Building a Job Ready Workforce: Bounce Back from the Pandemic Grant

Upcoming Job Search Training Sessions

Job Search Training Session Series 

presented by expert, Frank Alaniz

Ask Frank Day -Tuesday, December 3rd from 12 PM – 1:30 PM
LinkedIn Optimization – Tuesday, January 21st from 12 PM – 1:30 PM
Online Job Applications/ATS – Tuesday, February 4th from 12 PM – 1:30 PM

Grant Information

Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White awarded nearly $6 million in pandemic recovery grants to libraries focused on responding directly to the COVID-19 pandemic by modifying services, transforming spaces and developing resources for their local recovering workforce. Funding 211 academic, school, special and public libraries, all of which received grants ranging from $5,000 to over $1 million. A combination of funding sources provided through the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), both from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and state technology funds were used to maximize the statewide impact.

SMRLD is the proud recipient of $50,000 of funding from the Illinois State Library’s (ISL) Bouncing Back from the Pandemic grant.

We look forward to sharing more exciting news with you in the future about what we are able to accomplish through our grant funded project, Building a Job Ready Workforce.

Past Job Search Training Sessions

As a part of our project, Building a Job Ready Workforce, experts, Frank Alaniz and Dawn Mushill have presented a series of job search training sessions.

• • June 1, 2022, Job Searching -Where Do I Even Start?
  • June 15, 2022, How to Write an Effective Resume (will include time for brief resume reviews)
  • August 18 & September 22, 2022, WOWing Potential Employers
  • August 24, 2022, Job Searching – Where Do I Even Start?
  • August 31, 2022, How to Write an Effective Resume (will include time for brief resume reviews)
  • September 7, 2022, Online Job Applications – What Do I Need to Know?
  • October 12, 2022, Basics of LinkedIn
  • November 16, 2022, How to Find a Job: Advanced LinkedIn
  • December 8, 2022, Job Search Expert Q&A with Frank
  • January 18, 2023, Job Searching: Where Do I Even Start?
  • February 8, 2023, How to Write an Effective Resume
  • March 23, 2023, Job Searching: How to Find a Job
  • April 13, 2023, Online Job Search Applicant Tracking Systems
  • May 11, 2023, Basics of LinkedIn
  • June 15, 2023, Resume Prep: How AI Can Help
  • July 13, 2023, How to find a Job: Advanced Linkedin
  • August 10, 2023, Job Search Tips: Ask Frank Day!
  • September 14, 2023, Creating Your Resume
  • October 12, 2023, Linkedin Tips and Tricks
  • November 9, 2023, Interview Skills
  • January 11, 2024, Applicant Tracking Systems
  • January 25, 2024, Creating Your Resume
  • February 15, 2024, Interview Skills
  • March 14, 2024, Linkedin Optimization
  • April 11, 2024, Mind Map to Prepare for a New Job
  • May 23, 2024, Creating Your Resume
  • September 12, 2024, Artificial Intelligence Tools to Find a Job
  • September 26, 2024, Creating Your Resume
  • October 17, 2024, Interviewing Skills

Circulating Job Search Computer Kits

Job Search Toolkit

Available at both locations! Includes a memory card, tips on interviewing, resumes, cover letters and more!

Zenbooth noise-reducing office pod

Zenbooth is a single occupancy space for job interviews and virtual employment meetings. Equipped with a table, chair, and laptop, the 3.5” acoustic walls keep conversations private. The Zenbooth is available for reservations in 2 hour blocks at our 2001 Delmar Avenue location.

Face-to-Face Meeting Space

Public Computers

Learning Express Job and Career Accelerator

Winway Resume Building Software

Support from Staff

*These materials were developed pursuant to a Library Services and Technology Act grant administered by the Illinois State Library using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services.