Workforce Development

Are you looking to restart or jumpstart your career but don’t know where to turn? If so, the Terrebonne Parish Main Library has several resources both print and digital that may assist you in enhancing your job search and ultimately allowing you the opportunity to accomplish your career goals.

Our libraries offer a welcoming place to go, a neutral safe environment, technology & internet access, access to new information, and free resources. Libraries are not only where people go for entertainment and leisure but when they’re concerned about education, housing and employment. When there is a disaster that strikes a community, the one place that is open to help people start the process of rebuilding is libraries. All library services are totally free.

When an economy wanes and companies start downsizing people turn to their local libraries for guidance and support. Oftentimes, it is library staff members who are the first responders when a person is laid off from work and facing anxiety and confusion. If you would like assistance, please call us at 985-876-5861, option.  

What Kind of Job Searcher are You?

• The First Timer: This is the job searcher who comes into the library and they’re new to the job market. This may be a student or first timer who is inquisitive about the market.
• The Explorer: This is the job searcher who already has a job but they’re looking to expand their horizon and see what other opportunities are out there.
• The Statistic: The characteristic of this job searcher is maybe someone who has been laid off from work. They’re the most vulnerable of the five because often time they have kids, rent and mortgages to pay.
• The Dinosaur: Typically the dinosaur is someone who has a lot of work experience but they’re technological behind and often time need to acquire new skills to help them be successful in their job search.
• The Entrepreneur: This is a job searcher not looking for a job but a career where they want to work for themselves. They may require more assistance than what staff is trained to provide.

Library Card

If you have a library card, the library has several books on creating a resume, writing thank you letters and preparing for job interviews one can check out. The books are current and provide valuable tips on navigating through the job searching process. Moreover, if you have internet connection, you can access for free library resources from your mobile devices like iPad, laptop computer, or smart phone without having to physically come into the library.

Tutor.com
This is a database that is very interactive and especially user friendly for first timers entering the job market. There are practice test for high school students and tutorials along with it that cover many of the tests. 

Workshops & Classes

When open at regular hours, the library offers classes on constructing resumes and cover letters and tips on succeeding with job interviews. Information literacy is provided to empower patrons to do it themselves.

Additionally, the library offers computer classes in Microsoft word, Power Point and Excel. These classes are self taught by staff and are designed for beginners and intermediate learners.

To take the place of these classes because of COVID 19, we have vitural classes set up on our Leadership Tomorrow page which you are welcome to join.

One on One assistance

In the event that you need more assistance than what our print and digital services has to offer, please stop and see one of our reference staff members who can direct you to other resources to improve your job search. Additionally, we offer free computer classes (when open at regular hours) to help you attain more skills in your job searching process. Remember, we are here to empower you and help you attain your goals.

Partnership

Today’s libraries are more than depositors of information for our civilization and are part of a bigger consortium of organizations who provide services to those struggling in the community. Whether it is working with the homeless population, ex-offender or newly immigrant to the country, the local library is the first responders to people who need assistance but are unsure of where to turn.

Library staff provide much needed assistance in collaborating with others in the community who are helping targeted populations. Many of these organizations such as Start Corporation have their meetings in the library and we’re able to connect patrons needing assistance that are beyond our means.

Job Announcements & Job Fairs

Be sure to check out your local newspapers with job want ads. Also, check with the library if there is information on job fairs in the area.

• Yate, M. J. (2013). Knock ‘em dead: Secrets and strategies for first-time job seekers. Avon, MA: Adams Media.

– Carlos, Reference Librarian