Not only is the library important for submitting online applications, but also to sharpen skills for positions that require working with computers, interview preparation, writing and submitting resumes and lots more. Much of the information we receive from city/state/federal agencies is time sensitive and missing an expiration date can be costly. And while the facility case managers are quite adept at completing paperwork, these opportunities are best served when completed by the veteran and with the assistance of other veterans to create that learning environment where everyone wins.
Recently, I was brought to a Goodwill Career Center in Brooklyn for a career fair with a local veteran’s organization, Black Veterans for Social Justice (BVSJ). Each of the five of us were provided an ‘interview’ to see where our strengths were and then tested. I spend a good deal of time on the laptop, so I fared well for data entry, etc. and immediately received three offers. While I was flattered to receive offers so quickly, I noticed other veterans who may be also qualified, but struggled on the typing portion of the placement testing. This is a big deal. The opportunities that come with Goodwill Careers are a one- time shot, so it is imperative that the veteran be properly prepared with skills that access to computers can provide. Organizations such as BVSJ dedicate themselves to providing hard-to-obtain services and opportunities and it reflects negatively when a good candidate becomes available but wasn’t able to brush up on any employment skills before pre-employment testing.
