Job seekers

If you or someone you know needs help finding a job, we can assist you.

Below you'll find many resources to aid you during your job search. We also invite you to use our computers on the second floor.

One-on-one career help

Jewish Vocational Service and the Oakton Community College Career and Transfer Center offer career counseling for a nominal fee.

Career training

The library offers events to help you in your job search. We provide information on topics like staying motivated in a job search, interviewing techniques, and maximizing LinkedIn. 

We also offer classes on technology and computer applications like Microsoft Office. Check the events calendar for the complete schedule. Our online events are recorded and can be viewed on YouTube, including our Navigating the Job Search sessions.

You can find online training with the library’s online training and tutorial resources.  These resources include Career Center from Tutor.com, LinkedIn Learning, and Gale Courses which offer coaching and free business, design, and tech courses to Skokie Public Library card holders.

You can find other career resources at the Lake Cook Career Collaborative.  The Lake Cook Career Collaborative is powered by a group of Chicago-area librarians with expertise in employment and career services. The Collaborative helps local residents who are unemployed or underemployed make their next career move by connecting them with expert-led workshops, online training, and other resources offered at no cost through area public libraries

Books to help with the job search

The library has a wide variety of books to help in a job search, including books on resumes, cover letters, networking, and interviewing.  

Check out one of the following lists to help you find titles:

Local job search agencies

The below local organizations offer specialized assistance to job seekers: 

  • Illinois WorkNet - This government site provides assistance with resume building, interviewing, networking, and more. It also provides federally-funded training scholarships and hosts online job fairs.
  • Jewish Vocational Service - This local agency provides training, workshops, networking opportunities, and individual career counseling to all area job seekers. The organization charges a nominal/sliding scale fee for services depending on income level.
  • Career Transitions Center - The Chicago agency provides individual career coaching, career skills programming, peer support groups, and networking opportunities. The Career Transitions Center charges a quarterly fee for services.
  • Oakton Community College Career Services - The district community college provides free career counseling for students and alumni, and fee-based services for district residents.   
  • National Able - With an office in Skokie, this area agency provides personalized career support that integrates career coaching, specialized training, and job leads.
  • Upwardly Global - This non-profit agency assists immigrant, refugee, and asylee professionals in finding suitable employment in the United States.
  • Youth Job Center - This Evanston-based organization provides job placement services to teens and new professionals in Cook County through its job preparation and placement programs.

Online resources

Browse these resources for recommended job search assistance. 

General Job Search Help 

  • CareerOneStop.org - From the U.S. Department of Labor, this is one of the best job search sites available. Career One Stop offers an in-depth guide with information on individual industries and occupations. This is a great first stop for any job seeker.
  • The Balance Careers - This site offers general guidelines on how to conduct a job search in the current market. This resource covers topics on choosing a career and building a resume. 
  • Job-Hunt.org - Job Hunt contains a collection of articles and guides related to the job search. Sign up for the newsletter for weekly job advice. 
  • FTC Jobs and Making Money - This guide explores what to look out for while conducting a job search and how to avoid scams. 

Finding Job Listings

  • Skokie Chamber of Commerce online job board - The Chamber has an updated job board with various positions in the village.
  • Indeed.com and SimplyHired.com - These are meta job search sites that compile job openings from companies and other job search websites.
  • USAjobs.gov - This is guide on the country's largest employer, the U.S. government, with many area job listings.  
  • Chicago.Craigslist.org - Craigslist is a good site for finding jobs at smaller companies and contract work.   
  • NorthShoreJobBoard.com - Sponsored by Chicago’s North Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau, this site contains open positions in hotels, restaurants, retailers, and event services/suppliers in the area.  

Online Networking

  • LinkedIn - The best way to find a job is by networking, and the premier online networking tool is LinkedIn.

Researching Potential Employers

  • LinkedIn - Besides being a great resource to network, LinkedIn also contains valuable information on employers, including the latest news, and information on current and past employees.
  • GlassDoor - GlassDoor provides data from past and current employees. It is a great insight on what it's like to work for a company as well as what to expect during an interview. This is also a good source to get salary information for specific career positions.