In the Headlines

On April 27, 2009 U.S. job seekers and employers received a new tool to assist them in finding suitable jobs, training opportunities and identifying skilled candidates. The new Virtual OneStop Version 10 is a state-of-the-art website that provides universal access to online services for individuals seeking jobs and employers seeking employees. It also provides job seekers and employers with Labor Market Information and workforce staff with the tools necessary to conduct effective case management.

The custom workforce system was implemented to provide users with a wide array of employment-related services. Job seekers are able to search for all available jobs using a search engine that "spiders" jobs from company and government websites, newspaper postings and corporate job boards. Job searches can be conducted for a radius by zip code, city or county, by metropolitan or workforce area, or on a statewide basis. Candidates can search for training opportunities within the system and Employers can have access to recent graduates who have completed training. Employers can also search for talent and rank the candidates using the automated system. All of the services provided are available at no charge to job seekers and employers.

Workforce Professionals (staff) also benefit from the new system. Virtual OneStop provides staff with the most cutting-edge job matching and referral system available. All services provided to employers or job seekers, whether self service or staff assisted, are recorded in the system and used to improve agency performance and regional economic growth initiatives. Case Managers can also keep track of individual financial aid, budgeting, employment plans, agency service attendance and WIA case management.

Virtual OneStop Version 10 provides Labor Market Information and skill requirements for the job listed. Job seekers are also able to develop resumes and cover letters and submit directly to the employer online. The new system will also allow job seekers to search for the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act initiatives such as Green Jobs, Veteran-Preferred jobs, Summer Youth, etc. Version 10 will also manage innovative employment programs such as unemployment insurance, welfare transition and aid in monitoring economic growth initiatives for a specified region.

Version 10 of Virtual OneStop is being released concurrently with Version 10 of Geographic Solutions' Virtual Labor Market Information system and Version 10 of their Consumer Reporting System.