How many job & career resources are in Ohio?

Women's Corner tracks 14 verified job & career resources for women in Ohio.

Are job & career resources in Ohio free?

14 of the 14 listed job & career resources in Ohio are explicitly free or low-cost.

Which cities in Ohio have job & career resources?

Listings span cities including Cleveland, Columbus.

What are some examples of job & career resources in Ohio?

Featured entries include OhioMeansJobs — Cleveland, Goodwill Industries — Columbus, Ohio TANF (OWF) Employment Program, Ohio Small Business Development Center, Year Up Cleveland.

Do these listings include phone numbers?

5 of 14 Ohio job & career listings include verified phone numbers.

Where do I get free job training?

Your local American Job Center (find at CareerOneStop.org or call 1-877-872-5627) offers free training, resume help, and job placement through the WIOA program. Goodwill, Dress for Success, and Bottomless Closet provide job-readiness, interview clothing, and coaching. Community colleges run short-term certificate programs (CNA, medical billing, IT) under $1,000 that lead to immediate jobs.

Are there programs that hire single mothers?

Yes. Many employers partner with Goodwill, YWCA, and Workforce Boards on second-chance and single-mom hiring tracks — childcare assistance, flexible schedules, and tuition reimbursement included. Look at 'Family Forward NC' style state initiatives, certified Family-Friendly employers, and federal contractors (required to support working parents). Healthcare and logistics are the fastest-growing single-mom-friendly fields.

How do I write a resume after years out of the workforce?

Skip the chronological format — use a functional or hybrid resume that leads with skills (organization, budgeting, time management, problem-solving from caregiving counts). Reframe volunteer work, PTA, and freelance work as professional experience. Free help: American Job Centers, Dress for Success Career Center, LinkedIn's free resume builder, and the SBA Women's Business Centers.

What if I have a criminal record?

You still qualify for most jobs — Ban-the-Box laws in 37 states delay background questions until later in hiring. Federal contractors can't ask about records on the initial application. The Federal Bonding Program insures employers against loss for hiring you. Many states allow expungement of certain records after a waiting period — ask legal aid about clearing your record.

Best Job & Career in Ohio — 14 verified resources

About Job & Career for Women

Job and career resources for women run through the 2,400+ American Job Centers (AJCs) nationwide, the Department of Labor's Women's Bureau, and SBA Women's Business Centers. AJCs offer free job search, resume help, and WIOA-funded training (often

0,000+ in tuition for in-demand occupations). WANTO grants fund women entering nontraditional trades like construction, electrical, and HVAC. Registered Apprenticeships pay workers during training, and organizations like Chicago Women in Trades, Nontraditional Employment for Women (NEW), and Dress for Success support entry and re-entry. For formerly incarcerated women, programs like the Center for Employment Opportunities provide transitional jobs. This directory includes AJCs, WBCs, apprenticeships, and women-focused workforce programs.

Job & Career in Ohio

Ohio has dedicated Domestic Relations Courts and Juvenile Courts (which handle paternity and unmarried-parent custody) in most counties. The Office of Child Support operates under JFS. Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, and Akron anchor the major metros. The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, Community Legal Aid, Legal Aid of Western Ohio, and the Ohio Domestic Violence Network serve women.

14 Resources

1. OhioMeansJobs — Cleveland — Free

OhioMeansJobs career center in Cleveland provides free job search assistance, resume help, skills assessments, career coaching, and access to training funds for eligible workers in northeast Ohio. Women can walk in or call to access services during business hours. Bring your resume, ID, and list of employment history. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm.

(216) 664-4673 · 1910 Carnegie Ave, Cleveland, OH 44115 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Goodwill Industries — Columbus — Free

Goodwill Columbus provides free job training, employment services, and placement assistance for women and adults with barriers to employment. Services include career assessments, skills training, job placement, and retention support. Women can visit any Columbus-area Goodwill career center during business hours. Bring ID and an overview of your work history. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm.

(614) 294-5181 · 1331 Edgehill Rd, Columbus, OH 43212 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Ohio TANF (OWF) Employment Program — Free

Ohio Works First employment program helps TANF recipients find and maintain employment through job search assistance, skills training, work activities, and childcare/transportation support. Women receiving cash assistance can contact their county ODJFS office to enroll in employment services. Call Mon-Fri 8am-5pm or visit jfs.ohio.gov for program information and county contacts.

(877) 644-6338 · Statewide program · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Ohio Small Business Development Center — Free

Free business consulting and workshops for Ohio entrepreneurs and small business owners at multiple locations statewide. Women business owners can get help with business plans, financing, marketing strategies, and growth planning. Call to find your nearest SBDC and schedule a free confidential consulting appointment. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm.

(614) 466-2711 · Multiple OH locations · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

5. Year Up Cleveland — Free

Free one-year workforce training program for young adults ages 18-29 in Cleveland, providing technical skills training and corporate internships in fields like IT, business, and data analytics. Women who complete the program typically earn significantly higher wages. Apply at yearup.org or call (216) 373-5600 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm for information on upcoming cohorts.

