Correctional Library Services > Connections 2008 > Finding a Job

Finding a Job

Finding a job can be a big challenge. It often requires lots of hard work, time, and patience. Many people find employment or job counseling to be an important first step. An employment counselor can be expected to help you evaluate your skills and past job experience, fill out sample job application forms, and suggest places where you can look for jobs. An employment counselor will also look over your resume and give you helpful hints on how to handle yourself in job interviews.

There are many sources for job information. The city's three public library systems, for example, feature job centers where current job listings, civil service information, books on how to write resumes, and much else can be found. Employment agencies, which may or may not charge fees, offer job placement, as do placement services, which do not charge fees and are usually attached to a city, state, or federal agency, or to a school, college, or job-training program. Union offices are another important source of information, as are community bulletin boards - the one at your local supermarket, for example. Of course, there are the classified ads (help wanted ads) that appear in the daily and Sunday papers and in certain trade periodicals. On the Internet are job search websites both general and very specific, where you can search for jobs by trade and location and submit an application or your resume online. Lastly, don't underestimate the importance of notifying your friends, neighbors, and relatives that you are in the market for a job. A personal connection is often very helpful when an opening occurs.

NOTE: When you leave prison you will, in most cases, be "income eligible" for registration into any number of special programs to help you in job preparation, training, or placement. Take advantage whenever you can.

To obtain or replace a Social Security card, call the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Social Security Administration at 800.772.1213 Mon.-Fri. 7am-7pm. TTY number for the deaf: 800.325.0778. Spanish also spoken. Find a SocialSecurity office by going to their website, www.socialsecurity.gov, and entering your ZIP code in the Office Locator.

All NYC public school students between the ages of 14 and 17 must have working papers in order to apply for a job. For information, call the New York City Department of Edcation at 212.374.6095. Contact your local district or high school superintendent's office for information on where to obtain your working papers during the summer.

THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY,
JOB INFORMATION CENTER (JIC)

Mid-Manhattan Library, 455 Fifth Avenue (40th Street),
Manhattan 10016
Telephone: 212.340.0836
www.nypl.org/branch/central/mml/jic
A department at the Mid-Manhattan Library providing information to all populations on all aspects of career development. The collection includes civil service exam study guides, resume and cover letter handbooks, vocational encyclopedias, directories of potential employers, guidebooks and videos for people re-enter-ing the workforce, and much more. The daily and weekly want ads from the local papers are posted. Computers in the JIC can be used for resume writing or exploring job search websites. Services and programs include a series of career development workshops and lectures, and training in online job searching. Start planning your job search strategy with a JIC librarian, or begin with the organized and updated list of job-search and job-information websites the staff has prepared. Mon.-Wed. 9-9, Thurs.-Sat. 10-6. Accessible to people with disabilities.

BROOKLYN PUBLIC LIBRARY,
EDUCATION AND JOB INFORMATION CENTER

Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn 11238
Telephone: 718.230.2177
www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/ejic.jsp
Provides information on careers, vocational training, and federal and state civil service jobs. Materials available include classified job listings and books on career planning, job preparation (resumes, interviewing, career change, etc.) and certification. Classes are offered on job-searching using the Internet. Mon.9-6, Tues.-Thurs. 9-9, Fri. 9-6, Sat. 10-6. Accessible to people with disabilities.

QUEENS LIBRARY,
JOB INFORMATION CENTER

Central Branch: 89-11 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica 11432
Telephone: 718.990.0746 Open Mon.-Fri. 10-9, Sat. 10-5:30.
Flushing Branch: 41-17 Main Street, Flushing 11355
Telephone: 718.661.1200 Open Mon. 10-8, Tues. 1-8, Wed. 10-8, Thu.-Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-5.
www.queenslibrary.org
Offers one-to-one advisement on job searching. Many types of information on careers and vocations. Workshops are offered on writing resumes, interviewing, and coping skills related to job hunting. Provides access to TRAIN, a vocational training program database, and can administer the Career Exploration Inventory (CEI), a test to determine career interests. On the library's homepage, click on "Job Information Resources" to access a number of job searching, training and preparation websites. Both locations accessible to people with disabilities.

Aside from the special resources and programs offered by the above units of the city's public library systems, neighborhood branch libraries have job-hunting materials and Internet accessibility to aid you in your search. Check with the branch closest to you.

NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR,
DIVISION OF EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

State Campus, Building 12, Room 266, Albany 12240
www.labor.state.ny.us
Whether you are recently unemployed or you are seeking a job for the first time, the New York State Department of Labor can be of use. They will help you with unemployment insurance, job placement, counseling, training programs, and much more. Check their website for the office near you, or find it listed in the telephone directory under New York State Department of Labor. They also make available, free upon request, a booklet called "Guide to Preparing a Resume" and a brochure entitled "How to Prepare Yourself for a Job Interview," as well as "The Prime Objective: A Guide in Preparing the Job Seeking Ex-Offender."

NEW YORK DIVISION OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
WORKFORCE 1

www.nyc.gov/html/sbs/wf1
Workforce 1 Career Centers can offer you help in determining your skills and connecting to employers. Career counseling, resume and cover letter assistance, job placement services, GED and ESOL classes, job training vouchers and other services are available. For more information, call 311 and ask for "Workforce 1" or call the Center in your borough:

Manhattan Bronx Staten Island

917.493.7000 718.960.7099 718.556.9155

Brooklyn Queens

718.246.5219 718.557.6755

NEW YORK CITY EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING COALITION

NYC Training Program Database
www.nycetc.org/training_programs.php
The New York City Employment & Training Coalition is an association of workforce development practitioners - community-based organizations, community colleges, and union-affiliated training programs - committed to providing high-quality education, training, and employment services to unemployed and underemployed New Yorkers. At the website listed above, you can run a search by choosing a population served (for example, ex-offenders, homeless people, mature workers, veterans, or family assistance recipients), a type of training or education provided (for example, retail, automotive, paralegal, computer repair, certified nurse's aide, or security guard), and a specific borough, or all of New York City. A search using "Ex-Offenders" for a population served, "All Training/Education", and "all of New York City" results in list-ings for 71 agencies with descriptions of their services.

NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT,
YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

156 William Street Manhattan 10038
Telephone (YOUTHLINE) : 800.246.4646
www.nyc.gov/dycd
This city department offers programs to service youth with vocational training, GED preparation, and assistance finding jobs. The Out-of-School Program is a vocational training program targeted at dropout or high school graduates ages 16 to 21. The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is a seven- or eight-week program offering part-time work experience at various locations including hospitals, libraries, and senior centers. The application period extends from late March into April. Call the Youthline to learn exact application dates and where to pick up applications.

WILDCAT SERVICE CORPORATION

2 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Manhattan 10004
Telephone: 212.209.6000
Wildcat Workforce 1 Career Center
358 East 149th Street, Bronx 10455
Telephone: 718.960.4679
www.wildcatatwork.org
A not-for-profit human services, training, and employment organization whose participants include welfare recipients, formerly incarcerated people, former substance abusers, non-custodial parents, youth dropouts, delinquents, crime victims, and Latino populations with limited English proficiency. Has developed a large number of innovative job training programs to serve these groups. Spanish also spoken. Accessible to people with disabilities.

STRIVE

240 East 123rd Street, 3rd Floor, Manhattan 10035
Telephone: 212.360.1100
www.strivenewyork.org
A four-week work-readiness program with a no-nonsense approach, helping participants empower themselves and providing them with marketable skills to enter the workplace. The attitudinal training component aims to create a simulated work environment where excuses are unacceptable and participants are encouraged to view themselves as marketable adults and not as victims. Work program participants can also take part in other STRIVE initiatives, such as the fatherhood support program. Must be 17 or older. Call or walk in Mon.-Fri. 9-5. Spanish also spoken. Accessible to people with disabilities.

CENTER FOR EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES (CEO)

32 Broadway, Manhattan 10004
Telephone: 212.422.4430
www.ceoworks.org
CEO provides transitional minimum-wage jobs to meet the immediate needs of formerly incarcerated individuals, plus pre-employment training and placement in more permanent, unsubsidized jobs. Life skills classes prepare students for job interviews and teach how to fill out applications, prepare resumes and answer the conviction question. Participants are placed in New York-area businesses ranging from small, independent contractors to large corporations. Referral from a parole officer is required. Bring the referral plus release papers, birth certificate and Social Security card to the 6th floor Fridays at 7:45am for orientation. Participants coming from Rikers Island should come to the 15th floor Monday or Tuesday 8:45-11:45am. If you do not have the necessary documents CEO can help you get them. Call for more information. Spanish also spoken.

