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!

Hope and History

Norristown celebrates being 200 years young this year! Established in 1812, Norristown has been through many ups and down the past two centuries. But it is rare that people live in a place so rich with history. As we celebrate our bicentennial, everyone in Norristown should take a moment to remember and reflect on several things.

People of importance

Norristown’s theme is “Always busy.” And certainly, there is a long list of accomplished persons who demonstrate how busy the municipality has been. From former governors, like David Rittenhouse Porter of the 19^th century, to 2012 London Olympic medalist Lisa Raymond to jazz musician Jimmy Smith, Norristown has produced women and men of significance. Norristown is a small town, but we have made a big impact in the world of the arts, in the realm of politics and on the athletic field with numerous accomplished people.

Places of significance

Norristown is not only one of the oldest municipalities in Pennsylvania it is also the county seat of Montgomery County. Montgomery County is the third-largest county in the state behind Philadelphia and Allegheny Counties. It is also one of the wealthiest in the state and in the nation. As the center of county government and political life, Norristown plays an important role in the day-to-day lives of thousands directly who do not live within our borders and tens of thousands indirectly. Norristown is old enough to witness Democrats come to power in the County Courthouse in more than 140 years, and it not be the first time. Norristown was there the first time it happened!

Rich past, promising future

Every day I learn something new about Norristown. That new information might be that retired Los Angeles Dodges manager Tommy Lasorda was born here, or that Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., frequently visited a local Baptist church in town while a seminary student in the region, or that in downtown at One Montgomery Plaza, the seat of county government, there was located a church which had housed African Americans fleeing slavery down south for freedom in the north through the underground railroad. Norristownians should express pride in those accomplishments. These milestones often took place during difficult times, or in less-than-ideal circumstances. That simply means, right now, Norristown can and will still accomplish many great things in spite of challenging times and difficult circumstances.

Norristown has hosted several enjoyable and meaningful events to celebrate its bicentennial, and there are more events to come this year! We can look back with a renewed sense of purpose, with a commitment to get busy making Norristown the place we want it to be in the future.