Where the Jobs Are

With so many resources available to help people find jobs, it can be confusing and overwhelming to know where to start. Here are some suggestions on how to start your search.

Where to Start

American Job Centers

At American Job Centers you can look for a job by yourself or you can get help looking for jobs. Staff can help you find job openings that are listed in the newspaper or on the internet. Staff can also assist in finding jobs before they are listed. If you are unsure about what type of job you want, they have tools that can assist you.

American Job Centers have information on jobs to help answer some questions you may have, such as:

What tasks would I do for a specific job?

How much will I get paid?

Do I need special training?

Does this job match my skills and interests?

Local Libraries

Your local library is another place where you can get job seeking information and use their computers. Libraries have local and larger city newspapers as well.

Newspapers have employment sections every day, and most have a larger section on Saturday or Sunday. Most newspapers have job listings online as well. The jobs listed online are typically updated daily. The business sections have information about new businesses or expansions in your local area.

Internet

The internet offers many sites where you can look for jobs. It is best to use more than one site. If you know that you want to look for a job in a specific field, there are sites that focus on specific locations or types of jobs. You should also look at sites that are local to your city or state. If you need help in finding local sites, your American Job Center should be able to help you. If you are interested in a specific company, look at its website for job openings.

Job Search Websites

Job sites allow you to apply directly online and post your résumé. Some sites will send you an email with new job listings that meet your needs. Many sites also offer career resources, such as résumé and interviewing tips, salary information and information about specific jobs.

Some popular job search sites include:

Monster.com

CareerBuilder

Americas Job Exchange

Indeed

USA Jobs – This is the official site of the federal government for job listings.

Snagajob.com

Sites that are specific to individuals with disabilities include:

Ability JOBS

Disabledperson.com

Getting Hired

You may be asked to provide a scannable résumé. This is a résumé that you could send to someone as an email or put on a job search site. A scannable résumé has the same information that a traditional résumé has but uses simple formatting without bullets, graphics, shading, etc.

Networking

Networking is an important part of the job search. Networking means talking to friends, family and other people you know to find information about businesses and job openings. Networking can:

Help you find out about jobs that are not listed.

Help you get noticed. If someone you know recommends you for a job at their workplace, you have a better chance of getting an interview.

Who should be apart of your network?

Family members

Friends

People with whom you went to school

Neighbors

People with whom you work or have worked

Bosses

How should you start networking?

Make a list of people you know.

Call or meet with them and talk about what kind of job you want.

Ask them to keep you in mind if they hear about job openings that fit your interests.

Informational Interviews and Volunteering

Conduct informational interviews with people you know to discover the realities of the jobs that interest you. An informational interview involves talking with people who are currently working in the type of job in which you are interested. Asking questions helps you to gain a better understanding of a particular job.

When you go to interview the person:

have questions prepared

do not take more than 30 minutes of the person’s time

dress professionally

thank the person for their time

Volunteering

Volunteering is another way to find out about a specific job or business. Volunteering allows you to find out your likes and dislikes are and what you are looking for in a job. When volunteering, remember to be professional, honor the time you committed to volunteering and thank those with whom you volunteered for the opportunity.

Your Job Search Journey Starts Now

Finding your first job might seem like a monumental task, but with the right approach and resources, it's entirely achievable. Remember, every step you take, no matter how small, brings you closer to securing that ideal first role.