Hints for Job-Seekers Class
Class Description:
How do you begin an online job search? How do you find the right web site when you're applying for a job with a specific company? You'll get answers to these questions and more in this hands-on workshop. Bring your own job search questions so that we can work on them in class.
OBJECTIVE 1: Learn about the help the Williamsburg Regional Library can give you
1. Free computer classes
2. Job searching classes
3. One-on-one appointments
4. Books and DVDs
5. Local job listings and job fair information at Williamsburg Library
6. Online business information and online tests (e.g. GED, GRE)
7. Public computers available for first-come first-served use all the hours that the library is open
8. Help from the staff scheduled at the reference desk
OBJECTIVE 2: Learn about the help that other organizations in Williamsburg and James City County can give you
1. Virginia Employment Commission
2. Virginia Workforce Connection website
3. SNAP site at New Zion Church
OBJECTIVE 3: Getting Started on Your Job Search
§ Ask people you know
§ Where do you want to work? Think of local businesses
§ Most job listings are online, but try personal contact
§ Try professional bodies or targeted lists, e.g. ALA Joblist, (American Library Association), accountingboard.com
§ Go to the company’s own site to apply
OBJECTIVE 4: Finding the right place to apply online
§ Look for a link to “Employment”, “Jobs” or “Careers”
§ Search around the website - they are constantly changing
OBJECTIVE 5: How to fill out the online form
§ Some forms are “fill-in and print”, many are submitted online
§ Tricky bits of the form:
1. Saving each page as you go
2. Using the correct format for dates and phone numbers etc
3. Attaching a resume
4. What to do if you can’t go to the next screen and you get a message like “You need to add a date” “You cannot leave the box blank”
OBJECTIVE 6: Making a systematic search
§ Bookmark frequently used sites on your home computer
§ On a library or shared computer
o print yourself a list
o email yourself a list of links
OBJECTIVE 7: Important Hints for Success
§ Allow plenty of time – you generally have to retype your name, address, past jobs, education over and over again and it can take a long time
§ Have the information you need with you:
o Passwords and SSN
o Addresses of past employers and schools
o Contact info telephone and email address for your references
§ Bring some change for printing
§ Use email or a USB, Flash or thumb drive to save things like resumes and the tasks you performed at each job – this will save you from having to retype them as often
Good luck!