NYPL Blogs: Job Search Central

Becoming a Project Manager

Magdalene Chan, Science, Industry and Business Library — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:57:13 -0400

The field of project management is growing fast in a wide range of industries especially in the biotech and high-tech arenas. The growing demand for project managers is due to the replacement of retired workers and the growth in global projects.

If you are a competent and consistent planner with good communication skills and an analytical mind, project management may be for you.

The following information which gives you some basic understanding of project management is excerpted from A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) Third Edition, ©2004 Project Management Institute.

What is a Project?

A project is a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result.

Temporary means that every project has a definite beginning and a definite end. The end is reached when the project’s objectives have been achieved, or it becomes clear the project objectives will not be or cannot be met, or the need for the project no longer exists and the project is terminated.

A project creates unique deliverables, which are products, services, or results.

A product or artifact that is produced, is quantifiable, and can be either an end item in itself or a component item
A capability to perform a service, such as business functions supporting production or distribution
A result, such as outcomes or documents. For example, a research project develops knowledge that can be used to determine whether or not a trend is present or a new process will benefit society.

What is Project Management?

Project management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to project activities to meet project requirements. Project management is accomplished through the application and integration of the project management process of initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing. The project manager is the person responsible for accomplishing the project objectives.

Managing a project includes:

Identifying requirements
Establishing clear and achievable objectives
Balancing the competing demands for quality, scope, time and cost
Adapting the specifications, plans, and approach to the different concerns and expectations of the various stakeholders.

The Project Management Knowledge Areas

Chapter 4, Project Integration Management, describes the processes and activities that integrate the various elements of project management, which are identified, defined, combined, unified and coordinated within the Project Management Process Groups. It consists of the Develop Project Charter, Develop Preliminary Project Scope Statement, Develop Project Management Plan, Direct and Manage Project Execution, Monitor and Control Project work, Integrated Change Control, and Close Project project management processes.
Chapter 5, Project Scope Management, describes the processes involved in ascertaining that the project includes all the work required, and only the work required, to complete the project successfully. It consists of the Scope Planning, Scope Definition, Create WBS, Scope Verification, and Scope Control project management processes.
Chapter 6, Project Time Management, describes the processes concerning the timely completion of the project. It consists of the Activity Definition, Activity Sequencing, Activity Resource Estimating, Activity Duration Estimating, Schedule Development, and Schedule Control project management processes.
Chapter 7, Project Cost Management, describest the processes involved in planning, estimating, budgeting, and controlling costs so that the project is completed within the approved budget. It consists of the Cost Estimating, Cost Budgeting, and Cost Control project management processes.
Chapter 8, Project Quality Management, describes the processes involved in assuring that the project will satisfy the objectives for which it was undertaken. It consists of the Quality Planning, Perform Quality Assurance, and Perform Quality Control project management processes.
Chapter 9, Project Human Resource Managemet, describes the processes that organize and manage the project team. It consists of the Human Resource Planning, Acquire Project Team, Develop Project Team, and Manage Project Team project management processes.
Chapter 10, Project Communications Management, describes the processes concerning the timely and appropriate generation, collection, dissemination, storage and ultimate disposition of project information. It consists of the Communications Planning, Information Distribution, Performance Reporting, and Manage Stakeholders project management processes.
Chapter 11, Project Risk Management, describes the processes concerned with conducting risk management on a project. It consists of the Risk Management Planning, Risk Identification, Qualitative Risk Analysis, Quantitative Risk Analysis, Risk Response Planning, and Risk Monitoring and Control project management processes.
Chapter 12, Project Procurement, describes the processes that purchase or acquire products, services or results, as well as contract management processes. It consists of the Plan Purchases and Acquisitions, Plan Contracting, Request Seller Responses, Select Sellers, Contract Administration, and Contract Closure project management processes.

Certification in these areas of management is increasingly important because it demonstrates professional knowledge and experience.

The New York Public Library owns about 400 titles on project management which include occupational information, professional knowledge and certification preparation.

For more information, please visit the Science, Industry and Business Library online or in person at 188 Madison Avenue and 34th Street.

The Best Jobs for People Over 50

Magdalene Chan, Science, Industry and Business Library — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 08:12:17 -0400

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, people in the 55-years-and-older age group account for 19.5 percent in the labor force in 2010 and are projected to be 25.2 percent in 2020.

This age group’s contributions to the work force are substantial, some of them serving at helms of chief political, economic, education and military institutions. The experience of people over 50 provides a valuable asset to the U.S. workforce and their accomplishments are commendable.

Some people over 50 may transition into a full or part time consulting position in their industry while some may transition into occupations where they can use their skills and experience in related industries. CNNMoney presents 20 Best Jobs If You're Over 50 (2011) and these top 20 jobs score high for flexibility and social meaning, enjoy relatively low stress, and none require advanced degrees, as stated in Money Magazine.

Other 50+ Americans may seek employment in the non-profit sector and some may work for employers who are interested in having the experience, expertise and judgement of 50+ Americans. AARP has developed The Best Employers for Workers over 50 (2011).

Some may choose to make a difference by volunteering in libraries, museums, parks, schools, churches, zoos, hospitals, social agencies and international relief organizations such as American Red Cross, United Nations Volunteers, Peace Corps and Citizens Development Corps.

As an alternative to seeking employment, some 50+ Americans may make a career change and turn to entrepreneurship. According to the Small Business Administration, more than five million Americans age 55 or older run their own businesses and the number of entrepreneurs ages 55 to 64 is soaring.

Job Search Central at SIBL provides information to all populations on all aspects of career development. The following is job search information for people over 50.

Job Search Central presents employment websites selected by SIBL staff for job searches from general resources and specific categories which include 50 plus, Non-profits, Associations, and Foundations, and Volunteer.
For 40+ job seekers, we offer the AARP WorkSearch program, which is an online system with links to job listings, skills assessment tools, and training programs.
If you have career concerns that need to be addressed on a one-to-one basis, you can register to participate in free Career Coaching Services. You can choose either AARP coaching or general coaching.
Job Search Central also provides job search database classes and career development programs to job seekers. All these are free to the public on a first come first seated basis.

Job Search Central has a collection of books on different aspects of career development, the following are books on career development for people over 50.

Achieving the Good Life After 50: Tools and Resources for Making It (2007), by Renee Lee Rosenberg
Reworking Retirement: A Practical Guide for Retirees Returning to the Workplace (2008), by Allyn I. Freeman and Robert E. Gorman.
Smart Women Don’t Retire—They Break Free From Working Full-Time to Living Full-Time (2008), by The Transition Network and Gail Rentsch.

The Science, Industry and Business Library is a premier public business library with comprehensive print materials, e-resources, and services for start-ups and established businesses seeking expansion.

SIBL’s NYC Small Business Resource Center, smallbiz.nypl.org links business owners to Small Business Events and Training Calendar NYC and Services Directory — Help for your Business.

If you are interested in starting a small business, SCORE counselors can assist you on a one-on-one basis in preparing a business plan, applying for a business loan and more.

SIBL also provides database classes and programs for starting a small business. All these are free to the public on a first come first seated basis.

Please note that The New York Public Library and Coming of Age NYC will present a program, Effective Employment Strategies for Those 50+, on Wednesday, April 18, 2012, 4:00pm-6:00pm at Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, South Court Auditorium. A panel of experts, including Renee Lee Rosenberg and Win Sheffield, will share essential information for job seekers.

Effective Employment Strategies for Those 50 Plus

Brigid Cahalan, Teaching & Learning, Literacy and Outreach — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 11:34:20 -0400

Coming of Age NYC and the New York Public Library are happy to announce the event:

Effective Employment Strategies for Those 50+

Wednesday, April 18, 2012 4-6 p.m.