JOB TREASURES

Mailing Address:
23 Lexington Avenue, Suite 844, Manhattan 10010
Telephone: 212.473.0850
Job Treasures is an employment and career center offering job information and job-readiness seminars, some in Spanish, to assist clients in job hunting. Workshops are available to the unemployed community, including formerly incarcerated people, people in recovery, welfare recipients, and the homeless, looking for work in such fields as health, banking, security, the food industry, and maintenance. Employment services include a resume package. Sliding scale fee, maximum $40. Call for more information. Contact person: Beatrice Menendez. Spanish also spoken.

EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING SERVICES

The Osborne Association
809 Westchester Avenue, Bronx 10455
Telephone: 718.707.2600
http://www.osborneny.org/employment_and_training.htm
Provides comprehensive vocational services to people with criminal records. This includes assessment, testing, career and educational counseling, job readiness workshops, resume preparation, job search assistance and post-employment support in adjusting to the demands of the workplace and staying employed. Upon written request, provides letters of reasonable assurance. Call for appointment Mon.-Fri. 9-5. Spanish also spoken.

STREETWISE PARTNERS

11 Park Place, Suite 701,
Manhattan 10007
Telephone: 212.971.0078
http://www.streetwisepartners.org
Connects underemployed/unemployed New Yorkers who are looking for work with mentors who are achieving success in professional fields. Helps job-seekers develop office and computer skills, be prepared for the interview, learn how to network, and much more. Must commit to thirty consecutive weekly sessions: for other eligibility requirements check the website or call Mon.-Fri. 9-5.

MANAGED WORK SERVICES OF NEW YORK

1910 Arthur Avenue, 5th Floor,
Bronx 10457
Telephone: 718.466.8200
http://www.mwsny.com
Assists people who have limited work histories with personalized job searching assistance, resume and interviewing skills, job placement, mentoring and support. Open house every Friday at 1:00pm. Call for more information Mon.-Fri. 9-5.

URBAN YOUTH ALLIANCE

442 East 149th Street, 4th Floor,
Bronx 10455
Telephone 718.402.6872
Provides the following free services specifically to formerly incarcerated people returning to the community: immediate short-term, entry-level job placements, job readiness and soft skills training, and New York State certified employment training in a number of skills, including MOUS (Microsoft Office User Specialist), QuickBooks and Security Guard Certification. Must be 18 years of age or over, never convicted of a violent or sexual offense, convicted and sentenced as an adult under city/state/federal law, and less than 6 months out of prison. Call ahead. Contact person: William Urena. Accessible to people with disabilities.

GOODWILL INDUSTRIES

Goodwill Industries of Greater New York & Northern New Jersey
4-21 27th Avenue, Astoria 11102
Telephone 718.728.5400
www.goodwillny.org/programs_employment.aspx
Goodwill's extensive Employment Services department includes general programs to help people find jobs and specialized vocational programs for people with disabilities and disadvantages, people moving from welfare to work, new immigrants, formerly incarcerated people, and youth. They manage the Workforce 1 Career Center in Brooklyn for the Department of Small Business Services. Job seekers from any borough can walk in to get assistance. Call 718.246.5219 for more details. GoodTemps, based in mid-town Manhattan, places people in long- and short-term temporary positions (office/clerical, professional, labor, retail, technical and other areas.) Call 718.246.5219.

NEW YORK STATE DIVISION OF VETERANS' AFFAIRS

www.veterans.state.ny.us
State Veteran Counselors assist veterans and their families with any matter related to veteran benefits. Bring DD214, a copy of your birth certificate, Social Security card, proof of address, and proof of income, if any. Assistance is also available in obtaining a copy of your DD214. For the location of your nearest office anywhere in New York State, call 888.838.7697, Mon.-Fri. 9-4. An office finder is also available on their website.

