Miles City Job Service mt.gov - Montana's Official Website Workforce Services Division Department of Labor & Industry State of Montana Miles City Job Service
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Frequently Asked Questions

 

How do I file for Unemployment Benefits?

Filing a claim for unemployment benefits is easier than ever before.  The initial filing process may now be done online or by telephone.  To begin the process of filing a claim for benefits, you may file online by clicking the 'UI4U' icon on our office home page, or you may still telephone the Helena Telephone Claims Center at (406) 444-2545 or the Billings Telephone Claims Center at (406) 247-1000 to speak with a Representative.  Having the following information handy will help the process go more quickly:

  • Social Security Number
  • Names, addresses and dates of employment for all employers you worked for in the last 18 months
  • Alien Registration Number (if not a U.S. Citizen)
  • Form DD-214, Member 4, if you were in the military or worked for the federal government in the last 18 months.

I tried to call Unemployment Insurance, but I keep getting a busy signal.  What can I do?

The Montana Unemployment Insurance Telephone Claims Centers speak with a large number of unemployment claimants each day and you may not get through on your first call.  Please keep trying.  Call between the hours of 8:30am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday, and 10:00am-4:30pm on Wednesdays.  Another option to calling is to file your claim online.  This option is available all days and hours.  To access the online unemployment claims website, click the 'UI4U' icon on our office home page.

What kind of registration information do you ask for?

When you register with Job Service, you are able to receive 'enhanced' services that will increase your opportunities in employment searches, training, personal and career development.  The information you provide us with in your registration consists of your contact information, military status, the lowest wage you will accept for employment, days and times you are available to work, your work history, job interests, skills, physical abilities and other demographic information.  All person information is kept strictly confidential.  You may register in person at our local office or conveniently online.  Registration is free of any charge or fee.  Registration with Job Service is not required in order for you to use our services.  However, please note that you may be 'required' to register with your local Job Service office if you are claiming unemployment benefits.

Why do I need to provide personal information, such as my Social Security Number and birth date?

Our new federal performance requires us to track how effective we are in providing services through our programs and systems.  Tax dollars pay for this service and we have a responsibility to provide data to show the service is of value.  Any information you provide is now encrypted and secure whenever you are using our Electronic Jobs system.  Employers do not know you’ve been searching our job orders unless you want them to.  If you completed a partial registration when you initially signed up to use the Electronic Jobs System and you have only searched for jobs, no employer can see your information and cannot even tell that you have used the system.  Employers will not know you have been in the system unless you complete the Basic Skills or Resume sections of the full registration.  You have full control over if, and when, you want your resume shared with employers when employers search for a job seeker by viewing resumes.  In addition, you can complete a full registration, and still hide your information from employers by changing the 'Share my Resume' setting to NO. To change your 'Share my Resume' setting, click the 'Update' button for 'Contact Information' under 'Skills Matching'.

What does it cost to use Job Service?

Our services are provided at no charge to anyone.

How does Job Service help me find a job?

When you register with Montana Job Service, we start the process of helping you locate suitable employment through job matching to our available employment listings.  Job matching is done based upon your own individual knowledge, skills and abilities, but also with your specific job interests and desires in mind.   If we find a suitable job match for you, we will try contacting you with information about the job and how to apply.  We also develop employment opportunities for you by networking with employers.  Our expert staff is available daily to review and discuss your current needs, advise you of labor market trends, discuss options and provide you with the resources necessary for the best opportunities to find and obtain the job you want.

Does Job Service get me a job?

Simply put, no.   Our goal is to empower YOU with whatever is necessary for you to find and get employment.  Please remember that YOU are the only one who can ultimately obtain any job.  Your level of success with getting any job depends largely on your own attitude, your motivation, professionalism, individual knowledge, skills and abilities.  We strive to assist you in every way possible and provide you with the available resources and tools you'll need to get the job you want.  We can assist you with job matching, creating professional resumés, skills testing, training opportunities, job lists and job searches, assessment options, interviewing and more.

What resources and services are available to me for job seeking?

Job Service has a wide array of resources and services available to assist in your search for employment.  In our Miles City office, we offer three (3) Public Access Computers with Internet connectivity, a bulletin board containing up-to-date job listings, employer and business information, local media classified ads, apprenticeship information, training information and many other resources for your use.  In addition, our Employment Consultants are available to provide job matching, career counseling, guidance, job development, resumé assistance, job readiness preparation, skill and interest assessments and many other services for our registered clients. Other resources include:

  • The Montana Jobs website that lists all employment listings of the Job Service Offices statewide
  • Telephone, fax machine and copy machine
  • Resumé preparation, office and career exploration
  • Skills testing
  • Training opportunities
  • Career guidance
  • Publications
  • Assessment tools
  • Much, much more!

Please call or visit us for details.

Can I register with Montana Job Service if I live in another state?

Yes.  You may register online, or you may contact a specific Job Service for registration materials.  If you register online, you should do one or both of the following for the best job opportunities: (1) indicate that you are interested in work statewide and desire to relocate, and/or (2) specify location(s) in the State where you would like to look for work.  You may indicate this information in the 'Objective Statement' area of your registration.  By doing this, you will be matched to jobs you qualify for, and have interest in based on the area/s you specify.  You will need to register with Montana Job Service if you wish to gain access to information on how to apply for jobs online, or to have Job Service Employment Consultants match you to appropriate jobs.

Is my registration with Montana Job Service valid statewide?

Yes.  However, you should do one or both of the following for the best job opportunities: (1) indicate that you are interested in work statewide and desire to relocate, and/or (2) specify location(s) in the State where you would like to look for work.  You may indicate this information in the 'Objective Statement' area of your registration.  By doing this, you will be matched to jobs you qualify for, and have interest in based on the area/s you specify.  If you have already registered with Montana Job Service and would like to change your information, simply login online to your registration profile or contact the office where you registered to update your information.

**NOTE** Individual Job Service offices may or may not conduct statewide searches for local job openings.

What exactly is a 'Job Referral'?

A job referral is simply our notification to you of a job listing that you qualify for and may be interested in applying for.  That notification may be in the form of a post card in your mail, a telephone call or email if applicable.   It is your responsibility to respond to our notification in a timely manner for the best opportunity in applying to the job.  When you respond, we provide you with detailed information about the job, application instructions and if necessary, the proper application form.

Are there any job training options available for me?

Yes.  Job training or re-training options often depend on the specific job you have done (or want to do), your current skills, your current employment situation and other factors.  Your options may range from free online coursework, to paid classroom or on-the-job training programs.  Job training options are available to everyone.  Some programs may be subject to available funding and require that you qualify for eligibility.  Please contact your local Job Service for more details.