Workshops to help those impacted by COVID-19 and preparing for a job search

Oakland County Michigan Works! is launching a series of virtual workshops for people who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and are interested in exploring new career opportunities.

The interactive online workshops replace in-person ones previously available at service centers that closed to visitors because of the pandemic. The one-hour guided sessions help prepare people for their next career opportunity and include a question and answer period.

“Getting our residents back to work is one of our top priorities as the economy begins to reopen and businesses resume operations,” Oakland County Executive David Coulter said. “Oakland County Michigan Works! provides valuable career assistance and these virtual workshops give people expert advice that can lead to future employment and a meaningful career.”

Hosted by trained career counselors, the virtual workshops are being held online now through early June, with an expanded schedule planned. Topics include:

    • Resume Writing: Preparing a Resume that Gets Attention – May 29 and June 5

    • Job Interview Tips: Making a Great Impression with an Employer – May 26 and June 2

    • Career Transitions: Switching Careers and Flourishing in Today’s Economy – May 28 and June 4

    • Gig Jobs: Exploring Non-Traditional Employment Opportunities – June 1

    • Unemployment and Budgeting: Navigating the Unemployment Process and Making Smart Budgeting Decisions – May 27 and June 3

To register for a virtual workshop or review the schedule, visit www.Oakland-County-Michigan-Works.Eventbrite.com.

“As businesses reopen, we hope people will be able to return to their previous positions but, in the event that they cannot, we are here to help prepare them for a job search,“ said Jennifer Llewellyn, director of Oakland County Michigan Works!

“Our customers use our services each month to build new skills, make new connections and find new career opportunities. Now is an ideal time to work with us as you prepare for and launch a job search. We are ready to support you on a virtual basis and we hope to resume in-person appointments sometime in the future.”

Lewellyn said the six service centers in Oakland County work with businesses across the region to support their workforce development needs, from assistance in recruiting talent and training opportunities, to employee retention programs. The goal is to help employers attract and employ talent across the job spectrum.

Oakland County Michigan Works! operates service centers in Novi, Oak Park, Pontiac, Southfield, Troy and Waterford. Combined, they assist more than 105,000 job seekers annually. Services include career coaching, interviewing workshops, job search workshops, placement assistance, training courses and job trend information.

The Oakland County service centers also assist more than 3,000 employers seeking assistance with talent recruitment, apprenticeship programs, job fairs, candidate pre-screening, hiring and training support, layoff support and labor market data.

Service center staffs remain available by virtual appointment to work one-on-one with job seekers to build their resumes, prepare for job interviews and help address other needs. To schedule a virtual meeting, call 1-800-285-WORK.