A panel of experts will share essential information for job seekers such as:

Today’s Digital Job Search: Online Postings, Applications, and Social Networking Strategies
Crafting a Winning Resume
The Interview: How to Handle the Really Tough Questions
Key Tools and Resources: NYPL’s Job Search Central and Other Supports Everyone Should Know About

Featuring:

Renee Lee Rosenberg, career transition expert and author of “Achieving the Good Life After 50.” Renée Lee Rosenberg, MA, LMHC, Certified Five O’Clock Club Career Coach, Author, Speaker, Trainer, Facilitator, with over 20 years’ experience helping individuals: achieve positive career outcomes; cope with workplace stress; handle retirement issues. Her eclectic, results-driven creative approach assists individuals on all levels. Renée’s media appearances include: MSNBC, ABC Eyewitness News, and NY1. Interviews have appeared in: LA Times, Health and Wellness Magazine, AM NY,Washington Times, Chicago Times, NY Post, US News and World Report, Forbes.com, and Fox.com. Published articles include: “Achieving Success with Positive Thinking”, “Personality and Career Development", “The Emotional Roller Coaster of Retirement and Care Giving." Renée facilitates two career groups, maintains a private practice in NYC, and has a virtual phone practice. Her book Achieving The Good Life After 50: Tools and Resources for Making it Happen has helped many to navigate the retirement roller coaster.

Madeleine Cohen, Assistant Director of the NYPL’s Science, Industry and Business Library (SIBL). Madeleine Cohen has an MLS from Queens College, CUNY, and an M.A. in Liberal Studies from the CUNY Graduate Center. She has worked for The New York Public Library for more than 20 years, in a variety of positions, including head of processing, head of information services, and her current position as assistant director of the Science, Industry and Business Library (SIBL). As assistant director, she helps manage a variety of business services, programs, electronic resources, and technology. The business library has developed services focused in several areas including Job Search Central, Small Business Services, and Financial Literacy Central. Madeleine also works with small business groups, speaks at library and business events, and instructs in SIBL’s training programs.

Win Sheffield, career coach in private practice in New York. Win Sheffield offers strategies and guidance to support his clients to take their work to the next level or establish new careers. He coaches clients in delivering their message, runs workshops and delivers talks to many industry and alumni groups. His background includes Citibank, J.P. Morgan and PricewaterhouseCoopers in strategy development and management consulting. He has an M.B.A. from Boston University and an undergraduate degree from Kenyon College,. He has studied counseling at General Seminary and Myers-Briggs at the Jung Institute. For further information and to speak with Win, please e-mail: WinSheffield@WinSheffield.com Please see details of upcoming talks at www.WinSheffield.com

This is a joint program of Coming of Age NYC and the New York Public Library.

There is no prior registration for this event, and there is no charge. But do come early as seating is limited!

Location:

New York Public Library
Fifth Avenue at 42nd Street
Stephen A. Schwarzman Building – South Court Auditorium

Where the Jobs Are: U.S. Employment Projections

Magdalene Chan, Science, Industry and Business Library — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 06:58:44 -0400

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupations in health care and social assistance are projected to have the fastest job growth with an increase of 5.6 million jobs from 2010 to 2020, followed by professional and business services 3.8 million, and construction at 1.8 million.

Occupations that require a master's degree for entry level positions are projected to grow by 21.7 percent from 2010-2020, followed by doctoral or professional degree occupations at 19.9 percent, and associate's degree occupations at 18.0 percent. Education becomes increasingly important in the U.S. labor force, and education pays...

The Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics develops information about the national labor market for 10 years in the future. Employment Projections are the foundation of the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, which is designed to provide valuable assistance to individuals making decisions about their future work lives. The Employment Projections and the Occupational Outlook Handbook are updated every two years.

Employment Projections 2010-2020 Summary was released on February 01, 2012.

The following are Employment Projections tables 2010-2020

Please note that a career development program, Employment Outlook 2012, will be presented on Wednesday, March 21, from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. at NYPL's Science, Industry and Business Library (SIBL). Lisa Boily of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics will discuss the employment outlook and the 2012-2013 Occupational Outlook Handbook, which is scheduled to be released in late March 2012.

Job Search Central at SIBL has all kinds of career resources to help prepare you for your career. Please visit SIBL online or in person at 188 Madison Avenue at 34th Street.

Women's History Month: Career Resources for Women

Magdalene Chan, Science, Industry and Business Library — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 09:46:54 -0500

March is declared worldwide as Women’s History Month. It celebrates women’s triumphs and successes in history and contemporary society. The United States has observed it annually for the entire month of March since 1987. You can learn more about Women's History Month from the Library of Congress.

In celebrating Women’s History Month, Job Search Central presents Career Resources for Women. The following list of resources includes job listings, internships, and employment news. The job training programs provide basic job skills, as well as financial literacy, which is an integral part of workforce development. The women entrepreneurship programs include New York State and New York City funded programs for business education, community support, and financing resources. Also listed below are women's associations in New York, which include professionals from major industries. Their accomplishments contribute significantly to the economic growth and overall workforce in New York and are highlights in the celebration of Women's History Month.

Job Search And Career Resources

Careers for Women
This is an executive search firm that provides career advice and referrals to candidates in executive sales, marketing, advertising, and public relations jobs from their New York and Los Angeles offices.

Feminist Majority Foundation
This organization utilizes research and action programs to empower women economically, socially, and politically. The Career Center provides listings of jobs and internships nationwide.

Womans Work
This site lists alternative, flexible opportunities for women, including part-time, work-from-home, and flextime. You can also search for job share partners, post your resume, learn life balance tips, and more.

Women in Technology International
This is a global trade association empowering women in business and technology. At this site you can search for jobs and post your resume.

Job Training Programs

Access for Women
This is a Community Service Program provided by the Continuing Education Department of the New York City College of Technology, CUNY. It provides classes, workshops, basic skills, math skills, and vocational training for unemployed and underemployed women.
For information, call (718) 552-1131.

First Step/Coalition for the Homeless
First Step provides job readiness, job training programs, job placement, and social service support to homeless women.
For information, call (212) 776-2074.

Grace Institute
Grace Institute offers a Business Skills Day Program, Business Skills Evening Program, and 14 Week Microsoft Office Course.
For information, call (212) 832-7605.

LaGuardia Home to Work Center for Displaced Homemakers
This program is administered by the Workforce Education Center, Continuing Education Department of LaGuardia Community College, CUNY. It provides counseling services, transition workshops, short-term training, and job placement referrals and retention services.
For information, call (718) 482-5340.

Nontraditional Employment for women (NEW)
NEW trains women and places them in careers in the skilled construction, utility, and maintenance trades, helping women achieve economic independence and a secure future.
For information, call (212) 627-6252.

Women’s Empowerment Network
The YWCA of the City of New York’s Women’s Empowerment Network provides computer training, benefits counseling, displaced homemaker programs, ESL and GED classes, financial literacy workshops, and workforce development.
For information, call (212) 735-9708.

Women’s Center for Education and Career Advancement
The Women’s Center provides a Job Ready Program that includes a monthly networking career club and access to their upcoming job fair.
For information, call (212) 964-8934.

Women and Entrepreneurship

Asian Women in Business
— A non-profit organization that provides workshops in building business skills, along with seminars, conferences, and networking opportunities to Asian women entrepreneurs

Count me in for Women’s Economic Independence
— A not-for-profit provider of resources, business education, and community support for women entrepreneurs seeking to grow micro businesses

New York City - Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises Program (M/WBE)
The Department of Small Business Services provides this program, which is dedicated to promoting fairness and equity in City procurement processes by providing services designed to strengthen the ability of certified M/WBEs to compete successfully in the marketplace.

