Return
Returning Citizens typically face several barriers when looking for work – obsolete skills, broken work history, and employers who simply screen them out. But finding quality employment is a vital part of community reintegration. Virginia Career Works – Capital Region regularly offers re-entry assistance to job seekers to teach them the tips, tricks, and methods of regaining employment. Visit one of our career centers to access an array of services focused on helping you find your next step.
Learn
Virginia Career Works offers services through collaboration with many partner agencies. These services are designed to assist you in taking your career search to the next level. Our training programs are provided through the multiple funding sources of our partners and the Career Works Centers in our region. Depending on eligibility and program qualifications, you may be able to take advantage of the services listed below.
- One-on-one assistance with resumes, cover letters and thank you letters
- Assistance with completing employment applications
- Career counseling
- Development of an individual employment plan
- In-depth interviewing skills development
- Career and skills testing
- Occupational skills training, on-the-job training, job readiness training
- Referrals to specialized services
Employers will be curious about your criminal record and what happened. Remember, their job is to eliminate risk that could negatively impact their business and their assets. They want to know if you’re going to help or hurt the company if they hire you. Make it clear in an interview that you’ll be a positive addition to their workforce.
Job Application Tips
- It is legal for an employer to ask if you’ve been convicted of a felony.
- You do not need to mention any arrests that did not lead to conviction.
- Any convictions while you were a juvenile are part of a sealed-record and do not need to be revealed.
Interviewing Tips
- Be direct and honest in your answers
- Explain what happened
- Any convictions while you were a juvenile are part of a sealed-record and do not need to be revealed.
- Take responsibility – don’t make “victim statements”
- Explain why you’re different today
- Be sincere and real – people can tell when it is forced or fake
- Offer to submit to a drug and alcohol screening or to get federally bonded (more information below) to further help the employer minimize riskList Item
Earn
Virginia Career Works and our partner agencies offer career placement assistance through local employer partners. Most industries have openings on any given day, but those listed are experiencing growth or are identified as focused “target industries” and are essential to the future of our regional economy. Developing skills relevant to these industries increases your marketability and job security. We’ve identified short-term training options for all of these industries that can help you get a foot in the door if you’re new or demonstrate your competence if you’re experienced. We also have employers who are eager to meet new training graduates.
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Transportation & Warehousing
- Energy
- Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
- Healthcare
- Construction Trades
- Hospitality
Ways to get started
REGISTER ON THE VIRGINIA WORKFORCE CONNECTION (VAWC)
MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO REGISTER: (click for details)
If you do not have a VAWC file:
- Click “not registered” link
- Click “individual”
- Create a unique username and password. Fill in required (*) fields.
- Click on “To build a resume” link.
If you have a profile and know your Username and Password:
- Enter your user ID and password
- Click “Sign In” button
If you have a profile but do not know your username and password:
- Click “Forgot Username and Password” link
- Select Option 3 to retrieve both
- Select Individual
- Fill in required fields and click “verify”
- Your username should appear. Create a password and select a security question to answer
- Click “Save”
- Click on Individual Profile (left side of web page)
- Click on “Personal Profile”
- Select General Information Tab to update your personal information. Click “Save”
- Click on Background Tab
- Click on Start Background Wizard link to enter pertinent information
- Click on Resume Builder (under QUICK MENU on the left side of the web page)
- Choose Comprehensive Format (preferred method for job matching)
- Click “Job Search” (left side of web page)
- Complete search criteria if needed
- Click “Search”
- Click “Job Title” link for job description. Click on “How to Apply For This Job” link to obtain information on how to apply for job
Interested in Services?
Have Additional Questions?
It's fast, free and very easy!
Please don’t hesitate to contact us! A staff member will reach out to you to provide more information.
