Employment: Building Your Path to Economic Independence
A stable job is more than income — it’s identity, purpose, and a route out of poverty. Discover the full spectrum of employment support available to you in the Twin Cities.
Why Employment Is Central to Stability
Employment provides income, structure, social connection, and a foundation for long-term independence. For people rebuilding their lives, a job can be the turning point.
What steady employment provides:
- Regular income to cover rent, food, and basic needs
- A work history and references for future opportunities
- Access to employer-sponsored health insurance
- Social connection, structure, and sense of purpose
- Ability to build savings and long-term financial security
- Eligibility for retirement plans and Social Security credits
“The best social program is a good job — one with stable hours, fair pay, and the chance to grow.”
— CareerForce MinnesotaCommon employment barriers
- Criminal background or justice involvement
- Gaps in work history or no work history
- Lack of ID, transportation, or childcare
- Language barriers or limited English
- No high school diploma or GED
- Mental health or substance use challenges
Learn more about Minnesota’s labor market and workforce development programs.
CareerForce Minnesota → MN DEED Job SeekersEmployment Services Available to You
From resume help to full job training programs, there is a wide range of free and low-cost services designed to get you working — no matter where you’re starting from.
Job Search Assistance
Personalized support finding open positions that match your skills, experience, and goals. Includes job boards, employer connections, and application help.
Resume & Cover Letter Building
Work one-on-one with a career coach to craft a resume that highlights your strengths and gets past automated screening systems.
Interview Preparation
Practice common interview questions, learn how to present yourself confidently, and receive personalized feedback before meeting employers.
Job Training Programs
Short-term, industry-specific training in healthcare, construction, IT, food service, and more — many programs are free or income-eligible.
Career Counseling
Explore what careers match your interests and strengths. Set realistic goals with professional guidance and create an actionable career plan.
Employment with a Record
Specialized support for job seekers with criminal backgrounds. Learn your rights, find fair-chance employers, and access expungement resources.
Explore all employment services at CareerForce Minnesota — the state’s primary workforce development network.
Find a CareerForce Location → Find a Job — MN DEEDYour Step-by-Step Job Search Guide
Whether you’re entering the workforce for the first time or returning after a gap, here is a clear path to follow — from self-assessment to your first paycheck.
- 1
Assess your skills and goals
Make a list of your skills, past experience (paid or unpaid), and the type of work you want. Caregiving, construction, cooking, and customer service are all real skills.
- 2
Visit a CareerForce center
Walk in or call ahead. Free job search help, computer access, resume printing, and referrals. Call 651-259-7500 to find your nearest location.
- 3
Build your resume and online presence
Create or update your resume with help from a career coach. Set up a free email address if you don’t have one — you’ll need it for applications.
- 4
Apply and prepare for interviews
Apply to 5–10 positions per week. Use CareerForce mock interviews to practice. Ask for feedback after every interview — it helps you improve quickly.
- 5
Handle the job offer and paperwork
Review your offer carefully. Complete your I-9, W-4, and direct deposit forms. Ask HR about benefits enrollment — you typically have 30 days.
- 6
Maintain employment and grow
Connect with a case manager to address any barriers. Set 30-, 60-, and 90-day goals. The first three months are the most important for building trust.
What to bring to CareerForce
- Government-issued photo ID
- Social Security card or number
- List of past employers and dates
- Any certifications or training records
- References (names and contact info)
- Veteran’s discharge papers (DD-214) if applicable
📞 Call 211 for Immediate Help
Minnesota’s 211 helpline is available 24/7 and can connect you to employment programs, emergency support, and more. Free and confidential.
Find the nearest CareerForce location or browse open jobs across Minnesota.
Find a CareerForce Location → Browse Open Jobs — DEEDEmployment in Minnesota: By the Numbers
Understanding the labor market helps you target in-demand industries and negotiate fair wages. Here’s what the data shows about jobs and earnings in the Twin Cities.
Explore the full MN jobs outlook and labor market data from DEED and the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
MN DEED Labor Market Data → BLS Minnesota ProfileOvercoming Common Employment Barriers
Many people face real obstacles to finding and keeping work. Here’s how to navigate the most common challenges — and where to get help in the Twin Cities.
- Criminal record: Many MN employers are “ban the box” — they can’t ask about records on initial applications. Fair-chance hiring programs and expungement clinics exist.
- Gaps in work history: Volunteer work, caregiving, and training all count as experience. A career coach can help you frame your story effectively.
- No diploma or GED: Free GED preparation is available through SAOIC and Minneapolis Adult Education. A GED opens the door to most jobs.
- Language barriers: ESL classes and bilingual career coaches are available. CareerForce serves clients in multiple languages.
- No transportation: Metro Transit offers reduced-fare cards for low-income job seekers. Many employers offer transit benefits.
- No childcare: Child Care Assistance (CCAP) from Hennepin County can subsidize costs while you work or train.
Find specialized employment support for your specific situation from these trusted organizations.
Fair-Chance Employment Resources → Employment for People with DisabilitiesLocal Employment Resources — Quick Reference
A curated list of trusted local organizations offering employment services across Hennepin County and the greater Twin Cities area.
| Organization | Type of Help | Who It Serves | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| CareerForce Minnesota | Job Search Training | All job seekers | 651-259-7500 |
| Minneapolis Career Works | Counseling Placement | Minneapolis residents | minneapolismn.gov |
| SAOIC | GED & Trades | Low-income adults | saoic.org |
| MN Apprenticeship Programs | Apprenticeship | All adults | dli.mn.gov |
| Employment for People with Disabilities | Disability Support | Adults with disabilities | mn.gov/deed |
| Veterans Employment Services | Veterans | Veterans & military families | careerforce.mn.gov |
| Youth Employment Programs | Youth 14–24 | Young adults | mn.gov/deed |
| Waypoint Employment Directory | Directory | Anyone seeking work help | gis.hennepin.us/waypoint |
Search all workforce programs and training opportunities available in Minnesota through DEED’s job seeker portal.
MN DEED Job Seeker Portal → Find a CareerForce Location