CRANFORD — Fall is traditionally a peak time for hiring, especially with job opportunities picking up amid a slackened economy. Use this time to your advantage by honing your resume writing and interviewing skills by attending one or more workshops starting in September at Union County College’s Cranford Campus. Each workshop is two hours and features highly interactive discussion and practice in these areas.
New this semester is a seminar, “Resume Writing for Returnees to the Workforce,” designed specifically for people who have been away from the employment sector for a time, either due to child rearing, illness, an extensive layoff, caregiving or any other situation. It will be presented on Wednesday, Oct. 9, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
While you may have the qualifications for a position for which you are applying, it is imperative that you distinguish yourself from other, similarly qualified candidates. The general sessions are recommended for those who are seeking a career change or promotion within an existing field, as well as recent graduates and the unemployed. The classes are presented in a participatory manner with ample opportunity to address individual concerns.
“Make Your Resume Work for You” will cover the rationale behind effective resume writing, getting into the dos and don’ts of the entire process. Various resume styles will be discussed as students review in-class sample resumes while having an assortment of other samples as take-home reference guides. Participants will gain insight into preparing electronic resumes to be scanned into corporate databases, and also learn how to prepare a convincing cover letter to accompany the resume. This course will be presented on Monday, Sept. 30, from 7 to 9 p.m.
“Developing Confidence for the Job Interview” will provide attendees with solid information on how to prepare for an employment interview, thus gaining confidence in their ability to “ace” the interview and land a position. Participants will be presented with various types of trick questions that are often asked at interviews, questions that the applicant also should ask, negotiating for the salary, multiple interviews, internal interviews, body language, and closing the interview to their advantage. Participants will have the opportunity to practice and refine their responses to such questions through role playing in responding to potential interview questions. This course will be presented on Monday, Oct. 7, from 7 to 9 p.m.
For more information on these classes, view the continuing education catalog online at www.ucc.edu/noncredit. To register online go to http://ucc.edu/nonCredit/RegInf.aspx. One can also enroll by calling the Office of Continuing Education at 908-709-7600 or by visiting the office on the Cranford campus located at 1033 Springfield Ave.