Job Searching In The Age Of Social Media

Posted by:    Darlene Duncan, CWDP, JSS
                   Training Coordinator

Not that long ago social media consisted of people getting in touch with old friends, staying in touch with family and joining clubs or groups of people that shared similar interests.

Today it’s all that and more.

There was a time when you didn’t have to worry about what you said on your Facebook page or the pictures that got posted of the wild party where you were wearing a lampshade and little else.

In today’s world things are different. Employers Google you and search out your Facebook page. If they don’t like what they see, then your résumé could end up in the trash can.

Does this mean you should deactivate your Facebook account? NO! That’s really not necessary. What is necessary is to adjust your privacy settings. Simply make sure that only certain people have access to your more personal information and posts on Facebook.

The reality of our world is that you need to have a Web Presence. That includes Facebook, Google +, LinkedIn and Twitter. Do you have to have all of them? Probably not.

For job searching the main one you really need is LinkedIn. You need to have a complete profile on LinkedIn. Why? Because more and more employers are using that tool to find their new hires. I recently read an article that stated 85% of employers found 69% of their most recent hires through LinkedIn.

Today, and in the future, I’m sure it will be even more important for job seekers to have computer skills.

You don’t have to like computers but you do need to learn to use them and the social media platforms associated with them.

Follow Twitter to That New Job

Posted by:  Darlene Duncan CWDP, JSS, CCC, JCTC, JCDC

                  Training Coordinator

Are your job searches limited to the classified section of the newspaper and online job boards, like Monster and Career Builder? If so you really need to read this article on how to use Twitter to help with your job search.

 

To be successful today, you don’t have to like technology but you do have to learn how to use it to your best advantage.

 

Click here for the article.

Free vouchers aid in computer training

By Suzy Kridner
CBE Administrative Assistant
Margaret Brennan of Ormond-by-the-Sea recently graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in information system technology.
But to get a job in her field, she also needs Information Technology certifications such as an MCITP (Microsoft Certified Information Technology Professional).
Using Digital Access Vouchers from the Center For Business Excellence (CBE) One-Stop Employment System, Brennan is able to take online IT courses at no cost. And she has a no-cost Digital Access voucher to take the MCITP certification exam in person at an area testing site when she finishes her courses.
Improving computer skills is one area that helps the unemployed in their job searches.
In addition to the Digital Access Voucher program, the CBE provides beginning and intermediate computer classes at its One-Stop Employment Centers in Daytona Beach, DeLand and Flagler/Palm Coast. Information and class schedules can be found at www.one-stops.com.
CBE, a non-profit agency, is the premier organization for employment and training solutions to businesses and workforce of Volusia and Flagler Counties.
The Digital Access Microsoft® online courses are designed to be taken at your own pace wherever you use a computer and have access to the Internet.
Microsoft Office and IT exams will need to be scheduled at one of the certified testing centers in the area. There will be an exam proctoring fee, determined by each testing center.

Digital Access vouchers are available for:
• Microsoft® Office 2007 Certification Exams for Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook and Access.
• Microsoft® IT Technical online courses for server products, operating systems etc.
• Microsoft ® IT Professional Certification exams for technical courses.
No vouchers remain for Microsoft® Office 2007 online courses.

To find out if you meet eligibility requirements for Digital Access Vouchers, please send an e-mail to digitalaccess@cbe-fvc.org indicating the type of voucher you would like and your telephone number. You will be contacted with further information. For questions, call (386) 323-0004. The application deadline is June 15.