If you’re interested in finding a job or internship, there are a few steps you can take to get organized and start your search with confidence. In this piece, we’ll break down how to build a job search plan that sets you up for success!

Determine the type of job you want

Before you start your search, think about the type of job you want and the kind of work you enjoy doing. If you’re a student or have responsibilities that take up a large portion of your time, perhaps a part-time job may work best for you. If you’re attending a trade/vocational school or need some hands-on experience to advance your career, maybe an internship or an apprenticeship is a good fit! Regardless of the type of opportunity you’re looking for, it’s important to take some time to consider what’s going to be the best fit for you, your schedule, and your obligations.

Prepare your resume

An applicant’s resume is their first impression on potential employers, so having one that’s organized, has active language, and highlights their skills and accomplishments is essential. In fact, a great resume can help an applicant stand out from the rest of the crowd! Some job seekers may be unsure of what they can include on their resume, especially if they have no previous work experience. However, we’re here to assure you that there’s lots of great things you can include on your resume that will show employers how unique you are!

Perhaps you speak a second language. Maybe you babysit kids in your neighborhood on the weekends. You may even be a member of a school club that volunteers together. These are all excellent things to include on your resume that show employers you’re responsible, proactive, and can work with others! Don’t sell yourself short–reflect on the things you're proud of and add them to your resume.

Start creating your resume today by using one of our free resume templates. Already have a resume and want some feedback on it? Send it to us for free review! We'll have it back to you within a week with actionable tips and guidance.

Secure your references

Professional references are people in your network (bosses, coworkers, coaches, supervisors, mentors, etc.) who can speak positively about your skills and qualifications to potential employers. When applying, some companies will require you to list references that they’ll reach out to so they can learn more about you and your experience. Be sure to give someone a head’s up if you listed them as a reference. Not only is this the professional thing to do, but it can give your references some extra time to prepare to talk to employers about how awesome you are! Read more about asking for job references. 

Draft a cover letter

While not every job you apply for will require you to submit a cover letter, doing so anyways can help you stand out from other candidates. An effective cover letter should explain your interest in the position you’re applying for and highlight the skills and experience that make you the best candidate. We recommend drafting a basic cover letter that highlights your experience and skills and tailoring it to each position you apply for.

Start your search

Ready to search? Here are some great places to start:

• LinkedIn
• Teens4Hire.org
• Indeed
• Glassdoor
• Your network
• Your school’s career center (if you’re in college)

Brush up on your interview skills

It's never too early to start preparing for job interviews! Across companies and industries, there will be some standard job interview questions you can expect to be asked. Brush up on your answers to those and be sure to prepare a list of your own questions to ask employers during your interview to learn more about the company. 

Need some support as you prepare for a job interview? Use our free Interview Coach! Just click the image below to get started. 

Stay persistent

Applying for jobs takes persistence and follow-through, and it’s easy to feel discouraged if you don’t hear back from employers. However, we want to remind you not to give up! Every job application or interview builds persistence and a growth mindset—both of which are skills you will use throughout your career. Keep going, stay open to feedback, and trust that the right opportunity is out there for you!

Need some more tips to prepare for your job search? Text #Jobs to 33-55-77 to chat with one of our advisors. If you're using a mobile device, click here to have the text message set up for you!