David Williams from Computer Skills and Job Advice Centre in Kent took part in our Networking For Work pilot webinars where we train the trainers.
Nicky Getgood had a follow-up chat with David about how he found the training and how he is implementing our training in the work he does with job seekers in his area.
David’s centre helps give people training in IT, from learning basic skills to ITQ Courses. His centre also runs a job club for the unemployed in the area. This is generally a six week course in which covers CV writing, letter writing, how to search online for jobs, and how to apply for jobs online.
At Networking For Work we give the trainers the skills to help job seekers with their online profiles; creating a professional sounding email address, assessing current online profiles and considering how to make these work better for you when you are searching for work.
As David explains, and as we often hear in our feedback, email addresses are a very common area that leaves room for improvement.
We have seen some very funny one that aren’t appropriate when you are applying for work. We’ve been talking to people and some of them weren’t aware that they could have more than one email address. That has been one of the major things we have been doing; changing emails address to more appropriate ones for business use.
Once you have sat there and explained to them how an appropriate email address can make all the difference in getting a job and not getting a job, they will then go for a second email address.
There also appears to be a big difference in attitude between the younger and older jobs seekers when it comes how they conduct themselves online with the young people having a much more relaxed view point.
I think that’s our hardest battle, the 16 year olds and upwards. They seem to be very blase about the entire thing. Once you get past this 24-25 stage, you are far more aware of it.
In our training we also demonstrate how to lock down social media accounts and privacy settings and why it might be a good idea. Though on a more positive action to take when it comes to looking for work and manage your online presence is to use social media to promote skills and experience. Instead of shutting privacy settings down, it’s a good opportunity to project what potential employers are likely to see.
Will Perrin caught up with David Williams about our training and how he is benefiting from our training and how he is using LinkedIn and how he recommends our training. Thank you David.
If you would like to have a chat about the training we offer or if you have any questions at all, please get in touch. We would love to hear from you.
Follow us on twitter @talkaboutjobs
