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February 04, 2009
Learning New Skills to Enhance Your Job Search
Most people under age 45 are familiar with computer technology, its' software and hardware and for those who are blind or visually impaired, the adaptive technology like JAWS, Window-Eyes, ZoomText etc.
But for many adults over 50, working on the computer can be daunting and scary. They may even have problems doing the simplest of things like e-mailing or doing spreadsheets because computers were not introduced until they were adults.
I've worked on a computer for more than 20 years. However, just recently with a new computer, I am having to learn JAWS. Luckily I have a tutor from the Canadian Institute of the Blind who comes to my home to tutor me, but I will admit it's been rough going. I have had to literally forget, for the time being, everything I knew how to do on the computer, to learn JAWS. It's taking me awhile but I am finally learning it and can see what a help it is.
Business now require computer literacy for cash registers, answering e-mails, merging mailing lists, doing desk top publishing and so much more. However, you are never too old to learn and they can indeed teach us old dogs new tricks. Being computer literate is just part of business nowadays, of almost everything, so don't be afraid to learn new programs, new ways of doing things from the way you've done it previously.
Learning something new also helps keep your brain engaged which can stop dementia or alzheimers according to neurologists and brain research scientists. So no matter your age, keep learning and don't stop because you've finished school or done the same job forever. In the current economy, knowledge is indeed power and with that power you can find work in new places.
James J. Elekes, M.Ed, MPA, CPM shares some suggestions about new resources to help you in your job search. He writes, "...Since we all know at least one other individual seeking a career, I thought I'd pass this information along.
- In case you haven't noticed, going to multiple job sites looking for leads can become pretty tedious. One way to avoid all the grunt work that I think is pretty cool is a service offered by MyJobHunter.
They provide you with daily search results from loads of job boards so that you don't have to go to all of them.
- SEARCHES: All the top career sites at once.
- FINDS: All new jobs matching your criteria.
- APPLIES: With your resume to new matching jobs.
- PERSONALIZES: Your cover letter for each job application.
- REPORTS: A history of jobs you've applied to.
- You may wish to take a few minutes and upload your resume to Executive Search Online
- Another site for Mid and Sr. Management candidates seeking new positions is 6FigureJobs
I strongly encourage you to use this site as it updates more frequently than most in this category.
- By allowing employers to post their jobs for free, you get access to more jobs than many other sites offer. The Ladders is a fee based service but, the information is extremely useful. Individuals who've followed my recommendation generally sign-up for 6 months of service but, if you don't want to, at least register for the basic one where you get some access to emails and their newsletter.
Make a stop and register with The Ladders.
- Search4ManagementJobs is a free site where you can search for positions at a manager level and above. As I consolidate my Career Search Reference files, I'll be sure to pass additional options on. Please feel free to share widely, as appropriate as I'm sure we all have many colleagues and friends who are having a tough time in the present economic climate.
Michele Techman wrote to tell us that the Chicago Tribune Career Fair will take place Wednesday, February 11th. You'll find details in eSight's Resource Sharing.
A New York Career Fair will take place on Wednesday, February 18 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Radisson Martinique On Broadway Hotel. It is located at 49 West 32nd Street in New York City.
RegionalHires.com is the company sponsoring that Career Fair. On their website you can also search their job listings.
If you are not in NYC, enter your zip code or city and state to find jobs near you
And last but not least are job listing that you will find in classified sections of local papers. One of our favorite sources for New York City nonprofit, advocacy and government work is City Limits.
As you discover new places to look for work or places to learn new skills please consider sharing your experiences with eSight so that we can pass them on to other member of the community.
What new resources have you found helpful either to learn new skills or to look for work?
Add your comments to this posting
Posted by Liz Seger at February 4, 2009 07:09 PM
Comments
If you use the screen readers JAWS For Windows or Window-Eyes or the screen magnifiers ZoomText or MAGic and need training in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint or any of a number of braille, speech or large print devices you will find an absolutely wonderful online program at www.carrolltech.org
Carroll Tech is a web-based distance learning service intended to assist blind and visually impaired individuals, as well as to train education and rehabilitation professionals. Instruction is offered in access technologies such as screen readers, screen magnifiers, Braille embossers, note-takers and scanners. Each course is comprised of text, videos, exercises, quizzes and chat sessions.
Carroll Tech is the effort of a dedicated group of individuals who work at The Carroll Center for the Blind in Newton, Massachusetts. You can learn more about them at www.carroll.org
Posted by: Nancy at February 5, 2009 02:23 PM
This Weeks presentation offer's interesting, practical, and very useful information.
I owned, and operated a Temporary Employment Service for several Year's. In this endeavor I assisted many worker's with gaining work, despite, their varied short comings, and situation's which eliminated normal work opportunities.
Temporary Work can be a method of gaining experience, and ultimately securing permanent Employment.
Posted by: C. Fred Stout at February 6, 2009 03:49 PM
Thanks, James, Nancy and Fred for your comments. You are very correct, Fred, working for Temp agencies can help you gain experience, increase your network, as well as paying the bills. Working for temp agencies also allow you to show off your abilities to numerous employers and may, depending upon the agency, help you upgrade your skills.
The field of Job Coaching or Career Counseling may also be a field you may want to explore or utilize in your search for a career or work. James listed many online possibilities however, you might also want to contact your local employment office or in Canada human resources development office for the programs they offer. Depending upon the province there may be job retraining programs, programs for those over 40, youth employment services.
Looking for work is like having another job, you need to spend time looking up resources and possible opportunities. You also need to update your resume, references, find out your aptitudes-they may have changed or been under utilized.
I have a good friend who left the job market to raise her children, but volunteered with the school fundraising committee, helping to organize and implement events, ordering and buying things the school needed and preparing, writing and giving reports to the principal and parent council
She quite resented it when she went to go back into her particular field and the interviewer dismissed her gap in paid work as staying home watching the kids, eating bon-bons and watching Oprah.
She wasn't afraid to voice her opinion that with volunteering for her children's school she probably worked as hard and for longer hours taking care of her children and doing fundraising events. She got hired.
So never dismiss any type of experience you have as being irrelevant or not what employers are looking for. Sometimes employers need to adjust their attitudes too as to what constitutes experience.
Posted by: Liz S at February 10, 2009 08:58 AM