JOB ROAD FOR ALL PREPARED BY: GLEN COVE PUBLIC LIBRARY
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JOB ROAD FOR ALL
PREPARED BY:
GLEN COVE PUBLIC LIBRARY
OUR MISSION: Welcome to the Glen Cove Public Library. Finding a position in today’s job market can be challenging, to say the least. In an effort to help make your job search more productive and less stressful, members of our staff have researched and put together this booklet to help guide you to your goals. Designed as a step by step tool to help you obtain the best search results based on skills, education, and experience, this guide includes valuable resources available here at your Library. Please take a look and know that we are here for you. Kathie Flynn Director Glen Cove Public Library
"The only way to do great work is to
love what you do
if you haven’t found it yet, Keep
looking, don’t settle!"
- Steve Jobs
CAREER CHOICES
SKILLS AND OCCUPATIONS
How can you choose the career that's right for you? With so many choices the task might seem too difficult
to even try. Before you can choose the right career, you must learn about yourself. It has to do with what
you value the most, your interests, skills, and aptitudes, in combination with your personality traits. By doing
this, you will be able to find the occupation that will be a good fit for you, one that will be fulfilling and help
you to succeed in your career path.
Learn about yourself! To start, use self-assessment tools and career tests to gather information about your
traits and generate a list of occupations that are a good fit based on them. Next, explore careers that might
be a good fit.
Among self-assessment tests readily available consider trying one or two of these:
O*NET Interest Profiler Skills Matcher
CareerOneStop Interest Assessment CareerExplorer
PathSource JobQuiz
16 Personalities
The O*NET Program is the nation's primary source of occupational information. The O*NET database
contains hundreds of standardized tests and occupational-information on approximately 1,000 occupations
in the U.S. This database, which is free and available to the public, is continually updated from input by
workers in each occupation. The Occupational Information Network (O*NET) is developed under the
sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration. The O*NET Interest
Profiler helps you decide what kinds of careers you might want to explore.
CAREER CHOICES
The first step to begin searching the right career for you, starts with The O*NET
Interest Profiler called My Next Move https://www.mynextmove.org/ which can help you find out what
your interests are. To start you must answer sixty questions on your likes and dislikes about activities you
have done, and would or would not like to do. By taking the time to honestly answer these questions you
would be able to narrow down the professions and jobs you would be successful at.
To keep yourself organized, combine results of multiple lists of occupations into one master list, and start
researching each of the suggested occupation choices. Each occupation will offer complete information
on required skills, education and information
on salaries and the outlook for that specific career.
"FIND OUT WHAT YOU LIKE DOING BEST, AND GET
SOMEONE TO PAY YOU FOR IT."
- KATHARINE WHITEHORN
ONLINE SEARCH
Using the resources mentioned in the career section will allow you to evaluate your skills and decide on your
job search goals. With that information, you will be able to learn what kind of opportunities are available, the
types of jobs you would like to apply for, and the expected salary for those jobs before you start the actual
job search. Remember your local library has all the resources you need to make online searching easier, and
it is free. Information on unemployment offices in your area is also available.
The Internet can greatly expand your job search by putting many job ads together. Although you will be
competing for jobs with many other applicants, it is very convenient to find listings of multiple jobs in one
search. Finding the postings that correspond to the jobs you want to apply for and the skills you possess, will
depend on your ability to do the search. Statistics tell us that only 30% of advertised jobs are available by the
time a person applies. For that reason, do not rely only on job search engines.
Organize your schedule
Searching for employment is a full-time job, and organization is key for success.
Set your schedule to have at least four hours a day dedicated to a job search.
Make a daily work plan.
Learn new skills including a foreign language or computer skills that would be important
in your career field.
Keep Track
The key when applying to many jobs is to keep records of all your online searches and jobs you applied for.
Create a job form to record all your searches using Excel, Google Sheets or a simple table created on Word.
Keep track of every ad answered, application filled out and phone calls made. Design the form to include all
the following information:
Date - The day you filed or mailed the application.
