Forsyth Library System Offers Help For Job Seekers

CUMMING, GA — The library might not be the first place job seekers think of when searching for work, but it should be.

“Public libraries are full of free resources to help job seekers write a better resume and cover letter, plus libraries have access to career resources that help patrons discover opportunities that suit their skills and interests,” Programming Manager Tracy Walker said.

Forsyth County Public Library offers a number of programs for job seekers that are free and open to public. For example, two library branches partner with the Georgia Mountains Regional Commission to host monthly events with the Mobile Career Coach.

“The Mobile Career Coach is a rolling training center equipped with computers and other resources," Walker said. "Representatives from Georgia Mountains Regional Commission and WorkSource Georgia park the bus in front of the library and aid job seekers in conducting individualized job searches, accessing skills assessments and job training. They even provide guidance on educational programs and scholarships for specific industries."

The next Mobile Career Coach events will be held at the Sharon Forks Library on Jan. 22 from 11 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. and at the Cumming Library on Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Admission to the Mobile Career Coach is free and advance registration is not required.

One common source of anxiety for job seekers is having a gap in their work experience, but career experts say such absences shouldn’t deter a qualified person from applying for a position.

“While job seekers may be concerned about gaps in their resumes, this is not a deal-breaker for prospective employers,” said Keith Parker, President and CEO of Goodwill of North Georgia, the organization responsible for a series of upcoming “Zap the Gap” resume workshops.

The first “Zap the Gap” workshop will be held at the Sharon Forks Library on Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. A second workshop is scheduled for Feb. 24 at 10 a.m. at the Sharon Forks Library.

“Zap the Gap” workshops at the library are free and open to the public, but job seekers can also meet with Goodwill career coaches directly.

“At any of our 13 career centers across North Georgia, our knowledgeable staff can assist job seekers with writing their resumes and cover letters and receiving access to job boards," Parker said. "Goodwill career centers even provide a career coach to ensure anyone who walks through our doors is set up for success, so they can go to work."

Job seekers who are interested in making a good first impression during an interview might also like to attend the library’s first How-To Festival on Jan. 18. Nikki Watkins, Forsyth County Public Library’s Human Resources and Finance Manager, will give brief presentations at the Cumming and Hampton Park libraries to help job seekers present themselves confidently in meetings with prospective employers.

“The start of a new year is a time when many people take stock of their careers and decide to make changes," Walker said. "Whether that means looking for a more fulfilling job, earning a certification, or applying to a trade school, or something else entirely, Forsyth County Public Library has the tools to help with that transition."

Library cardholders can access computers at each Forsyth County Public Library branch to create a résumé, search the internet for job postings, and even apply online for many jobs. Cardholders can also access the Job and Career Accelerator to explore career matches and learn about occupational requirements. Other library resources offer free resume review services and self-paced job training courses.

Forsyth County Public Library cards are available to residents of Forsyth County, people who own property or businesses in Forsyth County, employees of Forsyth County Government, and currently enrolled students or employees of any public or private educational institution in Forsyth County. Apply online for a library card, or visit the Ask Us desk at any Forsyth County Public Library branch.

For more information on career services events and programs at the library, visit www.forsythpl.org.