Career Resource Guide

DISCOVER CAREER RESOURCES

Career Resources For new grads, job searchers and career changers

Looking for Work: Job Seeking in a Pandemic

By Pam Lamberger A full year has passed since COVID-19 began its invasion of the U.S. Every community has suffered its ravages and felt its impact on residents’ lives. Employment security has become a casualty for many, with the downsizing, reorganization, or closure of countless businesses and industries. Looking for work is now a pressing daily activity for individuals in every age group. According to a report from the Pew Research Center at 6 months in, “Overall, 25% of U.S. adults say they or someone in their household was laid off or lost their job because of the coronavirus outbreak, with 15% saying this happened to them personally. Young adults (ages 18 to 29) and lower-income adults are among the most likely to say this has occurred in their household.” Might it be possible to flip this economic disaster on its head, transforming it into an opportunity for success?

The Hamilton East Public Library is ready to offer encouragement and support to those navigating the choppy waters of job-seeking.

It may help to consider that this disruptive time can be fashioned into an opportunity; think of it as a chance to reset. This is a time to reevaluate goals, assess skills, and update proficiencies. Library staff can recommend vetted state and local tools, services, and resources to guide job-seekers in pursuing a more stable and rewarding economic future.

The employment landscape will undoubtedly look different postpandemic, with some industries shrinking or disappearing. Among the declining categories, at least short-term, are those in personal services, food services, education, office administration, and retail.

It would be prudent to learn which jobs are expected to remain indemand or grow as we move forward. It may be necessary to chart an altered course with a more optimistic trajectory for the future.

Employment specialists advise that a positive attitude is key, despite the acknowledged competition created by an increased pool of job-seekers. Those impacted will need to be patient while looking for that perfect job. Also important is a willingness to network with others in virtual ways, such as email or video calls. Recruiters suggest that applicants rehearse their phone or video interview skills with friends to become more relaxed and adept at this process.

Use down-time to prepare – organize supporting paperwork, hone that resume, update your skill-set. Whatever you do, don’t give up; persist until you close the deal on that job offer!

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Hamilton County Jobs Resources Hamilton County Workforce Innovation Network (HCWIN) The group’s purpose is to bring together workers, employers, educators, and the community to support a strong local workforce and encourage economic growth. This is a good site to visit whether looking for work or to improve skills. View local partners in the categories of industry, community, and education. Covered sectors are categorized into the subsets of advanced manufacturing, ag-tech, construction, healthcare, innovation & technology.

Subscribe to their mailing list to receive notice of virtual career fairs. http://hcwin.org/, 317-914-0171, info@hcwin.org Invest Hamilton County Indiana: Workforce Recovery Jobs Hamilton County Economic Development Corporation, Hamilton County Tourism, and the Noblesville, OneZone, and Westfield Chambers provide current job openings and immediate hiring needs to support Hamilton County Workforce Recovery efforts. You can link to a variety of local work opportunities and sign-up for an e-newsletter to receive regular updates. https://www.visithamiltoncounty.com/invest-hamilton-county/work/jobs/, 317-663-4457 OneZone Chamber of Commerce: Job Board OneZone comprises the Carmel and Fishers Chambers of Commerce. For help finding local job opportunities, check out their Job Board; click I Am a Job Seeker. You can view a comprehensive listing of available jobs in a variety of categories within various industries. You can submit your resume right from the site. https://web.onezonecommerce.com/jobbank, 317-436-4653

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Job Training

State of Indiana Jobs Resources Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD): Next Level Jobs and Workforce Ready Grants Two million Hoosiers need additional training to compete in the 21st Century workforce; there will be over 1 million job openings in Indiana due to retirements and the creation of new jobs by 2025. With a Workforce Ready Grant, qualified individuals can obtain free training in their selected highgrowth, in-demand field. Included are positions in advanced manufacturing, building and construction, health and life sciences, IT and business services, transportation and logistics. https://nextleveljobs.org/, 866-591-5018, Questions@NextLevelJobs.org https://nextleveljobs.org/Job-Seeker/Available-Job-Training/

Homepage

Work One Hamilton County: WorkOne Region 5 The site is focused on the eight counties around central Indiana and offers targeted job market information, job referrals, placement assistance, and other services. In addition to assisting traditional job-seekers, specialized services are available for young adults and veterans/eligible spouses. You’ll have the opportunity to register with the Indiana Career Connect job matching system. Free training sessions and workshops are available to increase your skill level. http://www.workonecentral.org/, 317-841-8194

Indiana Career Ready: Right Skills, Right Time, Right Way A gateway to next-level jobs and free training for Indiana workers; a onestop starting point for IN Department of Workforce Development Resources, including links to those featured in the next three listings. https://www.indianacareerready.com/ INDemand Jobs: High-demand, High-wage Jobs for Today and Tomorrow Indiana jobs are ranked based on projected growth and compensation level.