Company Name - The name of the organization you are applying to, and the job search engine you used.
Contact – The name and title of the person you sent your application to, email and physical address, and
telephone number. Also keep a record of any referral names you have in each company.
Application - What cover letter and resume you used (if you have more than one, number them and
write down the version you sent) or additional materials like a portfolio or reference list.
Interview - The date of your interview.
Follow-Up - Did you send a thank you email or letter? If so, indicate here.
Status - If you were not qualified, offered the job, asked in for a second interview, etc.ONLINE SEARCH
Job Search Engines
Being successful in finding the right listings will depend on your ability to use filters, keywords and other
features to refine the search. Find Job Search Engines from the many that are available on the web.
Some of the most well- known are:
http://monster.com https://www.careeronestop.org//
http://www.indeed.com https://www.careerbuilder.com/
http://careerbuilder.com http://nationjob.com/
http://simplyhired.com https://neuvoo.com/
http://neuvoo.com/en https://www.snagajob.com/
https://www.thebalancecareers.com/ https://www.careerzone.ny.gov/
Career Niche/Specialty listings:
Don’t forget to search for career niche/specialty websites where you can find lists of websites organized
by specialty. We found careerthinker.com to have a rich selection of specialty job websites.
Temp Agencies:
Companies in need of short or long-term temporary workers enter into contracts with Temp agencies to
help fill jobs with skilled workers. Sign up with several temp agencies
Expand your Search:
Include government jobs, school placement, Adult Ed, college and university job adds, and civil service
jobs in your search. Check bulletin boards of community centers and churches.
Volunteering:
If you are having difficulty getting hired, consider applying for a volunteer position. Many times, this
leads to a permanent position, and it will build up your resume and experience.
Contacts:
Send emails to friends, family, and any group or association you belong to, and let them know you are
looking for a job. Be specific about the industry, and or position. Don’t forget to contact former
coworkers and employers.
Use Social Media:
Don’t limit your online search to job engines. Remember to check for postings on social media, it offers
job seekers the possibility of exploring additional resources and potential employers. Create accounts
and explore:
LinkedIn (linkedin.com) connects you with employers via friends and co-workers in your network
Facebook (facebook.com) is filled with corporate pages that include career information.
Twitter (twitter.com) follows companies and recruiters, and job openings.RESUME WRITING
Writing a great resume requires time, skills, and up to date knowledge of trends. Although all resumes
include basic information, details can make your resume stand out in today’s competitive market. A good
resume will capture the attention of a hiring manager and will give you the opportunity for an interview.
Job seekers need a resume that will capture the reader’s attention and stand out from other applicants.
Updated with the latest tips, the following resume workshops offer instruction on how to put together a
dynamic resume, how to understand the needs of employers, and how to show that you meet their needs.
You will learn how to use appropriate resume elements, and how to develop phrases and examples to
communicate your skills, abilities and accomplishments.
Resume writing requires time, and UpToDate information on how to do it. Rules are constantly changing.
It is very important to know what employers are looking for and how to communicate that you meet their
needs.
Resume Rules:
Emphasize results
Do not overcrowd Do not hide employment gaps
One page only with a few exceptions Use cover letter to explain
No References on resume Do not lie
Use action verbs Use simple formatting
Resume or CV
A Curriculum Vitae or CV is required when applying for jobs in academia, scientific research, and medical
fields. It requires a comprehensive listing of education, certifications, research experience, professional
affiliations and memberships. It is always more than one page.
A Resume is a document that showcases skills, important achievements, and the work experience of a
person applying for a job. Most of the time it should be a one-page document.
