| Prepare for your Job Search |
Step 1 – File for Unemployment Step 4 – Resumes and Cover Letters Out of the Job Search Game (aka over 50)
Step 1 – File for Unemployment General Information about the Unemployment Benefits
Program To file for unemployment over
the Internet To file for unemployment by telephone
Step 2 – Career Decisions Occupational Outlook Handbook from the US Dept. of Labor -- Read about various occupations and learn about working conditions, training and educational requirements, earning potential, future job outlook, and more. www.bls.gov/OCO Discover Your Perfect Career
Quiz – quick
quiz from monster.com New Jersey State Employment & Training
Commission -- Articles, advice and industry info State of NJ Dept. of
Labor -- Perform a skills assessment, choose a college
or technical institute, or search for Financial Aid. Career Resources Toolkit for Job Seekers -- Career,
College, and Job-Related Articles, Career advice from the Wall Street Journal – career
articles and job search The Riley Guide -- Activities and resources to
help you prepare for your job search. MilSpouse.org -- Resource library for military
spouse employment, education, and relocation information for military
spouses and military families. Small Business Administration – free
online courses to help you start your own business
Step 3 – Your email address Many employers and job sites require you to apply for jobs online or via email. Having your own email address has become a necessity. Even if you already have an email address, you might want a“professional” email address separate from your personal one. Here are a few sites that provide free email. Google Email Yahoo Email Aol Email – A paid
aol account is no longer necessary
Step 4 – Resumes and Cover Letters Resume Templates -- free resume templates for
use with Microsoft Word Emurse – create an online resume A cover letter is vitally
important. A
cover letter tells the employer the type of position you're seeking
-- and exactly how you are qualified for that position. Cover Letters from about.com – lots of
great information, articles, tips and samples Jobstar – sample cover
letters Cover Letter Templates --
free cover letter templates from Microsoft The Writing Center --
Article, tips and a few cover letter samples
Out of the Job Search Game (aka over 50) Retirement Jobs – tips,
jobs and other AARP – articles and
job search tips Career advice, e-newsletter,
podcasts; “age-friendly” certification
for employers For job seekers 40 and over Job listings plus a
schedule of job fairs throughout the U.S.
Job Scams Work-at-home scams. If you spend any time at a computer or read the newspapers, you have probably seen ads that claim you can earn $500, $10,000 a month to work from home (no experience necessary!). There are actually very few legitimate work-at-home opportunities. Some of these scams include light assembly and envelope mailing, medical or commercial billing, telemarketing and customer service, and completing marketing surveys. Advertised and online employment agency scams. The scammers pose as private employment agencies, especially for civil service, government and postal jobs and ask for personal information like social security numbers or your photo. No legitimate agency asks for this kind of information before you are offered employment. Self-employment and franchises. There are many legitimate franchises. There are many more bogus ones. Before you sign a contract, hire an attorney. Employment agencies who charge the job hunter for their services. You should not have to pay to find a job; the agencies receive payment from employers to find people for them. Stay away from agencies that charge you for their services. How do you avoid being scammed? |