New York State — Division of Minority and Women Business Development
This Division promotes the business development of MWBEs through education and outreach to agencies and MWBEs.

Women’s Business Center (WBC)
Women’s Business Center at the Business Outreach Center Network, Inc. offers business training, one-on-one counseling, and financing resources to help women entrepreneurs start and grow their business.

Women’s Brooklyn Enterprise Center
The Women’s Brooklyn Enterprise Center at the Local Development Corporation of East New York offers a variety of services in English and in Spanish that support entrepreneurs.

Women’s Associations In New York

The Best Places to Work

Magdalene Chan, Science, Industry and Business Library — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 07:03:07 -0500

Looking for work?

Would you like to work for a company that offers job opportunities and extensive training programs, such as eLearning, online training, functional training, and leadership development? How about working for a company that offers education reimbursement for your MBA, CPA, MS in computer engineering or unpaid sabbaticals to pursue personal interests?

There are companies that offer family-friendly benefits, such as flexible work schedules, telecommuting options, paternity leave, and adoption assistance, as well as on-site exercise and fitness facilities, health insurance, and an emphasis on work-life balance.

There are companies with a reputation of financial strength, high ethical standards, job security, support for diversity, and employee skills/mission match. Some companies may even offer free breakfasts and lunches, day snacks, transportation subsidies, profit sharing, stock ownership, retirement benefits, reward, and recognition programs.

The following sites feature the best places to work with the benefits and company culture you're searching for:

AARP-- Best Employers for Workers over 50 2011 Winners
This site features 50 best employers for workers over 50.

Advertising Age — Top 10 Best Places to Work in Marketing and Media 2011
This is a list of 10 best industry employers in marketing and media.

CNN Money — 100 Best Companies to Work For 2011
This is a service of CNN. All data is based on U S employees. This site includes job openings at best companies.

CNN Money -- 100 Best Companies to Work For -- Big pay: Annual pay 2011
This site includes the most common job title with average annual pay in each best company.

Crain’s New York Business — Best Places to Work 2011
This site presents 51 companies. Information includes the number of employees, average salaries, layoffs, new positions, health care premiums, tuition reimbursement and more.

Experience.com — Best Places to Work For Recent Grads 2011
This site features 20 organizations with outstanding training programs, lucrative incomes, and great opportunities for rapid professional growth.

Fortune — 100 Best Companies to Work For 2012
The Great Place to Work Institute produces Fortune’s "100 Best Companies to Work For" list. You can also view the "100 Best Company" listings of previous years.

Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For — Top Companies: No Layoffs 2012
Here are 19 of the best companies to work for that have never had a layoff.

Glassdoor — Best Places to Work in New York City 2012
The top 50 winners were selected by their employees. You can learn more about the "Enhanced Employer Profile," and view photos of the best places to work.

Great Place to Work Institute 2012
This site provides various "Best Companies to Work For" lists in the U.S., including the "Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For in America" and "Best Companies to Work For" lists, which represent workplaces in 40 countries around the world.

The Best Places to Work in the Federal Government 2011
This is a rating and analysis of employee satisfaction and commitment in the federal government.

Working Mother — 100 Best Companies 2011
This site features 100 best companies for working mothers. It also includes company profile information.

You can also view company information by accessing databases at the Science, Industry and Business Library. Job Search Central has access to Career Insider (Vault), which is a premier career resource that includes industry guides, company and employer profiles, topic guides and more.

If you are interested in working in the business sector, you can use online business directories to create lists of companies and executives to target for your job search. Try Reference USA, D & B Million Dollar, Hoover’s, and more.

Job Search Central at NYPL’s Science, Industry and Business Library has all kinds of job and career resources to prepare you for your career. Please visit SIBL online or in person at 188 Madison Avenue at 34th Street.

Please note that a career development program called Employment Outlook 2012 will be presented on Wednesday, March 21, 2012, from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. Lisa Boily of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics will discuss the employment outlook and the latest edition of the Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Resources for Choosing a Satisfying Career

Magdalene Chan, Science, Industry and Business Library — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 04:18:53 -0500

Career development is a life-long process.

In today's technologically advanced American society, most of us will devote 40 to 50 years in the labor force. Some may even work longer. We are likely to change our career four to five times with more than 10 jobs in the course of our working life in the changing U.S. labor force.

Being able to integrate working into one's life successfully is an important aspect of becoming a productive member of society, maintaining positive emotional development, managing stress effectively, and developing healthy social relationships.

The personal happiness that one can experience from working includes: obtaining economic benefits, achieving job satisfaction, building up self-confidence, improving self esteem, and making life meaningful.

The occupation you pursue may affect your self-perception and your social status.

In choosing a satisfying career, you need as much information as possible from:

Self-exploration (values, interests, and abilities) and occupational information (nature of the work, working conditions, special abilities required, training and qualifications, employment, occupational outlook, probable earnings, chances for advancement, job security, and social status).

Whether you are interested in self-exploration or learning about the world of work, Job Search Central has the resources to prepare for your career.

Besides the Reference and Circulating book collections, which provide information for you to make a career choice, Job Search Central has access to Career Cruising, which is an interactive multimedia program for self-exploration. It also features profiles and information on hundreds of occupations, community colleges and universities, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities. It is also available in Spanish.

The Occupational Information Reference Collection includes major resources, such as the Occupational Outlook Handbook, O*NET Online, Certification Finder, Licensed Occupations, Career Insider (Vault), and more (see Occupational Information, Employment websites, Job Search Central).

The Occupational Outlook Handbook is a publication of the Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. It provides information for hundreds of different types of jobs, job search tips, and links to information about the job market in each state. It is available in English and Spanish and is revised every two years.

O*NET Online is created for the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. It is an interactive application for workers and students to explore and search occupations. It is continually updated.

Certification Finder is a component of America's Career InfoNet, which is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. At this site you can search for certifications by keyword, industry, or occupation. It lists certification and training providers alphabetically, with links to more information.

Licensed Occupations is a part of America's Career InfoNet Workforce Credentials Information Center. You can search the database of licensed occupations by occupation, agency, or keyword, and locate the contact information for the state licensing agency.

Career Insider (Vault) presents occupational information from practitioners in the industry. It includes industry guides, company profiles, topics guides, and more. You can read industry blogs and news covering the latest trends and issues. Vault's job board matches employers and job seekers.

Furthermore, you can gather first hand occupational information by conducting an informational interview, which provides an insider look at an organization. You can learn more about the realities of working in a particular industry. The Career Center at University of California, Berkeley presents the benefits of, and six steps for, informational interviewing.

The Office of Career Services at Colby College in Waterville, Maine, presents important networking and informational interviewing tips, rules for informational interviewing, what to do with what you've learned, and sample questions for informational interviewing.

Job Search Central provides job search databases classes that discuss occupational information, job search skills, and different aspects of career development.

Job Search Central also presents job search and career development programs to job seekers of all ages. All these are free to the public on a first come first seated basis.

Please note that a career development program, Employment Outlook 2012, will be presented on Wednesday, March 21, 2012, from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. Lisa Boily of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics will discuss the employment outlook and the latest edition of the Occupational Outlook Handbook.

For 40+ job seekers, explore the AARP WorkSearch program, an online system with links to skills assessment tools, occupational information, training programs, and job openings.

Job Search Central at NYPL's Science, Industry and Business Library (SIBL) has all kinds of job and career resources that can help you choose a satisfying career. Our collections, programs, and services inform all aspects of your career development. Please visit SIBL online or in person at 188 Madison Avenue at 34th Street.

