Essential Training to Help You Land Your First Job or If You Have Been Out of the Workforce for a While

Lois Ryan
There are several different scenarios when if comes to looking for your first job. The first is where you have graduated from high school with no interest in continuing on with your education. That is fine; there are many jobs where all that is needed is a high school diploma. You may already have worked part-time for a few years. However, you are now looking for something that is full-time and permanent. The second scenario is similar to the first. However, you are a recent college graduate looking for something is your area of study. The final scenario is you have been employed in the past but have been out of the workforce for a while. For example, you may be a female who took time off from work to raise a family. Now that the children are enrolled in a school, you want to find something to keep you occupied. There is one thing in common with these three scenarios. While you may have the education and the experience, you may not have the skills the job requirements list. Do not fret; you can get the training that you will help you get hired.

Since most companies prefer to hire people that have knowledge with computer skills, it is essential to get computer training. If you are still in high school or college, take a basic computer course. As a minimum, you should be familiar with the most recent application of Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point. If you were not thinking when you were in school, many schools offer continuing education courses. After a few weeks, you can boast of these skills on your resume.

The next skills you will need are people skills. While, you do not need to take a class for this, you need to know how to properly handle different parts of a business. This includes taking phone calls, sending and receiving emails and personally interacting with others. People skills are necessary if you are looking for a position in customer service.

You will need to know what permits are required for specific jobs. For example, if you want to sell Real Estate, you must get a license. You will need to take a course which can run from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the state you live. You also are required to take and pass the state exam and join a brokerage. If you want to become a bartender, you will be required to take a bartending course and get a permit to be behind the bar.

If you are good with your hands and want to direct your career in that direction, you may want to consider vocational training. There are many blue-collar jobs available to those who are qualified. You may have been a trained auto mechanic several years ago, for example. However, you may need to be retrained to stay on top of changes into the automotive industry.

These are some of the required training that you may need as you pursue your first job or have been out of the workforce for a while. Depending on the job that you are looking for, you may not need all this training. However, computer and people skills take top priority in any job.

Published by Lois Ryan

I have wiorked in the manufacturing business for over 15 years. I am married and have two daughters ages 12 and 14. I recently graduated with a Masters in Business from the University of Phoenix and want t...  View profile

1 Comments

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  • Greg Seltz7/30/2010

    Great tips ;)

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