Don't overlook libraries: How libraries can help with your job search

The library is a longstanding institution that has existed since the seventh century B.C. Historically, libraries served as a repository for written works, but these days, they offer far more than books (though these incredible resources are still plentiful). If you're not using your local library to assist in your job hunt, you're missing out on a wealth of opportunities.

Free classes for essential skills

Libraries offer many learning opportunities that can help you broaden and strengthen your skill set. Best of all, these resources are usually free of charge to library members.

Computer literacy is necessary in nearly every career. Understanding how to navigate and utilize the internet is essential for a thorough job search. If you're not computer-literate, your local library may have the necessary courses to get up to speed. A whopping 92% of librarians offer basic computer instruction. You can often find classes on typing, digital literacy, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Gmail, Windows, and more.

Your library may also have classes that can help you improve your financial literacy. Such classes can help you learn how to stretch your dollar while you're looking for a job and how to best invest in retirement while you're climbing your career ladder.

Managing your health and wellness is always important, but this becomes more critical during times of high stress, such as periods of unemployment. Consider participating in a library yoga, meditation, or nutrition class so you can function at optimal efficiency throughout the job hunt.

Assistance with resume writing

Putting together a strong resume is the first step toward getting a great job. If your resume is built to impress, this will help you secure an interview with your desired company. Many libraries offer resources, such as group classes or personal assistance, with resume writing. This is a great place to get a set of outside eyes on your job applications before you submit them to hiring managers.

You can use these types of classes to help with writing a resume from scratch or to get an expert evaluation of the finished document that you've already sent out. If you haven't been getting the responses you want, a facilitator can help you figure out why. Look for books on resume writing to get lots of in-depth information on this topic.

Free computer and internet usage

If you don't have a PC or reliable internet access at home, you're at a distinct disadvantage in your job hunt. Using a computer, you can build and submit your resume, conduct an in-depth job search, and create a profile on job search sites, such as CareerBuilder, so that employers can find you. Most libraries have computers and internet available to their patrons to give you access to all these resources and more. Some even maintain a "library of things" where you can check out a laptop for personal use outside the library building.

Access to printers

If you don't have a printer, paper, or ink at your house, you won't be able to print out your resume and cover letter or get a paper copy of any research and documentation you're creating online. While you can usually submit resumes and applications digitally, it's still a good idea to retain a paper copy.

Having your resume to hand at a job interview gives you a good reference point for your conversation. If you have a portfolio of writing samples or other creations, it's beneficial to have a physical copy of these with you as well. It's cheap or free to print these documents at most libraries.

Helpful books

The library's original purpose is still extremely relevant today. Every library maintains a collection of written resources for you to use in your job hunt. Consider some of these methods that you can use to read your way to a more successful job search:

Explore books about conversation skills to better navigate the verbal challenges of your job interview.
Use resume-writing books for inspiration on the format and working of your application documents.
Polish your relevant job skills with tailored reading material. If you're applying for a landscaping job, check out a book on the latest landscaping techniques or local flora and fauna. If you're interested in a retail position, get some books on marketing or sales techniques.
Take personality tests to explore your strengths and weaknesses. Many books, such as "What Color is Your Parachute", can help you find a new career path if you're feeling lost.
Learn a new skill. If you're between jobs, this could be the perfect time to explore new interests. You could find that making sourdough bread or doing beadwork is a passion that can put you on the path to a new career.

"Keeping up to date with trade journals and similar publications will give you valuable talking points for your interview."

Industry publications and resources

Industry publications are a valuable resource for the latest news and trends in a niche area of business. These magazines and trade journals can alert you to the latest government regulations, inventions, and techniques in the industry you'd like to work in.

Keeping up to date with trade journals and similar publications will give you valuable talking points for your interview. For example, you can impress the hiring manager in a manufacturing facility by speaking fluently of the most recent innovations in production line technology and how these might benefit the company. Your local library can provide you with an abundance of publications to peruse, including both recent and back issues, that can help you converse on all the trending topics.

Networking events

The events at your local library can serve as a valuable networking ground whether they're designed for that purpose or not. Many libraries host brunches or other gatherings organized specifically for small business owners or professionals in a particular field to meet and mingle. It's true that your job search is all about who you know, so it's worth the time to make sure you Ihave a lot of good contacts.

You can find opportunities to network at other public library events as well. Attending a presentation by a master gardener may help you meet other professionals in the area of agriculture. Joining a book club can help you expand your social circle and make new connections that could ultimately lead to an unexpected job opportunity.

Job fairs

Many libraries host job fairs to help connect local businesses with prospects in the community. Check with your library to see if they have anything like this on the calendar. If not, express your interest in such an event. The needs of the patrons can go a long way toward influencing library programming.

If there's an upcoming job fair, use the library to print out several copies of your resume and plan to attend so you can pass them out. Dress well so you'll make a professional impression on everyone you meet. Job fairs are an excellent path to your next career.

Every library is different, so the best way to find out what you can do in your community is to stop in for a visit. Getting a library card is typically free for anyone who lives in the area. Simply provide them with proof of your address so that you can take advantage of all that your library has to offer.