Monterey County Employment Pathfinder
If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door
Brought to you by Middlebury Institute and Hartnell College Spanish andEnglish students, in collaboration with Monterey County Free Libraries, as part of the Team Tandem Initiative. For more information, contact Sarah Hoeffel at HoeffelS@countyofmonterey.gov.
Readers of this toolkit are responsible for verifying the accuracy and veracity of its contents. While every effort has been made to provide current and factual information, the responsibility for the use and interpretation of this information lies with the readers.
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Monterey County Employment Pathfinder © 2023 by Monterey County Free Libraries and Team Tandem participants is licensed under Creative Common License.
Contributors Muskan Agrawal, Elisabeth Ampthor, Sherlin Benjamin, Eleanor Bent, Hannah Berke, Ana Lilia Bueno, Giovanni Casson, Huiyi Chen, Jaimee De Pompeo, Liliana E. Fajardo de la Fuente, Gabriel Guillén, Sarah Hoeffel, Sarahi Juarez, Brian Lopez, Xochitl Nahomi Ramírez, Ola Pozor, Al Smith, Martha Alicia Zepeda
Table of Contents
- 5 Local resources
- 5.1 Childcare
- The Food Bank for Monterey County
- Mexican American Opportunity Foundation (MAOF)
- Monterey County Childcare
- 5.2 Clothing
- Dress for Success
- Gathering for Women
- 5.3 Education
- Loaves, Fishes and Computers (LFC)
- GED Testing Service
- Salinas Public Library
- Salinas Adult School
- 5.4 Food
- The Food Bank for Monterey County
- 5.5 Housing Assistance
- CHISPA
- Housing Authority of Monterey
- Victory Mission Salinas
- 5.6 Legal
- California Laws Protecting Immigrants’ Civil Rights
- California Rural Legal Assistance
- Immigration Rights Fact Sheet
- 5.7 Other resources
- Alisal Family Resource Center
- United Farm Workers
- 5.1 Childcare
1. Hiring Areas
1.1 USPS
USPS provides various job options, from delivering mail to tech roles. Working here means handling mail and packages efficiently. You get benefits and room to grow, contributing to the national communication network.
Types of jobs available
- Drivers & mechanics
- Sales & service
- Delivery
- Sorting & handling
Entry pay range
- $19.30/hour-$26/hour
- Competitive salary
Skills and qualifications
Depend on the job but most require:
- Lift and push heavy loads
- Prolonged standing and walking
- Operate a tractor-truck trailer
- Driver’s License
- Work with different types of technology
- 18 years old at the time of appointment or 16 years old with a high school diploma
- United States citizen, permanent resident or citizen of American Samoa or other U.S. territory
- Recent employment history
- Ability to pass a criminal background check, drug screening, and medical assessmen
- Residency requirement for background checks
- Safe driving record (if applicable to the position)
Benefits
- Multiple health and life insurance choices
- Retirement and thrift savings plans
- Vacation time and sick leave
- Qualifying education assistance
- More information at USPS Benefits
Opportunities to move up
- USPS offers development and training at every stage of the employee lifecycle.
- Functional job-related training, technical hands-on learning, new supervisor training and management to executive development
1.2 Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Certified Nursing Assistants are the entry position for the nursing field. The following information is mainly about CNAs but includes ways to advance in nursing.
Entry pay
- Start at $75,000 and can reach up to $200,000 depending on experience and specialization
Skills and qualifications
- Be a minimum of 16 years old
- Earn a high-school diploma or GED equivalent
- Be in good physical health
- Pass a criminal background check
- Be able to lift patients (~50-75 lbs)
- Complete a written competency test
- Have up-to-date immunizations
- Pass a drug screening
- Complete a state-approved CNA training program and take the CNA competency evaluation examination
- Hartnell College has
Benefits
Depend on the company and job but generally include:
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Paid time off
Opportunities to move up
- Candidates can work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and continue going to school while working, and they could become a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) or Registered Nurse (RN)
1.3 Monterey County
Monterey County offers jobs in various fields with competitive entry-level pay and requires common qualifications like work experience and licensure.
