Getting Started

Job Leads – Where to Look

There’s a job out there with your name on it! 
Here are some smart ways to track it down.

• The Internet (see list below)
• Newspapers (including online versions)
• Networking (including family & friends)
• Career/Job Fairs
• Job Boards (including at Supporting Lives)

IMPORTANT EMPLOYMENT RELATED WEBSITES:

• Agency for Workforce Innovation: http://www.floridajobs.org/index.html
• EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) [Discrimination Issues]: http://www.eeoc.gov/
• EZ/EC Zones: http://egis.hud.gov/egis/cpd/rcezec/welcome.htm
• Employ Florida (Workforce Development Board) [Job Search]: https://www.employflorida.com/
• Florida Commission on Human Relations [Discrimination Issues]: http://fchr.state.fl.us.
• Tax Credit Forms (WOTC Forms).
• IRS Form 8850 (used for pre-certification) and ETA-9061 (used to expedite certification): http://www.floridajobs.org/workforce/wotc.html
• US Department of Justice: http://www.usdoj.gov
• Unemployment Compensation Program: Https://www2.myflorida.com/flccid/

Your Skills – Soft & Hard

Soft Skills

• Reliable
• Punctual
• Willing to learn
• Enthusiastic
• Team player
• Flexible
• Eager to work
• Good communicator
• People person

Hard Skills

• Forklift certified
• HAZMAT certified
• Carpentry
• Electrical
• Warehouse, Shipping/Receiving
• Food service, ServSafe certified
• Microsoft Word/Excel
• Email
• Internet

Contacting Employers: In-person, phone & email

• In-Person. First impressions matter, even when picking up or dropping off an application. Prepare a script and practice. Dress appropriately. Try to get the name of a specific person to contact.
• Phone. Following up on a specific listing (one that doesn’t say “NO CALLS”) or cold calling employers can be effective ways to approach companies. Prepare and practice your script. Here is a sample script: “Hello, my name is ______. I am a [title] with over __ years experience. I would like to find out more about job opportunities with your company.”
• Email. A great way to contact employers. Learn to attach your resume. Here is a sample email message:

 You will learn more about using a computer for your job search, including email, in our Computer Skills section.