Employment Help
Free job search help, resume workshops, skills training, career counseling, and workforce development programs. American Job Centers are free and open to everyone.
What this covers
Job search assistance, resume help, interview coaching, skills training, workforce development, vocational programs, career counseling, and job readiness programs.
Does not cover: Staffing agencies, entrepreneurship programs, or professional licensing. For disability-specific employment, see Disability.
Who is this for?
Anyone looking for work, changing careers, or needing help with job readiness — including youth, people with barriers to employment, and career changers.
How help usually works
American Job Centers (career one-stops) provide free job search help, resume writing, and skills training. Workforce development programs offer paid training in high-demand fields. Many programs provide supportive services like childcare and transportation during training.
Best first steps
- Visit your local American Job Center (career one-stop) for free job search help, resume reviews, and computer access.
- If you need skills training, ask about WIOA-funded programs — many cover tuition, supplies, and supportive services.
- For immediate income, temporary agencies and day labor centers can provide same-day or next-day work.
- If you have a criminal record, look for reentry-specific employment programs — many employers hire people with records.
What to bring
Resume (if you have one), photo ID, Social Security card, and any certifications or training records.
Emergency vs. standard help
Emergency: For immediate income, contact temp agencies or day labor centers. Standard: Enroll in job training or visit a career center for sustained job search support.
What kind of help is available?
Career Centers
Walk-in American Job Centers offer free job search help, resume writing, computer access, and interview prep. No appointment needed at most locations. Over 2,400 centers nationwide.
Skills Training
Funded training programs in high-demand fields like health care, IT, construction, and manufacturing. Many programs cover tuition, supplies, and even transportation while you train.
Youth & Young Adults
Job readiness workshops, paid internships, and first-job programs for people ages 16-24. Programs like YouthBuild and Job Corps provide training, housing, and education together.
Barriers to Work
Specialized programs for people with criminal records, long gaps in employment, limited English, or other barriers. Includes record expungement help, bonding programs, and ESL classes.