Rethinking Your Career Options?

Starting at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 23, the Newton Free Library will be holding the second in it’s “Job Seekers, Career and Professional Development Series”.   It will be in the Druker Auditorium, immediately to your left  as you come in from the parking lot. The topic is “Reinventing Yourself in Today’s Economy.”   The speaker will be Danila Szekely, a professional career coach.  To hire a career coach can be expensive.  At the library you have access to her advice and get to ask her questions at no cost.

Abandoning  an  established career can be a very scary prospect. Leaving what you know will be  a challenge whatever the reason.  Perhaps you have been laid off or are unhappy in your current position.  Not sure what to do next to secure a safe landing?  Do you want to explore your options? Coming to this program will give you the opportunity to talk to others,  to receive advice, and to see how others are dealing with the situation you are facing.

If you feel you would like more information on this topic, either before or after the program, you may want to take a look at some of the books I have listed below.  If you click on a title that interests you, the link will take you to the book’s entry in our library’s catalog. Once there, you can click on listed subject headings to find additonal books on the same topic. You can come in, retrieve it (or them), check it (or them) out,  and use whatever  meets your needs.  You can also call the Reference Department and have one of us pull available books for you for pick up at the library.  Before 4:00 we can probably pull them that day, once we are off desk.  After 4:00 p.m. they will be pulled between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. the next morning.  Just make sure you have your Minuteman library card handy so we can put in the reserve.

General Books on Managing a Career Change:

Coach Yourself to a New Career: 7 Steps to Reinventing Your Professional Life by Talane Miedancer.  New York: McGraw-Hill, 2010.  331.7 M58C

The 10 Laws of Career Reinvention: Essential Survival Skills for Any Economy by Pamela Mitchell.   New York: Dutton, 2010.  331.7 M69T

The Sequel: How to Change Your Career without Starting Over by Laurence Shatkin.  Indianapolis, IN:  JIST Works, 2011.  331.7 S53S

Strategies for Successful Career Change: Finding Your Very Best Next Work Life by Martha E. Mangelsdorf. Berkeley, CA: Ten Speed Press, 2009. 331.7 M31S

Related Books:

New Guide for Occupational Exploration: Linking Interests, Learning, and Careers by Michael Farr and Laurence Shatkin.  Indianapolis, IN: JIST Works, 2006.  331.7 FARR

The Age Advantage: Making the Most of Your Midlife Career Transition by Jean Erickson Walker.  New York: Berkley, 2000.  658.4 W15A

Are There Any Good Jobs Left?: Career Management in the Age of the Disposable Worker by R. William Holland. Westport, CT: Praeger Publishers, 2006. 331.7 H71A

I Don’t Know What I Want, But I Know It’s Not This: A Step by Step Guide to Finding Gratifying Work by Julie Jansen. New York: Penguin Books, 2010.  331.7 J26I

The Career Change Resume by Kim Isaacs. New York, 2003.  331.115 ISAACS

A Useful Website:

The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes The Occupational Outlook Handbook each year.  They also maintain a website by the same title but with additional information.Both have occupation based articles with sections that describe the nature of the work; training, other qualifications, and chances for advancement; employment opportunities; job outlook; earnings; related occupations; and sources of additional information.  Click here to link to the Occupational Outlook Handbook Online. When you have the time, make sure you explore the tabs.

Good luck with your search.  Hope to see you at the library on the 23rd.

vea/17 October 2012
Newton Free Library
Newton, Mass.

http://www.newtonfreelibrary.net


http://jobsearchchatter.wordpress.com

Applying for Job LibGuide

Newton Free Library Now Subscribes to Optimal Resume

The Newton Free Library has recently invested in a new database to help our patrons who are looking for work.  Optimal Resume can help you build both your resume and and your career.  Curious?  Join us next Thursday, September 13th at 7:00 PM in Drucker Auditorium.  You will be introduced to our new database and be able to ask questions.

What can Optimal Resume do for you?

