As the season ushers in changes, the Jefferson County Business & Workforce Center is offering a free series of virtual professional development workshops this October. Tailored to enhance various job-seeking skills, these sessions cover everything from resume writing to familiarization with digital tools and software that are prevalent in today's work environment. The workshops aim to provide valuable aid for those looking to navigate the increasingly digital job market, recalibrate their resumes, or simply expand their technological toolkit.
The program kicks off on the first of October with an AMTAP Targeted Resume/Cover Letter Workshop and an Introduction to Microsoft Word, scheduled concurrently at 9 a.m. According to Jefferson County, the resume and cover letter session is exclusively for applicants of the Advanced Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship Program (AMTAP) and will delve into optimizing resume formats and transforming job duties into compelling statements of achievement. The concurrent Microsoft Word workshop covers creating professional documents and text formatting, essential skills in any business setting.
Following this is a seminar titled "Hired by Robot: How Basic AI Can Boost Your Job Search" on October 2, which explores leveraging artificial intelligence in job searching. Additional workshops throughout the month include strategy-oriented sessions for job searching, cover letter creation, and career exploration for job seekers and career changers. Job search core competencies will be the focus, accompanied by sessions on how emotional agility and a change in perspective can help overcome self-imposed barriers, as mentioned on the Jefferson County site.
An array of technological proficiencies is also on the agenda, with introductions to Google Docs, Microsoft Excel, and Outlook 365. Practical advice for video interviews, mastering remote work, and making the most of job fairs form part of a holistic approach to modern job hunting. Moreover, the center will offer guidance on managing professional online presence through LinkedIn workshops, which include strategies to increase visibility and network growth. As emphasized in one of the sessions, a strong LinkedIn profile can be pivotal, with 50% of hiring managers deciding to contact an applicant based on their LinkedIn profile.
