If you're having trouble creating or refocusing your resume, you may have to look no further than your local library for help. In The Wall Street Journal, writer Jonnelle Marte offers up many alternatives to the costly route of professional resumesmiths.

By visiting a government-sponsored job center, your alma mater and even your local library, you can tap into a pool of professionals who will help you create or critique your resume. College alumni are often able to turn to the career-services department of their school -- in person, over the phone or via email -- to get tips on how to improve or refocus résumés. And the U.S. Department of Labor sponsors over 3,000 One-Stop Career Centers across the country where job seekers can get free help writing and improving their résumés, among other career advice. Find your local center at ServiceLocator.org. Guidance is also available online at CareerOneStop.org.

So, before shelling out big bucks to get some professional resume dazzle, check out Marte's suggested resources. You've nothing to lose except your time, and it may turn out to be a huge win for you in your job search.

-- Chad Broadus