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Job search can be self-directed or structured.

In either case it includes the following types of activities:

· Preparing and submitting resumes.

· Attending interviews with employers.

· Participating in job clubs.

· Completing job applications.

· Researching employers.

· Preparing for self-employment when no income is yet being earned. See 10.12.3 (Self-Employment: Documenting/Tracking).

· Training in interviewing skills.

· Learning effective job search skills.

· Attending job fairs.

· Participating in other activities that support job search.

To set the stage for a successful job search:

· Tailor job search activities to the local economic conditions.

· Focus job search on currently available jobs that meet the participant’s employment goal and that match their skills and abilities.

· Expand the scope of the job search if that more narrowed approach does not lead to job offers.

· Do not routinely refer all participants to a single employer or a small set of employers.

Structured job search may be appropriate in some circumstances.

Structured job search is a continuum of organized, intensive, and supervised activities that help:

· Identify work skills.

· Develop soft skills.

· Build confidence.

· Coach the participant.

· Offer peer support.

Each employment services agency will design its own structured job search.

Some common components include:

· Requirements to participate in on-site activities.

· Modeling of workplace expectations, such as dress, timeliness, etc.

· Skill building workshops.

· Job club.

· Frequent evaluation of progress with constructive feedback for the participant.

The employment plan should include information about whether job search is on-site or self-directed.

For information about how job readiness activities such as mental health or chemical health or other social services activities can be counted under job search, see 14.3 (Role Social Services in Plans).