The American Jobs Center subscription connects you to job listings, training resources, and career counseling through a single account

The American Jobs Center (AJC) is a network of physical offices and online services run by the U.S. Department of Labor. A subscription or account with AJC gives you access to job postings, resume help, interview coaching, and information about training programs in your state. You do not pay to use it — the service is funded by federal and state workforce programs.

The main value is that AJC staff can connect you to programs specific to your situation. If you are unemployed, they can point you toward benefits. If you want to switch careers, they can show you what training is available and whether you might be funded to take it. If you are already working but want to advance, they can help you plan the next step.

How you access AJC depends on where you live. Some states have a single online portal where you create an account. Others direct you to a local AJC office first. A few use a combination — you can start online, but staff at a physical location can unlock more services.

Key Takeaways

  • AJC accounts are free and run by your state's workforce agency, not a private company, so there is no subscription fee or hidden cost.
  • You can search job listings online without visiting an office, but one-on-one help from a career counselor usually requires an in-person or phone appointment.
  • The services available to you depend on your employment status — unemployed workers, dislocated workers, and low-income adults each have access to different programs.
  • Your state's AJC website or a local office can tell you what training programs they fund and whether you meet the requirements for each one.

How to set up an AJC account in your state

Start by finding your state's workforce agency website. The name varies — it might be called the Department of Labor, Workforce Development, or Employment Services. Once you are on the site, look for a link to "job search," "career services," or "American Jobs Center." Most states let you create an account right there without visiting an office.

When you create an account, you will enter your name, email, phone number, and basic work history. Some states ask about your employment status (employed, unemployed, looking to change careers) so they can show you the right resources. This information is not shared with employers — it is only used to match you with programs and services.

After you set up your account, you can log in and start browsing job postings when ready. The job listings come from employers posting directly to the AJC system, plus feeds from other job boards. You can filter by location, industry, and job title, and save postings you want to review later.

What services are available once you have an account

Most AJC accounts give you access to a resume builder, which walks you through writing or updating a resume section by section. You can also upload a resume you already have and use the system to explore for jobs directly. Some states let you explore with one click if you have filled out your profile completely.

Career counseling and interview coaching usually require you to schedule an appointment with a staff member. This might be done by phone, video, or in person at a local AJC office. The wait time varies by state and how busy the office is — some can see you within a week, others may have a longer queue.

If you are unemployed or recently laid off, AJC staff can tell you about Dislocated Worker programs, which may fund training in high-demand fields. If you are low-income, they can explain WIOA Adult programs, which also offer training funding. The specific programs and what they cover depend on your state and your situation.

The difference between online job search and in-person services

You can do a lot through the AJC website alone: search and explore for jobs, build a resume, take skills assessments, and read articles about job hunting and career planning. All of this is available 24/7 once you log in.

In-person or phone services with a counselor are different. A counselor can review your resume one-on-one, help you practice for an interview, discuss whether a training program makes sense for your goals, and connect you to funding you might not have known about. They can also help you navigate the process process for training or benefits programs.

Many people start with the online tools and then request a counselor appointment when they need more detailed help. There is no rule that says you have to do one or the other — you can use both.

Training programs AJC can connect you to

If you are unemployed, underemployed, or looking to change careers, AJC staff can tell you what training programs your state funds. Common examples include nursing assistant certification, welding, truck driving, information technology, and healthcare billing. The programs available and the funding rules vary significantly by state.

To find out whether you can be funded for training, you will need to talk to an AJC counselor. They will ask about your employment history, your income, and what kind of work you want to do. Based on that conversation, they can tell you which programs you may be able to enter and whether the state will pay tuition, books, or living expenses while you train.

Some training is offered through community colleges, some through private training providers, and some through employers themselves. AJC staff know which providers in your area are approved and have a track record of placing graduates in jobs.

What happens if you stop using your account

AJC accounts do not expire if you do not log in regularly. You can close your account by contacting your state's workforce agency directly, but most people straightforward stop using it. If you return months or years later, you can log back in with your original credentials.

If you were receiving services from a counselor and you stop showing up for appointments, the office may mark your file as inactive. This does not prevent you from logging back in online, but it may mean you have to request a new counselor appointment if you want in-person help again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay for an AJC account or services?

No. AJC is funded by federal and state government, so there is no cost to create an account, search jobs, or meet with a counselor. If you are referred to a training program, the program itself may have a cost, but AJC staff can tell you upfront whether the state will fund it.

Can I use AJC if I am currently employed?

Yes. Many employed people use AJC to search for better jobs, explore career changes, or find training to advance in their current field. Services may be slightly different than for unemployed workers, but you can still access job listings and career counseling.

How long does it take to get an appointment with a counselor?

Wait times vary by state and local office. Some offices can see you within a few days; others may have a wait of two to three weeks. You can ask about wait times when you call or visit the office, and some states let you schedule online.

What if my state's AJC website is hard to navigate?

Call your local AJC office directly. Staff can walk you through creating an account over the phone, answer questions about what services are available, and help you schedule a counselor appointment without you having to use the website.

Can AJC help me if I want to start my own business?

Some AJC offices offer entrepreneurship resources and can connect you to small business training programs. Ask your local office whether they have a business counselor or partnerships with small business development centers in your area.