Workforce & Talent

On April 22, 2019, Penny Jones visited the NCWorks Career Center-Union in search of work.

Unemployed for roughly one year and categorized as an older worker, she felt the odds were not in her favor. Upon entering the Center, Penny was assisted by Janet Duarte, NCWorks Career Advisor, who provided services such as a skills assessment, job search, resume assistance and labor market information.

After analyzing and evaluating Penny’s experience and qualifications, Janet discovered the client was an experienced administrative support professional. Janet searched for compatible job postings in NCWorks and found one position that could possibly be a fit but required a specific certification that Penny did not have.

After hearing about Penny’s dilemma, Diane McClinton, also a NCWorks Career Advisor in the center, contacted the company to inquire if a well-qualified applicant who lacked this certification could be considered and the company agreed that the specific certification could be overlooked for the right candidate. Penny was contacted to return to the center where Janet prepped Penny for an interview. Penny interviewed for the position, was hired and started working in her new job as an Administrative Support Specialist within 24 hours.

Thomas Foster, NCWorks Career Center-Union Center Leader, said Janet’s grasp of the employer’s needs and the job seeker’s knowledge, skills and abilities, assisted Penny in successfully gaining employment. “Penny’s story personifies the NCWorks Career Center’s stated goal of connecting talent to jobs. Janet’s understanding of the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities the jobseeker possessed, and preparing the client for the interview, is a testament to the professionalism and demeanor NCWorks Career Center professionals possess and use every day,” added Foster.