In a tight job market, where employers are calling the shots and picking and choosing from a competitive pool, it is important that your skills stand out above other job seekers.  We all have different areas that we can improve in, and it’s important to identify these areas so that we can begin the process of retraining and retooling ourselves.  To some, this will come easy.  For others, it can be an ongoing lifelong process.
Here are three of the more common areas job seekers can address to get them headed in the right direction:

Computer Skills — The majority of job openings require, at minimum, two basic programs, MS Word and Excel.  Many older job seekers I speak with are in need of some computer skills updating.  This can be easily addressed by enrolling in a semester class at the college, or a shorter series of workshops or seminars on basic computer programs.  These can usually be found through the college’s Community Extension Program, the City of Santa Clarita’s Seasons Magazine, the CA WorkSource Center and a number of Internet sites and computer tutorials. 

Communication Skills — These skills are highly desired by employers.  These include both written and verbal, and can include employee to coworker, to supervisor and to customer.  When speaking, be sure to project your voice clearly, and practice being concise with your message, especially when sending emails.  Also, be sure to avoid slang or text messaging language when communicating with anyone at a professional level.  Taking a speech class, writing class or a workshop on business communications could fine-tune these skills. 

Personal Presentation — This area includes personal appearance, your resume, the interview, etc.  How are you presenting yourself to potential employers?  Do you project the image of a professional who has showed them the courtesy of dressing appropriately, or someone who walked in off the street looking for a job?  Is your resume customized to their position?  Do your interview answers address the needs they have listed in their job description?  The college’s Career Center can help you most with this area.

There are obviously many other improvement areas to consider.  Contact the College of the Canyons Career Center at 661-362-3286 to schedule an appointment with a Career Advisor to start your retraining process.