Optimal Resume provides a number of ways to create  a resume.  Once you sign in, you can build it by using subject blocks provided by Optimal Resume.  You can rearrange them at will.  Or you can start with actual resume samples that cover a number of careers,  jobs, and levels of experience. You can take a resume you like and edit it for your own use.  If you prefer starting from scratch, they also provide you with a blank piece of [online] paper.  They do the same for cover letters.  Once you have created your resume or cover letter, you will also be able to further edit it to match specific job openings.  You can then store your various resumes and cover letters under your account at Optimal Resume .

As you do more reading and look for additional help with your job search, you will find that Optimal Resume is one step ahead of you.  They offer help with assessing your skills and with practicing for interviews.  If a job application actually  requires a video resume, Optimal Resume will help you create one.

Did you know you could embed links to your work into your online resume?  Of course you can only do this if you have a web page or blog you can link to. Although Optimal Resume does not help you create a blog, it  does provide help in creating a simple online website as well as a location to keep it.  The link you add to your resume provides an interested employer with a place to quickly check samples of your work without adding length to your resume.

According to an article that appeared in the New York Post on July 4th, 2010 “Today’s workers will run through at least 10 jobs, three careers, and two layoffs between college and retirement.”  To have maximum impact in your job searches, your need to  keep track of prime examples of your work product and experience, as well as your job descriptions and a list of your various responsibilities.  It is a good idea to keep at least one portfolio (or more) of your work where you can find it and easily add to it. Optimal Resume gives you a place to create and keep one (or more) portfolios for yourself.

All in all, Optimal Resume can prove a very useful product throughout your career — both in finding and documenting your jobs.  The Newton Free Library would like to offer you the opportunity to use these resources to both aid in your job hunt and to build your career.   Take a look and join us next Thursday to learn more.

vea/7 September 2012
Newton Free Library
Newton, Mass.

http://www.newtonfreelibrary.net


http://jobsearchchatter.wordpress.com

Applying for Job LibGuide

Come to the Library for Help with Your Resumes and Cover Letters

Newton Free Library, Tuesday, February 28th, 2012 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

How do I start putting together my resume? I have a resume, but I don’t think it’s effective? How can I make it better?  What am I doing wrong?  How can I tell if it even got through once I’ve sent it?  Do I really need a cover letter?  Should I use a cover letter for my email and then attach the resume?  I need help!  What do I do?

How about trying a career counselor — for free!  On Tuesday,  February 28th, you will have your chance.  Tammy Gooler Loeb is a professional career counselor with 25 years experience.  She will be speaking at the Newton Free Library on how to build effective resumes and cover letters.  Mark you calendars for 7:00 with a reminder to allow some extra time for parking.  After you park, walk from the parking lot over the bridge and into the library.  The talk will be in the Druker Auditorium.  Just take your first left into the front part of the gallery area and the doors to Druker are on your left.

Do you have any tips for others that have worked for you? Questions?  Bring them along.

Included below is a list of books, blogs and websites you may also find useful. Click on the link to find more information.

Doing your resume?   Need more information?  Check out these books at the library.

E-resumes – Criscito, Pat, 1953-
Call Number: 331.115 CRISCITO
ISBN: 0764128965

Resumes that POP – Criscito, Pat.
Call Number: 331.115 C86R
ISBN: 0764143506

Expert Resumes for Career Changers – Enelow, Wendy S.
Call Number: 331.115 E56E
ISBN: 9781593577810

Expert Resumes for Computer and Web Jobs – Enelow, Wendy S.
Call Number: 331.115 E56E
ISBN: 9781593578114

Expert Resumes for People Returning to Work
Call Number: 331.115 E57E
ISBN: 9781563709111

The Quick Resume and Cover Letter Book – Farr, Michael
Call Number: 331.115 F24Q
ISBN: 9781593578565

101 Great Resumes – Fry, Ronald W.
Call Number: 331.115 F94O
ISBN: 9781598638554

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to the Perfect Resume – Ireland, Susan.
Call Number: 331.115 I66C
ISBN: 9781592579570