FEDERATION EMPLOYMENT AND GUIDANCE SERVICE

315 Hudson Street, Manhattan 10013
Telephone: 212.366.8400
www.fegs.org
Offers many varied job training and vocational guidance programs in New York and Long Island. Provides reasonable assurance in job placement assistance or training opportunities. Call the Resources and Referral Line at 212.524.1700 (then press 2) for information on the various programs in the Employment Services department. For the FEGS Trades and Business School, call 212.366.8466.

AMERICA WORKS, INC.
Criminal justice program

228 East 45th Street, 16th Floor, Manhattan 10017
Telephone: 212.599.5627
3250 Westchester Avenue, Bronx 10461
Telephone 718.794.4880
1600 Central Avenue, 5th Floor, Far Rockaway 11691
Telephone: 718.337.6365
www.www.americaworks.com
A non-profit organization providing companies with candidates for entry-level positions. They target people receiving public assistance, including food stamps, helping them obtain employment in the private sector by providing services such as job training, work readiness, skills building, job placement and other support. Call for orientation dates and times, and other information. Spanish also spoken.

HOPE PROGRAM

1 Smith Street, 4th Floor, Brooklyn 11201
Telephone: 718.852.9307
www.thehopeprogram.org
Provides job-readiness training for low-income, homeless, and formerly homeless adults. Must be 18 years old or older, drug- and alcohol-free. Must call first for appointment. Mon.-Fri. 9-5.

THE DOE FUND

2960 Frederick Douglass Boulevard, Manhattan 10039
Telephone: 212.690.6480
89-111 Porter Ave., Brooklyn 11237
Telephone: 718.417.2555
www.doe.org
The Doe Fund offers two employment programs. Ready, Willing and Able is a drug and alcohol free residential job training program aimed at homeless people. It includes job training skills, housing, food, clothing, substance abuse counseling, educational opportunities, job preparation classes, and job placement services. Must be ready, willing, and physically and mentally able to work and maintain a drug-free lifestyle. Homeless assessment number is required. Random drug testing takes place. The Brooklyn program, Ready, Willing and Able - DAY, is specifically for formerly incarcerated people. Offers paid transitional work, case management, education, vocational training, substance abuse services, mentoring and job placement. Must be referred by probation or parole officer. Call for more information on either program.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR A BETTER TOMORROW

783 FourthAvenue, Brooklyn 11232
Telephone: 718.369.0303
25 Thornton Street, Brooklyn 11206
Telephone: 718.387.1600
www.obtjobs.org
An employment training center for adults and youth with sites in Sunset Park and Williamsburg, providing basic education, GED preparation, job training, placement, and follow-up services. Specialized classes vary: a pharmacy tech program is currently being offered. Call the Thornton Street site for further information.

CAMBA

1720 Church Avenue, 2nd Floor, Brooklyn 11226
Telephone: 718.287.2600
www.camba.org
A non-profit organization serving neighborhoods in Brooklyn, targeting low-income populations, people without homes or at risk of homelessness, immigrants, people living with HIV or AIDS, and other groups. They aim to help low-income people and families become self-sufficient, to stabilize and expand the Brooklyn economy by working with local merchants and entrepreneurs, and to encourage the economic development of Brooklyn. Offers employment, education, health-related, housing, legal, social, business development, and youth services in various languages. Call or walk in Mon.-Fri. 9-5.

PARTNERSHIP FOR THE HOMELESS

305 Seventh Avenue, 13th Floor, Manhattan 10001
Telephone: 212.645.3444
Family Resource Center
100 Pennsylvania Avenue, 2nd Floor, Brooklyn 11207
Telephone: 718.875.0027
www.partnershipforthehomeless.org
Assists formerly homeless men and women achieve self-sufficiency through employment training, education, and placement in jobs. The Workforce Development Project at the Family Resource Center assists parents (re)entering the workforce with counseling, referral to education and job training programs, independent living skills training, soft skills training and job search help. Older clients participate in the Senior AIDES Program, working at subsidized jobs in non-profit and public sector workplaces to gain the experience needed to move into permanent positions. For more information, call Mon.-Fri. 9-5.

PUERTO RICO FEDERAL AFFAIRS ADMINISTRATION

475 Park Avenue South, 7th Floor, Manhattan 10016
Telephone: 212.252.7300
www.prfaa.com
Provides information to Puerto Ricans on how to obtain birth certificates, identification papers and other important documents. Their website includes a "Questions & Services" section answering many questions Puerto Ricans may have about how to obtain documents. Services and website are in English and Spanish. Mon.-Fri. 8:30-5:30.

