In March 2011, the unemployment rate in our area was 7.8 percent. This represented a .4 percent decrease from the month before. Additionally, compared to both Florida and the rest of the nation, ours shines in comparison. Additionally, online labor demand rose in Gadsden, Leon and Wakulla by 637 jobs. That is a 16 percent increase over the month. Most online jobs vacancies were for registered nurses, retail salespeople and customer service representatives.

This translates into positive evidence that the local workforce development boards are doing all that they can to lower the unemployment rate and their efforts are paying off: unemployment is and has been improving.

The fact that the number of online "Help Wanted" ads is increasing means that more employers are hiring. And, since you know which industries are hiring the most, you can raise your chances of getting a job by focusing your efforts there.

All in all, despite the current state of the local job market and local unemployment, it is always a great idea and an investment to get training in computer skills to stay sharp. WORKFORCE plus offers a Microsoft Office Specialist Training course that helps participants to become Microsoft Office experts - and a much needed commodity in a computer-based world.

Have you ever heard of "Tapping the unknown job market?" How about this phrase: "It's all about who you know." Certainly you've heard: "You have to network if you want to get a good job." These common phrases are about the key to boosting your career: effective networking.

Networking is all about connecting with people (generally your professional peers), making authentic and consistent communication, exchanging information, finding mutually beneficial relationships, and of course, finding gainful employment.

The first step in starting to network is to assess your present network. Have you connected with friends, roommates and classmates? What about members of professional organizations, family and relatives? It is always beneficial to reach out to administrators and alumni, former and current colleagues, supervisors and employers and peers from your volunteer and civic activities.

If you haven't started connecting to people with meaningful communication, start to identify networking opportunities. Anyone you've met is a potential contact. You should even seek out opportunities and make networking a part of your daily life whether you decide on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly schedule. This may sound a little imposing, but it is simple: Just think of places you go to meet people, or places you go to learn or get training. Any of these places are suitable for networking.

Regardless of how comfortable the networking place is for you, reaching out and connecting with others may be intimidating. A key to effective networking is leaving your comfort zone. To truly be successful in reaching new people and new resources, you must branch out of your comfort zone.

Once you've brainstormed about who is in your present network and what kind of opportunities you'll take advantage of, you must have something to say. This is where your secret weapon comes in: your elevator speech. Prepare a thirty second blurb on who you are, what industry you're in, and why you are a fantastic employee. Practice and memorize it and you will be amazed at the conversations that form just from your Elevator Speech.

When you are networking and presenting your elevator speech remember to direct all efforts toward the goal in mind, whether its gaining employment, securing a raise, finding a volunteer opportunity that matches your interests, or whatever professional goal you’ve set for yourself.

From your goal and these efforts, you will start to tap the "hidden job market" or the list of vacancies that exists only in employer's minds and travels by word-of-mouth. Note that when you do learn of a new job lead, you need to be sure to thank the contact who connected you with the lead. Not only is this polite, but it lets your contact know that you appreciate them, you value their effort and therefore they are more likely to continue to do so in the future.

What does that all mean? Networking is the solution to a difficult challenge, finding employment. To that end, remember, the five keys to effective networking are assessing your present network, identifying opportunities to network, leaving your comfort zones, using what you have to get what you want and maximizing each experience.

You just got out of school, or you moved to a different part of the country. You left your job or you're like Robert Framingham, who was recently laid off. But for Mr. Framingham it wasn't long until he found a new one.

Mr. Framingham starts his new job as an Employee Relations Manager with the State of Florida this week – and he couldn't be happier to have this new opportunity.

"I'm so happy for this new job," He told WORKFORCE plus last week. "The pay is great - and I haven't even told my wife yet! I just found out and I'm going now to meet her for lunch. She is going to be so excited!"

How did this great opportunity come his way? Framingham took advantage of his time while job seeking to get extra computer skills for programs like Microsoft Word. He registered at WORKFORCE plus to take advantage of resume writing workshops, learned how to work a job fair and got training in interviewing skills.

"WORKFORCE plus has been a motivator and encourager as I conducted my job search," Framingham said. "The Resume Writing and Interview Skills courses were practical and useful, as was the course on How to Work a Job Fair."

His most recent investment has been to take the Microsoft Office Specialist Training course. The course teaches students the ins and outs of Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and Outlook. At the end of the course, participants take a proficiency exam and once they pass, become Microsoft Office Specialists.

"I know that the interview panel was impressed by the fact that I would bring a high level of knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite to their organization," Framingham said.

Having a high knowledge of Microsoft Office is beneficial to most jobseekers. In an economy where it is estimated that over 80% of careers deal heavily with computers, the internet and Microsoft Office products, it is imperative to have a solid grasp on these concepts.

It definitely benefitted Framingham. So what can WORKFORCE plus do to assist you?

"I heartily recommend this program to anyone who wants to improve their computer skills," Framingham said. "And certainly, to improve their prospects in the workplace."

Microsoft Office Specialist Training courses are available to you at no cost! To learn more about how to improve your prospects in the workplace, contact your WORKFORCE plus office today, or call 1-866-WFP-JOB1.

Calling all future leaders! Are you between the ages of 16 and 21? Are you ready to take your future into your own hands? Then be sure not to miss the "Today's Youth, Tomorrow's Workforce - 2011 Youth Resource & Career Expo" event in your area!

Wakulla County