January is great time to recommit to your job search plans. Many employers put hiring on hold during the holidays, so this month can be a fruitful time for applying for positions.

CareerForce is the state's official career exploration and job search resource, with locations throughout the state to serve you. Staff at CareerForce locations are workforce professionals with experience helping people from all backgrounds and levels of work experience find new employment. CareerForce can help you develop the strategy and resources you need to launch a successful job search – and CareerForce services are available at NO COST to anyone looking for work in Minnesota, year-round!

CareerForce can help you with these five tips to get you started on a successful job search:

1. Develop a plan before you start applying for jobs. What kind of employment do you want? CareerForce can help you with interest and skills assessments plus tips on industry and employer research. When you're ready to start looking you can search thousands of Minnesota jobs, filtering by location, job title, company name and keyword, on CareerForceMN.
2. Take a good hard look at your resume. It probably needs an update. Your resume should be customized for each position you apply for to highlight the skills and experience you have that match that particular job posting. You may also want to make some special tweaks to get your resume past screening software. CareerForce offers in-person and online workshops and personalized appointments to help you revamp and target your resume.
3. Network. Most jobs are found through networking. Reach out to your network online and in-person to find out about positions that might be a good fit for you and to identify references who might be able to help you get your foot in the door. Consider joining a job club or participating in a networking or hiring event.
4. Prepare for a successful job interview. What are the questions you should expect? What are the toughest questions you might have to answer? Can you turn a gap in employment into a positive thing? What questions should you ask your interviewers? You guessed it – CareerForce can help with interview prep too!
5. Follow up and stay positive. Landing an interview is a big accomplishment and your opportunity to land the job. Make sure you leverage it! Say you'll follow up – and do it. And above all be courteous and grateful. For starters, send a thank you note or email to your interviewers. If you don't get the job, turn it into a learning experience. Ask what the employer was looking for that you didn't have. This feedback can help you better prepare for future interviews. CareerForce staff can help you analyze where you might have weaknesses and suggest ways to make yourself more marketable. It's easy to get frustrated but it's important to stay positive – and that's easier to do with CareerForce in your corner.

Staff at CareerForce can also help determine if you are eligible for education and training services to help you prepare for new in-demand employment. You may be eligible for tuition assistance and even free training and other valuable support services to help you find work at a family-sustaining wage.

Let CareerForce help you jump start your job search this January. CareerForce has helped tens of thousands of Minnesotans find employment throughout the state. With more than 50 locations across Minnesota – plus special hours in many public libraries – CareerForce staff have deep knowledge of your local job market and can help you make connections with local employers.

What are you waiting for? Contact a CareerForce location near you today!