Résumé Magic: Trade Secrets of a Professional Résumé Writer
Call Number: 331.115 W58R
ISBN: 1593577338

The Everything Resume Book: Create a Winning Resume that Stands Out from the Crowd – Schuman, Nancy.
Call Number: 331.115 S39E
ISBN: 9781598696370

Fearless Résumés – Stein, Marky.
Call Number: 331.115 S81F
ISBN: 9780071482356

Federal Resume Guidebook: Strategies for Writing a Winning Federal Resume – Troutman, Kathryn Kraemer
Call Number:  331.115 T75F  2011 5ed
ISBN: 9781593578503

Need more help with cover letters?

The Encyclopedia of Business Letters, Faxes, and E-mail: Features Hundreds of Model Letters, Faxes, and E-mail to Give Your Business Writing the Attention It Deserves – Bly, Robert W.
Call Number: 808.066 B62E
ISBN: 9781601630292
See Chapter Three: Job-Hunting and Employment Related Correspondence, pp. 39 -66.

Cover Letter Magic
Call Number: 331.115 E56C
ISBN: 1593577354

15 Minute Cover Letter – Farr, J. Michael.
Call Number: 331.115 F24F
ISBN: 9781593576615

4 Cover Letter Secrets
Call Number: 331.7 J71F
ISBN: 192164401X

Cover Letters for Dummies – Kennedy, Joyce Lain.
Call Number: 331.115 K38C
ISBN: 9780470402214

Gallery of Best Cover Letters – Noble, David F. (David Franklin), 1935-
Call Number: 331.115 N66G
ISBN: 9781593574253

Having trouble embedding a resume in an e-mail or online job application?

To learn about converting your formatted resume to plain text go to

http://guides.newtonfreelibrary.net/jobs

Click on Handout 8 to learn more about plain text.
If your resume is in Microsoft Word, check Handout 9.
If your resume is in GoogleDocs, check Handout 10.

Websites

Riley Guide: Resumes and Cover Letters

http://www.rileyguide.com/letters.html

Massachusetts Labor and Workforce Development: Creating Resumes

http://www.mass.gov/lwd/employment-services/job-seekers-services/job-hunting-information/creating-resumes
(2/10/12)

Quintessential Careers (TMG)

http://www.quintcareers.com/resres.html

I am providing a direct link to QC’s section on resumes and cover letters. It gives a list of websites.  What helps is that each is annotated.  It’s a site that is well worth exploring.

Blogs

Job-Hunt.org

http://www.job-hunt.org/internetresume.shtml

ReCareered (TMG)

http://www.recareered.com/blog/category/recareered-blog/

To find the postings specifically relating to Resumes or Cover Letters, scroll down a bit until you find the area marked “Tags” on the right.  Just click on the topic you wish to see.

Newton’s Quick Job Search Blog: Resumes and Cover Letters

http://jobsearchchatter.wordpress.com/category/resumes-and-cover-letters

vea/24 February 2012
Newton Free Library
Newton, Mass.

http://www.newtonfreelibrary.net


http://jobsearchchatter.wordpress.com

Applying for Job LibGuide

September Offerings for Job Seekers at the Newton Free Library

Newton Free Library Parking Lot Entrance

SERIES PROGRAM:  The first of eight programs, Reinventing Yourself in Today’s Economy,  is being presented on Wednesday, September 14th, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm in Newton Free Library’s Drucker Auditorium.  It is part of the Library’s Job Seekers, Career and Professional Development Series being offered from September though May.  There will be two speakers, Danila Szekely and Tammy Gooler Loeb, both career coaches.  For a complete list of topics and dates, see my blog posting dated July 27th, 2011.  To find the Drucker Auditorium, take your first left after you come into the building from the parking lot. Then it’s the first door on your left.

This first program is being given by career coach Danila Szekely.  The presentation will include tools, suggestions, and exercises to help you progress to the next step in your career.  Whether you are working within your chosen career, looking for another position,  or seeking an entirely new job in a different field, the information provided here may prove useful to you.

