Find Your Next Job With Help From the Library
release date: September 8, 2020
Earlier this year, The Seattle Public Library launched the new service Your Next Job. You can get free, one-on-one help with your job and unemployment questions by phone, online or via text messaging. We can help you with basic technology skills, getting started with unemployment, help you learn new skills or apply for your next job.
This job-search resource is in response to the devastating loss of jobs in our community as a result of COVID-19. People who face language, literacy and accessibility barriers are being left out of unemployment relief. These barriers can include: limited English proficiency, basic or no digital literacy skills, and disabilities. Your Next Job offers one-on-one reference appointments to help with:
- digital literacy
- accessing employment/unemployment resources
- gaining new job skills
Your Next Job is now offered in the following languages: Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, English, Korean, Oromo, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Tigrinya, and Vietnamese. There are currently 32 appointments available per week. Over 150 patrons have been helped since the service launched.
Connect with Your Next Job via online conferencing, email, phone or text. One-on-one appointments are currently available. Book an appointment by visiting www.spl.org/yournextjob and filling out the request form.
PARTNERSHIPS
Your Next Job is provided in partnership with King County Library System, Seattle Jobs Initiative, Puget Sound Welcome Back Center, Building Our Bridge, and Korean Community Service Center. These partnerships allow us to better serve immigrant and refugee communities by connecting job seekers to community resources.
The Puget Sound Welcome Back Center at Highline College provides support for internationally educated professionals entering the job market in their field of study. Many are unemployed or employed as low-skilled workers because their skills are not recognized. Your Next Job participants are paired with a career navigator who can place them on career pathways in their field.
Building Our Bridge and Korean Community Service Center are community-based organizations that provide support services for immigrants and refugees. These partnerships provide in-language navigation services.
MORE INFORMATION
The Library's dynamic approach to building community that enriches lives includes programming that brings people, information and ideas together to respect and embrace the well-being of the people we serve. We celebrate Seattle’s many cultures and communities by forming strong partnerships with community organizations.
All physical locations of The Seattle Public Library are currently closed in accordance with public health guidelines. Find out more at spl.org/ChiefLibrarian. Visit the Library’s Road to Reopening page for more information on book returns, Curbside Service and other Library services being offered while Library buildings are closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. You can now place new holds on physical Library materials.