Sometimes, it is “the little things” that stand between job seekers and the jobs they want. And often, job seekers are not aware that they don’t know what they need to know.

Most job seekers undervalue knowledge like how to fill out a job application, how to craft an appealing resume, how to write an impressive cover letter, and how to be calm, confident and prepared in a job interview, even though these skills can sometimes compensate for undistinguished credentials.

The “Career Basics” program offered at the Pike County JobSight gives local residents a chance to learn these underrated yet important skills.

Career Basics—an initiative of the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program, Inc. (EKCEP)—held its inaugural workshop recently at the Pike County JobSight on the Pikeville campus of Mayo Technical College and Prestonsburg Community College. Eight participants attended the initial workshop, where they worked on filling out mock job applications, drafting cover letters, and writing resumes as if they were applying for actual jobs. JobSight staff members Kim Tackett and Katina Holbrooks helped the participants use the computers in the JobSight’s Assessment Area to compose final versions of their resumes from their handwritten notes.

Career Basics workshops are free and open to adults seeking a quick preparation for entering the job market.

Mike Goble, a GED and work-readiness instructor for the Big Sandy Community Action Program (CAP), presented the opening Career Basics workshop’s lessons at the Pike County JobSight.

“As long as you want to learn, you can learn,” Goble said. “Anyone can become a good worker if they really want to.”

At the next Career Basics workshop, the participants will go through mock job interviews, evaluate their performance, and learn from their mistakes. Their completed resumes and cover letters will also be reviewed by the JobSight staff, who will provide one-on-one discussions of how to improve the documents.

A third workshop will give participants lessons in “Computer ABCs,” including basic keyboarding skills, using e-mail, navigating the internet, and basic troubleshooting. The fourth and final workshop lets participants take part in “Career Exploration” by looking at their interests, identifying their work attitudes and temperament, and exploring skills and abilities needed to chart a course toward a good job and career.

Alma Taylor, another participant, said a bit of recent computer training gave her a good grasp on using computers and navigating the Internet.

“Now, I just fly on a computer,” Alma said.

“I really need to work, and I want to,” said participant Martha Tackett, who found herself in need of additional income after her husband passed away recently. Tackett said the Career Basics curriculum is giving her and the others the tools needed to take steps toward new and rewarding jobs.

Adults interested in Career Basics workshops can take the entire series, or take individual workshops to meet their specific needs. More information on upcoming workshops can be obtained by calling the Pike County JobSight at 606-218-2106.

Because the workshops are held at the JobSight, participants also have access to over a dozen state and federal employment and training programs located at the one-stop workforce center. Christine Settles, who represents the Kentucky Department for Employment Services at the Pike County JobSight, demonstrated that convenience by presenting the workshop’s participants with a list of the area’s most recent job listings.

Career Basics workshops are also currently being conducted at the Perry County JobSight. Career Basics will be offered soon at the Bell County and Clay County JobSight centers.