Where Can You Look for a Job?

South Dakota Department of Labor local offices can help job seekers by providing a wide range of services:

• identification of career interests
• assistance with resume writing
• assistance with completing
• job applications job interview preparation
• connection with a Disability Program Navigator to access needed services

For more information about these free services, visit www.sdjobs.org or call 605-773-3101.

Career Learning Centers work closely with the Department of Labor to provide education and training services that meet the needs of local employers and job seekers. The curriculum is individualized and self-paced. An employability plan is prepared to address the individual’s education and job training needs. For more information, visit the Department of Labor’s website at www.sdjobs.org.

The Internet offers many sites where people can look for jobs. These sites let jobseekers post their resumes online and apply directly via email. Some sites will send emails with new job listings that match the person’s interests and qualifications.

Newspapers have employment sections every day, and most have a larger section on Sundays. Some also have job listings online.

The local library is another place where employment information is available. Libraries have access to newspapers and computers.

Ways to Prepare for Employment

Networking is an important part of any job search. Jobs are often filled by word-of-mouth before they are advertised. Talking to friends, family, teachers, classmates, neighbors, and other people you know are ways to network. Ask them to keep you in mind if they hear of job openings. Networking can help to:

• get information about businesses and job openings
• find unlisted jobs
• get noticed
• complete a successful interview

Job shadowing (watching people you know do their work) can help to learn more about jobs that interest you. When job shadowing, dress appropriately for the job.

Volunteering is another way to find out about a specific job or business, even if it’s as little as once a week. Involvement within the community can widen one’s contacts and improve job skills. When volunteering, remember to be professional and honor the time you promised. Contact any organization or agency that interests you to find out about their volunteer opportunities.

Preparing for a job interview is important. The more you know about a business and its industry, the better. Learn as much as you can about the job and prepare questions to ask during the interview.

Companies and individuals interviewing you cannot ask if you have a disability or ask about the nature of your disability. They can only ask if you can perform the essential duties of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. You can get more interviewing tips at janweb.icdi.wvu.edu or www.worksupport.com.

Resources

South Dakota Division of Rehabilitation Services 800-265-9684 www.state.sd.us/dhs/drs	South Dakota Division of Services to the Blind & Visually Impaired 800-265-9684 www.state.sd.us/dhs/sbvi
DisabilityInfo.gov www.DisabilityInfo.gov	State Opportunities Listing www.agency.governmentjobs.com
Federal Opportunities Listing www.usajobs.opm.gov	Career Builder www.careerbuilder.com
Disabledperson.com www.disabledperson.com/recruitability.asp	Disability Jobsite www.disabilityjobsite.com
Job Access www.jobaccess.org	JobFind www.JobFind.com

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A publication of the Freedom To Work Project, affiliated with the Black Hills Special Services Cooperative and South Dakota Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities. Freedom To Work is a program of the State of South Dakota through the Department of Human Services, Division of Rehabilitation Services. Funding is provided through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Grant # P-91485/8