By Noah Innes, Employment & Communications Specialist
If 2020 has taught us anything, it's to expect the unexpected.
With record unemployment numbers and an uncertain future for many industries, you will need every advantage to stand out from the crowd to get your next job, and there are things you can do today to make that happen.
As our own Workshop Facilitator Lisa Noonan pointed out in our last blog (you can read that here), there's no better time to gain new skills, boost your confidence and increase your opportunities for career success through online learning than today.
The team at Job Junction – Nova Scotia Works has compiled some of our favourite online learning resources – some free of charge – to help you and your resume shine.
Want to optimize your website or educate yourself on the world of analytics? Google Analytics for Beginners is a great place to start. This free course is open to the public and teaches users the basics of implementing tracking code, setting up data filters and navigating Google Analytics. This would make a great addition to your resume, especially if you’re seeking a career in sales and marketing.
Microsoft offers an abundance of live, interactive online workshops and training sessions that cover a range of topics taught by Microsoft Store staff, all for free. In addition to events tailored to professionals and students, Microsoft also offers training for the Microsoft 365 Suite, so you can brush up your Excel or Outlook skills.
3. First Aid
Job Junction’s Job Developer Alva Bourque says First Aid courses, offered through a variety of facilitators, including the Canadian Red Cross and St. John Ambulance, are useful for any job seeker. First Aid training not only has the ability to save lives, it’s also something that is universally recognized and valued by employers. Safety is everyone’s business.
SkillsonlineNS offers thousands of free online courses on relevant and essential workplace skills for individuals, businesses, and non-profits alike in Nova Scotia. Download the free catalogue and start building your skill set.
Alison’s free online diploma courses provide the opportunity to receive extensive online training in a variety of subjects including technology, language, science, health and much more. Each diploma course takes between eight and 10 hours to complete, a relatively small time investment that could have a big payoff.
6. Udemy
Udemy offers one of the largest selections of courses online. While some courses carry a fee, Udemy still offers a wide variety of free courses as well – simply select the topic you’re interested in and apply a filter to display the courses that are free.
7. GCF Global
A program of the Goodwill (yes, that Goodwill!) Community Foundation, GCFLearnFree.org offers educational content free of charge. This resource provides essential work skills to anyone with an Internet connection.
Bottom Line: Invest this time in your future success
The resources listed here only scratch the surface of what's available online to enhance your skills and your resume in today's competitive job market.
Don't just take our word for it – see the difference professional development can make by trying a new course today.