There are a lot of government-run employment resources available to job seekers. Be sure to include the “official” channels among your list of resources–you might not realize how much they have to offer. Helpful staff will be available to help you navigate the sometimes daunting government employment centers.

State and federal career centers are created and managed by the government and provide a wide range of assistance to job seekers. The One-Stop Career Center system is facilitated by the Employment and Training Administration (ETA), a division of the Department of Labor. The career centers were established with funding through the Workforce Investment Act. They offer vocational training, referrals, job listings, career counseling and other employment services. Job seekers can use these resources by visiting a career center in person or online at www.careeronestop.org. The ETA’s website contains links to a clickable map of the One-Stop Career Centers’ websites in every state. You can also find lists of state, regional, and local centers to contact for more information or help. The ETA runs a toll-free helpline at (877) US-2JOBS.

Check out Resources in Your State

The centers work closely with each state’s Department of Labor and Regulation, and vary from state to state in the structure and breadth of their services, which can range from education, employment and training services for local job seekers to position advertising for local businesses.

Whether you are starting your career or looking to take your next step, One-Stop Career Centers are available to help you. One-Stop Career Centers offer a range of career services such as resume and cover letter writing, interview skill training, apprenticeship and internship opportunities, educational and training grants, online job listings and job fairs. Submit your resume to some states’ site for skills matching and emailed referrals. Contact your local One-Stop Career Center for details on how to participate.

Special Services are Available

The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) also offers a lot of information about job placement resources for the disabled. Government-run career centers also provide priority service to veterans as they search for work.

Training programs may be personalized and variably paced to meet clients’ needs. Enrollment in these programs is typically open, and various resources will be available at any given time. Trained staff will be on hand to help evaluate and direct clients’ interests as well as their aptitudes and abilities. Personalized plans will be designed in cooperation between clients and staff, designed to address individual needs for education and training. There is training available on both job-search and job-retention skills to prepare clients for interviews with potential employers. Staff also offer counseling on diverse subjects like budgeting and time management. Program expenses for eligible applicants for these education and training programs is often subsidized through federal, state and local grants.

Feeling a little lost? If you’re not sure where to begin or looking for fresher job-search resources, check out the One-Stop Career Centers; they’re there for you.

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