Author : Wilson Chua
One of the things that I mentioned in my last post was concerning employers’ perceptions that the long-term unemployed fail to keep up their technological skills One has to assume that there is evidence to support this belief, but is it really the case that the applicants have not kept up with technology, or were their technological skills lacking in the first place?
In terms of general computer skills, most homes have a computer and internet access these days and any comprehensive job search should give you plenty of opportunity to practice your skills, as well as to acquire new ones Preparing resumes and cover letters, posting resumes and making applications on online job sites, online networking, setting up your own blogs, wikis or websites, keeping records of your job search and, most importantly, researching the positions and companies you are targeting should all allow you to keep your hand in on a daily basis
You will have heard time and time again that you should treat finding a job like a job in itself and, with extra time to spare, you actually have a great opportunity to thoroughly research, not only specific companies and positions, but the whole industry that you are involved in This is something which many people do not find the time for when they are in work, but making the effort when you can afford the time can only bring positive benefits Any new knowledge that you gain can be used to very great effect, if not in your resume, then certainly in your cover letters, to demonstrate that you are on top of your game If you discover that things are progressing technologically within your field and feel that you are slipping behind, then do some more research online or wherever you can find the information, or even see whether you can gain some direct experience by volunteering your services
If the issue is not having any technological skills in the first place, then there are several options First of all, try to think of somebody who might be able to spare a little time to teach you, whether that be a friend, your children or your grandchildren Better still, go to the Microsoft website at www microsoft com, click on the link to Training & Events in the gray bar at the top of the page and select Elevate America Here, you will find out all about the Microsoft initiative which was set up earlier this year to improve access to work-related education Working in co-operation with states across the country, the scheme was designed to provide one million vouchers for Microsoft E-Learning courses and selected Microsoft Certification examinations free of charge There are even basic computing skills courses that you can register for and start using today
Rather than seeing you fall behind, with a measure of self-discipline and a little bit of imagination, your period of unemployment can be used to make you an even more attractive candidate than you were previously!
Wilson Chua
Intergity Career Transitions
www.integritycareertransitions.com
750 South Shipyard Drive, Suite 300, Wilmington, Delaware 19801
Toll Free: 1-302-442-4100
Tel. No.: (302) 504-9960
Syndication Source: Thought Search Articles