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Know What an Employer Looks At When You Apply for a Job

When you apply for a job, your potential employer will look at the application you complete as well as the resume you submit.

They can also request a background report, which includes information about your credit history, criminal record and driving record. This can only be done with your permission, however, if you refuse, you might not be hired.

So before you apply to a job, you should get a copy of your credit report so you know what any potential employer might see. If there’s incorrect information, you can correct it. You can also be ready to explain any negative information to your potential employer. You can get a free credit report by visiting annualcreditreport.com.

Many employers will also look you up online. They can see any public information on social networking sites or other public information that comes up attached to your name. Make sure you search for yourself online so you see what potential employers might find. If you have inappropriate content posted on any of your social profiles, you might want to delete it or make it private.

Learn more about what potential employers look at when you apply for jobs.

To learn about other free resources to help you no matter what your financial situation, sign up for our e-mail list or visit our page.

Are You Looking for a Job? We Can Help

Are you looking for a job? These resources can help you find a position that’s a good fit.

  • Career OneStop - You can search for jobs and explore different career options. You can also get tips to help improve your resume and interview skills.
  • Find a government job - If you’re looking for a government job, USAJobs.gov is the place where you can find all job opportunities posted. You can also use the USAJobs iPhone app to search for and apply to jobs. Get advice on how to write a strong federal resume by watching this video.
  • Find local help - The Department of Labor has offices all over the country that offer employment assistance programs. Find an office near you.
  • Read Focused Jobseeking - This free publication offers guidelines for taking control of your job search.

Find more information and services to help you get a job.

If you’re currently unemployed, you may be eligible for unemployment insurance until you find a new job. Find out what benefits are available and if you qualify.

To learn about other free resources to help you no matter what your financial situation, sign up for our e-mail list or visit our page.

Get Help Finding a Summer Job

The Department of Labor has started a new initiative, called “Summer Jobs +” to help youth find summer jobs.

The current recession has not only affected full-time workers, but students and youth who depend on part-time and summer jobs to help support their family. According to the Department of Labor, “48.8 percent of youth between the ages of 16-24 were employed in July, the month when youth employment usually peaks. This is significantly lower than the 59.2 percent of youth who were employed five years ago and 63.3 percent of youth who were employed 10 years ago.”

If you’re looking for a summer job, you can sign up for email updates about Summer Jobs + opportunities and can also search for current job opportunities in your area.

Businesses can take the “Pathways Pledge,” which offers three options for helping connect low-income youth with employment. Businesses can help young people acquire life skills and work skills or participate through the “learn and earn” option, which lets employees earn money for learning on the job skills.

Learn more about Summer Jobs + and find opportunities near you.

Where the Jobs At?

Video description

We challenged you to create videos that answer common questions about government benefits and services. Here’s one of the winners of the contest. View all of the winning videos, submissions and contest rules at faq.challenge.gov.

Video transcript

Where the jobs at? Where the jobs at? (I know!)
Where the jobs at? Where the jobs at?
Where the jobs at? Where the jobs at?
They’re here at USA.GOV

Well the economy tanked and I need a job
Not living the dream and I’m feeling robbed
All this searching’s making my head throb.
out there it’s really getting tough

Well, I’d work in Anchorage doing deep ice fishing
Move to Tennessee to fix a transmission
If you got an offer then I am listening
cuz, I’ve just had enough

You see the politicians they just want to fight
So it’s up to us to make things right
But I got the answer to this plight
Are you listening?
Well, then I’ll tell ya!

Where the jobs at? Where the jobs at? (I know!)
Where the jobs at? Where the jobs at?
Where the jobs at? Where the jobs at?
They’re here at USA.GOV

Step 1: Go to usa.gov on the internet
Click government jobs then search and you’re almost set
Step 2: Type the name of your preferred occupation search your hometown or all across the nation
Step 3: Be amazed at all the opportunities. Now the hard part? limit it down to 1, 2 or 3.
Step 4: Get an interview
Step 5: Get the job!

When the chips are down and push comes to shove
You can find it all at USA.gov
When the chips are down and push comes to shove
You can find it all at USA.gov

Asked by Anonymous

How is the job market right now? are there any jobs out there?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate was 8.2% in March and 120,000 non-farm jobs were added to the economy.

From December 2011 through January 2012, employment had risen by an average of 246,000 jobs per month.

Learn more about the employment situation in March.