Job search
Finding work in a tough job market
Practical tips
- Apply to more than one kind of role. Many skills — such as customer service, logistics, bookkeeping, or languages — fit several job titles.
- Tailor your resume to each job, using words from the job posting that honestly match your experience.
- Consider temporary, part-time, or contract work as a bridge while you keep searching.
- Short training programs and certificates can open doors faster than a new degree.
- Tell people you know that you are looking. Many jobs are found through personal connections.
- Keep a simple list of where you applied and when to follow up.
Free help and next steps
Get free help at an American Job Center
American Job Centers are free local offices funded by the U.S. Department of Labor. They offer career advice, job listings, resume help, workshops, and information on training.
- Find the center nearest you on CareerOneStop.
- Ask about career counseling, job fairs, and help paying for training.
Look into paid-for training in in-demand jobs
Federal workforce programs, run through states and American Job Centers, may help some job seekers pay for training in jobs that local employers need.
- Read the Department of Labor's overview of training programs.
- Ask your American Job Center what training help is available where you live.
Get foreign degrees and experience recognized
Employers, schools, and licensing boards decide how to count education from another country. Many ask for a credential evaluation, done by private services for a fee.
- Read the U.S. Department of Education's page on foreign qualifications.
- Ask the employer, school, or licensing board which kind of evaluation they accept before paying for one.
- Describe overseas experience clearly on your resume: duties, dates, and level of responsibility.
The U.S. Department of Education does not evaluate degrees itself. Choose an evaluation service the employer or board accepts.Check whether your job needs a state license
Some jobs — such as nursing, teaching, electrical work, or cosmetology — require a state license, even if you were licensed in another country.
- Search your occupation and state in the CareerOneStop License Finder.
- Contact the state licensing board to learn what it needs from you.
Consider an apprenticeship at any age
Apprenticeships aren't only for young people. Adults can earn pay while training for a new skilled career.
- Search apprenticeships by field and location on Apprenticeship.gov.
Explore new career directions
Career explorers show jobs that match your interests and skills, the training they need, and typical pay where you live.
- Try the free My Next Move interest quiz.
- Compare careers on CareerOneStop.
Find free or low-cost English and adult classes
Stronger English, computer, or high school equivalency skills can widen job options. Many adult education programs are free or low-cost.
- Search for adult education programs near you on CareerOneStop.
If you lost your job, check unemployment benefits
Unemployment insurance is run by each state. It may provide temporary payments to some people who lose a job through no fault of their own.
- Find your state's unemployment office through CareerOneStop and apply only on the official state site.
Consider federal jobs too
As a U.S. citizen, many federal job announcements are open to you. Each one still has its own qualification requirements.
- Follow the Federal Job Application Lessons on this site.
- Search and apply only on USAJOBS or the agency's .gov site.
Avoid job scams
Fake employers may ask for fees, personal information, or ask you to deposit a check and send money back.
- Never pay to get a job or for a "guaranteed" placement.
- Research the employer on its own website before sharing personal information.