Saturday, October 10, 2009

What You Don't Know Will Hurt... Your Resume. Get Back to Class

NOT WORKING? WORK YOUR BRAIN TO LEARN NEW SKILLS WHILE LOOKING FOR A JOB.


We’ve all been there: you don’t have a job, and your resume is all around the world and getting nowhere because it reads like everybody else’s. You have a high school diploma. Or you finished 2 years at a junior college. You may even have a Masters Degree. But nothing is biting, and you’re getting discouraged. We all know to “Dress for Success,” when going to a job interview, but your problem is getting your resume noticed so that you can get that interview. Without scolding you the way your mother or father (or a grandparent, whose opinion really counts), might, I will tell you that there is a chance that you just don’t know enough. Which is a godsend to your competition, which might have taken a little more initiative, and learned a new, related skill (or done some additional honing up on a current skill). While you’re doing all you can to network, peruse the newspapers, and search the Web, ask yourself, “Am I really doing all that I can to be employed?” Your conscience may answer back, “No.” If it does, go back to “school.”


There are hundreds of courses available in many venues, right where you live, that you can take to become more knowledgeable, which, in a way, may save your resume from dustbin oblivion.

What course(s) should you take? Well, for starters, learn a new skill or increase your knowledge about a skill that you already have. If you don’t have a GED--well, “by golly, get one” (that’s your grandma speaking). If you left school prior to getting your college degree, return to college. It need not be the college you originally attended, but it should be one that will accept most, if not all, of the credits you have accumulated. There are many local colleges and universities, as well as correspondence and on-line classes, that can round out your resume to show that you aren’t a boob who just sits around all day playing video games. You can even take online classes on YouTube! http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=courses&search_type=&aq=f


Master your computer. Most of us don’t really know all that our computers can do. Become an expert on your own computer. That additional knowledge could be just what you need to get hired, and, eventually, promoted.


Online classes are available at adult schools, and online at the University of Phoenix and many universities and colleges, including Ivy League institutions as well as state colleges and universities, and through Kaplan online, etc. You need not return to your original institution, but you should make sure that the school you choose will accept most, if not all, of your previous classes. If you feel too told to go back to school, you’re wrong. You’re never too old to start learning.


Even if you’re shy, there is still no excuse. You can take brush-up classes online. With online classes, it’s just between you and the computer (and the professor who reads your work and gives you your grade). And don’t let a low grade hinder you. Just keep on plugging! Remember, Einstein said,” Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.” And he should know! Just keep learning; you DO have it in you.

Here are some websites that might give you a head start (I searched randomly, and no one has offered me any income or other remuneration for posting his or her site here):


Test your typing skills: http://www.typingtest.com/

Test your English (British): http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-central-test-test-your-level.htm

Test your math skills: http://www.hankthecowdog.com/game/math.htm

http://www.ehow.com/how_4828839_test-math-skills-reading-comprehension.html

Test your word power: http://www.askoxford.com/worldofwords/thesauri/test/


Some sites require payment, but they test you in subjects which most employers expect you to have mastered if you’re seeking an office job, for instance (bookkeeping, payroll, etc): http://www.icb.org.au/Test_your_Skills_now


Get free downloads of software to learn the basics: http://wareseeker.com/free-quicken-trial-offer/


Become accredited to beef up your resume: http://www.quicken.com.au/partners/accreditedTrainers.aspx


Take any number of courses online at www.free-ed.net or http://www.free-ed.net/free%2Ded/FreeEdMain01.asp


Go to an online “school” to learn any number of subjects:

http://www.selfmadescholar.com/classes.html


Invest some money in increasing your knowledge: it will pay off, and will look good on your resume. Get a certificate in your current field, or in a new one. Certification will also add to the quality of your resume (even a Certification in First Aid and CPR). Watch your confidence expand as you tack on more skills, and your employer select you for your hard work.


Resume readers generally take from 30 to 60 seconds to read each resume, and there are certain things that they look for: what you did in your last (or most relevant) job, your education (to see if you meet the qualifications for the position), and your certifications and/or awards, if any. If that information catches their eye, they will read your highlights and career objective (or summary), and glance at your earlier employment. If all goes well, your resume will be put into a “to be considered” pile, the first “short list.” Your cover letter may not be read until the second “round” of resume readings. For large businesses and organizations, the computer will do the first “reading,” looking for key words, even before your resume is read by an actual resume reader. This makes it imperative for you to really be on target with your resume.


Particularly now, in this “recession” economy, you need everything possible going for you. Increasing your educational qualifications shows that you are serious about your career, have the discipline to seek more knowledge, and are thus likely to be a good employee.


Returning to school may be just the ticket to your new job!