Two new resources at the Hamilton-Wenham Public Library website can help patrons build skills, then show them off in new resumes.
Universal Class provides online access to more than 500 classes, in subjects ranging from computers to bartending to philosophy. Though the courses are non-credit, and are intended mostly for personal enrichment, they do offer continuing education credits.
“In some fields that might count, maybe for professional development points,” said Jan Dempsey, library director. “You could email your supervisor, email the certificate to them and show you’ve completed it. For certain jobs it might enhance your hireablilty or promotion.”
However patrons apply what they learn, the classes are produced by a company — Recorded Books — that the library has learned to trust, Dempsey said.
“We wanted to offer something to our patrons that would give them opportunities 24/7, even when library doors were closed,” she said. “We like Universal Class because it offers a wide range of classes.”
Patrons like it, too, judging from the variety of courses they have selected, Dempsey said.
“I thought it would be helpful to the home-schooling community, and also provide remedial help for high school students over the summer,” she said.
Cypress Resume helps people write resumes by following a few simple steps. The final document is saved in an account, where it can also be revised in the future.
“You type in all your vital information then select according to what your job goals are,” Dempsey said. “They have phrases that help you when you meet that mental block.
“It formats itself, for anybody who is not adept at word processing. It’s really helpful to folks who aren’t wordsmiths and don’t have a lot of experience.”
Access to both programs is limited to residents of Hamilton and Wenham, although Dempsey said they are available at other libraries in the region.