Types of Resumes:
Functional: used when you want to highlight skills
Chronological: used when you want to highlight experience
Combination: used anytime
Tip: Look at Resumes posted online: See what others are doingBUILDING YOUR RESUME-HOW TO Fill out the information: This is probably the easiest way to make your first resume, or if you are in a hurry. It is like filling out a form, if you have the information you just need to type. The Glen Cove Library offers one such database for jobseekers and it is Cypress Resume Access Cypress resume from the Glen Cove Library Webpage glencovelibrary.org. Choose online resources- research databases-C- Cypress Resume- fill in your Glen Cove Public Library Card Number. Start making your resume by choosing the Resume style and filling in the blank spaces with your information. This is the easiest and quickest way to make your resume. Templates: Templates are commonly used to start a resume but, they are not the easiest way. However, if you feel more comfortable using templates try JobNow. You can access JobNow resumes from the Glen Cove Library Webpage glencovelibrary.org choose online resources- research databases-j-JobNow and choose the template you like best. Profile Summary: Resumes with an “Objective” are now outdated. Instead, use a “Profile Summary” to highlight the skills and experience you have to offer. While a resume objective is a statement for employers to know exactly what you're looking for, a profile or summary informs a potential employer about the skills and experience that make you a great candidate for the job. Example using an Objective: “To obtain a Reference Librarian position in a Public Library with a diverse Population” Example using a Profile: Experienced Bilingual Librarian working with a diverse population.
BUILDING YOUR RESUME-HOW TO Transferable skills: When changing careers, write the name of the organization where you worked, but focus on transferable skills. Using Keywords: Use keywords in the description of the position you want to apply for. Write your cover letter tailored to each company and include those keywords. This will help your resume pass the first test by letting the prospective employer know that you are qualified for the job. Tip: Be searchable, highlight key skills requested by employer postings and use them in your resume More than One Resume: Make one resume complete with all your experience, in a simple format. Using the same information make a prettier version with a more elaborate layout, to be handed out at Job Fairs. Resumes should be tailored to each company or job you apply for. Use good quality white paper and clean formatting; it shouldn’t look cluttered. Critique: Get more than one opinion of your resume. Ask friends, or industry professionals if you know any, to check your resume before sending it out. Use Library databases such as JobNow, Learning Express, and Tutor.com for professional advice of your final resume; they are free and edited by professionals.
BUILDING YOUR RESUME-HOW TO Resume action verbs: Below, you will find several action verbs grouped by impact type so you can select the most relevant words for your resume. Taken from Indeed.com To demonstrate strong work Enlivened Endorsed ethic or introduce accomplishments: Instructed Enforced Achieved Performed Ensured Capitalized Presented Forecasted Deciphered Spoke Fostered Discerned Trained Identified Drove For creative positions: Integrated Enacted Authored Leveraged Endeavored Brainstormed Reconciled Established Briefed Reduced Exceeded Communicated Replaced Sharpened Conceptualized Resolved Shattered Curated Orchestrated Sparked Derived Optimized Spearheaded Designed Predicted Steered Diagramed Renovated Stimulated Drafted For financial positions: Supervised Edited Audited Surpassed Illustrated Classified Instead of “duties included,” Imagined Collected “responsible for,” “served as” or Influenced Equalized “actions encompassed,” use: Intensified Dispensed Accelerated Modeled Halted Accomplished Proofread Investigated Analyzed Published Lowered Assembled Researched Maintained Built Strategized Minimized Founded Storyboarded Recognized Created Translated Secured Constructed Visualized For technical positions, try: Delivered Wrote Advanced Developed For sales positions, try: Architected Executed Captured Automated Expanded Conserved Coded Finalized Converted Deployed Forged Earned Detected Guided Generated Devised Handled Maximized Diagnosed Headed Negotiated Discovered Improved Won Formulated Increased For management positions: Installed Initiated Advised Launched Implemented Arranged Networked Instituted Augmented Planned Produced Centralized Programmed Reached Championed Rewrote To illustrate Differentiated Refined communication skills: Directed Tested Collaborated Empowered Troubleshooting Conveyed
BUILDING YOUR RESUME-HOW TO Start From Scratch: Sometimes it is easier if you just start from scratch. Start typing your personal information. Search for resumes for the same position you are applying for and start typing. Look for resumes, read what they say and see if they have the same skills and experience you have. In the case below, we have two resumes for chefs.
