Job Search Plan Large

Job Search Plan

January 22, 2024

​How do you stress the importance of preparation and organization during a job search?

It may be hard for some customers to realize their job search is basically a job in itself. The ultimate goal is to get a job that matches their skills and interests and gives them enough income for a comfortable lifestyle. As a partner, you know this does not just "happen."

To maximize the results of their job search, it takes:

  • Critical thinking skills
  • Research skills
  • Communication skills (written and verbal)
  • Organization skills

That is a lot to explain and understand! Fortunately, Illinois workNet has the tools to help your customers work through the process and ensure the best results. Customers may have varying skillsets, employment histories, and career interests. However, the basic process is the same.

Here are the steps they will need to take:

  1. Be able to communicate (written and verbal) your technical, transferable, and workplace skills through your experiences.
  2. Locate job openings and research the positions.
  3. Customize the way you communicate your skills based on the job requirements.
  4. Organize your job search by tracking your applications, follow-up activities, and interviews.
  5. Evaluate your progress and modify your approach as needed.

Getting Prepared

Your customers can start developing a job search plan with the Employment 101 Guide. Employment 101 is a self-guided online approach that includes:

  • Recommended steps
  • Job search preparation tools
  • Articles
  • Videos
  • A career plan that can be updated as the process evolves.

Customers can access this guide and saved results through their My Dashboard.

Recommended Tools and Approach for Your Customer

  1. Organize your information. This information can be entered into the Resume Builder Tool (login required) for easy access when developing your resume. The personal information worksheet is another option that is available.
  2. Take a look at the Job Skills Guide and Digital Literacy Guide. As you go through these guides, determine whether you have those skills or if you need to work on them. Use your past experiences, training, or earned credentials as proof that you have those skills.  You can use the Skills Assessment in the Resume Builder Tool (login required) to document your skills. Using this tool can help you store the information in one place. Then, it is easy to access when you are ready to create or update your resume that is customized for a specific job opening.
  3. Learn about the different types of resumes using the Prepare a Resume page and Marketing Your Skills articles. Determine the best style of resume for your situation.
  4. Customize your resume and portfolio for each job using the Resume Builder Tool.
  5. Be able to communicate your technical, transferable, and workplace skills though your experiences. You will need to be able to do this through your resume, while networking with others, and during an interview.
  6. Before you get to the interview process, learn more about preparing for an interview using the Employment and Hiring Planning articles. 
  7. Be prepared to get the interviewer's name and contact information. This way, you can follow up with a thoughtful "thank you" email or letter right after the interview.

Finding Job Openings

Recommended Tools and Approach for Your Customer

  1. Locate job openings using the Illinois workNet JobFinder, Illinois JobLink, and Virtual Job Fair tools.  
  2. Research positions and companies. Learn about the qualifications for the job, the products or services offered by the company, and its competition. 
  3. Think about the skills and experience that you have that can benefit the company.
  4. Customize your resume and cover letter based on job requirements and your research.
  5. Apply for the job.
  6. Organize your job search by tracking your applications, follow-up activities, and interviews. You can use the Employment 101 Guide Job Search Plan or Job Search Record Worksheet.
  7. Evaluate your progress and modify your approach as needed. Learn more by reading the Employment and Hiring Planning articles.

Illinois workNet Materials

Illinois workNet provides several materials that can help your customers:

  • Tools and resources that every customer can use for the basic process.
  • Articles that dive into the details and provide more guidance based on a customer's specific situation. Articles will continue to be added over time.
    • NOTE: If you have a suggestion for an article, or you would like to contribute your original work, send the information to info@illinoisworknet.com.
  • Videos for those who prefer or learn better by watching them.
  • Related Resources for online resources and tools (in addition to Illinois workNet tools) that have been reviewed.

Related Resources