Careers, Résumés, Education

If you are working on a resume in the library, please let us know before you get started so that we can point you in the right direction and possibly save you some time and frustration.

Our recommendations for creating a résumé are:
  1. www.jobgateway.pa.gov (CareerLink). * This is our favorite. * You can print or export anytime for free and easily apply for many jobs.
  2. Microsoft Word — * Do NOT use a template, as they are nearly impossible to edit.  We can help to format. * Your best bet is to save then email a copy to yourself. * If you have gmail or outlook, you can also store your file in the cloud and retrieve it anytime.
PLEASE NEVER use a “free” resume builder site that you find on google.  They almost always charge high fees to print or save but don’t tell you until you have spent a lot of time working and typing (that’s the only part that is “free”).

We are happy to help you to format, save, and print a resume.

Before starting, make sure you have:

  • All job start and end dates, contact phone numbers for each job, and a list of tasks you did.
  • An email account and the password (if you don’t have this, we can help — just allow a little more time).

Your goal should be to keep the file to ONE single page.

Be sure to remember login names and passwords when searching for jobs!

If you are interested in working for a particular company, be sure to visit their official website.

For example, www.walmart.com is the official Wal-Mart site. If you do a google search for jobs at Wal-Mart, you will see many sites that will not actually allow you to apply for a job. Only www.walmart.com has the official application.

  • PA Job Gateway / CareerLink
  • Career Link The Allegheny County office is at 2040 Ardmore Blvd., Pittsburgh (Forest Hills), with free orientations at scheduled times. 412-436-2225.They can help with your Participant ID, résumé preparation, interview skills,researching in-demand jobs, financial aid for education, dealing with a criminal background, and connecting to services like LIHEAP, homelessness, and bill paying help. Some locations have free computer workshops. You will likely need to visit the office multiple times to get the most complete help. Note: they have a direct no-wait phone line to the unemployment office if you have trouble getting through. Also, if you get an invitation for unemployment PREP, you must go by the 2nd invitation or you will be ineligible for unemployment.) PA Career Link / Job Gateway

Please stick to well-known job sites — there are many scam sites out there!

These sites collect listings of available jobs. Consider the results to be leads.

It is best to follow-up on official company sites for the most accurate information.

Looking to try a new direction?  Learn about careers, and see the next section if you need fresh job training or education.

There are many places offering free or low cost GED prep and job training, especially for young people.  Click below for more details….

GED information

GED & Job Training

  • JobCorps.gov
    • FREE — for ages 16-24.
      GED, Trades, Associate’s Degree.
      Free place to stay, meals, books, tuition, bus pass, plus childcare assistance.
      Call 412-660-8180 or stop in at McK Salvation Army.
  • Career Works An after-school program of the Boys and Girls Club, meeting in Tube City Center (the former Daily News Building) in McKeesport, this is for high school students. 412-782-5710.
  • Goodwill‘s various training programs. 412-632-1742.
  • Literacy Pittsburgh Literacy Pittsburgh
    Computer Skills Training & GED Preparation, Basic Skills (reading, writing, math), English as a Second Language, Work Skills, Family programs.

Office Systems / IT Training

  • CCAC, FREE in Braddock and downtown Pgh.– 500 hours of individual ‘MOST’ instruction and job placement, in email, data, Excel, Word, filing, PowerPoint, customer service and more. 412-373-6440.
  • Auberle IT and computer training (for youth ages 16-24). 412-673-5856.
  • Goodwill. 412-632-1706.

Vocational Training & Counseling

  • OVR (PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation)
    The OVR provides vocational rehabilitation services to help persons with disabilities prepare for, obtain, or maintain employment. In order to be eligible, they need to have a verifiable disability. 412-253-4950.
  • Partner4Work.org
    Job training, summer youth jobs — Pittsburgh area workforce development group that coordinates with programs in the area.
  • UPMC Vocational Training:
    Training and jobs with coaching, including for autistic high school students and adults.
  • Circles of Greater Pittsburgh:
    Do you need help to reach your goals, get a full-time job, or manage your money? You are invited to weekly meetings to learn skills and get support. 412-465-0840.
  • Life’s Work — Free training for those with disabilities or barriers to employment (such as adjudicated youth). Horticultural, office and janitorial training.
  • Goodwill — Job Training and Placement. Food service, retail, janitorial/housekeeping and more. On bus lines 91 and 93. 412-632-1706.

There are many books and sites about preparing for college.  Below are just a few sites.