Central Library will be closed Friday, November 1.

Job Hunt


Library Resources


Free and easy to access from home with your library card and PIN, or from any of our libraries' computer stations.


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Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center

Assess your career goals, plan your education, learn workplace skills, find internships, conduct a job search, and more with Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center.

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Tutor.com

Tutor.com provides resume and cover letter review, live help, career coaching, and other career resources.

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Brainfuse JobNow/VetNow

Brainfuse JobNow/VetNow is a versatile online service that supports job seekers, veterans, and their families with all stages of job searching, employment transition, navigating the VA, standardized tests, and more.

City and State Resources


LA City WorkSource logo

WorkSource

WorkSource offers a wide range of employment services from the City of Los Angeles including services specifically for adult (ages 24+) and youth (ages 16-24) job-seekers.

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CalJobs

CalJobs is a county-by-county jobs database for job hunters and employers. Job seekers can create, store, and send resumes to any job opening.



Suggested Reading

  • 100 side hustles : unexpected ideas for making extra money without quitting your day job

    100 side hustles : unexpected ideas for making extra money without quitting your day job

    Guillebeau, Chris
  • 201 killer cover letters

    201 killer cover letters

    Podesta, Sandra
  • 50 ways to get a job : an unconventional guide to finding work on your terms

    50 ways to get a job : an unconventional guide to finding work on your terms

    Aujla, Dev
  • ABA consumer guide to employee rights : understanding and asserting your rights on the job

    ABA consumer guide to employee rights : understanding and asserting your rights on the job

    Freking, Randy
  • Can I wear my nose ring to the interview? : the crash course, finding, landing, and keeping your first real job

    Can I wear my nose ring to the interview? : the crash course, finding, landing, and keeping your first real job

    Reeves, Ellen Gordon
  • Career development : all-in-one

    Career development : all-in-one

    Alidina, Shamash
  • Careers : the graphic guide to finding the perfect job for you

    Careers : the graphic guide to finding the perfect job for you

  • Civil service exams : power practice

    Civil service exams : power practice

  • Getting your first job

    Getting your first job

    Angulo, Roberto
  • Great jobs for everyone 50+ : finding work that keeps you happy and healthy...and pays the bills

    Great jobs for everyone 50+ : finding work that keeps you happy and healthy...and pays the bills

    Hannon, Kerry
  • HBR guide to changing your career

    HBR guide to changing your career

  • Knock 'em dead

    Knock 'em dead

  • Moving forward in mid-career : a guide to rebuilding your career after being fired or laid off

    Moving forward in mid-career : a guide to rebuilding your career after being fired or laid off

    Weiss, John Henry
  • Resumes for dummies

    Resumes for dummies

    DeCarlo, Laura
  • Roadmap to federal jobs : how to determine your qualifications, develop an effective USAJOBS resume, apply for and land U.S. government jobs

    Roadmap to federal jobs : how to determine your qualifications, develop an effective USAJOBS resume, apply for and land U.S. government jobs

    Adams, Barbara A
  • Sweaty palms : the neglected art of being interviewed

    Sweaty palms : the neglected art of being interviewed

    Medley, H. Anthony
  • The 2-hour job search : using technology to get the right job faster

    The 2-hour job search : using technology to get the right job faster

    Dalton, Steve
  • The damn good resume guide : a crash course in resume writing

    The damn good resume guide : a crash course in resume writing

    Parker, Yana
  • The job search checklist : everything you need to know to get back to work after a layoff

    The job search checklist : everything you need to know to get back to work after a layoff

    Birkel, Damian
  • What color is your parachute?

    What color is your parachute?

    Bolles, Richard Nelson
  • Job Hunt
    • Coping While Job-Seeking
      • In-Person & Telephone Resources
      • Internet Resources
        • A versatile online service that supports job seekers, veterans, and their families with all stages of job searching, employment transition assistance, navigating the VA bureaucracy, preparing for standardized tests, and building marketable academic skills 
        • Assistance for those who lost a job through no fault of their own, including links for: unemployment insurance information (appeals, filing a claim, claim process, fraud prevention, FAQ's, etc.); how to file disability insurance claim; find a job; payroll tax information, etc.

