Public libraries have reported a significant increase in people using the library for employment related services, according to a survey of public library directors taken last month. Library computers are being used by the public to file for unemployment benefits, fill out online job applications, and conduct job searches. Some job seekers are going to the Library to create cover letters and resumes for the first time. Others are looking for ways to update and improve materials previously created.

Librarians are being asked by these job seekers to help identify and provide access to a variety of resources that will help them in completing these tasks.

There is a wide range of software products libraries can buy that will help the user create cover letters and resumes. Some such as WinWay offer site licenses. Others such as ResumeMaker offer volume pricing, the cost per seat depending on the total number of seats (licenses) needed. Libraries could use resources like these to enable the librarian to introduce the job seeker to the software, and the job seeker may then continue to develop the cover letter and resume relying more on the software than the librarian to guide them along the way.

New services are beginning to develop that parallel the services now offered for homework help. The user of the service can chat or talk with a tutor who will help the user create a cover letter or resume, or critique a document that has previously been created.

For libraries that can’t afford to buy any software, there are lots of free resources out there too. Some link the job seeker to advice on how to create a cover letter or a resume, others provide examples of these types of documents, and others link the user to templates for use with common word processing software.

One resource that is available to job seekers is available from the Employment Security Department and WorkSource at http://www.esd.wa.gov/findajob/index.php. Look for the Write a resume link under the heading Prepare to find a new job.

An online search for “resume”, “resume examples”, “resume tips” will yield a large number of sites from which to select. Some provide quality information and others may yield information that is less reliable. I leave it to your personal knowledge and comfort level to select those sites which may work well for you.

One site that offers templates for use with word processing software that is compatible with Microsoft Word format is located at http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/FX103076501033.aspx. This site organizes resume templates into job categories and provides numerous templates for cover letters.

DISCLAIMER: The State Library regularly highlights third-party events and online resources as a way to alert the library community to training and resource opportunities. By doing so, we are not endorsing the content of the event, nor promoting any specific product, but merely providing this information as an FYI to librarians who must then decide what is right for them. Please note our agency blog use policy.