Types of jobs available
- Office Assistant
- Nursing Assistant
- Fleet Mechanic
- Records Specialist
Entry pay range
- $23.34/hour-$31.30/hour
- Competitive salary
Skills and qualifications
Depend on the job but most require:
- Clerical Experience
- CNA/LVN Licensure
- ASE Certification
- Driver’s License
- Drug Screening
- Ability to pass a criminal background check, drug screening, and medical assessment
Benefits
- Multiple health and life insurance choices
- Retirement and thrift savings plans
- Vacation time and sick leave
- Qualifying education assistance
Opportunities to move up
- varies depending on position
1.4 Retail
Retail jobs are ideal for entry-level workers, providing practical skills in customer service, communication, teamwork, sales, and inventory management. With flexible schedules, they offer a solid foundation for gaining work experience and exploring career paths.
Types of jobs available
- Target
- Walmart
- Kohls
- Cardenas Market
- Vallarta Supermarkets
- Santa Fe
- Costco
Entry pay range
- $15.50/hour-$28/hour
- Competitive salary
Skills and qualifications
- Ability to understand and speak English
- Drug Screening
- Criminal Background Check
Benefits
- Multiple health and life insurance choices
- Vacation time and sick leave
- Possible reimbursement of educational expenses
Opportunities to move up
- Motivated employees can apply for managerial positions after gain experience
1.5 Hospitality
Hospitality jobs are perfect for entry-level roles, offering hands-on experience in customer service, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Through roles like front desk or in housekeeping, these positions provide practical skills and a dynamic work environment for individuals starting their careers.
Types of jobs available
- Hotels
- Waiters/Waitresses
- Host/Hostess
Entry pay range
- $15.50/hour-$36.20/hour
- Competitive salary
Skills and qualifications
- Drug Screening
- Criminal Background Check
Benefits
- Multiple health and life insurance choices
- Potential living stipends (hotels)
- Vacation time and sick leave
- Possible student loan repayment
Opportunities to move up
- Motivated employees can apply for managerial positions after gain experience
2 How to apply for a job
2.1 How to navigate a company website
On the company web page, look for keywords, such as, Careers, Hiring, Join us, More Information, or go to the search box and type ”job application.” If you can't find the job application on the web page, look for Contact Us and copy the phone number, email, and the address of the company.
Call or email the company to ask for more information about the job application. The following is an example:
“To whomever this may concern:
My name is ___________ and I am writing/calling to ask for more information about your job opportunites. I am interested in your _________ position and I believe I would be a great fit on your team. I cannot find an application form on your website but I would like to apply for the job, if possible. I am attaching my resumé, cover letter and a list of references for your review.
Thank you in advance for your consideration.”
Remember Not all employers list their job applications online, therefore you might have to go in person. Go to the section Tech Tips for more online resources.
2.2 Filling out an application form
Job applications vary and some might ask you more specific questions. Here are some examples of what a job application might ask you.
More information: How To Fill Out a Job Application
2.3 How to create a resumé
What is a resumé?
A document that presents your work experience, education, skills, and achievements.
What should I include?
Personal information, education, job experience, skills, community service, certifications, and awards. Also, dates of graduation, duration of experiences, and specific numbers.
Resumé Format
- 1 page
- Use bullet points to list information concisely
- List experiences from most recent or relevant to least recent or relevant
Read more about creating your resume (resource in Spanish)
RESUMÉ TEMPLATE
NAME
Email, phone number
Education
Name of School, location, degree earned, date of enrollment and graduation
Example
College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA, Bachelor of Arts, History, August 2015- May 2019
Certifications
Program Name, hours completed, date of completion
Skills
Languages: _______(Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced) / Speaking (level), Writing (level), Reading (level) Technical: ex. Microsoft Word, Excel, Data Entry, Typing, Oracle CRM, etc.
Communication: Public Speaking, Leadership, Teamwork, Customer Service, Time Management, Event-Planning, Translation
Work Experience
Position Name, Company, Location Dates worked, type of job, hours/week
Example
Security Guard, Intact, Monterey
Conference Center
Monterey County, CA
February 2021- present, contractual, ~40 hrs/week
- Supervise up to 5 entry-level employees
- Observe and oversee events, ensure safety and security of participants
- Carry up to 50 pounds of heavy materials for event set-up and clean-up
- Check identification and badges of participants
- Escort VIPs to/from venues
- Intervene and remove trespassers/violators of conduct
- Maintain professional appearance and behavior with all participants
2.4 Writing a Cover Letter
A cover letter is a way to introduce yourself formally to the hiring employers and tell them why you would be a good fit for the position you’re applying for.
