TAEm Team Spotlight: Meet Eric
By TAEM Peer Ambassador Yolonda McClain
What are you noticing in the job market that caregivers should be aware of?
For the caregivers we serve at Martha O’Bryan Center, I want them to know that while the job market can be challenging, there are also real opportunities available. Employers are looking for people who are dependable, adaptable, and strong communicators. Those are qualities caregivers use every day, even if they may not always recognize them as valuable workplace skills.
Our focus is helping caregivers identify those strengths and translate them into language employers understand. Basic digital skills, such as applying for jobs online, using email, and participating in virtual interviews, are also increasingly important. Building confidence with technology can make a meaningful difference during the job search.
We’re continuing to see demand in fields such as healthcare support, logistics, and skilled trades, and short-term certifications can create pathways to higher wages and long-term stability. Flexible and hybrid jobs are available, but they can be competitive, which is why preparation matters. The right opportunity is out there. We just have to find it!
What are practical steps caregivers can take to improve their chances of employment?
There are several practical steps caregivers can take to strengthen their job search. Start by identifying the skills you use every day, such as time management, problem-solving, multitasking, and communication, and learn how to highlight those strengths on your resume and during interviews.
Preparation is also key. Research the company and position before an interview, dress professionally, and practice sharing specific examples that demonstrate your transferable skills. Asking thoughtful questions and following up with a thank-you email can also help you leave a strong impression.
Networking, attending workshops or job fairs, and practicing job-readiness skills, such as resume building and interview preparation, can make you a stronger candidate. Since hiring managers may only spend a few seconds reviewing a resume, it’s important to keep it clear, concise, and tailored to the position. Highlight accomplishments and transferable skills, use strong action verbs, quantify results when possible, and make sure the formatting is clean and easy to read.
Our ChanceTN is a part of a study funded by the Tennessee Department of Human Services which is being conducted to determine how these pilot programs help people improve their economic well-being. During the study, all new eligible applicants will be randomly selected into one of two/three groups that receive a different mix of program services.
The Tennessee Opportunity Pilot Initiative (TOPI) is brought forth by the Tennessee Department of Human Services and TANF Opportunity Act. This initiative will help individuals, families, and the state of Tennessee by creating a new vision for the Tennessee social safety net and is dedicated to helping low-income families grow beyond their vulnerabilities. TOPI empowers all Tennesseans by partnering with local organizations to reach deep into their communities and work shoulder to shoulder with individuals and families, growing their capacity to take on life’s challenges and reduce their dependence on the social safety net.