Virtual Job Help: Phone It In or Email
Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, Fla.
Innovation Synopsis
The Mandel Public Library offers job help by appointment via phone or email. Our Career Coach and library staff can offer advice and remotely assist with resumés, job applications, adult education and more even if community members do not have immediate access to the internet or in-person library services.
Challenge/Opportunity
When our library doors closed, access to our established in-person career services and computers was shut down as well. With unemployment numbers climbing, the need to continue career services was evident. Understanding that computer access or lack of digital skills presented an additional barrier for some, library staff worked with our Career Coach to create a virtual version of job assistance. This provided an opportunity to connect with job seekers and provide a supportive voice during a stressful time.
Key Elements of Innovation
The creation of an online contact form that staff and patrons could access to schedule resumé and career coaching appointments was a key factor in pivoting in-person services to a model that provides safe access. Clients can call the library and staff will fill out the contact form over the phone for them or direct them to the online version for those that have internet access. Library staff fielding the form inquiries can route the applicants to the Career Coach or other staff qualified to assist with their needs.
Achieved Outcomes
Since going virtual, we have scheduled over 100 "Virtual Job Help" appointments. Virtual Job Help continues to be a popular service and feedback has been excellent, “Keep offering this type of service!! It's terrific.” Other career-related classes such as “Put Your Best Face Forward: Online Interviewing Tips” factor in today’s job seeking challenges and are virtual as well. The library continues to raise awareness of our services and evaluate the needs of our community to best serve them in these changing times.
