Getting Your First Job

1. Create a professional email address. 
2. Make sure you have an appropriate voicemail message on your phone. 
3. Clean up social media accounts or make them private.  
4. Watch our First Impressions video.

Determine what type of job you want by taking a career quiz.

Try: MCC Career Services Assessment and CareerOneStop Self-Assessment

1. No job experience? Don’t worry! Include your education, volunteer experience, extracurricular activities, relevant skills, and awards.  
2. Watch our Work Experience Video.
3. Look at Free Career-Specific Resume Samples on Indeed (account not required).
4. Look at Resume Samples and Templates to Get You Hired on Indeed (account not required).
5. Look for free workshops through McHenry County Workforce Network on resumes.
6. Schedule a Book an Expert free resume review at CAPL (formatting, spelling, and grammar only; must have CAPL card).
7. Ask a family member or friend to proofread your resume to avoid typos and spelling mistakes. 

1. 1. Ask around → Ask family members and friends if they’ve heard of any job opportunities or visit businesses and inquire directly. 
   2. Log in to AtoZ Databases on our Database page with your CAPL card to find local companies and job openings.
   3. Visit company websites → Look for a tab or link that says "Employment," "Job Openings," or "Jobs." (View a Job Openings webpage example.)
   4. Visit job search websites: 
      CareerOneStop
      IL JobLink
      McHenry County Workforce Network
      Cary-Grove Area Chamber of Commerce

1. Gather needed information like your driver’s license number, social security number, employment history, volunteer history, education, skills, references, and availability. You’re going to be filling this out…a lot! 
2. View a sample application.

1. Review interview questions.
2. Watch our Common Interview Mistakes video.
3. Watch our Interview Do’s and Don'ts video.
4. Review interview tips on Udemy.
5. Practice, practice, practice!
6. Have questions prepared; research the company.
7. Dress professionally and have good hygiene. If you’re not sure what to wear, consider what other employees are wearing. Khakis and polos? Suits and ties? Slacks and blazers? Jeans and blouses? Affordable career clothing is available at Willow Creek Care Center. 
8. Arrive 5 minutes early. 
9. Follow up with a thank you note.

Congratulations on getting your first job! 

1. Familiarize yourself with common forms you will be asked to complete for your employer’s human resources department:
   1. What is an I-9?
   2. What is a W-2?
   3. Do I need a work permit? 
2. On the job, be positive, punctual, attentive, dependable, professional, and consistent! This is the time to start building your reputation as a good employee for future opportunities. 
3. If you decide to leave your job, give your employer two weeks notice. It is the professional, responsible, and respectful way to leave a job and will end things on a good note. It will also reflect well when you need a reference for another job, internship, or college application.