Written by Mackenzie Manley, Content Specialist, Downtown Main Library
According to the Department of Job and Family Services, the number of workers unemployed in Ohio in November 2025 was 269,000 — a 4,000 increase over the past 12 months.
CHPL is primed to help job seekers through classes, workshops, and resources aimed at building professional skills.
Read on for a few ways you can enhance your job hunt with your library card:
Earn Your Lean Six Sigma White Belt
One opportunity is the Lean Six Sigma White Belt Course, which will be offered at the Downtown Main Library for two sessions on Tuesday, Jan. 20 and Tuesday, Jan. 27 in partnership with Breakthrough Performance Group. Both events run from 10:30 a.m.-noon.
Lean Six Sigma instructor Tasos Georgopoulos says the course helps organizations develop their staff’s problem-solving skills. Not only does it engage management teams, but it aims to empower individuals, too. The skills are applicable across myriad industries.
“These are team-based, data-driven problem-solving methodologies that are focused on the customer,” says Tasos. “For all of our organizations, it is about making sure we understand our customers, their requirements, and consistently performing to that level.”
Lean Six Sigma is ideal for anyone seeking to expand their job possibilities, job training, and professional development. Individuals must attend both sessions to earn Professional Development Units.
According to Tasos, the sessions at the Library will provide entry-level certification for Lean Six Sigma. Attendees will learn not only about professional tools, but how to apply them both at work and in their personal life.
“A lot of it involves common sense scenarios,” says Tasos. “However, you get so absorbed in our own processes that sometimes we get too far in the weeds to understand what the overall issue is... [Lean Six Sigma] brings an opportunity, again, for more team-based solutions and getting our people involved.”
More Workshops and Classes for Job Seekers
Along with Lean Six Sigma, the Library offers weekly events for job seekers or adults working to build professional skills.
Online Events
- Writing a Cover Letter on Tuesday, Jan. 20 at noon.
- Introduction to Microsoft Word on Wednesday, Jan. 21 at 11 a.m.
- Career 101: I Need a Resume on Wednesday, Feb. 4 at 11 a.m.
- Professional Email Etiquette on Wednesday, Feb. 4 at noon.
- Interview Tips on Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 11 a.m.
In-Person Events
- Meet one-on-one with experts from the Minority Business Assistance Center on Thursday, Jan. 22 between 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Forest Park Branch. The MBAC will also host office hours on Wednesday, Feb. 4 from 1-5 p.m. at the Deer Park Branch.
- Get tips on how to rapidly apply for jobs using a new app at High-Speed Job Search on Saturday, Jan. 24 from 2:30-4 p.m.
- Discover valuable workforce resources at Find Work, Build Skills: Free Local Job Help on Monday, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m.
- Business Basics: Managing Money is a six-week series hosted in partnership with the FDIC Money Smart for Small Business program at the Madisonville Branch. Sessions will be held on Wednesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. starting Feb. 4 through March 11. It is strongly encouraged that you choose to attend all sessions, but you can choose to come to one session or any combination of sessions.
Workshops are free, interactive, and open to adults of all ages. You can sign up through our online calendar or by calling your local branch.
One-on-One Resume Help
Are you looking for one-on-one help on building your resume? Receive help from trained library staff at any of CHPL’s 41 branches by requesting an appointment.
Our trained staff specialize in helping customers highlight transferable skills, organize job experience clearly, and tailor resumes to specific jobs. No matter where you are on your career journey, we’re here to help.
Online Resources
The Library offers several digital resources for job seekers, including:
- JobNow: Live resume review, interview coaching, and job search support
- LinkedIn Learning: Courses in everything from Microsoft Office to leadership and project management
- Peterson’s Career Prep: Take high school, college, and graduate-level prep exams
- Universal Class: Access hundreds of self-paced continuing education classes
Find more resources, workshops, events, and tools at CHPL.org/job-seekers.
Add a comment to: Build Your Professional Skills with the Library