The Career Expert

The Career Expert

The Career Center

Library Career Center


Searching for a new job or career?  Our Career Center's free career counseling services can help.

The Career Center, based in Cuyahoga County Public Library's Maple Heights Branch and formerly known as InfoPLACE, is a nationally recognized Adult Career Planning Resource Center.  The Career Counselors are available to meet with job seekers at the Maple Heights Branch and a few of our other branches.    Call (216) 475-2225 for other locations.  In operation since 1976, its comprehensive service is on the cutting edge of meeting the needs of adults in career transition or job search in a turbulent time.  We provide guidance to adults in career decision-making, constructing effective résumés, job searching strategies, interview preparation, and education and training.  Please call (216) 475-2225 for an appointment with a counselor if you would like assistance with making a career change, career decision/testing, or preparation for an upcoming interview.  Call for locations.  If you would like a counselor to review your résumé and cover letter before you send it to prospective employers, you may email it or drop it off at our office.  We can help you with online job searching on a first come-first serve basis.

Job Clubs with Career Counselors

Our Career Counselors facilitate several job clubs in branches of the Cuyahoga County Public Library.  Join them for support and networking opportunities with job search tips.  They are open to all who are out of work or changing careers.

Résumé Assistance

Cuyahoga County Public Library also offers Optimal Resume, a résumé program which will aid you in producing a professional-looking résumé.  To begin, enter the access code cuyac into the blank line and click on continue.  Fill out your User Profile that will be the heading of your résumé and follow the directions about choosing section headings to create a great résumé.

Do you need information on how to put together your resume?  Try our new Career Center booklet titled Writing an Effective Resume.

Resources

Access the Job Hunting Resources:  A Selected List of Books, Websites & Agencies pamphlet to find recommended sources to help you in your job search.  

More about the Career Center

  • CAREER COUNSELOR:  James Hansen,
    M.S., Counseling; Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, (LPCC)
  • CAREER COUNSELOR:  Ebony Hogan
    M.Ed., Rehabilitation Counseling, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, (CRC)
    Certified Family Life Education, (CFLE)
  • CAREER COUNSELOR: 
    N. Maureen Paulett
    M.Ed., Rehabilitation Counseling, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, (CRC)
  • CAREER COUNSELOR: 
    Elizabeth Wilson
    ,
    M.Ed., Rehabilitation Counseling, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, (CRC)
    Certified Family Life Educator, (CFLE)
  • CAREER/BUSINESS SPECIALIST:  Bonnie Easton,
    Master in Library Science (M.L.S.)
  • PUBLIC LIBRARY ASSISTANT:  Audrey Warner
    Master in Library Science (M.L.S.) & Master's in Social Work
  • We would love to have your feedback on our services and what we can offer you.  Join us on...
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Blog Posted on : 08/20/2010


Negotiating a Job Offer

 
 

Finally!  You got an offer.  Now what?  Should you accept it?  Here are some factors to consider:

•Say thank you and be enthusiastic about working for the company.  Tell them you need a little time to read over their offer before accepting.  Set a time limit– "I'll get back to you by 3:00 tomorrow" for example.  Do you have to submit to a drug screening or a background check?

•How much bargaining power do you have?  If you are currently employed, you have more bargaining power than someone who is unemployed.  Do you have time to keep looking if this isn't quite the right fit for you?  Are you still collecting unemployment or severance?    Do you see youself at this company long-term?  Are you aware of who the other candidates are?  They may have someone else who can step into the job as well as you can.

•Look at the big picture.  Consider factors like chance for growth and advancement, amount of challenge there is in the job, the salary and whether it is competitive in the market, the benefits package, the length of the commute, and any other intangible items that might apply.  Do they offer child care?  What is the company culture?  Are you eligible for a bonus?  Do they cover expenses you need covered (uniforms, tools, travel, etc.)

• Find a win-win soltuion.  You need to come to a compromise that will benefit both you and the organization.   

•Justify your request.  Don't give personal reasons like your mortgage payments of debts you need to pay.  Show you have the skills and the abilities to help them raise revenue or solve their problems.

