These days, a successful job search requires a focused effort. Job seekers not only need marketable job skills, they need the skills to market themselves to employers. You may be the best at what you do; but if you cannot convince a potential employer, you will not win the job. Today's successful job seekers use a variety of skills in their job search -- skills that can be learned. These necessary skills -- building upon, but separate from -- your education and work experience--include the following:

* Writing a résumé that shows your skills and experience in the best possible light.

* Interviewing with confidence.

* Understanding how to conduct a successful job search.

Those workers who stay on the cutting edge of change and adapt their job search techniques to industry and labor market change will see greater potential for personal growth and economic security.

WorkOne Linton is committed to providing all people, from students to seniors, with the job search knowledge and skills needed to take control of their careers. We believe that an educated job seeker helps to build for themselves a stronger and more vital career. To support that goal, free workshops are taught each month at our office. Classes address a variety of topics, including: Applications and Interviewing, Identifying Your Skills, Résumés, Job Search Techniques, Financial Literacy and Budgeting, Basic Computers, Introduction to Microsoft Word, and Introduction to Microsoft Excel.

We also offer the WorkKeys® skill assessments on a regular basis for those employers who require them, as well as the "Three C's" -- CAPS (Career Ability Placement Survey), COPS (Career Occupation Preference System) and COPES (Career Orientation and Placement Evaluation Survey). This battery of assessments is excellent for those who want to transition to a new industry or a new career area within their industry, but want to be sure their interests, values and skills align with the profession they have in mind before investing time in new training.

We also offer referrals to many community organizations, government agencies, and businesses for those clients who need services or professional assistance that we do not provide.

You do not have to be unemployed or receiving unemployment insurance benefits to participate in a workshop sponsored by WorkOne. Adults need to be registered with WorkOne, a process that takes about 30 minutes. For further information, call me at (812)847-4479, ext. 223.

Valerie is a Community Employment Specialist for WorkOne Linton. She can be reached by e-mail at vabshire@dwd.in.gov or by telephone t 847-4479, ext. 223.