The Big Book of Job-Hunting Hacks

How to Build a Résumé, Conquer the Interview, and Land Your Dream Job

Brenda Bernstein, John Henry Weiss

• Publisher: Skyhorse
• Year: 2020
• ISBN:
  9781510763494
• Topic: Persönliche Entwicklung
• Subtopic: Karriere

A helpful compendium of tips and tricks to land the perfect job! In The Big Book of Job-Hunting Hacks, experienced job-hunting professionals offer detailed advice on every step of the job-hunting process. From how to navigate the interview process, to how to create the perfect resume, this book will help you stand out from your competitors. With a new introduction by John Henry Weiss, president of a recruitment firm, that contextualizes the current economic state as a result of COVID-19, this book offers hundreds of practical tips for those laid-off, fired, or new to enter the workplace. Some of the information that this book will explain:

• Which questions you should be asking yourself while researching the market
• How to craft an effective cover letter
• The importance of a simple resume format
• How to negotiate a job offer
• How to build your own business
• And so much more!

Whether you're entry-level or nearing the peak of your career, The Big Book of Job-Hunting Hacks is the book for you!

PART 1

How to Get a Great Job

INTRODUCTION

“BEYOND THE BOOKS” IN TODAY’S PUBLIC LIBRARIES

Are you aware of all the resources that your public library offers “beyond the books”? Today’s community libraries offer a lot more than books, audiobooks, and movies to check out. You can attend a free workshop or lecture, browse online resources that aren’t available anywhere else, and use your library’s computers and software programs to prepare for a test or master a new skill—all for free.

CHECK IT OUT!

You probably used public library resources as a grade-schooler and are familiar with the basics of locating a specific book or magazine. (If you’re not, ask a librarian for help—you’ll relearn this very quickly!) But you should also be aware of these basics offered by any public library today:

INTERLIBRARY LOAN:

If your library doesn’t have the book or resource you want, you may be able to borrow it from another branch or library system through interlibrary loan. It’s easy to use, and you can pick up your requested materials at your local library.

REFERENCE SECTION:

Generally, reference materials are not available for checkout, but you can browse, read, and photocopy them in the library. The Occupational Outlook Handbook is a good example.

COMPUTER STATIONS:

Your library may require that you reserve a computer, that you limit your time to a half hour or hour at a time, or that you use certain computers for certain tasks. (Some libraries have computers dedicated to homework or to job searches.) Check the rules before you sit down.

INTERNET ACCESS:

Your library is likely to offer wireless Internet access in addition to computer stations. In this case, you can bring your laptop computer (or see if library laptops are available for checkout), find a comfortable seat, and surf the job sites for free.

SUBSCRIPTION DATABASES:

You’ll read about specific databases in this book that can give your search a boost. Public and school libraries have paid subscriptions to various comprehensive online databases of job-search information that simply aren’t available anywhere else.

SPECIALTY LIBRARIANS:

Depending on the size of your library system, librarians specializing in jobs and careers may be available in your local branch or elsewhere within the library system.

CLASSES, WORKSHOPS, PROGRAMS:

Public libraries routinely offer free classes, tutorials, workshops, and other educational programs. Job-search topics may include résumé writing, basic computer skills, interviewing, and more.

LIBRARIES AND JOB SEEKERS

Part of the mission of any public library is to meet the needs of its community. So, beyond stocking resources to help students with schoolwork; providing books, magazines, and newspapers for entertainment and information; and offering Internet access to the public, your library should be doing something to help local job seekers find work. How much it offers will depend on the library’s budget, available resources, and innovation. Many libraries are relying on volunteers and partnerships with local employment groups to offer workshops or one-on-one help, or providing a meeting space for a job support group. Others may simply be adding books, software programs, and subscription databases that can help with job research.

Find out what your local library is doing—no matter how scant the available resources there, the research expertise of librarians, the information and lists already compiled, and the print and online materials available are sure to save you time and money while you look for a great job.

ASK AND YE SHALL RECEIVE

What if your library is small, understaffed, or simply doesn’t offer much for job seekers? You can request that resources be added. If the library has a suggestion box or the online equivalent, use it. If not, ask for the name of the head of the reference section and write that person a letter or e-mail. However you request additional materials, be specific about what you want. You don’t need to know the exact resource; you can state your need:

“I would like to be able to practice interviewing for a job with someone who can give me objective, concrete advice and feedback.”

“I am studying to take the GED and understand there are software programs to help with this. If the library could provide a program for community use, that would really help me.”

“I know that some libraries around the country are offering résumé workshops. Our library should add this type of workshop.”

SIX SIMPLE STEPS

For people who haven’t used a public library much lately, these should be the first steps you take:

1. If you don’t already have a library card, get one. All it takes is a photo ID and proof of address—check with your library to find out exactly what’s required. A library card is free, but it acts as the “membership card” that’s needed to access materials, including online databases you can search from home, interlibrary loans, and, of course, books, DVDs, and other materials for checkout.

2. Visit your library’s website to explore the resources it offers. Browse the entire site to get an overview and then see if there is a special webpage or section devoted to job search, career help, etc.

3. Go to your library in person to talk to a librarian. Explain that you are looking for help with a job search and ask if there is a jobs and career specialist, a general business librarian, or a reference librarian who would be the best person to talk to about your search.

4. Some libraries let you schedule an appointment to talk one-on-one with a specific librarian for a set amount of time. If your library does this, by all means make an appointment! If not, find out when your chosen librarian has some time to talk to you.

5. Ask which resources are available to help you, including compilations of job websites, databases, workshops or classes, résumé review, etc. Your library may also offer lists of community resources that can help you.

6. Finally, learn how to physically find the resources—books, periodicals, reference materials, etc.—that you’ll be using in your search. Explore your library and note where job-search information can be found.

THE LAST WORD

Libraries are continually changing and adding to the resources they offer. Even in times of tight budgets and reduced staff, they will find ways to share information, even if it is simply a photocopied list of local resources or websites on a specific topic. So if you think you know what your library has to offer for your job search based on what you found last year—don’t be too sure. Head straight back to the reference desk and check out what’s new.

CHAPTER 1

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Think of this chapter as laying the groundwork for a successful job search. Before you update your résumé, click on your first “apply now” link on an online posting or pick up the phone to call a former coworker for a job lead. Take the time to make sure you’re prepared.

Following all the advice in this chapter should take some people as little as an hour, and others no more than a day—not a bad investment for something as important as finding a great job!

BEST IN SHOW—GENERAL WEBSITES

Job-hunt, www.job-hunt.org.

The Riley Guide, www.rileyguide.com.

Toronto Public Library, “Career and Job Search Help Blog,” http://torontopubliclibrary.typepad.com/jobhelp.

The Wall Street Journal, “Careers,” www.careerjournal.com.

Weddle’s, www.weddles.com. Sign up for the free e-newsletter WEDDLE’s Newsletter for Job Seekers & Career Activists at www.weddles.com/seekernews/index.cfm.

WetFeet, www.wetfeet.com.

Quintessential Careers, www.quintcareers.com.

LIBRARY RESOURCES
Check Out Your Library

We may be biased, but your public library has valuable resources you can use to start your search that will help out for its duration. You’re likely to find the job-search information you’re looking for already nea...