Finding Work

Excited to get out into the working world right after high school?! It can be very rewarding to be earning an income and to become financially independent, but can sometimes be difficult to find employment - so let us help! On this page you will find helpful tips and advice as well as links to websites that can help you find employment in Wyoming and abroad! Feel free to explore and don't hesitate to contact us for more help!

Finding a Job

Wyoming At Work - This is an excellent website to help find job opening available across the state. You can do a simple statewide keyword search, or you can make an account and filter by specific information like location, education, keyword, and more!

USA JOBS - This website helps you search all the government funded positions across the U.S.

Indeed.com - Wanting to look for job openings all over the country? Narrow your search by keyword, region, state, even city!

Résumé and Cover Letter Writing

The Résumé:

So here's the deal. You can find a MILLION websites, YouTube clips, podcasts, how-to's, and fliers all providing advice on how to write a résumé and they are ALL GOING TO HAVE DIFFERENT ADVICE! Seriously, a simple google search will help you come up with examples!

So here is what is boils down to:

      1. Communicate why you are a good fit for the job. Think about the unique skills you bring to the table and how they fit with the job description.

      2. Use key words! Did you notice the language of the job posting? Try to mimic it.

      3. Show, don't tell - use examples to prove a skill or quality, don't just say "excellent writing skills."

      4. Be professional - that means spelling and grammar should be perfect.

      5. Keep it to one page. Find a way.

      6. Make it aesthetically pleasing. It should look "nice." Don't use too much writing, but also don't leave too much blank space. Change margins, font, size, bold/italicize/underline, line spacing, bullet points, etc. as much as possible to make it fit the way you want!

      7. Boast, but be honest - you should never lie on a résumé, but don't be afraid to talk yourself up. This is your ONE chance to promote yourself, and you NEED to take it or you won't get the job.


This is a great quick video to walk you through the formatting of a résumé.

Taking a much more comical route, this is also a good video for students without much experience. The points she make at the end are excellent!

Cover Letters:

Cover letters can be equally frustrating, but there tends to be a more standard format (thank goodness!). The simple way to look at a cover letter is that this is your 30 second elevator pitch. You want to say who you are and why you are interested in the position, quickly showcase why you would be a good fit for the job, and express your gratitude in the reader taking the time to consider your application. You have about 2-3 small paragraphs TOPS.

      1. The date

      2. Your contact information

      3. The employer's contact information

      4. A professional greeting - INCLUDE THE NAME OF THE PERSON HIRING OR CONTACT IF YOU CAN; otherwise "Dear Hiring Committee" is acceptable - please avoid, "to whom is may concern" as that shows a lack of interest and effort.

      5. A couple very concise paragraphs outlining what was stated above (read the paragraph before this list...).

      6. A professional salutation - a.k.a. "Sincerely,"

      7. Two spaces between your salutation and typing your name. When you print it out, SIGN HERE!!

CLOutline.pdf

Examples! On the left is an example OUTLINE with notes, and on the right is a typed example.

CLExample.pdf

The Interview

You made it through the hard part (writing a résumé and cover letter), and now we just have to push through to the end to get the job you want! Interviewing can be really intimidating at first, but it is just a conversation between you and another person. Here are some tips on how to dress, prep, and handle the interview:

Dress Code 101: Main point - dress formal and appropriately. Even though it's an oil rig job or a position at McDonald's, that's no reason NOT to go the extra mile and show how professional and reliable you can be! Check out MSU's Career Advice for dressing for the interview!

PREPARE, PREPARE, PREPARE! - Your biggest source of success will come from properly preparring for your interview and not just "winging it." Take the time to:

The Interview - What should you do the day of? Click here to find out how to handle the interview outside of answering the questions. Check out Penn State's Tips.

Also:

      • Know where you need to go and when - show up about 5-10 minutes early.

      • Turn your cell phone OFF - yes OFF.

      • Be polite, and be prepared to wait - have your schedule cleared for the day.

      • Come prepared with your own questions to ask about the company - they are interviewing you, but you are also interviewing them to make sure it's a good fit.

      • Follow up - send an e-mail or hand written thank you card to show gratitude for the time they took to meet with you. Sometimes, this is the step that makes all the difference!

Apprenticeship and Vocational Training in the Community

Wyoming Contractors Association Regional Training Center - Looking for workforce training to get into a new career field? Consider

Central Wyoming College Workforce Training - Get Electrical Apprenticeship training or Health and Safety Training right across the road at Central Wyoming College!

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) - If you'd like to work in a union, the IBEW will provide electrical apprenticeship opportunities to earn your training for free. Visit their website to learn more!

Department of Workforce Services - DWS is here to help you find employment all over the state! They can help with the job search, finding training, funding for certain training programs, help with resume building, and so much more! Contact your local Workforce Center below:

Wyoming Workforce Center - Riverton

Wyoming Workforce Services is here to help you with all of your employment needs! They can help you structure a strong resume and cover letter, find jobs available in the area, work on interviewing techniques, and can sometimes even provide grants for training (and even grants to cover a new wardrobe if your new job requires it and you're short on funds). Luckily, we have a center right here in Riverton! Don't be shy, contact them today!

422 East Fremont Ave., Riverton, WY 82501

(307) 856-9231

(307) 856-3468 Fax

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

The Wyoming Workforce Services - Vocational Rehabilitation Division is committed to providing services to assist individuals with disabilities in leading a productive life. They can help with counseling, training, job searches, transportation, and grants to cover college. Visit their website to learn more and don't hesitate to set up a meeting and learn how they can help you make your dreams come true! Vocational Rehabilitation Website.