Times Square Ink (tsi)

314 West 54th Street, Between 8th and 9th Avenues, Manhattan 10019
Telephone: 646.264.1338, 646.264.1343
www.timessquareink.org
Times Square Ink is an innovative job training program designed to aid and motivate custodial and non-custodial parents who are involved with the criminal justice system and attempting to re-enter the workforce. A community based non-profit organization, TSI provides job readiness, job placement, responsible parenting and additional career-oriented workshops to help individuals obtain and retain employment. Expertise in working with formerly incarcerated individuals and others with significant barriers to employment. Mon.–Fri. 9–5.

NEW YORK WORK ALLIANCE

30 Broad Street, 12th Floor, Manhattan 10004
Telephone: 212.742.1000
www.nyworkalliance.org
Helps prepare immigrants, refugees and asylees for viable employment and self-sufficiency in the United States. Career planning, help adjusting to American work environments, job placement and career upgrading assistance available. Call for more information, Mon.-Fri. 9-5.

CIVIC ASSOCIATION SERVING HARLEM, INC. (cash)

356 West 123rd Street, Manhattan 10027
Telephone: 212.864.5850
Provides diagnostic vocational evaluations for ex-substance abusers and formerly incarcerated people. Issues addressed include job placement, career development, staying employed, and legal rights. Serves residents of Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens. Must be referred by a counselor, a parole or probation officer, or a NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services-funded treatment program or agency. Mon.-Fri. 8:30-5. or write for more information. Spanish also spoken.

For the Access for Women Center at the New York City College of Technology and the organization Non-Traditional Employment for Women, see the chapter Women.

Dress For Success (212.684.3611 www.dressforsuccess.org) for women and Career Gear (212.577.6190 www.careergear.com) for men are two programs that help low-income job-seekers by providing suitable clothing for job interviews. Must be referred by a participating agency. (Member agencies include a number of homeless shelters and job-training programs.)

For a listing of employment agencies in New York City, check the phone book's Yellow Pages under the heading "Employment Agencies." If you are interested in temping, look under "Temporary Help Services."

For certain jobs, employers require that their employees be "bonded." This is a type of insurance that protects the employer against any type of dishonest act (larceny, embezzlement, forgery, etc.) that might occur. Because private insurance companies often cannot bond people who have drug or criminal records, the federal government has initiated a Federal Bonding Program that can bond a person for up to $10,000. An employer's commitment to hire the applicant is required in advance. For information on this government-sponsored program, contact the New York State Department of Labor, Job Service Division, at 518.485.2151 Mon.-Fri. 9-5. or visit their website at www.labor.state.ny.us.

Computer Literacy

Learning to use the Internet is becoming a necessary step today in coping with the world around us. It helps us to search for a job, find information on just about any topic imaginable, meet new people based on common interests, correspond with family and friends, educate ourselves, become better informed about health issues, find out where and when a movie is playing, reserve a library book, look up business information or government forms, make travel plans, and so much more.

For many of us, the idea of learning to use the computer can be scary, especially if we have had little or no exposure, have never learned to type, or see ourselves as mechanically inept. What if something goes wrong? What if I erase something important by mistake? And if I don't know how to use the Internet in 2008, isn't it too late for me? But as anyone who has attended an Internet instruction class in a public library in New York City can tell you, there are many people from all walks of life who are learning to use the Internet today, from scratch, as adults. People who were once determined never to use a computer are taking classes because they find they cannot avoid using the Internet to get routine tasks done, and also because they can't resist what they have heard and read about the Internet: informational web pages, online diaries or "blogs", video and music sharing systems, and news and radio from around the world. People coming home from prison can be both curious and nervous when it comes to the Internet, wondering about what they have missed while they were away and worrying about what it will be like catching up.

The best way to get used to the Internet if you are a beginner is by practicing and exploring fun, less urgent topics at first, such as music and sports -- then it doesn't matter if something goes wrong and you have to start over. In the beginning you can always ask for help accessing urgent Internet information or difficult web pages at the reference desk of your local library, just as you might ask for help finding a book. In the meantime, build up your skills "surfing the web," and enjoy as you learn.

