Question 1

Look For a Job

Accepted Answer

Finding and getting a job can be a challenging process. Knowing more about job search methods and application techniques can help. To begin looking for jobs in your area, search by job title at CareerOneStop. Or, post your resume and register your job search with your state job bank.

Resources to Help You Find and Get a Job

CareerOneStop from the U.S. Department of Labor offers information that can help you:

Other resources:

State Job Banks - Search your state to locate job openings in your area.
Occupational Outlook Handbook - Learn about hundreds of career fields. Find information on educational requirements, growth rates, median pay, and more.
State, Regional, and Local Resources - Locate Department of Labor programs and services near you.
Federal Government Employment - Learn how to use USAJOBS to get a job with the federal government.

Jobs for Laid-off Workers

If you have recently lost your job, visit CareerOneStop's Worker ReEmployment section. It has information on job searching, benefits, and training options after a layoff.

Jobs for Teens and Young Adults

Learn about occupations to help you plan your future (for grades K-12).
Find tips and information for teens about how to get a job.
Watch videos about federal jobs.
Get help entering the job market. If you’re age 16 to 24, GetMyFuture is for you. It has resources to help you:
- Finish high school
- Explore career options
- Find training
- Search and apply for jobs

There’s a special section on support for young people who:

Struggle with addiction
Have a criminal record
Have children
Need help with housing
Face other challenges

Learn about Job Corps, a free educational and vocational training program. It helps people ages 16 - 24 with a low income learn a trade, earn a high school diploma or GED, and get help finding a job.

Jobs for Older Workers

The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) offers job training for older Americans. The program provides training for unemployed seniors with a low income.

If you're an older worker looking for a job, CareerOneStop offers tips that may help.

Job Information and Resources for Women

Find information about and for women in the workforce at the Department of Labor Women’s Bureau. The Resources page has information about :

Equal pay
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Hiring women in construction

Avoid Job Scams

While some companies want to help you find a job, others are more interested in taking your money. Learn how to recognize scams and file a complaint:

Job scams and how to avoid them
Work at home schemes to avoid
If you were scammed, you can file a complaint online or call the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Question 2

Self-Employment and Working from Home

Accepted Answer

You are self-employed if you operate a trade, business, or profession either by yourself or with a partner.

Find out the basics of self-employment to help you succeed in the small business world:

Starting and Financing a Small Business - Explore opportunities and get tips to help you succeed.
Tax Information - Learn about filing requirements for the self-employed, reporting responsibilities, and more.
Health Insurance - Explore coverage options for the self-employed.
Social Security Information for the Self-Employed covers how to report your earnings when you file your taxes.

Work from Home

Are you thinking about basing your business out of your home? The Small Business Administration's 10 Steps to Start Your Business includes the licenses and permits you need to run a home-based business.

Home Office Deduction

If you use a portion of your home for business, you may be able to take a home office tax deduction.

Work-at-Home Scams

Learn what to watch out for to avoid work-at-home scams. In one common scam, you may be tricked into paying to start your own internet business. These scammers will keep asking you to send money for more services related to this fake business opportunity. To file a complaint about a scam, contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Federal Government Telework Guidelines

If you’re a federal employee looking for information on teleworking, visit www.telework.gov.

Note: The federal government never charges a fee for information about, or applications for, government jobs. You can search and apply for federal government jobs for free at USAJOBS.

Question 3

Jobs and Training for Veterans

Accepted Answer

The government offers many programs to help vets find and keep civilian jobs.

Job and Training Resources for Military and Veterans

These programs and websites can help you explore careers, find training, and find jobs.

CareerOneStop's Veteran and Military Transition Center can help you:

Assess your job skills and see how they apply to civilian jobs
Learn about education and training options like certifications, apprenticeships, and licensing
Build your job-search skills
Find government benefits including unemployment compensation for ex-service members

VA.gov's Careers and Employment section connects you to information and resources to:

Find work as a vet with a service-connected disability
Get educational and career counseling
Start or grow your own business
Find Department of Labor resources for vets and military spouses

Veterans.gov from the Department of Labor connects to information on:

Federal government hiring for vets

Careers with the departments of Agriculture, Energy, Transportation, and Homeland Security

Employment resources by state

Interstate occupational license recognition options for military spouses. Learn what it will take to get licensed in your new state when you transfer.

The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program (VR&E) helps active duty and vets. It's for those whose service-connected disability impacts their ability to work. It can help you find new work, return to your old job, or start a business. It provides help with:

Job accommodations
Job-seeking skills coaching
Career counseling
Starting your own business
Independent living services for vets with severe disabilities

Find Federal Jobs for Veterans

These government websites can help vets find federal jobs.

Feds Hire Vets explains:

The federal hiring process

How veterans preference works to give vets the advantage over other applicants

Special hiring authorities for veterans

Federal Apprenticeships for Veterans helps service members and veterans find high-skill, good-paying apprenticeships.
VA for Vets has virtual job boards for Department of Veterans Affairs, federal, and civilian openings.

Federal Government Employment walks you through the steps to apply for a job on USAJOBS. USAJOBS is the federal government's jobs portal.
Veterans' Preference Advisor offers guidance on veterans' preference in federal hiring.

If you plan to go to college or a vocational school, learn about your educational benefits.

Question 4

Job Help for People with Disabilities

Accepted Answer

If you have a disability and you're looking for work, these resources can help.

Develop Your Work and Job-Seeking Skills

Get in-person counseling, training, support, and services to help you find and keep a job. Contact:
- Your state vocational rehabilitation agency.
- The American Job Center in your area
The Workers with Disabilities section at CareerOneStop.org has resources to help you:
- Develop job skills
- Conduct a job search
- Prepare for interviews
Find job tips and resources from the Campaign for Disability Employment's What Can You Do? website. There's information for families, educators, and employers too.
Your local Independent Living Center can help you live on your own. They also offer job training and coaching.

Find a Job

Job Help for Young Workers

Job Help for Veterans

Learn About Your Rights

JAN, the Job Accommodation Network helps you:
- Get answers to your questions about workplace accommodations
- Learn about your rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Visit the Office of Disability Employment Policy website. It explains the laws that protect workers with disabilities from job discrimination.
Learn about your rights from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Topics include:
- Accommodation for your disability
- Protection against harassment and discrimination

Question 5

Getting a Job in the U.S. as a Foreign Worker

Accepted Answer

Based on your skills, circumstances, and the job that you plan to do, you may be able to come to the U.S. as either a:

Temporary or permanent foreign worker, or a
Temporary visitor for business

Under certain circumstances, you may also be able to work in the U.S. if you’re a foreign student or an exchange visitor.

Get a Work Visa

As a foreign worker, you will need a visa to get a job in the U.S. Each type of visa has unique requirements, conditions, and time limits.

Visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' (USCIS) Working in the U.S. web page for an overview of each worker category and type of visa.

Use the Department of State’s visa wizard to find:

The visa you need
The application process
Fees
Estimated wait time for a visa interview

Your Rights and Protections as a Temporary Foreign Worker

As a temporary foreign worker in the U.S., you will not be denied a visa or be punished by the U.S. government because you have exercised your rights under U.S. laws. Learn your rights and protections.