Create a job search plan

Find and contact your local American Job Center.
Make an appointment to talk with a counselor and learn what resources are available to help in your search.

Visit Occupation Profiles to learn more about your chosen career field.
Identify at east two careers or job titles that: 1) are in demand 2) offer the salary range you need and 3) you are qualified for.

Not sure what career you want to work in?
Take a career assessment to learn which careers match your interests, skills, or work values.

Want to update or improve your credentials?
Explore short-term training options, including certifications, online classes, and certificate programs.

Gather information and documents you may need for job applications.
Use the Practice Job Application to record your work history, education and training details, and more. Download or print the form for future use. Gather work documents such as social security card, driver’s license/state ID, birth certificate.

Make sure your resume promotes you effectively for your current job goal.
If your resume needs an update, add current accomplishment statements, delete your oldest experience if it’s outdated, ask at least two people to review it and provide feedback.

Update your online image and social media accounts.
Are your recent achievements and career focus represented? Add a professional-looking picture, ask contacts for endorsements, and/or link to samples of your work.

Prepare for online and in-person networking.
Write an elevator speech to use for networking calls and emails. Develop your list of contacts for job search.

Sharpen your interview skills.
Write out your answers to common interview questions, especially potentially uncomfortable questions such as why you left your last job. Practice with a friend, or make an appointment with your local American Job Center for a mock job interview.

Start employer research on the Business Finder.
Look up companies based on your current or desired job title. Filter your company list by preferred location, business size, and more. Check out company websites and create a list of 8-10 companies to reach out to for job inquiries.

Reach out to your social media and personal contacts.
Whether by social media messaging, email, or phone call, look for contacts who could help you reach hiring managers in your field or who work at companies you are interested in.

Set up informational interviews to explore a new field or learn about a company.
Reach out to people you know or connect with on social media, or to company contacts from the Business Finder. Ask for a brief meeting to learn about a career or their company.

Research salaries for your job title in your local area.
It’s helpful to know current pay ranges for your experience level so you’ll be ready to state an acceptable salary range and negotiate a job offer.

Find job openings you want to apply for on Job Finder and other online job banks.
When you apply, take time to make your applications thorough and free of errors.

Target your resume and cover letter for each opening.
Create a base resume with all of your work and education history, and a basic cover letter. Use these to create a customized application for each job opening you apply to, emphasizing just your most relevant skills and experience.

Find people to serve as your employment references.
Ask people who can speak to your experience and abilities related to the specific jobs you apply for. Provide them with your resume and the job posting you are applying for.

Reach out to the list of companies you created using the Business Finder.
Start contacting potential employers to explore job prospects with these companies. Ask to meet to discuss your qualifications. Be prepared to share your elevator speech and resume. Aim to contact 1-2 businesses every week.

Explore additional ways to find job openings.
Join a professional association to see job postings, build your network, and learn about trends. Reach out to employment recruiters to learn how they might help you get a job.

Follow-up on job applications you've made.
Call or email to confirm your interest and ask about the hiring process, unless the posting states not to. Check in with an employment counselor at your local American Job Center for suggestions and feedback to keep moving forward.

Stay motivated.
Join a job search/networking group in your community or local American Job Center for motivation and accountability. And be sure to reward yourself for accomplishing your goals.