Resources for every career stage.
Not sure where to start? Discover your best career match, see what your skills are worth and find free resources — all in one place.
Guides and templates you can use today.
No sign-up. Save them, print them, or come back to them anytime.
For Active Job Seekers
Resume templates
Professionally designed templates for career changers, including a guide on translating your experience into language employers recognize.
Download
Career Guide
Turn your career break into a comeback
Learn how to reframe your time away, address résumé gaps, and walk into interviews with confidence.
Read guide
New Guide
Just laid off? Start here
A free, step-by-step guide to your first 14 days after a layoff, from the first paperwork to landing your next role. Includes worksheets and ready-to-use scripts.
Get the guideFree tools built for where you are right now.
Each tool does one job well. Pick the one that fits your situation.
Most Popular
Find your career path
Answer 3 questions and get a personalized career recommendation. We’ll match you to the right program — or point you somewhere else if Merit America isn’t the right fit.
Quick Check
Am I eligible?
Find out in 2 minutes whether you qualify for a Merit America program. No commitment — just a clear answer.
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Data Explorer
Salary explorer
See local salary ranges for tech and business roles. Know what entry-level jobs pay in your city before you apply or negotiate.
View salary data
Skill Assessment
Workplace English readiness
Test your business English level and see where you stand for tech training programs. Immediate results, no signup needed.
Take assessmentNot ready for a full Career Track yet? Start here.
Essentials Courses are the shorter alternative — focused, no-cost, and built for adults who want a specific skill to add to their portfolio before committing to a longer program.
Workplace AI
Use AI to work smarter and build real proof — earn a Google AI Professional Certificate and complete a portfolio capstone in 6 weeks. No tech background needed.
- Prompting, automation & real-world projects
- Google AI Professional Certificate on completion
- Portfolio capstone project you can show employers
Career Readiness
Land the role with polished job search materials — a standout resume, optimized LinkedIn, and interview prep built around your real experience.
- Polished resume, cover letter & LinkedIn profile
- AI-powered interview practice & reflection
- Job search strategy & application coaching
Tools, guides, and support for every situation.
Curated by Merit America — available to everyone, no program enrollment required.
Daily Essentials
Support for everyday needs including housing, food security, transportation, and caregiving resources.
Career & Financial
Tools for navigating the job market, disability accommodations, and free financial coaching.
Tech & Up-skilling
Refurbished devices, free Wi-Fi, English education, and track-specific practice resources.
Health & Wellbeing
Confidential crisis support, free therapy, grief counseling, and LGBTQIA+ community resources.
Daily Essentials
Aging
AARP Friendly Voice – Volunteers provide friendly calls so no one has to feel alone. Call 1-888-281-0145. En español: 1-888-497-4108.
Caregiving (Adults & Children)
Cold Weather & Storm Alerts
Access severe cold and winter storm updates — real-time alerts and safety guidance.
Discount Codes: Wizard Perks
Hotel deals for interviews, car rental discounts, and free items on Wednesdays. Access Wizard Perks.
Food Insecurity & Food Banks
Feeding America: Find your local food bank.
USDA National Hunger Hotline: 1-866-3-HUNGRY or text 914-342-7744 with “food”.
Formerly Incarcerated
- Federal Bonding Program – No-cost fidelity bonds for returning citizens.
- Record Clearing (expungement / record sealing).
- Career One Stop
Housing
- National Housing Conference – Federal housing assistance (HUD).
- HUD Exchange
- Continuum of Care (CoC) Program
Immigrant Rights & Resources
Transportation
- Essentials to Work (Lyft) – May provide no-cost rides to interviews.
- Call 211 or visit 211.org for local transportation help.
Veterans
National Call Center for Homeless Veterans (24/7): 1-877-4AID VET
TAPS: Support for those grieving a loved one in the Armed Forces. 1-800-959-TAPS.
Career & Financial
Accommodations and Disabilities
JAN Network – Free, expert, confidential guidance on job accommodations and disability employment issues.
Job Concerns and Supports
- Empowerwork.org – Nonprofit transforming how people get support at work.
- EARN Job Seeker Resources
TrustPlus: Free Financial Coaching
Free, confidential support for financial concerns and mental health through All One Health.
Tech & Up-skilling
Affordable Tech Support
Free: Reddit r/techsupport, Microsoft/Apple Support, Public Libraries, Senior Planet.
Low-cost: Best Buy Geek Squad, uBreakiFix, Local repair shops, Micro Center.
Chrome Extensions: Accessibility
25 Chrome Extensions for Accessibility – Speech-to-text, text-to-speech, readability, and focus.
Community Centers
- Search public libraries for computer access.
- United Way 211
- American Job Centers
- YMCA / YWCA
English Language Resources
- USA Learns – Free online English for adults.
- Grammarly & Grammar Tutorials
- Duolingo
- Improve Your English (Coursera)
Hotspot and Wi-Fi Resources
Merit America FAQs
Read our Merit America FAQs — advice and answers from the team.
Refurbished Laptops
- Human-I-T – Laptops under $500.
- PCs for People
- Free Geek
- Computers with Causes
Track-Specific Up-Skilling
All resources below are free.
Cyber Security: CyberDefenders
Data Analytics: Kaggle
IT Support: OverTheWire
Project Management: Scrum Training | Trello
Health & Wellbeing
Abuse
- Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-422-4453
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
- Love is Respect: 1-866-331-9474 or Text 22522
- National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888
Addiction
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- National Council on Problem Gambling: Call or text 1-800-522-4700
- National Eating Disorders Association
All One Health: Free Therapy
Free, confidential therapy, financial counseling, and mental health support.
Grief
- Compassionate Friends: 1-877-969-0010
- Crisis Text Line: Free 24/7 texting support.
LGBTQIA+ Support
- Human Rights Campaign Resources
- GLBT National Hotline: 1-888-843-4564
- The Trevor Project: 1-212-695-8650
- Trans Lifeline Hotline
Natural Disaster Relief
Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746
Self-Harm & Suicide
National Suicide and Crisis Hotline: Dial 988 — 24/7 trained professionals.
S.A.F.E. Alternatives / RAINN: 1-800-366-8288
Physical Fitness
- Darebee.com – Free visual workout plans.
- HASfit – Free fitness programs.
Your best next step depends on where you are right now.
There’s no single right path. Find the option that fits where you are—we’ll meet you there.