Free Job Search Workshops at Pawtucket Public Library

March 5, 2012

This March, the netWORKri one-stop career system will hold free job search workshops for the greater Pawtucket community at the Pawtucket Public Library on Summer Street. These workshops are part of a larger effort between the Office of Library & Information Services and the RI Department of Labor and Training to outreach to public library patrons throughout the state; the workshops do not represent a change to regular offerings or operations of the netWORKri career center located at 175 Main St., Pawtucket.

Workshops include:

Tuesday, March 6, 1-4 p.m.: Interview Workshop I

• A review of best practices in interview preparation, research, presentation and follow-up activities.

Thursday, March 8, 9:15 a.m.-12 p.m.: How to Use the EmployRI Online Career Center

• An online tour of EmployRI.org online career center that includes a jobs database and résumé-building modules.

Tuesday, March 13, 1-4 p.m.: Mock Panel Interviews

• Interviewing practice and feedback sessions in a small group setting.

Thursday, March 15, 9:15 a.m.-12 p.m.: How to Use the EmployRI Online Career Center

• An online tour of EmployRI.org online career center that includes a jobs database and résumé-building modules.

Tuesday, March 20, 9:15 a.m.-12 p.m.: LinkedIn Networking Tool I

• A computer-based overview of the LinkedIn.com online networking web site.

Thursday, March 22, 9:15 a.m.-12 noon: LinkedIn II

• A follow-up clinic to explore winning networking strategies and advanced features of LinkedIn.com.

Because space is limited, pre-registration for all workshops is required at (401) 721-1819.

Susan Chomka, assistant director of Workforce Development at the RI Department of Labor and Training, praises Pawtucket Mayor Donald R. Grebien and Pawtucket Library Director Susan Reed for making the community outreach workshops a reality in the city. Chomka adds, “The Pawtucket library has a 12-station computer library as well as a variety of meeting spaces that are ideal environments to hold our existing workshops.”

Howard Boksenbaum, chief library officer at the Office of Library & Information Services, comments, “It is extremely difficult to conduct a modern-day job search, much less prepare for the ever-changing world of work, without using the Internet. The netWORKri one-stops and Rhode Island libraries each have a role in helping job seekers find their way though the Internet thicket. By sharing knowledge, expertise and specialized resources such as those available on AskRI and EmployRI, both one-stops and libraries are ready and able to help job seekers reach for their goals.”

The netWORKri One-Stop Career Centers, located in Pawtucket, Providence, Wakefield, West Warwick and Woonsocket, offer employment services to both job seekers and employers. The centers are managed and operated by the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, a netWORKri partner. Other netWORKri partners include Workforce Solutions of Providence/Cranston; the Workforce Partnership of Greater Rhode Island; the RI Dept. of Education; the RI Dept. of Human Services; the RI Dept. of Elderly Affairs; the RI Dept. of Children, Youth and Families; the RI Dept. of Corrections; the Office of Rehabilitation Services; Goodwill Industries; and SER-Jobs for Progress. For more information on resources and available programs, visit www.networkri.org.

ABOUT DLT: The RI Department of Labor and Training offers employment services, educational services and economic opportunity to both individuals and employers. DLT protects Rhode Island’s workforce by enforcing labor laws, prevailing wage rates and workplace health and safety standards. The department also provides temporary income support to unemployed and temporarily disabled workers. For more information on the programs and services available to all Rhode Islanders, please call the RI Department of Labor and Training at (401) 462-8000 or visit the web site at www.dlt.ri.gov. 

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