District of Idaho

Seeking Employment:

Times have changed with job-searching, and there are numerous websites now available that post jobs for private industry.  Many companies offer a way to apply online.  However, these sites do not replace traditional and proven job-hunting approaches such as networking, personal contacts, business organizations, and interviewing.  While some companies honestly want to help your, others are more interested in taking your money.  Be wary of:

• Promises to get you a job and a guaranteed income.
• Up-front fees, even when you are guaranteed a refund if you are dissatisfied.
• Employment agencies whose ads read like job ads.
• Promotions of "previously undisclosed" government jobs.  All federal jobs are announced to the public on the USAJOBS website.

Mind your Facebook, MySpace and other social media web sites

If you are in the market for a new job, remember that potential employers are not just reading your resume; they are also reviewing your social media profiles, blogs, pictures, and videos.  Even if you clean up your profiles, companies can still have access to older content that you posted publicly.  To err on the side of caution:

• Refrain from making defamatory comments about current or former employers.
• Avoid making statements that are discriminatory or demonstrate intolerance.
• Avoid using profanity or offensive slang terms, even if in a joking manner.
• Do not post pictures of yourself that may be offensive, show too much skin, or show you using alcohol or drugs.

70% of all new hires come from the hidden job market. Employers use their first source for candidates such as friends, past and present favorite employees and  other work connections.  You have more connections in your hidden job market than you may think:

• Current and former neighbors
• People who work at stores you buy things from
• People you text message or are friends with on Facebook
• Landlords
• Mail Carriers
• Family members and friends
• Church members
• Gym partners
• Sport teams
• Facebook friends

Add to your network by volunteering at your local food bank, church, or other charitable organization.

The Idaho Department of Labor offers programs and assistance to those seeking jobs throughout Idaho.  Offices are located statewide and provide the following services:

• Job search assistance - search tips and creating resumes.
• Job market information.
• Job search workshops and networking opportunities.
• Computers and online access for employment-related needs.
• Carreer guidance and assessments.
• Career training.
• Applying for unemployment insurance benefits.
• Specialized services for vetrans, youth, adults, seniors, and persons with criminal records.
• Connections to many other community and government resources.

The Idaho Department of Labor has offices throughout the state.  Their Calendar of Events provides a listing of all programs that are offered.  Events are offered statewide and in an office close to you.

Job search engines are specilized Internet job sites that collect and list open jobs.  These sites include job posts from both job boards and directly from employers.   Internet job boards are now the primary method that employers use to post their jobs.  In searching for employment, you should search the Idaho Department of Labor's database, a specific employer's web site, and these commonly used job search sites:

• www.ziprecruiter.com
• www.monster.com
• www.carreerbuilder.com
• www.indeed.com
• www.idahohelpwanted.com
• www.simplyhired.com
• www.craigslist.org