Want to brush up on skills, maximise job searches or write a CV that stands out from the crowd?
Auckland Council Libraries offers a wide range of free resources and services to help; from 3500 online training courses to eNewspapers, English study programmes, and a wide range of books, eBooks and eAudiobooks on job hunting, career development and motivation.
Put your best foot forward
Maximise job search efforts by taking an Auckland Libraries Lynda.com free course on how to become a successful job hunter. Get expert advice from career coaches and business professionals on a range of topics, including writing a CV and cover letter with FAQs answered by recruitment experts, constructing a stellar LinkedIn profile and mastering common interview questions.
Lynda can be accessed for free with an Auckland Council Libraries membership. It just takes a couple of easy steps and can be done entirely from home. Head to aucklandlibraries.govt.nz to join and access online services and resources.
During Alert Level 4 and 3 lockdown, the most popular Lynda.com courses completed by Auckland Library Members were those focused on upskilling to support working from home. Tutorials for software for online conferencing, collaborative project management, Office 365 and time management skills continue to be popular. The top 5 course categories accessed during lockdown show Lynda.com is also being used to build knowledge particularly in the areas of business, digital design and creativity and programming, as Aucklanders focus on post-lockdown life and work opportunities.
There’s also a great range of free eBooks and eAudiobooks to support career changes and job hunts. Check out the Keep New Zealand Working : Career and Job Hunting Advice and Inspo OverDrive eBook list for some useful titles such as 101 Great Answers to the Toughest Interview Questions, This is how to get your next job and The Elements of Resume Style. Click here to see those available to borrow right now.
32 libraries are also open now for browsing and collecting requested items during standard opening hours. Most of the remaining libraries will open after Queen’s Birthday weekend (2 June). Library staff can help find careers and job hunting books, or customers can browse the catalogue and request items to be sent to their closest open branch. Get started with these booklists:
During Alert Level 2, Auckland Libraries are unable to provide face-to-face Book a Librarian sessions as a minimum of 1 metre physical distancing needs to be maintained. However, staff remain available for help and advice, and virtual Book a Librarian help is available for free from Auckland Libraries’ Te Māpuna / Library Connect team at 09 377 0209.
Boost your knowledge and skill base
Get tips from entrepreneurs, experts and mentors with this selection of motivational eBooks to help you to dream big, stay driven and focus on self-improvement and professional development.
Keep up-to-date with current news and affairs from around the world with Auckland Council Libraries’ PressReader eNewspapers. Another useful resource is Opposing Viewpoints that helps you to develop an informed understanding of current hot topics around the world.
For those considering switching careers or wanting some advice on how to develop a successful career, there are some useful courses on Lynda.com to assist. Take the building professional networks course to develop an effective networking strategy, find out about switching your career, overcoming obstacles to success, getting out of a work rut or learn the art of persuasion and influencing others.
If you’re a non-native English language speaker and would like to study English, Auckland Council Libraries offer free access to world-class preparation and practice with Road to IELTS General and Road to IELTS Academic. This study programme is the best possible introduction to the IELTS exam and activities. With over 120 hours of interactive learning materials, the resource provides preparation and practice for the reading, writing, listening, and speaking modules of the IELTS exam.
Parks, Arts, Community and Events Committee Chair Councillor Alf Filipaina says, “Auckland Council Libraries recognise the importance of the free resources to serve our community during these difficult times. Jobs have been impacted by COVID-19 and our libraries offer a range of support for our workforce.
“Our staff have provided essential online support throughout the lockdown and have worked hard to get our libraries open for the good of our community. Auckland Council is committed to assist in Auckland’s recovery by helping people upskill and find work. Head to your local library or check out their online resources to find out what’s available.”
Where else can you get help with your job search?
The Tertiary Education Commission’s website careers.govt.nz has lots of great information, tools and templates on how to match skills to jobs, find work, build a CV and cover letter and apply for jobs. Or head to the NZ Government website or Work and Income NZ for information on finding and starting a job.
Comet Auckland works to promote and provide more equitable learning pathways for all community members. Their Youth Employability initiative has information and tips specifically for rangatahi and for parents of teens.
ATEED, Auckland’s economic development agency, offers useful resources to help you find new employment opportunities, with links to businesses looking for staff and a list of job-matching websites.
For the latest updates of Auckland Council Libraries’ resources for job seeking, careers and CV help, go to our Auckland Council Libraries blog post.
How to join Auckland Council Libraries
Auckland Council Libraries have a world of reading, listening and viewing you can access anytime, anywhere, online. Check out what they have to offer; all completely free with an Auckland Council Libraries membership.
For those without a membership, it just takes a couple of easy steps and can be done entirely from home. Head to aucklandlibraries.govt.nz to join and access online services and resources.
