Apr 6

Written by: Joe Longo
Monday, April 06, 2009 

The Niagara Region has one of the highest unemployment rates in Canada. Public libraries have a variety of helpful resources about job searches, resumes, interviews and many other topics. Trained library staff will help you find the information you need to be successful.

If you are considering training for a new career come to the Victoria Avenue Library on April 8 or 22 from 10 to 11:30 am to learn about services and funding from the Business Education Council Career Planning Service.

Borrow library books such as “What color is your parachute 2009? : a practical manual for job-hunters & career-changers” and “Knock 'em dead: The Ultimate job search guide”.

Recent arrivals include “How to find a job in Canada : common problems and effective solutions”, “Reworking retirement : a practical guide for retirees returning to the workplace” and “Back on the career track : a guide for stay-at-home moms who want to return to work”.

Many residents have found informative “Interview magic : job interview secrets from America's career and life coach”, “You should hire me! : interview secrets to get the job you love” and “Best answers to 202 job interview questions : expert tips to ace the interview and get the job offer”.

There are dozens of resume books including “30-minute resume makeover : rev up your resume in half an hour” and “Resumes for re-entering the job market”.

Many use our print and online directories for various industries and businesses. Free Internet workstations are available at all four libraries.

There are links on our website www.nflibrary.ca to employment sites and local links to Brock University Career Services, Business Education Council, Career Planning Services, Job Gym, March of Dimes, Marine Careers, Niagara Centre for Independent Living, Niagara Employment Help Centre, Niagara Employment News, Niagara Falls Review Classifieds, Niagara Training & Adjustment Board, Service Canada Niagara Falls and YMCA Employment Services.

Our website also has an online research database called “CareerCruising” that is an interactive career reference guide that provides in-depth profiles of hundreds of different careers.

It also has a customized resumé generator; multimedia interviews with real people in careers; career search tools which help users find careers that suit their interests; a comprehensive database of colleges and universities, so that users can learn where to get education and training; and a career matchmaker which allows users to find careers that match their interests in terms of school subjects, education level, income, working conditions and many other important factors.