Onondaga County Public Library Partners with County and Community Organizations to Present Civil Service Workshop

SYRACUSE, NY — Beauchamp Branch Library, located at 2111 South Salina Street, hosts a five week workshop on “Getting That Job in Government” beginning on Thursday, April 17 and running five consecutive Thursday evenings until May 15. All events take place from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The workshop is a collaboration between the Onondaga County Public Library, Onondaga County Department of Personnel, CNY Works, and the Light a Candle for Literacy project. Topics include: The Civil Service Process, Your Resume, Your Interview, Study Skills & Practice Tests, and Follow-Up.

“This program is community-driven because I see a need in our community that must be addressed by the appropriate resources and organizations. The tools we have to present will enhance the lives of those who attend this workshop, as well as the lives of their families and our community.” said Geneva Hayden, Community Project Leader. “We’re looking for diversity within our city and our county. This is what we need to do to make that happen.” Hayden stressed that participants must be committed to attend all five workshops. “We need participants to take responsibility, that’s what makes life work.”

On April 17, Jennifer Moore from the Onondaga County Department of Personnel gives an overview of the Civil Service Process. Topics for discussion include:

Focusing on Entry Level positions in the county, city and state governments & the Syracuse City School District
Navigating the county’s website
The application process
Handouts and resources for study materials

On April 24, Adria Ripka from CNY Works discusses the topic Your Resume. Topics include:

Advantages of having a resume
Effective resume writing
General review of a basic resume

Attendees will receive a copy of New York State’s Department of Labor’s, Your Winning Edge: Resume and Interview Preparation booklet. Resources available through CNY Works and the Onondaga County Public Library will also be presented.

On May 1, Chris Kennedy from CNY Works discusses the topic Your Interview. Topics include:

Preparing for the interview
Knowing yourself and your skills
Common interview mistakes
Bumps in your career path and how to smooth them over
Role playing an interview
Resources available through CNY Works and the Onondaga County Public Library

On May 8, Pam Crane from Beauchamp Branch Library discusses the topic Study Skills & Practice Tests. Topics include:

Overview of study skills
Test taking tips
Library, County and CNY Works as resources
Demonstration of OCPL’s Learning Express database
Practice tests and review

On May 15, all presenters will host a Follow-Up program including networking, certificates, and a celebration.

Each presenter will be available to answer questions on resumes and general Civil Service questions
Evaluation forms will be given to participants
Reception & certificate ceremony

The event is free and open to the public. Please contact Beauchamp Branch Library at 435-3395 to register for the program or to receive more information.