Free Career Resources

With the help of the wonderful career development professionals who contributed to and participated in our program on February 6, 2024, we have been able to compile an excellent list of resources for career exploration and job search that are free to the community.

Many of these resources are specific to Austin and Central Texas area residents, some are available to Texas residents in general, and some are available to everyone no matter the location.

Resources Featured in the Program

Austin Community College (ACC) Career Counseling: For students, alumni, and prospective students (any resident in Texas interested in potentially attending ACC). https://students.austincc.edu/career-services/career-counseling

ACC Strategies for Today’s Jobs: This robust 4-week job search course also comes with weekly career coaching. https://students.austincc.edu/career-services/strategies-for-todays-jobs

Launch Pad Job Club: Offering a myriad of programs and a supportive community to bolster Central Texas job seekers since 2001. Free meetings on Friday mornings. https://www.launchpadjobclub.org

PurposeWorks: Began as Job Seekers Network (JSN) during the Great Recession and has since expanded the mission and changed the name. Free meetings on Monday mornings. https://www.purposeworks.org

Click the lightbulb image to see an excerpt from the program slide deck.

Additional Noteworthy Resources Shared

Groups & Organizations

The Pond: A new networking community developed by Steve Harper, author of The Ripple Effect. He facilitates virtual meetings to promote making genuine connections. https://ripplecentral.com/pond

Austin Women in Technology: A professional organization with monthly meetings that sponsors events and promotes professional development. https://awtaustin.org

Dress for Success Austin: Offers a Path to Employment Program, career coaching, professional styling, financial education, and more. https://dressforsuccessaustin.org

The STAR Career Workgroup: Dan Medlin, author of The STAR Career Workbook, facilitates this free career workgroup in Hays County on Wednesdays, Noon-1:00 PM. Free lunch every week sponsored by Ci Ci’s Pizza (pizza, salad, and pasta). Hosted at/by Vertical Chapel at 400 Old Post Rd., Kyle, TX 78640. Registration at: https://verticalchapel.churchcenter.com/groups/care-groups/star-career-workshop-vertical-chapel-wednesday-mid-day | Book/Resource: http://bit.ly/STARcareerworkbook

Career Networking Group: Free job search training and networking job club in south Austin that has partnered with JSN (now PurposeWorks). https://www.austinridge.org/groups/career

LinkedIn Local Austin: Meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 6 PM. This established networking event is run by JSN Coach and participant, Elizabeth Dahan. Check their webpage for current meeting information. https://www.meetup.com/LinkedIn-Local-Austin

Austin Digital Jobs Facebook Group: Lots of discussions and community support, and employers post jobs for free in the group. They also host live networking events. https://www.facebook.com/groups/austindigitaljobs & https://theamericangenius.com/adj

Big Ass Social Happy Hour: Monthly casual tech networking event run by the same people behind the Austin Digital Jobs Facebook Group. https://theamericangenius.com/bashh

Job Search Council: Phyl Terry, author of Never Search Alone, set up this support group program for matching peer job seekers with each other who agree to meet regularly and search together. https://www.phyl.org/join-jsc

Phyl Terry’s Never Search Alone LinkedIn Group: Provides long-time support beyond the book. https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14129084

Online Tools/Platforms

People Showcase: Free (for now) platform for job seekers, freelancers, and consultants who want to showcase their talents via a video profile/online career portfolio. They can share their profile link with potential employers, on the resume, on LinkedIn, etc. http://PeopleShowcase.com

Hunter: One of the features of this site is an email finder. The free plan offers 25 email searches per month. https://hunter.io

Huntr: This site offers a free plan that features a job application tracking tool with a Chrome browser extension, as well as an AI resume builder tool. https://huntr.co

Follow Up Then: An automation and productivity tool that helps with email reminders. The free plan allows for 50 active reminders per month. https://www.followupthen.com