Get hired! Your questions answered

Question: I was laid off from the mortgage industry last October and have not been able to find full time employment. I was wondering if there are any free or low-cost resources available for getting help re-vamping my resume? I really think it would be beneficial and maybe open up other opportunities in the future. --Amy Mays

Answer: There are a slew of low-cost, or even no-cost, services for job seekers, according to Cheryl Palmer, an executive career coach at Call To Career in Silver Spring, Md. Palmer recommends government-funded One-Stop career centers (go to www.careeronestop.org for career center locations), which offer resume writing tutorials, sample cover letters and interview check lists online along with other free assistance.

There are also many resources available in the community that offer low-cost career counseling and job search support, she says, such as your local Jewish Vocational Services chapter or church group. Alumni can visit their alma mater's career development center or the local community college for help as well, Palmer suggested.

"I would start with the local newspaper," she said. There, job seekers can find ads for job search support groups and other resources. "Look for those resources that are community based in nature," she said, those will "definitely cost less than going to a professional [career counselor]."

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