Before writing the letter
Look for more information about the company and their goals so you can mention them in your letter and interview. Look for the name of the hiring manager to address the letter to him/her/them.
Paragraph 1
Introduction, mention the position you’re applying for and how you found it. If you know anyone who works or has worked at this company, mention their name and what you learned about their experience.
Paragraph 2
Description of education, professional experiences, and skills that would be useful in this position.
Paragraph 3
A thank you in advance for consideration of the job application, availability to interview or answer any questions.
More tips on how to write your cover letter (resource in Spanish)
COVER LETTER EXAMPLE
TEMPLATE
Date
Address of Company
Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. _______(Title of hiring manager/Hiring Committee)
My name is _____________; it is a pleasure to apply for ____________ position at __(Company Name)_. I found this position through __(source/person)_ and believe that my _______ skills and experience in _______ make me a great fit for this job and a valuable member of your team. Please accept this cover letter, application, and accompanying resume for review.
For the last ______ months/years I have worked in the ________ industry, where I have developed my _____, _____, and ______ skills. My educational background in ______ also introduced me to the different tasks related to this field, such as ______. (Mention any education/ courses/certifications you have completed that are relevant to this job). For example, (include an anecdote or two that shows how you used your skills on a daily basis and any accomplishments you achieved). My strengths include ________, _______, and I enjoy working on ____________ projects/tasks in ____________ environments.
From what I have learned about [Company Name] and this position, I know I would be expected to use these same skills and feel confident that I would excel in this job. I have significant experience using _________equipment/software and look forward to building my capacities in this position. I am also open to learning new skills and expanding my professional development if the opportunity arises. I understand that your team seeks to [mention their goals], and I believe I would be a perfect fit to help advance your mission, both as a valuable employee and team member.
I look forward to the opportunity to take this next step in my career, grow, and make a positive impact. I am happy to discuss my experience and goals further, meet your team, and learn more about your company and this position if there is an opportunity to interview. Thank you kindly in advance for your consideration of my application for this position. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Your Name
2.5 What are references?
In some cases, jobs will ask for references. References are people who potential employers may contact to further discuss or ask about your work, skills, abilities, and knowledge. They should be able to speak positively about your ability to be successful in the job you’re applying for.
Who can be references?
- Co-workers
- Classmates
- Teachers
- Mentors
- Bosses
- Coaches
How to Ask for References?
You can ask for reference by asking your supervisor or colleagues if they are willing to be a reference. You can also write a formal email asking for someone’s support of your application as a reference. If they agree, send them a brief description of the job you’re applying for, as well as your thanks in advance for supporting you.
Example
Reference Name #1
Position Title
Company Name
(xxx) xxx-xxxx
reference.email@gmail.com
Relationship to Reference
3 The Interview Process
3.1 Before the interview
Company background
- Research the company and the position. If the company has a website, you can check out the content on there
- Research the person who will be conducting the interview if you can
Strengths and achievements
- Make a list of your accomplishments and abilities/strengths
- Write a short (1-min) description about yourself, talking about your life history, education, past jobs, and current interests
Basic questions
Prepare concise responses to the following basic questions:
- What are some experiences that prepared you for this role?
- How have you resolved a conflict in the past? Describe an example
- When you work in a group, what role do you play?
- What makes you a good candidate for this position?
- What do you want to accomplish in five years?
- What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
Practice the interview and your responses before with someone, such as your friend or a family member
Resumé
- Adjust the content accordingly to fit the target company’s profile
- Read over your resume before the interview
Questions for the company
Prepare some questions about the position and the company:
- In this role, what is a typical day like?
- What’s the workplace environment?
- How does the company support your employees?
- What is a potential career path in this company? Are there opportunities for advancement?