        • CareerOneStop is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor and a partner of the americanjobcenter network.  This page links to resources and services for unemployment, finding a new job now or exploring a new career.
        • COBRA: Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Explains benefits and coverage, with answers to frequently asked questions.

        • Covered California is the state's online marketplace offering tools to compare and choose health coverage, as well as financial assistance for those eligible. This site was developed by the State of California in response to the federal law called the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

        • A search engine covering the United States to help find free or reduced cost services for medical care, food, job training, housing, financial assistance, legal aid, etc. 

        • Information about unemployment insurance, including eligibility, benefits, and how to apply.  thebalance.com is an About.com brand.

        • Federal government website and online marketplace for finding health insurance coverage. Site is managed by the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. For those living in California use the Covered California website.

        • When out of work, keep finances on track, protect yourself when getting financial advice, and ask the right questions about your company’s benefit plans at any time.

        • Helps find sources of low cost and free help, such as health care, food banks, employment services, primarily in Los Angeles County, San Francisco Bay Area, and parts of Florida.  

        • Site offers links to PDF version of booklet in English and Spanish. Provides practical information about how to get food, money and other help from government programs and community services in Los Angeles County. Produced by Hunger Action Los Angeles (HALA), a nonprofit organization.

        • Links to file for or learn more about unemployment benefits in every state in the United States.  CareerOneStop is sponsored by the U.S. Dept. of Labor and a partner of the americanjobcenternetwork.

        • Includes: checking benefits, assessing goals, starting a job search, getting help.  thebalance.com is an About.com brand.

    • Job Search
      • JOB SEARCH ENGINES, JOB BOARDS & NETWORKING SITES

        Lists below are divided into the following categories:

        California & L.A. Area Jobs

        Diversity

        Government & Civil Service Sites

        International Job Hunting Sites

        Jobs by Career Field and Industry: A Sampling

        Major Sites: Career, Job Hunting & Networking Sites

        Part-Time & Temporary Jobs

        Teens & Young Adult Jobs

        Veterans

      • California & L.A. Area Jobs
        • Jobs listed by industry, including part-time and temporary work in various California locations.

        • California Employment Development Dept.’s county-by-county jobs database for job hunters and employers. Job seekers can create, store, and send resumes to any job opening.

        • Articles and job postings powered by Recruitology.

        • City program to put young adults ages 14-24 who live in the City of Los Angeles to work, providing first time job experience. Mayor's Office is partnering with the LA City Council, the City’s Workforce Development System, the Community College District, the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and community businesses and organizations.

        • Offers job listings, resources, networking, free resume builder for Los Angeles area.

        • Los Angeles County, a partner in America's Job Center of California, works with other County Departments, cities, local Workforce Investment Boards, Non-Profit organizations and businesses throughout the County to offer young adults ages 14 to 24 year-round and summer employment, paid and unpaid work opportunities, occupational skills training, tutoring, mentoring, guidance and counseling.  Youth@Work builds on the Earn and Learn model by pairing paid work experience with a comprehensive and strategic set of employment, training and support services provided through a network of America’s Job Centers of California (AJCCs). Youth@Work services are targeted to priority youth populations with the highest need, including: school dropouts, foster, probation, homeless, Transitional Age Youth (TAY), and CalWORKs youth.

        • Jobs listed by industry, including part-time and temporary work.

        • Job board and searching tool offered by the Los Angeles Times, powered by Recruitology

      • Diversity
        • Job board catering to adults age 50 and over.  Employers pay different price levels to post their company profiles and job listings, and some are further identified as participants in the AARP Employer Pledge Program for organizations who have publicly affirmed their commitment to a multi-generational and inclusive workforce.

        • A dedicated site where people with disabilities can seek employment and employers can find employees and demonstrate their affirmative action and open door policies.  Also offers live online career fairs.

        • Focuses on professional jobs and career openings for African American candidates.  One of the JustJobs.com family of job search engines and network of job boards developed by LatPro, Inc.

        • Focuses on professional jobs and career openings for Hispanic candidates.  One of the JustJobs.com family of job search engines and network of job boards developed by LatPro, Inc.

        • Focuses on professional jobs and career openings for LGBTQIA+ candidates.  One of the JustJobs.com family of job search engines and network of job boards developed by LatPro, Inc

        • Dedicated to connecting the disabled and veteran communities with employers looking to build a strong workforce with job listings and providing opportunities for diversity recruitment and for nondisrimination compliance for federal contractors.  Their network of sites includes: Disability Job Exchange and Veterans Job Exchange.

