Musing on the Job Hunt

Regardless of one's employment status, navigating the job market in this economic downturn is about separating yourself from the competition. With the jobless rate in New York at 8.2 percent (as of March 2009), this scenario may sound like another case of "easier said than done" ... but Staples and the Apple Store are providing free tools to help people rejoin -- or remain in -- today's workforce.



The office supply chain is letting customers make 20 copies of their résumé -- along with 40 business cards -- as part of their "Career Stimulus Program", which expires on June 13. I took advantage of a similar promotion held by FedEx Office on March 10, and Office Depot is also offering comparable services through May 30.



The only thing more valuable than a well-formatted résumé is up-to-date skills. I took a one-day workshop at the Apple Store, Fifth Avenue, on May 7 to learn Final Cut Pro, a non-linear editing software program. My experience in video editing is limited, and if I hope to find another job in journalism -- or make a living in a field where my storytelling abilities can be put to good use -- I have to evolve with the technology. (I also registered for two of their Pro Labs in June.)



Job hunters need all the advantages they can get to stay afloat during this recession ... and while the complimentary printed products are only available for a limited time, the computer classes are ongoing. Good luck!