“Spring won’t let me stay in this house any longer! I must get out and breathe the air deeply again.” – Gustav Mahler

Spring has sprung, and with it, for many of us, a sense of reinvigoration and renewed spirit. If you would like to channel your newfound energy into your career building and job searching, we’d be happy to help, both in person and through our YouTube tutorials such as these:

en espanol playlist

como solicitar un trabajo con target

Una guía para el proceso de solicitud de empleo para Target.
In this video, Career Specialist Andre de la Fuente provides a detailed step-by-step breakdown, in Spanish, of how to apply for retail giant Target.

resources for teens playlist

How teens can answer, “Where do you see yourself in 3 years?”

Visualizing one’s future can be especially tricky for teens, whose lives are often on the brink of large changes. It’s important, though: employers ask this question because they want to know what your plans are and how well they align with the employer’s wants and needs. In this video, Career Specialist Lynnette Lee and guest presenter Aaliyah Newton demonstrate how to answer in a way that shows both your ambitious drive and your loyalty to the workplace.

job search websites playlist

How to use simplyhired for the job search

Job search websites can be a great resource for finding job openings online – especially if you know how to get the most out of the job search engine. In this video, Career Specialist Cynthia Payton takes a look at the ins and outs of the job search website SimplyHired, including the types of jobs they post, ways to apply, and building a profile.

this month’s spotlight: the seven deadly sins of the job search playlist

If you want to make sure that you’re being a savvy jobseeker, check out this playlist. The Seven Deadly Sins Series takes an in-depth look at the seven most common mistakes that hold jobseekers back in their search. From “Looking for ‘any job’” to “Not negotiating salary” and everything in-between, Certified Career Coach Anne Nowak discusses all the ways you may be inadvertently sabotaging your job search.

Written by Lynnette Lee

Ah, March. “In like a lion, out like a lamb,” as the adage goes. The job search can be just as inconsistent – full of hope and promise one moment, full of despair and exhaustion the next. But if you’re currently going through a rough patch in your job search, take heart that the Career Center is here to help you tame that lion. Check out our most recent YouTube tutorials:

Resources for teens playlist

How teens can answer, “how would you calm an angry customer?”

Handling upset customers can be difficult for even a seasoned professional, so this question may intimidate less experienced applicants. In this video, Career Specialist Lynnette Lee and guest star Jessica Budd show how to answer this question in a way that highlights your customer service and problem-solving skills.

job search mastery playlist

salary negotiation tips for women

Negotiating your salary can be particularly challenging if you’re a woman. Unfortunately, behavior which seems “confident” and “assertive” in men is often seen as “pushy” or “greedy” in women. In this video, Certified Career Coach Anne Nowak discusses a different approach to salary negotiation which tends to work better for women.

this month’s spotlight: the job search websites playlist

If you’d like some help finding job postings online, please check out this playlist. This series explores and reviews different job search engines, including Indeed, Zip Recruiter, Glassdoor, and more. Each video provides information about how the website works, what sorts of jobs you can find there, and the dos and don’ts of using it.

Written by Lynnette Lee

Another month, another round of YouTube videos! This month, in addition to our YouTube videos, we also have a very busy schedule of in-person events. If you’d like to be notified promptly about our upcoming events, consider subscribing to our newsletter. And if you’d like to learn about our YouTube videos as soon as they post, please subscribe to our channel.

seven deadly sins of the job search playlist

part 7: not negotiating salary

The final Deadly Sin of the Job Search occurs after you’ve received a job offer. Don’t accept it immediately – first, it’s important to negotiate your salary to make sure that you’re fairly compensated. Simply accepting their first offer could potentially cost you millions in lost earnings. In this video, Certified Career Coach Anne Nowak will discuss some good strategies for salary negotiation.

common job application tutorials playlist

how to apply for a job at starbucks

If you’re a budding barista, check out this application walk-through for coffeehouse chain Starbucks, so that you’ll know what to expect when you apply. Career Specialist Karla Stewart will demonstrate the process step by step.

this month’s spotlight: the everything interview playlist

This playlist is a one-stop shop for all of our job-interview-related videos, including full-length seminars, demonstrations for answering common interview questions, and specialized topics such as video interviewing and interviewing for teens.