CLASS:  The second September offering will be my Applying for a Job Online class being held on Thursday, September 15th, starting at 2:30 pm. The class can run over it’s 3:30 deadline depending on various factors in each class.  It must be over no later than 4:00.

How to Get to the Computer Training Room: The class is held in the computer training room on the second floor near the front staircase.  When you come off the staircase go straight.   There will be a reference desk on your right.  On your left you will pass a statue who’s back is to the study rooms.  Straight ahead will be the computer training room. If you come from the front elevator (on your right just before you get to the first floor Children’s Room) take a left as you step out of the elevator on the second floor then go straight and follow the directions as though you have come off the staircase.  This room is open for use when classes are not in session.  Hence the 4:00 deadline.  Patrons will be signed up to use the computers from 4:00 pm onward.

Class Content: The class covers the use of several online databases, gives tips on dealing with applying for a job online, and demonstrates in detail how to change a formatted resume into plain text.  Having a plain text copy of a resume is critical when it needs to be sent in the body of an email or to be cut and pasted into an online job application. There is a large amount of material to go over.  This is one reason a class can sometimes run overtime. You will be given handouts of everything covered in class. You should be able to  follow the handouts and  do at home most of what we do in class.

CLUB:  Now in its eighth year, “Women in Career Transition” will meet on Tuesday, September 20th, at 7:30 p.m. in Room A.  The meeting room is in the group of rooms directly across from Druker Auditorium.  The purpose of the club is to provide information, share concerns, and give support. It’s a great networking opportunity.  It is led by Joyce Picard, a Career Counselor.  If you are interested or have questions, you may call her at 1-617-969-5673.

vea/8 September 2011
Newton Free Library
Newton, Mass.

http://www.newtonfreelibrary.net


http://jobsearchchatter.wordpress.com

Applying for Job LibGuide

Job Seekers, Career and Professional Development Series at the Newton Free Library

The Job Seekers Series for 2011 – 2012 will be starting one month earlier than in previous  years.  Danila Szekely and Tammy Gooler Loeb, Executive and Career Transition Coaches, will be the program presenters.  Save the following evenings for a trip to Newton Free Library.  It may mean the difference between finding work and finding work that you love.

The schedule for the 2011 – 2012 programs is as follows:

2011

September 14 (Wednesday)
Reinventing Yourself in Today’s Tough Economy

October 13 (Thursday)
Motivation Factors in Your Job Search

November 15 (Tuesday)
Successful Transitions in Tough Times
A Moderated Panel Discussion

2012

January 17 (Tuesday)
Too Many Interests to Choose Just One?
Creating Career Focus

February 28 (Tuesday)
From Good to Great:
How to Build Effective Resumes and Cover Letters

March 27 (Tuesday)
Focusing on Your Strengths

April 24 (Tuesday)
Social Media and the Job Search

May 22 (Tuesday)
Positioning Yourself for Success

I will be posting more information about individual programs as their date approaches.  The schedule listed above gives you an over view of all the topics being offered.  It’s quite a range. And remember. These two women are professional Career Coaches.  You have access to their expertise during these programs at no charge.

vea/ 26 July 2011
Newton Free Library
Newton, Mass.

http://www.newtonfreelibrary.net


http://jobsearchchatter.wordpress.com


http://guides.newtonfreelibrary.net/jobs

May Offerings for Job Seekers at the Newton Free Library

This month’s class on “Applying for a Job Online” will be held at the Newton Free Library on Thursday, 12 May 2011 from 2:30 to 3:30. The class is located in the library’s computer training room on the second floor near the top of the front staircase. There are only ten computer stations so we ask you to call us and register to save your place.  The phone number is 1-617-796-1380.

The class covers the use of several online databases, gives tips on dealing with applying for a job online, and demontrates in detail how to change a formatted resume into plain text.  Having a plain text copy of a resume is critical when it needs to be sent in the body of an email or to be cut and pasted into an online job application. There is a large amount of material to go over, so classes can sometimes run overtime. You will be given handouts of everything covered in class. You should be able to  follow the handouts and  do at home most of what we do in class.

