Goodwill helps people find their dream job 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 finds solutions to help people get their dream job.

Shada Burnett is no stranger to Goodwill’s job placement center.

“It offers good resources,” Burnett said. “You learn what positions are currently open and what resources you can use. It also offers very inexpensive courses that will improve your career prospects.”

Participation in a workshop is free of charge and the knowledge you acquire there is permanent.

“First impressions are one of the most important things. So when you walk up to a table, especially in a setting like a career fair where there are a lot of applicants, you need to be prepared to tell people who you are, what you're looking for and ultimately, you need to know what employers will be there,” said Lean Pontani, senior VP of career development at Goodwill of Middle Georgia and the CSRA.

These workshops prepare people not only for their future jobs, but also for Goodwill's Career and Resource Fair in September.

“We get a lot of job seekers every day who come to us and say, 'Give me a job, I'll take any job,' but when you're dealing with a recruiter and there are dozens of people around you, you really have to be a little more targeted,” Pontani said. “Understanding what their strengths are, where those are applicable to a position and how they can benefit the company really makes a big impression.”

Participants of the workshops also receive a voucher for choosing work clothes. Goodwill continues to accept donations of these.

Burnett says she encourages others to take advantage of the resources here at Goodwill.

“It's an open opportunity. You never know what career path you might take if you just come along and see what they have to offer,” Burnett said.

The next workshop will take place on Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Job Connection Center on Peach Orchard Road.

If you want to donate work clothes, this is a good place to do so.

The Career and Resource Expo will be held on September 9 at the Snelling Conference Center.

Registration for this or the workshop is not required.

Remember: When you shop or eat at Goodwill, you support their programs and resources.

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

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