COVER LETTER
A cover letter is a one-page document that should accompany a resume. A well written cover letter
introduces you to a prospective employer and highlights your unique abilities and achievements for the
specific job you are applying for. Every job you apply for needs a cover letter tailored to that specific
position. While a resume only includes facts, your cover letter is meant to showcase your personality.
Your Contact Information: A well-crafted Cover Letter should include your personal contact
information at the top of the page, the same way you do in your resume. Make sure the information is
correct and does not have any mistakes. It is not necessary nowadays to include your full address,
just the name of the city and state.
Salutation: You should always address your cover letter to a specific person. Find the name of the
Hiring Manager or Human Resources director to whom you need to send your resume. This shows
you are diligent and did the research. Check the Company website or call. Check out business
directories like Reference Solutions, available remotely on our Library databases. If that doesn’t work
and you are also looking for an email address, check Google, LinkedIn and social media.
Body of the letter: Take two or three of your most relevant experiences from your resume, give more
details, and explain why they are so applicable to that specific job. Make sure to read the job
description of the position you are applying for, and connect them with your experience. Give
examples as well.
Closing Paragraph: This section could also be used to explain any gaps in your resume, relocation
issues, career changes, or any other matter that could trigger questions for the reader. Write a strong
ending paragraph highlighting why your experience is an asset for the company and emphasizing
your interest in the position and the company.
Closing Salutation: End your cover letter by writing Best or Sincerely and add your full name, followed
by your signature.INTERVIEW
You wrote your resume, sent it, and now you have a second chance to impress the prospective employer.
The interview is probably the most important step you will take in your job search. Preparing for an
interview takes time. With good planning, preparation and attention to details you will be more likely to
receive a job offer.
What to do before the interview:
Research the company, learn all you can about it. Start with the company Website, but do not stop there.
The following are resources you should become familiar with:
Reference Solutions: Offers comprehensive information about large and small companies in the
United States and Canada. This database is available from the Glen Cove Public Library website
and is accessible remotely from your computer at home or in the library. Type in the following
link https://www.glencovelibrary.org/research/ to search companies by name, area or activity.
Choose R and then Reference Solutions. You will be asked to enter your Glen Cove Library card
number to log in.
LinkedIn: If you have the names of people interviewing you, read their LinkedIn profiles and the
company’s. Check out resumes of employees in positions you are interested in. Find out career
paths that have taken them where they are now. You will also find information about the
company that might be useful during your interview.
Trade Magazines: Read the business section of newspapers and Trade Magazines to find
information about companies and their executives.
For research on how to use some databases that would help you with your job search, like Reference
Solutions, Cypress Resume, Learning Express, or JobNow go to
https://my.nicheacademy.com/glencovelibrary . You will also find tutorials on Social Media on how to use
Facebook, Twitter, and continuing education to build up your skills on popular software.
Review the job description: Align your competencies with the skills the employer is requiring for the
job. Be ready to answer questions if you don’t fit exactly the profile the company is looking for.
Know the location: If the location of the interview is unfamiliar, make a trial run and time it. Make
sure to have enough time to be at least 15 minutes early before the interview.
Prepare questions to ask at the interview and write them down:
Is this a new position?
Where is the last person who held this job moving on to?
What would a typical day of work be like?
What is your ideal candidate?
Ask your interviewer:
What’s his/her favorite part about working in the company
Can you give me examples of projects I would be working on?
What are the most important skills for this job?
What are the biggest challenges in this position?
