. Below are related Internet sites, software, books, videos and workshops, which are available at your nearest WorkForce Center.

ISEEK The Job Application Tools section includes tips for resumes, cover letters, job applications, references and more. MCIS: Minnesota Career Information System (you can obtain a username and password at a local WorkForce Center) The Job Search section includes tips for writing resumes and cover letters. Minnesota Careers (MnCareers) The Job Preparation section includes tips and resources for preparing for a job. JobWeb Includes guidelines and samples for writing cover letters.

General Resume Assistance Creative Job Search The Resume and Cover Letters section of this job search guide includes tips for resume writing, example resume formats, and worksheets for completing your own resume. Electronic Portfolio (eFolio Minnesota) A multimedia electronic portfolio designed to help you create a living showcase of your education, career and personal achievements. Resume Tutorial A step-by-step guide for writing a resume with links for additional information. Riley Guide: Resumes and Cover Letters Collection of resume articles and resources. Include an article on preparing your resume for the Internet and the differences between a scannable and Internet version of a resume. University of Minnesota Resume Tutor An interactive workbook designed to make resume writing easier.

Note: Southwest Minnesota Careers claims no responsibility for the content of these sites. Users are encouraged to exercise caution when dealing with businesses, organizations and individuals on the Internet.