The goal is to guide workers to sustainable jobs that are currently available and that have ongoing growth potential into the next decade. A tailored search can be constructed using location, job title, flame-ranking (1-5, with a rank of 5 being best), education level, salary level and related career clusters. Based on the selections made in the search, a list is created of available job posts that meet the search criteria. https://www.indianacareerready.com/Indemandjobs Indiana Career Explorer: Pathway to Career Success A good tool to determine your best individual employment fit. First explore interests, skills, and work values by taking a series of assessments. Then examine related careers and search for in-demand jobs within those sectors.

Finally, identify the training needed to qualify for those jobs. For those looking to skill-up or transition to a new career, view other assessments. The Transferrable Occupational Relationship Quotient (TORQ) assessment helps a person to build on previous work history to identify job matches or suggest training opportunities. https://www.indianacareerready.com/JobSeeker/ExploreInterests Indiana Career Connect Find a job, searching by keyword and location. View current news and announcements concerning employment in Indiana. Employment information is divided into categories for employers, job seekers, and additional resources. Under Job Seekers, you will find resume help, career exploration, and education & training. Under Resources, there are many helpful links for veterans and sections focused on youth and seniors. The labor market information provided can offer guidance on the careers with best growth and income potential. https://www.indianacareerconnect.com/vosnet/Default.aspx, ICC@dwd.in.gov Indiana DWD: Your Next Step: 180 Skills: Indiana-based Resources The site helps Hoosiers to enroll in education and training programs, find ways to pay for college, search for jobs, build resumes and understand different career paths. The State of Indiana has partnered with 180 Skills to offer free skills training to Indiana residents. All their eLearning training courses are free, after you are issued a one-year 180 Skills license. More than 700 courses are available, covering nearly 40 topic areas. Complete an online form to request training. https://yournextstepin.org/resource/180-skills/

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EmployIndy EmployIndy is a collaboration of nonprofits, employers, state agencies, and community organizations that aims to match job seekers with employment opportunities in the Indianapolis area. Through their Ascend Network, applicants can receive tailored help in preparing for and obtaining a good job. You can create a login, provide information about yourself, and get personalized help with searching for employment. https://employindy.org/rapidreemploymentresponse/, 317-639-4441 Indiana Career Ready This is a one-stop site for targeted tools to help you select, prepare for, and apply for well-paying, high-demand jobs in Indiana, now and in the future.

Job seekers or students can find information to help launch new career opportunities. The site includes workforce partner WorkOne Noblesville for Hamilton County. https://www.indianacareerready.com/Home/Index, 317-841-8194 Brookings Institute Report An Individualized Network for Connecting Talent with Jobs in Central Indiana Discusses the Regional Workforce Partnership (RWP) and its Rapid Reemployment Response Plan (RRR), which offers a centralized online platform for central IN job seekers, potential employers, and suppliers of education/ training opportunities. This skill-based approach to matching workers with jobs is accessed via the Ascend Network, https://ascendindiana.com/ and EmployIndy, https://employindy.org. https://www.brookings.edu/research/central-indianas-rapid-re-employmentresponse/ LinkedIn Learning Paths LinkedIn is a social media platform that facilitates networking between career and business professionals. They offer a free online learning path, comprised of 11 job-search support courses within the categories of Building a Job Search Strategy, Utilizing Your Professional Network, and Improving Your Interviewing Skills. https://www.linkedin.com/learning/paths/finding-a-job-during-challengingeconomic-times Pew Research Center: Social and Demographic Trends Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan think-tank that collects data and analyses social issues to help understand and respond to conditions. This article delves into the effects of the pandemic on the economy and workers: Economic Fallout from COVID-19 Continues to Hit Lower-income Americans the Hardest. https://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2020/09/24/economic-fallout-from-covid19-continues-to-hit-lower-income-americans-the-hardest/

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Navigating Digital Learning Resources at HEPL

By Ally Muterspaw The Hamilton East Public Library values lifelong learning and informal education through physical and digital means. Learning how to use various software, speak multiple languages, and use social media has become necessary to adapt to many professions and stay connected with loved ones. Especially when people are staying home, learning life skills and professional development skills are accessible for free or low cost in digital formats. Career based training, news outlets, and educational learning are permanently accessible online.