The public libraries of New York City are an important resource for computer training. All three public library systems (The New York Public Library, serving Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island; Brooklyn Public Library; Queens Library) offer free courses. Below you will find a description of the computer training programs offered by the three public library systems. Take advantage. It's never too late to begin!

THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY

The New York Public Library offers a series of free computer training workshops in different branch libraries, under the name "Click on @ The Library." The program's goal is to extend computer skills throughout the entire community and help bridge the "digital divide" between those with access to computers at home or at school and others. Skill levels vary from beginner to advanced and classes are geared to all age groups, with some courses conducted in Spanish or offering a Spanish translator. Sample classes include: Basic Internet, Introduction to E-Mail, Computer Basics, Introduction to Word, Microsoft Office, Health Information, Job and Career Information, Viruses & Spam, and Buying a Computer. If computers are totally new to you, Mouse Basics and Introduction to Computers are a good way to start. Walk into any branch library for information on schedules, locations, and how to register for the classes, or visit their website for a schedule: www.nypl.org/clickon

BROOKLYN PUBLIC LIBRARY

Visit any branch of the Brooklyn Public Library and ask to see their calendar of upcoming free workshops, which include Computer Basics, Internet Searching and Introduction to Microsoft Word. Every branch of the Brooklyn Public Library has personal computers for public use as well.

Brooklyn's computer classes are listed on their online calendar: www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/calendar.

They also offer an Internet Tutorial for beginners at www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/feature/internet_tutorial.

QUEENS LIBRARY

The Queens Library has ongoing free instruction in computer skills at its Central Library Cyber Center, 89-11 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica. Call the Center at 718.990.0799 for a current schedule and registration information. Courses include: Introduction to Excel, Introduction to the Internet, Jobs Online, and Introduction to Word Processing.

Internet Resources

A wealth of useful information for formerly incarcerated job-seekers can be found on the web pages of the National H.I.R.E. Network, established by the Legal Action Center. Though not a job-placement service, the goal of this organization is to increase the number and quality of job opportunities available to people with criminal records by changing public policies, employment practices, and public opinion. Visit www.hirenetwork.org and then click on "Resources & Assistance" for information on rap sheets, one's rights as a formerly incarcerated person when applying for jobs, and a list of helpful agencies by state. Click on "Publications," scroll down and click on "Working Ahead," and then on "Chapter Two (Know the Score)" and "Chapter Three (Career Planning)" for access to information on how to restore one's rights and the Federal Bonding Program, helpful ideas on filling out job applications, creating resumes, conducting effective interviews, and much more. In the "Publications" section of the website you can also find the New York State Occupational Licensing Survey, which provides information about trade licenses and the statutory restrictions people with criminal records can face when applying for them.

www.labor.state.ny.us/
Search for job openings in private companies as well as publicly-funded organizations. You can also search by Job Code and Military Occupational Code. Information is provided on apprenticeship training and opportunities, and much more.

www.nycareerzone.org
The New York State Department of Labor's CareerZone. Search for jobs online, or click on "Assess Yourself" and answer some questions, and you will be taken to a list of occupations that seem most fitting for you. Included are job descriptions, with the skills and education needed, typical wages, and job outlook. Click on "Resources" and you will find help in writing resumes and cover letters and a valuable guide to employment opportunities and job resources on the Internet.

www.bls.gov/oco
The Occupational Outlook Handbook is an authoritative resource for career information. Here you will find descriptions for specific occupations: what workers do on the job, working conditions, the training and education needed, expected earnings, and expected job prospects. This resource is also available as a reference book in most New York City public libraries.

www.jobstar.org/tools/resume/res-what.htm
Learn about the differences between chronological, functional, and electronic resumes. Includes samples.

www.jobsearch.org/NY
This site offers a New York Job Bank where you can perform a search by occupation or keyword. Includes helpful links to other websites.

www.jobhuntersbible.com/
An online job hunting resource that supplements the classic job hunter's manual What Color Is Your Parachute? Look here under Jobs for a guide to job seeking on the Internet, and an extensive library of articles.

www.ajb.dni.us
Lists private sector and government jobs nationwide. Has links to New York State Employment Services, including information on Apprenticeships, Veterans' Services, and Unemployment Insurance.