        • Focuses on professional jobs and career openings for Asian candidates.  One of the JustJobs.com family of job search engines and network of job boards developed by LatPro, Inc.

        • Matching the disabled and employers with job opportunities.  Part of the America's Job Exchange network of sites.

        • Focuses on professional jobs and career openings for candidates with disabilities.  One of the JustJobs.com family of job search engines and network of job boards developed by LatPro, Inc.

        • Started in 2011 by the same company that produces the IMDiversity.com Multicultural Villages and Career Center, The Diversity Registry, and THE BLACK COLLEGIAN Online. It is targeted to recent college graduates and more experienced job seekers and professionals who seek information and tools for identifying and applying for jobs with employers who are interested in recruiting a diverse workforce.

        • One of the JustJobs.com family of job search engines and network of job boards developed by LatPro, Inc.   Covers broad range of minority groups.

        • A site for helping individuals and veterans with disabilities connect with inclusive employers through their job board

        • Leading career hub for Hispanic recruiting.

        • Job listings from employers who actively promote diversity, including sections targeted to African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, women, etc.

        • Job board for Hispanic and bilingual professionals.

        • Listings connect job seekers directly to the employer listing the job. Employment opportunities with special emphasis placed on veterans, people with disabilities, diversity, and green jobs. National Labor Exchange is a public-private partnership between DirectEmployers Association and the National Association of State Workforce Agencies.

        • Matching veterans and employers with job opportunities.  Part of the America's Job Exchange network of sites.

        • Focuses on professional jobs and career openings for female candidates.  One of the JustJobs.com family of job search engines and network of job boards developed by LatPro, Inc. 

        • Provides information and resources helpful to the experienced worker over the age of 50 in making job and career changes.

      • Government & Civil Service Sites
      • International Job Hunting Sites
        • Provides articles, blogs, and resources to help expatriates live, work, travel, invest and retire abroad.

        • Career advice on working abroad and listings of overseas jobs.

        • Resources for U.S. teachers seeking teaching opportunities outside the United States.  Includes resources for teacher training, listing positions, and U.S. government programs overseas.  Includes the Institute of International Education, The International Educator (TIE), Peace Corps, Overseas Schools Assisted by the U.S. Dept. of State, and others.

      • Jobs by Career Field and Industry: A Sampling
        • Online nursing community with message and job boards.

        • Job listings in the arts, along with resume sharing service and how-to information.

        • Job board and resume database for construction, design/building and engineering industries.

        • Jobs at national and state parks, ski resorts, summer camps, dude ranches, and cruise ships. Covers paid, volunteer and full-time jobs.

        • Job-hunting and portfolio-hosting site for design and creative professionals.

        • Dedicated career resource for creative professionals in visual communications: job links and company information for graphic designers, art directors, copywriters, photographers, illustrators, etc.  Owned and operated by the parent company of Communication Arts magazine.

        • A professional networking and job matching website for current and aspiring professionals in the food, beverage, and hospitality industry.

        • English-as-a-second/foreign language teaching positions around the world.  Hosted by Dave Sperling as part of his website providing an internet meeting place for ESL and EFL students and teachers from around the world.

        • Career hub for tech insiders with jobs in computer programming, engineering and positions that require security clearance.

        • Public school job openings for teachers, administrators, counselors, librarians, nurses, custodians, etc., at elementary and secondary school levels in California.

        • Job boards in engineering, planning, architecture and environmental science.

        • Largest healthcare and medical job website, with over 300,000 posted healthcare and medical jobs.

        • Center for Nonprofit Management (CNM) Nonprofit Jobs Cooperative is now known as Jobscoop.  Source for those seeking nonprofit jobs and for employers to publish job opportunities.

        • Job-hunting websites in many industries and articles about cover letters, resumes and online job hunting.

        • Job boards for marketing and sales professionals

        • Links to the major players in the space industry, listing company/organization names, short descriptions, and jobs.

        • National online job site focused exclusively on the nonprofit community.  Formerly known as Opportunity Knocks.

