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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, filling out job applications, 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 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.
 
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

Enter a zip code to view local and statewide promos under this section. Local promos are blue and statewide promos are orange.

   

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?

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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.