Library launches Career Transition Assistance Program

WARWICK — The Albert Wisner Public Library is introducing a new program to help job seekers gain a competitive edge in their search for employment.

The Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) is targeted to the needs of today’s job hunter- the career changer, the young person looking for an internship or first job after graduating from college, the stay-at-home mom looking to return to the workforce and the person who has recently lost his or her job.

CTAP is a comprehensive resource consisting of workshops, resume review services and a job club. The program will be offered at the library beginning in August.

Workshops
Job seekers attending the workshops will learn effective job search strategies, practice interviewing and find out how best to craft resumes and cover letters that impress recruiters and hiring managers.

The first workshop is scheduled for Aug. 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration is required.

Resume review
Those needing one-on-one help with their resume and cover letter can also stop by the library for a private resume review session.

Resume review service is currently scheduled for Aug. 17, Sept. 14 and 21 from 9 a.m. to noon. Individuals may make a reservation for a half hour review session or drop-in.

Job Club
Because networking is so critical to landing a job today, the library will also be sponsoring the Warwick Career Transition Group (WCTG) or Job Club, a peer support resource for those in the process of a career transition or job search. In addition to expanding their network of contacts, participants share stories and discuss strategies. The group will meet periodically at the library. Meetings are open to all.

The first meeting at the Library is scheduled for Sept. 7 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. No registration required.

“On any given day, you’ll find library patrons using the computers to write or update their resumes, search job listings and research potential employers,” Library Director Rosemary Cooper said in her press release announcing the program. “You’ll also see them browsing or reading books and articles that help them prepare for interviews. The library has been the place where people go to get help finding a job. It is with this in mind that we are launching CTAP.”

Gregg Knowles, program consultant and career coach, will be conducting the workshops and resume review services as well as facilitating the job club.

“Although the economy is showing signs of improving, many unemployed or underemployed workers are still looking for work,” Knowles said. “They need to know how to portray their skills on a resume and during interviews, find jobs in the ‘hidden job market,’ deal with age bias and master the often impersonal technology-driven job search.”

Essential information
CTAP is made possible with funding from by the Albert Wisner Public Library Foundation.

For more information call 845-986-1047 ext. 3.

To register for CTAP workshop or to reserve a resume review session, visit www.albertwisnerlibrary.org or call 986-1047 ext. 3.