Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Employment Resources at ASL

Times are tough right now, and many people are looking for work, or looking for a stable career. There have been many stories in the news lately about how public libraries can provide help to these people. Well, I am here to tell you that the public libraries aren't the only ones who have job-hunting resources - we here at the Arkansas State Library also have many ways to help. Here are just a few of the new books we have received recently.
  • 150 Best Recession-Proof Jobs by Laurence Shatkin and Best Jobs for the 21st Century by Michael Farr and Laurence Shatkin. The lists of jobs in these books come primarily from the U.S. Department of Labor and statistical projections. Each job has a summary of the education or training required, potential annual earnings, beginning wage, earnings growth potential, amount of growth, approximate number of annual job openings, the percentage of self-employed in the field, and percentage of part-time positions. Each job is further analyzed to include information such as the geographical areas of the country where these jobs are in highest demand, the work environment, and so forth. The top five recession-proof jobs according to Shatkin? Computer systems analyst; Network systems and data communications analusts; Network and computer systems administrators; Registered nurses; and Teachers, postsecondary.
  • The Big Book of Jobs from McGraw Hill Publishers and the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. A comprehensive look at jobs and occupations available today, covering most industries. This book also includes a section of job searching advice such as how to write a cover letter, how to look for a job, and interview tips.
  • Job-Hunting Online by Mark Emery Bolles & Richard Nelson Bolles. Once you have found a career or field you are interested in, how can you find one of those jobs? Today, there are more ways of searching for jobs than ever before. This book provides pathways and tips for searching, working on your resume with web tools, and much else.
  • The Career Chronicles: An Insider's Guide to What Jobs are Really Like by Michael Gregory. Gregory provides insider information of a wide range of professions, based in interviews with people in those positions. Aimed primarily at college students, The Career Chronicles could also be useful for anyone considering a change of jobs or careers.
  • The Book of U.S. Postal Exams & Post Office Jobs by Veltisezar B. Bautista. The comprehensive guide to getting a job at the U.S. Post Office, this book covers mail carriers, mail sorters, and other positions. The majority of the book is practice exams and tips for each type of exam.
These are only 6 of the many titles that we have about jobs and careers. We also have access to databases, online resources and much more.