Aid for job seekers available at Sablich Center Published Aug. 27, 2009 By Jonathan Hicks 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Today's job market is tough. Unemployment is at a record high, and with the economy still recovering from a hard-felt recession, companies appear to have slowed in hiring new employees. Despite the obvious realities and changes in today's job market, Lana Smith of the airman and family readiness center states, "There are jobs still out there." Mrs. Smith assists military spouses and separating military members in finding civilian and federal employment. "The best offense is having a quality resume representing your skills, training and experience," Mrs. Smith advises. "Before coming to the readiness center, first take one of the several resume classes offered on base, so the focus can be on employment opportunities." Her office offers resume classes that teach job-seekers how to assess their skills and experience, in addition to preparing resumes in the proper formats for civilian and federal employment opportunities. The airman and family readiness center also offers other programs and services, such as military spouse career advancement accounts, referred to as MyCAA, that provide financial assistance for education and networking meetings through companies that come on base to meet with potential applicants. For example, from 3:45-5 p.m. today in Room 108A, Sablich Center, there's a Troops to Teachers workshop that assists military members and spouses who want to begin teaching careers. In the future, Mrs. Smith will be developing classes on starting home businesses and other self-employment ideas through the Small Business Administration. Until then, job seekers can pick up a list of civilian employers, including city and state positions currently posted. For those who are unfamiliar with the programs, Mrs. Smith said, "Don't be afraid to come by and ask questions." For those interested in employment opportunities at Keesler or other federal employment, she suggests job seekers visit Web sites such as http://www. usajobs.gov and http://www.fedjobs. com. Since all federal jobs aren't posted there, job seekers should also investigate the various other government Web sites for current vacancies. For more information on programs, classes and workshops, call 376-8727 or visit Room 110, Sablich Center.