WorkSource Washington

WorkSource is a joint venture of organizations dedicated to addressing Washington State’s employment needs. In addition to an online job search feature, there are WorkSource offices that offer additional assistance in searching for and finding jobs. This includes workshops and Wednesday morning I went to one of the workshops.

It was Module Four of a six module program and it is named Perfecting Applications. The description of the workshop follows:

An important part of any job search is to understand the employer’s point of view. In this workshop you will learn how employers read applications and how to be better prepared to meet an employer’s expectations. The workshop explores how to organize and communicate, in writing, your skills and abilities in a way that stands out from the crowd. You will leave the workshop with a master application that will be helpful when filling out paper and electronic applications and start you on your way to developing a résumé.

It sounds good, doesn’t it? Well, I was very disappointed in the workshop. It was led by a woman with a Human Resources and Communications background, but I felt like I could have provided more “real-time, real-life, real-job seeker” information. After all, I am the one completing applications every week and I have seen many different types of applications that are being used. The trainer was pretty vague in many areas and she didn’t seem to have a grasp on what’s out there right now and how applicants can be best prepared.

She also touched on résumés (which are included in Module Five), but again it didn’t seem like we were hearing from an expert who’s “in the know.” Plus, her résumé samples had errors on them – when you’re training unemployed people to put their best effort out there, wouldn’t you want your samples to be perfect??

I’m scheduled for another workshop next Wednesday. Let’s hope it is more beneficial.