Welcome to the Public Computer Center
The goal of the Poughkeepsie Public Library District's Public Computer Center (PCC) is to promote digital literacy and the broader use of technology by the public in general, and to specifically assist individuals in finding jobs and advancing their careers. Individuals with all levels of computer experience are welcome to use the resources provided by the PCC. These resources include technology training workshops, individualized help in the PCC's computer lab, and links to useful websites, found below.
In addition, check out JobNow! by Brainfuse Inc., a database that will help you create a resume and cover letter with assistance from trained writing experts, hone your interview skills with live online interview coaches, and access career information from its career resource library. JobNow also features an Adult Learning Center, which offers test preparation (including GED & US Citizenship tests), an expert writing lab, study tools, and an academic skills center featuring live, online tutors. Funding for Brainfuse's JobNow! has been provided by the New York State Library through the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP).
Job Seeking & Computer Training Workshops @ Your Library: September 6 - December 23
Register beginning August 31 for the following programs using our online event calendar, or by calling 485-3445 x3381
Computer Lab (limited to 8 attendees) Mondays, 9:30–11:30am Tuesdays, 1–3pm Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30am Wednesdays, 6–7:45pm (Arlington) Thursdays, 5:30-7:30pm Fridays, 9:30–11:30am Saturday (9/10, 10/1, 11/5, 12/3) 9:30–11:30am |
Microsoft Word 101 Tuesday, 9/6 OR 11/29, 3:30pm |
Microsoft Excel 101 Tuesday, 9/13, 3:30pm OR Thursday, 12/1, 3pm |
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Microsoft PowerPoint 101 Tuesday, 9/20 OR 12/6, 3:30pm |
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Successful Job Searches Monday, 9/26 OR 10/24 OR 11/28, 1pm |
Microsoft Word 102 Tuesday, 9/27, 3:30pm OR Thursday, 12/8, 3pm |
Effective Resumes & Acing the Interview Wednesday, 9/28 OR 10/26 OR 11/30, 1pm Online resume & interview resources. |
Microsoft Excel 102 Tuesday, 10/4 OR 12/13, 3:30pm |
PC Basics Wednesday, 9/7 OR 10/5 OR 11/2, 1pm |
Microsoft Powerpoint 102 Tuesday, 10/11 OR 12/20, 3:30pm |
Internet 101 Wednesday, 9/14 OR 10/12 OR 11/9, 1pm |
Microsoft Outlook 101 Wednesday, 10/19, 5:30pm Learn to use Outlook to manage your email. |
Internet 102 Wednesday, 9/21 OR 10/19 OR 11/16, 1pm Go beyond Google & discover more about the internet. |
Mail Merge in Word and Excel Wednesday, 10/26, 5:30pm Learn how to set up a mail merge. |
Learn to Edit Your Digital Photos Thursday, 9/29 OR 11/17, 3pm Learn to edit photos from you digital camera. |
Summarizing Data in Excel Wednesday, 11/2, 5:30pm Work with multiple sheets to summarize data onto one sheet. |
iTunes for Beginners Tuesday, 9/27, 9:30am Learn to buy, import and organize music. |
Create a Newsletter Using Word Wednesday, 11/9, 5:30pm Use Word to create a newsletter for your business or organization. |
Introduction to eBooks & Audiobooks Tuesday, 9/20 OR 11/29, 9:30am Learn to download and navigate eBooks & audiobooks on your ereader or computer. |
Navigating the Medicare Website Thursday, 9/15 OR 10/20 OR 11/17, 9:30am Get hands-on training on the Medicare website to find information on Prescription Drug Plans & Advantage Plans. |
Introduction to Facebook Tuesday, 10/18 OR Thursday, 12/8, 9:30am Set up your own Facebook account. |
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Introduction to LinkedIn Thursday, 11/10 OR 12/15, 9:30am Set up your own LinkedIn account. |
Links to Job Search Sites
Getting Started in the Job Search Process Metasearch Websites--Searches job sites, newspapers, associations, & company career pages National Job Listings Employer-Listed Listings Regional Job Listings Newslink.org provides links to newspaper websites Federal & State Employment NY State Department of Civil Service Professional Associations/Professional Job Boards |
Executive Employment Hourly Employment Online Classifieds Temporary Employment Employer Directories New York State Directory of Labor Unions Social Networking Sites Networking Job Fairs Apprenticeships & Training New York State Department of Labor Apprenticeship Programs New York State Department of Labor Job Training & Preparation |
Applying for a Job Online
Anyone wanting to apply for a job online will need to do a few things before they begin:
- Sign up for an Email Account--learn how here.
- Create an electronic copy of your resume which can be uploaded into an application or compose a written job history, which would include: Names of previous employers, dates of employment, and job descriptions.
- If you are nervous about filling out an application online for the first time, try a Practice Application first.
Resume & Cover Letter Writing Resources
Resume Writing Resources
Find tips on what to say on your resume and how to say it to make it stand out to employers.
Chronological Resumes |
Functional Resumes |
Combination Resumes Sample Resumes
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Plain Text & Scannable Resumes |
Create a Resume
Use the fill-in-the-blank template to create your resume, which can then be saved as a Microsoft Word document for editing and printing.
Design a resume using fill-in-the-blanks, and then choose different layouts to customize the look of your resume.
Testing & Education Reference Center from GALE (PPLD Library Card needed to access)
Create a sophisticated resume using the online resume builder.
A database that will help you create a resume, hone your interview skills and search for jobs. Patrons can also take practice tests, chat with a live tutor or receive writing help.
Cover Letter Resources
Find information on how to make your cover letter stand out from the competition.
Create a Cover Letter
Use the fill-in-the-blank template to create a cover letter. Choose from a simple or custom template to best highlight your skills.
Interviewing Resources
Find information on how to prepare for an interview from the sites listed below:
Quintessential Guide to Job Interview Preparation – free online book
Find salary information to help answer the question "what are your salary requirements?"
Civil Service Employment Information
Find information on the latest county and state civil service job recruitments and exam schedules.
Dutchess County Civil Service Information
New York State Department of Civil Service
Ulster County Civil Service Information
Find review guides to prepare for civil service tests.
New York State Department of Civil Service Test Guides & Resource Booklets for State Examinations
Testing & Education Reference Center (library card required)
Civil Service & Licensure Exam Prep
Career Assessment Sites
Use these sites to research careers you are interested in and find out what employment fields are the right fit for you.
Organizations Providing Career Counseling Services
Dutchess Community College Office of Counseling and Career Services
Ulster Community College Office of Career and Job Services
Local & State Resources
New York State's Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance Resource Page for Working Families
Find links to information on filing for unemployment, receiving temporary housing assistance, enrolling in
state health insurance programs, applying for food stamps and much more.
Provides access to preparation, training, employment or employment advancement opportunities for job seekers at no charge.
Basic Computer Skills
Learn basic computer concepts & skills.
Practice using a mouse.
Online typing tutorial.