People leave the workforce for many reasons: job loss through layoffs or terminations; to care for children; or to pursue other interests. But getting back into the world of paid work can be difficult.

Many jobs were lost during the pandemic and numerous workers left their jobs seeking higher pay and better working conditions in what has been called the Great Resignation or the Great Reshuffle. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported July 8 that the unemployment rate, not including farm workers, remained at 3.6 percent in June for the fourth consecutive month. Those who weren’t in the labor market but reportedly wanted a job numbered 5.7 million in June.

I’m offering the online Job Seekers Transitions Workshop Series to help people who have worked before reenter the job market. The program involves a series of modules to help individuals reassess their skill set and prepare for each step of the employment journey.

Being unemployed can crush an individual’s confidence and pride. My workshop series, through videos and Power Point presentations, helps them build confidence and enhance their skills to get back into the job market. The modules help job seekers with everything from writing resumes to preparing for interviews to closing the deal.

Those who are ready to return to the labor force should look at their skill set and ascertain what they like and dislike.

Things to consider:

Choose an industry in which you want to work, then decide which role you’d like in the organization. If you want to go into the medical industry, for example, would you be interested in a position in finance, graphic design or high tech?
Do you want to work remotely or in an office?
Do your skills need to be enhanced for today’s market?
Do you know the lingo currently being used in your discipline?

You must make sure to stay on top of your discipline with today’s standards.

Networking is essential in landing a job. Network with people you know on social media and in your community. Volunteer in your town or your children’s groups. Networking doesn’t mean you’re asking for a job; it’s a way of planting the seed with others that you’re looking for a job or a change in your discipline. People you talk to will talk to other people and that may yield your next lead. Statistics show this is how people find jobs.

With more than 30 years as a Human Resource professional, I offer the foundation of what you need to navigate today’s job market. I have been delivering transitional workshop topics to a variety of clientele in virtual and in-person settings for several years. I’ve led workshops for the state, libraries and AARP. I developed my interactive Job Seekers Transitions Workshop Series to provide training for more people through my website.

The module topics are:

Self-Assessments – Ageism: Ageism is out there, even for the young. An employer might think young candidates don’t have enough experience for the position.
Networking Introductions: Best practices for networking.
Star Par: Elevator speech.
Using Star Par: Your launchpad to success.
Resumes Part I: Is it a Marketing Tool: Marketing yourself.
Resumes Part II: Checklist: What is missing from your resume?
Cover Letters: Strategies for wowing a potential employer.
LinkedIn Part I: Developing a great profile to garner attention.
LinkedIn Part II: Tips to enhance your About Me section.
Marketing Plan: Setting up a plan to market yourself.
Think Outside the Box: Reassess your skills.
Interview Preparations & Strategies: How to impress interviewers, including the dos and don’ts for attire.
Closing & Negotiating the Deal: Be prepared to negotiate a win-win.
Teamwork: How to be a great team player.

To find a job, it takes discipline, courage, organization, patience and time. You can do it!

For information about my workshop series, go to https://www.melodybeachconsulting.com/job-seeker-transitions/. You can download the modules and do the training on your own at home.

I’m also available for consultations. If you’d like to meet with me, contact me at melody@melodybeachconsulting.com.

Employee recognition increases morale, productivity

In any social setting, a thank-you can go a long way. In the workplace, letting employees know they’re appreciated will help build morale and increase productivity.

Managers are quick to inform employees when they’ve made a mistake, but too few companies reward their workers for a job well done. [read more]

How do you keep your remote workers engaged?

As the number of employees working remotely has increased during the pandemic, communication has become key to keeping them engaged.

Good technology, such as Slack, Zoom, GoToMeeting, Google Meets or Cisco WebEx, is critical for effective communication, along with ongoing conversations. Building rapport with remote workers, however, can be more challenging. Regularly scheduled time with employees will help everyone feel they’re part of the team. [read more]

50+ Job Seekers workshops

The 50+ Job Seekers Networking Group’s workshops are sponsored by the Massachusetts Library Collaborative and are not connected to my interactive workshop series. The 50+ workshops are free and virtual on Zoom.

The workshops meet from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. the first and third Wednesdays, July through December. The next workshops are: