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, and relevant skills and awards.  
2. Watch our Work Experience Video.
3. Review resume samples.
4. Look at Free Career Specific Resume Samples on Indeed (account not required).
5. Look at Free Resume Templates on Indeed (account not required).
6. Ask for a Free Resume Review at CAPL (formatting, spelling, and grammar only).
7. Look at Free Workshops through McHenry County Workforce Network on resumes.
8. Ask a family member, friend, or librarian to proofread your resume to avoid typos and spelling mistakes. 

• 1.  Ask family members and friends if they’ve heard of any job opportunities or visit businesses and inquire directly. 
  2. Use AtoZ Business to find local companies and job openings. 
  3. Visit company websites. Look for a tab or link that says Employment, Job Openings, or Jobs.
  4. View a Job Openings Webpage Example.
  5. Visit some job search websites: 
     CareerOneStop
     IL JobLink
     McHenry County Workforce Network
     Cary-Grove Area Chamber of Commerce
     AtoZ Databases Tutorial 

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!

1. Review interview questionsto prepare.
2. 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? 
3. Affordable Career Clothing is available at Willow Creek Care Center if you need it.
4. Arrive for the interview 5 minutes early. 
5. Have any questions prepared.
6. Research the company. 
7. Follow-up with a thank you note. 
8. Practice, practice, practice!  
9. Schedule a Mock Interview at McHenry County Workforce Network (look for available days/times on the event calendar).
10. Watch our Common Interview Mistakes Video.
11. Watch our Interview Do’s and Don'ts Video.
12. Review interview tips on Udemy. 

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.
2. What is an I-9?
3. What is a W-2?
4. Do I need a work permit? 
5. 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. 
6. 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.