If you need to get up to speed on computers check out the library’s free computer classes  http://es.akronlibrary.org/computer-training-classes/    or check to see if other  nearby organizations offer free classes as well.

It might be a good time to learn a new language or brush up on one.  You could take a class or even check out “Mango” which is a database the library subscribes to that you can easily access  http://www.akronlibrary.org/databases/index.html#languages

LearningExpress Library (which is linked off to the left of this post) offers tutorials and practice exams for a variety of skills and professions.

The point is…use the time wisely.  It might even help when you land an interview and they ask, “what have you been doing since your last job.?” It certainly sounds better to say that you were brushing up on your computer skills rather than the high score you achieved in your Black Ops XBox game.

Here are a few articles that talk about various activities to do in between your job search.  http://www.bargaineering.com/articles/how-to-keep-your-skills-fresh-when-unemployed.html

http://jobcircle.com/blog/?p=1540

http://www.job-hunt.org/boomer-job-search/beating-boomer-bias-learning-new-skills.shtml

Whether you spend your down time taking classes, volunteering, or even helping someone out…it will benefit you in more ways than one.

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Here are our Holiday Hours:

• Christmas Eve, December 24-Closed
• Christmas, December 25-Closed
• Christmas Day Observed, December 26-Closed
• New Year’s Eve, December 31-closed at 5 p.m.
• New Year’s Day, January 1-Closed
• New Year’s Day Observed, January 2-Closed

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LearningExpress Library

LearningExpress Library is a wonderful database that gives you access to a variety of tools for job hunting and skill building.  You can take practice tests such CDL, GED, Citizenship, etc., and also improve some of your workplace skills in such areas as computers, typing and interviewing.  You can explore various careers and find out what training and education is required and the average salary.

The best way to learn about it is to jump right in and explore…your child can practice for a 4th grade exam, while you practice Microsoft Access.   Just look on this page down the lefthand side under “Job Tool Links” and click on LearningExpress Library.   Have fun!!!

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Trucking Job?

Did you know there is a shortage of qualified truck drivers??   Akron Beacon Journal writer Jim MacKinnon recently wrote an article about the difficulty that trucking companies are having finding qualified drivers.

http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb?p_product=NewsBank&p_theme=aggregated5&p_action=doc&p_docid=1397834D4F04F0B0&p_docnum=2&p_queryname=1

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook the job opportunities for truck drivers is favorable and the handbook also offers  wage information at their website:

http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes533032.htm

If this is a career you think you might be interested in, call the Akron-Summit County Public Library for information on trucking careers,  truck driving schools, CDL test books, job websites and more.          330-643-9020 (Business & Government Division)

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These social sites and others are an opportunity to inform an extended network of people to become aware of the fact that you are looking for a job.  The more people out there that know you are looking…the more chances you have of finding a job. 

An upside AND a downside is that many companies DO check these websites to see your page.  You might have had a great interview expressing your hard work ethic and dedication, but then the prospective employer comes across 200 photos of you drinking and carousing at various parties on your Facebook page.  They decide not to call you back.  Perhaps it’s not fair that you are judged by those pictures, but in real life…it happens.  Employers have so many applicants…they are looking for a way to weed some out.

So be smart when using the social media sites.  Make them work for you not against you.

Listed below are several articles concerning social media and job hunting.

Here is a recent article from the Wall Street Journal: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111903885604576490763256558794.html?mod=WSJ_Careers_CareerJournal_4

This is a USA Today article talking about ways to use Facebook for job searching:  http://www.usatodayeducate.com/staging/index.php/blog/job-search-2-0-using-facebook-to-find-a-job

The University of Texas at Austin posted this helpful articles: http://www.utexas.edu/its/secure/articles/social_networking.php

Click on the link and then go exploring.  There may be something that will help you or someone you know with one of the many challenges that today’s economy is confronting us all with.

There are articles stating that it is tougher than ever due to the fact that so many people who are out of work,  are taking on 2 and 3 minimum wage jobs that was previously the domain of the student.   That doesnt mean that you wont find a job, but you might have to search a little harder, be more persistent and be smart about your job hunting.

 Make use of this Joblog, use the job search links to search for jobs, use the tools to research the target company and to get some tips on resumes and interviews.  There are some links to articles posted below…take a look and maybe you’ll learn something that will give you that extra something that convinces an employer to hire you

http://www.snagajob.com/summer-jobs/summer-job-hunting-101.aspx

http://www.usnews.com/education/articles/2010/04/16/10-tips-to-find-summer-jobs-in-a-tough-economy

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/summerjobs/a/summerjobs.htm

http://www.usajobs.gov/studentjobs/

http://www.quintcareers.com/grad_internships.html

If you look over to the right side of this Joblog page, you will see some links under the heading “Job Research.”  These links will take you to various websites that will help you gather some information about the business that you are interested in.   Give them a try and see if you find out any information about the company you are researching.  A couple of favorites are:

ReferenceUSA : a database that you can access through our library website and the link provided here.  You can quickly get a wealth of information from just this link alone.  You can find out what the company does and often find out sales, when established, names of key officers, whether there are other branches, competitors, etc.

Akron Beacon Journal: you can look up a company by going to the Akron Beacon Journal website through the Joblog link posted here and get full access to previously printed articles.  If there’s been something written about the company it may be helpful to be aware of it.

 There might not always be much to find,  but you never know… it could be more than the other applicants/interviewees were able to find out and make you that stand out candidate.

You are also welcome to call THE LIBRARY   We will be glad to look up information about a company that you need.   We  use the databases shown here, along with many print sources.  It may be a case of finding out what that company produces or what it’s service is…or maybe an article about that company’s community involvement.  This helps you determine what to emphasize in your resume, your cover letter and maybe what to bring up in an interview.

Best of luck with job hunting and take some time to check out the helpful links listed here >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

If you need to call us, you can reach the Business & Government Division at 330-643-9020.

From MSN Careers: http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-2457-Job-Info-and-Trends-Hot-Fields-for-Hiring-in-2011/

This article from the Wall Street Journal lists good and bad jobs for 2011: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704723104576062173458318658.html

From the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is projected growth for various job: http://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_table_104.htm

We also have some great books that focus on jobs that have a good outlook.

100 fastest-growing careers : your complete guidebook to major jobs with the most growth and openings / Michael Farr

Top 100 careers without a four-year degree : your complete guidebook to major jobs in many fields / Michael Farr

Green careers in energy / editor Jill C. Schwartz

Dont forget to look at some of the links that we have under the “job tools” section (bottom left hand side of the blog) such as “O*NET,” “Occupational Outlook Handbook,” and “LearningExpress.”

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http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124510378792116513.html?mod=WSJ_Careers_CareerJournal_5

http://career-advice.monster.com/job-search/career-assessment/return-to-work-after-retirement/article.aspx

http://www.navytimes.com/community/ask_lawyer/military_askthelawyer_070730pw/

http://careerplanning.about.com/od/stayathomeparents/a/return_to_work.htm

If you have a specific profession that you are interested in…check to see if they have an association with a website,  which will often post jobs in that career area.  It’s also a great place to find out more about the industry (it’s always good to be up on things when you go for an interview.)

If you’re not sure if there is a trade or professional association connected with your interest, call the Business & Government Division of the library and we’ll be glad to look it up for you. 330-643-9020.

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