Location
- If it’s online/via Zoom, enter the room 5 minutes before to see if the connection is alright
- If it’s in person and you have never been to the location, go in advance to see how long it takes for you to get there
Clothing
- Wear clothing that is presentable or professional, like a blazer or shirt in a neutral color
Draft the follow-up email
10 Common Job Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
3.2 During the interview
Conduct
- Speak clearly and slowly
- Listen actively
- Make eye contact
- Smile
- Keep your answers short and concise
In person
- Post-COVID, please wait and see if the interviewer extends their hand
Confirm next steps
- At the end of the interview, politely ask about next steps (e.g. expected application timeframe)
3.3 After the interview
Follow-up email
- Send a follow-up email the same day or the next morning
- Thank the interviewer for their time, and reiterate your interest in the position.
Connect via LinkedIn and thank the interviewer
- Include a short thank-you note in your invite to connect
Additional follow-up email
- If you don’t hear back after the promised day, write another email to follow up on your progress
4. Tech Tips
4.1 How to Create a Gmail Account?
- Go to www.gmail.com and sign up
- Please note the language selector in the bottom left if you want to change your language
- After filling in your first and last name, your date of birth, and gender, you will create your email address
- We recommend using first name and last name.
Example: gabbyramirez@gmail.com
- If this address is taken, you can try other solutions such as adding your middle initial if you have one, use a period (.) or underscore (_) between your name and last name, or numbers at the end.
Example: gabby_ramirez@gmail.com
- Next you will be asked to create a password. The requirements are that it is 8 characters long, includes a capital and lowercase letter, and a number. We also strongly recommend including a symbol such as ?,!,*,#,@, etc.
Here are some examples of strong passwords: (please only use these for inspiration):
SuperMan48412!
5628006ChaiTea@
22Blue7*DogAlso, your browser may suggest a password. Use that if possible and agree to save it, since the browser will offer you that option.
4.2 Tech tips and trick
- Always confirm your information before submitting an online form to ensure accuracy and prevent errors
- Beware of phishing and scams. Be particularly careful when giving out the following information:
Social Security Number (SSN)
Card Details (billing)
- Do not click on pop-up ads
- Save your data frequently to avoid loss
- Use strong passwords
- Keep your software updated
- Be mindful of the information you share
- Learn keyboard shortcuts such as:
Ctrl or ⌘ + C to copy
Ctrl or ⌘ + V to paste
Ctrl or ⌘ + X to cut
Ctrl or ⌘ + Z to undo last action
Ctrl or ⌘ + F to find
Ctrl or ⌘ + S to save
Ctrl or ⌘ + R to reload page
Ctrl or ⌘ + P to print - Use right click for other options
- Use cloud services
- Stay informed on tech trends
4.3 Top websites to explore for job applications
These sites offer valuable resources, current job listings, and practical advice to help you navigate the job market successfully.
- Linkedin. A professional networking site that also offers job listings and company insights. www.linkedin.com
- Craigslist. An classifieds platform offering diverse categories such as local job listings.www.craigslist.org
- Indeed. A job search engine that aggregates listings from various sources. www.indeed.com
- ZipRecruiter. Connects job seekers with relevant opportunities, using smart match technology. www.ziprecruiter.com
- Wag! An online platform and mobile app that connects pet owners with dog walkers and pet sitters in their local area. www.wagwalking.com
- Glassdoor. Known for company reviews and salary data, it also offers job listings. www.glassdoor.com
- Google. It aggregates listings from multiple websites, providing a vast and diverse range of opportunities in one search platform. www.google.com
For effective job searches on Google, specify your preferred location, job title, and terms like "help wanted," "open position," or "flexible hours," along with "full time" or "part time". Here are some examples:
Salinas Cashier Help Wanted
Salinas Cashier Open Position
Salinas Babysitter Needed
Dog Sitter/Walker in Salinas
4.4 Icon Guide
| Menu | |
| Settings |
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| Search |
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| Your Profile | |
| Back Button | |
| Send |
Switching Language
To change the language on a website, look for a language selector, often indicated by a flag icon or labeled as "Language" or "Select Language", usually located at the top, footer, or in a settings menu. Click this to see a list of languages, choose your preferred one, and the website should automatically update or prompt you to confirm the change. If the site doesn't change, refresh the page. Some sites allow saving your language choice for future visits. If the desired language isn't available, consider using a browser's translation feature or a translation extension.
