Say Y.E.S to your job search
Wednesday, Aug 3rd, 2011

The unemployment rate is high, nationally, statewide and locally. The long-term unemployed are getting concerned and discouraged as their benefits near expiration. Finding a full-time job seems nearly impossible. Although things may seem bleak, there is hope when things seem at their worst. In the words of Thomas Edison, "When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this: you haven't." Simply smile and say Y.E.S. Y.E.S. - you can find a job. Consider the following Y.E.S. strategies:

Y=You must have a yearning, a desire to succeed in this job market.We're not judged on what we do in a crisis, but how we respond to a crisis. If you can't find a job in your field, consider reinventing yourself or retraining for a different line of work. Programs are available for job seekers to get retrained and learn a new skill to make them more employable for the work force. Mobile Works' WIA training program helps. Eligible job seekers pursue skills training for high wage, high demand, and high growth jobs that meets the needs of Mobile County. Areas of focus include the aviation, maritime, transportation, healthcare, information technology, advanced manufacturing and other industries. Applicants interested in receiving a skills training scholarship through Mobile Works must obtain admission to program of preference, meet WIA eligibility requirements, complete the WorkKeys assessment and complete degree in 2 years or less.

E = Enthusiasm is a must. You will never win with a self-defeating attitude or by blaming your plight others. For example, if there is no work as a construction worker, consider using some of those transferable skills and apply it to a different job. Consider working as a maintenance technician for an area apartment complex or office building. Furthermore, look for small victories. Consider taking a part-time job or working temporary jobs. You never know who you may meet that may offer you a full-time job. If you start to have a pity party, consider joining a job club for support. Also, talk with a career counselor at the Alabama Career Center (located at 515 Springhill Plaza Court) who can advise you of resources available to help find employment. Job seekers have access to a range of services under one roof at the Career Center. These include training opportunities and employment search assistance.There is specialized job search assistance for workers with disabilities and veterans. Additional resources available to job seekers include:

access to the Alabama JobLink website found at www.joblink.alabama.gov
job readiness classes on r�sum� preparation, interviewing and dressing for success
WorkKeys job skills assessment testing (which could qualify job seekers to receive an Alabama Career Readiness Certificate certified by the Alabama Department of Workforce Development and signed by the Governor and the Alabama College System Chancellor )
computers with Microsoft Office software and internet access for a self-directed job search
access to a telephone, e-mail and fax machine to communicate with prospective employers and more.
S=Stay focused. Searching for a job is more than responding to an ad in the newspaper. You must map out a plan for your job search. On each day of the week, use a different tactic so that you're not bogged down with just applying online. Instead of just applying for a job, any job and getting discouraged, it's important to take a breather and access your skills. You may have several transferable skills to apply to your job search versus being qualified for only one type of job.

Likewise, turn your hobby into a profession and your dreams into a reality. If you like gardening, for example,consider working for a florist although most of your job experience qualifies you to be a receptionist. In fact, this might be an opportunity to start your own business. To access these resources, visit www.mobile-works.org or visit the Department of Labor's website by clicking here .