Newspapers have a limited number of want ads. Because employers pay for every word in a want ad, only a few job details are listed in most printed advertisements. Higher cost and less information means there is less incentive for employers to place jobs openings in the newspaper. You can find a digital version of local newspapers online - in almost any city you choose. If you are willing to relocate, you can even look for jobs in other cities by searching the online help wanted sections in that town's newspaper. In general however, more people have access to the internet than read a newspaper.
Online job postings will generally provide a lot of information about the job. You can search online for:
- A specific job,
- Details about what you would be doing in that job,
- Jobs in a specific city or town,
- Jobs in a specific occupation and/or industry,
- How many miles you have to travel and even how to get there, and
- The skills the employer is looking for in a candidate.
Apply online for a job, and have a direct way to communicate with that employer. If required, setting up an account on the employer website, you can find out about future job postings too!
Create a Resume - Having a resume to email to an employer will making applying for a job simple. Use a variety of resume tools on Illinois workNet so you have a resume that can be printed, shared and emailed to an employer.
Since being able to use a computer is important for most jobs, doing a job search and applying for a job online shows an employer that you have computer skills and can communicate effectively online.
- Go to www.illinoisworknet.com.
- Click on Log in to My Illinois workNet account.
- Type in your workNet username and password.
- Click on Jobs.
- Click on Organize Yourself . You'll find a Personal Information Worksheet and a Job Search Record. Fill these out.
Have this information ready for your job search.
- Resume: Your resume will need to be customized for the job.
- Personal Information: copies of photo ID, birth certificate, and Social Security Card.
- Experience: copies of awards, certificates, and recognitions for your work experience.
- Education: copies of diplomas, certificates, transcripts, and licenses.
- A list of your plans and goals for your career.
Never put your Social Security NumberA unique number which is assigned by the government
to people in the United States of America, for purposes
of the Social Security System. Each person is assigned their
own number, which is also used in some situations
as an identification number.
Keep you information safe! Do not share your Social
Security Number with other people, unless you
are required to do so.
on your Resume!
Using proven strategies for getting job leads will help you make the best use of your time. Here are three good strategies to use together.
Click on the Jobs page, use the following tools.
- Click on Jobs.
- Click on Apply for a Job.
- Review the ways to apply for a job.
- Review the tips for applying for a job and organizing your job search.
- Review the next steps if you are not getting an interview.
Use the
Job Search Record sheet to keep track of where, when and how you applied for the job.
Review the following tips, if you organized your job search, applied for a job and did not get an interview for the job or a job offer. Use the completed
Job Search Record to:
- Follow up with the employer
- It is possible that they did not receive your resume - contact them to make sure they did receive your application.
- Ask if any additional information is needed.
- Ask if the position has been filled? If not, when will they be making a decision.
- Compare to the Get Hired, Not Shredded tips (PDF)
Use the completed
Interview Worksheet (PDF) to:
- Reflect upon interview
- Was a Thank You Note sent to the interviewer?
- What could be done differently next time?