“Women in Career Transition” will meet on Tuesday, the 17th of May at 7:30 p.m. in Room A.  The meeting room is in the group of rooms directly across from Druker Auditorium.  The purpose of the club is to provide information, share concerns, and give support.  It is led by Joyce Picard, a Career Counselor.  If you are interested or have questions, you may call her at 1-617-969-5673

The third of this month’s offerings is a program in “The Job Seekers, Career and Professional Development Series” featuring Career Coach Tammy Gooler Loeb will be held on Tuesday, 24 May 2011.  The program is “Are You LinkedIn? Using Social Media to Make Career Connections.”  I cannot recommend this program highly enough.  LinkedIn is a key site for career networking.  It  helps you research companies by linking to people who work or have worked in specific companies and can provide you with a place to keep track of your work portfolio. It is an extremely powerful tool if you know how to use it.  I have heard Tammy speak about LinkedIn in the past.  It will be well worth you time to come, listen, and learn.

For more information, click on the title of each program.  This will link you to additional information on the library’s website.

vea/ 22 April 2011
Newton Free Library
Newton, Mass.

http://www.newtonfreelibrary.net


http://jobsearchchatter.wordpress.com

Before and After: Great Cover Letters and Thank You Notes

Tammy Gooler Loeb, one of our two intrepid career coach speakers, has a deceptively simple talk this month, how to write a good cover letter (before) and thank you notes  (after) you’ve been interviewed.  If you are a job hunter, I would strongly suggest you come in and see what Tammy’s session has to offer.

In this “Brave New World” of the job hunt, you first have to figure out if you even need to write up a cover letter or whether it is sufficient just to send along a resume.  (See my class below regarding that “sending along” process.)  Whatever you decide,  you still need a basic cover letter.  Writing it is daunting. Tammy will show you how to make your cover letters effective and save you time (and perhaps embarrassment) by avoiding common mistakes.

I was very glad to see that thank you notes are also being covered. People underestimate the importance of writing these troublesome little creatures. I always mention them in my class as an example of a guerrilla tactic for the job hunter.  How can something so civilized be a “guerrilla” tactic?  Because so few people take the time to do it.  And it pays great dividends when done right. It may make the difference between which of two good candidates for a position actually gets hired.  It not only helps the interviewers remember precisely who you are, but to remember you positively.

All you have to do to hear Tammy is to come to Newton Free Library’s  Druker Auditorium on Tuesday, March 22nd at 7:00. (Take your first left after you come into the building from the parking lot. Then it’s the first door on your left.) A small expenditure of time and a few steps may help you get hired.

—————

This month’s class on “Applying for a Job Online” will be held the day after Tammy’s talk, on Wednesday, the 23rd of March from 2:30 to 3:30. The class is located in the library’s computer training room on the second floor near the top of the front staircase. There are only ten computer stations so we ask you to call us and register to save your place.  The phone number is 1-617-796-1380

The class covers the use of several online databases, gives tips on dealing with applying for a job online, and shows in detail how to change your formatted resume into plain text. Having a plain text copy of your resume (or cover letter) is critical when you want to send it in the body of your email or when you need to cut and paste it into an online job application. There is a large amount of material to go over, so classes can sometimes run overtime. You will be given handouts of everything covered in class. You should be able to follow the handouts and  do at home most of what we do in class.

