Workforce Services Division adds online application workshop, LinkedIn Lab to monthly lineup

     JOLIET – Workforce Services Division of Will County has added an online application workshop and a LinkedIn Lab to its monthly lineup of programs.

     Susan Flessner, WSD Administrative Manager, said the new workshop on online application was developed in response to feedback from customers who faced difficulties in filling out the online forms.

     “Our workshop offerings are evolving with the changes in the hiring practices,” said Flessner. “Many employers are now using online applications, and our customers want to be prepared when applying for positions online.”

     “Workforce Services has developed some wonderful workshops to aid our residents,” said Will County Executive Larry Walsh. “These classes will give residents an edge when looking for and applying for jobs.”

     How to Complete Online Applications will cover the basics of submitting an online application that will help an applicant get noticed by a hiring manager. The workshop will be offered at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26.

     The LinkedIn Lab will be offered from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24. Participants should already have a basic LinkedIn account. During the lab, they will review LinkedIn features and best practices for success in finding a job.

     In addition, Career Café will meet at 10:30 a.m. each Tuesday in September. Career Café is a networking event designed to connect people looking for work. In addition to sharing tips with other job seekers and learning job search techniques, participants will hear from guest speakers sharing their hiring expertise.

    Other workshops are scheduled as follows:

     Participants will learn interviewing techniques at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5, in Successful Interviewing. Learn how to prepare for a job interview, be confident and make a positive impression. Attendees may each schedule an individual, digitally recorded mock interview after completing the workshop.

     Standout Resumes will be offered at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11. Attendees will learn the basics of creating a competitive resume and may then schedule one-on-one resume reviews with WSD staff.

     A session on job search skills, Master Your Job Search, will be offered at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18.

      Networking Your Way to a New Job will help job seekers learn how to develop relationships and contacts with relatives, friends and acquaintances that can assist with the job search. The class also includes the use of social media in networking. The workshop will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19.

     All workshops will be held on the fourth floor of the JJC City Center Campus building at 214 N. Ottawa St. and are offered at no cost for Will County residents. Workshops last about an hour.

     To reserve a seat, call (815) 727-4444 and press “0” or e-mail at chellis@willcounty.com.

     In addition, WSD’s computer lab will be open at 10:30 a.m. Mondays, except for Labor Day, 3 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 4 and 25, and 3 p.m. Thursdays, Sept. 12 and 19. Walk-ins are welcome at computer labs. 

     For additional information about the Workforce Services Division of Will County, go to www.jobs4people.org.  WSD is under the County Executive’s office.