A couple of websites for checking on salaries for an assortment of jobs are:

Salary.com

Indeed.com 

 

 


Featured Websites

Employment Law in Ohio

This website has some good general information for you on hiring practices of organizations in the state of Ohio.  They offer some general information on what companies are allowed to ask about and what they are not, what should included in an employee handbook, employee safety, wrongful termination and sexual harassment.



Workshops, Job Clubs & Job Fairs 

 

Career Center Workshops

 

2010 Workshops

The Career Center staff has some exciting workshops that we think will be really helpful to all of you job hunters and career changers out there.  Registration is requested.  Please plan to join us! Be prepared for hiring this year.

If you're thinking of starting your own business, the library is offering lots of great workshops run by experts in some of our local business groups.  Check out our brochure, Smart Business at Your Library, for a listing of our Fall offerings.

The Summer Career Workshops brochure is now available at all Cuyahoga County Public Library branches.

Behavior-Based Interviewing

  • Maple Heights Branch
    6:30 - 8:30 p.m./Monday/September 20

 

Career Planning

  • Bay Village Branch
    6:30 - 8:30 p.m./Tuesday/September 28

Creating Cover Letters

  • Parma Snow Branch
    6:30 - 8:30 p.m./Tuesday/September 21
  • Solon Branch
    6:30 - 8:30 p.m./Tuesday/October 5
  • Strongsville Branch
    6:30 - 8:30 p.m./Thursday/October 21
  • North Royalton Branch
    6:30 - 8:30 p.m./Tuesday/November 16
  • Garfield Heights Branch
    6:45 - 8:45 p.m./Thursday/November 18

 

Creating Resumes with Optimal Resume

  • South Euclid Branch
    6:30 - 8:30 p.m./Monday/October 18
  • Brook Park Branch
    6:45 - 8:45 p.m./Thursday/November 4

 

Dress for Success 

Parma Heights Branch
7:00/Thursday/September 9

Berea Branch
7:00 p.m./Monday/September 27

North Royalton Branch
7:00 p.m./Monday/October 4

Brook Park Branch
7:00 p.m./Tuesday/October 12

Parma Snow Branch
7:00 p.m./Thursday/November 18

 

Internet Job Search

  • Maple Heights Branch
    10:00 - 11:30 a.m./Tuesday/October 19

 

LinkedIn 101

  • North Royalton Branch
    7:00 - 8:30 p.m./Thursday/September 16
  • Strongsville Branch
    7:00 - 8:30 p.m./Thursday/October 7
  • Parma Snow Branch
    7:00 - 8:30 p.m./Thursday/November 11

 

Online Job Applications

  • Berea Branch
    7:00 - 8:30 p.m./Thursday/December 2

 

Over 50 & Out of Work

  • Bay Village Branch
    6:30 - 8:30 p.m./Tuesday/October 12
  • Orange Branch
    6:30 - 8:30 p.m./Monday/November 29

 

Resumes Tips & Trends

  • Solon Branch
    6:30 - 8:30 p.m./Wednesday/September 1
  • Garfield Heights Branch
    7:00 - 8:45 p.m./Wednesday/September 15
  • Strongsville Branch
    6:30 - 8:30 p.m./Thursday/September 23
  • Brooklyn Branch
    7:00 - 8:45 p.m./Monday/November 8
  • North Royalton Branch
    6:30 - 8:30 p.m./Tuesday/November 9

 

Social Networking & Your Job Search

  • Middleburg Heights Branch
    6:30 - 8:30 p.m./Monday/August 23
  • Chagrin Falls Branch
    6:30 - 8:30 p.m./Thursday/September 23
  • Parma Ridge Branch
    6:45 - 8:45 p.m./Monday/December 6

 

 

View all Career Events


 JOB CLUBS & NETWORKING GROUPS

Our Career Counselors facilitate several Job Clubs at different library branches:

Beachwood Branch
2nd & 4th Monday mornings 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Career Counselor N. Maureen Paulett

Fairview Park Branch
Every Thursday afternoon 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
Career Counselor Jim Hansen

Maple Heights Branch
Every Thursday morning 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Career Counselor Jim Hansen

North Olmsted Branch
Every Tuesday afternoon 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
Career Counselor Jim Hansen

Join a group for helpful tips on résumés, job search strategies and interviewing while sharing your experiences with others in a supportive atmosphere.


