Resume Building and Job Searching Class

from How Libraries Stack Up: 2010

After this class, you will be able to:

Find an online resume builder and create parts of an online resume.

Search for jobs using online job search tools.

Use these tools independently when you leave this session.

Find resources to help job hunters located in your neighborhoods.

Have you checked out our new Especially for Job

Searchers link?!?

Link is located on the Chicago Public Library website’s home page.

Especially for Job Searchers Learn about different careers.

Take self assessment tests, aptitude tests, and practice exams.

Learn about volunteer opportunities. Find links to various job listings posted on

websites. Learn how to research employers and get tips on

job interviews. Get tips on writing resumes and cover letters.

Find links to free resume building websites.

Before you begin make sure you have...

An email address A list of your past work experience

A mock paper resume Time and patience

Writing a Resume at CPL

Option 1: Microsoft WordPluses

• Easiest way to type a resume

• Clean copies for printing  Minuses

• Not available at the branches

• Patron must have some idea how to format a resume

Option 2: Google Docs and ZohoWriter

Pluses• Can be used from any computer

with the Internet. • Counter-intuitively easy • Different file types• Can use for cover letters

Minuses• Must have an email address• Must know how to write a resume• Formatting can be tricky• Unable to print without sending it to

you email account.

docs.google.com

zohowriter.com

Option 3: The Online Resume Builder

Pluses• Available anywhere with Internet

access • Guidance on how to write a resume• Automatically formats resumes• Downloadable in different file formats

 Minuses

• Must have an email address• Formatting options are limited• Some are pay sites

Illinois Worknet, Career Coach, Pay sites

Illinois Work Net Website sponsored by the Illinois government (no advertising

on it). Can create and save up to 20 different resumes, so if you are

applying for different types of jobs, you can use the most appropriate resume.

Resume Builder is made to be very “step-by-step” so it’s easy to use.

Once you have created your resume, you can easily print, upload, or download it to apply for a job.

It works really well with all of our Chicago Public Library computers because you don’t need Microsoft Word to create it.

It’s FREE! (Other websites like pongo are free to create a resume, but then charge $9.95 a month to email, print, or download it!)

To Start Using Resume Builder Today:

1. Go to www.illinoisworknet.com and click on Indviduals.

2. Set up a free Illinois workNet account or log in to you’re my Illinois workNet account to access the Resume Builder.

3. From the My Illinois workNet page, click on My Resume

4. Click on Illnois workNet Resume Builder and start entering your information.

Illinois workNet Tutorial Videos

Intro Tutorial

Helpful Tips

Bob• Forklift driver• Has a paper resume• Does not have an

electronic resume• He got his last job

from a friend who knew someone who was hiring.

photo by sean_dreilinger

Now Bob has a resume, and he wants a job!

photo by Ricecracker

Two Internet Job Search Strategies

photo by madebytess

One: Find Job Postings Online

craigslist

www.indeed.com

Direct link from the Careers Popular Topic Page

Characteristics of Indeed

• Simple Google-like search interface

• Jobs are pulled from a wide variety of sources

• Searches are easy to refine by date and origin of posting

• Only service offered is job leads

Two: Find Contact Info for Local Businesses Online

• Can approach employers directly 

• Some jobs are never advertised online 

•  Recommended in What Color is Your Parachute

Photo by satanslaundromat

Reference USA Custom Business Search

Available from the Careers Popular Topics page or the Online Research Section of chipublib.org

I need more help!

Referrals to other resources for job seekers using 

Illinois workNet.

photo by youngthousands

Questions Illinois workNet can help answer

Where can I file for unemployment?Is there a computer lab I can use in my neighborhood?

I just got laid off.  What do I do now?Where can I find free GED classes?

Find a resource room in your zip code.

What resources are available?

photo by urbanfeel

Resource LocationsIllinois workNet Centers

Trained staff are available to assist you in performing job search, career preparation

and work support resources. Northside Workforce Center

4740 N. Sheridan(773) 334-4747; TT: (773) 334-9804

Albany Park Community Center3403 W. Lawrence, Suite 200

(773) 539-3828