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CareerOneStop and American Job Centers: Free Job Search Help Near You
How to use CareerOneStop, the free US Department of Labor career site, to search jobs and find your nearest American Job Center for in-person help with resumes, training and job leads.
If you would like real people to help with your job search, and not just another website, CareerOneStop and the American Job Center network are worth knowing about. Both are free public services, and they are useful whether you are starting out, changing careers or getting back to work after a break.
What CareerOneStop is
CareerOneStop is a free career website sponsored by the US Department of Labor. It brings together job search, training information and local help in one place. Two of its tools matter most for job seekers: the Job Finder, which searches for openings, and the American Job Center Finder, which shows where to get help in person.
The Job Finder
CareerOneStop's Job Finder taps several different job banks at once to surface as many postings as possible, and its listings are updated daily from across the United States. Its default source includes jobs posted on state job banks, where employers can post for free, along with jobs posted on thousands of company websites. You do not need to register, you can filter results and you can download your list. The Job Finder is also available in CareerOneStop's free mobile app.
Search tips:
- Use a plain job title and your city or ZIP code.
- Try related titles, such as "custodian" and "janitor", or "caregiver" and "home health aide".
- Filter by how recently jobs were posted so you focus on fresh openings.
- Click through to the original posting to read the full details and apply.
American Job Centers
American Job Centers are local offices, funded through the public workforce system, that help people find work and training. The American Job Center Finder helps you locate centers across the country. There are two types: comprehensive centers provide a full range of employment and training services, while affiliate centers offer more limited services.
Depending on the center, help can include:
- Job search advice and local job leads.
- Resume writing and interview practice.
- Computer access for applications.
- Information on training programs and how to qualify for them.
- Hiring events where you can meet local employers.
Who it suits
These services suit anyone, but they are especially useful if you have little work experience, have been out of work for a while, need a computer or help with online applications, or want training for a new field such as commercial driving, healthcare support or skilled trades. Staff can explain which local programs you might qualify for.
How to get the most from a visit
Call or check the center's details before you go, since services and hours differ. Bring a copy of your resume if you have one, a list of jobs you are interested in and any certificates or licenses. Ask specifically about training options, upcoming hiring events and help with applications. Keep notes of who you spoke with so you can follow up.
Stay safe
Public job services are free. The Federal Trade Commission says honest employers will never ask you to pay to get a job, and that honest placement firms are usually paid by the hiring company, not by you. Never pay a fee to apply, and be cautious of anyone who promises a guaranteed job in exchange for money. Read the FTC's job scam advice and report problems at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to register to use CareerOneStop's Job Finder?
No. CareerOneStop says you do not need to register to search jobs with its Job Finder, and you can filter and download your results.
What is the difference between a comprehensive and an affiliate American Job Center?
Comprehensive centers provide a full range of employment and training services. Affiliate centers offer a more limited set of services. Call ahead to ask what your nearest center offers.
Can an American Job Center help me file for unemployment?
Many centers cannot file unemployment claims for you. CareerOneStop has a separate Unemployment Benefits Finder that points you to your state's claims office.
Is there a CareerOneStop app?
Yes. CareerOneStop has a free mobile app on the Apple App Store and Google Play that includes the Job Finder among its tools.
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Sources
Disclaimer: This guide is general information only and may not fit your situation or country. Rules, prices and requirements change, so check the details with the official source or a qualified professional before you act. Read our full disclaimer.