Careers and Resources

Click on the titles below access PPL’s spectacular resources!

JobNow is a truly unique resource. Unlike simple editing services for resumes, or static databases for job-seekers, the JobNow suite provides on-demand access to live, expert coaches for every stage of your job search.

RESUME RESOURCES
Resume Templates – JobNow provides several professionally formatted resume templates that you can use to frame your personal resume content.
Resume Lab – Submit your resume to the experts in the resume lab for review. They will provide feedback within 24 hours.

LIVE CAREER ASSISTANCE
• One-on-one interview coaching that can help you ace your next interview!
• Specialized tip sheets can also advise you on what to do before, during, and after the interview to help ensure your meeting is successful.

Click here to use JobNow! Please sign in with your library card number if you are outside the library.

Need help using this resource? Ask a librarian or check out this short tutorial!

Nervous about your driver’s license test? Put your nerves at ease with these FREE official DMV practice tests! This resource includes over a dozen drivers’ practice tests, as well as the full text of three different driver’s manuals: standard, motorcycle, and CDL. It also provides links to a wealth of useful information to answer all of your DMV-related questions, like:

• What documents should I have when I go to apply for my license in Illinois?
• How do I renew my Illinois license?
• When can I take my Illinois permit test?

And so much more! Just click here to get started!

This free employment resource can simplify your job hunt with its unique search and job explorer tools, and especially, with its insider information on companies, salaries, and interview practices.

Click here to access Glassdoor through the Peoria Public Library website to enjoy full, unrestricted use of this resource without having to set up a personal account.

Mango Languages is an online language-learning system that teaches actual conversational skills for over 60 languages from around the world, including English for ESL learners. Each chapter aligns your learning to a set of conversational and grammar goals, with highly relevant cultural notes sprinkled into every lesson. Intuitive popups help you tune your pronunciation, and you can even record your voice and compare it directly to audio from a native speaker to hear exactly how to tune your accent. Learn a new language today!

Please log in or create a profile to use this resource (all free with library card). Call (309) 497-2000 if you have any questions!
Click here to login at the library or remotely. Please use your Peoria Public Library card number for access.

Need help using this resource? Ask a librarian!

• The Journal Star
Explore Peoria history through local news, events and people with the Peoria Journal Star Collection. Search current and archived issues with full-color newspaper pages, full-text articles and content only published online. Available remotely 24/7 on any device.

Click here to login at the library or remotely. Please use your Peoria Public Library Card number for remote access.
Need help using this resource? Ask a librarian or check out this short tutorial!

• America’s News
Click here to search America’s News. Search current and archived coverage of issues, events, people, government, sports and more with the largest collection of full-text U.S. newspapers. Find titles from across the US and Illinois. Includes staff-written articles, obituaries, editorials, announcements, real estate and other sections.

Click here to login at the library or remotely. Please use your Peoria Public Library Card number for remote access.
Need help using this resource? Ask a librarian or check out this short tutorial!

• NewsStand
Includes full text of 300+ major U.S. and international news sources, including the Chicago Tribune, the New York Times, and the Times of London. Content is updated daily, so coverage is exceptionally current!

Click here to login at the library or remotely.
Need help using this resource? Ask a librarian or check out this resource guide!

• State Journal-Register Collection
Explore Springfield history through local news, events and people with the State Journal-Register Collection. Search current and archived issues with full-color newspaper pages, full-text articles and content only published online. Available remotely 24/7 on any device.

Click here to login at the library or remotely.
Need help using this resource? Ask a librarian!

This free, interactive tool allows you to explore how your current skills might translate into another higher-paying job. While focused on the 33 largest metro areas in the U.S. (so not including the Peoria metro market) this tool is still valuable for those seeking ideas for a second career.

• Build Your Path: See which occupations require similar skills and represent at least a 10 percent increase in wages
• Compare Skills: See the most in-demand skills for any pair of occupations in the featured metro areas
• Top Transitions: View, sort and download data for pairs of occupations considered most similar

Click here to get started!

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website features a Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) with information on what workers do; the work environment; education, training, and other qualifications; pay; the job outlook; information on state and area data; similar occupations; and sources of additional information, for 324 occupational profiles, covering about 4 out of 5 jobs in the economy.

Search by pay range, entry-level education, on-the-job training, projected number of new jobs, or projected growth rate.

Peterson’s Test Prep is a multi-purpose educational resource, helping students and professionals with:

Test Preparation
Peterson’s Test Prep offers study guides and practice tests covering a wide variety of standardized student and professional certification tests, like: AP tests, GED, ACT, SAT, GRE, LSAT, MCAT, ASVAB, NCLEX-RN, Clerical, Postal worker, and TOEFL, U.S. Citizenship, and many others.

Career Guidance and Preparation
In addition to test prep resources, Peterson’s Test Prep offers several professional tools, like the Virtual Career Library and Resume Builder. These resources can help you find the right career path, prepare for interviews, and succeed in your chosen position.

Click here to login at the library or remotely.
Please use your Peoria Public Library Card for remote access. This resource is case sensitive, so be sure to capitalize the “D.”

Need help using this resource? Ask a librarian!

From finding old friends and planning vacations to conducting market research and choosing a health care provider, this extensive database offers the information you need – in a fast, convenient format. Search for U.S. and Canadian businesses and residents, U.S. healthcare providers, and more. Take advantage of the unique result display options, such as the mapping function. NEW search over 2.5 million U.S. jobs and internships!

Click here to login at the library or remotely. Remote users, please use a Peoria Public Library Card.

Need help using this resource? Ask a librarian!

You can call (309) 497-2000 between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday – Saturday to get help from Peoria Public Library Reference staff.

You can also email questions to Peoria Public Library staff anytime using our Ask a Librarian form.  Library staff will respond as soon as possible (generally within one business day).

Or stop in and talk to a REAL person at any one of our library locations!