On June 22, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee will introduce the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) reauthorization bill. Libraries are currently not included in this legislation, but should be.
In 2009, 30 million people went to their public libraries to get employment services, using free public access computers to apply for a job online, create a resume, practice interview techniques, study for job certification or learn digital literacy skills. The American Library Association has asked the committee to ensure that public libraries are eligible for funds for employment and training activities and to encourage workforce operators to partner with public libraries in the comments submitted to the committee on Friday, June 17.
It makes sense to include libraries in this legislation. Libraries can serve as partners in one-stop delivery system, connecting the job seekers in our communities to resources quickly and efficiently. Libraries need a a seat at the table on local and state Workforce Development Boards to help make this happen. Including digital literacy skills training in the adult education part of the bill will make these critical skills a priority in retraining the American workforce.
Here in Plainfield, job seekers flock to the public computers, attend computer skills classes in English or Spanish, receive job search support in our Job Club, connect with Will County Work Force Services and get resume help through the online HelpNow service. Including libraries in this legislation will help bring together job seeker support services that are already being provided. It just makes sense.
Showing posts with label jobs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label jobs. Show all posts
Monday, June 20, 2011
Thursday, June 18, 2009
A few job search tips from my review of resumes for open positions at the Library
Resumes have been rolling in for the Human Resources Coordinator and Accountant positions currently open at the Library.
In reviewing these applications, I am stunned at the number of qualified job seekers whose applications for the positions are incomplete. I asked for 3 things to be submitted: cover letter, resume, and three references. Over 60% of applicants did not submit all three items. Of those that did submit a complete application, more than half sent form cover letters rather than personalized letters. Many contained typographical errors or grammatical mistakes.
The job ads also included the request "no phone calls please." The long versions of the ad, both posted on a popular job search website and the Library's website, contain my email address. In spite of that, I have received numerous phone calls from applicants asking if they have been selected for an interview, etc.
In this competitive job market, attention to detail is what sets your application apart. With over 100 applicants for each position, those who pay attention to my requests will get the interviews. Your application and responses during the selection of candidates are part of your first impression. Make a good first impression: follow directions!
In reviewing these applications, I am stunned at the number of qualified job seekers whose applications for the positions are incomplete. I asked for 3 things to be submitted: cover letter, resume, and three references. Over 60% of applicants did not submit all three items. Of those that did submit a complete application, more than half sent form cover letters rather than personalized letters. Many contained typographical errors or grammatical mistakes.
The job ads also included the request "no phone calls please." The long versions of the ad, both posted on a popular job search website and the Library's website, contain my email address. In spite of that, I have received numerous phone calls from applicants asking if they have been selected for an interview, etc.
In this competitive job market, attention to detail is what sets your application apart. With over 100 applicants for each position, those who pay attention to my requests will get the interviews. Your application and responses during the selection of candidates are part of your first impression. Make a good first impression: follow directions!
Monday, March 2, 2009
Hard Economic Times and Booming Library Use
The economy may not be booming - but Library use began booming with the population explosion and continues!
CNN.COM has joined CBS News, NBC News, the Boston Globe, the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal and many more in documenting the boom in library use during recessions. Between the population explosion in Plainfield that only recently ended, now the boom of use, Plainfield Library is a busy place. This morning, we have a full house: nearly full Internet PCs for adults, storytime kids all over, Homework Help Center, a movie, and a computer class scheduled for later in the day.
As mentioned in the article, Plainfield Library offers Internet Job Searching classes, resume writing, host the Will County Workforce Services Mobile Learning Center van and more. Unfortunately, the Library can only offer the classes to six people at a time - that's the capacity of the Computer Classroom. Also, the Homework Help Center and computer classes cannot run simultaneously because they use the same space.
CNN.COM has joined CBS News, NBC News, the Boston Globe, the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal and many more in documenting the boom in library use during recessions. Between the population explosion in Plainfield that only recently ended, now the boom of use, Plainfield Library is a busy place. This morning, we have a full house: nearly full Internet PCs for adults, storytime kids all over, Homework Help Center, a movie, and a computer class scheduled for later in the day.
As mentioned in the article, Plainfield Library offers Internet Job Searching classes, resume writing, host the Will County Workforce Services Mobile Learning Center van and more. Unfortunately, the Library can only offer the classes to six people at a time - that's the capacity of the Computer Classroom. Also, the Homework Help Center and computer classes cannot run simultaneously because they use the same space.
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