The Stratford Library is now offering one-on-one job searching help and resume assistance.
Not sure how to begin your job search? Set up an appointment and we can walk you through the process.
Need help with your resume*? We’re here for you! Reach out to us and we will help you with a resume you have already created* or work with you to create one from scratch*.
Set up an appointment by calling 203-385-4164, emailing us at slaask@stratfordlibrary.org or stop by the Reference Desk.
*Please note: This service is for basic job searching and resume help. If you need more advanced help we can guide you to the resources you need to succeed.
Online job search & career help from the Connecticut State Library (free for Connecticut residents!)
LearningExpress Workforce Solutions (featuring Job & Career Accelerator) contains hundreds of resources to help users achieve high school equivalency, explore jobs and careers, prepare for occupational certification exams, and develop the core knowledge and skills that are essential to workplace success.
Targeted Learning Centers Include:
- Job and Career Accelerator: Career exploration tools including skills and interest assessments, job search and internship search engines, resume and cover letter builders, interviewing tips, information for career changers, and more (see below for more about this resource)
- Occupational Test Preparation: Licensing, certification, and program admissions test prep resources for a wide variety of in-demand careers such as allied health, nursing, education, the trades, the military (ASVAB) and many more.
- Workplace Success Skills: Interactive tutorials, helpful e-books and articles to support the development of soft skills such as teamwork, professionalism and communication as well as skills in reading and math, media literacy and personal finance.
- Computer Skills: Self-paced video tutorials covering computer and internet basics and the most popular workplace software applications from Microsoft Office and Adobe.
- High School Equivalency: Tutorials, practice tests, eBooks, and flashcards plus guided support to help users achieve higher scores on the GED®, HiSET® and TASC high school equivalency exams.
- Spanish-Language Resources: Review exercises to improve writing, vocabulary, grammar and math skills, as well as practice tests for the GED® and U.S. citizenship exam.
Job Opportunities with Stratford Businesses
The Stratford Economic and Community Development Office maintains a list of jobs currently available from Stratford businesses. You can view the list here
Resources for Connecticut residents
The WorkPlace – Located in Bridgeport, their program Platform to Employment Program: Creating a Pathway To Opportunity For Job Seekers is a great resource and completely free. Through Platform to Employment (P2E) job seekers find the support and services needed to get back to work. P2E helps the long-term unemployed, those who have exhausted unemployment benefits, get back to work by addressing their specific challenges. The application for this program can be found here.
There is also a Platform to Employment Program designed specifically to help Veterans. You can find information and the application here.
The Workplace – ApprenticeshipWorks is a training program that helps young adults (16-24) enter and succeed in a Registered Apprenticeship Program in manufacturing. Apprenticeships combine a full-time job with training—and prepare workers to enter in-demand careers. The manufacturing sector is rapidly growing and employers need workers with the right skills. If you enjoy working with your hands and are eager to learn new skills, an apprenticeship in manufacturing can kickstart your career! ApprenticeshipWorks help young people ages 16 to 24 improve the quality of their lives through career technical and academic training.
CareerConneCT
Get the skills and training needed for high-demand, high-quality careers. CareerConneCT is for everyone. Whether you’re looking to get back into the workforce or get your first job, CareerConneCT offers reskilling and upskilling in:
- Manufacturing
- Healthcare
- IT
- CDL Licensing
- Green Jobs
- Infrastructure/Construction
- Life Sciences
- Business Services
Opportunities include short-term certificate training programs to job-seekers of all ages where you can earn industry-recognized credentials in as little as 5 to 12 weeks; and get connected to employers ready to hire you right away! YOU can earn a certificate or credential in the career path of your choice in half the time! If eligible, all training programs are at no cost and provide supportive services such as childcare, transportation, and technology. Connecticut businesses need YOU. Your local American Job Center can connect you to CareerConneCT Training and many other employment resources.
