Introduction
'I like to hike,' says Tony Hall, a facilitator with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Employment Services. Tony acknowledges that those facing unemployment are often on a daunting upward mountain path. As a hiker, he values having a map to guide him. He likens the tools offered at Employment Services to a “map for job seekers.” It helps you “know what to do,” providing a sense of direction and control at a time when you feel vulnerable.
LDS Employment Services is available both in-person and online, offering assistance to members of the Church and the general public. To access these resources, search 'LDS Employment Services' or visit: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/life/employment-services?lang=eng
Accessing LDS Employment Services
On the homepage, click 'Help for Job Seekers' to find access to:
-
Onsite employment centers
-
Personalized assistance
-
Ask an Expert Forums
-
Employment Workshops
-
Active Job Search (AJS) groups
The Active Job Search (AJS) Group
AJS is a core component of the organization, comprising online groups with teams of facilitators that meet multiple times daily, Monday through Friday.
Registration is free and provides a link for regular attendance.
Eric Faulkner, Western Regional Employment Specialist, recommends attending online workshops prior to joining an AJS group.
3-working_computer.jpg
Workshops cover:
-
resume writing
-
job search strategies
-
interview preparation
-
lead generation.
Clarifying your desired job role is also beneficial. Elder James Markham, facilitator and business connections expert for the morning team, often asks, 'What does that next best job look like?' emphasizing the importance of having a clear goal.
Facilitators are experienced, welcoming, and wise. Sister Virginia Waller, a retired educator and program creator, emphasizes the importance of including the Lord in the job search by praying daily for guidance throughout the process.
AJS Group Structure and Activities
AJS is the lifeblood of the organization. Each meeting begins with prayer, followed by a spiritual message and a lesson on job search principles.
The second half of the hour includes:
-
30-Second Introduction (Elevator Pitch): Participants practice introducing themselves, highlighting hard skills paired with soft skills, and creating a memorable 'hook.'
-
15-10-2 Activity: Participants report on:
-
15 new job-related resources (people, places, or things)
-
10 job search actions taken
-
2 face-to-face job-related interactions (e.g., informational interviews)
-
-
Participants share what they did the previous day and set a goal for the day.
All of the facilitators in the group are highly experienced in their own areas of expertise.
Benefits of AJS: Testimonials
Kyle Henderson, a digital marketer and job candidate, highlights the spirituality and camaraderie of the group: 'Yes, there are tips and tricks, but for me, it's the spirituality and camaraderie.' “They celebrate… I'm probably in, like, six temples! [on the prayer role].' He also mentioned that during his period of unemployment, he received some benefits, including extra time with his family, and lost 100 pounds. He has gained some balance. Kyle has, since being interviewed for this article, found new gainful employment. Congratulations!
Patrick Johnson, a VFX/line producer and job candidate, says, “I don’t like meetings in the morning; it’s a waste of time to me, but in this case, it brightens my day up so much…I like it because it makes me focus throughout my day…whereas if you don’t have that first in the morning experience, I kind of get distracted and lost.” Patrick, since being interviewed, has begun to focus more on the Side Business aspect of the Church's employment offerings. We wish him the best in his new venture. See the website for more details about Side Business meetings.
Tracy Twomey, facilitator and skills pivot expert, shares, “I truly gained a testimony this is an inspired program because so many people come in kind of as a last resort and they [are] kind of beaten up, and down on themselves … to see their transition is amazing.”
Tony Hall was drawn to the organization's 'amazing' services and, even though he wasn’t a member of the church, asked if he could “help out.” He was welcomed with open arms, and it is touching to see how valued he feels. Equally touching is to see the outpouring of gratitude from all candidates to the facilitators for their help and support.
Volunteers are the guides handing out those job search trail maps. These “maps” can include the following:
-
Prayer: start your day with it
-
Blank Sheet Technique: Start each day by asking, 'Who am I to talk to? What am I to do?”
-
Capture and follow your impressions
-
Before getting on a phone or Zoom call, state your intention to yourself
-
Identify your next best job
-
Navigate the Employment Services Website
-
Prepare yourself with a system for taking notes and organizing incoming information
-
15-10-2
-
Me-in-30
-
Pairing hard skills with soft skills
-
Power statements
-
Using metrics
-
Informational Interview Questions
-
3 Job Interview Questions
-
Communication Tips
-
Follow-ups and Thank-yous
-
Finding the Hidden Job Market
-
Reverse Engineering
-
Approaches Templates
-
Networking
-
Resume Writing Tips
-
Using AI
-
Time Blocking
-
Trends in the Industry
-
Dealing with Fear
-
Obedience to the Lord
-
Creating Your Contact List
Haven’t Heard of Employment Services Before? You’re Not Alone.
Tony says it’s sad to know there are so many more people out there in need who don’t know about the program. Eric admits that getting the word out to church members and the community about Employment Services has been challenging. The good news is that efforts are being made to overcome every obstacle in our path.
Spread the News!
The folks at AJS would love it if members helped to spread the word by sharing this information with their communities and wards, including their Bishops and Relief Society Presidents.
Conclusion
The Lord cares about the welfare of His children in every way. LDS employment services is there to help you become self-reliant, utilizing not only AJS but the Side Business resources, tips regarding education, personality tests, one-on-one consultations and more. Come on in and, please, spread the word! Tony and everyone in all the AJS teams would love to hand you a job search trail map and act as your guide.
References
-
Tony Hall, Personal Zoom Interview, January 30, 2025.
-
Kyle Henderson, Personal Zoom Interview, January 22, 2025.
-
Tracy Twomey, Personal Zoom Interview, January 22, 2025.
-
Patrick Johnson, Personal Zoom Interview, January 22, 2025.
-
Eric Faulkner, Personal Zoom Interview, February 26, 2025.
-
Employment Services, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints website. Found: February 26, 2025 at: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/life/employment-services?lang=eng