Using Library Resources to go Beyond the Typical Job Search

Mike BuhmannReference LibrarianSkokie Public Library

Tapping the Hidden Job Market

What is a Library Database?Library databases are subscription websites that offer value added information that cannot be easily found on the Internet

The library subscribes to dozens of databases many of which can be useful to a job seeker

Databases are available in the library building on any computer or via the Internet with a Skokie Public Library card

How to find the Library Databases?In the library: Go to one of the many computers on the second floorNavigate from the library website skokielibrary.info to the database page: • Select Research tab in center of page: • Select databases AtoZ link

Or:Go directly to the database page at: databases.skokielibrary.info

How to find the Library Databases?Outside the library: • You will need your Skokie Public Library card• Once you select the database you will need to

put in your library card number and your last name

• If you don’t have a Skokie Public Library card check with your home library, they may have a similar product

Or:• Stop into the library

What is the Hidden Job Market?It is estimated that only 20% of all jobs are ever advertised, meaning 80% of jobs are filled by companies who never advertised the position. Instead these positions are filled by referral, the "who do you know" method of recruitment. So while keeping an eye on newspaper advertisements and internet job search sites is important, the percentages are in your favor if you investigate the hidden job market.

www.uwec.edu/career/students/jobsearch/hidden_market.htm

Find the Hidden Job Market?

The best way to find the hidden job market is by:

1. Identifying types of employers you are interested in

2. Find specific potential employers

3. Finding contacts within the target employer

www.uwec.edu/career/students/jobsearch/hidden_market.htm

Identifying types of employers

What criteria are you interested in:• Industry • Type of employer (government, non-profit, business)• Location (radius from home)• Size of company (small, medium or large)

Finding Potential Employers

ReferenceUSA

• A subscription database that offers a customizable business directory to create lists of businesses and organizations

• Can limit search by location, size or type of employer

• Useful for getting a starting list of potential employers from which further research can be conducted

• Available in the library or via the Internet with a Skokie Public Library card

ReferenceUSAGetting to the database

Library Websiteskokielibrary.info

Click Here

ReferenceUSAGetting to the database

Click Here

ReferenceUSAGetting to the database

Scroll Down toReferenceUSA& Click on Link

ReferenceUSA

ReferenceUSAWhy is it Useful?

• Create a contact list of potential employers for further research

• Create a list of businesses and organizations within a certain geographic location

• Find businesses by size or by type of business

ReferenceUSAWhat to do with the List of Contacts?

• Check the companies website for additional information

• Google the company to check for news

• Check a periodical index for articles on the company

• Network to get some additional information about a company

• Check LinkedIn for networking contacts

LexisNexis

Large database with legal information, business directories and periodical articles

Can create lists of businesses

Research potential employers, find executives, get company description

Find articles on companies in major business publications & newspapers

Can be difficult to use at first

LexisNexis

First Research

A library database that provides overviews & updates on major industries

Learn about various industries before creating a target list of potential employers

Research particular industries before an interview

Find the leading companies and the latest news for particular industries

Find the top industries in individual states

First Research

First Research

First Research

CareerOneStop

Research Careers & Industries

Not a Library Database

A US Department of Labor website that provides information on careers & industries

Get profiles and projections for:• Fastest growing industries • Industries with the largest employment• Industries in decline

http://careeronestop.org

CareerOneStop

CareerOneStop

CareerOneStop

CareerOneStop

CareerOneStop

Other Useful Library Tools

For Computer Training• Atomic LearningFor Cover Letter & Resume Assistance• Career Center from Tutor.comFor Researching Employers• Chicago Tribune via Newsbank• Chicago Sun-Times via Newsbank• Hoovers

Atomic Learning

A database that offers online tutorials on a wide variety of computer applications including: Word, Access, Excel, Outlook, Photoshop & many more.

Must be used in the library building, cannot be accessed outside the building even with a library card

The key benefit of this site is the one-on-one resume & cover letter assistance

Available every day from 3:00 to 10:00 PM

Upload your resume & a career professional will evaluate them

Other career guides are available on this site including online webcasts

Career Center from Tutor.com

Chicago Tribune via Newsbank

Chicago Sun-times via Newsbank

Find recent articles on companies and organizations published in these newspapers

Good for researching local employers especially before an interview

HooversA business directory that provides detailed information on companies & organizations throughout the World

Useful for getting background on larger companies & organizations

Provides lists of key executives and competitors

The Hidden Job Market - Online Guides

Tapping the Hidden Job Market from job-hunt.org www.job-hunt.org/hiddenjobmarket.shtml

Hidden Job Market – What is it from Jobstar.orgjobstar.org/hidden/hidden.php

Unlock the Hidden Job Market Blogunlockthehiddenjobmarket.com

Tapping the Hidden Job Market

Thank You for ComingAny Questions?

Mike BuhmannReference Librarian