Whom would I be reporting to?INTERVIEW Rehearse the interview Start preparing the actual interview: This is probably the part you are most nervous about. Practicing your interview is the best possible way for you to prepare. HempsteadWorks offers jobseekers the use of an incredible software called InterviewStream to practice your interview alone and in the privacy of your home. At first, you will be asked to create an account. Once it is done, you will be able to create an interview based on the type of job you applied for. Select as many questions as you want from a series of predetermined questions or add some you might think of. After selecting the questions, an animated interviewer will ask you the questions and video record your answers. You will be able to see yourself answering just as your interviewer would. Pay attention to your posture, ums and likes and any other things you might say that could be distracting and correct them before your interview. To try this wonderful resource, go to: https://nysdol.interviewstream.com/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2f In Addition to InterviewStream, check Glen Cove Library Resources that can help you practice for the interview. For JobNow Interview Coaching go to: https://my.nicheacademy.com/glencovelibrary/course/3959/lesson/7993– For Tutor.com interview coaching using audio, go to: https://lhh.tutor.com/Landing.aspx Scroll down and choose Connect with a Career Coach. Follow instructions and receive personalized help. What to wear: Dress for the job you want: This is an opportunity to impress. Wear business clothing even if you know the company has a casual dress code. Avoid wearing revealing clothing, too much cologne or perfume, hats, casual clothing, too much makeup, sandals, open toe shoes, wrinkled clothing, and flashy clothing including ties and jewelry. Include a dress rehearsal and ask for opinions from people you trust.
INTERVIEW
Phone interviews:
Be prepared in case you are asked for a phone interview:
Sit in front of a table and have written questions about the job and the company.
Take notes on important information the interviewer can give you.
Make sure you have full battery on your phone and computer.
Have your resume open to see what they are seeing.
Plan to be in a quiet place without interfering noise. Consider using headphones.
Listen, do not dominate the conversation.
Ask if they have more questions for you and what the next steps are after the interview.
Before the interview, learn the name and title of the person you will be talking to.
Send a thank you email right away.
Video Interviews:
Prepare in the same way you would for an in-person interview. Take care of details that involve quiet
space, organized background, and great connectivity. Be prepared and have everything you might need in
front of you Including, notebook, pen, resume and questions.
Second interview:
A second interview means they are seriously considering you as a possible hire. This interview should
give you a more in depth understanding about the position, and you will probably meet more people
involved in the hiring process. This is your opportunity to showcase your experience, skills and
knowledge about the business and the problems they’re facing. To better prepare for this interview:
Review the notes you have from your first interview.
Before the interview, ask the names and positions of the interviewers.
Practice answers to common questions like tell me about yourself and why did you apply to this
position.
Include examples when answering questions about previous experiences you have had.
In group interviews, make sure to direct responses and make eye contact with all interviewers.
Bring work samples.INTERVIEW MOST POPULAR QUESTIONS YOU COULD BE ASKED AT AN INTERVIEW Tell me about yourself? See Elevator Pitch section Tell me something that is not in your resume What do you know about this company? Why did you become………? What motivates you? Tell me about the most difficult boss you ever had? (Do not be negative) Why are you leaving your current job? Do you plan to continue your education? Are you better working alone or in a group? Tell me about your strengths? What are your weaknesses? Who did you asked to be your personal references and why? What is your main accomplishment? Would you rather be in charge of a project or work with the group? Have you ever been fired from a job? Have you ever been convicted of a crime? Tell me about your current job? Did you enjoy school? Did you ever have a disagreement with your boss? What skills do you think are required for this job? Why did you decide to apply for this job? What is your ideal position? Could you describe your best and worst supervisor? What challenges do you see impacting this industry? How did you end up working in your current position? What do you enjoy most in your current role?
ELEVATOR PITCH
Illustration by Maddy Price. © The Balance, 2018. https://www.thebalancecareers.com/elevator-speech-examples-and-writing-tips-2061976
Definition: Elevator Pitch is a quick summary of your background and experience. it should be short
enough to present it during a brief elevator ride and therefore its name (about 30 seconds or 75 words).
This brief speech shows who you are, what you do and what you would like to do as a professional. Use it
when networking, at job fairs and while networking using social media. It can also be used during
interviews when asked to tell the interviewer about yourself. It is quick and includes a summary of your
major accomplishments.