—————

“Women in Career Transition” will meet on Tuesday, the 15th of March at 7:30 p.m. in Room A. The meeting room is in the group of rooms directly across from Druker Auditorium.  The purpose of the club is to provide information, share concerns, and give support.  It is led by Joyce Picard, a Career Counselor.  If you are interested or have questions, you may call her at 1-617-969-5673.

vea/1 March 2011
Newton Free Library
Newton, Mass.

http://www.newtonfreelibrary.net


http://jobsearchchatter.wordpress.com

Four Offerings for Job Hunters at the Newton Free Library in February

This month’s class on “Applying for a Job Online” will be held at the Newton Free Library on Valentine’s Day, Monday, 14 February 2011  from 2:30 to 3:30. The class is located in the library’s computer training room on the second floor near the top of the front staircase. There are only ten computer stations so we ask you to call us and register to save your place.  The phone number is 1-617-796-1380

The class covers the use of several online databases, gives tips on dealing with applying for a job online, and shows in detail how to change your formatted resume into plain text.  Having a plain text copy of your resume is critical when you want to send it in the body of your email or when you need to cut and paste it into an online job application. There is a large amount of material to go over, so classes can sometimes run overtime. You will be given handouts of everything covered in class. You should be able to  follow the handouts and  do at home most of what we do in class.

“Women in Career Transition” will meet on Tuesday, the 15th th of February at 7:30 p.m. in Room A. The January meeting was canceled due to snow. The meeting room is in the group of rooms directly across from Druker Auditorium.  The purpose of the club is to provide information, share concerns, and give support.  It is led by Joyce Picard, a Career Counselor.  If you are interested or have questions, you may call her at 1-617-969-5673.

The third of this month’s offerings is a program in “The Job Seekers, Career and Professional Development Series” featuring Danila Szekely.  Her topic is “Positioning Yourself for Success: Communicating Your Brand.” It will start at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 22nd  in the Library’s Druker Auditorium. (Take your first left after you come into the building from the parking lot. Then it’s the first door on your left.)  Danila will explain how you can best communicate your brand (yourself) within the context of career management and the job search.   It is an interactive, hands on program, so questions are welcome, as well as any tips you may have picked up along the way — dos, don’ts, or how tos.  There is no advance registration.  Everyone is welcome. For a more detailed description of the program, click here.

Although not specifically related to job hunting, you might want to attend a talk on “Twitter Basics” given by John Walsh, Assistant Supervisor of Reference.  John will show you how to set up an account,  how to “tweet” and explain about following and followers.  If you want to know a little more about using Twitter to find a job, click on this link to a 2009 two page New York Post article. Interested?  Then come to the library for John’s talk on Thursday, February 24 at 7:00.

vea/12 February 2011
Newton Free Library
Newton, Mass.

http://www.newtonfreelibrary.net


http://jobsearchchatter.wordpress.com

Help for Job Hunters in January at the Newton Free Library

The Newton Free Library 13 January 2011

The first January program takes the form of  a  club meeting. “Women in Career Transition” will meet on Tuesday, the 18th of January at 7:30 p.m. in Room A. The meeting room is in the group of rooms directly across from Druker Auditorium.  The purpose of the club is to provide information, share concerns, and give support.  It is led by Joyce Picard, a Career Counselor.  If you are interested or have questions, you may call her at 1-617-969-5673.

The second of this month’s offerings is a program in “The Job Seekers, Career and Professional Development Series” featuring Tammy Gooler.  Her topic is “From Good to Great — How to Build an Effective Resume.” It will start at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 25th in the Library’s Druker Auditorium. (Take your first left after you come into the building from the parking lot. Then it’s the first door on your left.)  Tammy will discuss how to put together an effective resume.  In this new age of applying for a job online,  job hunters need additional help in getting their resume to the top of the usually computer sorted pile.  Anyone having problems either putting their resume together or in getting it through the electonic maze should stop by.  It is an interactive program, so questions are welcome, as well as any tips you may have picked up along the way — dos, don’ts, or how tos.  There is no advance registration.  Everyone is welcome.

The last January offering is a class the library offers each month. This month’s class on “Applying for a Job Online” will be held at the Newton Free Library on Wednesday, January 26th, from 2:30 to 3:30. The class is located in the library’s computer training room on the second floor near the top of the front staircase. There are only ten computer stations so we ask you to call us and register to save your place.  The phone number is 1-617-796-1380.

