Free Career Resources

It often seems that we most need to find a job when we are least prepared to do so because we are at a low point emotionally, financially or both. Job seekers tell me they are overwhelmed at the prospect of looking for a job and often don’t know where to begin.  The longer you wait to begin, the longer the process takes. Here are some resources to help you get started.

In Monterey County, we are fortunate to have a wealth of free online career resources available through the Monterey County Free Libraries website https://www.co.monterey.ca.us/government/departments-i-z/library/learn-explore/employment. All you need is your library card, and if you don’t have one you can apply for one online. In addition, there are books to check out and downloadable books available from Overdrive through the county library. There is even a downloadable Job Hunter’s Resource list with some of my favorite career books, digital media and databases to help you write a resume, prepare for interviews and find potential employers.

There are free resources that test your job skills, prepare you to take the GED, or ace college entrance exams. There are job sites for professionals, government jobs, and jobs in particular market segments.

Some of these free-to-library-cardholders’ resources are subscription-based and would otherwise be cost prohibitive to subscribe to individually. Here are several noteworthy library resources.

• AtoZdatabases: this is an easy-to-use site for job opportunities. It also offers free 20- to 30-minute webinars on résumés and interviewing
• CalJOB: in addition to job leads, you can access the Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL) featuring educational programs and apprentices for job seekers. You may open an unemployment insurance claim here. Find resources for veterans, job seekers, seniors and those with disabilities. To register you must provide your social security number.
• California Employment Development Department: this site is a source of job leads. You may also open and manage an unemployment claim.
• Free printable job applications: it provides exactly what it says – printable job applications that you can use to create a record of your employment history. It also offers job postings for full- and part-time jobs and internships.
• com: consolidates listing from many job boards into one place. Allows you to search by job and location (locally and nationally).
• LearningExpressLibrary: offers job skills tests and tutorials (medical assistant certification, etc.), job search and interview tips. It also offers resources to prepare for GED, college entrance and US citizenship exams.
• MontereyBayHelpWanted: a local job site that enables you to search for jobs on your phone or mobile device.
• MontereyBayJobs: a local jobs site that includes a mix of higher level and professional jobs.
• Occupational Outlook Handbook: offers a comprehensive database of thousands of careers including skill requirements, educational prerequisites and median pay.
• com: a source for government jobs. Offers step-by-step instructions for applying for federal jobs.

These online resources are a great place to start to start your job search. Once you get a solid draft of your resume and LinkedIn profile, ask your network for feedback. They may be able offer advice and ideas about your preparation and presentation and suggest companies to research, positions of interest, or other connections. Start today.

©2021 Mary Jeanne Vincent.  All rights reserved.