Connections

Organizations for Job Seekers
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THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY—TECHCONNECT
The New York Public Library’s TechConnect program offers
a series of free computer-training workshops in different branch
libraries. Skill levels vary from beginner to advanced and classes are
geared to all age groups, with some courses conducted in Spanish or
offering a Spanish translator. Sample classes include: Basic Internet,
Introduction to Email, Computer Basics, Introduction to Word,
Microsoft Office, Health Information, Job and Career Information,
Viruses and Spam, Buying a Computer, and Genealogy Research. For
beginners, Mouse Basics and Introduction to Computers are a good
way to start. Walk into any branch library for information on schedules,
locations, and how to register for the classes, or visit their
website for a schedule: www.nypl.org/computers.
BROOKLYN PUBLIC LIBRARY (BPL)
Visit any branch of the Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) and ask
to see their calendar of upcoming free workshops, which include
Computer Basics, Internet Searching, and Introduction to Microsoft
Word. Every branch of the BPL has personal computers for public
use. BPL’s computer classes are listed on their online calendar:
www.bklynlibrary.org/calendar.
Brooklyn Public Library also offers an Internet Basics Guide online at:
www.bklynlibrary.org/only-bpl/internet-basics-guide.
Internet Resources
A wealth of useful information for formerly incarcerated persons can
be found on the web pages of the National HIRE Network, established
by the Legal Action Center. Though it is not a job-placement
service, the goal of this organization is to increase the number and
quality of job opportunities available to people with criminal records
by changing public policies, employment practices, and public
opinion. Visit www.hirenetwork.org and then click on Publications
for information on rap sheets, one’s rights when applying for jobs,
and a list of helpful agencies by state.
www.labor.ny.gov/home/
Under the Individuals menu, click Find a Job. Search for job openings
in private companies as well as publicly funded organizations.
Users can also search by job code and military occupational code.
Information is provided on apprenticeship training and much more.
www.careerzone.ny.gov
The New York State Department of Labor’s CareerZone: Click on
Assess Yourself to answer some questions and be taken to a list of
occupations that seem most fitting. Included are job descriptions,
with the skills and education needed, typical wages, and job outlook.
Click on Guest Tools to find help in writing resumes and cover letters,
a valuable guide to employment opportunities, and job resources on
the Internet.
CONNECTIONS 2017
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QUEENS LIBRARY
The Queens Library has ongoing free instruction in computer skills at
its Central Library Cyber Center, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., Jamaica,
NY, and all community library locations. Please contact the nearest
community library directly for a schedule of their classes. Courses
include: Intro to Computers for Older Adults, Intro to the Internet,
Jobs Online, and Word Processing. www.queenslibrary.org/services/computers-wifi/computer-classes.
www.bls.gov/ooh
The Occupational Outlook Handbook is an authoritative resource
for career information. Here users will find descriptions for specific
occupations: what workers do on the job, working conditions, the
training and education needed, expected earnings, and expected
job prospects. This resource is also available as a reference book in
most of the city’s public library locations.
www.indeed.com
Collects job postings from dozens of other job-search websites and