Get Healthy Carson City: With job fair approaching, boost skills now

This column appears in the Nevada Appeal Wednesday health pages. It addresses topics related to the health of our community.

The economy in Carson City and around the region is improving. That’s good news for our recovery, but for those still searching for work, it can be tough to know what steps to take to impress employers. Carson City Health and Human Services’ Workforce Development Program can help.

Every Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m., Workforce Case Manager Lynn Ellis hosts a class for locals who want to add a little extra polish to their résumés, improve their interview skills, or get tips on searching for jobs. Now is a great time to join the free sessions, because the Workforce Program is once again hosting a job fair at the Carson City Community Center on Sept. 25, and candidates who are prepared are going to have plenty of opportunities to impress employers at the event.

Ellis works with clients individually and in the class to make sure they are prepared for the hiring process, and also are ready to perform once they reenter the workforce. Many of her clients are successful in their job search.

“Do you really know how to do a job application or a résumé? Do you know how to land an interview?” Ellis asks. “Do you know how to make yourself stand out from the other applicants and get the job?”

Often people are not doing everything they can to help themselves in the job market, but Ellis helps each one of her clients fine-tune their skills. She stages mock interviews to help those she works with feel more comfortable talking about themselves and answering questions they might be asked when applying for a job. She also helps familiarize clients with the application process and the art of putting together a résumé that’s going to highlight the skills an employer is looking for.

Anyone looking for a job is encouraged to take part in the Workforce Development program at Carson City Health and Human Services. Classes are offered at no cost, and the skills learned could be the key to your next job. Whether you have been out of the workforce for some time, or are interested in finding a better job, this class can help build the skills you need.

To learn more about the Workforce Development Program, call Lynn Ellis at 283-7579. For other Health Department services, go to http://www.gethealthycarsoncity.org or visit us on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cchhs.