Job Search Central: Job Information Resources

Magdalene Chan, Science, Industry and Business Library — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 05:36:31 -0500

Job Search Central launched as a service of NYPL's Science, Industry and Business Library in April 2009. Its predecessor, the Job Information Center, had been a popular destination of the General Reference and Advisory Services Department in the Mid Manhattan Library since 1975. The JIC, as it was called, is where President Obama found the lead for his first job as a community organizer.

Job Search Central functions as an important community outreach unit of The New York Public Library in providing information to all populations on all aspects of career development, including self-exploration, career choice, job readiness, job search, career management, career change, and the world of work.

The following is an overview of our collections, programs, and services:

Besides the reference and circulating book collections that provide information for you to make a career choice, Job Search Central also has access to the Career Cruising database, which can assist you in learning more about yourself and finding occupations that may be right for you. It also includes information on hundreds of occupations, community colleges and universities, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities.

The Occupational Information Reference collection includes major resources, such as the Occupational Outlook Handbook and Career Insider (Vault).

The Occupational Outlook Handbook is a publication of the Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. It is designed to provide valuable assistance to individuals making decisions about their future work lives.
Career Insider (Vault) is a premier career resource that includes industry guides, company and employer profiles, topics guides, and more. The industry overviews bring you inside 40 top industries, from investment management to manufacturing. It also provides details on career paths, salary ranges, industry outlooks, and more.

You can further enhance your occupational knowledge by acquiring information from the reference and circulating collections, including titles such as:

If you are interested in Civil Service in New York City, New York State or Federal Government, you can acquire occupation and examination information from the Library's Civil Service Examination collection. SIBL's collection includes titles such as:

If you are interested in special professional occupations, you can acquire licensing and certification examination information from our examination collection, including titles such as:

The examination collection also includes the Learning Express Library, which is a computer-based practice test program that helps users to familiarize themselves with Civil Service examinations and professional licensing and certification exams. Exams include:

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
Nursing and allied health licensure and certification test preparation

If you are interested in working in the business sector, you can use online business directories to create lists of companies and executives to target for your job search.

Try Reference USA, D & B Million Dollar, Hoover’s, and more. Find industry trends and forecasts using First Research, Plunkett Research Online, and S & P Industry Surveys.
If you are interested in starting a small business, SCORE counselors can assist you on a one-on-one basis in preparing a business plan, applying for business loan, and more.

In addition, Job Search Central presents employment websites selected by SIBL staff for job searches from general resources and specific categories. Job search related information is also included.

Job Search Central also provides job search database classes and job search and career development programs to job seekers of all ages. All these are free to the public on a first come first seated basis.

If you have career concerns that need to be addressed on a one-to-one basis, you can register to participate in Free Career Coaching Services.

For 40+ job seekers, we offer the AARP WorkSearch program, which is an online system with links to job openings, skills assessment tools, and training programs.

We welcome college graduates to participate in our Drop-In Job Club to learn how to market themselves and to conduct a strategic job search.

As a community outreach effort, Job Search Central invites instructors and their students from learning centers and colleges to research occupational information.

Job Search Central has myriad kinds of up-to-date job resources to serve all populations to meet the changing labor force.

Job Search Central Two Years On: A Progress in Work

Peter Bengston, Central Collection Development — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 07:46:36 -0400

After the collapse of financial markets in 2008 and the resulting job loss experienced by millions of Americans, The New York Public Library decided the time was right to expand the services of the former Job Information Center at Mid-Manhattan Library and transform it into the current Job Search Central (JSC) in the Science, Industry and Business Library (SIBL) to provide a broader range of assistance to those in urgent need of finding new avenues of employment.

By moving job and career research materials to SIBL, JSC users would benefit from access to the full range of electronic databases available only in SIBL, providing extensive information on companies and industries, as well as reference resources in print covering these same areas. In addition, more one-on-one counseling services were established, such as career coaching by representatives of AARP for older job seekers, the Career Development Specialists Network, and an on-staff librarian with certification in career counseling. SIBL, since its founding in 1996, has had a branch office of SCORE, which provides assistance to those with a variety of small business issues and those hoping to make the transition from the corporate sector to self-employment. More recently, SIBL has provided the space for individual financial education and counseling sessions conducted by the Financial Planning Association of New York to those who need help with difficult personal finance concerns related to unemployment, retirement, 401Ks, etc.

Magdalene Chan, SIBL's Job Search Central librarian with career counseling certification, reports that there have been many success stories of JSC users finding employment. In one instance, a 26 year old man consulted with Chan after he had lost his job as a sales and service representative with a large investment banking firm after it had merged with an other investment house. Through her suggestion, he explored the Career Cruising database to explore his interests, abilities, and values, and he came to the realization that he was best suited to become a financial analyst, especially since he had passed the relevant certification exams. With Chan's guidance in perfecting his resume and cover letter and taking full advantage of some of the other JSC resources, he eventually landed a financial analyst position with JP Morgan Chase, edging out the other approximately 100 candidates.

Another happy story is one of a middle aged woman who also came for counseling with Chan. She had earned a BBA from one the CUNY colleges, an MBA from an online graduate program, and had experience in managing the logistical operations of two older adult care centers in Queens and Manhattan that had closed earlier this year. After a few weeks of researching JSC resources, she inteviewed for and got an assistant director position at Elmhust Hospital in Queens. A third case involved a candidate with extensive publishing experience and a law degree who secured a position with the New York City Department of Education using her law experience to review construction contracts.

The New York Public Library's job and career resources positively impact the lives of users outside of the JSC and SIBL, as well. Patricia Kettles, the manager of NYPL's Port Richmond Library on Staten Island, related to me how one patron approached her needing a real estate exam preparation book. All were checked out and she was scheduled to take the exam in two weeks. Kettles directed the patron to a computer workstation where she could use the Learning Express database, which is available at all neighborhood libraries, to study an online version of the real estate exam guide. The patron continued to access Learning Express from home with her library card and later returned to Port Richmond Library to thank Kettles for showing her the database, which prepared her to pass her licensing exam.

NYPL's Central Collection Devlopment department supplements these electronic, reference, and one-on-one resources by regularly purchasing circulating titles for JSC and other neighborhood libraries, which are available for check out with your library card. Visit our new Catalog for a selection of recently acquired titles. To find other similar job and career titles in the Catalog, simply do a call number search with the word "jobs" or a subject search with the phrase "vocational guidance."

Job Hunting: Isn't Something Magical Supposed to Happen Now That I'm on LinkedIn?

Amy Armstrong — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 06:59:42 -0500

If you're reading this post, you're probably a job seeker who has exhausted all of the "fresh" online job postings for the day, but feel obligated to stay in front of the computer to fulfill your daily quota of job hunt time. It's okay. You're not alone, but that's also part of the reason so many people are still unemployed. Applying to online job postings is unlikely to land you a job. Yes, your cousin's brother knows someone in Alabama who just got a great job through an online job board. I'm sure others have too, but it's still not the best way to look. Networking is the best way to get employed and stay employed and it involves more than creating a LinkedIn profile.

Actually, I kind of fibbed. Cold calling is often regarded as the statistically most effective way to find work as in flipping through the yellow pages and calling every company that might be able to use someone with your skill set. Time consuming and difficult? You bet! So is networking and filling out the typical online job application form. Given that all of the methods take time and effort, wouldn't you be happier knowing you're spending your time doing something that is likely to land you a job or at least help you in your career down the line?

