Finding—and getting—a job you want can be a challenging process, but knowing more about job search methods and application techniques can increase your chances of success. And knowing how to judge the job offers you receive makes it more likely that you will end up with the best possible job.

Where to Learn About Job Openings

* Personal contacts
* School career planning and placement offices
* Employers
* Classified ads:
o National and local newspapers
o Professional journals
o Trade magazines
* Internet resources
* Professional associations
* Labor unions
* State employment service offices
* Federal Government
* Community agencies
* Private employment agencies and career consultants
* Internships

Applying for a Job
After you have found some jobs that interest you, the next step is to apply for them. You will almost always need to complete resumes or application forms and cover letters. Later, you will probably need to go on interviews to meet with employers face to face.

Resumes and application forms. Resumes and application forms give employers written evidence of your qualifications and skills. The goal of these documents is to prove—as clearly and directly as possible—how your qualifications match the job’s requirements. Do this by highlighting the experience, accomplishments, education, and skills that most closely fit the job you want.

Gathering information. Resumes and application forms both include the same information. As a first step, gather the following facts:

* Contact information, including your name, mailing address, e-mail address (if you have one you check often), and telephone number.
* Type of work or specific job you are seeking or a qualifications summary, which describes your best skills and experience in just a few lines.
* Education, including school name and its city and State, months and years of attendance, highest grade completed or diploma or degree awarded, and major subject or subjects studied. Also consider listing courses and awards that might be relevant to the position. Include a grade point average if you think it would help in getting the job.
* Experience, paid and volunteer. For each job, include the job title, name and location of employer, and dates of employment. Briefly describe your job duties and major accomplishments. In a resume, use phrases instead of sentences to describe your work; write, for example, "Supervised 10 children" instead of writing "I supervised 10 children."
* Special skills. You might list computer skills, proficiency in foreign languages, achievements, or and membership in organizations in a separate section.
* References. Be ready to provide references if requested. Good references could be former employers, coworkers, or teachers or anyone else who can describe your abilities and job-related traits. You will be asked to provide contact information for the people you choose.
Choosing a format. After gathering the information you want to present, the next step is to put it in the proper format. In an application form, the format is set. Just fill in the blanks. But make sure you fill it out completely and follow all instructions. Do not omit any requested information. Consider making a copy of the form before filling it out, in case you make a mistake and have to start over. If possible, have someone else look over the form before submitting it.
Cover letters. When sending a resume, most people include a cover letter to introduce themselves to the prospective employer. Most cover letters are no more than three short paragraphs. Your cover letter should capture the employer’s attention, follow a business letter format, and usually should include the following information:

* Name and address of the specific person to whom the letter is addressed.
* Reason for your interest in the company or position.
* Your main qualifications for the position.
* Request for an interview.
* Your home and work telephone numbers.