Michigan, and the nation, are currently weathering unprecedented economic times.  Greater Lansing is no exception to the rule. Our unemployment rate still hovers between the state’s and the nation’s and greater Lansing has consistently fared better than most other metropolitan areas in Michigan, but times are still tough.

The economy feels more unpredictable than ever before.

And more and more, we’re seeing higher-level professionals out-of-work, looking to move back to the area or looking to advance their careers but finding it difficult to locate, and secure, new or better employment.

In response, and in response to an overall increase in demand for help in competing for jobs, Capital Area Michigan Works! has launched “Employability Express.” The new workshop is designed to present information to greater Lansing citizens at a convenient time and place to help them brush up, and polish, their job search skills and refine their career goals.

For years, Capital Area Michigan Works! has provided workshops and assistance at its Service Centers in Lansing, St. Johns and Charlotte to help people become as employable as possible. Using that same content, Employability Express will be offered at no-cost through community centers, schools, churches and other locations to help organizations’ constituents find and retain quality employment. Organizations will be responsible for providing the space and for promoting the workshop, with help from Capital Area Michigan Works!, and then Capital Area Michigan Works! staff will bring all the materials and conduct the workshop at the chosen place and time.

Any business that has hired recently knows the market is saturated with candidates.  Unfortunately, quality professional experience does not always translate to the inherent ability to secure employment or concisely express your skills and experience via a resume and cover letter, or even in an interview. Not only will Employability Express help job seekers better connect with employment, but it will help businesses by teaching job seekers how best to express their employment worth and make the process easier for hiring managers.

For experienced professionals, searching for new or better employment can be a challenge, and a huge stressor.
Here are just a few tips for those entering, or currently surviving, the job market:

•    With technology and higher unemployment rates, resumes have changed a lot in recent years. If your resume hasn’t been professionally reviewed in the past three to five years, it’s likely in an outdated style and format. Capital Area Michigan Works! offers free resume consultations as well as workshops specifically designed for resume building.  Resumes are also one of the topics covered in Employability Express workshops.

•    Networking has changed dramatically too. With the influx of candidates into the job market, many businesses who are hiring find it overwhelming to publically post positions and have turned more to employee referrals and networking to find candidates. If you are currently employed, let a trusted few people who may be in a position to advocate on your behalf know you are in the market for a new position.  If you are out of work, be sure your friends and former colleagues know your skills and experience and the type of employment you seek.

•    Learn to network online too. If you don’t already have a presence on Facebook, Linked In, Twitter and other social media sites, take the time to at least learn what they are. A teenager or college kid can likely teach you all about them. If you’re already online, be sure to manage your online presence in a professional manner.  Depending on the industry in which you’re seeking employment, determine if you need to have an online presence and if so, create a professional one.

For instance, social media is a hot topic in both communications and human resources. If you’re not familiar with, and participating in, online social networking your skills may seem outdated to a hiring manager.

Professionals are expected to be an expert in their field, but that doesn’t automatically make you an expert in job search. It’s okay to seek help and advice. Employability Express is just one of those tools now available.

If your organization would like to bring these types of tips and information to local residents through an Employability Express workshop, contact Andrea Kerbuski, assistant communications officer, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

		Douglas E. Stites is Chief Executive Officer of Capital Area Michigan Works!, a network of resources that partners with businesses to develop recruiting and retention strategies and partners with job seekers to enhance education and career opportunities. On the Web at www.camw.org.