Find job openings

Your social media accounts can help you connect with employers. And they can also let employers learn about you before they decide to hire you. This means you want to keep your social media professional—and keep inappropriate stuff off of it. Follow these tips to make the best impression on future employers:

• Begin by deleting inappropriate photos and posts that are about alcohol or drug use or have profanity or discriminatory comments. Also delete any posts that badmouth a previous employer.
• Post your job goal and what kind of help you are looking for.
• Include posts about jobs, volunteer work, your creativity, or your communication skills.
• Include photos that present an image of someone an employer would want to hire.
• Use privacy settings to limit sharing, but keep in mind that anything on the Internet is potentially public.
• Use an appropriate, simple email address. No SuperHotGuy@hottie.com or other unprofessional terms.
• Google search your name to see what comes up on the Internet; clean it up if needed.

Start here to create an account:

• LinkedIn is used for careers. Create your profile, and connect with LinkedIn users to find job openings, share job information, join groups, and follow companies.
• Facebook is usually used for personal posts. But many use it to connect with friends and family about job contacts.

Job bank websites allow you to search and apply for job openings. You can also post your resume so employers can match you to their job openings. Visit Job Finder to get started using a job bank. You can find many other online job banks, but follow the tips below before you start using one.

Job bank tips:

• Expect to register with a user name and password. Write these down so you can get back into your account to check on jobs!
• It should be free to use a job bank. Do not pay money to post your resume or apply for a job.
• Do not provide your Social Security or national ID number, your bank account, or credit card information online. Some job postings are scams that ask you to pay, or to perform illegal activities.
• Beware of scams for fake jobs or training opportunities. If you're not sure if a post is for real, try Googling the company to check for employee reviews. Also visit the company website to read their “About Us” and learn more about them.

Know of a place you'd like to work? Applying in person can be the best way to find a job. Stop in with your resume, ask if there are any job openings; if there aren't any, ask to leave your resume for the hiring manager. If there are openings, ask how to apply!

Use the Business Finder to find businesses in your area (sort by ZIP code to find the closest ones.) Look up their contact information and call or stop in to ask about job openings, or to send a resume. Follow links to their websites to research company facts.

When you visit the employer, treat it like an interview:

• Be polite and respectful to everyone you meet.
• Dress professionally.
• Learn some facts about the company before you go.
• Bring your resume or a personal data sheet (en español) to fill out a job application. Some employers use a computer kiosk for applications (like at Target or Home Depot). These usually have a time limit so you'll need your information handy.

At job fairs, employers host tables where you can stop to talk about your qualifications, the types of jobs they have, and their requirements. Bring copies of your resume!

Fairs are held by different organizations: one company, a group of similar companies, youth jobs, school-sponsored, or other. Find out about job fairs at your school, neighborhood employment program, or your local American Job Center.

Job fair tips:

• Dress cleanly, neatly, and as professionally as you can.
• Give employers a firm handshake and make eye contact. Introduce yourself and your job goal.
• Offer a copy of your resume, and let them know you are interested in their organization.
• Get employers' business cards. Note any calls or emails you want to send after the job fair.
• After the fair, send an email to employers you met. Thank them for their time and ask about next steps. You can also connect on LinkedIn with any employers you met; send them a LinkedIn invitation and tell them you met them at the job fair.

High school and college career services help students find jobs and plan education and training. Ask about the training you’ll need for your dream job, where to find internships, summer jobs, job shadowing, or part-time work. They will help you write a resume and practice interviews, too.

Job search help is also available in every state at public job centers. Find your nearest location on the State Resource Finder. Select your location and look for the Job Search tab.