Learning for a Lifetime

Job Seekers Sharpen Resumé Skills at IMCPL

A librarian at the East Washington Library has seen firsthand how the Library can help job-seekers. She relates the following story, "During the summer and fall of 2003 and the spring of 2004, I was working in a small neighborhood library branch in a low-income community, where the majority of patrons had at most a high school diploma or G.E.D. I was often approached by patrons seeking technical help in typing their resumes. Almost always, the resumes were of such poor quality that even with correct tab settings, they would never be considered by a prospective employer. Because the unemployment rate was high, I was concerned that patrons desperately needing jobs would never even get their resume to an employer's desk. I designed a four-part program (funded by the Indianapolis Foundation), Stand-Out Skills: Resumes That Get Noticed, to help participants create and type an effective resume and to learn and practice good interviewing skills. My desired outcome was that participants would gain the skills and confidence to win interviews and gain employment.

One of the program's biggest successes was Monique M. Most of the participants came from a women's shelter near the library. Monique was staying there and attended all four program sessions. She had been laid off from her previous employment and was using the class to brush up on her skills. She was very enthusiastic during all sessions, and began coming to the library in her spare time. She often approached me for help perfecting her resume. Monique (and the rest of the group) especially appreciated the session on interviewing tips. A Human Resource director lead that session, and answered all questions freely. Monique practiced all of the interviewing techniques she learned during that session. During the final session of the program we conducted mock interviews between the participants and members of the community who would hire entry- level positions. All of the interviewers were impressed with Monique's personality and preparation. They gave her helpful feedback and enthusiastic praise. She commented how much the program had helped to build her self- confidence. Along with the other participants, Monique expressed appreciation to the library for offering the program.

Monique stopped in at the branch several times to update me on her progress. About a week or two after the program, she came in with wonderful news. She had applied for and been hired for a position with a local company. Monique was working as much overtime as possible, and planned to move out of the shelter and into an apartment soon. As happy as I was for her, I was even more thrilled when she told me she would soon begin classes at a local community college! The library was able to make a direct and personal difference in the life of one individual, and in the process created a life-long learner and library user." Imagine how many more people the Library would be able to assist with regular classes!