1. Develop a plan before you start applying for jobs

What kind of employment do you want? CareerForce can help you with interest and skills assessments plus tips on exploring career options. 

Staff at the more than 50 CareerForce locations around Minnesota have in-depth knowledge of their local job markets and they know employers who are hiring now. They can help you find employment that uses your skills and is aligned with your interests. Need help developing your job search plan? Contact staff at a CareerForce location near you today!

When you’re ready to start looking you can search thousands of Minnesota jobs – filterable by location, job title, company name and keyword – on CareerForce.MN.gov/job-search.

2. Take a good hard look at your resume

When was the last time you reviewed your resume? It probably needs an update. Also: your resume should be customized for each position you apply for to highlight the skills and experience you have that match that particular job posting. Plus, if you are over 40 years old, there are some simple things you should change on your resume to help prevent ageism from potentially holding you back.

Check out resume samples and tips at CareerForce.MN.gov/Resumes - create an account or log in to your account to build, upload and store "master" and "tailored" versions of your resume on your My Resumes page. 

CareerForce offers in-person and online workshops and personalized appointments to help you revamp and target your resume.

Need help to jump start your job search but not sure what to do next? Take the first step with CareerForce for no cost assistance to help you find employment. Contact staff at a CareerForce location near you today!

3. Network

Most jobs are found through networking – in other words, through your personal and professional connections, whether they be friends, family or co-workers. Reach out to your network online and in-person to find out about positions that might be a good fit for you and to identify references who might be able to help you get your foot in the door.

Staff at the more than 50 CareerForce locations around Minnesota can help you develop a job search strategy that leverages your connections – and helps you make new ones.

Consider joining a CareerForce job club or participating in a networking or hiring event. You may also want to attend an in-person or online workshop focused on networking or using networking tools like LinkedIn.

Need personalized assistance with your resume revamp? Contact staff at a CareerForce location near you today!

4. Prepare for a successful job interview

What are the questions you should expect? What are the toughest questions you might have to answer and how can you prepare for them? Can you turn a gap in employment into a positive thing? What questions should you ask your interviewers? 

Landing a job interview is a big milestone on your job search journey. CareerForce can help you make the most of it!

• Prepare for common interview questions
• Learn more about informational interviews
• Find a workshop on interviewing skills 
• Get one-on-one interview prep assistance at a CareerForce location near you

5. Follow up and stay positive

Landing an interview is a big accomplishment and your opportunity to land the job. Make sure you leverage it. Say you’ll follow up – and do it. Be courteous and send a thank you note or email. If you don’t get the job, ask what the employer was looking for that you didn’t have. This feedback can help you better prepare for future interviews. Find out more about interview follow up in this chapter of the award-winning Creative Job Search Guide.

CareerForce staff can work with you to adjust your approach as needed and find employment. You'll be amazed what you can do with CareerForce in your corner!

• Contact staff at a CareerForce location near you today and jump start your job search!