FAIRHOPE, Ala. — Folks having trouble with their job search have an opportunity to improve their chances of employment this weekend. Bevley Green, director of University of South Alabama Career Services, will present the latest talk in the USA Baldwin County Distinguished Lecture Series on Sunday, at 3 p.m., in the USABC Performance Center, on the corner of Summit Street and St. James Avenue in Fairhope.

All lectures in the series are free and open to the public. Reservations are suggested, but not required.

Green will discuss successful job search strategies, including identifying various search methods, ways to develop effective correspondence and the importance of communication in the job search process.

“It’s extremely important. This is a time individuals should take an assessment of their skills and hone their skills,” she said.

USABC is encouraging participants to bring copies of their current job search tools, including cover letters, resumes and applications to review throughout the session.

Green said, “I firmly believe with some guidance that anyone can do this.” She noted that USA Career Services is available for not only students, but anyone in the community who needs help in marketing their skill set to potential employers. The center is located in Suite 2100, Meisler Hall, on USA’s main campus.

Even if one is unable to make it to Mobile, all is not lost. Green said, “We have information we make available online.”

Green has extensive experience as a career specialist, and has been the director of Career Services at USA since 2006. She currently works closely with students and alumni, as well as employer representatives from business and industry. She also keeps up to date on current hiring trends throughout the region.

“We’re hearing from the local experts that we’re in a relatively good situation,” Green said, referring to the economic and job climate in southwest Alabama.

USA held a career fair Sept. 17. According to Green, 55 organizations were on hand seeking recruits for positions they had open at the time, or that would be open in the near future. Around 550 turned out in hopes of finding employment.

Green said, “Most had some sort of college education, and some had an advanced degree.” She pointed out that is because the career center is a university outreach program, and attracts mostly students.

There is a need in the area for skilled labor as well. Employers tend to hire from a trained labor pool, she added, so education and presentation of skills are both important.

Green will stick around after her talk to give pointers to those who need the help. She said, “I plan to be there. If people will bring their resume, I will offer a brief critique.”

Before coming to USA, Green was on the career services staff at Virginia Tech, where she assisted alumni and students with career development, experiential education and job search and graduate school preparation.

“There are many individuals in our community who are seeking jobs, or who plan to be in the job market in the near future, said Dr. Christine Bogar, assistant director of USABC. “We are very pleased that Ms. Green will be here to share her extensive expertise with us.”

Green’s presentation is the third lecture in the USABC Distinguished Lecture Series, held throughout the fall and spring semesters. Call (251) 928-8133, or e-mail usabc@usouthal.edu for more information about the lecture.

To learn more about USA Career Services, visit www.usouthal.edu/careerservices/.