Expert help for job seekers

Vernon Area Public Library has joined forces with Indian Trails and Northbrook public libraries to launch the Lake Cook Career Collaborative, pulling together employment-related resources offered by the libraries. 

Job seekers and career builders in Lake and Cook counties are encouraged to tap into workshops, online training, and other resources offered by the partnering libraries. 

"We're always looking to address our community’s needs. With so many [area residents] unemployed or underemployed, we wanted to make sure that people are aware of the help they can get at no cost from their local library," said Ashley Johnson, the business and outreach librarian at Vernon Area Public Library.

The website includes a calendar of online workshops hosted by the partner libraries. All programs are free, open to all, and no library card is needed. Registration is required. The initial schedule includes:

Quit Networking, Start Building Relationships to Further Your Career
Learn to build and leverage professional relationships to further your career. Presented by Brian Watkins, BTOM Consultants.
Monday, March 8, 1–2 p.m. • REGISTER

Employment Research with Reference Solutions
​A brief overview and demonstration of how to use this powerful research tool to find open positions that are a good match for you. Presented by Ashley Johnson, business and outreach librarian, Vernon Area Library.
Monday, March 15, 10–11 a.m. • REGISTER

LinkedIn & Online Job Sites
​Learn the basics of searching for jobs and uploading a resume on job sites like Indeed, and get started networking on LinkedIn. Presented by Phil Collins, librarian, Northbrook Public Library.
​Monday, March 22, 7–8 p.m. • REGISTER

Virtual Job Seeking and Preparedness
​Find out about free, on-demand online training resources available through your library and how they can help you land a new position. Presented by Faye Levin-O'Leary, librarian, Indian Trails Public Library, and Bryan Brugger, librarian, Northbrook Public Library.
Monday, March 29, 7–8 p.m. • REGISTER

Personal Branding: Understanding the Impact of What You Share Online
​Learn to curate an online image that helps you get ahead personally and professionally. Presented by Julie Kittredge, business instructor.
Monday, April 5, 7–8:30 p.m. • REGISTER

Cover Letters Made Easy
Write a standout cover letter that employers will want to read. Presented by Jez Layman, librarian and job coach.
Tuesday, April 6, 1–2 p.m. • REGISTER

For more information, visit/bookmark careercollab.org.

For job and career resources available at Vernon Area Public Library, visit guides.vapld.info/job-seekers.

To receive job-related program and resource updates from Vernon Area Public Library, sign up for Careers emails at vapld.info/subscribe.