Job Training at Learn.com

To say the job market is competitive is an understatement. Perfectly qualified individuals who are willing to work hard are being turned away from the most menial of positions because so many people are vying for employment. The only way to make sure you stand out from the crowd is by making sure you have the  Job skills necessary to make yourself invaluable to a potential employer.

A great way to learn those necessary skills is to take advantage of online training courses through Learn.com, which has recently launched a set of training courses aimed at helping individuals development the “job ready” skills that employers are looking for. By taking classes through Learn.com, individuals are given a tangible Skill Score that represents their skill and knowledge in a particular area ranging from business, management, and administration to marketing, sales, and service that they can take to potential employers to show that they are “job read.”

Before I was married, I worked as an Executive Assistant – a great position with reasonable hours, benefits, and good pay – a position  many people would love to have. When Learn.com gave me the opportunity to try their online courses, I thought focusing on administration would be perfect because I know what’s needed for the position and could judge if the courses could help someone in the position.

As soon as I signed up, I was immediately impressed with the range of skills. Just the entry level course, which only costs $29, includes all of these skill sets:

Basics: Math and Grammar

Courses
Grammar – Punctuation
Basics of Business Math: Percents
Basics of Business Math: Reports
Grammar: Advanced Grammar
Grammar: Complex Sentence Structures
Grammar: Fundamental Sentence Structures

Business Ethics I

Courses
Business Ethics: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You

Communication: Telephone I

Courses
Communication (Videos): Telephone Etiquette
Communication Essentials

Communication: Written I

Courses
Effective Business Communication: Letters
Effective Business Communication: Memos, E-Mail and Other Communications
Effective Business Communication: Writing Skills

Computer Use

Courses
Internet Explorer 7: Learning the New Interface and Features
Introduction to PCs: Basic Peripherals
Introduction to PCs: Inside Your PC
Introduction to PCs: Internet and E-mail Tips
Introduction to PCs: Introducing the Internet
Introduction to PCs: Introducing the PC
Introduction to PCs: Other Peripherals
Introduction to PCs: Troubleshooting and Tips
Introduction to PCs: Understanding Software
Introduction to PCs: Using Your PC
Introduction to PCs: Working with Folders and Files

Microsoft Office: Entry

Courses
Microsoft Office Access 2007 Fundamentals
Microsoft Office Word 2007 Fundamentals
Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2007 Fundamentals
Microsoft Office Outlook 2007 Fundamentals
Microsoft Office Excel 2007 Fundamentals

I completed grammar and punctuation (I didn’t do so well on numbers and abbreviations – I only scored 46%) and Microsoft Office 2007 Fundamentals. The grammar course was an interactive slide show that taught then asked you to answer questions. I think it’s really help that you are able to take notes and print courses and the summary at the end of each course is very helpful in reviewing what you have learned. The Microsoft course was a more elaborate interactive video and even allowed you to review missed questions.

Whether you’re reentering the workforce and need to brush up on skills, looking for a new career path and are learning skills for the first time, or are hoping to snag a promotion – Learn.com offers a great selection of courses that are very thorough and informative. I was very impressed with the courses I interacted with and even learned a few things myself!