By Karen Hammer
Searching for a job is always stressful, and it can feel like you will never find one when you are unemployed. The frustration of submitting 10 to 20 applications a week, following up, preparing for interviews and still not seeing results can be overwhelming. It is easy to feel stuck.
But there is a silver lining — you can move forward while waiting for an offer.
Use this time to build your skills and credentials. In this installment, the first of three, we will focus on enhancing your digital skills.
Consider this: a study by the Atlanta Federal Reserve Bank, which reviewed 43 million online job postings, found that more than 92% of all jobs require digital skills. However, approximately one-third of workers lack the foundational digital skills needed to qualify for these jobs.
This presents a significant opportunity for growth and advancement. Additionally, according to a blog post on Eskill.com, by 2030, 75% of jobs will require advanced computer proficiency. The future is digital, and you are positioning yourself for success by enhancing your digital skills.
Use the time on your hands while you are unemployed to beef up your digital skills. Here are common skills preferred by employers:
Basic Computer Skills
- Getting Started: If you have little experience using a computer, many introductory computer courses are available, many of which are free.
- Searching for Courses: You can search for “Free Basic Computer Skills Online Courses” on Google or “Free Basic Computer Skills classes in Baltimore” if you prefer in-person learning.
Microsoft Office
- Widespread Usage: By 2020, it was estimated that 91.4% of businesses in the United States were using Microsoft Office 365 (wifitalents.com).
- Take a Course: Enroll in an online Microsoft Office course. If you already have basic knowledge, consider taking an advanced course.
- Free Options: Many free courses are available, some leading to certificates. For example, check out the free courses at simplilearn.com.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
- Are you returning to or continuing a career in sales? Approximately 91% of companies with more than 10 workers use CRM systems (techreport.com). There are free online beginner courses for Salesforce, the most common CRM.
There are many online courses available free of charge for Maryland residents.
Online Learning Resources Through the Library (many are free)
- The Baltimore County Library: Offers free access to LinkedIn Learning. You will need a Baltimore County Library card to utilize this resource. Once you have a card, go to the library website (bcpl.info/), click on “Books and More,” then on “Research Databases,” and find “LinkedIn Learning.” Click on it and log in with your library card number. Use your library password where it says “PIN.” Once logged into LinkedIn Learning, search for the course topic you are interested in, such as “Microsoft Office,” and choose a course.
- The Enoch Pratt Free Library: Offers access to Udemy, an online learning platform with more than 20,000 available courses. To access Udemy courses through the Pratt Library, you will need an online or physical library card. If you do not have one, go to prattlibrary.org to sign up for an eCard. Alternatively, you can visit any Pratt Library branch for a regular card. To find a Pratt Library location near you, click here. You do not have to live in Baltimore City to get a Pratt Library card; you only need to be a Maryland resident.
- Additional Online Resources: Some online resources are free, and others charge a small fee. These include Alison.com, EdX.org, and Coursera.org.
Remember that you can list any course you complete on your resumé, which will improve your attractiveness to employers. If you have a particular career path or job title in mind, look at related job listings and see what computer skills are most often required — that is a great place to start.
Karen Hammer is a career coach at the Ignite Career Center. Whether you are new to the job market or a seasoned professional, the Ignite Career Center, a program of Jewish Community Services, can help you go farther and get there faster.
Our highly experienced Career Coaches provide individuals of all backgrounds and abilities with the customized services and tools they need to stand out from the competition. For information, call visit ignitecareercenter.com or call 410-466-9200.
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