Career Resources

The Evanston Public Library has a number of resources available to assist in the career planning process. A section devoted to Careers can be found in the Reference Department on the Third Floor. Here you will find books on writing resumes and cover letters, the interview process, job banks, occupational descriptions, and salaries. Internet stations are also available on the Third Floor for those who would like to use online resources in their job search. In addition, the Adult Nonfiction Department on the Second Floor has a number of career-planning books that can be checked out. Also useful is this list of Evanston employment services.

Choosing a Career

What Color is Your Parachute? Bolles, Richard. Berkeley, Calif.: Ten Speed Press. (331.128 B638w 2005 or [R] 331.128 B638w 1998)

In the author’s words, this book "gives a step-by-step process for getting around all the obstacles normally encountered in the job hunt, which people have successfully used to change jobs or careers, over the past three decades."

Discover the Best Jobs for You. Krannich, Ronald L. Manassas Park, VA : Impact, c1998. (650.14 Krann.R 1998 or [R] 650.14 Krann.R 1998)

This book contains a skills assessment section, and some advice on mapping skills, values and interests to potential careers.

Encyclopedia of Careers and Vocational Guidance. Hopke, William E., editor-in-chief. Chicago : J. G. Ferguson, 2005. ([R] 371.42 Encyclo 2005)

This four-volume reference work contains information ranging from general career guidance and advice to profiles of career fields and of specific professions within those fields.

Guide for Occupational Exploration. Compiled by J. Michael Farr, LaVerne L. Ludden, Laurence Shatkin. Indianapolis, IN : Jist Works, c2001. ([R] 331.702 Guide 2001)

This newly revised guide contains job descriptions, salary information, training and education requirements, and more, about nearly 1,000 jobs available in today’s market.

Jobs Rated Almanac. Krantz, Les, editor. New York : World Almanac, c1999-. (331.702 Jobs 2002 or [R] 331.702 Jobs 2002)

This book ranks the "best" and "worst" jobs, rated by a variety of factors that include salary, stress, benefits and outlook.

Occupational Information. Horizons, 1999. ([R] 331.702 Occupat 1999)

Occupational information with an Illinois emphasis is included in this volume. There are job descriptions that include regional employment figures, wage survey, advancement opportunities and employment outlook for Illinois. (No longer being updated in print.)

Internet Sites:

America’s Career Infonet

This site, sponsored by the Department of Labor, provides links to career assessments. Also, from the main home page, you can select a link to check your "employability", a snapshot of your ability to find a similar job at a similar wage if you became unemployed today.

Illinois Career Resource Network - Countdown

This section of the Illinois Department of Employment Security's website is designed to help you explore career options by matching your interests and skills with possible occupations.

JobHuntersBible

This site is designed as a supplement to the author’s book, What Color is My Parachute, mentioned above. There are links to interactive tests that assess job skills and personality traits.

Review.com Career Finder

Register with the Princeton Review, and complete the "Find a Career" questionnaire. The Review then indicates which careers you may be suited for, and provides links to information about those careers.

University of Waterloo Career Development eManual

The University of Waterloo presents detailed information on self-assessment and career exploration, providing exercises in a step-by-step workbook.