NEO-EXEC 
Helpful websites and Northeast Ohio Job Clubs for executives and professionals.

Job Club Listing for Northeast Ohio


CAREER/JOB FAIRS

 

Cleveland Hires

Doubletree Hotel Cleveland South
6200 Quarry Lane
Independence, OH 44131
Friday, August 20/11:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Recruit Military - Opportunity EXPO

Progressive Field (Home of the Cleveland Indians)
2401 Ontario Street
Cleveland, OH 44115
Thursday, October 14/11:00 a.m. - 3:p.m.

Cleveland's Biggest Career Fair in Partnership w/AARP

I-X Center
1 I-X Center Drive
Cleveland, OH 44135
Friday, October 15/9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

COSE Small Business Conference

I-X Center
1 I-X Center Drive
Cleveland, OH 44135
Wednesday & Thursday
October 21 & 22
216.592.2222
cosesbc@cose.org

C.S.U. Career Services Center Fall Career Fair

Cleveland State University
Woodling Gym/Physical Education Bldg.
2451 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44115
Friday, October 22/9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.


Survival Guide

The Survival Guide is a referral source for those facing unemployment and underemployment problems. It is a compilation of agencies in Greater Cleveland offering career counseling, job search instruction, placement and training, legal and financial assistance, and special services to people with disabilities and veterans. 

Some of the major agencies offering assistance to dislocated and underemployed workers in the Cleveland area are:

 

 Bureau of Apprenticeship & Training
 Cleveland Scholarship Program
 Cuyahoga Community College
 Employment Connection 
 First Call for Help
 Goodwill Industries of Greater Cleveland
 Cuyahoga County Public Library Career Center
 Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation
 Ohio Department of Jobs & Family Services
 Unemployment Compensation
 Senior Employment Center

If you need further information about the guide, contact Cuyahoga County Public Library's Career Center at 216-475-2225.

    Online SURVIVAL GUIDE here 


Premium Research Services

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Company Research

Check out the Fortune Magazine list of Best Companies to Work For in 2010!

An important step in the job search process is finding information about the organizations for which you want to work.  The Cuyahoga County Public Library provides database resources with reliable, up-to-date directories of companies giving the address, telephone number, financial data (if the company is public), type of business, chief officers of the company, and, perhaps, magazine articles about the company.  Your major purposes in checking out the companies to which you are applying are:

  • To determine what the corporate culture of the organization is.  Will you like working here?  Do they have a sound financial future?
  • To give yourself a competitive edge in the interview process.  If you do a little homework about the company and the industry, you will impress prospective employers.  You will want to know the size of the company and whether it is public or private, products and services offered, the target market, a general company history, its main competitors, and financial information (if the company is public).

To find these databases, check out the Premium Career Electronic Resources under Online Resources on the Career Information Page.  The suggested electronic resources for company research are:

  • Business Source Premier
  • Dun & Bradstreet Million Dollar Database Premier
  • ReferenceUSA Employers
  • Standard & Poor's Net Advantage

Check out the Company Research link under Online Resources above on this page for websites with company information.

Other sources for finding best companies to work for are:

 


Personal Inventories

Print off one of the inventories and answer the questions to help you assess your strengths.  If you have questions on interpretation, call the Career Center (216.475.2225) to make an appointment with a career counselor.

Adult Balanced Life Enhancement Inventory 
Provides a framework for achieving meaning and balance in your adult life.

Adult Reinvestment for Retirement/Occupational Well-Being 
Helps you to answer the question of how to spend your time in your retirement.

Core Adult Career Transition Inventory 
Aids you in deciding what the next step in your career should be.  Should you look for a job in the same field or are your ready for a career change?

 


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