FAQ

Although some members have had success at finding a job or paid internship within weeks of joining New Haven Works, a longer process is more typical. How long it takes depends on many factors, including: how closely your skills, experience, and interests match the needs of employers who are looking to hire, the number of jobs for which you apply, the quality of your resume (regardless of your educational or work background!), and the persistence with which you approach your job search. It also depends on luck—regardless of your level of skill, training, education, or work history, you will get a job sooner if an employer is looking to hire someone just like you right now!
New Haven Works doesn’t guarantee every member a job. We can only guarantee every member one-on-one attention, the benefit of our partnerships with area employers, access to every possible work opportunity in the area, and support and assistance in having the best possible resume, application, and interview. With New Haven Works, you don’t have a guarantee, but you have a much greater shot at success.
Yes. New Haven Works regularly helps connect those with criminal backgrounds to work opportunities with employers who do not exclude applicants on the basis of a past criminal record. The more open and honest members are about their backgrounds and obstacles, the better chance we have to help connect them to good jobs.
No. We provide one-on-one attention, the benefit of our partnerships with area employers, access to every possible work opportunity in the area, and support and assistance in having the best possible resume, application, and interview. We can assist and support you in the process of applying for jobs, but we can’t do it for you.
New Haven Works’ primary role is as a coordinating agency. We focus not on training, but on connecting people to jobs. We have many community partners offering a variety of trainings, and we refer our members to those programs.
New Haven Works is not affiliated with Workforce Alliance/American Job Center, but many of our members also take advantage of the services available there. Workforce Alliance is an important service provider partner, and New Haven Works aims to coordinate with and refer members to any service providers that offer valuable trainings, supports, and resources to job seekers.
New Haven Works partners with and serves a variety of employers—large and small—in a variety of industries. Click here to see a list of our partner employers.
A New Haven Works job coach is assigned to and checks in regularly with all members. However, we encourage all job seekers to take an active role and regularly check for job postings and other opportunities, come to our open computer lab hours, and bring new leads and ideas to their job coach.
You are never required to apply for a job you don’t want to take. We encourage you to discuss all opportunities and job offers with your job coach and consider the advantages and disadvantages. The decision is always up to you.
New Haven Works’ primary role is as a coordinating agency. We focus not on training, but on connecting people to jobs. We have many community partners offering a variety of trainings, and we refer our members to those programs.
All of the services and supports at New Haven Works are free. Additionally, subsidies may be available for: the cost of travel to and from jobs and interviews, the cost of some licensing and certifications.