When the pandemic made meetings in their offices impossible, Lane County Workforce Services reached out to Eugene Public Library, a longtime partner in providing support to job seekers and local employers. Workforce's Deanna Strachan-Wilson reports that since September 2020, the program's career advisors have met one-on-one with more than 100 community members by appointment at the Downtown Library, which is spacious enough to allow for COVID-19 prevention measures.
Without Workforce advisors, most of these individuals had been trying to accomplish their employment research and applications on their own, by phone. The opportunity to meet with advisors in person and have free access to a computer and the internet made a crucial difference.
One-on-One Appointments
Get one-on-one job search help by appointment at the Downtown Library. Workforce career advisors assist job seekers with online applications, resumes, cover letters, interviewing skills, community resources, networking, and training scholarships. They help people make career plans, become more employable, improve job search skills, and find work. Call Lane County Workforce Services at 541-686-7985 to schedule an in-person appointment in English or Spanish.
Online Career Exploration Workshops
2nd and 4th Thursday of each month, 10am - 12pm
Join Lane County Workforce Services to explore ways to identify your skills and interests while researching possible career choices. Career exploration will provide you access to assessments based on preference and gained experiences. In addition, get a review the labor market and discover jobs in growing local industries.
At the time of the meeting, visit https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/812729269. The meeting ID # is 812-729-269. (You may be prompted to download the free GoToMeeting app or log in on the web. GoToMeeting is free. ) Or attend by phone at 646-749-3122. This workshop will be held the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month, featuring updated information and new conversations. Participate at one session or more. No registration needed.
Lane Workforce Partnership is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. These services are co-sponsored by Lane County Human Services, Lane Workforce Partnership, and Eugene Public Library. For more information , contact Lane County Workforce Services by phone 541-686-7985 or email lchswm@lanecountyor.gov
Información en español: Ayuda gratis en la biblioteca para buscar trabajo
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A Recent Job Search Success Story
Workforce’s Hillary Moran shares the happy story of one job seeker, “Cassandra.” When she lost her position at an airplane part manufacturer due to COVID-19 in spring 2020, Cassandra felt lost. “When I needed to find work last time, I went to WorkSource Lane every day to use the computers and get a second set of eyes on my applications. When they were closed, at first I didn’t know what I would do.”
Cassandra was relieved to find out that career advisors were holding office hours at the Downtown Eugene Public Library. “I was getting so tired of filling out applications and resumes for different jobs on my phone. I knew that I was missing stuff.”
She began meeting with advisors weekly to use library computers to fill out applications, modify resumes and cover letters, and get advice on how to stand out from the other applicants. “The check-in once a week was the accountability I needed to stay positive. I also had to get over my idea that thank you notes are stupid. I used to think they were cheesy to send after an interview. But then I started sending them and people really responded. I started getting calls back and offers.”
After weeks of hard work and dedication, Cassandra got a new job with a call center. “I am so excited. It’s remote work, but there are opportunities for bonuses and it’s going to be great.”