Tips for Finding a Job

Finding a job can be a daunting task and even discouraging at times.

You may find yourself applying to numerous job postings and not receiving any responses back. This could be because your resume does not reflect your experience well enough or because your cover letter is too vague.

It can also be difficult finding a suitable job within your industry. In this case, it may be best to expand your job search to other industries that match your skills. Fortunately, there are plenty of government and local resources that can help you land the right job. This includes government websites, such as CareerOneStop and USAJobs.

Applying for a job goes beyond a job application. You will need to learn how to build a professional brand that portrays you in a positive light to recruiters and employers. In this day and age, your social media presence can greatly impact how you are viewed by employers.

Furthermore, you will need to take the time to target your resume and cover letter to exactly what employers are looking for. This involves highlighting your transferable skills and telling a compelling story in your cover letter.

If you are without work or are looking to advance in your career, learn how you can increase your chances of finding a suitable job by reading the following sections:

• Helpful U.S. Job Search Resources
• How to Be a Good Candidate for Employment in the U.S.
• How to Complete a Successful Job Application

Learn About Helpful U.S. Job Search Resources

If you are on the hunt for a job, there are various government resources that can help improve your chances of finding the right one. For example, you can find many jobs and training opportunities through the CareerOneStop website, created by the U.S. Department of Labor. Simply enter relevant keywords into the search engine to find jobs within your field.

The website contains a variety of online tools that can help you define your career path and increase your chances of landing a job. You can learn the latest and most effective resume tips or narrow down your options until you find a career that matches your skills.

If you are interested in civil service job opportunities with federal agencies, visit the USAJobs website of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. The website allows you to create a profile that includes your resume and submit applications to multiple government job openings.

For local guidance, visit the nearest Department of Labor’s American Job Center (AJC) or contact a local employment agency. These job centers hold workshops for job seekers, one-on-one career counseling and provide information about local job openings.

Alternatively, employment agencies match your skills with the appropriate employment opportunities in your area. There are also numerous National Associations, such as the Association of Government Accountants and the National Academy of Public Administration, which are great sources of information for jobs and career networking opportunities.

Nonetheless, all of these resources can help you find suitable job opportunities.

How to Be a Good Candidate for Employment in the U.S.

There are many ways in which you can increase your chances of finding and obtaining employment. This may include improving your online portfolio or performing a background check on yourself to see if anything alarming comes back that an employer might see.

You can promote your experience and skills through various social networking websites, such as LinkedIN, which connects you with millions of other professionals. In addition to taking advantage of the various resources available online, you can attend job fairs to make interpersonal connections with employers and peers from various industries.

Career counseling at a local job center can help you tailor your resume to certain employers and prepare you with the best tips for job interview success. You will learn everything you need to know about conducting yourself in an interview, from observing your posture and maintaining eye contact.

When applying for a job, it is important that you thoroughly research the company in which you are applying and its employer. You can adapt your cover letter and resume to fit the job’s description.

The DOL also offers opportunities for apprenticeship which can help you earn a salary while learning all the skills required for a particular career through hands-on training. Many apprenticeships result in a full-time career offers. While you are not always guaranteed a job at the end of an apprenticeship, you will be rewarded a nationally-recognized certificate that can lead to a plethora of job opportunities.

How to Complete a Successful Job Application

With the majority of job application now online, competition for jobs have significantly increased. You may find yourself completing numerous job applications just to get one call back from a potential employer. The more job applications you complete, the more you find yourself writing mediocre cover letters and submitting the same resume over and over again.

This can hurt your chances at finding a suitable job. Instead, it may be more beneficial to focus on a few applications and put in your maximum effort. This means tailoring your resume to fit each job’s description and writing a cover letter that stands out from the rest.

When filling out a job application, there are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Read the application thoroughly to be sure that you do not miss any important information and that you fill out the entire application correctly
• Do your research on the company you are applying to, as well as the industry and the particular role you are applying for
• Use given key words from the job description in your resume and cover letter
• Reread your application to ensure that there are no spelling mistakes or grammatical errors that may make you look unprofessional

A job application can also request a portfolio and accompanying reference letters. Using the resources available to you can help you craft a job application that promotes you as a well-rounded candidate. This includes CareerOneStop and USAJobs, which offer a variety of tools to help you create a well-structured job application.

CareerOneStop, in particular, provides tips on how to analyze job postings, target your resume and even provides resume and cover letter samples to reference. If you need additional help with a job application, consider visiting your local American Job Center for further assistance. Additionally, an employment agency official can help you write your supporting documents.