How to Make Job Link Work Better for You!

This hand-out is designed to help you utilize the Job Link system most effectively. As you probably know, Job Link is the transfer plan at Ameritech. Prior to the negotiation of Job Link we had no regional transfer plan. The state plans that had previously existed were not working because Ameritech had become a regional company, so management started to move people around however they wanted. CWA negotiated Job Link in 1995 and it began in 1996. Since that time, we have worked steadily to work out the problems and improve the system. Improvements have included dramatically reducing the number of "adders" on job briefs, gaining union access to the system to assure that the rules are being followed and much more. Below are a few basic tips that will help you get the most out of Job Link:

1. Fill in your "skills inventory" (also known as "profile") fully and accurately to reflect your current skills, education and experience. Keep it updated if you take classes or learn new skills.
   
   
2. Review the "job briefs" for any jobs that you want....this informs you of the qualifications for each job. Review the job brief for your current job, in order to make sure you include all of your current job skills on your profile. Job briefs are available on Ameritech VISIONWEB or by calling 1-800-562-3374. If you are lacking in any qualifications ("basic" or "additional"), you may be able to take a class that will make you qualified or help you pass a test.
   
   
3. You must request any required tests prior to the vacancy being posted. To request a test simply call 1-800-562-3374. Check Job Link at least once every seven days so that you can self-nominate for any jobs that interest you.

The Job Link system is still not perfect and CWA is continually working hard to improve it. However, following these basic steps will insure that it works as well as it can for you and your future.