By Liz Nolan, Contributing Writer
Northborough – Furloughs, layoffs, reduced hours…many people have experienced a change in employment due to COVID-19 in the last few months. Northborough Free Library has created a Northborough Job Seekers Program, which is a free program for anyone who is looking for assistance in any phase of a new job search.
Adult Services Librarian Deborah Hersh said this is a brand new program, which was modeled after a platform created at Westford Library. Bi-weekly presentations, a Facebook page and other services and resources will be offered by the Library.
The presentations will feature business leaders who share their expertise pertaining to a job search, such as networking or resume writing. The first presentation held virtually on Zoom was held on July 15 with Jack Wang, a financial wealth strategist who discussed professional networking techniques.
Reference and Adult Services Assistant Eric Wang moderated the first program, which had seven attendees.
“The key takeaways from Jack Wang’s talk about networking were be known and build relationships with many people, but focus your efforts on the most valuable relationships,” said Eric Wang. “Also develop friendly relationships to get to know people personally and don’t solely focus on business because people want to work with people they like.”
The next presentation will be held on Wednesday, July 29 at 3 p.m. featuring Director of Partner Ecosystem at Red Hat Ali Kafel, who will discuss the topic of “Leveraging Linked In for your Job Search.” Registration is required and space is limited. The Zoom link information will be shared once registered. Online registration can be done through the Library’s event page.
The format of the presentations will also have time for question and answers and an opportunity for other attendees to connect and share potential job leads. The presenters volunteer their time and expertise on the topics of discussion.
“We can’t have people come into the library right now,” said Hersch. “This is a way to boost the library’s presence on line, while helping people in the community.”
The Northborough Job Seekers Facebook Page is intended to be a community forum for people seeking jobs. It will be monitored by Library staff and offer members the opportunity to post questions, share job experiences and tips and offer support.
The Library will also offer ongoing services and resources, including proofreading resumes and cover letters and printing of job related documents.
The logistics are also being planned to hold one-on-one practice interviews, which may have to wait until the library opens to the public again.
Additional information on the program can be viewed at the Library’s website at www.northboroughlibrary.org (click on the Collections/Resources link) or by contacting Adult Services at 508-393-50258 x 5 or email [email protected]. Anyone interested in being a presenter or assisting in this program in any professional way is encouraged to contact the Library.
