Career information
10 Tips for Finding a Job
1. Use your network!
Talk to family members and friends; maybe they know of someone who is hiring. In addition to using the CIS System to research jobs, there is also a job posting board in the Counseling Center where we post local jobs, be sure to check it out!
2. Think about where you already go!
Hang out at the mall a lot? Check the stores around there to see if they are hiring. Ask your dentist if he needs an office person. Ask Starbucks if they need another barista.
3. Keep an open mind!
Maybe you don’t want to flip burgers at McDonald’s, but it’ll look good on your resume when you say you learned leadership and customer service skills.
4. Write a stellar resume!
Use this template and notes, ask a teacher to look over it, but most importantly, keep it updated with your current classes/skills/ contact info. If you would like a more detailed breakdown of how to write a resume, read over this Resume Workbook.
5. Job search online!
Look at places that have local postings such as www.Oregonlive.com/jobs or www.indeed.com
6. Apply for more than one!
You may really want that one job, but apply for more than one to increase your chances at finding a job. Better to turn down job offers than get none.
7. Dress for success!
When you do receive an interview be sure to dress appropriately, nice slacks/skirt with pantyhose and a conservative top works best. Think: would my grandmother approve?
8. Know your schedule!
Be flexible with what hours you can work (and yes, you'll probably have to work weekends), but also be mindful of your schedule as well as your transportation situation. If you have class until 2 and need to take the bus to work don’t say you can be there at 2:15!
9. Know your personal information!
Memorize your social security number and know where it is kept so when employers ask for it you will be prepared (don't keep it in your wallet- protect your information). Also know your address, driver’s license number (if you have it), and reference’s contact information.
10. Volunteer!
Volunteering is a great way to gain skills in a field you are interested in, network for future letters of reference, and look for potential job opportunities. Volunteering your time to attend a job shadow is another excellent way or learning more about potential jobs and employers as well as making contacts.
1. Use your network!
Talk to family members and friends; maybe they know of someone who is hiring. In addition to using the CIS System to research jobs, there is also a job posting board in the Counseling Center where we post local jobs, be sure to check it out!
2. Think about where you already go!
Hang out at the mall a lot? Check the stores around there to see if they are hiring. Ask your dentist if he needs an office person. Ask Starbucks if they need another barista.
3. Keep an open mind!
Maybe you don’t want to flip burgers at McDonald’s, but it’ll look good on your resume when you say you learned leadership and customer service skills.
4. Write a stellar resume!
Use this template and notes, ask a teacher to look over it, but most importantly, keep it updated with your current classes/skills/ contact info. If you would like a more detailed breakdown of how to write a resume, read over this Resume Workbook.
5. Job search online!
Look at places that have local postings such as www.Oregonlive.com/jobs or www.indeed.com
6. Apply for more than one!
You may really want that one job, but apply for more than one to increase your chances at finding a job. Better to turn down job offers than get none.
7. Dress for success!
When you do receive an interview be sure to dress appropriately, nice slacks/skirt with pantyhose and a conservative top works best. Think: would my grandmother approve?
8. Know your schedule!
Be flexible with what hours you can work (and yes, you'll probably have to work weekends), but also be mindful of your schedule as well as your transportation situation. If you have class until 2 and need to take the bus to work don’t say you can be there at 2:15!
9. Know your personal information!
Memorize your social security number and know where it is kept so when employers ask for it you will be prepared (don't keep it in your wallet- protect your information). Also know your address, driver’s license number (if you have it), and reference’s contact information.
10. Volunteer!
Volunteering is a great way to gain skills in a field you are interested in, network for future letters of reference, and look for potential job opportunities. Volunteering your time to attend a job shadow is another excellent way or learning more about potential jobs and employers as well as making contacts.
Career and Training Resources
Career Information System (CIS) (oregoncis.uroregon.edu)
Use the CIS site to complete a career sort which takes your likes, dislikes, and interests and filters careers that you might be interested in. This was part of your PEP activities, but can be taken again.
CIS Login: titans07
CIS password: muscles
Ready to Learn, Ready to Work Program (workandlearnnow.com)
A partnership with Salem-Keizer School District, Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, Keizer Chamber of Commerce, and E3 providing students access to job shadows, work experience, service learning/volunteerism, mentorship, informational/mock interviews, guest speakers, and site visits.
Job Corps (www.jobcorps.gov)
Government career training program designed for 16-24 year olds that need assistance in finishing their GED and/or gaining skills for a career. See if you qualify for this program here.
AmeriCorps (http://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps)
Part of the Corporation for National and Community Service, AmeriCorps is a great opportunity for you to work in a field and gain hands on skills for future jobs. Skills such as leadership, project management, volunteer generation, program stability, and more!
ASVAB Career Exploration Program (www.asvabprogram.com)
Typically used for military career placement, the ASVAB is a multi-aptitude test package that gives students data on how their knowledge and skills correlate with different occupations. You do not have to be interested in pursuing a military career in order to take the test.
State of Oregon Apprenticeship and Training Division (http://www.oregon.gov/boli/atd/Pages/index.aspx)
Learn about the range of apprenticeship and training opportunities around the state. If you are interested in apprenticeships, also be sure to check out Chemeketa's Apprenticeship Program or the Oregon Apprenticeship site.
Good Prospects (https://goodprospects.goodwill.org_/)
Part of Goodwill's online training program, Good Prospects is a free resource that allows for skills building, career exploration, community building, and even allows for individuals to request access to a mentor.
Career Information System (CIS) (oregoncis.uroregon.edu)
Use the CIS site to complete a career sort which takes your likes, dislikes, and interests and filters careers that you might be interested in. This was part of your PEP activities, but can be taken again.
CIS Login: titans07
CIS password: muscles
Ready to Learn, Ready to Work Program (workandlearnnow.com)
A partnership with Salem-Keizer School District, Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, Keizer Chamber of Commerce, and E3 providing students access to job shadows, work experience, service learning/volunteerism, mentorship, informational/mock interviews, guest speakers, and site visits.
Job Corps (www.jobcorps.gov)
Government career training program designed for 16-24 year olds that need assistance in finishing their GED and/or gaining skills for a career. See if you qualify for this program here.
AmeriCorps (http://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps)
Part of the Corporation for National and Community Service, AmeriCorps is a great opportunity for you to work in a field and gain hands on skills for future jobs. Skills such as leadership, project management, volunteer generation, program stability, and more!
ASVAB Career Exploration Program (www.asvabprogram.com)
Typically used for military career placement, the ASVAB is a multi-aptitude test package that gives students data on how their knowledge and skills correlate with different occupations. You do not have to be interested in pursuing a military career in order to take the test.
State of Oregon Apprenticeship and Training Division (http://www.oregon.gov/boli/atd/Pages/index.aspx)
Learn about the range of apprenticeship and training opportunities around the state. If you are interested in apprenticeships, also be sure to check out Chemeketa's Apprenticeship Program or the Oregon Apprenticeship site.
Good Prospects (https://goodprospects.goodwill.org_/)
Part of Goodwill's online training program, Good Prospects is a free resource that allows for skills building, career exploration, community building, and even allows for individuals to request access to a mentor.