Job Seekers Toolkit
From finding the right opportunity to crafting your resume, job searching can be complicated. Learn how to break down the steps of your job search and find tools to get started with library resources and events, then participate in related workshops to build your skills and receive feedback from hiring professionals!
Professional Documents
Your resume is an important tool for highlighting your skills and accomplishments. A well-written resume opens doors for interviews. Attend our virtual session on Tuesday, August 9 at 3pm to explore resumes prior to the in-person Resume Review. Register here.
Resume Review – Friday, August 12 from 1-3pm
Bring your current resume for review by an HR professional or recruiter, and receive feedback that can help you meet your goals. Presented in partnership with Capital One, The Container Store, Collin College, the City of Plano and others. Appointment sign-up begins on site 30 minutes in advance
Library Resources
Tutor.com
While this virtual tutoring service is mainly used by teens in high school, Tutor.com also includes services for people looking for jobs. Create a free account using your library card and an email address, and submit a resume and/or cover letter for review. You can even include the job posting you are thinking of applying to, so they can provide advice based on the posting. Access Tutor.com here.
Learning Express Library
Most of what LEL has relates to tests, exams and certifications for jobs, but there is also the “Job & Career Accelerator”, which features powerful tools and guidance of building resumes and job letters, finding a career match and exploring occupations. Like with many of our resources, you will need your library card to access this site.
LinkedIn Learning, available for free with your library card, grants you access to over 8,000 courses to build your professional and personal skills. Here are some recommendations for courses relating to professional documents, like resumes:
How to Highlight Your Job Skills (2022)
In this course, Chris Taylor explores how to represent your job skills and background in a way that will highly resonate with prospective employers. He explores the areas of crafting a strong resume and cover letter, building a positive online persona, and how to leverage networking to help you in a career transition. If you’re looking to improve how people see your skills—be it in print, online, or via networking—check out this course to get started.
How to Build an Analytics Portfolio that Gets You Your Next Job (2022)
Get an overview of your secret weapon on the job hunt: an analytics portfolio. Learn tips and best practices for building out your portfolio, distinguishing it from your resume, selecting an outlet and unique brand aesthetic, highlighting your projects, and promoting your personal brand. By the end of this course, you’ll be ready to get started crafting your analytics portfolio for your next job today.
Creating a Video Resume (2022)
In this course, Madeline Mann helps you explore the untapped possibilities of a video resume. Find out more about the value of video as a resume format and why it’s quickly becoming a new norm. Learn how to plan, film, edit, submit, and feature your video resume. Work with Madeline to develop an action plan and commit to it in your job-hunting process.
The Job Search
From finding the right opportunity to crafting your resume, job searching can be complicated. Learn how to break down the steps of your job search and find easy ways to get started. Attend our virtual session on Tuesday, August 16 at 3pm to explore resumes prior to the in-person Targeted Job Search. Register here.
Targeted Job Search – Friday, August 19 from 1-3pm
Discover strategies for narrowing your search and finding job postings that match your skills. Library staff offer assistance exploring targeted job search options using library computers. Appointment sign-up begins on site 30 minutes in advance
Library Resources
Tutor.com
In addition to the resume/cover letter review, Tutor.com has curated resources for job searching, including a Military Skills Translator, How to Get a Government Job and Job Searching Where Companies Can Find You.
Learning Express Library
LEL includes tutorials and resources for searching and finding jobs, including internships and jobs in Canada.
Reference Solutions
Typically used for business and market research, Reference Solutions also has job and internship postings! Like with our other resources, you will need your library card to access this online resource. Learn more about using Reference Solutions in our previously-recorded class.
Interview Skills
Prepare for job interviews with practice and polish. Attend our virtual session on Tuesday, August 23 at 3pm to explore resumes prior to the in-person Mock Interviews. Register here.
Mock Interviews – Friday, August 26 from 1-3pm
Prepare to present your experience and skills through a mock interview with an HR professional or recruiter, and gain confidence for your opportunities with practice and feedback. Presented in partnership with Capital One, The Container Store, the City of Plano, Foster Williams: “The JobFather”, and others. Appointment sign-up begins on site 30 minutes in advance
Library Resources
Learning Express Library
LEL includes tutorials and resources to help prepare for interviews, including networking, thank you/follow-up letters and salary negotiations.
LinkedIn Learning courses we recommend:
Mastering Common Interview Questions (2021)
Preparing for an interview can be daunting. Learn how to master the top 10 most common interview questions you’ll encounter when looking for a new job. The tips provided in this course will help you craft authentic answers that showcase your experience and your enthusiasm for an organization. For each question, career coach Valerie Sutton explains why the interviewer is asking it and then provides you with the best response. She also provides advice for tailoring your answer to entry-level or midcareer roles.
Job Interviewing for Leaders and Managers (2021)
Interviewing is particularly important at the leadership/executive level, as there are far fewer opportunities the higher you rise. In this course, Sarah Johnston teaches you how to effectively prepare for an interview so that you can answer the most challenging and difficult questions. Sarah starts with pre-interview prep tips, like researching your audience so that you can build a strong rapport and avoid potential pitfalls. She then covers the most common types of questions asked in interviews and how to target your responses, and explains the importance of effective storytelling in your interview.
Follow-Up
From finding the right opportunity to crafting your resume, job searching can be complicated. Learn how to break down the steps of your job search and find easy ways to get started. Attend our virtual session on Tuesday, August 30 at 3pm by registering here.
Previously Recorded Classes You May be Interested In
We record virtual programs and upload them to the library’s YouTube channel. Here are some of the previously taught classes related to job seeking:
Vehicles are an important part of daily life, transporting people, delivering products, and mobilizing services. Expert vehicle maintenance and repair is vital to a high-performing and safe community. Automotive and Collision technology is increasingly more advanced, and available jobs in the industry include tech-focused roles, hands-on work and management. Learn about careers in automotive technology, collision repair, vehicle maintenance, as well as the road to getting started.
Exploring Environmental Careers
Many workers today are seeking careers that will have a positive environmental impact. With specialties ranging from green building and energy efficiency to air quality, water quality, solid waste management and sustainability, the opportunities for people interested in the environment are vast. Explore potential careers and learn about ways you can combine science, problem-solving skills, and creativity to succeed as an environmental professional. Panelists include EPA, City of Plano SEED, and a professor from Texas A&M University.
Are you looking to start a new career, switch fields or return to work after time off? Do you wonder what the job market is like? Learn ways to think about careers and navigate the education path to get there.
How others perceive you depends on your choice of words, actions, and even your appearance. If you’re not intentional in telling your story, you may not have the influence or image you desire. Learn the importance of establishing a strong personal brand and the five steps you can take to achieve one. Presented by Debra Austin, Chaos2Results Business Coaching & Consulting.
A successful job search starts with a strong resume. From Microsoft Word to online wizards, learn about templates and tools available to help you create and evaluate your resume for maximum impact. Learn how to create, edit, and customize resumes using tools available at home and in the library.
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