The class covers the use of several online databases, gives tips on dealing with applying for a job online, and shows in detail how to change your formatted resume into plain text.  Having a plain text copy of your resume is critical when you want to send it in the body of your email or when you need to cut and paste it into an online job application. There is a large amount of material to go over, so classes can sometimes run overtime. You will be given handouts of everything covered in class. You should be able to  follow the handouts and  do at home most of what we do in class.

You can find the handouts for the class at the library website.    If you live too far away to come to class, you should still be able to put the handouts to good use.   Click here to get to them directly. This brings you to the “Class Materials and Other Resources.” To get here from the Newton Free Library homepage, go to www.newtonfreelibrary.net and put your cursor on the “Services” option near the top right of the page. Then choose “Computer, IT & Classes.”  Near the bottom of the list that appears is “Class Materials and Other Resources.”  Click on it. Handouts 3, 4, and 5 have been completely updated as of June 11th.  Handout 6, “Saving a Resume to Plain Text,” was updated on June 4th.  All contain instructions combined with screen shots. You may have to wait for several seconds for the screen shots to download.  Click on each handout to look at them online.  Feel free to print out any of interest.  If you teach a job search class, you may use any of this material if you credit the source.  See the end of each handout.  If you have any difficulty downloading a handout in Internet Explorer, try it in the Mozilla Firefox browser.

vea/11 January 2011
Newton Free Library
Newton, Mass.

http://www.newtonfreelibrary.net


http://jobsearchchatter.wordpress.com

December Job Search Offerings at the Newton Free Library

Newton Free Library November 2010

On Monday, December 6th the library offers “Interview with Confidence — How to Interview Successfully While Staying Authentic to Your Individual Style” with Danila Szekely.  This interactive program will start at 7:00 pm in the Newton Free Library’s Druker Auditorium . (Take your first left as you come into the building from the parking lot. Then it’s the first door on your left.) 

Are you just starting to go for interviews?  Have you been doing it for awhile?  Are you intimidated or frustrated by the whole process?  Do you have questions?  If you have had some success, do you have suggestions that might help others?  Bring it all to this session.  Not only do you have access to an excellent career coach (for free), but you will be able to meet others with the same problems you are having.  Not feeling so alone in this process is a huge help when trying to cope with the stresses of a  job search.

Our second offering is a class the library offers each month. This month’s class on “Applying for a Job Online” will be held at the Newton Free Library on Wednesday, December 15th,  from 2:30 t0 3:30. The class is located in the library’s computer training room on the second floor near the top of the front staircase. There are only ten computer stations so we ask you to call us and register to save your place.  The phone number is 1-617-796-1380.

The class covers the use of several online databases, gives tips on dealing with applying for a job online, and shows in detail how to change your formated resume into plain text.  Having a plain text copy of your resume is critical when you want to send it in the body of your email or when you need to cut and paste it into an online job application. There is a large amount of material to go over, so classes can sometimes run overtime.  You will be given handouts of everything covered in class. You should be able to  follow the handouts and  do at home most of what we do in class.

Copies of the handouts have recently been added to the library website.    If you live too far away to come to class, you should still be able to put the handouts to good use.   Click  here to get to them directly. This brings you to the “Class Materials and Other Resources.” To get here from the Newton Free Library homepage, go to www.newtonfreelibrary.net and put your cursor on the “Services” option near the top right of the page. Then choose “Computer, IT & Classes.”  Near the bottom of the list that appears is “Class Materials and Other Resources.”   Click on it. Handouts 3, 4, and 5 have been completely updated as of June 11th.  Handout 6, “Saving a Resume to Plain Text,” was updated on June 4th.  All contain instructions combined with screen shots. You may have to wait for several seconds for the screen shots to download.  Click on each handout to look at them online.  Feel free to print  out any of interest.  If you teach a job search class, you may use any of this material if you credit the source.  See the end of each handout.  If you have any difficulty downloading a handout in Internet Explorer, try it in the Mozilla Firefox browser.

30 November 2010/vea
Newton Free Library
Newton, Mass.

http://www.newtonfreelibrary.net


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