The library believes that promoting digital learning is a necessary component to bridge the gap of information inequity.

While HEPL promotes learning relevant skills to job markets and schooling, we also believe that informal learning is equally enriching and important for our patrons. Using digital resources, people can easily connect and build communities with others by investigating new passions and interests. There are multiple facets to digital learning skillsets, and this digital learning guide lists some HEPL and outside of library resources that our patrons might find valuable. Most of the resources below are suitable for all ages, but many of the resources are targeted towards teenagers and adults.

HEPL Resources

All HEPL’s resources are accessible on the library website, under “Services See A-Z Databases.

• Creativebug is a HEPL resource that provides art classes and community forums.

• Inspire is a comprehensive database that is free and accessible to all Indiana residents.

• Mango is a database that provides self-paced language learning courses in 60 languages and 17 English learning tracks.

• Treehouse is a newer HEPL resource where users can access self-paced courses about computer languages, web development, and other technical skills.

• Niche Academy gives you access to free tutorials on computer skills, job readiness, social media platforms, library applications and more.

Other Resources • Digital Learn is an online platform hosted by the Public Library Association where users have access to short videos that explain digital literacy skills.

• GCF Global, run by Goodwill Industries, provides life skills and career-oriented learning paths free to all users.

• IU Expand, hosted by Indiana University, is an online platform that provides free and low-cost nonaccredited course work to Indiana residents.

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Get Ready to Find Your Next Internship

By Allison Kuehr, Assistant Director, Indiana INTERNnet, Inc. Internships are a fantastic way to explore career options while building your skills. However, when it comes to landing one, a bit more work must go into the process than simply polishing up your resume.

Here are some tips for finding an internship just in time for the summer session:

Visit your school’s internship coordinator, career center and/or guidance counselor

When you’re starting out in your internship search, it’s a good idea to have someone help you along the way. The perfect place to begin is by checking in with your school. Whether it’s an internship coordinator, career center or guidance counselor, they are there to lend a hand.

They can edit your resume, structure your schedule so you have time to intern and point you in the direction of resources to find an internship.

Start searching early

If you’re hoping to intern during the summer, don’t wait until the last week of April to begin your search. Most summer internships are posted by March. That timeline can change depending on how competitive your desired industry is and the type of company you want to intern with. Industries like IT, manufacturing, finance and health care tend to be very competitive. Also, large, major corporations tend to make summer internship offers early in the year.

Explore!

Your heart may be set on interning with a certain company doing a specific role, and that’s OK! But you shouldn’t limit yourself. Explore smaller companies and internships outside of your dream industry. You may unexpectedly find something you enjoy. Plus, you should never apply to only one internship. Try to have multiple backup plans in case things unfortunately don’t work out. Give yourself options and apply to a variety of positions.

Follow up with employers

After you submit your application, don’t be afraid to touch base with the employer to check on its status.

You don’t want to pester or be too eager, though. Once you’ve applied, if you haven’t heard anything a week after the application deadline, reach out. Politely let the employer know that you’re still interested in the internship and would like to check on the status of your application.

Use every resource available to you

While your school may have connections, you should still use every resource available to you. Web sites like LinkedIn and Indeed have internships posted. Your family could have fantastic connections. You can also discover great opportunities through a simple Google search.

Finally, the last resource I want to highlight is IndianaINTERN.net. IndianaINTERN.net is a free web site where you’ll only find internships that take place in Indiana. We screen every single employer on the site and every internship that’s been posted. With an account, you can upload your resumé, search for internships and apply to them directly on the site. Visit IndianaINTERN.net today to get started. If you have any questions, email us at INTERNnet@indianachamber.com.

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Library Information

Noblesville

Noblesville Library

One Library Plaza Noblesville, IN 46060 317.773.1384 Located just north of the intersection of Conner Street (S.R. 32) and Cumberland Road, near Noblesville High School.

Fishers Library

Five Municipal Drive Fishers, IN 46038 317.579.0300 Located in the Municipal Complex, just north of 116th Street, near the Nickel Plate District Amphitheatre.

Fishers Additional Parking Available: • Meyer Najem Garage • The Switch Garage • The Edge Garage

Ignite Studio at HEPL

Five Municipal Drive Fishers, IN 46038 317.579.0331 Located in the lower level of the Fishers Library.

Hours

Monday – Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Friday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: Closed Hours subject to change due to COVID-19.

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Library Closures Sunday, April 4 - Easter

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