(216) 373-5600 · 1260 Euclid Ave Suite 300, Cleveland, OH 44115 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. CareerOneStop — Free

US Department of Labor sponsored career, training, and job search portal. Women can search job listings, explore career options, find training programs, locate American Job Centers, and access tools for resume writing and interview preparation. All resources are free at careeronestop.org available 24/7. Also use the site to find local workforce programs and funding.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

7. America's Job Centers — Free

Free in-person career help, training referrals, resume assistance, and job search support at 2,400+ American Job Centers nationwide. Women can walk in or schedule appointments for career assessments, skills training, and employment services. Find the nearest AJC at careeronestop.org. Services are free and available to all job seekers regardless of employment status.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

8. DOL Women's Bureau — Free

US Department of Labor agency dedicated to promoting good jobs, equitable wages, and workplace rights for working women. Provides free resources on equal pay, pregnancy rights, workplace flexibility, and childcare. Women can access research data, policy publications, and know-your-rights guides at dol.gov/agencies/wb. All resources are free to access online.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

9. Dress for Success — Free

International nonprofit with locations nationwide providing free professional interview clothing and career development programs to women entering the workforce. Women are referred through partner social service agencies or can contact their local affiliate directly. Services include clothing appointments, career coaching, and alumni networking through the Professional Women's Group.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

10. Bottomless Closet — Free

Provides free interview-appropriate professional clothing and career development services for low-income women seeking economic independence. Women can receive two complete professional outfits plus career coaching services. Referrals may be required; contact your local social services agency or visit bottomlesscloset.org to find participating locations and learn how to access services.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

11. Goodwill Career Services — Free

Free job training, career counseling, and job placement assistance at Goodwill career centers nationwide. Women can access computer training, job search support, resume help, and employment referrals at no cost. Find your nearest Goodwill career center at goodwill.org. Walk-ins welcome at most locations; services available Mon-Fri during regular business hours.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

12. Women Employed — Free

Chicago-based advocacy organization improving the economic status of women through policy advocacy, job training program evaluation, and career navigation resources. Women can access free online resources including guides on workplace rights, pay equity, and training program directories at womenemployed.org. Advocacy campaigns benefit working women across the country.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

13. SCORE — Free Business Mentors — Free

SCORE provides free business mentoring, workshops, and educational resources for entrepreneurs including women business owners. Match with a local mentor who has relevant industry experience and meet one-on-one for guidance on starting or growing your business. Find a mentor and register for free workshops at score.org. Virtual mentoring available nationwide.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

14. SBA Office of Women's Business Ownership — Free

US Small Business Administration program supporting women entrepreneurs through a national network of Women's Business Centers, free consulting, training, and access to capital resources. Women can find their nearest WBC, learn about women-owned business certification, and access federal contracting opportunities at sba.gov. All WBC consulting services are free.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

Frequently Asked

How many job & career resources are in Ohio?: Women's Corner tracks 14 verified job & career resources for women in Ohio.
Are job & career resources in Ohio free?: 14 of the 14 listed job & career resources in Ohio are explicitly free or low-cost.
Which cities in Ohio have job & career resources?: Listings span cities including Cleveland, Columbus.
What are some examples of job & career resources in Ohio?: Featured entries include OhioMeansJobs — Cleveland, Goodwill Industries — Columbus, Ohio TANF (OWF) Employment Program, Ohio Small Business Development Center, Year Up Cleveland.
Do these listings include phone numbers?: 5 of 14 Ohio job & career listings include verified phone numbers.
Where do I get free job training?: Your local American Job Center (find at CareerOneStop.org or call 1-877-872-5627) offers free training, resume help, and job placement through the WIOA program. Goodwill, Dress for Success, and Bottomless Closet provide job-readiness, interview clothing, and coaching. Community colleges run short-term certificate programs (CNA, medical billing, IT) under
,000 that lead to immediate jobs.
Are there programs that hire single mothers?: Yes. Many employers partner with Goodwill, YWCA, and Workforce Boards on second-chance and single-mom hiring tracks — childcare assistance, flexible schedules, and tuition reimbursement included. Look at 'Family Forward NC' style state initiatives, certified Family-Friendly employers, and federal contractors (required to support working parents). Healthcare and logistics are the fastest-growing single-mom-friendly fields.
How do I write a resume after years out of the workforce?: Skip the chronological format — use a functional or hybrid resume that leads with skills (organization, budgeting, time management, problem-solving from caregiving counts). Reframe volunteer work, PTA, and freelance work as professional experience. Free help: American Job Centers, Dress for Success Career Center, LinkedIn's free resume builder, and the SBA Women's Business Centers.
What if I have a criminal record?: You still qualify for most jobs — Ban-the-Box laws in 37 states delay background questions until later in hiring. Federal contractors can't ask about records on the initial application. The Federal Bonding Program insures employers against loss for hiring you. Many states allow expungement of certain records after a waiting period — ask legal aid about clearing your record.