www.nyc.gov
This is the official website for the City of New York. Use the drop-down menu on the left to choose "Citywide Administrative Services"; then click on "Exams & Jobs". This is the place to find information on getting a job working for the City. You will find the schedules for the civil service exams for professional, clerical, skilled trade, health, transportation, and public safety positions.

www.damngood.com/introjobseeker.html
Website by the author of "The Damn Good Resume." Includes a large amount of practical information, such as resume writing tips, examples of resumes and follow-up letters, and answers to a wide range of questions, such as "How do you explain having been fired," "What if I have practically NO work experience at all," and "How do I include my salary history if the company asks for it?"

www.gayjob.biz
Help in finding a job with a LGBT-friendly employer. Includes business profiles, job postings, and an events calendar. Post your resume for employers to see.

For Cases of Discrimination In Employment, see the chapter on Legal Services.

For more groups that offer Employment Opportunities and Employment Counseling, see the chapter on Organizations for Formerly Incarcerated People.

For step-by-step help in how to look for work, check The Job Search, located at the end of this directory.

Starting Your Own Business

The Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) licenses more than 70 different categories of businesses - including home improvement contractors, dry cleaners and laundries, tow truck operators, employment agencies, and electronics stores. For information on licenses and permits, filing a complaint, ordering a publication, and much more, visit their website at: www.nyc.gov/dca

The Minority and Woman-Owned Business Enterprise Program was designed to promote the participation of minority and women-owned businesses in the NYC procurement process. Call 800.782.8369 or visit www.nylovesbiz.com/Small_and_Growing_Businesses/mwbe.asp

The New York City Department of Small Business Services
110 William Street, 7th Floor,
Manhattan 11038
Telephone: 212.513.6306
www.nyc.gov/sbs
This city department offers advice on starting a business, including such topics as certificates for minority or woman-owned businesses, bonding, technical assistance, and equal opportunity employment programs. Also provides free expert counseling on starting and growing a business and solving business problems. Call Mon.-Fri. 9:30-4:30 for an appointment or over-the-phone consultation.

SCORE: Counselors to America's Small Business
SCORE is a non-profit national network of 10,500 retired and working volunteers who provide free business counseling and advice as a public service to all types of businesses, in all stages of development, from idea to start-up to success. It offers e-mail advice online, face-to-face small business counseling, and low-cost workshops. SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Visit www.score.org and search for a counselor by topic or by state. A list of counselors you can contact will appear with a short biography of their qualifications.
In New York City there are three SCORE offices:

New York SCORE – Chapter 1000
26 Federal Plaza, Room 3100
New York, NY 10278
Telephone: 212.264.4507
Call Mon.–Fri. 10–2

Queens County SCORE – Chapter 0588
120-55 Queens Boulevard, Room 333
Queens Borough Hall
Kew Gardens, NY 11424
Telephone: 718.263.8961
Call Mon.–Fri. 10–1

Brooklyn SCORE – Chapter 0684
Brooklyn Public Library's Business Library
280 Cadman Plaza West
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Telephone: 718.623.7010
Call Mon. 10–2 & Fri. 10–2

Workshop in Business Opportunities
55 Exchange Place, Manhattan 10005
Telephone: 212.684.0854
www.wibo.org
A non-profit "boot camp" training program for entrepreneurs. Classes are held once a week for three hours. The course is free, but materials cost between $149-$200, depending on income. Held at eight locations in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens. Call Mon.-Fri. 9-5.

Small Business Administration
26 Federal Plaza, Suite 3100, Manhattan 10278
Telephone: 212.264.4354
www.sba.gov
Includes local resources, information on how to start your own business, financing a business, training courses in your area, and much more.

The New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library and Queens Library all have business libraries or special business divisions offering information of use to those starting or running small businesses.

Science, Industry & Business Library
The New York Public Library
188 Madison Avenue, Manhattan 10016
Telephone: 212.592.7000
www.nypl.org/research/sibl/smallbiz/sbrc/Pages/index.cfm

Brooklyn Public Library Business Library
280 Cadman Plaza West, Brooklyn 11201
Telephone: 718.623.7000
www.biz.brooklynpubliclibrary.org

Business, Science & Technology Division of the Central Library
Queens Library
89-11 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica 11432
Telephone: 718.990.0760
www.queenslibrary.org

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