With so many resources available for job-seekers, figuring out where to start can be difficult. This fact sheet is outfitted with ideas about where you can start your job search.

Looking For a Job?

The Internet is a great resource as there are many sites that can assist you in your job search. By using search engines like Yahoo or Google, you can familiarize yourself about different fields of interest. By learning about your field of interest, you may be likelier to get a job, especially if you have less experience or background in a particular field. You can also find job sites, which allow you to post your résumé online and apply to various jobs through email. Some offer services that send you emails with listings that meet your needs.

The local library is another tool that you can utilize in your job seeking search. Not only do they have computer, but also local newspapers. These newspapers, such as the Honolulu Advertiser and the Star Bulletin have employment sections daily and have a larger section on Sunday. These listings are also available online at classified.honoluluadvertiser.com and starbulletin.com/classifieds/jobs.html.

One-Stop Career Centers are great places to start your job search. Here, you can find Initial Assessment Tutorials on using the Internet, printed Employment counseling, and training information. You can also find computers to help with resume writing, career planning computers, as well as telephones for your job seeking needs.

An important part of your search is networking. This means communicating with your friends, family and others to find out information about businesses any job openings available. By doing this, you may be able to find unlisted jobs and improve your chances of having a successful interview. When networking, think about the people you know, like:

Family members

Friends

Teachers and Classmates

Neighbors

Start making a list and calling people you know. Be sure to ask them to keep you in mind if they hear of any job openings.

To gain an idea of what jobs interest you, consider job shadowing, or watching people you know work. To do this, you will need to speak with people who are working in the kind of job that interests you. If you are job shadowing, dress professionally and thank the person for their time.

Another way to acquire job skills is through volunteering. Working in your community can widen your contacts and lead to improved skills. Through volunteering, you’ll be able to find out what your likes are. Always be professional, keep to your volunteering schedule and always say thank you.

Attending Job and Career Fairs give you the opportunity to familiarize yourself with employers and the market.

To prepare for a fair:

• Research participating employers and companies

• Know your career goals

• Be professional in dress and attitude

• Bring copies of your resume

The Job Interviews

An important part of your job interview is how you prepare for it. The more familiar you are with a company and its industry, the better your interview will progress. Be sure to gain as much information about the type of job that you are interviewing for ahead of time. Arriving with questions about the job and company will demonstrate that you have done your research. Remember that your interviewer cannot ask if you are disabled or the nature of your disability. They can, however, ask if you can perform the duties of the job with reasonable accommodation.

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