Help for those returning to the workforce -- Career Center Blog

July 27, 2009

Help for those returning to the workforce

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By Randy Woods
NWjobs

Have you been out of work for an extended period and need to jump back into the game? Are you interested in learning how to expand your web of contacts but are not sure how to break the ice with strangers at networking events?

For a little insight into these and other job-seeking topics, come see me tomorrow, Tuesday, July 28, at the Job Club meeting at the North Seattle WorkSource office. Located at North Seattle Community College, the club meets each week from 10 to 11 a.m. to discuss resume-writing, cover letters, interviewing skills, networking tips and other job-seeking advice.

Some of the wide-ranging topics I plan to discuss at the meeting will include researching employers before you go to job fairs, creating a "pocket resume" with all of your relevant work experience, addressing gaps you may have in your work history, the importance of volunteer work and methods to help build your confidence at networking events.

The Job Club meetings are geared mostly toward issues for people with disabilities, but the meeting is open to all who are interested in attending. For more information about the Job Club, contact North Seattle WorkSource's vocational rehabilitation counselor Julie Zander at zandej@dshs.wa.gov, or call 206.529.6090.

I hope to see you there.

Randy Woods writes about job-search tools, networking techniques and other tips to help you land your dream job.

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Rod Mattson on July 28, 2009 11:14 AM | Reply

And don't forget our workshop tomorrow: Nobody Can Write Your Resume Better Than You.

We'll be at the Best Western Emerald Suites Hotel at 320th and I-5 in Federal Way, WA. We have three sessions: 10:00am, 1:30PM, and 5:00PM.

We have open spaces left and are offering Hire Ground readers a waiver of tuition. We'd like to have you there.

You can expect to learn the pragmatics of writing writing a great resume including the "pocket resume," writing accomplishment statements, identifying your adaptive and transferable skills, understanding the communication foundation for resumes, organizing resumes, types of resumes, declaring work history with gaps, etc.

You will receive a 14 page workbook, be fed cookies, and enjoy coffee, tea, or soft drinks in an air conditioned environment.

It's all on us as a way to help out those needing help in these tough times.

For more information go to our website to register or call us.

Again, this is free for all Hire Ground readers.

Rod Mattson
www.MattsonCommunication.com
206 653 7651

Rod Mattson on July 28, 2009 12:13 PM | Reply

One more thing: Differentiation.

We view resume writing through the lens of Communication, not through the eyes of the HR folks.

The more we learn about communication, the more we find out how much we don't know; however, we still know a lot of principles that apply. Two of the most fascinating areas in the Communication field are Perception and Persuasion.

We are trying to persuade hiring managers, not HR people. HR does not do the hiring, they do the screening--usually screening out applicants. We need to meet the perceptions of both.

So come out of the heat, cool off for a couple of hours and get some good solid information grounded in social science research.

Rod Mattson
Mattson Communication Training
www.MattsonCommunication.com

Help for those returning to the workforce

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