GULF SHORES, Ala. — Unemployment is on the rise and more people are searching for a job.

With the current flooded market of prospective employees, it is important to have a flawless resume and excellent interview skills.

The Thomas B. Norton Public Library in Gulf Shores is offering Job Searching Tips and Resume Preparation seminars in March to whip you and your resume back into shape.

“When you have really bad economic times people are looking for a place to get information for free,” Reference librarian Laura Moody said.

Moody said the library takes on the role by offering free computer and Internet access, helpful staff, resourceful books and classes — all components needed to start the journey to find a new job.

“With the way the economy is going it made a lot of sense (to start the classes),” Moody said. “We saw a need for it.”

The seminar shows students how to use Microsoft Word, how to format a resume, the importance of a cover letter and how to take on the world of technology in a job search.

“What I want to do is have somebody come in one Tuesday, listen to what we are saying and then have them come in the next Tuesday with their resume,” Moody said.

Moody is full of advice for job searchers, including taking classes at Faulkner State Community College to beef up your resume.

Gulf Shores campus director Ed Bushaw said FSCC offers a variety of classes that can make a person more appealing to an employer.

Business classes and computer classes can give job seekers a leg up in the competitive job search. Technical programs in fields like hotel and restaurant, culinary and event planning could jump start a new career. Training in high wage, high demand fields, like welding, is also offered through the Ready to Work Alabama program.

FSCC offers a free adult education program for assessing and strengthen weaknesses. The Career Ready Certification program, offered through the governor’s office, can help a person zero in on problems with subjects like math, writing or reading and improve them with classes.

“People don’t know how qualified they are; they don’t know that one degree can translate over to another,” Moody said. “If they’ve been a stay-at-home mom they have a lot of qualities and qualifications that can translate over into the job force.”

The next class will be offered March 10 at 6 p.m. at the library. Registration is encouraged due to limited seating. Call 968-1176 to register.