Getting references

Job seekers can go to the library to use special Sno-Isle computer terminals to help them search for jobs, write resumes and test their career skills.

By Janice Podsada

Herald Writer

LYNNWOOD — Minh Dang has been out of a job for seven months. With money getting tight, he recently pulled the plug on his Internet service provider.

But the money-saving measure hasn’t left him high and dry when it comes to searching for a job on-line.

Five times a week, Dang, 36, of Bothell, goes to the Lynnwood Library’s Career Reference Center, where he uses one of its two computer terminals, specially configured to help job-seekers.

There are more of them, unfortunately, recently due to layoffs at Boeing and elsewhere.

"They’re very popular," Lynnwood reference librarian Steve Sandbakken said. "We’re booked a week in advance."

The Lynnwood library, along with the Marysville, Oak Harbor and Snohomish libraries in the Sno-Isle Regional Library System, offer patrons free use of their Career Reference Centers. The centers not only stock traditional reference books related to job-hunting, but the special "career" terminals, said Mary Kelly, Sno-Isle spokeswoman.

"All you have to do is come in and sign up," Sandbakken said, adding the computers are available for two hours at a time.

A year ago, the Lynnwood library was first to install the career computer terminals; since then three Sno-Isle libraries have followed suit, said Judy Sasges, Sno-Isle’s south region manager.

Unlike the library’s other Internet access terminals, patrons cannot only search on-line, but do word processing on the career terminals.

"You can do your resume here and send it as an attachment or print it out," Sandbakken said

The terminals are also equipped with job-assessment software for those seeking a career change. It can help answer questions such as: What kind of work do you enjoy? What kind of skills or education are needed for a particular job? How and where can you acquire those skills?

And job-seekers can inventory their present skills to determine how they would transfer to another profession.

The centers also provide on-line practice exams for positions that require an entrance test or certification, such as firefighter, postal worker, cosmetologist or real-estate agent. The tests for the GED, U.S. citizenship and assessing basic skills are also available.

And the centers have "stacks of books on how to write a resume or cover letter," Sandbakken said.

Librarians are always available to help job-seekers look for job postings, and to dig up information on companies, big and small. A big selling point during any job interview is showing the interviewer you’re knowledgeable about the company, Sandbakken said.

Dang, a former information technology manager, recently had a telephone interview with a Houston employer. While he awaits a second interview, he’s has been able to use the career center to research the cost of housing, food and transportation in the Houston area.

In addition to job-searches, the centers also provide Internet access to a community database for Snohomish and Island counties. There people can find help for the basics — what to tell your mortgage holder if you’ve lost your job and you can’t make this month’s payment; how to locate a local agency that will help with housing, food, utility bill payments; or other social services when you’re unemployed.

It’s one-stop shopping, Sandbakken said.

"We even have books for children — Daddy, Mommy lost their job."

You can call Herald Writer Janice Podsada at 425-339-3029 or send e-mail to podsada@heraldnet.com.

STEPHANIE S. CORDLE / The Herald

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

A view of one of the potential locations of the new Aquasox stadium on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024 in Everett, Washington. The site sits between Hewitt Avenue, Broadway, Pacific Avenue and the railroad. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Initial prep work for AquaSox stadium to start, with $200k price tag

The temporary agreement allows some surveying and design work as the city negotiates contracts with designers and builders.

The Joann Fabric and Crafts store at 7601 Evergreen Way, Everett, is one of three stores in Snohomish County that will close as part of the retailer’s larger plan to shutter more than half of its stores nationwide. (Aaron Kennedy / The Herald)
Joann store closure plan includes Everett, Arlington, Lynnwood locations

The retail giant filed a motion in court to close approximately 500 stores in the U.S.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

Devani Padron, left, Daisy Ramos perform during dance class at Mari's Place Monday afternoon in Everett on July 13, 2016. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Mari’s Place helps children build confidence and design a better future

The Everett-based nonprofit offers free and low-cost classes in art, music, theater and dance for children ages 5 to 14.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

Lynnwood
Lynnwood police: 1 suspect in custody, 1 at large after attempted carjacking

Beverly Elementary School went into a precautionary lockdown Thursday afternoon. Numerous officers continue to search for the second suspect.

Candidates announce campaigns for Everett city council seat

Ryan Crowther, founder of the Everett Music Initiative, will challenge incumbent Paula Rhyne for the District 2 seat.

Lynnwood City Council Vice President Julieta Crosby speaks during a Lynnwood City Council meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Lynnwood picks top eight candidates to replace former council VP

The City Council will make its final decision Feb. 20 after interview process.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.