Durham, N.C. — Durham JobLink is offering a series of workshops to help out-of-work professionals became more competitive in the job market.

The Professional Placement Network offers career services to adult professionals, including networking opportunities, workshops, development of business partnerships and job referrals.

The program is designed for mid-to-upper level professionals who have earned at least $30,000 a year or have a higher education degree or professional credentials.

“For many out-of-work professionals, they haven’t been on a job interview in many years nor have they been through the modern job-search process, which can be very overwhelming and frustrating,” Nicholas McCoy, with the city’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development, said in a statement.

“Our goal with the Professional Placement Network is to provide participants with the necessary tools to develop successful networking strategies in today’s job market environment," he continued. "Therefore, we’ve tailored the series to apply to these types of unemployed professionals, many who have considerable experience, credentials and salary histories.”

The first monthly workshop will be held Thursday, Nov. 18, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Beyu Cafe, 335 W. Main St. The workshop will focus on the use of social media and LinkedIn to find employment and networking leads and will be facilitated by Steve Hong, senior web developer and specialist in online marketing with CrossComm, Inc.

Additional workshop topics are scheduled through June of next year.

• Dec. 16, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. – “Who Am I? Taking Personal Inventories” – Main Library Branch, 300 N. Roxboro Street, Durham
• Jan. 20, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. – “Transitions: Defining Career Goals & Developing Your Plan” – Main Library Branch, 300 N. Roxboro Street, Durham
• Feb. 17, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. – “Branding Yourself: Resumes that Work/Personal Infomercial” – Location to be determined
• March 17, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. – “Interviewing: Practice Makes Perfect” – Location to be determined
• April 21, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. – “Working with Staffing Agencies” – Location to be determined
• May 19, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. – “Retooling in Today’s Economy” – Location to be determined
• June 16, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.– “Becoming an Entrepreneur” – Location to be determined

Those interested in learning more about the Professional Placement Network should contact Sontina Greene, adult program coordinator with the City’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development, by e-mail at sontina.greene@durhamnc.gov or by calling 919-560-4965.