Even though job seekers complain about the annoying and time-consuming nature of online applications, they're strangely addicted to them. It's like watching a teenage girl with an obsession with bad boys. Everyone agrees that online job boards are annoying and boring time-wasters and yet most job seekers spend eight hours a day on them! I was puzzled by this phenomenon until one job seeker said, "Well, I know there's a job when I apply online because it's posted." For those of you who remember the TV show Monk, think of that episode in the insane asylum with the patient who believes he sees Santa everywhere. Remember when he says, "I read it on the Internet, so I know it's true"? Same thing with job postings. Actually, I have more definitive proof that the job postings are fake than I do that Santa isn't real. If you can't help yourself and insist on relying on job postings, please read these tips from Weddles.com about distinguishing the good leads from the crummy ones.

Remember though, most of the job postings online are not going to lead you to an actual position any faster than meeting with people and working your network, and that's assuming the job posting is legit. Most of the job postings aren't.

As for LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and all the other social media sites, they can be excellent tools for reconnecting with colleagues and other professionals you meet, but they won't get the job for you. While some career counseling professionals might argue that not having a presence on LinkedIn could cost you opportunities, that is not the same as saying LinkedIn will get you a job.

Getting meetings with people who can hire you is what gets you a job. If you aren't getting called in for interviews, set up your own. Of course the meetings you can set up usually won't be official job interviews, but any contact with a decision maker is better than none. For tips on creative ways to get your foot in the door with the right people try Shortcut Your Job Search: The Best Way to Get Meetings by Kate Wendleton.

Also, remember that building a solid network of people who can be helpful to you in your career takes time and effort just like a good job search takes time and effort. If you are currently unemployed, and you're not spending 40 hours a week looking for work, it's time to re-evaluate your strategy. Set up as many meetings as possible, research companies, and take advantage of some of the free classes and public programs offered by NYPL. While you can't control whether or not a particular employer will call you in for an interview or whether or not an interviewer decides you're the best candidate for the job, you can control the way you present yourself and the amount of effort you put into the process.

Thank You Notes: A Job Search Essential

Amy Armstrong — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 08:09:43 -0500

Writing thank you notes after a job interview can feel a lot like kissing your dentist's feet after a root canal. For most of us, the interview is a necessary, but uncomfortable experience that we want to just get over with and run screaming to the nearest pub to forget about. Besides, writing anything for a potential hiring manager is anxiety-provoking in itself. Still, skipping the thank you note could cost you! Read on for thank you note tips.

Why write thank you notes?

Not writing one could cost you the job.
If you think hiring managers and search committees don't notice whether or not you send a thank you note, think again. They notice, and it often will be a factor in determining who makes it to the final round of interviews and who they hire. It's an employer's market, and given the choice between a candidate with social savvy and one without, employers will pick the one with it. Also, I've heard hiring managers say that they have passed on candidates they would have pursued otherwise if the candidate had written a thank you note. That might seem like a silly reason not to hire someone, but it's also a silly reason to lose an offer.

Thank you notes can help you address areas of concern and give you a second chance.
A thoughtful and strategic thank you note can provide you with the opportunity to expand on something you mentioned during the interview that might strengthen your position in comparison with other candidates. You can also use the note as a way to assuage fears or concerns the employer might have about hiring you. Caution: don't harp on those concerns too much and be as positive as possible! For example, if the employer is concerned that you are overqualified for the job, emphasize how much you want to get back into the trenches or enjoy working on the front lines. Emphasizing the idea that you are feeling generous and will bless them with your tremendous expertise at half the normal price will probably reinforce their concerns.

How to write thank you notes—frequently asked questions

Cards? Letters or Email?
The safest course of action is to email each person you met with (individual emails—no ccs or bccs, please) and follow up with a paper note/letter. If you know who you are meeting with along with their email addresses, you can set up simple thank you emails in your drafts folder and just hit Send when you get home. As for the cards versus letters debate, it's up to you. If you write like a doctor, a typed letter is probably a better way to go. Handwritten notes are becoming more unusual and may make you more memorable. Also, thank you cards are prettier than letters and more likely to be saved and put in a visible place providing the prospective employer with a daily reminder of your gratitude. On the downside, thank you cards don't leave a lot of space to write much of a note, so if you're feeling particularly inspired after the meeting, it might be hard to get everything on there that you want to say. For the handwriting-challenged folks out there, SelfRecruiter John Crant recommends taking a fat marker and writing Thank You! and signing your name. Simple, personal and unlikely to draw attention to your scrawl.

How soon should I send them out?
Thank you notes are most likely to influence a hiring manager's decision if you send them within 24 hours of the interview. However, if two days have passed and you just noticed that the stack of notes is still sitting in your mail pile next to the door, don't give up. A late thank you note is better than no thank you note. Also, even if it arrives too late, the employer will think of you in a more positive way if they receive one from you. It's important to keep in mind that every interview is an opportunity to get valuable face time with a hiring manager. Even if you don't get the job you interview for that day, you still might get another one that opens up in the future if you make a good impression.

It was a great meeting. Can I send them my 200 page proposal on how I intend to revamp everything?
I would resist. First, you don't want to inadvertantly provide free consulting for the company. Second, a short thank you is a good thank you.

What do I say?
Some version of "Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today regarding the [position you interviewed for here] opening with your company. I look forward to joining your team, and believe I have the following valuable skills that will support your goals now and into the future: [3 reasons you're the best candidate ever!]

Light Reading for Job Seekers and Career Changers

Amy Armstrong — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 06:56:34 -0500

When the food gets heavy, light, fun books call to me, and I don't think I'm alone in this. Read on for highlights in funny, amusing, and entertaining career-related materials at NYPL.

Nice Job! A Guide To Cool, Odd, Risky, And Gruesome Ways To Make A Living by Lookout Media, Jake Brooks [et al.] Have you ever watched that scene from Office Space where three nerds try to figure out what money laundering actually means and thought, "Yep. That's me"? It's hard to find definitive guides to the dark side of the economy even though we all know it's there. While I'm not recommending that you review this book in search of your dream career, it does provide enough information to satisfy those of us with the macabre combination of morbid curiosity and a love of dark humor. Some of my favorite profiles: Rodeo Clown, Stuntperson, Geisha, Dominatrix, and Executioner (their one pick from Civil Service.) What's That Job And How The Hell Do I Get It? The Inside Scoop On More Than 50 Cool Jobs From People Who Actually Have Them by David J. Rosen Unlike Nice Job! this book features some careers that you might actually want to consider. My favorites: author, toy designer/inventer, and wardrobe stylist. Radical Careering: 100 Truths To Jumpstart Your Job, Your Career, And Your Life by Sally Hogshead This little book (and yes, it is short and smaller than standard size) seems more like art than a standard book, but if you're feeling stuck in your job search, career, or just feel you're suffering from general ennui, it might be just what you need to feel perky again. Who can resist chapter headings like: "Reject Mediocrity" and "Lead from Within"? Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris Oh, David Sedaris, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways! One one thousand! Two one thousand! Three... Oh, sorry. I get so carried away around this special time of year when I have an excuse to read "The SantaLand Diaries" over and over and over again without my husband saying I'm nuts. I know he still thinks it, but really, for anyone who has ever had a demeaning job ever, you must read at least that one story in this book. You can also hear David Sedaris read from the SantaLand Diaries on NPR here. Just don't use this as an excuse to say you want to work somewhere because you like the uniforms or write an essay bashing a former employer. It's much better to have freelance writing as a source of supplemental income than to make it your career by default because you've alienated all potential employers. Odd Jobs: Portraits Of Unusual Occupations by Nancy Rica Schiff When I first picked-up this book and noticed that a condom tester was profiled (complete with a picture of her at work!) I had to add it to my personal collection of career books. This book has it all, from the armpit sniffer featured on the cover to funeral parlor cosmetologist (Evelyn Waugh fans rejoice). What Should I Do With My Life? by Po Bronson Unlike the other books on this list, this one is a bit more serious. Po Bronson interviewed people about the times they felt they were at a crossroads in their career decision-making process and what they did to resolve the tension between the life they were living and the one they wanted to live.

