Library Use Has Skyrocketed with Recession

According to the Today Show, libraries are in more demand than ever. Sixty-eight percent of people in the United States have a library cards. That is the highest number in two decades. Not only do the libraries have computer and Internet resources for job seekers, but they also offer entertainment for the whole family.

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Ten Social Sites to Improve Your Resume

Looking for a job?

Here are ten social sites with features that let you create your own resume-like profile, edit your resume online, get it reviewed by experts, print it, and share it on social networks.

[via mashable]

Using Social Network Sites in Your Job Search

Here is an excellent post from Mashable about using social network sites to help in your job search.

Author Dan Schawbel explains:

Some of these sites allow you to craft a resume, while others are networking platforms that contain job listings. By signing up for all ten, you increase your chances of getting a job and decrease the amount of time you’ll spend searching for a new one. Three of the listed sites can be combined with other sites to be more impactful. In addition to joining, creating profiles and searching for jobs, I encourage you to support these sites with either a traditional website or blog, so that you have more to present to employers, in addition to your profile.

Social network sites are the way to find a job today. Foot, phone and paper are things of the past.

Another example of how social network sites are growing up.

Check Out MeL Jobs and Careers for Tips on Finding a Job

Unemployed? Take a look at Michigan eLibrary (MeL) Jobs and Careers site.

Created and funded by the Library of Michigan, MeL Jobs and Careers includes links to web sites on how to write cover letter and resumes, employee satisfaction rankings, internships, and job postings. MeL also includes information on starting a business, finding financial aid for school and job training, exploring career preferences, and learning about new occupations.

If you are unemployed, it is worth a look.

Michigan to Boost Phone, Online Unemployment Filing

According to the Detroit Free Press, Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm is adding 276 more employees -- a 50% increase -- and 200 additional phone lines to handle requests for unemployment claims from State residents.

Forbes reports that the State’s unemployment system is helping 12,000 jobless a day with claims. However, the phone system has been getting 1 million attempted calls a day, clogging phone lines. And unemployed who have turned instead to the State’s website often have found it slowed by heavy volume. Michigan’s 20-year-old unemployment system computers are in need of replacement.

Many people come to the Troy Library to search for jobs or for help with filing for unemployment. I can attest to the impact that the State’s collapsing economy has had on these folks.

Since the beginning of the year, I have helped several Technology Center computer users with the State’s unemployment website. At best, the site is painfully slow; many times it crashes, wiping out entered data. This has caused distress, frustration and anxiety among those filing for unemployment, many of whom have marginal computer skills to begin with.

I am glad that the Governor is attempting to alleviate this problem in the short-term.

Of course, putting Michigan residents back to work is the real long-term challenge.