The Northern Kentucky Accountability Group Reaches 500 Placement Milestone

The Northern Kentucky Accountability Group (NKYAG), sponsored by the Kenton County Public Library, hit a milestone in May 2022 with 500 professionals landing jobs through the program over the past several years. NKYAG is the Kenton County Public Library’s support group for professionals in career transition or anyone wanting to change careers. Each week, the group hosts a community leader speaking on a topic of interest to jobseekers, followed by a roundtable networking session. KCPL’s Career and Job Services Division identifies the key skills professionals need to conduct today’s complex job search well. Participants are encouraged to engage in all the dynamic classes, including the Transferable Skills Workshop, Target Your Resume Seminar, Managing Applicant Tracking Software (ATS), LinkedIn Profile Series, Interviewing Skills and Networking to Grow Your Personal Boardroom to update their job searching skills. Programs are taught by subject matter experts in their areas. Jobseekers are comforted by having access to free top-notch resources. After a job loss, the effort and methods someone puts into a job search are a strong indicator of how they will perform on the next job. KCPL’s program thrives on encouraging NKYAG members to put their best foot forward when presenting themselves. Participants are taught to develop a well thought out portfolio of tools that can include a resume, marketing plan, core skills document, PAIN or cover letters, and a 30-60-90 day vision plan. NKYAG is supported by ten Volunteer Coaches who devote their energies to helping jobseekers with editing key documents, preparing for interviews, networking connections, and salary negotiation. Participants enjoy getting connected to a wide variety of community resources, including the Kentucky Career Center.

The “silver lining” from Covid-19 is that people can attend NKYAG online or in person, allowing professionals interested in relocating to the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati Metro Area to participate virtually, potentially landing jobs in our community. The program was recently identified by COSLA (Chief Operating Officers of Public Libraries) as one of the top ten innovative programs within public libraries in the USA. The NKY Accountability Group meets every Wednesday at the Erlanger Library from 9:15-11:30AM. New jobseekers or career changers are always welcome, as are employers seeking to attract talent.  Approximately 380 local employers have hired professionals who have participated in NKYAG including 80 Acres Farm, CTI, Gravity Diagnostics, Skilcraft, Answers in Genesis, Northern Kentucky University, the Life Learning Center, ADM, Amazon, the City of Covington, St. Elizabeth Healthcare and Fidelity Investments.  A past alumni Dr. Ariane Austin noted, “Thank you for all you do. You can’t possibly realize how much of a blessing the program is. You meet people at one of the lowest times of their lives. I am forever grateful.” You can watch a video highlighting the program here. For more information, contact Program Director, Natalie Ruppert at 859-962-4099 or Natalie.Ruppert@kentonlibrary.org. Follow the Kenton County Public Library on LinkedIn to read celebration stories about participants as they land jobs.