Job Seekers: Your Burning Resume Questions Answered

Amy Armstrong — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 06:55:49 -0500

Over the course of my career, as a career counselor and a hiring manager, I've looked at a lot of resumes and I continue to review a lot of resumes. Job seekers often get so wrapped-up in revising the resume that it turns into this all or nothing pass into the land of employment. While a good resume is an asset in any job seeker's arsenal of job hunting tools, it is not the only important thing or even the most important thing. Also, your resume can only do you some good if it gets in front of the right people. I will try to address the questions most people ask about resumes here, but feel free to comment with other burning questions. I hope this entry will ease your anxiety so that you can finally share your resume with others.

Should I go with the functional format?

No! Yes, I know some well-meaning person told you that for your unique situation, the functional resume will show-off your skills better than the chronological format. Also, the chronological format is old hat anyway. I don't need to know what your situation is to answer this question. Employers do not trust functional resumes because they hide a lot of information, and they are harder to skim through than chronological resumes. Do the best you can with the chronological resume format and be happy.

How should I format my dates?

Align all dates to the right side of your resume and include the month and year for start and end dates for all jobs. For your current position, if still working there, format as follows: mm/yy to Present

So, I almost have my BA in ____________. That's like having it, right?

Being a college grad is a lot like being pregnant; you either are or you aren't. Lying on a resume is never acceptable, and bending the truth "a little" by transforming that almost completed degree into a completed one is lying. However, you can indicate that you have completed coursework toward a BA.

What do you think of resume writing services?

I'm not a fan of resume writing services in general because it's a very expensive service for a document that is designed just to get you an interview. The interview is much more important than your resume, and because of that, it's important that your experiences are described in a way that is true to how you would describe them. Resume writers are good at writing and they might be familiar with a wide range of occupations, but even the most knowledgeable and articulate resume writer will never have the first hand knowledge that you have when it comes to describing your experience and achievements. If you would like to enlist the help of a professional resume writer anyway, you can find some tips on finding one on About.com.

What about references and salary information?

Don't put references or salary information on your resume. Only provide an employer with references if the employer indicates they are seriously interested in contacting your references because you are a final candidate in their search. If you have to put salary information on an employment application, c'est la vie, but don't put it on your resume.

I had to take a time-out to (raise kids, deal with a medical problem, take care of a loved one, etc.) Now what?

The details don't matter so much. Just account for the gap on your resume by indicating that you took a sabbatical and include the month/year of the beginning and month/year of the end. You might get some questions about it. Be as general as possible and indicate that the break was due to a situation that arose at the time and has since been resolved. For more tips on addressing gaps on your resume, check-out this post.

Can I have more than one page?

It depends. If you have a lot of experience that is really related to the type of job you are currently looking for and it goes over a page and a half, then, okay, you can have two pages. If you only have one sentence over one page, adjust your spacing and font size to bring it to one page. If some of that experience isn't related or makes you look old, consider editing it down to one page. In general, most hiring managers are more comfortable with one page resumes and most candidates seem to feel better about the one page versions of their resumes as well.

Career Changers: I Want to be a Writer! How Do I Make it Happen?

Amy Armstrong — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 06:54:55 -0500

If you're reading NYPL blogs because you're thinking about writing a novel or titillating nonfiction book, you're in good company. Many writers make the Library their temporary home as they research their subject and search for inspiration. A lot of my clients come in with questions about breaking into the glamorous world of writing whether it's writing children's books, blogging, writing memoirs, editorials, etc. Contrary to popular belief, I can't look at a person and detect his or her potential to become a published author. However, I can share a few resources that may be helpful to you as you consider this profession.

Check-it out! The songwriter for Tangled uses NYPL as his office! See, I told you that you're in good company.

For anyone who is just getting started—maybe you just know you enjoy creative activities in general and your friends say you have a way with words—the following books might be helpful to you:

Careers for Writers and Others Who Have a Way with Words

On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King

You're sure you want to write a book. Fabulous! Try one of these:

How to Write a Damn Good Novel by James Frey (Frey has published two books on writing "damn good" novels, the original and the second are both recommended)

No Plot? No Problem! A Low Stress, High-Velocity Guide to Writing a Novel in 30 Days by Chris Baty

Refining your technique

20 Master Plots (And How to Build Them) by Ronald B. Tobias

45 Master Characters by Victoria Schmidt

Specific Markets and Genres

Children's books: check the catalog for books on writing for children available through NYPL. Also consult the website for the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI)

Mystery: Writing Mysteries: A Handbook by Lawrence Block, et al. (Speaking of Lawrence Block, also check out his book Telling Lies for Fun & Profit.)

Horror, Fantasy and Science Fiction: How to Write Tales of Horror, Fantasy, and Science Fiction by J.N. Williamson

Romance: You Can Write a Romance by Rita Clay Estrada and Rita Gallagher

Getting Published

Writer's Market Guide to Literary Agents

Novel and Short Story Writer's Market

How to Get Happily Published by Judith Appelbaum

Other things to consider: feedback is essential to improving your writing! Try bouncing your ideas off other writers in a critique group. You can search for writing groups on Meetup.com or try an online group like CritiqueCircle.com.

Protecting your privacy during the job search

Amy Armstrong — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 06:16:43 -0500

Privacy is a tough thing to maintain during a job search because looking for work is a lot like dating. If you aren't willing to totally open up, people will wonder if you're truly ready to commit. Seriously though, I think we all would at least like to believe that even with web 2.0 spilling our digital guts all over the place, some information is still sacred.

Everyone has different concerns when it comes to personal information on the web and employment applications. My focus in this posting will be on information you may submit over the web during your job search that could either put you at risk for identity theft or fraud, or cost you a job.

Posting a Resume Online

If you use any online job board, you are probably going to post your resume online (if you haven't already.) This includes job boards for specific organizations you apply to, as well as job boards like CareerBuilder, Monster, and Dice. You can also post your resume on Craigslist, but I wouldn't do it.

When you post your resume on CareerBuilder or Monster, you have the option of making your resume searchable meaning that employers who subscribe to Monster can find your resume in the database if they search for keywords that match your resume. Monster gives you three options when you post your resume: Public, Confidential, and Private. If you post your resume and set visibility to private, nobody can see your resume unless you use it to apply to a job. Basically, a private resume is a resume you are storing in your profile on Monster for your convenience. Resumes posted as public will make all of your contact information and information about your previous employers available to any recruiter searching the database. Posting a resume as confidential will allow employers to find your resume through keywords, but your contact information as well as the names of your previous employers will be hidden from view.

Job seekers looking for another job while they are currently employed definitely should use the confidential posting option and make sure that all identifying information is removed from the resume they upload before posting it.

None of the online job boards will automatically remove your contact information and employer names from the document you upload or type into the "Add Resume" section. To save time before you post resumes online, start with the normal version that you will attach to emails and send directly to employers, save another copy. Remove all identifying information from the copy and use that one for online job boards.

Job seekers who are not currently employed and just want to prevent fraud and identity theft should still post resumes using the confidential setting, however, you can leave an email address and cell phone number on your resume, if you are comfortable doing so.

Employers contact job seekers who post anonymous resumes through an "Email this job seeker" link provided by the job board. The company that hosts the job board forwards the message to your email box on the employer's behalf. This is a great way to protect your information, however, it puts more of a burden on you to check your email regularly.

