Job hunting requires researching opportunities through various resources like friends, family, networking, "help wanted" listings, employers, employment agencies, career counselors, and employment websites. It's important to evaluate if a job is right by assessing your skills and the job requirements. Transferable skills can apply to many jobs while job-specific skills are necessary for a particular role. The job should be evaluated based on required education and training, compensation, benefits, work environment, location, outlook and if it matches your skills. Gaining experience through mentors, job shadowing and internships can help determine the right career path. Applications should be filled out carefully and completely with factual information to showcase qualifications for the role. Cover letters and resume

1. Job HuntingIndependent Living

2. If you have ever applied for a job,how did you find out about the opening?

3. Job Hunting ResourcesFamily & FriendsThey know of your interests and abilitiesThey have contacts in the communityNetworkingMake use of personal connections when searching for job opportunities (teachers, coaches, family friends, etc.)“Help Wanted” ListingsNewspaper, onlineEmployersContact business employers to learn of available jobsEven if there are no openings, they may contact you in the future

4. Job Hunting ResourcesEmployment AgenciesHelp people find jobs by matching applicants’ qualifications with job openingsPublic agencies are free; Private agencies charge feesCareer Counselors & AdvisorsAt schools and at collegesEmployment WebsitesPost your resume so employers can search for youMonster.com, Hotjobs.com, CareerBuilder.com

5. Is That Job Right For You?Evaluate yourself.Evaluate the job.

6. Evaluate YourselfWhat skills do you have to offer?Are they transferable skills?Are they job-specific skills?

7. Evaluate YourselfTransferable Skills: the skills that can be used in many different situationsAlso known as soft skillsExamples:WritingWorking well with othersTime managementMaking decisionsJob-Specific Skills: the skills necessary to do a specific job

8. Evaluate The JobRequired education or trainingDo you need a college degree? Will there be on-the-job training?Compensation What is the wage/salary? Is there potential for raises?Employer benefitsFringe Benefit: Something you receive at little or no cost (paid vacation, sick leave, child care, health insurance, etc.)

9. Evaluate The JobNature of the workWhat is your job description? What will you be doing?Working conditionsThe work environment. Inside or outside? Independently or with others?Location (commute)? Work schedule? Travel requirements?Job outlookAre there jobs available? Are there future opportunities in this occupation?

10. Why Not Try Out A Career?Work with a mentorJob shadowInternship

11. Completing A Job ApplicationRead all the way through before completingWrite clearly and spell correctlyComplete all questions or label “NA” (not applicable) if the question doesn’t pertain to youGive factual and positive answers to questions about education, work history, and past experienceKeep an updated list of previous employers, addresses, and phone numbers

12. Beyond The ApplicationCreate a portfolioPrepare a cover letter & resume