Central Ohio job seekers found help at local libraries today, and the programming went above and beyond the job help libraries usually offer.
Resume writing, job search and interviewing strategies, and help with social networking internet sites: These are just a few of the training programs libraries offered to unemployed workers during Job Help Day. Steve Hipes manages the Columbus Metropolitan Libraries Job Help Centers.
"Anything to highlight awareness of We're here to help' and that there are other agencies out there that we can connect you with - because that's one of the things libraries are good at: connecting people with information and with services and help," says Hipes.
Seven local library systems have banded together to bring Central Ohioans additional resources for getting back into the workforce. Human resources professionals, career coaches, computer and social media experts all held workshop at library branches. This was the second time the libraries held a Job Help day. The first, back in September, drew 1,000 people to 28 different libraries.
40-year-old Billy Dillon attended the resume workshop at the Westerville Library. Dillon's job of 14 years was eliminated more than a year ago, and he says a lot has changed since he last looked for a job.
"Everything is done online - people now don't really see a face, see a first impression, and it's not disheartening but it boggles my mind," says Dillon.
Steve Hipes says Job Help Day is a great resource, but it isn't the only time to get help at a local library.
"We do job help just about every day of every week, until we get through this really tough time," says Hipes.
The libraries plan another Job Help Day in September.
Sadie Taylor, WOSU News.