August 8, 2008

This week, Rhode Island Red, a self-service, online job search and research tool available for free through the RI Department of Labor and Training web site, quadrupled the number of job listings available to job seekers. This dramatic increase was made possible by enhanced “spidering”—a software program’s ability to search the World Wide Web for pertinent information.

Director of Labor and Training Sandra M. Powell states, “By improving our technology, we hope to simplify the job search process and connect job seekers with employment as quickly as possible.”

To search for employment using Rhode Island Red, visit www.dlt.ri.gov/rired and click on the “Find a Job” link under Individual Services. Job seekers may search by location, keyword, occupational group and/or salary range. They may also limit their search by source (newspapers, private employer job boards, etc.) and posting date.

In addition to aiding in the job search process, Rhode Island Red offers a free online skill assessment test that can match a job seeker’s skill set with appropriate occupations. It also contains helpful industry and occupational data, from average wages to future employment outlook. Lastly, Rhode Island Red offers links to area education and training programs that can help a job seeker acquire the necessary skills for his or her chosen career.

Rhode Island Red is one of several tools used by the netWORKri counselors to help customers find employment. The netWORKri One-Stop System includes walk-in career and reemployment centers in Providence, Pawtucket, Woonsocket and West Warwick, as well as a satellite facility in Middletown. For more information on available jobs in Rhode Island or the netWORKri One-Stop centers, call 1-888-616-JOBS or visit at www.dlt.ri.gov.

About the RI Department of Labor and Training
The RI Department of Labor and Training offers employment services, educational services and economic opportunity to both individuals and employers. DLT protects Rhode Island's workforce by enforcing labor laws, prevailing wage rates and workplace health and safety standards. The department also provides temporary income support to unemployed and temporarily disabled workers. For more information on the programs and services available to all Rhode Islanders, please call the RI Department of Labor and Training at (401) 462-8000 or visit the web site at www.dlt.ri.gov.

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