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Job Help at Austin Public Library

Job Help

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Get job help at the Austin Public Library. To help our community, we offer several job resources, including resources to help you:

  • Write a cover letter and a resume

  • Search for a job

  • Prepare for an interview

Get an Email Address

Get an Email Address

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. 

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 email address that includes your name or initials. 

Try different combinations of your name until you find one that works. 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. Add a "recovery" email address or phone number to your account in case you forget your password.

This is a second email address or phone number where you can receive a special code if you ever forget your password. If you do not 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.

Most email providers have an app you can download to your smartphone. Most phones also include an "Email app" you can connect your account to.

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Create Your Resumé

Create Your Resumé


For more help, check out Capital Area Workforce Solutions' Resume Building video.

What to Include in a Resume

  • Summary at the top of the resume 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

Resume Do's

  • Use keywords from the job posting and tailor your resume to suit each application.
  • Be truthful. State your abilities accurately.
  • Keep it brief. Try to limit your resume to one page, two pages at most.
  • Be accurate. Proofread your resume for any errors.
  • Keep it up-to-date and professional. Make changes as they occur, and stick to a clear font to make your resume easy to read.

Resume Don'ts

  • Avoid saying "References Upon Request," but do include references if there is room.
  • Do not include your Social Security number, birth date, or other private information.

Creating Your Resume

Brainfuse JobNow 

  • Free customizable, career-specific cover letter templates. Get help from an expert from 2-11 p.m. Central or submit your resume any time through the Resume Lab to receive detailed feedback in 24 hours. A valid Library card and password are required to access from home.

Google Docs Templates 

resume.com

  • The free, user-friendly resume builder allows you to print and download your resume as a PDF or .doc file.
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Write Your Cover Letter

Write Your Cover Letter

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

  • Use keywords from the job posting in your letter. Don't repeat information included in your resume.
  • 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

  • Free customizable, career-specific cover letter templates. Get help from an expert from 2-11 p.m. Central or submit your cover letter any time through the Resume Lab to receive detailed feedback in 24 hours. A valid Library card and password are required to access from home.

Google Docs 

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Search for Jobs

Search for Jobs

Local Job Search Help

Texas Workforce Commission Rapid Response

  • Rapid Response helps workers with early steps to help find a new job quickly.

City of Austin Employment Services Center

  • Get help with job applications, resumes, job guidance, and interview preparation for City of Austin jobs. For help, call 512-978-JOBS (5627) or email austincityjobs@austintexas.gov.

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

Search National Jobs

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Explore Careers

Explore Careers

Career Outlook and Guidance

CareerOneStop

  • Offers self-assessment tools to find the best career for you

MyFuture

  • Explore different careers, including skilled trades and military service

O*Net Online

  • Career quiz. Supported by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Occupational Outlook Handbook

  • Learn about working conditions, training, earnings, and job options.

Targeted Occupations and Industries

  • Explore growing career fields and opportunities for high-skill, high-wage jobs.

Workforce Solutions Career Coach

  • Discover careers and education based on your interests.

 

Certificates and Licenses

ACC Fast Track Careers

  • Train for a new career at Austin Community College.

Accredited Food Handler Training Programs

Goodwill Career & Technical Academy

  • Provides training for professional career certifications in high-demand fields at little to no cost.

Learning Express Library

  • Valid Library card and password required to use from home.
    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

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Explore Skills & Training

Explore Skills & Training

Skill & Training Resources

Learning Express Library 

  • Valid Library card and password required to access from home. Help with job search and improve your skills. Almost 1,000 online tutorials, practice tests, and eBooks.

ConnectCTX 

  • Job training and education opportunities.

LearnFree 

  • Helpful computer tutorials for beginners.

Workforce Solutions Events 

  • Local events calendar with virtual training sessions to help you job search.
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Explore Resources for Diverse Populations

Explore Resources for Diverse Populations

Expand a section below for more information.

Teens

Teens

How to land a job as a teen

  1. Brainstorm and research job options - don't limit yourself to "teen" jobs like fast food.
  2. Gain experience (and a reference) - small jobs and volunteering can help greatly.
  3. Be able to name your skills - you have more skills than you might realize.
  4. Get your documents together to apply - helps your application go smoothly.
  5. Know how to ace your interview - interviews are the final exam (not a pop quiz).

Teen Job Opportunities

Explore some of our favorite employment opportunities just for teens. 

Apprenticeship.gov

  • Want to gain a trade? Find apprenticeship opportunities in Austin for skills like electrical, plumbing, and carpentry.

ESB-MACC Teen Leadership Program (Caminos)

  • The Caminos is a 1-year paid youth leadership program at the Mexican American Cultural Center.

City of Austin High School Internship Opportunities 

  • Youth Initiatives provides opportunities for Austin High School students to intern. Placement is based on their future career interests.

City of Austin Youth Career Fest

  • The Youth Career Fest is a yearly event that brings together high school students to learn about different career paths.

e4 Youth

  • The e4 Youth Organization has various paid jobs for Teens, including their Creative Mentor and Shadow the Pros programs.

Goodwill

  • Eligible applicants can receive help from a case manager on their career goals.

Travis County Summer Youth Employment Program

  • Connects young people with paid work-based learning opportunities.

 

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People of All Abilities

People of All Abilities

Resources for Workers of All Abilities

abilityJOBS

  • Job openings posted by employers seeking to hire employees with disabilities.

CareerOneStop: Navigating the Job Search for All Abilities

  • Find resources and information to help you find a job.

Job Accommodation Network

  • Free guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues.

Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Services

  • Work with counselors to set and achieve your career goals.

Workforce Solutions Career Centers

  • Accessibility equipment available.
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Formerly Incarcerated People

Formerly Incarcerated People

Reentry Resources

Honest Jobs 

  • Create a free account and access second-chance job opportunities.

CareerOneStop Job Search Help 

  • Find state resources, employers, and tips on how to talk about your past.

Federal Trade Commission

  • Everything you need to know about background checks.

Reentry Roundtable

  • Resources and network building for individuals reentering the community.

Texas Criminal Justice Coalition

  • Find employment services in Travis County.

Travis County Law Library

  • Get help clearing your arrest record from a no-cost attorney.
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Get Job Help

Get Job Help

Librarians are available by phone, email, video call, or in person. We can help you:

  • Set up an email address
  • Use library and web resources for your job search
  • Troubleshoot online applications (Note: Librarians CANNOT help you fill out a job application)
  • Navigate a career transition
  • Offer tools and resources for resumes, cover letters, and interviews

Book a Librarian Appointments can also be made by calling the reference line at 512-974-7400, option 1.

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