Write a resume, practice for an interview, and get career advice
JobNow! –JobNow provides live help combined with online resources to guide you through the necessary tasks to get a job, including acing the interview, building a resume, and personality & career assessments. Take advantage of live job coaching to help you with your resume and interviewing skills. Submit your resume and receive constructive feedback.*Requires a Stratford Library Card
Reference Solutions -Use the US Businesses link to research companies or use the US Jobs/Internships link to search for jobs. There are webinars in the Learning Center on how to best use Reference Solutions (formerly called ReferenceUSA) to look for jobs.*Requires a Stratford Library Card
Career One Stop –The career, training, and job search website for the U.S. Department of Labor, useful for job seekers, businesses, students, and career advisors with a variety of free online tools, information and resources. Get resume, cover letter, and job search advice.
GotResumeBuilder.com is a free resume builder service.
Goodwill Career Center Virtual Services – Book a virtual appointment with Goodwill Career Center to get help with your job search, resumes, cover letters, interview practice, and help with building your Linkedin profile. All services offered are free.
Ted Talks – An excellent site to look for career advice. Find talks that inspire your job search and help you reach your goals.
Goodwill Career Centers in Bridgeport and Shelton
The Bridgeport and Shelton locations are open to the public and free to use.
Contact by phone: Bridgeport – 203-581-5040
Shelton – 203-567-7975, ext 2
HOURS 9AM to 5:00PM, Center will be closed from 1:00PM to 1:30PM for lunch.
Services Available (walk in or call)
- Online assistance with job applications
- Job search navigation
- Faxing and printing
- Internet and Email Access
- Microsoft Office certifications
- Updates to existing cover letters and resumes
Build Your Skills
Stratford Library has free, online, self paced computer classes available for you via our partner Northstar Digital Learning. Visit our Computer Instruction & Tutorials page to learn more and get started.
Computer Skills Center
Online video tech lessons. Video courses are the fastest and easiest way to learn how to use a computer. Use the materials in this center to learn the basics of computers, from searching the Internet to using popular programs for word processing, creating spreadsheets and databases, implementing design, and more. Skill level goes beyond basic to advanced. This is a free resource from the Connecticut State Library, just create a username and password to get started.
Peterson’s Test Prep (Gale Databases) Taking a college entrance or licensing exam? Looking for a college or graduate school? Take on-line practice tests and use test prep eBooks to obtain your education goals. Includes sample tests for GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT and more.*
SkillUp CT – Upgrade your skills, learn new skills, get ready to get back to work and earn industry-recognized certifications. To use, click on the link and create an account with Metrix Learning that will provide access to about 5,000 online Skillsoft courses in areas such as information technology, business analysis, customer service, project management, and digital literacy, among others. SkillUp CT also offers training tracks leading to over 100 industry certifications and will provide career coaching through the workforce boards. Free for Connecticut residents.
Excel Easy – Offers a tutorial (Introduction, Basics, Functions, Data Analysis and VBA) on how to use Excel.
GCFLearnFree.org – Offers free computer and technology training for those who are new to the computer, returning for review, or want to use technology to enhance their skills.
*Requires a Stratford Library Card
Find a job
Online job sites are an excellent way to find new job listings. Many of these sites offer an option to set up email alerts so you know when new jobs that fit your interests are posted.
CareerBuilder – Recommended by CT Dept. of Labor
CTHires – Local job listings, job fairs and recruiting sessions at CT Dept. of Labor offices
CTjobs.com – Local job listing provided by a network of local newspapers owned by the Sun Media Group.
Indeed – Recommended by CT Dept. Of Labor
FlexJobs – Work from home and flexible jobs
Glassdoor – Search for jobs, you can also find salary details, company reviews, and interview questions
USAjobs.org – The Federal Government’s official hiring site
Interview tips
Job Interview Skills That Will Help You Get Hired (thebalancecareers.com)
10 Common Job Interview Questions and How to Answer Them (hbr.org)
35+ Interview Questions and Answers (novoresume.com)
You may not be able to meet a potential employer for an in-person interview. Get familiar with online and phone interviews.
Online (Zoom, Skype, WebEx, Meetings, Google Hangouts)
https://www.wired.com/story/tips-for-online-job-interviews/
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/online-interview-tips
Phone
https://www.thebalancecareers.com/how-to-ace-a-phone-interview-2058579