AptKeysWork · Finding work
Finding your first job
You'll need
- A simple resume (one page is plenty)
- Three people who agree to be references
- A professional-sounding email address
- A phone with voicemail set up
- A list or spreadsheet to track applications
What to know
- Tell people you're looking. CareerOneStop, the Labor Department's career site, says about half of all new jobs are found through connections, and many openings are never posted.
- Search your state's job bank. Every state has one.
- Search smart on any job site. Try several keywords, use filters, sort newest first, and read postings in your field to see which skills employers want and what they pay.
- Check the employer's own website. When you find a job you like, look for it on the company's site.
- Get free in-person help. American Job Centers help people search for jobs, find training and answer employment questions, and there are centers nationwide.
- Write a one-page resume. Put your name, address, phone and email at the top, then your 3 or 4 top skills or accomplishments, any jobs, your education, and volunteer work, sports or clubs that show responsibility.
- No experience? Count what you've done.
- Line up references before you apply. Most employers ask for three, either when you apply or at the interview.
- Apply, then write it down. Keep a record of every job you apply to, because postings can disappear after the deadline and you'll want the details if they call you for an interview.
- Get ready for the call. Practice answers to common interview questions.
Watch out A real employer will never ask you to pay before you're hired. Don't put your Social Security number, credit card or bank account on an application. If a "job" involves depositing a check and sending some of the money back, it's a scam: the check will bounce and the bank will want you to repay it. See Job scams and how to spot them.
Dad note Every manager you'll ever meet started with a first job. Show up on time, look them in the eye, and say you want to learn.