Township's Public Library Offers Job Support

In today's economy, many of our friends and neighbors find themselves either unemployed or underemployed. Township residents in such unfortunate circumstances can find free help at the West Orange Public Library. 

Because you probably already know that you can peruse newspaper want ads, career guidance books and resume writing guides at the library, this article focuses on the ways in which the library provides job search assistance through technology.

If you haven't visited a library since your school days, you may be surprised to find out what the West Orange library is all about now. Did you know that you can conduct an online job search using computers at the library? The savvy librarians can point the way to Web sites related to your specific career or trade. 

Many employers now require candidates to submit their applications online. No need to purchase a computer or pay for Internet access at home to do this. You can create and submit your resume free from the West Orange library computers. If you have your own laptop, bring it to the library and tap into the wireless network to conduct your online job search.

The library subscribes to premium web sites tailored to jobseekers. These sites can assist you in building a powerful resume and cover letter that will get you noticed by potential employers and provide you with strategies for mastering the interview process. Log on through the library web site and enjoy free access to job-skill tutorials that will help you create a great resume, hone your interview skills, and improve your business communication skills. Find these resources on the library's web site at www.wopl.org/databases.

Click on the Ferguson's Career Guidance Center to find job profiles for 94 industries, view video interviews with professionals in 300 careers and obtain resume writing tips and interview advice.

Click on the Job & Career Accelerator to plan and execute an effective job search that's based on your experience, interests, and goals. This is a powerful tool with a wealth of information for job seekers. The site's "Occupation Matcher" will help you discover which jobs are best for you and enable you to search through current job listings. You'll also find courses and tests for enhancing your vocational skill set. In addition, the site contains tutorials that teach you how to use many software programs used in today's workplace. You can use the "My Accelerator" tab to keep track of your job applications.

Click on the Learning Express library's "Workplace Skills Improvement" link to access online courses, texts and ebooks on the topics of job searches, resumes and interviewing. Before you know it, you'll be typing your resume and cover letter like a pro.

Click on the Learning Express library's "Occupation Practice Tests" link and you'll discover instantly scored licensing, certification, and aptitude practice tests, online career preparation, and vital information for many occupations including culinary arts, plumbing, electrical, cosmetology and more. 

If you access Internet at home, you can benefit from the library's online services, too. Use the library web site as a starting point and access information you can't get from the regular Internet. Go to www.wopl.org and click on the "databases" link to navigate to the products highlighted in this article. 

You'll also want to be sure to take advantage of the upcoming webinars featuring Barbara Safani of Career Solvers. Safani has appeared as a career expert on CNN, CBS, ABC, FOX and WOR News Radio. Her career advice has been published in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post. The presentations will be broadcast to the library over the Internet. Topics include: "Your Toughest Job Search Questions Answered," "Learn How to Interview Like a Pro," and "Write a Resume that Gets the Job." The webinars are scheduled for May 5, 12 and 19 at 4 p.m. Reserve your free seat(s) through the library web site at www.wopl.org.

— Renee Riczker, assistant director, West Orange Public Library