Are You Up-To-Date with Your Computer Skills

By Sandy Prock M.Ed., JCTC, Co-Owner of www.ExpertResume.com

This question can stir fear in people. It is true that if you have some basic computer skills, it looks great if they are listed in your resume and will help you in your job search. It may have a side benefit - You may feel better. Often the fear of something is much worse than the thing itself.

If you feel you would like to understand and gain more computer skills, consider taking a class at a local college, or consider asking around in your church, neighborhood or even family members to see if there is any young person willing to teach you some basic computer skills. You may surprise yourself with how fast you pick up something you once feared.

You don’t have to be a computer whiz, but think how great you might feel if you felt comfortable sending and receiving emails and surfing the Internet. Having a basic understanding of the computer can open up a new world of job search opportunities for you. Have your young friend show you how to search for information on the Internet to research companies and how to find your way to www.Indeed.com. This website lists thousands of jobs in your area or around the country. It pulls all the available jobs in your field from all sources on the Internet. You can even set up an account where they email you new jobs posts. This way you are on target and see all the new jobs, potential opportunities for you.

You can send your resume and cover letter over the Internet without even leaving the comfort of your home. Or, you can use any local library.

Don’t let fear hold you back from reaching your potential. It even does your brain good to learn new things. You are building new neural networks – all good. The feeling and sense of accomplishment can feel like a big pat on your back.

So consider finding a way to learn some basic computer skills and go out and find that job you want.

Here is a list of software that employers look for in your bank of skills: Microsoft Word (word processing); Microsoft Excel (spreadsheets); Microsoft PowerPoint (presentations); Access (database); QuickBooks Pro or Quicken (for accounting).

Young people are often exposed to these software products in middle school or high school. Individuals over 45 years old may not have been exposed to the use of computer software. If you are over 45, and don't have some of these computer skills, if would benefit you to pick up training in these areas.

Make sure your resume and cover letter are the best that they can be. In this type of job market a "Great Resume" is imperative. You must look your best, wear your best clothes, and make sure your job search documents look as good as you do.

Bob and I wish you the best in your job search.

Sandy Prock M.Ed. (Masters in Education-Vocational Guidance and Counseling), JCTC (Job and Career Transition Coach), Co-Owner of www.ExpertResume.com