Library offers job and career resource programs
Press Release January 4, 2001

The Newark Public Library has received a grant from the New Jersey State Library to provide diverse job and career services to the greater Newark community. The program, termed Steps to Success: Free Programs for Job Seekers, began January 3, 2001, with The Basics Assess Your Skills and Identify Occupations. The series of classes continues through August 2001.

Although Steps to Success is free and open to all Newark-area residents, it is geared primarily to several population segments: those who are unemployed, those who are entering the workforce from welfare, those seeking to reenter the job market, and those seeking a career change. The grant also provides funds for a Job Fair, which will be held on May 2, from 9am to 2pm, at the main library.

The English-language classes will be presented in a multi-part series, covering four topics: job and career exploration, resume preparation, interviewing skills, and job seeking. Spanish-language classes will also be given. Participants are encouraged to attend an entire multi-part series; however, it is not required.

The majority of the programs will be held at the main library; some classes, in English, will also be held at the Van Buren and the Weequahic branches. The series will be offered in Spanish at the main library and at the North End branch.

Following is the schedule for the remainder of January and the month of February.

Main Library, 5 Washington Street, fourth-floor auditorium, 6pm to 8pm, in English: January 10 The Resume (develop effective resumes and cover letters); January 17 The Job Search (create an action plan and target prospective employers); January 24The Interview (learn tips on dress and behavior, as well as answers to tough questions).

North End branch, 722 Summer Avenue, meeting room, 6pm to 8pm, in Spanish: January 17 The Resume; January 24 The Job Search; January 31 The Interview.

Main Library, 5 Washington Street, fourth-floor auditorium, 6pm to 8pm, in Spanish: February 6 The Resume; February 13 The Job Search; February 20 The Interview.

No pre-registration is required. For more information, please call (973) 733-7779 during library hours.