Pre Employment Check List
- consider what type of employment you want
Before you begin a job search, consider what jobs you might be most interested in as well as what types of jobs you are best suited for. Taking an online skills assessment is a great place to start. We also recommend completing pages 323-325 of the NYC Connections 2020 Guide.
2. prepare your resume
Visit our resume page for tips on how to prepare a strong, eye-catching resume.
3. Find available jobs
There are many, many places where you can look for job openings. A good place to start is our Employment Database. You can also use websites such as the ones detailed below.
There are many other resources for job seekers in New York City if you look at pages 289-302 of the NYC Connections 2020 Guide.
Provides publications for information on rap sheets, one’s rights when applying for jobs, and a list of helpful agencies by state.
A free online employment matching system that aligns formerly incarcerated people—as well as people in prison on track to be released—with employers who already hire people who have been incarcerated.
An authoritative resource for career information with descriptions for specific occupations including what workers do on the job, working conditions, the training and education needed, expected earnings, and expected job prospects.
Search for job openings in private companies as well as publicly funded organizations. Can also search by job code and military occupational code. Information is provided on apprenticeship training and much more.
Provides job descriptions, with the skills and education needed, typical wages, job outlook, and occupation assessment. Click on Guest Tools to find help in writing resumes and cover letters, a guide to employment opportunities, and job resources on the internet.
Provides information about working for the City of New York. Find schedules for civil-service exams for professional, clerical, skilled-trade, health, transportation, and public-safety positions.
Search for job listings and volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector, by location.
Collects job postings from dozens of other job-search websites and puts them all in one spot for searching. It can also be used to post one’s resume.
Networking site where users can post a professional resume and connect with colleagues, coworkers, friends, and business contacts. Without an account, one can browse job postings and read workplace articles from industry leaders.
4. Prepare your cover letter
Visit our cover letter page for tips on how to write a cover letter that will help your application stand out.
6. prepare for an interview
Visit our interview skills page for tips on how to prepare for all aspects of an interview, including what to wear, what to bring, what questions to be prepared for, and more.
7. Follow up
After your interview, it is best practice to send a thank you email or card to the interviewers within 1-2 days. If you haven't heard from anyone after a few weeks, it is also okay to send a follow up email to inquire as to whether the position has been filled. For ideas on the best way to draft this type of communication, take a look at this article from ZipRecruiter.
8. accept or decline a position
You got offered a job - congratulations! Before you accept, be sure to consider whether this job is the right next step for you. Some things to consider include:
Pay. While any pay can sometimes be appealing, consider if what you are being offered will realistically cover your living expenses. Be sure to account for taxes that may be taken out of each paycheck.
Commute. The time and costs of a commute are important factors to consider before accepting a job.
Benefits. Will you receive paid sick or vacation leave? What about insurance? Tuition assistance? There are many benefits that companies offer, and it is appropriate to ask about them during a final interview or after a position has been offered.
Working conditions. Will you be and feel safe in this position?
Work place culture. It may seem secondary to a paycheck, but the culture of where you work is important. Consider whether you believe you will have coworkers and supervisors that will treat you with respect based on what you know of the company from your research and the interview process.
Be sure to consider all of these factors quickly, as most employers will want a response 24-48 hours after a job has been offered.