Beaufort County Community College recently announced a class it will offer to aid those who are unemployed or underemployed in being more effective job seekers. With technology being a formidable roadblock for those who are unemployed and underemployed and that come from a generation that is not tech-savvy, it is quite difficult to get themselves out there for employers to consider. In most cases, it’s not like it used to be. Rather than being able to walk into a business, fill out an application, submit a resume and, ultimately, give employers a face to go with a name, most applications are online and it is solely up to an applicant’s resume and experience that constitutes whether or not they qualify.

With that said, it is quite difficult for that demographic of job seekers, who are not tech-savvy, to illustrate to an employer who he or she is as a person and as a potential employee.

So with most job searches being confined to the online realm, it is difficult to for applicants to demonstrate good manners, conscientiousness and personality to potential employers. One could have the most immaculate resume on earth and still not be a people person or not have what it takes to do the job in question. Yes, one could argue that’s what interviews are for, but still, whether or not one even gets a first interview rides completely on the appeal of his or her resume. Should it be like this? Is this fair? Some would say no, some would say yes.

To increase one’s understanding of the online job-searching process, as well as to increase one’s chances of obtaining a job, or at the very least, acquiring that first interview, BCCC will offer a Basic Computer Skills class. The class is geared toward aiding those who do not know or understand how to create a resume using Microsoft Office and other word processing software, those who are not proficient at accessing online job postings and other job search engines like Monster.com and/or those who don’t even know how to use a keyboard. The class will also guide participants through navigating the Internet for job search strategies, completing online job applications and exploring various educational and governmental websites, including the new NCWorks.gov site.

In addition to this guidance, it also allows participants a chance to get over any intimidation associated with using a computer and gives them the tools to compete with other job applicants and become good candidates for employment.