5 Local resources
5.1 Childcare
The Food Bank for Monterey County
| The Food Bank’s Diapers with Dignity program at Monterey distributes free diapers to families in need. |
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| https://foodbankformontereycounty.org/diapers-dignity | |
Mexican American Opportunity Foundation (MAOF)
| MAOF provides child care and early education programs to support families with children. MAOF offers a variety of free and subsidized child care options to qualifying families in Monterey Country. |
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| https://maof.org/education/child-care | |
Monterey County Childcare
| Monterey County Childcare offers tools to help you find childcare, understand your childcare choices, and access financial support. |
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| https://montereycountychildcare.org | |
5.2 Clothing
Dress for Success
| Obtain a free professional wardrobe kit for your job interview, and return for another kit after you get the job. Dress for Success San Jose’s mission is to empower women with economic independence. |
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| https://www.sjdress.org/get-job-search-support/professional-clothing | |
Gathering for Women
| Gathering for Women is a caring community where homeless women can get a hot meal, free clothing and limited emergency assistance. The clothing closet also has free personal hygiene products available. |
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| https://gatheringforwomen.org/programs/ | |
5.3 Education
Loaves, Fishes and Computers (LFC)
| LFC offers low-cost computers and computer literacy classes to local low-income families and individuals. |
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| https://www.lfctech.org | |
GED Testing Service
| This website contains answers to frequently asked questions about earning a GED credential in California. The GED test is available in both English and Spanish. |
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English: https://ged.com/policies/california Español: https://ged.com/es/policies/california |
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Salinas Public Library
| We are committed to helping every member of our community achieve their educational and vocational goals, as well as providing safe and inclusive spaces for residents to meet, learn and connect with one another. |
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| https://salinaspubliclibrary.org/ | |
Salinas Adult School
| This school offers many classes, such as ESL, HSD/HISET/GED preparation, Computer Literacy, and Citizenship. Most classes are free. There are also schools in Gonzales, Monterey, or Seaside, or Pacific Grove. |
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| https://www.salinasuhsd.org | |
5.4 Food
The Food Bank for Monterey County
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The Food Bank provides high quality food, fresh produce, and educational and nutritional resources. The hunger relief programs include free farmers’ markets, grocery delivery, mobile produce pantries, and other essentials. |
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5. 5 Housing Assistance
CHISPA
| CHISPA develops affordable rental housing throughout the Salinas Valley. Low-income families and individuals can submit applications for affordable rental apartments and houses. |
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| https://chispahousing.org/rental-housing | |
Housing Authority of Monterey
| The Housing Authority partners with community non-profits, local agencies, and state organizations to address affordable housing and housing shortage issues. |
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| https://www.hamonterey.org | |
Victory Mission Salinas
| Victory Mission provides services to unhoused people. There are safe places to sleep overnight and the mission distributes clothing and personal hygiene items. |
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| https://victorymissionsalinas.org/services.html | |
5.6 Legal
California Laws Protecting Immigrants’ Civil Rights
| Updated information of current laws and legislation regarding immigrant rights and labor laws. |
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| https://oag.ca.gov/immigrant/ca-law | |
California Rural Legal Assistance
| California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc. provides free civil legal services to low-income residents of California's rural counties. |
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| https://crla.org/locations/salinas | |
Immigration Rights Fact Sheet
| A resources guide on worker’s rights and what is discrimination in your workplace as well as helpful explanations of protections you are guaranteed under the law. |
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English: https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/32/2020/10/Immigration-Rights-Fact-Sheet_ENG.pdf
Español: https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/32/2020/10/Immigration-Rights-Fact-Sheet_SPANISH.pdf |
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5.7 Other resources
Alisal Family Resource Center
| Free help with filling out forms or documents for various applications, including Medi-Cal, unemployment, job applications, disability, family leave, DMV, and passports. |
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| https://www.alisal.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4378165&type=d&pREC_ID=2581705 | |
United Farm Workers
| UFW advocates for farm worker families. Their services and projects include immigration legal services, removal defense, COVID-19 vaccines, public benefits, and access to emergency funds. |
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English: https://www.ufwfoundation.org Español: https://www.sisepuede.org |
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