Workforce development offers new job search assistance Web site

Site enhances job search tools available locally; 19,000 jobs listed.

By Steve Moyer

Nevada Herald

The Missouri Department of Economic Development has launched a new Web site they hope will make matching job seekers with job providers easier. The new site, greathires.org, opened June 1 and already boasts over 19,000 jobs available statewide.

Kelvin Simmons, director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development, and Rick Beasley, director of the Department's Division of Workforce Development, introduced the site at press conferences in St. Louis and Kansas City.

"Missouri's economy is showing good momentum and we are experiencing good job growth," Simmons said. "We are excited to launch an innovative online employment system that will streamline the process of helping Missourians find employment and assisting our businesses in search of employees. As before, there is no cost to individuals or businesses who use this system."

The new site replaces the former Missouri WORKS! program and provides access to 18,000 different businesses.

More than 250,000 individuals actively using the system to find a job or replace their existing one.

Greathires.org contains many new features including a streamlined posting process for businesses, more access to employment information, a new messaging system and personalized homepages.

Beasley emphasized how the system meets the needs of Missouri businesses and job seekers.

"The features of this system were designed to help the bottom line of businesses: To save them time and money by offering a convenient and quick tool for locating qualified employees," Beasley said. "For job seekers, the system provides a multitude of valuable tools to take their careers to the next level."

In addition to the local library, people without computers can access GreatHires.org from computers at the local workforce development center.

"Anyone who is computer illiterate or is disabled and needs assistance can always come in and will receive one on one attention," Juanita Reynolds, Missouri Department of Economic Development, said.

An advance profiling system showcases the job seeker's experience, education, skills and contact information. A streamlined posting process saves businesses time and gives candidates quicker access to job openings. The site creates a personal homepage for each user, where searches, position descriptions or job postings and contacts with applicants or businesses and Missouri Career Center staff can be stored.

Missouri is divided up into 14 Workforce Investment Areas. Nevada is in the West Central area which has a full-service office in Sedalia.