If you are concerned about taking your privacy protecting a step further, consider opening a free email account to use exclusively for your job search. For more information about protecting your information on online job boards, visit Monster's Security Center.

Other resources on protecting your privacy during the job search are available through The Riley Guide. Not sure if the work-at-home offer you heard about is legit? Check-out the Better Business Bureau's article on Work-at-Home Scams.

Information That Never Should Go on an Employment Application

Social Security Number---the only exception to this is government job applications
Driver License Number

Realistically, no employer is going to invest the time and money in performing a detailed background or credit check on a candidate before they know they're interested and there is no way an employer will know that until they've met you at least once, so even if they claim they need to gather information for background checks and credit checks, just let them know that you will be happy to complete the necessary paperwork once it is clear that you are both interested.

Beyond "I Read Your Email"

Never post anything on your blog, Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, or LinkedIn profile that you wouldn't want a prospective employer to see. The same principle applies to comments you post to other blogs, online reviews you write, or online forums you participate in. If you put something anywhere on the internet, Google can find it. If Google can find it, a recruiter or human resources manager can find it too. Check 3 Facebook Settings Every User Should Check Now to make sure you're being pleasantly social without oversharing.

What is an Informational Interview?

Amy Armstrong — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 08:20:15 -0400

So, you've been looking for work for months and the only offer you've received is to become a representative for ABC Insurance Company---after you pay for training to become a licensed agent. Your friends, family, career coaches, and all these articles keep mentioning networking and informational interviews, but what does any of that mean?

Informational interviews are one of the best ways to network because they give you the opportunity to gather inside information that could increase your chances of getting a good job. Most of us associate informational interviews with meetings college students set-up with their wealthy uncles to find out more about what it's like to work in the family business. While informational interviews are a crucial step in the career exploration process and any career changer should conduct a few before committing to a new career path, they aren't just for exploration. For most job seekers, informational interviews are a tool you can use to get an edge on your competition when you change companies, departments, or industries.

How is this different from a regular interview?

You run the meeting. In a job interview, the interviewer sets the agenda and runs the meeting. You are in charge of the informational interview. The person you meet with will expect you to have questions prepared and to provide a clear direction for the meeting.
The meeting is not about your qualifications for a specific job opening and it is not appropriate for you to ask for a job at the meeting. You might be thinking, Won't they detect my ulterior motives? What ulterior motives? That you need a job? Odds are, they already know you're looking and they agreed to meet with you anyway. Just don't ask them for one. It's rude.

What should I ask?

Formulate questions that will get the person talking about their experiences. For example, you might want to ask, how did you get started in xyz? or what is the best thing about working in this industry?
Unlike job interviews, asking about salary ranges and fringe benefits that are standard for the industry might be appropriate. However, it's a good idea to get a sense of what the person you are talking to is like first, and to weigh the odds of you interviewing with them for a job in the near future. For example, if the person you meet with shows you the trundle bed he has set-up under his desk for the weekly all-nighters he pulls, you probably don't want to ask him about vacation and flex time. In any interview, you build chemistry by playing up what you have in common with the person you are meeting with, especially when it comes to work ethic. If you think pulling all-nighters every week is the sign of a sick mind, you might be right, but don't do anything that might let your future boss think that. As far as salary goes, never ask the person you meet with what he or she earns. Ask about what might be typical for someone in that industry at the level you would come in at. Better yet, do some research beforehand and ask for their thoughts on your findings. You can get salary information at salary.com or payscale.com.
What are some additional resources you could recommend or additional people I should talk to? Always try to gather additional contacts through your informational interviews.

You survived the informational interview and you really do want to work at that company. What now?

Say something like, "Thank you so much for taking the time to meet with me. This seems like a wonderful place to work and I think I could picture myself as part of the team here. What are your suggestions for next steps?"

Want to read more about Informational Interviews before you jump in?

Roadtrip nation: find your path in life/ Marinner, Mike

I love this book and I hope that everyone else who experiences it will love it too. Mike Marinner and his fellow partners in crime at Roadtrip Nation share their notes on the informational interviews they conducted during their cross-country trip to figure out what they really wanted to do with their lives. Check-out the website for videos of the interviews. My favorites: Ben Zander/Tom First, Kevin Carrol

Shortcut your job search: the best way to get meetings/ Wendleton, Kate

All of Kate Wendleton's Five O'Clock Club books are terrific for anyone who wants comprehensive step-by-step directions on how to do everything job search related. Shortcut your job search walks you through everything you need to know to set up meetings and follow-up.

The Very quick job search/ Farr, Michael

I recommend this book to just about everyone who is feeling stuck in their job search. It's one of the few job search guides out there that has tips that still surprise me and includes a lot of helpful advice on how to plan your day when you're looking for work. Michael Farr also includes a helpful section on how to approach informational interviews and how to get the most out of them.

Careers at NYPL: Alexis Marion, Development Office

Cydney Sacks, NYPL Volunteer — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 11:24:53 -0400

For my first interview in a series about careers at NYPL, I interviewed Alexis Marion, who works in the Development Office.

What is a daily schedule like for you?

On a typical day, I will work on a number of fundraising proposals, some for philanthropic support of programs at the Library, and others for sponsorship.

How did you get this job and is this what you originally wanted to do?

I applied for my first job at the Library online.

How long have you been working at the library?

Three and a half years.

What’s the craziest, weirdest, funniest or most unusual thing that has happened to you while working at the library?

I'd have to say chatting with John Lithgow during last year's Library Lions event. He was the emcee and I escorted him around the building, to and from photo ops and meet and greets.

What college did you go to and for what?

I got an undergraduate degree in Communications from the University of Florida and a Masters in Media and Communications from the London School of Economics.

Out of all of the branches in NYC why did you pick the Stephen A. Schwarzman branch?

I didn't select the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. This is where the Development Offices are.

You manage the fundraising office. How do you do that?

I'm actually the Manager of Corporate Relations, which means that I'm part of the fundraising team that pursues money from companies, as opposed to individuals, foundations, or the government.

Do you set up fundraising events throughout the year?

I volunteer to work fundraising events regularly to help the Events and Corporate Partnerships team, with whom I work very closely.

How would you describe the work you have to do for fundraising? Hard? Easy?

It's challenging but extremely rewarding when, after months of phone calls, meetings, and proposal-writing, a grant check finally arrives and we're able to realize a project or help sustain programs and services.

How do you get people to help out NYPL?

There's a lot of evidence to help make the case for why supporting the Library is important for New Yorkers, and why libraries are important for people worldwide. In fact, donors often share personal stories about the impact their local library had on them as a child, or as a student. Taking that personal connection and translating it into a reason for a company to make a grant for the Library takes work, but no one struggles to understand or appreciate what we do on principle.

Painless Cover Letter Writing

Amy Armstrong — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 13:41:57 -0400

With emails and tweets, writing or reading an entire letter seems old fashioned and overwhelming now, but a well written cover letter could help you get your foot in the door when you wouldn't have otherwise.

Even if you hate writing or think you are a horrible writer, you can still prepare an effective cover letter as long as you keep the following points in mind:

Keep it brief: 4-5 paragraphs at the most
Customize it for the job and company
Proofread it and have someone else proofread it

What goes into an effective cover letter?

The simple things are simultaneously the most frequently neglected and the most crucial to helping your letter stand out in a stack.

A Name

First, all letters are addressed to someone. To Whom it May Concern is not a person. Nobody gets excited about opening a letter and being called To Whom it May Concern, Dear Sirs, or Human Resources Manager. Getting a name is often difficult, especially when you're responding to ads. Companies don't provide names because they don't want job seekers to call the hiring manager and pepper her with questions, but if you take the time to investigate a bit and get a name, you will stand out as someone who is thorough, professional, and considerate. This will take some research on your part!

