JobNow: Live Coaching & Online Help for Your Job Search or Career Change Is a Click Away

Posted on December 7, 2022 at 4:30 am

By Crystal Miller

What Is JobNow?

JobNow from Brainfuse is a one-stop resource for job seekers and anyone looking to change up their career. This online resource can be accessed while you are in any of our 10 libraries and onboard LINC. And with an in-district library card, you can access JobNow from home or on the go, 24/7.

To get the most out of JobNow, I recommend creating an account by clicking “Sign up” on the My Account page (Figure 1). With an account, you’ll have access to the Resume Lab, Expert Job Matching, and eParachute as well as the ability to retrieve your revised resumes and cover letters from JobNow’s resume experts.

Live Job & Life-Skills Coaching

JobNow offers access to live online job coaches daily from 2–10pm to help with resumes, cover letters, and interview preparation. You can work with a resume expert, interview expert, and job coach (Figure 2) to get one-on-one help in the areas you want to work on.

New to JobNow, you can get assistance learning day-to-day skills with a Live Life Skills coach (Figure 2). They can assist you with essential skills such as time management, financial literacy, practical skills, and more.

Expert Job Matching

You can get matched to open positions based on your skills, interests, and preferences.

After you fill out and submit the questionnaire (Figure 3), the job matching experts search for available positions that match your requested criteria, including preferences such as salary range, benefits, industry, and more. Within two business days, they will send a response with links and additional information for the positions.

Please note that the Job Matching Experts will not complete job applications for you.

Resumes

Having an up-to-date resume is a must when you’re on the job hunt. Whether you’re creating a resume from scratch or refreshing one you’ve already created, you’ll find resume templates and resources that you can access at any time.

See how your resume can improve to help you land that job you’ve got your eye on. When you submit your resume to the Resume Lab (Figure 4), you’ll receive expert feedback in one business day.

Career Assessments

When you’re looking for your first job, a different job, a second job, or contemplating a career change, JobNow has career assessments available to help you find careers that match your personality and interests.

On the Career Assessment page (Figure 5), you can choose from several options, including the O*NET Interest Profiler, Careerzone Self-Assessments, career aptitude tests, and a career planning tutorial from LearnFree.org.

Education & Career Prep

If you’re going back to school or just want to brush up on an academic skill, the Adult Learning Center (Figure 6) in JobNow could help you succeed. You have access to preparation tools for the High School Equivalency exam and the U.S. citizenship test, along with resources to learn Microsoft Office skills and other career and resume tools.

Job & Career Books

On our library shelves, you’ll also find books available on the topics of job searches and career development. Here are five titles that provide help and guidance.

• The Job Closer: Time-Saving Techniques for Acing Resumes, Interviews, Negotiations, and More, by Steve Dalton
• Best Resumes & Letters for Ex-Offenders: The Ultimate Rap Sheet-to-Resume Guide for People with Not-So-Hot-Backgrounds, by Wendy Enelow
• The Big Book of Job-Hunting Hacks: How to Build A Resume, Conquer the Interview, and Land Your Dream Job, by Brenda Bernstein
• Lifeboat: Navigating Unexpected Career Change and Disruption, by Maggie Craddock
• Take the Leap: Change Your Career, Change Your Life, by Sara Bliss

Other Helpful Digital Resources

• ProCitizen – Prepare and take practice tests for the civic, reading, and writing portions of the U.S. Citizenship Test
• NorthStar Digital Literacy – Assess and improve your computer and internet skills, including how to keep your data and personal information secure
• Peterson’s Test and Career Prep – Prepare for standardized tests and vocational exams
• Udemy – Acquire new technology, business, and personal skills with online, on-demand classes that fit your schedule
• LinkedIn Learning – Acquire new creative, tech, and business skills with online, on-demand classes that fit your schedule
• Gale Courses – Take online, structured classes for professional development and personal growth

If you aren’t sure where to start or need help navigating any of the library’s digital resources, you can get one-on-one help during a Book-a-Librarian appointment. Submit the Book-a-Librarian form to get started.

There is no cost to access these resources with your in-district library card. The library is here to help support you whether you are job searching, learning new skills, or looking to switch careers.

Crystal Miller is a Business and Career Development Librarian at Spokane County Library District as well as the Community Librarian for Cheney Library. She creates library programs that connect the Cheney community and support local businesses and job seekers. In her free time, she enjoys her daily walks with her two dogs, trying out new recipes, and listening to audiobooks on Libby!

Tags: adults, brainfuse, career, career change, digital library, digital resources, job, job coaching, job search, jobnow, online help, resume, teens