Toronto Public Library piloting virtual interview rooms for job seekers

The Toronto Public library has been offering customers job searching tools for several years, from the basics like access to the internet to career coaching and eLearning programs on LinkedIn.

Coming out of the pandemic, library staff noticed the need for another resource that job seekers may not have easy access to — a quite space for a virtual job interview and the necessary tools and technology.

“An idea was submitted through the ‘city librarian staff innovation challenge’ … it’s an annual challenge through the city librarian’s office to encourage and foster an environment of creativity and innovation for staff to better meet the needs of the community,” explains North York Central Library service manager Erin Anderson. “The idea was awarded and so here we are with the pilot.”

The pilot was launched in February and currently, a virtual interview room is available at the Malvern branch and North York Central branch.

The room comes equipped with a laptop connected to a larger monitor, web cam, headset and ring light. Keeping accessibility in mind, a specialized keyboard with larger font and a track-ball style mouse are also available. Both the desk and chair are height adjustable to accommodate mobility devices or other physical requirements.

“Plus we do offer a one-hour prep appointment. That practice session would include a one-on-one with staff to run through the technology in the room and for them to practice connecting for their online interview, so they’re not doing it all at the same time as their interview is set to begin,” says Anderson.

The prep appointment as well as a two-hour slot for interviews can be booked either in-person or by calling the branch.

“At North York Central, we’re averaging between 40 and 60 bookings a month and about five to 15 per cent of those are the one-hour prep appointments — the rest are for live interviews. And at our Malvern branch, they’re getting between 20 and 30 appointments a month — they do have slightly reduced hours,” says Anderson.

Currently, there is no end date for the pilot and expanding the program will depend on how successful it is. But Anderson says initial feedback from library customers has been “exceptionally positive.”

“People who have used the room have been delighted that the space has been available for them when they need it. Customers have praised staff for their ability to not only provide this service, but to assist them during a stressful time when you’re trying to plan for an interview,” she says.

“Popularity or demand for it is growing as well as the service becomes more known in the community.”