August 10, 2009
Job search workshops: Get a jump on the fall season
NWjobs
I always like to say "be careful what you wish for." After surviving more than a week of furnace-like heat in the Seattle area, Mother Nature seems to have overcompensated with a little blast of autumn. Those who had planned vacations this week may grumble, but for job seekers this is a positive development. Nothing snaps us out of our summertime idyll like a string of foggy mornings.
Our brains are hard-wired to these seasonal changes (cool temperatures = back to school = back to work), so let's use this September-like chill to get our sap flowing and redouble our job-hunting efforts. Over the next few days, several organizations have kindly offered employment workshops and networking events to help you get a jump on the fall season.
Tues., Aug. 11
Those who are looking to change careers and need to learn new skills can take part in the Worker Retraining Program at Lake Washington Technical College in Kirkland. To find out more about the program, you can attend the school's morning Informational Session every Tuesday from 10-11 a.m., and also a Retraining Resources Workshop on the same day from 2-3 p.m. Attendance is usually high these days, so be sure to visit the college's Web page for more details and directions to the campus. To help speed up the process, bring along your college transcripts. Admission: Free.
Wed., Aug. 12
If you are over 55 and are looking for job placement help, the Mayor's Office for Senior Citizens is holding an Age 55+ Job Search Workshop in downtown Seattle from 10:30 a.m.-noon. The session will include employer outreach programs, training resources to upgrade job skills, computer access for resume writing and Internet research, and individual job counseling. For more information on registration and directions, visit the resource center's Web site or call 206-684-0500. Admission: Free.
Also on Wednesday, job seekers in the Tacoma area can update their resumes, dress for success and attend the Tacoma Career Fair at the Murano Hotel from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. To find out more about which companies will be attending, visit the TacomaHires Web site and add your resume to the fair's database. The site also provides a page of career advice, including tips on how to prepare for job fairs. Admission: Free.
Thurs., Aug. 13
By popular demand, the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce has brought back its weekly Technology Thursdays workshop and networking series at the Rainier Square Conference Center. This week's session, held noon-1:30 p.m., will feature a presentation by Microsoft's Jacob Mullins and Shannon Stubbs, who will discuss ways to implement social media into your personal branding strategy. This informal luncheon workshop will also include time for Q&A and networking with other technology professionals. For more information about registration, see the chamber's Web site. Admission: $20 pre-paid ($25 after Aug. 11); includes lunch.
Randy Woods writes about job-search tools, networking techniques and other tips to help you land your dream job.
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Karen Burns is the author of The Amazing Adventures of Working Girl, a career guide based on her 59 jobs over 40 years in 22 cities.
Lisa Quast is a certified career coach, mentor, business consultant, former corporate executive and author based in the Seattle area.
Randy Woods writes about job-search tools, networking techniques and other tips to help you land your dream job.
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Matt Youngquist is the president of Career Horizons, a career counseling firm.
Natalie Singer is a Seattle writer, editor and small-business owner.
Michelle Goodman is the author of "My So-Called Freelance Life" and "The Anti 9-to-5 Guide."
Paul Anderson helps professionals in transition find their desired employment.
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Hello Randy,
Let me ask a question of you if i may....If a person, such as myself wanted a position on board a Fishing Vessel....And am from outta state, how would you suggest I go about about it? After all any position outside of the state of Michigan would be fantastic...Love Michigan, however there are no jobs for a commercial fisher like myself...Now what?
Thanks, Darren.....