What You Have to Offer

This is where your self-knowledge and research on the company can shine through. Ideally, you want to highlight a challenge the organization currently faces, and suggest a way that your expertise can help them meet that challenge. Going back to my point about researching who to write your letter to, you will need to put some time and effort into figuring out what the company needs help with and how you can address their current needs.

Ask for a Meeting

Make your letter action-oriented! Don't just end it with, "I hope to hear from you soon." Provide a time line for when you plan to reach out to the employer again. For example, you could write something like "I will call next Monday if I have not heard from you by then." Also, always include a statement like, "I would appreciate a meeting with you to discuss this opportunity in greater detail."

Be Reachable

It's always a good idea to remind the employer of your contact information in the last paragraph. Yes, if you formatted your cover letter well, it's in the header and any savvy manager should be able to scan back up the page and read it there. However, you are the one who wants a job from them. It's on you to make it as easy as possible for them to reach out, so take the extra minute and put it in that last paragraph as well.

If you still need inspiration for your cover letter, take a look some of NYPL's books on cover letter writing.

Joyce Lane Kennedy's Cover Letters for Dummies (eBook and print)

Lynn Williams' Readymade Job Search Letters (eBook)

Clifford and Lynn Eischens' Resumes, Cover Letters, Networking, and Interviewing

Wendy Enelow's Cover Letter Magic

Employed and Miserable: Dealing With a Job You Hate During a Recession

Amy Armstrong — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 12:58:00 -0400

It's hard to find much to be happy about when you think about the news for job seekers now. In theory, it seems like the rotten economy would turn that annoying job you took to pay the bills right out of college into the best thing ever if you're still "lucky" enough to have it. The unfortunate reality is that most workers are trudging through the day doing the same work they were doing before plus the work of colleagues who had their positions cut. Meanwhile, the pressure is on to work overtime on short notice and without complaint, and to forgo little things like using vacation or sick time. Even though your boss may be delighted to remind you that you should just be grateful to have a job and get over your case of "survivor guilt" or whatever the hip corporate term is now, it's hard to be happy about working longer, harder, and sicker for the same or less money. Here are a few things to keep in mind before you decide your situation is totally hopeless.

You're not crazy. Being stuck in a job you can't stand is always depressing and it's even worse when you can't see a way out.

Thanks to the credit crunch, a lot of us are saddled with financial obligations that make it impossible to risk 6 months to a year without steady income. It's normal to not feel blessed to slave away for 40+ hours a week just to keep the wolf at the door. Take some time to consider where you would like to see yourself 6 months from now, a year from now, and so on. If you're having trouble getting more detailed than, "I never want to see this desk again!" set up a time to meet with a career coach at Job Search Central.

Consider the advantages you have as someone who isn't currently unemployed.

Supposedly, the best time to find a job is when you already have one, and in this economy, that seems to have become even more true. Employers generally will be more enthusiastic about interviewing someone who already has a job than someone who isn't currently employed. It's silly and unfair, but it works to your advantage. Another plus about being employed is that you still have good access to a network of working professionals: co-workers, managers, vendors, etc. Gear-up your networking now! Set-up lunch dates with people who are working on projects that interest you. Attend training sessions and conferences when you can and follow-up with the people you meet. This is a good practice even if you're happy with your job, but it can be even more critical when you're not because it's a great way to overcome a sense of isolation. Don't forget to set-up or spruce-up your LinkedIn profile! Social media shy? Check-out these books in our collection about LinkedIn, Facebook and more.

Pay off your credit cards and build your savings.

Okay, this is old news to most of us, but I still get a lot of questions about first-steps to career freedom and nobody likes this one, but if you're unhappy where you are and the job market stinks, you have to be prepared for the possibility that you or your boss may reach a point where you've got to go. So, if you're still out there stimulating the economy with retail therapy and your credit card bill is too high to pay off month-to-month, thank you for doing your part for America. Now, you can take a breather and pay that down. Again, even if you like what you do, it's generally a good practice to try to have enough saved to get you through at least 6 months if you find yourself between jobs. Try booking a free consultation with a financial advisor at SIBL's Financial Literacy Central.

Stop equating work with who you are.

Business frequently gets personal, especially in the work place. Nasty co-workers might make comments about how you always do this or never do that. Supervisors might complain that you aren't being flexible enough or don't seem invested enough in this or that. Maybe they're right; maybe they're wrong, but it's important to remember that work is all about the perceptions of people who often aren't very perceptive and this sort of feedback is just information that can help you manage those perceptions. For example, if your boss thinks that being seen in the office after 5 p.m. means your work ethic is to superior to people who leave right at 5 p.m., stay a few minutes later a few days a week. Better yet, work on a project you're actually interested in during that time. Retaliation and confrontation usually aren't effective with unreasonable people. If at all possible, you'll get farther working around the neuroses of those around you than trying to get rid of them. See John Hoover's How to Work for an Idiot for more tips.

Don't skimp on lunches and breaks.

Even before the recent economic meltdown, author Richard Conniff observed in his book The Ape in the Corner Office: Understanding the Workplace Beast in All of Us that American business went through a period where people were not supposed to have needs for "animal" things like food, water, and rest. Executives observed that being seen eating during a business meeting was viewed as a sign of weakness even if they had back-to-back meetings from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Later on, pizza was permitted in the boardroom as long as everyone accepted that business meant running with the wolves and survival was the ultimate goal so little things like being inconsiderate shouldn't matter. In other words, how your company views your biological needs is subject to whatever fads are leaking out of MBA programs across the country, but human beings need food, water and sleep. That's not going to change. So make time for lunch and breaks away from your desk. You might be surprised at the difference it makes.

Will the Myers-Briggs Tell Me What I Should Be When I Grow Up?

Amy Armstrong — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 06:44:02 -0400

With the unemployment rate stuck at over 9%, seeing the bright side of the situation can be tough. One positive outcome of these hard times is that job seekers are becoming more interested in finding a job that's a good fit, not just something to pay the bills.

Unfortunately, it can be difficult to identify what the right job would be if you don't have much experience doing work you enjoy. As a career counselor, I get a lot of questions from clients about personality assessments, and if I had to pick the one I get asked about the most, it would be the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (you may know it as the MBTI). The MBTI is one of the most widely used and heavily researched personality assessments in the world because the results can be applied to a range of situations from couples counseling to team building. It's an interesting assessment, and it's cool to be able to tell people you're an ENFP, INTJ or whatever four-letter type you happen to be. However, the question I often hear is: I took the Myers-Briggs several years ago, but I still have no idea what I want to do. Why is that?

I don't usually recommend the Myers-Briggs to clients who are just beginning their career exploration because the basic report doesn't even cover ideal career paths. The Myers-Briggs is designed to help deepen your self-awareness and to help you understand how to get along better with other personality types. This can be helpful information as part of your career exploration plan, but it's not going to help you generate very many ideas about
careers to look into. This page provides more information on the use of the MBTI for career planning.

If you are looking for a list of careers that might fit your interests and you have a New York Public Library card, try Career Cruising. You can use it from any New York Public Library location or from home! Career Cruising's Career Matchmaker assessment starts off with 39 quick questions about what you like to do. If you want to narrow down the list of possible careers, you can answer more questions. You can also explore academic programs related to certain careers, and look-up careers you are curious about. You can also set up a meeting with a career coach at Job Search Central by signing up online.

For anyone interested in Myers-Briggs fun and trivia, check-out these sites:

TypeCan
This fun site offers a lot of good basic information on preferences and the history of the Myers-Briggs.
KnowYourType.com
Find out about all of the famous people who share your personality type!