Young Americans Virtual Library: Career Resources: Job Search Tips

How to find advertised positions

How do I search for jobs?

Finding a job can be challenging. However, there are many resources available to assist you with your job search.

Where to start?

To find a job, you can:

Research employers you wish to work for. Most employers have a "Careers" section on their corporate website, where job postings will be listed.
Get professional assistance from a recruiting agency. These agencies can search for jobs of your interest on your behalf.
Go to a job fair in your city or town. A job fair is an event where employers and job seekers meet and discuss job opportunities.
Look for job boards on Professional Association websites
Look for job postings on city, state and federal government websites
Use large general job boards, such as Monster, and career websites to get access to thousands of job opportunities.

Here are a few job sites to get you started on your search:

USAJOBS
USAJOBS connects job seekers with federal employment opportunities across the United States and around the world. As the Federal Government’s official employment site, USAJOBS provides resources to help the right people find the right jobs.
Monster
Monster is a global online employment solution for people seeking jobs and the employers who need great people.
Idealist Non-Profit Job Board
Nearly 10,000 jobs at nonprofits, social enterprises, and government agencies around the world
LinkedIn Job Search
Millions of jobs. Filter and apply easily. Recommendations based on experience and skills.

Create a resumé that will make you stand out

Use full information for your employment history - dates, job title, name of workplace. Keep it up to date!
Make hard copies (printed on paper) and PDFs to attach to emails. We can show you how!
Think about how it looks before you consider it finished.
Some good places to start:
- Microsoft word has templates for resumes that offer a helpful structure. Just fill in with your own information.
- The web has thousands of samples and articles.
- OWL (in the student portal virtual library) has great resources.

You've gotten the interview lined up. How to be successful?

Preparing for an interview might seem intimidating, but there are several steps you can take to prepare yourself for a successful interview. You can create an interviewing prep checklist with the following items:

1. Carefully examine the job description

2. Consider why you are interviewing and your qualifications

3. Perform research on the company and role

4. Consider your answers to common interview questions

5. Practice your speaking voice and body language

6. Prepare several thoughtful questions for the interviewer(s)

7. Conduct mock interviews

8. Print copies of your resume

9. Prepare your travel arrangements

10. Sell yourself

11. Get ready to follow up after the interview

Prospective employers are googling you

Google yourself. What do you see? Whatever it is, it's what your prospective employer will see. Manage this presence by:

Create a positive presence:

Create a profile on LinkedIn join for free, post your resume.
Consider creating your own website
Check your public social media presence to make sure it reflects how you want employers to see you

Remove unwanted content or associations:

Don’t use your name when you post comments to articles! That’s why people use phrases like “corgi-lover” as their ID! It will not help you for a prospective employer to know you ranted about your last job on a website.
Don’t have an embarrassing email address.
Remove embarrassing photographs.
Update your privacy restrictions on social media spaces if you don't want them publicly viewable

Career Resources

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virtuallibrarians@yacollege.edu

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How to find advertised positions

Create a resumé that will make you stand out