Top Free Career Resources from a Pro
There are numerous paid programs, seminars, and coaches trying to help the general public increase their income. In many cases, paying for an expert in the field to help you obtain financial success is necessary. However, not everyone has the income to pay a professional to help them develop a budget, conduct labor market research, or assess their transferable skills to a new occupation. Here are my top free resources to help you obtain a rich and fulfilling career.
- 1. FREE Resume and Cover Letter Workshop- If you do not have a resume or are a student who needs to create a professional resume, I advise signing up for the Work Source Resume and Cover Letter Workshop. Work Source is a state partnership with other nonprofits and employment agencies that helps Washington residents find employment. This free resource can help you elevate your resume writing skills.
- 2. FREE Labor Market Research- You might be thinking; “What the heck is labor market research?” It is the act of comparing data about occupations, physical/mental demands of the job, and average income based on the geographic location. O*NET is a free U.S. Department of Labor research platform that you can utilize to research careers.
- 3. FREE Vocational Assessments- Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors (like me!) and other career-based professionals are trained to interpret assessments to best guide a client with career choices. Vocational Assessments are also used in Forensic Vocational Counseling. One example of this is when a worker receives an on-the-job injury, and they are being reviewed for possible compensation for loss of wages since the disability limits the client from continuing in the same line of work.
- Interests- O*Net Interest Finder is a 60-question assessment that helps narrow down a particular career field.
- Personality- The Big Five Personality Test, this test is for fun and should be used to help you identify your personality strengths. A true personality test should be performed by a trained clinical professional within the field of mental health.
- Skills- The Skills Matcher- a 40-question assessment that can help you to understand what skills you already have, and how they can be applied to other occupations.
- 4. FREE Budget Tool- Did you know the federal government has free budgeting tools? MyMoney.gov has free calculators, budget worksheets, and educational resources on saving for retirement, investing, and cryptocurrency.
- B. Jordan
