Get Healthy Carson City: Job search tips from Carson City Health and Human Services

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

Carson City Health and Human Services is pleased to team up once again with the Carson City Chamber of Commerce to host a job fair for residents of Carson City and the surrounding area. The job fair will be held at the Carson City Community Center Gymnasium on Friday, September 23. While the fair will be open to the general public from 2−4 p.m., those who have served in our armed services will be able to enter the fair early at 1:30.

In order to help job seekers prepare for the job fair and polish their skills and résumé, the Workforce Development Program at Carson City Health and Human Services will be offering a free Job Readiness Seminar at the Health Department before the job fair. The Readiness Seminar will last 3 days, September 19, 20, and 21 from 1 a.m.−2 p.m. Participants can expect first-rate information from local employers and resources, including Nevada State Bank, Western Nevada College and Carson City Library. For those who are looking for work, this is an excellent opportunity to gain insight into what hiring managers are looking for and get tips for maximizing the effectiveness of your job search.

For those who are unable to attend the three-day job readiness seminar, here are some tips to help stand out at the job fair:

Dress for success. It’s often been said “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.” Whether you’re looking to move up in the corporate world, land your first job, or rejoin the workforce after some time off, it’s important to show hiring managers you can represent their company well through your dress and demeanor.

Concentrate on applying for jobs you’re qualified for. There’s no reason to waste time applying for jobs for which you’re unlikely to be hired, when you could instead focus on openings that are well-suited to your skills and experience. What are you good at? Make sure you convey all the reasons you’re the best fit for the job opening.

Polish your résumé. Spend time customizing your résumé for the job you want. Make sure you include key words that describe your skills that are relevant to the job description to get the attention of the people reviewing your application.

Brag a little bit. Be honest with yourself and those who may hire you about your experience and abilities, but don’t be afraid to tell people what a standout you are at a particular skill. Let them know why you’re the best for the position.

Be familiar with the job. There’s a good chance if you get the opportunity to go to an interview, you’ll be asked about the job you’re applying for or about the company itself. Do your homework and be prepared to answer those questions. Why do you want to work there?

For more information about the job fair or to register for the Job Readiness Seminar, call Ana Gregg at 887-2110. To learn more about other Health Department programs and services, visit www.gethealthycarsoncity.org or “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CCHHS.