March ‘12 The WorkPlace Today
Inside this issue:
Lack of Computer Skills Foils Many Job-Seekers
1
SUNY ATTAIN Lab Offers Free Computer Training Courses
2
Northern NY Trivia
2
5 Questions to Ask...
2
Workshops & Assistance
2
The WorkPlace office hours are Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request for individuals with disabilities.
March’s Quote: “Joy comes from using your potential.” - Will Schultz
The WorkPlace 1000 Coffeen Street, Watertown, NY 13601 Phone: 315-782-9252 • TTY: 315-782-8093 • Fax: 315-782-2073 or 315-786-7665 E-mail: theworkplace@co.jefferson.ny.us
Lack of Computer Skills Foils Many Job-Seekers Excepts from an article by M. Alex Johnson, MSNBC.com
After working for the city of Zanesville, Ohio, for 27 years, Sharon Newton had to go back to school. Newton lost her job, and when she went to look for a new one she discovered that, even with all of her experience, she wasn’t prepared for the modern work force. When prospective employers asked about her computer skills, she had no answer. It turns out “that is extremely important,” said Newton, who needed help with using spreadsheets and other entry-level office computer tasks. However deeply computers may have embedded themselves into modern life, there are still millions of people for whom they remain a challenge. For these Americans, finding a new job during a time of high unemployment can be especially difficult. About a fifth of Americans don’t have Internet access at home, the Pew Internet & American Life Project reported in June. Their profile — generally older and less educated — correlates closely with the demographics of those suffering the fastest rises in unemployment, an analysis of data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows. For them, the first obstacles are the keyboard and the mouse. “Some people do not own computers, and others do not have the computer skills to complete online job applications,” said Benita Ugoline, director of the Greater Kansas City Urban League’s Career Marketplace. Among those hardest hit by the demand
for computer skills are older workers, for whom unemployment rates are at 60-year highs, having more than doubled since the recession began in December 2007. While older job-seekers are considered more reliable and motivated than their younger competitors, “many lack computer sophistication and job-seeking skills,” said Cindy Padilla, head of the state’s Department of Aging and LongTerm Services. There are also technology-driven roadblocks to communication, said Sandy Capps, director of training and development for American Behavioral of Birmingham, Ala., which manages human resources services for corporations. Many older workers “prefer meeting face to face and talking about issues,” Capps said, which can cause friction with younger hiring officers and managers who “prefer to email and text.” That contributes to a perception that older job-seekers are “slow” and “unable to handle technology, she said, “and in the workplace, that can cause some problems.” Such obstacles mean programs like the SUNY ATTAIN Lab are vital to many in the job market. The SUNY ATTAIN Lab offers free computer training courses to individuals who would like to advance their basic computer knowledge and skills or in-depth training in Microsoft Office programs. For more details on the SUNY ATTAIN Lab, see page 2.
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The WorkPlace Today
SUNY ATTAIN Lab Offers Free Computer Courses
Northern New York Trivia In 1812, a hunter named Aleaser Carr crossed the Indian River on what he assumed to be a log while hunting. Much to his amazement while hunting a short time later, he again came to the river on the same side as before he crossed. After an examination by himself and a party of hunters, it appeared that he unknowingly re-crossed the river on what turned out to be a limestone arch. Consequently, this is how Natural Bridge received its name.
5 Questions to Ask at Your Next Job Interview 1. Why is this position vacant? 2. What do you like about working here? 3. How do people typically work together here? 4. How can someone succeed at this job? 5. What’s next in the hiring process?
March 2012
In this day and age, having basic computer skills is imperative to one’s job search. Lack of computer skills will, in most cases, put you behind the competition. The ATTAIN Lab, located at the Roswell P. Flower Memorial Library (229 Washington Street in Watertown) offers free computer courses to interested individuals. Courses offered include: *Computer Literacy - Enhance your basic knowledge & skills for the 21st century workforce. Instruction led and hands-on training are provided. You will utilize up-to-date software and programs. *Microsoft Certification Training - In depth training on Microsoft Office programs including Word 2007, PowerPoint 2007, & Excel 2007. This training does require some advanced computer skills. For more information on course offerings, call (315) 785-7712 or stop in to The WorkPlace for a referral.
Never answer “Do you have any questions for us?” with “No.”
Workshops & Assistance The WorkPlace is pleased to announce the continuance of a series of workshops and assistance. All are free to the public but space is very limited. Visit us at 1000 Coffeen Street or call 782-9252 (TTY 782-8093) to enroll.
computer skills, e-mail, resumes, and more! Having an e-mail address prior to receiving assistance is helpful, so if you don’t have one, please stop in The WorkPlace beforehand for assistance.
We’ll offer Navigating the Fort Drum Employment Application Process on March 21st at 1:00 p.m. It focuses on how to locate federal positions and provides an overview of the application system. Learn how to create a strong resume for federal applications.
Jefferson Express will be at The WorkPlace to assist individuals with their resumes and interviewing skills. They will be here on March 5th, 14th, 21st, & 28th from 1:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. for resume assistance and on the 19th and 26th from 1:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. for interviewing skills information. For more information on their offerings, call Whitney Snyder at the Continuing Education Department at Jefferson Community College at (315) 786-6591.
Carthage Library Resume and Computer Assistance will be held March 8th and 22nd between 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Customers will receive individual assistance with their job searches,