Job Resources FAQ

I lost my job. How can I find out how to file for unemployment or obtain other benefits?

Visit CareerLinkNYC, a new website created specifically for unemployed New Yorkers. It includes links to information about Unemployment Insurance as well as links to other websites for health care, financial and legal advice, and other kinds of support.

See also NYPL’s listing of websites for job loss services to assist you, including City, State, and Federal programs that can give you access to benefits such as childcare, job training, and housing.

 

Do you know of any good websites to look for jobs?

On NYPL’s Best of the Web, librarians have compiled links to proven employment websites. These cover such topics as job listings, salary information, and sample resumes and cover letters.

 

Where can I find information on different types of work/occupations/careers? What career is right for me?

Try one of the Library’s full-text subscription databases for free at any of our locations or at home with your Library card.  A recommended resource that can help you explore careers is Career Cruising, a bilingual (English and Spanish) resource that features information on hundreds of occupations.

 

Do you have study guides or sample tests for employment examinations? Are exam preparation materials available online from the Library?

NYPL subscribes to the Learning Express Library, which provides test preparation materials and interactive practice exams that will help people improve their scores on academic, civil service, military, and professional licensing and certification exams. You may use it for free at any NYPL location or from home with your Library card.

 

Where can I get free career counseling?

The Library's Job Search Central at the Science, Industry and Business Library on Madison Avenue @34th street, offer free job andcareer coaching by appointment and walk-in. Career Coaching services are provided at Job Search Central by appointment: Mondays through Fridays, between the hours of 11 a.m. - 4, or 5 p.m.  Sign up for appointments at the Altman Information Desk, Lower Level, OR call 212-592-7044 to leave a request with your contact information (name, phone number, e-mail, ) Volunteers from the American Association of Retired Persons, (AARP) provide job coaching and counseling services tailored to the needs of 50+ job seekers, on Tuesdays & Thursdays, between 11 a..m - 3 p.m. at Job Search Central.  Job Search Central also offers free access to computers for word processing and online job applications, online career databases, books on resumes and careers, and public programs and workshops for career transition.

The Library’s Career and Educational Information Service (CEIS) is located at the Bronx Library Center. CEIS offers career and educational counseling by appointment or walk-in. Free access to computers for resume writing, career exploration, and online job searching/application is also available.

In partnership with the Library, AARP (American Association of Retired
Persons) experienced volunteers provide job coaching and counseling
services tailored to the needs of 50+ job seekers. Volunteers focus on
targeting clients’ transferable skills and the needs of adults who wish to
return to the workforce. Free consultations are available at the Job
Information Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 am to 3 pm.
Registration is required, please call (212) 340-0968 or 340-0836.

 

Can you help me write my resume? Where are the resume and interview books?

The Library recommends many different resume guides, including books and free websites with resume templates.

The Career and Educational Information Service at the Bronx Library Center can also assist you with writing a resume.

Consider taking one of the Library’s resume writing workshops to help you determine the right kind of resume for your job search. Also, see a listing of hands-on computer classes, which also include some resume formatting sessions.

 

How can I reserve a computer for a job search?

Computers and laptops are available in all 89 libraries in the NYPL system. These can be reserved for a 45-minute daily session.

 

Can you help me upload my resume?

If you have a resume saved on a flash drive, you can upload and submit it to a job search site using any of the public computers or laptops that can be reserved throughout the Library. If you need assistance, please ask a staff member for help.

 

How do I apply for a (city, state, or federal) civil service job?

On NYPL’s Best of the Web, librarians have compiled links to proven employment websites. USAJOBS is the official site of United States Federal Government job listings. The Working for NYC website includes information about required civil service exams as well as agency job listings. New York State’s Department of Civil Service website includes vacancies and examination schedules.

 

How can I apply for a job at NYPL?

Visit the Careers section of the Library’s website. You may search open job listings and get the information you need to apply.

 

I was formerly incarcerated, what advice can I get for landing a job?

You can access Connections, a guide for the formerly incarcerated to information sources in NYC. Connections provides information on job information, training, and placement.

Effective February 1, 2009, employers must post a copy of the Correction Law relating to the use of prior convictions.

On August 5, 2008, Governor Paterson signed legislation that requires employers to post a copy of Article 23-A of the correction law relating to the employment of persons with a criminal conviction (Chapter 465)". Under the new law which takes effect February 1, 2009, a copy of Article 23-A must be posted in a visually conspicuous manner in an accessible location at the workplace. Click here for a copy of Article 23-A [PDF].

 

How can I get information about starting my own business?

NYPL’s Thomas Yoseloff Businss Center at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL) manages the NYC Small Business Resource Center website, a premier guide to starting and running a small business in New York City.

Additionally, SCORE (the Service Corps of Retired Executives), a volunteer, non-profit association, provides free, individual, in-depth counseling and training to small businesses and those starting a business onsite at SIBL. At this location, SCORE's service hours are: 11 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Monday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Ask a staff member for the next available appointment. For further information call (212) 592-7033.

 

Are there classes offered in which I can improve my PC skills (like Excel, Word or PowerPoint)?

The New York Public Library offers a series of free computer training workshops in different branch libraries. The program's goal is to extend computer skills throughout the entire community and help bridge the "digital divide" between those with access to computers at home or at school and others. Skill levels vary from beginner to advanced, and classes are geared to all age groups, with some courses conducted in Spanish or offering a Spanish translator. Sample classes include: Basic Internet, Introduction to E-Mail, Computer Basics, Introduction to Word, Microsoft Office, Health Information, Job and Career Information, Viruses and Spam, and Buying a Computer. If computers are totally new to you, Mouse Basics and Introduction to Computers are a good way to start. Walk into any branch library for information on schedules, locations, and how to register for the classes, or visit the website for a schedule.

 

Are there any computer classes for resumes or job searching?

Please see the Computer Class calendar for hands-on training, including classes in job searching and formatting a resume online.

The Science, Industry and Business Library also offers regular classes on topics for job seekers, including hands-on training in using career databases, finding companies to contact, steps to post a resume online, and translating skills to new industries.