October 10, 2010

Microsoft offers a free boost to your IT skills

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For those searching for work, especially in a new field, one of the toughest barriers to entry is the need to retrain for new skills. Many jobs -- even those at technology firms -- require a wide range of interpersonal abilities, but one red flag that hiring managers can spot immediately on a resume is a lack of technical training.

If you need to start filling in those computer-sufficiency resume gaps, you can be thankful that you live in such a hotspot of IT activity. Last week, Microsoft and the state's Employment Security Department (ESD) announced a plan to offer more than 1,000 online free computer courses to all Washington residents. Any job seekers who register with ESD's WorkSource career development system can take part in the Microsoft E-Learning program, which offers classes ranging from beginner-level digital literacy to Microsoft Office tutorials to more advanced technical training for IT professionals.

"We hope this relationship will not only benefit individuals but also help businesses succeed with a more skilled and prepared work force," said Lutz Ziob, general manager of Microsoft Learning.

For each software program being taught, there are several learning modules, so participants can focus on one feature at a time, at their own pace. The courses are offered in several different languages, and there is no limit to the number of people who can register.

In addition, those who are registered with WorkSource and who are seeking IT-related careers may be eligible to earn free Technology Associate certifications for Microsoft Office.

"There are very few jobs these days that don't require computer skills," said Tony Wright, ESD's assistant commissioner for employment and career development. "It's exciting to add Microsoft E-Learning to the suite of free employment and training services that are available through WorkSource."

To find out more about how this program can help make your resume more attractive to hiring managers, visit the Go2WorkSource.com site and click on the "Free Microsoft E-Learning" icon.

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

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education, IT, training

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