Finding and getting a job can be a challenging process. Knowing more about job search methods and application techniques can help. To begin looking for jobs in your area, search by job title at CareerOneStop. Or, post your resume and register your job search with your state job bank.
Resources to Help You Find and Get a Job
CareerOneStop from the U.S. Department of Labor offers information that can help you:
Other resources:
Jobs for Laid-off Workers
- If you have recently lost your job, visit CareerOneStop's Worker ReEmployment section. It has information on job searching, benefits, and training options after a layoff.
Jobs for Teens and Young Adults
There’s a special section on support for young people who:
Struggle with addiction
Have a criminal record
Have children
Need help with housing
Face other challenges
- Learn about Job Corps, a free educational and vocational training program. It helps people ages 16 - 24 with a low income learn a trade, earn a high school diploma or GED, and get help finding a job.
Jobs for Older Workers
The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) offers job training for older Americans. The program provides training for unemployed seniors with a low income.
If you're an older worker looking for a job, CareerOneStop offers tips that may help.
Job Information and Resources for Women
Find information about and for women in the workforce at the Department of Labor Women’s Bureau. The Resources page has information about :
- Equal pay
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Hiring women in construction
Avoid Job Scams
While some companies want to help you find a job, others are more interested in taking your money. Learn how to recognize scams and file a complaint:
Self-Employment and Working from Home
You are self-employed if you operate a trade, business, or profession either by yourself or with a partner.
Find out the basics of self-employment to help you succeed in the small business world:
Work From Home
Are you thinking about basing your business out of your home? The Small Business Administration's 10 Steps to Start Your Business includes the licenses and permits you need to run a home-based business.
Home Office Deduction
If you use a portion of your home for business, you may be able to take a home office tax deduction.
Work-at-Home Scams
Learn what to watch out for to avoid work-at-home scams. In one common scam, you may be tricked into paying to start your own internet business. These scammers will keep asking you to send money for more services related to this fake business opportunity. To file a complaint about a scam, contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Federal Government Telework Guidelines
If you’re a federal employee looking for information on teleworking, visit www.telework.gov.
Note: The federal government never charges a fee for information about or applications for government jobs. You can search and apply for federal government jobs for free at USAJOBS.
Jobs and Training for Veterans
The government offers many programs to help vets find and keep civilian jobs.
Job and Training Resources for Military and Veterans
These programs and websites can help you explore careers, find training, and find jobs.
CareerOneStop's Veteran and Military Transition Center can help you:
Assess your job skills and see how they apply to civilian jobs
Learn about education and training options like certifications, apprenticeships, and licensing
Build your job-search skills
Find government benefits including unemployment compensation for ex-service members
VA.gov's Careers and Employment section connects you to information and resources to:
Find work as a vet with a service-connected disability
Get educational and career counseling
Start or grow your own business
Find Department of Labor resources for vets and military spouses
Veterans' Employment and Training Service from the Department of Labor connects to information on:
The Veteran Readiness and Employment Program (VR&E) (formerly the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program) helps active duty and vets. It's for those whose service-connected disability impacts their ability to work. It can help you find new work, return to your old job, or start a business. It provides help with:
Job accommodations
Job-seeking skills coaching
Career counseling
Starting your own business
Independent living services for vets with severe disabilities
Find Federal Jobs for Veterans
These government websites can help vets find federal jobs.
If you plan to go to college or a vocational school, learn about your educational benefits.
Job Help for People with Disabilities
If you have a disability and you're looking for work, these resources can help.
Develop Your Work and Job-Seeking Skills
Find a Job
Job Help for Young Workers
- Check out Job Corps. It's a free residential education and job training program for young adults. It accommodates participants age 18-24 with disabilities.
Job Help for Veterans
Learn About Your Rights
Getting a Job in the U.S. as a Foreign Worker
Based on your skills, circumstances, and the job that you plan to do, you may be able to come to the U.S. as either a:
- Temporary or permanent foreign worker, or a
- Temporary visitor for business
Under certain circumstances, you may also be able to work in the U.S. if you’re a foreign student or an exchange visitor.
Get a Work Visa
As a foreign worker, you will need a visa to get a job in the U.S. Each type of visa has unique requirements, conditions, and time limits.
Visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' (USCIS) Working in the U.S. web page for an overview of each worker category and type of visa.
Use the Department of State’s visa wizard to find:
- The visa you need
- The application process
- Fees
- Estimated wait time for a visa interview
Your Rights and Protections as a Temporary Foreign Worker
- As a temporary foreign worker in the U.S., you will not be denied a visa or be punished by the U.S. government because you have exercised your rights under U.S. laws. Learn your rights and protections.
- If you violate the terms of your work visa, it could be revoked. You could be deported, arrested, or denied re-entry into the U.S.
- If you think you or someone you know is being brought to the U.S. for human trafficking, get help now.
Immigration Questions
If you’re in the U.S. and have questions about visas and immigration, visit the USCIS Contact Center. If you’re in another country, contact your nearest international immigration office.
Do you have a question?
Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They'll get you the answer or let you know where to find it.
Last Updated: November 10, 2022
