We pride ourselves on being the Free Library of Opportunity, providing the resources, services, and programs that help our users find success in whatever task they’re tackling. For job seekers, that means providing free Wi-Fi to conduct your job search; free computer access to update your résumé and cover letter; robust online resources; and even in-person assistance to help you get on the path to career success. Last year alone, some 1,000 individuals said they were able to find jobs only because of the resources at the Free Library.

For more than 20 years, Workplace Wednesdays, held at the Parkway Central Library, has provided adult job seekers with professional training to help them identify skills and find the right job “fit.” Each Workplace series contains classes that focuses on everything from interviewing skills and job-hunting tips to résumé writing and critique. For more information please call 215-686-5436.

In addition, residents in Southwest Philadelphia can find all the help they need at our Paschalville Job Readiness Center, where job seekers can make one-on-one appointments with professionals who are trained in providing information on résumé preparation, applications and interviews, and the navigation of job-hunting websites. The Center is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Center also provides computer and internet access and a robust library of job-seeking materials. For more information or to make an appointment, please call 215-726-4587. The Paschalville Job Readiness Center is made possible with support from The Lincoln Foundation.

Tags: Reviews, careers

For Philadelphia job seekers, the Workplace is the Free Library destination of choice, providing a complete and up-to-date roster of job-search information. Once you feel ready to put your job search skills into practice, follow the link to check out upcoming opportunities in the Philadelphia job fair scene: http://libwww.freelibrary.org/jobseekers/jobfairs_fall2010.pdf

What do I do at a job fair?
If you’re a job seeker with plans to attend a job fair in the near future, your chances for success will improve if you put these suggestions on your “to do” list.

Dress for the occasion
First impressions are lasting. The people staffing the booths are likely to be wearing suits or “office casual” clothing like chinos and a button-down shirt. Your goal is to look like you belong there, too. That means no baggy pants, ripped jeans, flip-flops, or skimpy tops.

Have a resume
It may not get you hired on the spot, but it will be looked at later. Make sure your resume is clean and unwrinkled.

Be prepared for questions
When asked what kind of job you’re looking for, have in mind some kind of work and know whether the employer you are talking with has that kind of job as a possibility.

Offer a firm handshake
Smile and make eye contact.

Be ready with a sentence or two about any job experience
If you haven’t worked before, be ready to speak about your educations, skills, or interests.

Do your research
Get the names of the companies who will be at the job fair. Find out who they are and what kind of work they do.

Good Luck!
 

Tags: careers

You’ve been on the internet for weeks applying for jobs. But you never hear back from employers. Or maybe you had a great interview last week. You’re anxious to hear about the job, but there hasn’t been a response from the hiring manager.

 What should you do? Follow up with each employer. Find out if the job is still open or if it has been filled. Once you know the situation, you can take one of the following actions: cut your loss and move on; reconnect with the employer about the specific position or others you are qualified for; or request a second interview to reinforce your interest in the position. 

 What should you say in a follow-up? When following up regarding an online application, your message might be something like:

My name is John Jones. I applied for a medical billing clerk position posted on your website on August 15. It is now August 30, and I have not received a response from you. Please let me know if the position is still open, or if the position has been filled. If the position has been filled, I assure you that I’m still interested in working at name of company or organization).

Thank you for time. I would greatly appreciate a response.

When following up regarding an interview, your message might be something like:

Thank you again for interviewing me for the medical billing position at (name of company or organization) on August 15. You thought a hiring decision would be made within two-three weeks. Since that time has passed, I would like to know if the position has been filled. If so, I assure you that I’m still interested in working at (name of company or organization). Please keep my resume on file and contact me for any position for which I’m qualified. If the position is available, I would be happy to come in for a second interview to review my qualifications with you.

Thank you for time. I would greatly appreciate a response.

Why should you follow up? It demonstrates that you are a serious and persistent job seeker. It puts your name in front of people who are responsible for hiring again. It eliminates false hope about jobs that you think are still “possibilities.” You will know that you have done all that you can to reach out to employers. This will give you confidence to be assertive and determined in your job search.

Good luck !

This week's WORKPLACE Wednesday is Résumé Critique. The workshop on October 7 is Job Hunting Tips & Techniques.  Both workshops are in the Skyline Room at the Parkway Central Library at 6:00 p.m.

Tags: Reviews, WORKPLACE, careers

Hi there! Paul Savedow here, your go-to librarian for career resources. I am the head of the Education, Religion, and Philosophy Department in the Parkway Central Library and run WORKPLACE Wednesdays, a weekly program that can help you create and improve your résumé, search for new jobs, and help you figure out a new career path. Each Wednesday this fall, WORKPLACE Wednesdays will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in Parkway Central’s Skyline Room on the fourth floor. Free of charge, the programs are designed for adult job seekers and feature advice on workplace topics such as career decision making, writing and critiquing résumés, job hunting tips and techniques, interviewing skills, and computer and internet resources. Tomorrow's program will address creating and improving your résumé.

To complement WORKPLACE Wednesdays, I am proud to introduce a new blog on WORKPLACE tips! Every other week, I will be blogging about need-to-know topics like company and industry research, the role of professional organizations in career choices and job searching, employer expectations, federal government career resources, and more!

For a sneak peak of the services available at WORKPLACE Wednesdays, check out the video below and watch Tracy Davidson interview me about the variety of valuable resources and services we offer!  

Free Library from Tracy Davidson on Vimeo.

You can find me here next week for your first dose of WORKPLACE tips as I blog about following up on job applications and interviews. Until then, happy job hunting!

For questions, you can call the WORKPLACE at 215-686-5436.

By Paul S.

Tags: Reviews, WORKPLACE, careers