HR pros go one-on-one with jobseekers to hone resumes
(Posted to Fairfield.Patch.com 1/22)
By Mike Lauterborn
© 2011. All Rights Reserved.
1/22/11
Fairfield, CT – Some were re-entering the workforce. Others wanted to tweak their information to improve response. All needed help honing their bios.
Local jobseekers turned out in droves to get the help of human resources professionals that had volunteered their time to the Fairfield Public Library’s Job Series program, which offered the first of six sessions Saturday morning at the 1080 Old Post Road main branch. The opening session was devoted to One-on-One Resume Review and was facilitated by five professionals seated at separate stations in the library’s Memorial Room.
Library Reference Associate Judy Sparzo said the program, now in its third year, has been a great success. “We’ve served over 3,000 people to date through our weekly presentations. We’ve also recorded the presentations and put them on our website, as podcasts. The page has realized over 18,000 hits. We have people coming from Fairfield mostly, but also surrounding towns.”
Regarding program content, Sparzo added, “We try to offer a mix of skills they need like resume writing and interviewing, as well as stress management and credit counseling. A lot of things come into play when you’re looking for work and that are impacting your family. Our weekly presenters have been very generous with their time in helping people.”
Judith Evans, a Career Management Consultant for NewCareerVentures.com, one of the five resume reviewers, said she was glad to play a role. “It’s important for people as they go forward to have a really good resume. It helps open a door. I’m only too glad to help because I feel I’m contributing in a way to bettering the economy.”
Attendee Rosemary Field, from Fairfield, hoped to gain help re-entering the workforce. “I used to be an art educator but have been out of the workforce for 10 years now. I’ve been at home with my kids and have experienced life-altering situations. One of my children was diagnosed with special needs and my husband is transitioning his career. I really need to get back out there and use the skills I’ve learned volunteering and teaching to pursue a new career. My motto is ‘Passion, Purpose, Pay’, which to me means creativity in serving others. I’m hoping this program will help give me more focus.”
Attendee Mark Meuser, also from Fairfield, hoped to add some spark to his resume. “I’m currently unemployed and my resume isn’t working so far, so any professional advice to help me make it work harder would be appreciated. An old girlfriend and I put together my resume the best we could. It needs a professional touch.”
Fairfielder Carmen Herrera wanted to get a few pointers to help spice up her resume with a goal of landing a better job. “I’m here to see how I can improve my resume. I’m currently employed but looking for a better position and thought this would help. My sister is also creating her own resume and I thought I could get some pointers to help her.”
Pam Toner was another Fairfield resident reentering the workplace. “I’m relaunching my career after a 10-year sabbatical with my children. My resume’s three pages long and I want to find out how to condense it and make it work.”
The Job Series will continue through April 4 and include sessions devoted to interviewing, consulting, keeping current on business trends, leveraging LinkedIn and effective job searching.
The Job Series program is free to the public. For more information and a schedule of sessions, visit www.fairfieldpubliclibrary.org or call 203-256-3160.
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