      • Major Sites: Career, Job Hunting & Networking Sites
        • Job listings, with tools and advice for resumes, salary information, and career development for job seekers as well as a suite of recruiting services for employers.

        • Search engine that scans more than 400 websites of career coaches, HR experts and career counselors for the best job search advice.

        • Search engine gathers and lists results from thousands of web sites with coverage in over 90 countries.

        • Career testing and assessment, labor market information, occupational licensing requirements by state and occupation, and more.

        • Entry-level job opportunities and internships; career information; job search advice; resume help and interview preparation.

        • Articles and advice for students and recent graduates seeking internships, entry-level positions, and professional development.

        • Search engine lists results from hundreds of job boards and company websites.

        • Large mega site of job listings searchable by location, job type. Also offers resume sharing and how-to information.

        • LinkedIn features a job searching tool that may be used without joining, and with membership to connect with others working for the same organization or company as the jobs listed.

        • More than 800,000 job listings, career information and advice on topics such as salary, resume writing, interviewing and networking.

        • Links to job-hunting websites in various industries and articles about cover letters, resumes and online job hunting.  Formerly known as QuintCareers.

        • Search engine that provides results from job boards, employer websites and classified listings.

        • Free for job seekers, can upload resume, submit  one-click applications, receive updates on progress of applications.  Employers use it to post ads to many traditional job boards, as well as sites like LinkedIn, Google, Twitter, and Facebook.

      • Part-Time & Temporary Jobs
        • A public safety program allowing those seeking casual labor work to safely congregate and be matched with employers seeking temporary workers. Additional services varying by site are offered by volunteers, religious and community organizations.

        • Provides businesses with a platform to connect and perform transactions with freelance professionals locally, nationally, and globally, while offering a place for freelancers to find opportunities and make themselves available.

        • Temporary, contract and full-time job listings and agency contact information.

        • Researches, reviews and rates more than 300 online platforms that allow you to make money by working, renting or selling. 

        • Part-time and full-time hourly jobs, mainly entry-level, for teens, college students, retirees and others in industries including retail, food service, entertainment, customer service, etc.

        • Find contract, consulting, freelance, temp-to-hire, and part-time project opportunities.

      • Teens & Young Adult Jobs
        • City program to put young adults ages 14-24 who live in the City of Los Angeles to work, providing first time job experience. Mayor's Office is partnering with the LA City Council, the City’s Workforce Development System, the Community College District, the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and community businesses and organizations.

        • Los Angeles County, a partner in America's Job Center of California, works with other County Departments, cities, local Workforce Investment Boards, Non-Profit organizations and businesses throughout the County to provide employment opportunities, tutoring, occupational skills training, counseling, and mentoring to prepare youth ages 14 through 24 with the tools necessary to make sound decisions regarding their future and career choices. 

        • Online member community of teens (14 and older) seeking jobs; full-time, part-time, summer, seasonal, intern or volunteer, work experience; and/or other ways to earn money & the organizations that want to reach them. Offers free access for visitors and basic service; charges a one-time fee for "premium" membership.

      • Veterans
        • For veterans looking for employment and employers seeking to hire veterans.

        • Job listings and help for veterans and transitioning military.  One of the JustJobs.com family of job search engines and network of job boards developed by LatPro, Inc

        • From the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense.  Provides veterans, wounded warriors, service members, their families and caretakers with a central source for identifying Veteran-committed benefits and services, including employment opportunities, help with transitioning from a military to a civilian career, and help for employers seeking and employing veterans.

        • Los Angeles Public Library portal for Veterans Resources includes listing of links to employment help and listings for veterans.

    • Resumes, Interviews, & More
      • In-Person & Telephone Resources
      • Interviewing & Dress for Success: Internet Resources
        • Career Gear provides career counseling, interview coaching, business clothing, and follow-up job support to men actively seeking employment.

        • For college graduates: how to successfully interview and get the job. Includes mastering interviews, dressing for interview success, 50 interview questions and more.

        • International not-for-profit organization that empowers women by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools. Located in more than 150 cities in 25 countries.

        • Hints for Dress for Success, including specific advice for both men and women.

