Beyond The GT: Trust me, You can get Job In a Very Racial Job Market

A True Monster of Corporate Sites

An experiment made by Monster.com user Yolanda Spivey exposed the career site's racial bias. Considering I've received the exact same results Yolanda mentions, I believe her and now I feel the need to share better options.

In my area, Goodwill's Joblink program, the Community college, and the local library system provide career development services for unemployed, laid off or anyone looking for a career change.

Here's a few example links:
Community College:
http://www.gtcc.edu/continuing-education-(con-ed)/new-jobs-and-skills-training/job-preparedness-training/human-resources-development.aspx
County-Funded:
http://www.guilfordjoblink.com/
Goodwill:
http://www.goodwill.org/goodwill-for-you/jobs-and-careers/
Library:
http://www.greensboro-nc.gov/index.aspx?page=3274

Those are from my area, of course. But these programs are available in other states.

State and Local Teaches You To Fish

Joblink in Florida

It doesn't matter if you have a wrap-sheet, a Bachelor's, a former retiree, a GED recipient, or simply unhappy with your current job. The current market is cutthroat and people need to know how the game is played on a more grounded level by experienced, up-to-date folks who don't "bs".

You learn how to apply for jobs online, how to rework your resume, even get interview rehearsals. You can be amazed what basic tasks and errands you do for family and friends can be used as a resume skill set that will get you a job. If you use Facebook and twitter frequently those are also applicable as skills. Even former "lawbreakers" have skills that are applicable for "Lawful" work.

Even If you have apprehensions about your computer skills or networking abilities, don't feel embarrassed BECAUSE YOU'RE NOT ALONE. These programs are supposed to help, not ridicule people, and classes that help people cope with the emotional effects of losing a job exist in addition to keyboarding and software skills.

If you're worried about finances, some states will waive course fees if the applicant is unemployed. But check with your local career center first.

Right now, these places are providing free information sessions on skills training and workshops. Search for session dates and times online or call your local community college and simply ask someone in the career center. Community College booklets are available in most grocery stores.

Career Readiness Certification

If anything else doesn't convince you, work for the Career Readiness Certification: a Measurement of career skills that employers look to before they see anything else on your resume. I'm working on mine now.

An example Link:
http://www.crcconsortium.org/

What You Need to Know
The details for this certification vary from state to state and what kind of job you are seeking. This Certification is kinda new (created 2006) and there are separate State versions and National versions, so please go to your area's Career center and ask about the CRC's requirements in your state.

Here's a link from Goodwill for LGBT seeking employment:
http://www.goodwill.org/goodwill-for-you/career-and-financial-advice/finding-a-good-job-fit-when-you-identify-as-lgbt/

Good luck with your Job Hunt!

Rox

UPDATE:

I've since moved to Charlotte, NC, and lo and behold a Joblink is available right here in the Queen City!
http://www.goodwill.org/

This one is run by goodwill, of course, but still runs the same functions as the greensboro version mentioned above. as I've said before, it varies from area to area so check your local listings.
And don't forget to look at the local library bulletin board or ask a library staff about job workshops. Again Charlotte's library system covers everything Greensboro's library system covers, from basic computer skills to mock interviews.

http://jobhelpcenter.tumblr.com/

AND THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A STUPID QUESTION.The government will not help up catch up so we have to help each other!