Don't Forget Your Public Library As Part Of Your Job Search

DON’T FORGET YOUR PUBLIC LIBRARY

AS A POSSIBLE PART OF YOUR JOB SEARCH


When was the last time you visited your nearest Public Library?

For some, the answer is “yesterday”, because they live in a community in Connecticut where the library was an out and out donation, including grounds overlooking a magnificent river, from the family of a high profile celebrity. It is so beautiful that people just go there to “be there” and have a sense of renewal.

In urban settings, libraries have possibly been in their locations for many years, and the interiors remind and represent a feeling of being in an office building. Passersby rush in to return or sign out books, to check on recent newspapers and magazines, or to do some quick research that can cover a myriad of subjects.

And your Library Card is free!

But—did you ever think of your Public Library as a place of Free Advice, and even Free Computers that you can use?

If you don’t have a personal computer, and you need to explore Job Sites on the Internet, here is your answer.

Need a book on Resume Writing? The library has many, in addition to books on how to Interview and how to negotiate your compensation.

And don’t forget Librarians! These are people who have studied Research for years and love it helping library clients. Years ago when I was doing my Ph.D. studies, and when we didn’t have the Internet, I relied on the help and expertise of librarians in so many instances. It would have been impossible to do it without their help. This is what they do!—find out things that others think might be impossible.

Times are hard, though, for libraries. Hours and staff are being cut. It’s pretty essential that job seekers get busy now and reap the benefits of job search help from libraries.

If, perhaps, one is able to only use the limited services of a Career Coach, the Public Library can be a place where basic Research can take place.

Do everything you possibly can—free—not just the Library but Networking Groups. When at a Library computer, you have the whole Internet world at your disposal. Check job postings for every company you are interested in, and never fail to check sites like Craigs List to find unique, creative, and innovative people looking for just your skills.

Keep thinking! There is always more out there.

The Library can also be a great place not only for information, but a place to meet others who might well be in your own profession. Additionally, some Libraries actually have people on staff to help you with crafting an efficient and impressive Resume. The list goes on.

WHAT IS OUUTPLACEMENT?

March 25, 2009


WHAT IS OUTPLACEMENT?


Outplacement can be the biggest gift you could possibly get—or a big disappointment So much depends on the effectiveness of its delivery.

Basically, Outplacement is offered to employees who are being terminated from a company. It can happen at anywhere from a huge bank to a small manufacturing company—and everything in between.

Often, big companies who specialize in this service are called in to do the project. They charge a lot, and generally have the process mechanized to a fault. There are lots of group sessions. Data bases are shared with clients, and sometimes other companies let them know that there are job vacancies at their companies. Often there are resource libraries. They provide a format for Resume writing, and there are even sometimes videos on Interviewing and so forth. It’s a “package” project. There is scant one-on-one interaction.

Hopefully the process works well for participants. Sometimes it does, and clients are able to move on to other jobs. Clients can also be disappointed at the service they receive.

As a Sole Proprietor Career Coach, I too provide Outplacement services for corporate clients, and I believe my approach is effective and a bit unique.

Obviously there is just one of me, so the buck stops right here. Generally my projects include from thirty to fifty participants, and the success ratio is high.

We start with private, individual discussions with each participant. Being downsized is a strongly emotional occurrence, and it is essential that there is a neutral party to talk through the situation.

We look at their current Resume and start revisions for the next Targeted job situation. Particular attention is given to the Professional Summary part of the Resume.

Additionally, we craft a Cover Letter that can be adjusted to any company, position, or situation. The Resume and Cover Letter is the Professional Presentation, and vitally important.

We spend time Targeting the person’s next move. If the Target is right, and realistic, the job search process will be much easier.

Effective Interviewing skills are crucial in today’s marketplace. The first, initial, interview must be maximized in order for the candidate to move ahead into further discussions with a decision-maker.

Every participant gets a session on Salary Negotiation—what to do and not to do—so they are ready when the discussion of money comes up.

General Counseling is offered as needed. The main objective here is to be sure that the displaced worker does not drown in feelings of isolation and panic.

Effective Outplacement goes a long way. People are achieving good job offers even in the market we see today. Outplacement Services can contribute significantly to a more optimistic and healthy mind set. It is far too easy today to adopt a stance based on fear and worry.

Setting realistic goals about what kind of job—and when—can be helpful. It might well be necessary to take something we label as a “bridge” job for a while, in order to reach attainable goals that will be available later.

If you aren’t getting an Outplacement Package, perhaps you can consider the services of a Career Coach on your own. Often, for example, people come to me just for Resume Writing, or Interview Training.

Get in touch and we can talk about your special needs. www.bethross.com