Finding Solutions: Goodwill helps people get dream jobs with free workshops

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Goodwill is offering free workshops to prepare people for that next opportunity.

From creating a resume and practicing interviews to what not to wear, Goodwill is finding solutions in ways to get people that dream job.

Shada Burnett is not a stranger to Goodwill’s job connection center.

“It offers good resources,” said Burnett. “It lets you know what jobs are hiring, and any resources that you can use. They also offer classes that are very affordable to impact your career growth.”

There’s no cost to attend a workshop and the knowledge you’ll gain from it is long-lasting.

“Making a first impression is one of the most important things, so walking up to a table, especially in an environment like a career fair where there’s multiple candidates, you need to be prepared to tell people who you are, what you’re looking for and then finally you need to know what employers are going to be there,” said Lean Pontani, senior VP of career development at Goodwill of Middle Georgia and the CSRA.

These workshops are preparing people for not only their future jobs but Goodwill’s career and resource expo in September.

“We have a lot of job seekers that walk in every day and say ‘Give me a job, I’ll take any job’, but when you are dealing with a recruiter and there’s dozens of people around, you really need to be a little bit more targeted,” said Pontani. “Understanding what their strengths are, where that’s applicable to a position and how they can benefit the company really makes a big impact.”

People who attend the workshops will also receive a certificate to pick out professional clothing, something Goodwill is still accepting donations of.

Burnett says she encourages others to utilize the resources here at Goodwill.

“It’s an open opportunity. You never know what career path you may land by just coming by to see what they have available,” said Burnett.

The next workshop is Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the Job Connection Center off Peach Orchard Road.

If you would like to donate professional clothing, that would be a good location to do so.

The career and resource expo will be September 9 at the Snelling Conference Center.

You do not have to register for this or the workshop.

Remember, when you shop at or dine with Goodwill, you’re supporting their programs and these resources.

For more information or to donate, visit https://www.goodwillworks.org/career-expo/.

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