Jobseekers - FAQs

I need a job. How do I get started?
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Attend our monthly Jobseekers Resource Seminar, led by a Reference Librarian.  Frequently, a Career Specialist and Certified Professional Resume Writer with the Connecticut Department of Labor attends and offers suggestions about your resume.  Find out about the next Seminar at Events or by calling 203-291-4840.
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The Riley Guide is a comprehensive website with articles and links to websites on all aspects of job hunting.
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The Occupational Outlook Handbook is published by the U.S. Department of Labor and covers hundreds of jobs. It describes the training and education needed, earnings, expected job prospects, what workers do on the job and working conditions. It is available in book format at the Reference Desk and as a circulating book. It is also online.
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The Encyclopedia of Careers and Vocational Guidance is a 5-volume reference set.  Volume 1 has an overview on choosing and starting a career, finding and applying for jobs, listings of helpful websites, and descriptions of 93 career fields.  The other volumes describe specific types of jobs.
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What Color is Your Parachute? (book and audiobook on CD) This best-selling job-hunting book helps readers focus on their ideal job situation and work towards achieving it.

Where can I get help with my resume and cover letter?
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Wet Feet Resume Edge.  Sample resumes in many fields, showing “before” and “after” examples, and helpful critiques.
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Riley Guide: Resumes and Cover Letters
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How to Say it in Your Job Search, Resumes for Dummies, Resumes for Re-entering the Job Market are some of the Library’s helpful books.

How can I prepare for job interviews?
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Riley Guide: Interviewing
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Career Journal This Wall Street Journal “Executive Career Site” offers dozens of articles on how to excel at interviews.

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Art of Interviewing (videocassette)
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101 Great Answers to the Toughest Interview Questions (audio cassette and book format)

How do I network to find jobs?
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Riley Guide - Networking Advice
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Local Groups:
 
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Darien Professionals
 
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New Canaan CaTS
 
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Black Rock Employment Networking Group
 
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Danbury Job Network
 
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Schegg Group
 
These networking groups provide peer support, job guidance and client referrals.
Where can I get free training?
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Southwestern Connecticut Works Centers
A wide variety of free services and training for unemployed and underemployed jobseekers are available in the Bridgeport and Stamford offices.
How can I find out about salaries for specific types of jobs?
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Salary.com - Provides salary statistics, calculators, cost of living considerations, etc.
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Riley Guide - Salary Guides - This site has salary guides and evaluative data for the user.
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Career Journal - A Wall Street Journal online publication that describes negotiation tips, career indicators, and salient topics for consideration

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Dynamite salary negotiations: Know what you’re worth and get it! This book discusses the art of negotiation and ways to achieve your goals.
How can I find jobs in this area?
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Connecticut Department of Labor - In addition to a wide variety of job listings, they offer assessment, workshops and career guidance.
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Connecticut newspaper ads
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Classified ads at the Reference Desk.  Local newspapers include Stamford Advocate, Norwalk Hour, Connecticut Post, and New York Times.

How can I find jobs in other parts of the U.S.?
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America's Job Exchange
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Monster
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For nonprofits - Idealist and Opportunity Knocks
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Job Central
Background information on companies/employers
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Databases.  Use your library card number to access these from home:

D & B’s Million Dollar Plus  and Reference USA :  Create your own lists of companies, or find out about individual companies, in these directories.

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Business & Company Resource Center - Articles and reports about companies and industries.
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Websites for companies and organizations.  In addition to individual company websites, industry and professional organization websites provide valuable information.
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Vault -  This site continuously updates information on over 3,000 companies and 70 industries.
For mid-career jobseekers
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Resumes for Mid-Career Job Changes; Challenger Guide: Job-Hunting Success for Mid-Career Professionals; Over-40 Job Search Guide.
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Career Journal