Job Seekers

The Free Library supports job seekers within the Business Resource & Innovation Center (BRIC). We provide current information and resources on changing careers, job searching techniques, and emerging employment fields to help career changers and job seekers. Whether you are writing your first resume and cover letter, need a resume makeover, or would like to learn about online job-seeking resources, this Explore Topic is full of helpful guides, links, and library resources to help you attain your goals!

Guides

Job Seekers

Links

  • Career One Stop

    This resource provides introductory videos to hundreds of different careers divided into 16 work sectors. Spanish language version also available.
  • Career Technical Education

    A printable career cluster quiz which designates points for clusters which better fit your interests. Spanish language version also available.
  • Culinary Agents

    Culinary Agents is a professional networking and job matching website designed for current and aspiring professionals in the food, beverage, and hospitality industry. They offer resources, hiring events, and job listings in Philadelphia and elsewhere.
  • Gladeo

    This tool asks you a series of questions about your preferences and interests, and recommends careers to consider based on your personality type.
  • Job Seekers Digital Learning Databases

    The following Digital Learning Databases are available through the Free Library to help Job Seekers with their job search, continuing education, research business information, and even financial aid. All databases are available through all Free Library locations and remotely with your library card and PIN.
  • O-NET Interest Profiler

    This tool asks you a series of questions about your likes and dislikes, and recommends careers to consider based on your interests.
  • PA CareerLink

    PA CareerLink centers provide access to job listings, local education, and training, as well as help with filing claims for unemployment insurance. Most services are available at no cost to workers, job seekers, and businesses.
  • Pennsylvania Apprentice Coordinators Association

    The Pennsylvania Apprentice Coordinators Association (PACA) provides information on the aptitudes and abilities needed to train for a career in the construction industry.
  • Philadelphia Works

    Philadelphia Works develops and manages smart workforce solutions that respond to business needs and increase economic opportunity for all Philadelphia residents.
  • Sustainable Business Network

    The Sustainable Business Network (SBN) curates a list of job opportunities currently available in Philadelphia’s sustainable business community.
  • The Balance Careers

    The Balance Careers makes navigating your career easy. It is home to experts who provide clear, practical advice on job searching, resume writing, salary negotiations, and other career planning topics. Whether you're looking to find a new job, advance at your current position, or explore new paths, our 20-year-strong library of more than 10,000 pieces of content will help you take your career to the next level.
  • The Glassdoor Blog

    Covers everything from career advice to the latest company headlines.
  • The Muse

    Get practical advice on finding a job, exploring career paths, and succeeding at work. Find job listings and explore companies whose people, perks, and values align with your unique professional needs.
  • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

    The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is a unit of the United States Department of Labor. It is the principal fact-finding agency for the U.S. government in the broad field of labor economics and statistics and serves as a principal agency of the U.S. Federal Statistical System.
  • U.S. Department of Labor

    The United States Department of Labor is a cabinet-level department of the U.S. federal government responsible for occupational safety, wage and hour standards, unemployment insurance benefits, reemployment services, and some economic statistics; many U.S. states also have such departments.
  • Urban League Career Center

    The Urban League Career Center offers services for job seekers that include seminars, individual career counseling, and access to job postings. Target participants include the unemployed, the under-employed, and returning residents.

Electronic Resources

Upcoming Events


Blog Posts

Join Philly Career Launch for Our Career Exploration Workshops

Philly Career Launch Career Exploration Workshop sessions will take place this April, May, and June at various Free Library locations  and community sites throughout Philadelphia. Have you experienced job disruption over the…

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Upcoming Programs to Jumpstart Your Job Search and Boost Workplace Skills

Is your 2024 New Year’s resolution finding a new or better job, or improving skills needed in your current job? Then you can count on the Free Library to help you keep this resolution! We are pleased to announce a stream…

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December is Write A Business Plan Month!

