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Prepare for a Job Search

The first step in searching for a new job is not to pick up a newspaper and start looking through the classifieds.  The first step is to develop a job search plan. To get started, follow the tips below.

Organize Yourself
Getting organized can help you manage your stress during the job search process. Taking the time to get organized will pay off when developing your resume

A resume informs potential employers about your employment
background and education experience.

Link opens in a new window , filling out a job application , and answering questions during your job interview.

Staying positive, determined, and organized will reduce the stress of developing your resume, filling out job applications, and answering questions during your job interview.  Learn more on how organizing yourself leads to success.

Skills & Interests
Identifying your present job skills helps you to determine job matches and training or additional skills you need for a particular job.  Another process that you may want to explore is to identify your work interests. This process will help you to choose a job that you will find rewarding and enjoyable.  Learn more about your job skills and interests.

Wages & Trends
When exploring a job, you should examine the wages

A payment usually of money for labor or services
usually according to contract and on an hourly, daily,
or piecework basis.

Link opens in a new window  you may potentially earn.  Additionally, you should find out what jobs are in high demand and their potential for future growth and employment.  Learn more about wages and trends.

Explore Job Information
Once you have identified your skills and interests, explore information about the jobs that you find interesting to learn about typical job responsibilities, to identify skill and education requirements, and to find additional resources that can help you succeed during your job preparation process.  Learn more about exploring job information

Prepare Your Resume
Once you know your employment goals and skills you're ready to prepare a resume.  Your resume will let employers know about your employment background and education experience so that they may determine if you qualify for a job.

This area is also for individuals who are updating their resumes, need help in understanding the different types and submissions of resumes, and need help in dealing with employment dilemmas while preparing their resume.  Learn more on how to prepare a resume.

If you are a fully work-authorized immigrant with a professional background, Upwardly Global provides training and support External link opens in a new window to help you design a resume for appropriate for a U.S. job search. 
 
Prepare for an Interview 
You have been called for an interview. Congratulations on this big step! Learn how to prepare for, conduct yourself during, and close an interview.  Learn more on how to prepare for an interview.

Be determined to Succeed!
Be ready to fill in forms correctly, including employment applications and any personnel forms.  Be on time for your first day at work and be determined to succeed.

For more information and assistance in helping you prepare for a job, contact or visit the trained staff at a Local Resource Room near you.

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  • Get Local Information

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  • Statewide Interest

    Serve Illinois
    Serve Illinois The Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service has developed the Serve Illinois website so you can easily find information on AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and the Learn and Serve Program. You can find a place to serve by selecting an area of interest or by using a ZIP Code search. Click here External link opens in a new windowto learn more about volunteer opportunities, to find resources for volunteers of all ages, and to sign up for training opportunities and service day events in your area. You can also call (800) 592-9896 (voice) or (888) 261-2713 (tty).

  • Spell Check Your Work Online
    SpellChecker.net SpellChecker.net External link opens in a new windowallows you to paste in your work and then run a spell check or type your work directly into the spell checker for potential corrections as you write. This tool is useful for creating resumes, proofing emails or blogs, and any other work which may be presented to a potential employer.

  • Senior Corps
    National Senior Service Corps Senior Corps is a volunteer program for adults over age 55. The program assists seniors in finding volunteer opportunities through the Foster Grandparent Program, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and the Senior Companion Program. By volunteering with Senior Corps, senior adults across the country are making a difference in their community every day. Click here External link opens in a new window to learn more about service opportunities through Senior Corps.

  • Youth Service Providers

    Workforce Investment Act programs are offered to youth between the ages of 14-21. Youth services providers offer programs to assist young people in reaching individual academic goals (high school diploma recovery or GED) and developing basic job skills as they make the transition from being older youth to young adults. All WIA services for youth are offered at no cost to the participant.

    All Local Workforce Area’s have at least one provider of services to this group of people. The statewide WIA Youth Services Providers List gives the provider’s name, contact info, city in which the provider is located, and a brief listing of the services provided. Click here to see the list of Youth Service Providers External link opens in a new window


  • Could this be YOUR LIFE?
    Could this be Your Life logo

    Ever wonder how those everyday life choices could affect your career, family life, and choosing a place to live?

    If so, then check out this online interactive game brought to you by the Illinois Center for Specialized Professional Support, and take the journey through Could this be YOUR LIFE.  This interactive game will teach you about the consequences of making career and life choices.

    To access this interactive game, visit the Could this be YOUR LIFE External link opens in a new windowweb site.


  • Job Corps: education and training programs for young adults.
    Job Corps logo Welcome to Job Corps Chicago Region, dedicated to helping youth aged 16 yrs - 24 yrs find success through education and career technical training.  Whether you are a student, parent, or employer we invite you to explore this site to learn more about how the Job Corps program can benefit you.  The federally funded program serves the entire United States, including the 18 centers in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, and Wisconsin, known as the Chicago Region.  Where do I sign up? Link opens in a new window

  • Looking for Free Online Courses to Improve your Computer Skills?
    GCF logo

    If you answered Yes to the above question, then take a look at the Goodwill Community Foundation (GCF) Global Learning website.  Sponsored by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACT), Global Learning offers free online tutorials covering the basics of computers, the Internet, Microsoft Office and life skills.  GCF Global Learning also offers free online classes covering Microsoft Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

    For more information and to access this free online site, visit the Goodwill Community Foundation (GCF) Global Learning External link opens in a new windowweb site.


  • Looking for Wage Information in the State of Illinois?
    IDES Wage Information Logo

    The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) provides information on entry level, median, and experienced hourly and annual wages for occupations in the State of Illinois.

    Wage information is available for Illinois, Metropolitan Areas, Economic Development Areas, counties and Local Workforce Areas.  To access this information, visit the IDES Wage Information External link opens in a new windowwebsite. 


  • Visit Career Coach
    Career Coach a free online personalized career counselor for women and men.  Find the right career and make a step-by-step plan to reach your goals.  Visit the Career Coach web site to learn more External link opens in a new window.

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Illinois workNet Centers are an equal opportunity employer/program. At Illinois workNet Centers, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. All voice telephone numbers on this website may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment by calling TTY (800) 785-6055 or 711.