Job Counselor

Question:

I've been out of the job market for awhile.  I left my job to raise my kids.  They're now almost grown and I want to enter the job market again.  It's been awhile since I have worked, so I don't know all of the new computer software tools.  What should I do?  I know that I am going to be competing in a market that is already tight, but not to be an expert on all of the current softwares, I feel, will put me in a disadvantage.  What are my first steps?

Answer:

Don't worry, just because you haven't been in the job market for awhile, doesn't mean that you won't be able to find a job that's right for you.  I suggest that, if you are interested in a job that is going to require you to have new software skills, you may want to consider going to a temp agency.  Temp agencies will train you for free on new software applications, in order to place people correctly.  They are always searching for new talent.  Also, starting at a temp agency, could allow you to ease your way back into the job market, until you know what you really want to do.

Take a look at some of the Career Sites, such as Monster.com, HotJobs.com or Careerbuilder.com.  They all have resource information that could assist you in the job market, as well as, connect you with Headhunters.

Don't be nervous about your age.  The most important part of job searching is being confident in your skills. Today, job employers are welcoming people back to the job market that haven't been in it for awhile, since so much of the Generation Xers and Generation Ys have become such job hoppers.  Finding people that are more seasoned are more likely to stay put than to job hop, since they are more appreciative in their jobs, especially in today's tight job market.