Job Seeking
Did you know it takes the average job seeker up to 6 months to find a position? The CREW Center has several resources that can help you prepare early for a successful job search. Reviewing job search preparation steps, identifying employment opportunities, and finding non-paid experiences that connect with your goals are all resources available to you. Are you a student seeking on-campus employment? Don’t worry; we can help you too!
Prepare for Your Job Search
Follow these steps to ensure your job searching success:
- Narrow down your career focus because the most successful job search is targeted to a specific industry. Determine how your interests, abilities, values, and education relate to job opportunities. If you need assistance in clarifying your academic and career goals, complete the TypeFocus career assessment.
- Research the job market for your desired career field.
- Use KentuckianaWorks to locate local labor market data.
- Locate national job market data on ONET and the Occupational Outlook Handbook.
- Create or revise one or more focused resumes tailored to your career goals. Read through the descriptions of jobs that you are interested in pursuing and include skills the employer is seeking in your resume.
- Market yourself online to employers by creating an online career portfolio (see Promoting Yourself Online (pdf)) and a LinkedIn account.
- Network as much as you can. 80% of positions are never advertised, so who you know matters.
- Polish your interviewing skills. You want to be sure you are able to communicate your related experiences and qualifications to an employer in your career field. Review the Interviewing Resource Sheet (pdf) for assistance.
- Log on to KY Career Edge and select > Professional Development > Best Job Searching Strategies.
Handshake Update
- Please note: You will use your KCTCS email to create an
account, but it will change your user name to jefferson.kctcs.edu, be
sure to change the username manually back to kctcs.edu.
- There
has been some technical issues with logging into the Handshake platform,
please know we are working with Handshake to fix any issues. Please
contact our offices at jf-crew-career-center@kctcs.edu for any questions or concerns.
- There
has been some technical issues with logging into the Handshake platform,
please know we are working with Handshake to fix any issues. Please
contact our offices at jf-crew-career-center@kctcs.edu for any questions or concerns.
Find a Job
Regardless of your career field, you can utilize these resources to access numerous part and full-time opportunities.
- JCTC uses Handshake to help you find the latest jobs from employers hiring in our area. Create your free account with your KCTCS email address, fill out your profile, and apply to the right jobs for you - it is that easy! Learn how to activate your account, set your profile up, and search for opportunities using the Handshake Student Guide.
- Search for openings using online job search portals. Online job search portals are a great way to find local and national open positions. Search these popular job search websites to get started:
- If you don’t find a position you’re looking for on a popular job search website, identify companies you would like to work for and look openings there. Many companies will only advertise openings on their websites.
Find Non-Paid Experiences
Non-paid work experiences are valuable. Volunteer work and involvement in campus and community organizations is a great way to develop your skills, make networking contacts, and get related work experiences that you can put on your resume.
- Search for local volunteer opportunities related to your career goals:
- Gain experience by getting involved in career-specific campus organizations:
Schedule a Job Search Appointment
Schedule an hour-long appointment with a CREW Counselor to receive guidance, direction, and resources for your job search. Appointment availability is updated on a monthly basis. Schedule a job searching appointment.