Job Hunter's Guide: Professional Services

Professional Services

Job hunting can sometimes seem like a lonely business but the truth is that you're not alone. Beyond your support network, there are plenty of professionals whose business it is to assist job hunters like you. Use them! Their expertise and the fellowship you find in the company of other job-seekers will bring you out of isolation and jump-start your search. Here is just some of the professional help available in Texas:

Career Information Hotline

For a brief report about a specific occupation or college, university or technical school, call CDR's "hotline" at 1-800-822-PLAN. The call and reports are free.

TWC Website

The Texas Workforce Commission's website, www.twc.state.tx.us, offers links to labor market information and to the Governor's Job Bank, which lists all the vacancies in Texas state government.

Public Libraries

Your local public library has a wealth of career-related information, including job hunting books, publications about specific companies and a staff trained to help you conduct research on any topic.

"One big plus to the library is that you can come in here unemployed and without any idea of what to do and where to get started [and we can help]. You can even get free email accounts."

David Spradley
Austin Public Library

"To save yourself time and headaches, stop at your nearest workforce center because it enhances your confidence and makes the search less worrisome."

Joel Flores
Capital of Texas Workforce Center

Texas Workforce Centers

Texas Workforce Centers, found around the state, connect job-seekers and employers. Their services can include:

job search resources;
career development information;
labor market information;
training programs;
unemployment benefits (in some cases);
seminars on topics such as interview preparation, résumé writing, skills analysis for career transition, networking, "hot jobs" and local labor market trends;
the space for you to work independently or with staff assistance.

Texas Workforce Centers' resource rooms are equipped with fax machines and computers that provide access to software programs, links to Internet resources, career development materials, information about training programs, training providers and job listings.

The Workforce Center staff is dedicated to helping you overcome any barriers to employment that you may have. Best of all, their services are usually free!

To find the Texas Workforce Center nearest you, visit www.texasworkforce.org. The website also has plenty of helpful information for job seekers and includes links to resources that can make your job search a success!