Everybody needs a job, because everybody has bills that need to be paid. For some, it's mortgages, a new instant water heater, and their kid's tuition fees. For others it's rent, credit cards, and cable TV. Unfortunately, not everybody finds it easy to get a job. If you're having trouble finding one or worrying about what career path you should follow when you get out of school, you might consider visiting a career resource center for help and advice.

Career resource centers range from comprehensive multi-floor outplacement agencies to simple offices with a handful of staff, but they all have one thing in common: they're a hub for job listings. So at the very least the career resource center can help you find the opportunities that are out there for a graduate of subsurface utility engineering. There's always a bulletin board in the office, and the more tech-savvy resource centers will also have an online listings service you can access from home.

Of course, a common complaint among jobless workers is that they can't afford to buy a home computer, printer, internet hookup, and telephone, all of which are essentials if you're applying for jobs. That's why career resource centers will also have free internet access, telephones, fax machines, and printers. You may have to sit around waiting for a callback from a valve repair company but at least you'll get the call. If you're really in dire straits, the career center can also help you find employment insurance claim forms and assist you in applying for programs offering energy rebates, free or discount health insurance, and food stamps.

Another problem a lot of people find themselves facing is that they don't know how to prepare a good resume and cover letter, dress for an interview, or pitch themselves properly to the Canadian architect they're being interviewed by, either because they never learned or they've been recently let go after a long stint in the same place. Career counselors at the resource center are available to help with these problems as well as to assist emerging workers in finding the job path that is right for them. Centers also typically run workshops on such topics as beating interview stress and building portfolios.

Norwalk, Connecticut residents get these services fairly close to home at a nearby branch office of CT Works, the state employment agency. CT Works provides all the services listed above (in English and Spanish) and can also assist you in finding and financing retraining courses if you find that your position in the cooling water treatment chemical industry has disappeared. To get started, drop by the offices at 1642 Bedford Street in Stamford, a 15 minute drive or bus ride away from Norwalk.