Introduce yourself- Provide a summary of what you do-Mention what you want-
Write it down-Practice it-Record it-Memorize it-Use it
Hi, my name is Sean and my background is in architectural design. I majored in architectural engineering
and have long been fascinated by structural design choices. I am seeking a position that will allow me to
use the skills and strengths I acquired as a student and employee. I have worked on several major
projects in the field and would bring that experience to your company. I started out working as an intern
at my current firm and was able to move up in just one year. I am now looking to take my skills to a new
and exciting position. Would you like to take a look at my resume?”
https://onlinebusiness.northeastern.edu/master-of-business-administration-mba/elevator-pitch-
guide/pitch-examples/THANK YOU LETTERS
A thank-you letter is a must, it is an opportunity to
leave another positive impression on the
employer, after your initial interview. With the
letter you will remind them not only of your
qualifications, but your desire to be hired. Write
the letter no later than 24 hours after the
interview, even if the interview didn’t go well.
Email is the most common, easiest and quickest
way to send a thank-you letter after an interview.
If the company you interviewed with is very
formal consider sending the letter by regular mail
following your email. Due to its immediacy, email
has become more used. Although sending a thank-
you letter doesn't increase your chances of
getting the job, it might decrease your chances if
other candidates interviewing for the same
position write one. Typed letters are the standard
reply, but sometimes handwritten ones can be
extremely valuable in helping you stand out.
What to include in your Thank You Letter or note?
Your contact information
The date
The contact information of the person you're writing to
A greeting using the formal name of greeting Mr. or Ms.
A simple, and straightforward thank-you explaining what you appreciated about the
interview
Remind the interviewer why you are a good fit for the role and include something
unique that you offer
Close with a final expression of gratitude
Use Best or Sincerely before your signature. Use a handwritten signature for mailed
thank you letters, or type your name for emailed thank you letters
An attitude of gratitude brings great things.”
— Yogi BhajanSALARY NEGOTIATION
Whether you are a long-time employee or a new hire: if you feel that your salary isn’t enough, you should
be prepared to negotiate a better salary. To have a better chance, you need to build your case by preparing
a convincing answer on why you deserve the salary you want. Tell the interviewer what you have done in
the past for your employer and what you would be able to do for the company you are interviewing for.
Rules:
Do not ask about salary on your first interview.
If the interviewer asks you about the salary you want, do not respond with an amount, respond saying
it depends on the work and opportunities available. Another way to deal with this is to turn the
question around as recommended by roberthalf.com “I’d like to learn more about the position and the
duties, and what the team’s like, before discussing money. But may I ask what salary range you’re
considering for this position?”
Wait until you have a job offer to start negotiating your salary.
Always research salaries for similar industries and job positions.
Use information on these websites:
Onet.com – Glassdoor.com – salary.com - Payscale.com – Department of Labor
Once you start negotiating mention a range not a set amount. The
lower range should be the amount you have decided on based on information that is a fair value for
your work.
Ask about the benefit package companies offer.
If you won’t need certain benefits, try to negotiate that amount into your salary.
When asked: What is your current salary? Respond “I’m not comfortable sharing that information. I
would prefer to focus on the value I can add to this company.”
When asked: What’s your expected salary? Respond “I want this move to be a big step forward for me
in terms of both responsibility and compensation.”
If you decide to respond about your salary, don’t lie. That information is available in some sites
Glassdoor.com recommends not accepting the first salary offer.
Ask for time to think about it and counteroffer.
After several interviews feel free to discuss salary. You could say something like: “Given the
responsibilities of the position and the number of people I’d be managing, I think $XX is a fair figure.
It’s an exciting opportunity, and I believe I’m well matched for it”.
If you are offered a salary below your expectations counter offer. Check advice on how to do it:
https://fearlesssalarynegotiation.com/salary-negotiation-script/
Do not resign from your current job until you have a written offer. Ask if you can get the salary offer in
writing. A verbal job offer is great, but it doesn’t mean anything until it’s on paper.It has been our mission to help the community
with their career goals and to obtain the
professional fulfillment we all aspire too. It is
our hope that this guide will facilitate the best
results for all our patrons!
CREATED BY:
MARIA FERNANDA PARDO
LITERACY DEPARTMENT HEAD
EDITED BY:
JAN ANGLISS
REFERENCE LIBRARIANYou can also read
