News/Press Releases

MEC’s Business is Up in a Down Economy

Provided by Cynthia Gunselman, Administrative Services Associate, Marin Employment Connection

During these times of high unemployment, the best way to job search is through networking within your profession and within your community. The Marin Employment Connection (MEC) is just what the name implies: a place to get connected to employment in Marin. The MEC is a public/private partnership funded by the Department of Labor via the Workforce Investment Act. 

MEC’s Career Resource Center is open to the general public (not just Marin residents) Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Individuals can drop in and tap the wealth of information and services. Almost 15,000 people visited the Center from July 2008 to June 2009 – a 32% increase from the previous year. No one is turned away.

Tim McClain (H&HS) is the person most people see when they visit the Career Resource Center. Tim, who has been involved with employment and training for 35 years, says, “We see a lot of really smart people around here, but the smartest ones are those who are looking for help in their job search.”

Marilyn Norman, the Center’s newest employment counselor, says, “The services provided here are a must for the serious job seeker or anyone wanting a successful outcome for their job search efforts. Our team of workforce development experts can offer state-of-the-art advice on how to format winning resumes, answer employers’ tough questions, dress for an interview, identify and tap into the hidden job market, focus your job search, target employers needing your skills, and much more. Additionally, job seekers will have an opportunity to build and expand their professional and social network by participating in Marin Professionals (MP), a networking organization. During MP meetings, job seekers have the opportunity to share their personal stories and career interests with other job-seeking professionals. Guest speakers at MP meetings speak on timely topics relevant to the current labor market.”

MEC also offers information about training grants. Short-term training or a skills upgrade can be the competitive edge that distinguishes you from another applicant.