Did you know December is National Write a Business Plan Month? The Business Resource and Innovation Center (BRIC) is a great place to start your business planning journey. What is the BRIC? The BRIC is a department of the Free Library…

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Join Philly Career Launch for Our Career Exploration Series

Have you experienced job disruption over the past few years? Are you feeling stuck in a low-paying job or want a new or better employment situation? Here’s your chance to take hold of your future. Join us for a Philly Career…

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Get Free Professional Headshots Done at the Library!

Did you know that you can get a free, professional headshot done at the library? Every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month from 1–3 p.m. , the Free Library's Business Resource and Innovation Center hosts free headshot sessions.…

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Three Things You Can Do This Summer To Boost Your Career

Philly Career Launch has wrapped up our Spring 2023 career exploration workshops, but we’ll be back in the fall with more programming, so stay tuned! In the meantime, here are three things you can do this summer to get your…

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Score Your Summer Job With the Help of Free Virtual Career Workshops

Summer is a great time to relax, go on vacation, discover a new passion, or enjoy the new weather — so now is the time to work on your professional goals to set your summer up for success!  Check out upcoming virtual…

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Join Philly Career Launch for Our Career Exploration Series

Have you experienced job disruption over the past few years? Are you feeling stuck in a low-paying job or wanting a new or better employment situation? Here’s your chance to take hold of your future. Join us for a Philly Career…

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Spring Into a New Career With Free Virtual Career Workshops

Spring is the season of growth and renewal. Do your new goals include getting a new job, pivoting to a new field, or learning some new skills?  Check out upcoming virtual career workshops for jobseekers at the…

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The Free Library Seeks Library Supervisors!

Are you a librarian with three years of experience and a passion for serving diverse populations in an urban public library setting? The Free Library of Philadelphia is seeking experienced librarians to supervise branches as they…

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Start Your 2023 Career Goals with Free Virtual Career Workshops!

Do your New Year's Resolutions include getting a new job, pivoting to a new field, or learning some new skills?  Check out upcoming virtual career workshops for jobseekers at the Free Library, brought to you by…

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Introducing: Philadelphia Business Journal Online

The Business Resource and Innovation Center at the Free Library is excited to announce that Philadelphia Business Journal Online is now available to all library patrons! This valuable resource provides the latest updates on…

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A Free Library Guide to Launch Your New Career

Did you know you have the potential to launch a career, not just find a job? A job is any paid work. But a career means building a profession over the long term. It can allow you to grow and learn, and it can pay better too. The Free…

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National First Responders Day

It’s National First Responders Day! Every day is a great opportunity to honor the people in our community who have dedicated their lives to helping others in times of distress. These people are invaluable to society, and they…

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Work Towards a New Career with Virtual Career Workshops!

It's that time of year where staying warm in the comfort of your home sounds so nice. Why not work on getting your next job or learning a new skill from the comfort of your home! Check out upcoming virtual career workshops…

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Get Ready for the Nonprofit Job Fair!

The  Nonprofit Job Fair  returns to Parkway Central Library on October 13 and the  Business Resource and Innovation Center  staff have the resources to help you make a great first impression! Use these…

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Find a Job and Build Your Career at the Free Library

Are you interested in working for the Free Library of Philadelphia? We have scores of different job types in diverse fields such as security, property management, IT, communications, and more! With 54 locations in every part of…

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Fall into a new Career with Virtual Career Workshops at the Free Library of Philadelphia!

Have you been meaning to revise your resume, but are not sure how to get started? Would you like to learn new skills to conquer your next job interview? Are you interested in making your LinkedIn profile stand…

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Three Ways to Get Your Career Going This Summer!

Philly Career Launch has wrapped up its spring 2022 programming of career exploration workshops and career fairs, but we’ll be back in the fall with more programming, so stay tuned! In the meantime, here are three things you…

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Find free or low-cost laptops and computers

by Spencer Duncan, Digital Equity Vista at the Office of Innovation and Technology Helping Philadelphians get access to devices is a key goal in Philadelphia’s Digital Equity Plan . Experts say that “insufficient access to…

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