Are EDD America's Job Centers still operating in Southern California? Need resume help!
Has anyone visited an EDD job center in SoCal recently? I remember back in 2019 they had these America's Job Centers where actual humans would help with job searches and resume reviews. The Long Beach one was super helpful before it closed (I think?). Now that I'm job hunting again, I'm drowning in these automated application systems that seem to reject everything instantly. Can't afford those $45+ resume services when I'm barely making rent. Do these centers still exist somewhere in LA or Orange County? What days/hours do they offer resume help? Really need someone to look at my resume who isn't an AI bot throwing it in the trash.
18 comments


Malik Johnson
Yes, America's Job Centers of California (AJCC) definitely still exist throughout Southern California! I used the Anaheim one just last month. They offer free resume help, job search assistance, and even workshops on interviewing. The staff there can help you optimize your resume to get past those annoying AI screening systems. Each location has different hours for specific services, so you'll want to call the center closest to you. Here's the official site to find locations: https://edd.ca.gov/en/jobs_and_training/Local_Area_Directory
0 coins
QuantumLeap
•Thank you so much! I had no idea they were still open - thought everything went virtual after COVID. Will definitely check out the Anaheim one. Do you know if appointments are required or can I just walk in?
0 coins
Isabella Santos
Those places are USELESS!! I went to the one in Compton last year and waited 3 HOURS just to speak with someone who barely looked at my resume and then handed me a printout of job listings I couldve found online myself!!! Total waste of time and gas money. Better off asking someone on fiverr to help with your resume tbh.
0 coins
Ravi Sharma
•lol not all centers r the same dude. i had great help at the one in torrance. maybe u just got a bad worker? 🤷♂️
0 coins
Freya Larsen
I work at an AJCC in Orange County. Yes, we're definitely still operating and offering free career services! Each center has slightly different schedules and specialties. Some things to know: 1. Most centers require appointments for one-on-one resume help (especially since COVID) 2. Many offer resume workshops on specific days (usually no appointment needed) 3. Some specialists focus on specific industries if you need specialized help 4. We can help with AI-friendly resume formatting I'd recommend calling before visiting to check the schedule for resume services. Our busiest days are typically Monday and Tuesday.
0 coins
QuantumLeap
•This is exactly what I needed to know! I'm in Orange County so that works perfectly. Is there a specific AJCC location you'd recommend for someone looking for admin/office work? And do you need to be on unemployment to use these services?
0 coins
Freya Larsen
•You definitely DON'T need to be on unemployment to use our services! They're free for all job seekers. For admin/office work, any center can help, but the Garden Grove and Irvine locations have specialists who work closely with office/admin employers. Just bring your current resume (even if it's outdated) and any job descriptions you're interested in applying for.
0 coins
Omar Hassan
I was in your exact situation 2 months ago! Those AI resume scanners are the WORST. I ended up going to the AJCC in Gardena after struggling with automated rejections for weeks. They have resume help every Wednesday from 9-12, but you need to call ahead to reserve a spot. The lady who helped me totally revamped my resume to work with ATS systems. I've had 3 interviews since then after months of nothing! One tip: bring printed copies of job postings you want to apply for. They can help tailor your resume specifically for those.
0 coins
QuantumLeap
•That's amazing to hear! I'll definitely bring some job postings. Did they also help with cover letters or just resumes?
0 coins
Omar Hassan
•They helped with both! The career counselor showed me how to create a template cover letter that I could quickly customize for different applications. Total game-changer.
0 coins
Chloe Taylor
theres one in santa ana that i go to sometimes. they have computers u can use for free job search too if u dont have internet at home. hours r weird tho like 10-3 weekdays i think
0 coins
QuantumLeap
•Thanks! I've got internet but it's good to know they have computers too. Did you need to bring any specific documents with you when you went?
0 coins
ShadowHunter
When I was trying to reach EDD about my unemployment last year (completely different issue but might help you), I was getting nowhere with the phone lines. Tried for WEEKS. Someone on here recommended Claimyr.com - they connect you with an EDD rep usually within an hour. I know they mainly help with getting through to unemployment agents, but the rep I spoke with was super helpful and actually directed me to my local AJCC for resume help. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Worth considering if you need to speak to someone at EDD directly about available services.
0 coins
Ravi Sharma
•i used that service too! worked great to get through when i couldn't reach edd myself. saved me hours of redial hell
0 coins
Diego Ramirez
Did anyone else notice that the resume services at these centers got way better since 2025 started? I went last year and it was basic help, but I went again in January and they had this whole AI-optimization thing going on now. The counselor actually showed me how the ATS systems work and what they scan for. Seems like EDD finally realized this was a major problem for job seekers.
0 coins
QuantumLeap
•That's really encouraging! I didn't realize they had updated their services. Makes me even more motivated to check them out this week.
0 coins
Freya Larsen
Quick update since there's been some good discussion here - most AJCCs now offer: 1. Resume review and ATS optimization 2. Cover letter assistance 3. Mock interviews (sometimes virtual) 4. Workshops on LinkedIn profiles 5. Access to job fairs and hiring events Also, many centers have evening hours once or twice a week (typically until 7pm) to accommodate working job-seekers. Always check their websites or call for the most current schedules.
0 coins
QuantumLeap
•This is super helpful! I'm going to plan a visit next week. Thank you everyone for all the great information - definitely feeling more hopeful about my job search now!
0 coins