A local workforce development agency is unrolling a suite of free computer programs at county libraries that can help out-of-work residents find a job, or perhaps a different career for those searching for a new direction.
“It’s a great resource for people just to explore and see what can happen,” said Lyndsay Birmelin of Workforce Wayne during a presentation at the Wayne County Library in Honesdale on Thursday. “The end result is a portfolio that you can use for a job or entrance to college.”
The software, recently installed at public libraries in Honesdale, Hawley, and Hamlin, assists individuals with finding careers, developing portfolios, writing resumes, and actual interview practice in real-time.
In addition, through a federal grant Workforce Wayne was able to purchase specialized computers for each county library, creating a stand-alone employment search center.
By the end of the year, the software and computers will be installed at the remaining county libraries in Bethany, Newfoundland, Pleasant Mount, and Lakewood, and also at the Damascus Community Center.
Pike County libraries have also been equipped with the package; all include the complete suite of Microsoft Office programs.
One program, called “InterviewStream”, records a prospective job seeker through a computer-mounted camera while posing questions; it can then be played back later for review.
“You can also ... send it (the recorded interview) to a potential employer,” said Birmelin.
Tough questions - that can often make one pause and say the dreaded “ummm” - are pitched by the software: “What is your greatest achievement and why?” or “What are your salary expectations?” or “Why do you want to work for us?”
Workforce Wayne has also scheduled trained staff to be on hand during a limited-time while the library is open to assist residents with the software, or by appointment. But, for the most part it’s self-guided, and there are written-manuals on site to answer any questions that may arise.
In all, the software will help a job seeker “get your foot in the door” even “without a foot to stand on,” said Birmelin.
Workforce Wayne is part of an economic development partnership in Wayne County, representing school districts, businesses, government agencies, and community stakeholders.