Meet virtually or in person with a Career Coach to further your career goals. Our skilled team of Career Coaches provide job seeking assistance through email, phone, video or in-person; morning and afternoon sessions, Monday through Friday. All services are free of charge. 

• Mock interviews and interview techniques
• Resume assistance
• Effective job search techniques
• LinkedIn profile development
• Current list of job opportunities
  

Sign up for one-on-one or group job seeking sessions with a Career Coach. Our experts are ready to assist with all available Career Services.

Book a Career Coaching Session

We welcome partnerships with local employers that offer opportunities in Scottsdale and/or bordering Scottsdale. We work with job seekers from various stages of life, a variety of educational backgrounds, work experience and skills. Job seekers are seeking full-time, part-time, permanent, and temporary opportunities. Priority is given to employers offering opportunities, within Scottsdale, with a living wage+, competitive benefits, and diverse hiring initiatives. Recruitment assistance includes job postings, hiring events, direct candidate referrals and more. For recruitment assistance, please email a detailed flier (pay rate, perks, location, job description) to Vista Career Center to get started. We look forward to working with you!

Job seekers can utilize the Vista Career Center computer lab for job search activities. The computer l-ab is available to job seekers by self-serve 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 480-312-0060 with any questions

Career Center Computer Lab:

• Computers with internet access
• Fax, Copier, printer, scanner
• Computer with webcam for digital interviews
• Current list of job opportunities
• Information on applying for unemployment benefits

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) training grant is a Federal grant that provides funds for occupational training to individuals at no cost. The WIOA is not an entitlement grant, which means there is an eligibility process to determine if you qualify to receive funds. Eligibility is based on a variety of factors.

Go to WIOA Website

Office Proficiency Assessment and Certification (OPAC) assessments are designed to evaluate the skill and proficiency of typing, 10-key, data entry, Microsoft programs, medical terminology, and legal terminology.

Go to OPAC Website

From filling out online applications to uploading your resume, technology is intertwined with your job search. Boosting your computer literacy is not only is helpful as you look for employment but once hired technology knowledge is many times expected. Many companies expect employees to navigate and adapt to new technology introduced to the workplace.

So, where are you on the technology knowledge spectrum?

• Can you type at least 25 words per minute, accurately?
• Do you know how to upload, download, or attach a document?
• How comfortable are you using different types of technology and software?

For a skills boost, take advantage of the library’s online computer classes.

Library Technology Classes

The professional resume is the first step to winning the job interview. If it is not clear, succinct and the best illustration of the relevant qualifications for the position, the interview may never happen. Using the job description as a guide can be helpful to determine which qualifications to include or highlight over others.

Resume length should be considered, with a suggested one-page as ideal, but two-pages is ok. The resume is meant to summarize your recent work experience, skills, and qualifications NOT an entire work history. A lengthy career is an achievement but not a lengthy resume; your work history should only go back 15 years, at most.

In addition, resume guidelines have changed over the years. Before your resume gets to an employer, it must be uploaded, scanned and easily read by recruiting software. A competitive resume reflects the most current and preferred format, length and desired information.

So, is your resume relevant? For the latest techniques and assistance developing a professional resume, see Vista Career Center Calendar for more information.

Download Resume Template

Build Your Network

Networking is essential when starting a new job search. Take inventory of the professionals and people in your life that can be of assistance on your new career journey. Your network can also help generate job opportunities, professional contacts or be utilized as professional references. Expand your professional networking online with LinkedIn. LinkedIn is the top online platform for professionals to network, connect and apply.

Oh, how times have changed! The Online Application is now required to apply for most employment opportunities. Not only do you have to fill out an online job application, but it requires establishing a Username and Password; and uploading, pasting, or attaching a Resume.

Online applications are not seen by a human initially, as they are read first by ATS (Application Tracking Software) which is programmed to read your application and resume and find keywords matching the job. If your application does not include the programmed keywords and qualifications, the application may never be seen by the employer.

Assessment tests are also a common addition to your online application. These tests are designed to assess your general behaviors, values and overall ability to work with others through a series of behavioral questions. These tests tend to be multiple choice and can take up to 20 minutes to complete. It is important to take your time with these questions, be consistent and be decisive as choosing “neutral” as an answer may not help you pass the assessment.

Online job applications can be tricky. Vista Career Coaches are available to assist you with your online application. Sign up for an individual session to get assistance.

What do you know about our company? Why should we hire you? Why do you want this job? What are your greatest professional strengths? What are your weaknesses? What makes you qualified for this position? Answering those and other interview questions cannot only be difficult but could make or break your chances of getting hired.

Good news, if you got the interview, you are already qualified for the job. The interview is to get to know you and see how you may fit in the company or organization as compared to the other candidates. Be confident in your skills and experience. Your qualifications are what got you the interview.

Unfortunately, your qualifications do not prevent feeling nervous. Best way to combat nerves is to be prepared. Practicing those tricky interview questions can help you be ready with possible answers. Practice may not make perfect, but it does makes better.

Take time to practice common interview questions in front of the mirror or with your most objective friend. Studying the job description can also be helpful in predicting questions to prepare for. Do not forget about behavioral interview questions which have become a common part of most professional interviews. Behavioral questions require more thought and to give an example of how you have handled a situation in the past.

As technology advances so does the job interview. For the sake of time and efficiency, interviews are evolving to different platforms including phone, video and digital. If you have not already had a virtual interview, be ready, you will. To really sharpen those interview skills, attend the “Interview Techniques” workshop or make an appointment for a mock interview session.