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Organize Yourself

The first step to getting organized is to develop a job-search plan.

Tips to Get a Job videoWatch the "Tips to Get a Job" video to learn about finding job opportunities that match your skills and interests, by first creating a plan.

Below are some tips that will assist you in organizing and planning your job search.

  • Create a Portfolio.  A portfolio is a handy place to keep important information that you will need as you develop a resume, look for a job, and fill out job applications. Below is a list of information to include with your portfolio:
    • Personal Information should include proof of current address, most current contact information (including email address), list of previous addresses, military discharge papers, and Social Security Number Link opens in a new window

      Open and print this helpful Work Sheet to assist you in organization the information above:
    • Work Experience should include names and addresses of previous and present employers, awards and recognitions for your work performance, specific job Link opens in a new window skills that you have acquired, and the names and contact information of references from your previous or present employment.  If there are gaps in your employment, be ready to discuss them with your potential employer.
    • Education should include schools attended, dates attended, major subjects studied, and any certificates, licenses, or degrees awarded. Potential employers may also require a copy of your transcripts.
    • Additional Information should include your experience and involvement with community organizations, interests Link opens in a new window and hobbies, volunteer experience, and your educational or professional goals and plans for achieving them.
    • Past Resumes and copies of Job Descriptions Applied for: this information will assist you when developing or updating your new resume Link opens in a new window when applying for a new job
  • Create a folder for each job search.  Include the following items:
  • Name of the organization
  • Address and contact numbers of the organization
  • Research information about the organization (what they do, how large the organization is, their mission and vision, etc.)
  • Job openings applied for
  • Name, title, and contact information of the person the application is going to
  • A record (to include dates and times) of all phone conversations, submission of your cover letter, resume, and job application, interview Link opens in a new window schedules, name and title of the interviewer, and follow up thank you letter.
    • Open and print this helpful Job Search Record to assist you in organizing your job searches.  This record should be retained in your Personal Portfolio under copies of past resumes and job applications:

      Staying organized will pay off by reducing the stress of developing your resume, and helping you to remain positive and determined while filling out job applications, and answering questions during your job interview. 

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  • Statewide Interest

    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

  • Serve Illinois
    Serve Illinois The Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service has developed the Serve Illinois website so you can easily find information about:
    • AmeriCorps,
    • Senior Corps,
    • Learn and Serve Program,
    • volunteer programs
    • resources for volunteers of all ages,
    • how to sign up for training opportunities
    • service day events in your area.

    Finding 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 windowYou 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.


  • 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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