Almost all job applications require an email address, so this should be the first step in your job search if you don't have one.

Step 1: Pick a free email provider

Select from one of these popular email providers, or the provider of your choice. 

• Gmail from Google (simple to use)
• Outlook Mail from Microsoft (commonly used in office workplaces)
• Proton Mail (very secure - no phone # required)

New to email? We recommend this Intro to Email course from DigitalLearn.org (14 minutes).

Step 2: Decide on an Email Address

Choose a professional-looking email address that includes your name or initials. 

Try different combinations of your name until you find one that works, but avoid including any personal information like your birth year. You may find that many other people have the same name as you, so get creative when selecting an email address. 

• JoeASmith@email.com
• JoeSmith78705@email.com
• JoeSmithAustin@email.com

Step 3: Secure Your Account

Make sure your account is secure and you don't get "locked out" if you forget your password, by adding a "recovery" email address or phone number to your account. 

This is a second email address or a phone number, that they can send a special code to if you ever forget your password. If you don't have a second email address, consider setting up another one now.

Step 4: Check Your New Email Account Regularly

You'll want to check your email often in case there's news about a job.

If you have a cell phone, you can usually find an app for your phone from your email provider, or use the Email App that comes with your phone to link up the new email address you just created. 

Capital Area Workforce Solutions has a more complete video on resumé building.

What to Include in a Resumé

• Summary at the top of the resumé that includes your strengths and experience
• Job history, including volunteer activities
• Educational history and additional training
• Organizations and memberships relevant to the job
• Contact information (name, phone, email) at the top

Resumé Do's

• Use keywords from the job posting and tailor your resumé to suit each application.
• Use action verbs.
• Be truthful. State your abilities accurately.
• Keep it brief. Try to limit your resumé to one page, two pages at most.
• Be accurate. Proofread your resumé for any errors. 
• Keep it up-to-date and professional. Make changes as they occur, and stick to plain-looking fonts to keep your resumé timeless.

Resumé Don'ts

• Avoid saying "References Upon Request", but do include references if there is room.
• Do not include Social Security #, birth date, marital status.

Creating Your Resumé

• Brainfuse JobNow
  Valid Library card and password required for remote access.
  Free customizable, career-specific resumé templates and resumé resources. Get help from a resumé expert from 2-11 PM Central, or submit your resumé any time through the Resumé Lab and receive detailed feedback in 24 hours.
• Google Docs Templates
  Offers free resumé templates that are automatically saved and always available online - no need to save to USB. Requires a free Google account.
• resume.com
  The free, user-friendly resumé builder allows you to print and download your resumé as a PDF or .doc file.

Want more resumé help?

Contact us to request a job coach for 1 on 1 assistance.

Not every job posting requires a formal cover letter, but these tips can also be useful when writing an email to a potential employer.

• Use keywords from the job posting in your letter, but don't repeat information included in your resumé.
• Explain how your skills and personal qualities match the employer's needs.
• Focus on what you can do for the employer and how you will contribute to the organization's goals.

Creating a Cover Letter

• Brainfuse JobNow
  Valid Library card and password required for remote access.
  Free customizable, career-specific cover letter templates. Get help from an expert from 2-11 PM Central, or submit your cover letter any time through the Resumé Lab to receive detailed feedback in 24 hours.
• Google Docs
  Easy to use cover letter templates you can create and access from any device with a Google account (required). Create a free Google account.
• Crafting Your Cover Letter - GCFLearnFree
  Tips on writing and formatting the perfect cover letter.

Want more cover letter help?

Contact us to request a job coach for 1 on 1 assistance.

Local Job Search Help

• Austin Rapid Response Workers Form
  Assistance with job placement and skills training for workers impacted by COVID. 
• City of Austin Employee Assistance Centers
  Learn how to search and apply for City jobs with help from specialists.
• Dress for Success Austin
  Job searching, interview prep and image consulting assistance for women.
• Goodwill Education & Job Training
  Job search assistance, training and interview coaching for eligible job seekers.
• Workforce Solutions Capital Area
  Find a job, explore careers and gain new, high-demand skills through appointments or virtual events.

Search Local Jobs

• City of Austin Jobs
• Travis County Jobs
• University of Texas Jobs
• Work in Texas
• Workforce Solutions: Jobs Now

Search National Jobs

• CareerBuilder
• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• USAJOBS

Interview prep resources:

• Brainfuse JobNow
  Valid Library card and password required for remote access. 
  Brush up on interview techniques or get live online interview practice from trained job coaches.
• CareerOneStop
  Interview resources and tips including interview types, common questions and salary negotiation 
• GCFLearnFree - Interviewing Skills. Useful tips and strategies to prepare for, conduct and follow up after a professional job interview.

Want more interview help?

Contact us to request a job coach for 1 on 1 assistance.

Job Coaches are available by phone, email or video call. We can help you:

• Set up an email address
• Proofread and format resumés and cover letters
• Use Library and web resources for your job search
• Troubleshoot online applications
• Navigate a career transition
• Prepare for your interview

Request a Job Coach

Career Outlook and Guidance 

• CareerOneStop 
  Offers self-assessment tools to find the best career for you 
• MyFuture 
  Explore different careers and pathways, including skilled trades & military service 
• Occupational Outlook Handbook
  Learn about working conditions, training, earnings and job outlook for hundreds of different occupations.
• Targeted Occupations and Industries
  Explore growing career fields and opportunities for high-skill, high-wage jobs.
• Workforce Solutions Career Coach 
  Discover majors and in-demand careers and education based on your interests. 

Certificates and Licenses

• ACC Fast Track Careers
  Train for a new career quickly and affordably at Austin Community College.
• Accredited Food Handler Training Programs
• Goodwill Career & Technical Academy
  Provides accelerated training for professional career certifications in high-demand fields at little to no cost.
• Learning Express Library
  Valid Library card and password required for remote access. 
  Professional and certification practice tests and skill building for all ages.
• Skillpoint Alliance
  Apply for free, fast training in the skilled trades and manufacturing.
• TABC Certification Schools

Resource Introductions

Skill & Training Resources

• Infobase Learning Cloud
  Valid Library card and password required for remote access. 
  Short online tutorials for over 150 software applications, job searching and career skills.
• Learning Express Library
  Valid Library card and password required for remote access. 
  Nearly 1,000 online tutorials, practice tests and eBooks, as well as job search training and workplace skills improvement.
• ConnectATX
  Job training and education opportunities across Austin.
• GCFLearnFree 
  A range of helpful computer tutorials covering a number of introductory topics. 
• Workforce Solutions Events
  Local events calendar highlighting virtual training sessions on a variety of topics for job-seekers.

Want more help with training? 

Contact us to request a job coach for 1 on 1 assistance. 

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