Written by Lynnette Lee

 

We’ve started the new year off with a bang. In addition to our new YouTube videos, we’ve also stepped up the pace of our in-person seminar schedule. If you’d like to register for one of our in-person seminars, please visit our Events page. But if videos are more your speed, check out our latest offerings:

resources for teens playlist

How teens can answer, “Tell me about a time you faced a difficult obstacle

Behavioral interview questions like this one ask you to use stories from your past work experience – but if you have no work experience, it may be challenging to come up with an answer for this question. In this video, Career Specialist Lynnette Lee and guest presenter Aaliyah Newton demonstrate how you can use a story from a non-work setting, like school, to answer this question.

common job application tutorials playlist

how to apply for a job with louisiana state civil service

Our state government has positions available in a variety of fields, including education, administration, transportation, accounting, health services, and more. In this walk-through, Certified Career Coach Anne Nowak shows how to navigate the Louisiana State Civil Service application process.

this month’s spotlight: the professionalism and business etiquette playlist

We’ve recently re-organized our playlists to group certain topics together better and make everything easier to find. One of our new playlists, Professionalism and Business Etiquette, is designed to help jobseekers present a polished image in the professional world, make a good impression on hiring managers, and succeed in the business world. Video topics include Social Media Etiquette for the Job Search, How to Succeed at a Job Fair, The Workplace Survival Guide, and more.

Written by Lynnette Lee

The holidays have ended, and a new year has dawned. . .with many people breathing a sigh of relief that 2021 is over. If the past year was a bit of a disappointment for you, think of this as a chance to start fresh and make this year better. And if your goals are to find a better job or improve your career, we can help. Check  out our latest YouTube tutorials:

common job application tutorials playlist

How to Apply for a Job at Jack-in-the-Box

Before you apply for a job, it’s always helpful to know what to expect from the application. In this video, Career Specialist Andre De La Fuente will walk you step-by-step through the process of completing an online job application for fast food chain Jack in the Box.

job interview questions playlist

Ending the Interview

Once you’ve answered all of the interviewer’s questions, you may be tempted to get out of that stressful situation as quickly as possible. But don’t just bolt – the interview isn’t quite finished yet. In this video, Career Specialist Lynnette Lee and Certified Career Coach Anne Nowak demonstrate how to close out an interview properly and make a graceful exit.
This is the final video we’ve planned for the Job Interview Questions playlist, so if you have an interview coming up, we’d recommend watching the whole playlist to be prepared for every type of question. (And if you have ideas for more interview questions you’d like us to cover, let us know at 225-231-3733.)

this month’s spotlight: the Resources for Teens playlist

We’ve recently re-organized our playlists to group certain topics together better and make everything easier to find. One of our new playlists, Resources for Teens, is a one-stop shop for all our teen-centric tutorials. These videos are aimed specifically at helping young adults as they enter the working world and/or transition to college. So far the playlist includes videos on paying for college, writing your first resume, and answering tricky interview questions. If you have ideas for more teen-focused videos, let us know at 225-231-3733.

Written by Lynnette Lee

With the holiday season in full swing, it can be tempting to take some time off from the job search. And no judgment here – everyone needs a break sometimes. But, on the other hand, if you’d like to use your extra time over the holidays to buckle down on your career progression, we’re here to help. Check out these latest videos from our YouTube channel:

Resumes and Cover letters playlist

Should You Put Your Vaccine Status on Your Resume?

Increasingly, many jobs are requiring that all workers be vaccinated. With that in mind, could being fully vaccinated – and advertising that fact on your resume – give you a leg up over other candidates? Or could it hurt your chances with some employers? The answer is. . .it depends. In this video, Certified Career Coach Anne Nowak discusses different job situations and whether including your vaccine status in those situations is a good idea or not.

common job application tutorials playlist

How to Apply for a Job at Chick-fil-A

Winner winner chicken dinner! In this video, Career Specialist Richard Wright looks at the application process for southern fast-food chain Chick-fil-A, showing you step-by-step how to complete their job application.

job search mastery playlist

how to negotiate salary for a new job

In today’s market, lots of people are finding new jobs. But before you accept that job offer, it’s usually in your best interest to negotiate. Negotiating for a better salary, benefits, or bonus could win you hundreds of thousands of dollars over your working life. In this video, Anne Nowak discusses the best salary negotiation strategies for several common situations.

job interview questions for teens playlist

How teens can answer “why do you want to work for us?”

Interviewers will usually ask you why you’re interested in the position – and the right answer isn’t “Because I need a job.” You need an answer that makes this employer feel that this job matters to you and that you will give it your best. Of course, that can be tough to do if this is your first interview. In this video, Career Specialist Lynnette Lee and guest presenter Jessica Budd discuss how you can answer this interview question in a way that demonstrates your passion and commitment.

Written by Lynnette Lee

There’s a chill in the air, leaves crunch underfoot, and the smell of pumpkin spice is everywhere. It’s officially the fall season – which here in Louisiana, only lasts about two weeks. But though the seasons may change, one thing that will never change is the Career Center’s commitment to providing guidance to jobseekers. To that end, here are our latest YouTube videos:

job search basics playlist

making a good first impression

You’ve got only one chance to make a good first impression on hiring managers and business contacts. In this video, Career Specialist Lynnette Lee shares tips for presenting a professional and polished image, whether you’re at an interview, job fair, or other business meeting.

How to succeed at a job fair

Job fairs can be a great way to jumpstart your job search – but if you’re not fully prepared, you may leave a poor first impression on hiring managers. In this video, Lynnette Lee discusses the most common job fair mistakes and how to avoid them.

job interview questions playlist

How to answer, “Do you have any questions for us?”

