It can be intimidating to look for a new job, not to mention hard to know where to start. At the library, we are here to help! The library provides many resources and information that can assist you with your search. Here are our top 7 recommended things to do when looking for a new job.
1. Consider your field.
The library has books, DVDs, and reference materials on various career fields, job hunting best practices, and more. Many of these can be found near the Reference Desk on the second floor, or in the Non-Fiction section.
The Occupational Outlook Handbook is another great resource for finding industry-specific information such as median income, job growth, career outlook, and much more. Click here to access this resource.
If you need help finding information, call 262-754-1815 or ask one of our librarians for assistance.
2. Boost your skills.
The library provides access to Udemy, which provides online, interactive courses in various topics, including Microsoft products, practice tests, job preparation, business skills, programming, and more. Click here to view this resource.
We also have a wide selection of study guides for vocational and general aptitude tests. These are located on the 2nd floor between the newspapers and the Teen Study Space.
3. Build your resume.
Our job-hunting materials are under the call number 650.14 in the Non-Fiction collection, and include resume preparation, cover letters, employment interviews, and general job-hunting tactics and strategies. The library also provides access to Cypress Resume, an online resume builder, which can be accessed here.
4. Use job searching websites.
Along with the physical newspapers available at the library, we also recommend a few job search websites to try, including:
- Civil service announcements for the State of Wisconsin and for the Federal Government
- Job Center of Wisconsin
- MilwaukeeJobs.com
- Indeed.com
5. Research potential employers.
To assist you in researching potential employers, the Library has reference copies of the Wisconsin Business Service Directory (published by Reference USA), Wisconsin Business Directory, and Wisconsin Manufacturing Directory. We also keep an up-to-date binder of Value Line, which gives more in-depth information, such as company history and financial statistics. These are available upstairs near the Reference Desk.
Additionally, the following business and consumer information databases are available:
6. Prepare for an interview.
Our job hunting materials are under the call number 650.14 in the Non-Fiction collection, and include resume preparation, cover letters, employment interviews, and general job hunting tactics and strategies.
Cypress Resume also provides interview preparation and guidance. Click here to access this resource.
7. Look into third party help.
Two local entities that exist to assist people searching for jobs are the Workforce Development System, whose website provides a list of upcoming local job fairs, in-person and remote learning opportunities, and more, which can be accessed here; and Goodwill Industries of SE Wisconsin , which offers free job search and resume help, job training opportunities, and job placement and connection services, whose website can be accessed here.
Looking for more information? Visit our Employment Resources page!