      • Interviewing & Dress for Success: Library Databases
        • A versatile online service that supports job seekers, veterans, and their families with all stages of job searching, employment transition assistance, navigating the VA bureaucracy, preparing for standardized tests, and building marketable academic skills 
        • Online interactive practice exams covering adult basic, academic, job related, civil service, real estate skills and more.  Includes a “Job Search & Workplace Skills Learning Center.” that offers a step-by-step "Career Course: Creating a Great Résumé" that allows registered user to create and save a résumé. For cover letters there is: "Career Course: Creating Great Cover Letters." Free registration required to follow courses and save work. Requires LAPL library card or e-card to use outside the library.

        • Over 300 practice tests and courses, including career-related, information on over 4,000 accredited schools, eBooks containing study materials and practice tests, scholarship search, resume builder, and career modules with subjects from career change to salary negotiations.  Career Tools section offers a Résumé Builder. The finished résumé is sent as a word document for printing, mailing, and emailing.  Requires LAPL library card or e-card to use outside the library.

        • Includes career center that offers help with searching for a job, writing an effective résumé and cover letter, or preparing for an interview. Offers one-on-one online tutoring 11:00 am to 11:00 pm that includes review of résumés and cover letters and preparation for job interviews.

      • Job Exams: Internet Resources
        • Offers online practice tests on general topics to help prepare for civil service exams: reading comprehension, written expression, basic arithmetic, data interpretation, and clerical.  Print versions of these practice exams are available on the County's Job Search Toolkit web page. Also provides referrals to Los Angeles area adult centers, career centers, and community colleges that offer low to no cost courses for additional help with test preparation efforts

      • Job Exams: Library Databases
        • A versatile online service that supports job seekers, veterans, and their families with all stages of job searching, employment transition assistance, navigating the VA bureaucracy, preparing for standardized tests, and building marketable academic skills 
        • Online interactive practice exams covering adult basic, academic, job related, civil service, real estate skills and more.  Includes a “Job Search & Workplace Skills Learning Center.” that offers a step-by-step "Career Course: Creating a Great Résumé" that allows registered user to create and save a résumé. For cover letters there is: "Career Course: Creating Great Cover Letters." Free registration required to follow courses and save work. Requires LAPL library card or e-card to use outside the library.

        • The library provides online access to collections of emedia from Hoopla.  Included are streaming and downloadable ebooks from the National Learning Corporation's Passbook series of civil service and vocational examination study guides providing questions & answers and practice examinations.  Currently valid Los Angeles Public Library card or e-card required.

        • The library provides online access to collections of emedia from OverDrive.  Included are streaming and downloadable ebooks from the National Learning Corporation's Passbook series of civil service and vocational examination study guides providing questions & answers and practice examinations.  Currently valid Los Angeles Public Library card or e-card required.

        • Over 300 practice tests and courses, including career-related, information on over 4,000 accredited schools, eBooks containing study materials and practice tests, scholarship search, resume builder, and career modules with subjects from career change to salary negotiations.  Career Tools section offers a Résumé Builder. The finished résumé is sent as a word document for printing, mailing, and emailing.  Requires LAPL library card or e-card to use outside the library.

      • Résumé Builders from the Library
        • A versatile online service that supports job seekers, veterans, and their families with all stages of job searching, employment transition assistance, navigating the VA bureaucracy, preparing for standardized tests, and building marketable academic skills 
        • Online interactive practice exams covering adult basic, academic, job related, civil service, real estate skills and more.  Includes a “Job Search & Workplace Skills Learning Center.” that offers a step-by-step "Career Course: Creating a Great Résumé" that allows registered user to create and save a résumé. For cover letters there is: "Career Course: Creating Great Cover Letters." Free registration required to follow courses and save work. Requires LAPL library card or e-card to use outside the library.

        • Over 300 practice tests and courses, including career-related, information on over 4,000 accredited schools, eBooks containing study materials and practice tests, scholarship search, resume builder, and career modules with subjects from career change to salary negotiations.  Career Tools section offers a Résumé Builder. The finished résumé is sent as a word document for printing, mailing, and emailing.  Requires LAPL library card or e-card to use outside the library.

        • Includes career center that offers help with searching for a job, writing an effective résumé and cover letter, or preparing for an interview. Offers one-on-one online tutoring 11:00 am to 11:00 pm that includes review of résumés and cover letters and preparation for job interviews.

      • Résumés & Cover Letters: Internet Resources

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