Career Building CLinic @ Pratt Library

Greetings,

Here at Pratt Library we're now offering a  Career Building Clinic in some of our computer labs. This  is not a formal course, but rather an opportunity for customers to work one-on-one with librarians and volunteers on things like job searching, resume writing, cover letters and job applications. It's been a great success & our customers really appreciate the high level of individualized attention that they receive. Right now we're offering it one to two times per month but our plan in to increase the frequency in the coming months!


Is your library doing anything to provide a higher level of service to job seekers? Please share so we can all learn from each other!

Spring Classes @ Pratt Library

Hi,
Enoch Pratt Free Library is offering many classes this spring that job seekers may find helpful. Here's a sampling of them. Is your library offering any workshops or classes?

Career Clinic
Wednesday June 13th. 10am-Noon.
Central Library, Public Computer Center.

Do you need a little extra help working on a job application? Do you get stuck when trying to attach a resume in an e-mail? Stop by the Career Clinic and get one-on-one assistance with your job search from Pratt staff members.

FEDirect Federal Job Application Workshop
Wednesday May 30th. 11am-3pm
Southeast Anchor Library.
Baltimore City’s One-Stop Career Center Network recently introduced the FEDirect Federal Job Application Workshop to provide job seekers with the skills they need to successfully compete for positions with the federal government. You'll learn about the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, which has brought thousands of new federal jobs to Maryland, get an overview of the security clearance process, plus tips for federal resume writing.
Presented in partnership with the Mayor's Office of Employment Development.

All participants must pre-register and meet the following eligibility requirements: * Able to Pass a Criminal Background Investigation * High School Diploma or GED * Reading and Math at 8th Grade Levels * Possess Basic Computer Skills: Microsoft Word, Internet Searches, and Typing. * Baltimore City Resident * 18 Years of Age or Older * U.S. Citizenship To register, please request a registration card at the Adult Information Desk or email Mike Volk at wvolk@oedworks.com.

Career Building: Resume Writing
Saturday June 16th. 10am-Noon
Central Library, Public Computer Center
Learn about the basic parts of a resume and begin making your own resume.

Pathways to Hopkins
Wednesday June 20th. 11am-1pm
Central Library, Poe Room
Hear directly from a Johns Hopkins staff member about how to make yourself a more competitive applicant. Learn about the specific duties and competencies required for each position, as well as the application and hiring process.

Be sure to check out all of our computer classes too!

Anne Arundel County Public Library/Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation Partnership

Anne Arundel County Public Library has partnered with Anne ArundelWorkforce Development Corporation since October 2009.  Job Search Specialists, with stipends paid by Workforce Development, are available at six branches of the public library during specified times; Annapolis, Crofton, Edgewater, Maryland City, South County, and West County. The Job Search Specialists provide one-on-one assistance to customers with job searches, submission of job applications, resume writing, and referrals to training opportunities. They also introduce job seekers to the many job search resources available at the public library. Programs on improving job search skills sponsored by Workforce Development and the library are also offered at many branches.

Are you having a hard time focusing on your job search and getting frustrated.  The job search process has a lot of uncertainty but try your best to maintain an optimistic attitude. Connecting with others who are job searching can be a great way to keep that positive outlook. You'll increase your support network & hopefully learn some new tips along the way.

Here's some other tips to keep you going during your search.

• Utilize the resources available at  Pratt's Central Library. Sign up for a resume review or reserve a computer. Just call 410-396-5317.
  
• Set goals and make sure you block out enough time to actually accomplish those goals. Remember, that job searching is just like a job!

• Want to brush up on your computer skills? Take a free class at the library! 

• Use social networking Web sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter to keep friends and family up-to-date on how your job search is going.  You can also virtually meet people who might be helpful for finding job openings!

• Don't rely just on the Internet to find job leads, get out there & network! Many jobs are never posted online & are filled through networking.

 

• Practice answering interview questions with a friend or family member.  Being able to speak about yourself clearly and concisely is very important -- for an interview and networking.

I hope these tips will keep your job search on track! 

Andrea Snyder
Job & Career Information Center Manager
Enoch Pratt Free Library / State Library Resource Center

Maryland Workforce Exchange Website

Do you often find yourself referring customers to the Maryland Workforce Exchange website? Did you know that it's been recently updated? The Pratt Library has put together a short tutorial that you can share with your customers to help them navigate the new site. Check it out & feel free to link to it from your own library's site!