Finding a Good Job
The best jobs are often the ones you get through the people
you know
— your personal network.
Maybe you’ve already done this. If you’re looking
for a job, tell everybody you know you’re looking for
one. If you can, let people know specifically what you are
looking for. Remember how you went about setting SMART goals?
Try writing out a SMART announcement. Rehearse it, then tell
everyone you run into about the type of job you want.
| Sample Job Announcement |
| I am looking for a job as a
baker. I’d like to start in within four weeks—the
sooner the better. I worked for 15 years as a baker for my uncle
until he closed his business a couple of years ago. I miss the
work and want to get back into it. I’d like to stay in
the city, but if I have to travel out of it, I will. I make excellent
bread. I’ve had a knack for it all of my life. I also make
pies, cakes, and turnovers that will curl your toes. If you know
of anyone who is looking for an experienced baker, let me know! |
| Using your relationships and network of contacts
to find work is the best job search tool you have. |
Then hand the person your business card. Don’t have business
cards? When you work with a friend or mentor to create your
resume, ask for help in creating your own business cards. It is not
expensive to do. Office supply stores sell business card stock. And
business card templates come free with most word processing programs.
| Places
to Look for a Job |
| Job openings
are listed in a lot of different places. Your job search
could include looking in the following places: |
| • |
Newspaper ads (don’t
forget to look on the newspaper’s Web site) |
| • |
Job search Web sites:
|
| • |
Help-wanted signs on businesses |
| • |
State-run employment offices |
| • |
Bulletin boards at places
of worship, nonprofit offices, schools, and coffee shops |
|
 |
What to Look For
What employers offer their employees varies widely. Some offer benefits.
Others offer nothing beyond a paycheck. Some employers want you to
work a
set amount
of
hours each
week. Others want to vary your hours week by week.
Work Hours
When it comes to regular or flexible weekly hours, think about the
lifestyle you want. If scheduled time makes your life easier, focus
on regular work hours.
If flexible time allows you to earn more money off hours, focus on flexible work
hours.
Benefits
Health Insurance
Everybody wants this benefit. Health insurance is necessary and expensive.
If you’ve lived without it, you’ve felt the bite. You might want
to focus on jobs that offer health insurance. Something to keep in mind: If you’re
using Medicaid now, you might not qualify for it after you get a job—even
if the job does not offer health insurance.
Individual Development Accounts (IDAs)
Some employers offer Individual Development Accounts (IDAs), which are savings
accounts that help people with low incomes save money. People usually use IDA
accounts to save money to:
| • |
Continue their education |
| • |
Purchase a home |
| • |
Start a business |
| • |
Save money for the future |
| Three Benefits of IDA Accounts |
| • |
Every dollar you put into your IDA account
(deposit) is matched. Some programs will give you $1 for every dollar you
deposit. Other programs give you $2 or $3 for every dollar you deposit. |
| • |
Your IDA program sponsor provides financial
education to help you manage your money. |
| • |
Participating in IDA programs does not
disqualify you from other government programs, such as Temporary Aid to
Needy Families (TANF). |
| To find out if you qualify
for an IDA account and how to open one, speak with your employer or call
the Corporation for Enterprise Development at 1-202-408-9788 or visit www.IDANetwork.org. |
 Eligibility
for IDA accounts is partially based on your credit. If you have too
much debt, you might not qualify for an IDA. |
|
|
Education
Qualifying for funds for education or training is a great job benefit. It is
a way to learn new skills to step up to another job or find a better paying
job in a growing industry.
|
|
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NEFE. All rights reserved.