Asking smart insightful questions at the end of a job interview can showcase your enthusiasm and foresight. In this video, Lynnette Lee and Certified Career Coach Anne Nowak discuss some of the best questions you can ask in order to find out whether the job is the best fit for you.

en espanol playlist

como solicitar un trabajo con jack in the box

In this video, Career Specialist Andre de la Fuente demonstrates – in Spanish – the step-by-step process of applying for a job at Jack in the Box. Una guía para el proceso de solicitud de empleo para Jack in the Box.

Written by Lynnette Lee

Good news for jobseekers: The current shortage of workers in many fields means that right now is an excellent time to look for a new job. Even better news: The Career Center is here to help you make that transition and achieve your career goals. Check out our latest YouTube videos for advice on a variety of career-related subjects:

how to pay for college

Trying to figure out how to afford college can seem overwhelming. In this video, we’ll discuss how to navigate the different options for financial aid, loans, scholarships, and grants. The presentation will include explanations of need-based vs merit-based aid, strategies for finding scholarships, and techniques for choosing affordable schools, with especial emphasis on Louisiana-based schools and scholarships.

Seven deadly sins of the job search playlist

part 6: going it alone

job interview questions playlist

how teens can answer, “what are your greatest strengths?”

Common Job Application Tutorials playlist

how to apply for a job at o’reilly

Calling all car nuts, motorheads, and grease monkeys! In this video, Career Specialist Rick Wright walks step-by-step through the process of applying for a job at O’Reilly Auto Parts.

Written by Lynnette Lee

Our hearts go out to all those, in Louisiana and beyond, who are suffering from the devastating effects of Hurricane Ida. If you’ve been affected by the storm and are seeking assistance, please feel free to call the East Baton Rouge Parish Library at 225-231-3750 for information, or check out their infoguide to disaster recovery resources here.

If, on the other hand, you’re here for information about job search and career advice videos, read on:

job search mastery playlist

how to research employers for cultural fit

Have you ever started a new job. . .and then realized that the working environment is completely wrong for you? Careful research can prevent you from walking into a bad situation. In this video, Certified Career Coach Anne Nowak discusses the different aspects of company culture, as well as strategies for researching company culture before you accept a job offer.

job interview questions playlist

How teens can answer “Tell me about a conflict with a co-worker”

If you’ve never had a conflict with a co-worker, how can you answer this question? Interview questions about conflict are tricky for all jobseekers. The problem becomes much more complicated for young people with little work experience. In this video, Career Specialist Lynnette Lee and guest star Aaliyah Newton discuss the right (and wrong) things to say.

how to answer, “why didn’t your previous job last very long?”

Having an unstable work history – such as a short-term job – can be a red flag to employers. This is especially true if you were let go. In this video, Lynnette Lee and Anne Nowak demonstrate how you can answer this question in such a way that it reassures employers.

how teens can answer, “what is your proudest accomplishment?”

Every jobseeker, no matter how young, has accomplished something they can be proud of. Your academic, extracurricular, community, and personal achievements can showcase your best skills and abilities. In this video, Lynnette Lee and guest star Jessica Budd demonstrate how to wow your interviewer with your answer to this question.

Common Job Application Tutorials playlist

how to apply for a job at rouse’s

Rouse’s is a fast-growing Louisiana-based grocery chain. In this video, Career Specialist Cynthia Payton will demonstrate how to complete their online job application.

Written by Lynnette Lee

Welcome to the dog days of summer, replete with sweltering temperatures and sticky humid air. If you’d like a respite from the fun in the sun, why not find a nice shady spot to cool down with some YouTube videos? We can heartily recommend the following:

Small business services playlist

Introduction to Data Axle

If you’re starting a business, you need information about your competition and your consumer base. Data Axle (formerly called Reference USA) can be a great resource for finding that information. In this video, Career Specialist Case Duckworth demonstrates how to use the Data Axle database, available for free to East Baton Rouge Parish Library cardholders.

job search websites playlist

how to Use ziprecruiter for the job search

ZipRecruiter offers a streamlined approach to the job search. In this video, Case Duckworth demonstrates how to build a profile and apply for jobs on ZipRecruiter.

job interview questions playlist

how teens can answer “tell me about yourself”

The job interview can be especially challenging for teenagers, who may not have much experience speaking about themselves in a professional setting. In this video, Certified Resume Writer Lynnette Lee and special guest Jessica Budd demonstrate ways that teens can handle the first and most important interview question.

Common Job Application Tutorials playlist

how to apply for a job at wendy’s

If you’ve always dreamed of saying, “Sir, this is a Wendy’s,” here’s your chance. In this video, Career Specialist Cynthia Payton walks you step-by-step through the process of applying for a job at fast-food chain Wendy’s.

Written by Lynnette Lee