If you can read this blog, you can get a job

We are in a presidential election cycle in 2012 and I heard someone say it is all about JOBS, JOBS, JOBS!

Indeed, economic issues are at the top of the list, and finding or keeping a good job is important to most Americans, and folks in Norristown. However, many people lack the skills they need to find a good job.

INTERNET? What’s That?

One of the biggest hurdles a person may have to overcome today to find a job is lack of knowledge about, or access to, the Internet. Now, if you are reading this blog, you are already way ahead of the game. But, let’s say someone had to type the address for you to find this blog, or if you could not follow me on Facebook or Twitter, then you might not know everything you need to know about using the Internet to find a job.

Looking for a job? Go online!

According to research, 90 percent of all jobs advertised, may be found online. This means websites like Monster and CareerBuilder are the go-to places to find a job in today’s world. In fact, in the state of Pennsylvania, if you unfortunately are unemployed, you must register with CareerLink. And to use CareerLink, you must go online. You must be able to type and fill out forms and questionnaires online. Many people are intimidated about this – and maybe you are too! But you don’t have to be.

Digital Job Training is Available

I presently work for a program -- KEYSPOT -- that helps bridge the digital divide. I work to help people learn basic skills to use computers and navigate the Internet. The goal, empower them to do basic things like create a resume online, or yes, apply for a job at the millions of websites that list work openings. On July 30, 2012, I hosted more than 700 people at the Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library for a digital job fair. Many people, for the first time, sat down at a computer and completed an application for a job.

Our job center for this fair was the new Einstein Medical Center – Montgomery, where they have pledged to hire up to 250 new positions. Obviously, we had more people than we had jobs. But they recommend two things that I recommend to you in order to use their jobs website.

You need:

Internet Access

An Email Address

If you lack those two things, consider going to the public library, where classes are offered for computers. You can learn how to use the Internet on a computer, and you can learn how to create and use an email address. 

There is no turning back. Now is the time. You can do it!