Getting Started

Welcome to NOVA!

Through its three Job Centers, NOVA provides customer-focused services to the job seekers of San Mateo and northern Santa Clara counties. NOVA staff are dedicated to providing you with the necessary tools to enter or re-enter Silicon Valley’s unique workforce. Our job is not complete until your job begins.

Your time spent with NOVA will include meeting with experienced career advisors to discuss your specific needs. In addition, you will have the opportunity to attend workshops that focus on such topics as assessing your career objectives, creating a powerful resumé, learning to network effectively, and understanding how to negotiate for the best possible employment situation. And if your skills are out of date, you may have the opportunity to participate in classroom training at no cost with approved local vendors.

NOVA also provides specialized services to target populations such as veterans, youth, and older workers. NOVA is an equal opportunity employer/program; auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. NOVA works closely with local businesses, educators, and individuals to ensure that our programs provide opportunities that build the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to address the workforce needs of Silicon Valley.

How to Access Services

① The first step in the process to become a NOVA Job Center member is to attend the Power Up Your Job Search and Registration session. These sessions are offered each weekday in Sunnyvale and twice a week in San Mateo.

Call us or stop by one of the NOVA Job Centers to sign up for the next available session—Sunnyvale Job Center: 408-730-7232; San Mateo Job Center: 650-581-0058. If you contact NOVA via e-mail, please include a phone number for a return phone call.

Once you've registered, you should plan to arrive 20 minutes prior to the start time in order to complete the necessary paperwork. Late arrivals will be scheduled for a workshop at a later date.

Because NOVA is a federally funded program, we must establish proof of eligibility and of right to work prior to providing you with services. Required documentation will vary dependent upon your circumstances, but common documents include driver license, Social Security card, U.S. passport, or Permanent Resident card.

② Once your registration paperwork is complete, you will meet with a career advisor to begin developing your customized job-search plan. Career advisors can assist you with wherever you are in your job search—whether it is the process of determining your career goal, developing an effective resume, using social media in your job search, strategies for accessing both visible and hidden job leads, targeting companies, preparing for interviews, or negotiating offers.