Finding Free or Low-Cost Job Search Help

Finding Free or Low-Cost Job Search Help Finding Free or Low-Cost Job Search Help When your job search isnt going as well as you expected, it can make good sense to get help with it. A professional  career counselor or coach  can help you expedite your job search and focus on the best resources to help you get hired fast. But, if money is an issue, you can also find free or low-cost job search help. How to Find Free or Low-Cost Job Search Help There may be a wealth of local and Internet resources that you have not yet tapped, including career counselors in private practice. These tips, from a professional college career counselor, Donna Marino, are designed to help college graduates and other job seekers identify free, or inexpensive, resources in their geographic areas. Contact Career Services If you are a college graduate, be sure to contact the  career services office  at your own alma mater(s). Many institutions offer lifetime career development services for alumni. Others offer limited services; still, others offer services at extremely reasonable rates. And much of what is offered may be available long-distance. One of the most important services to request will be access to your alma maters version of a Career Advisor Network (alumni who have volunteered to speak with you, respond to your career-related questions, and advise you on your job search). You may be able to request telephone appointments with the career development professionals at your alma mater(s) for services such as  resume  reviews and advising sessions on job search strategies or interviewing techniques. Youll also want to get any required passwords for access to your alma maters online job listing databases. And it never hurts to ask if your alma mater(s) have existing reciprocity agreements with institutions in your geographic area (allowing you to access the services of the local colleges career services office). But be prepared to hear that your access may be limited to non-password-protected job listings (no counselor contact). How to Get Job Search Help at the Library In addition to providing job search and career-related books, public libraries offer many other resources for job seekers. Libraries are  a good resource for unemployed workers and job changers, especially for those who can use hands-on help. To find out how your library can help, visit the librarys website. Youll find information on library resources, programs, classes, tools, and events that can help you with your job search. Computer Training ClassesMany public libraries offer free computer training courses including classes on how to use your computer and software programs, basic computer and laptop skills, using eReaders and iPads, setting up and using email, using Google, blogging, file storage, internet safety, and other computer and internet classes. Even though these classes arent specifically focused on job searching, they will help you learn how to use your computer and the internet effectively and efficiently. Computers and Wi-FiWhen you dont have access to a computer or wi-fi, most libraries have computers available for patrons to use. You may be able to reserve time to use the computer or they may be available on a first-come, first served basis. You can use library computers to check and send an email (get a free Gmail or Yahoo email account), write resumes and letters, and apply for jobs (save a copy of your resume and cover letters online using Google Docs). University and library printers are available, so you can print copies of your resume, cover letters, and references. Libraries also offer free wi-fi that you can connect to with your laptop or tablet. Job Search WorkshopsJob search workshops provide hands-on assistance with your job search and may include advice on online job searching, resume and cover letter writing, how to apply for jobs, and how to network. Job ClubsJob clubs  are designed to provide job seekers with job search help, support, and advice. Check to see if your library offers a formal job club moderated by a career expert or meeting space for an informal job club you can join. Career TransitionsCareer Transitions  is an online job search and career exploration tool that job seekers can access for free through local public libraries. To find out if your library provides access to the site call the library or your local librarys website to see if they have purchased Career Transitions. English Language ClassesWhen English isnt your first language, it can make your job search even more of a challenge. Your library can help with ESL classes, workshops, and practice sessions. Stress ReliefJob searching can be really stressful and you may be able to find some stress relief at the library. Some libraries offer meditation workshops, yoga classes, and other health and fitness classes. Find More Free Job Search Help Here are some other ideas that are helpful to all job seekers, whether theyve graduated from college or not. Check with your local Chamber of Commerce  to ask about career/job fairs that may be planned for the near future. Tap resources and services available through your state Department of Labor  office. You will find both online resources as well as in-person options. Consider Hiring a Career Counselor Finally, if you want actual career counseling (rather than just job search advice and resources) and live at too great a distance to make the often-mandatory in-person sessions with career counselors from your alma mater(s) feasible, you may want to engage the services of a  private career counselor in your local area.