1. PUBLIC LIBRARY CASE STUDY
RAHWAY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Rahway Public Library provides job-search assistance to patrons via OptimalResume’s
online career center.
Modules used: Resume, Website, Letter, Skills Assessment, Video Resume, Portfolio, Interview
Challenge: Library turned career center
Even before the Great Recession, patrons frequently sought job search and resume writing assistance from Rahway Public Library in
New Jersey, but as the state’s unemployment rate climbed from 4.3 to 9.1%, patrons’ demand for career services skyrocketed.
Aside from the sheer volume increase, many patrons don’t have a computer or Internet access at home, so they need to complete
their research and document creation during the library’s hours of operation. At first, library staff used Microsoft Word, but patrons
with limited computer skills and resume knowledge found the software — even with templates — to be difficult.
When the state began providing an online database that offered career assessments and resume assistance, Rahway staff were still
concerned job seekers weren’t getting help with all the components of a 21st century job search.
Solution: Self-service online career tools
Staff members began looking for a one-stop shop that job seekers could use in the library or at home. They wanted a portal that
would address all critical aspects of the 21st century job search — everything from writing resumes and cover letters, searching job
openings and preparing for interviews to creating an online presence and integrating with social networking sites like LinkedIn and
Twitter.
Results: High-value resource for all types of patrons
OptimalResume has become the library’s premier resource, featured on its website, used in
staff members’ quarterly career workshops, and most importantly, used by increasing
numbers of patrons each month.
Senior Reference Librarian Carrie Marlowe says OptimalResume is “a point-and-click resource”
that is easy for patrons to use. Even if patrons don’t need a resume, Marlowe points them to
the interactive mock interview feature because “they will need to know what skills they need OPTIMALRESUME.COM
and be prepared to answer questions during an interview,” she said. 1415 WEST NC HIGHWAY 54
SUITE 103
Although budgets are tight across the state, Marlowe said the combination of DURHAM, NC 27707
OptimalResume’s value and affordable price point has made it worth the investment.
Feedback from patrons has been tremendously positive. Marlowe said patrons often ask, 877.998.7654
INFO@OPTIMALRESUME.COM
“Why didn’t I know about this before? It’s great!”
WWW.OPTIMALRESUME.COM