Are you looking for a job or considering a career change? It can be hard to know where to look for the right sources that will help you tweak your resume, prepare for an interview, or learn new skills. We thought we’d list a few of the resources that we find reliable and useful. Some are available to you through our website–you just need your library card handy to log on. In some cases you’ll make a profile using your email address and a password you create. If you have any questions, stop by the Reference Desk or call 781-246-6334. We’re happy to help!

Cover letters and resumes

Your cover letter and resume are often your first introduction to a potential employer. It’s important that your documents are professional, up-to-date, and contain the correct details for the job to which you are applying. Here are some sources that can help you prepare your cover letter and resume:

• This resume and cover letter guide from the Harvard University Office of Career Services, which includes resume tips, a list of action verbs to include in your resume, and lots of excellent resume samples.
• You can also find resume templates by heading over to the Gale databases on our website (Digital Content/Research and Learning Resources) and scrolling down to the Peterson’s Career Prep tab. 
• Resume and Employment Guide for People With Disabilities
• 23 resume tips for 2023
• Guide to resumes, cover letters, and online job applications
• How to overcome red flags on your resume

Interviews

Congratulations, you got an interview! Now what? Job interviews can be stressful, even downright terrifying. There are steps you can take, however, to feel more prepared, like researching the organization you’re interviewing with, or doing a practice interview with a friend. Here are some resources to help you get ready for the interview process:

• Tips to ace your interview
• 10 common interview questions and how to answer them
• How to prepare for a virtual interview
• A list of common interview questions

Developing and improving technology skills

Are your technology skills up to date? Many employers are seeking applicants who are comfortable using computers and a variety of software programs. Here are a few ways you can develop and improve your technology skills:

• Gain basic software skills from Niche Academy. Lessons include Word, Excel, Windows Basics, PowerPoint, Google Docs, and Zoom among others. 
• Our drop-in tech help sessions (every Wednesday) and tech classes (first and third Wednesdays) will continue all summer. Check our events calendar for class topics and to register.
• If you need extra help with something specific, you can book a 30-minute technology appointment with a Reference Librarian. Call 781-264-6334.

Continuing education

• You can also access Peterson’s Career Prep and Peterson’s Test Prep resources; both excellent resources for continuing education, by going to Gale’s page on our website and scrolling down to the Peterson’s tabs.
• The MassLINKS Virtual Academy offers all kinds of classes for Massachusetts residents. There are options for free Zoom ESL/ESOL classes, and high school equivalency/GED classes.

Additional help

• AtoZdatabases is an enormous list of businesses and individuals. This resource is ideal for sales leads, mailing lists, market research, and employment opportunities. There are also videos and webinars on conducting job searches, interviewing do’s and don’ts, and writing resumes.
• MassEdCo is an education and career training center and Mass Hire is an organization dedicated to education and connecting job seekers and employers.
• If you do need to apply for unemployment benefits, here’s a handy guide for how to do so in Massachusetts. 
• If you’re looking for a good book on your job-seeking journey, check out What Color Is Your Parachute? A practical manual for job-hunters and career-changers.

Our final tip, for anyone looking for a job, is to let people know. That might sound simple, but networking gives you a chance to let others know you’re available to work, and to talk about yourself and your skills to people who might be able to connect you with a job. One online tool you can use to network is LinkedIn.You can use LinkedIn to find the right job or internship, connect and strengthen professional relationships, and learn the skills you need to succeed in your career.