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Certification Helps Computer Support Specialist Find New Comparable Position

Mike Ward, who was laid off from his computer support specialist position with CompUSA in 2005, was working again just four months later with the help of RochesterWorks!

After being referred to RochesterWorks!, Ward received one-on-one assistance identifying target companies, attended two professional series workshops and three job search networking group sessions.

He found that he was lacking an advanced computer certification that would help him to obtain employment comparable to his previous position.

He completed a Network + course with the help of a RochesterWorks! training grant of nearly $1,500 and was subsequently hired full time by Xerox contractor Compucom Systems Inc.

Ward credits the resume classes as one of the most helpful tools at RochesterWorks! “That is what got me the job,” he says. He posted an online resume with no response. But after two resume classes and tweaking his resume he received 15 responses.

“Everyone I worked with (at RochesterWorks!) was very understanding and respectful to those of us who were jobless. Going there was a positive experience,” Ward says.

Anytime he hears of anyone who is looking for work, he sends them to RochesterWorks!

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