Job Readiness Resources

Your resume is often times your first introduction to a company. Whether you’re submitting a copy directly to a hiring representative or entering its contents into an online application, it’s a critical part of getting in the door for an interview. If you’re not sure how to get started on creating a resume that best sells your skills and abilities, check out this list of resources:

• SC Works Virtual Resume Builder
• Indeed Online Resume Builder
• Resume Tips
• Ask a Recruiter: Resume Advice

Being good at your job is one thing. But it’s not just how well you execute duties that makes you a standout employee. Things like soft skills, dressing for success, and personal branding help build your reputation as a well-rounded worker. Check out these resources to help you get ready to stand out from the crowd:

SOFT SKILLS:

• What Are Soft Skills?
• Soft Skills to Help Your Career Hit the Big Time
• Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills: What’s the Difference

DRESS FOR SUCCESS:

• Dress for Success – Columbia
• Dressing for Success (via LinkedIn Learning)

PERSONAL BRANDING:

• Personal branding (via LinkedIn Learning)
• How To Build Your Personal Brand as a Job Seeker
• Why Personal Branding Is Important to Your Career

COMPUTER LITERACY:

• Free Online Computer Literacy Courses
• Typing Practice (limited free resource via Microsoft)
• Microsoft Learn
• Basic Computer Skills: How To List Them on Your Resume

If you’re looking for one-on-one guidance from a career development professional or a place to independently access computer resources, SC Works Centers, public libraries and other facilities throughout the Central SC Region offer numerous partners and targeted programs. You can also attend career-exploration workshops to find out if a career field that’s caught your attention is the right fit for you.

SC WORKS LOCATIONS:

• SC Works Midlands – Fairfield, Lexington and Richland counties
• SC Works Santee-Lynches – includes Clarendon and Kershaw counties
• SC Works Upper Savannah – includes Newberry County
• SC Works Lower Savannah – includes Calhoun and Orangeburg counties

PUBLIC LIBRARIES:

• Calhoun County Library
• Clarendon County Library
• Fairfield County Library
• Kershaw County Library
• Lexington County Public Library
• Newberry County Library System
• Orangeburg County Library
• Richland Library

VETERANS:

• Veteran Services (S.C. Department of Employment at Workforce)
• S.C. Works Veterans
• S.C. Department of Veterans’ Affairs
• Civilian-to-Military Occupation Translator
• South Carolina Veteran Coalition
• Start Central Military & Veterans Resources

OTHER RESOURCES:

• Goodwill Industries
• S.C. Department of Social Services
• Richland County Public Library – Fabrication Studio, Entrepreneurs
• Be Pro Be Proud – South Carolina

Looking to get better connected to professionals like you? Exploring a new career field and want to hear first-hand experience? Getting involved with networking or mentoring groups in your local area can expose you to more than just new faces – you could learn about the latest trends in your industry, make business connections to help you grow your company, or perhaps land your dream career!

BY CAREER FIELD:

• IT: Tech Beans
• IT: Slack – Cola Metro Talent Pipeline
• IT/InsurTech: Its.Cola

BY LOCATION:

• Central SC Region – Committee of 100
• Columbia – Columbia Opportunity Resource | COR
• Columbia – Columbia Urban League Young Professionals
• Columbia – Junior League of Columbia
• Columbia – 1 Million Cups
• Kershaw – Kershaw County Young Professionals
• Lexington – Lexington Jaycees
• Lexington – Chapin Small Business Networking Group
• Midlands area – Young Leaders Society
• Midlands area – SCORE
• Orangeburg – EmpowerHer ABWA Chapter
• Statewide – Founder Institute

CHAMBERS:

• Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce
• Columbia Chamber
• Fairfield Chamber of Commerce
• Kershaw County Chamber of Commerce
• Lexington Chamber
• Newberry County Chamber of Commerce
• Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce

Our Region is home to more than 12 colleges and universities and anchored by the University of South Carolina’s main campus. Whether you’re seeking a certificate at one of our technical colleges or planning to earn a four year degree, you’ll find what you’re looking for here. Multiple initiatives and programs are available to connect talent with the right program, internship, or opportunity for their career path.

Looking for a program that inspires you? Visit our Upskilling career pages to see what’s in demand in the Central SC Region or connect with one of the colleges and universities in the area.