Becky Miller, a current Gleeson Library | Geschke Center intern, wrote this post.
School is winding down for most students and many will be graduating, so we decided to focus on the library’s career resources. The highlighted books, which will be available for viewing this month at the Reference Desk, are especially appropriate for those new to the job search.
College Majors Handbook with Real Career Paths and Payoffs is arranged by major and discusses where people with a given major end up working, what they do on the job, and what their salaries are. If you are still contemplating what to major in or are about to graduate with a major and unsure of what comes next, this book may give you some good ideas. (Call number: Ref HF 5382.5 U5 F644 2004)
The Complete Resume & Job Search Book for College Students is a good introduction to the job-search process and includes topics like what employers look for, how to look for jobs, how to write good resumes and cover letters, and how to succeed in the interview. It is especially geared to college students and recent graduates. (Call number: Ref HF 5382.7 A33 1999)
The Ultimate Job Search Survival Guide is aimed at first-time job seekers and career changers. The first part of the book focuses on exploring your interests and skills in order to target your job search. The rest of the book offers job-search strategies and tips for resumes, cover letters, and interviews. (Call number: Ref HF 5382.7 D94 1998)
These three books are just a few of the career-related books found in the library’s non-circulating reference section (near the reference desk). USF also has electronic resources such as e-books that you can find by searching the catalog for words like “job,” “career,” “resume,” etc. One title that caught my eye was The Resume Makeover: 50 Common Problems with Resumes and Cover Letters – and How to Fix Them. Also, in the Gleeson stacks are some great resources that can be checked out – again, look for them in the catalog or browse the stacks around HF5381 – HF5384 (second floor). Remember that if the book you want is already checked out, you can request it through LINK+ and get it in about 4 business days.
In addition to general-purpose career books, the library also has print and online books specific to careers in certain fields. Try searching the catalog for “vocational guidance” and your major and see what comes up, or don’t forget you can always ask a librarian.