Looking for work can feel overwhelming the first time you set out, which is why this Beginner’s Guide To Who Will Help Me Find A Job exists: to clarify who to ask, where to look, and what each source can realistically offer. This primer walks through the people, services, and strategies that support jobseekers—whether you’re entering the workforce for the first time, changing careers, or returning after a break.
Who can help you: people and organizations to contact
Job search help comes from a mix of personal contacts, professional services, and public agencies. Each plays a different role:
- Friends, family, and former colleagues — for leads, introductions, and references.
- Career centers and university alumni offices — for resume help, networking events, and targeted job boards.
- Recruiters and staffing agencies — useful for temporary work, contract roles, and industry-specific placements.
- Public employment services — often free and connected to local employers and training programs.
- Professional associations — great for sector-specific job listings, credentialing, and mentorship.
Where to start: a practical first-week plan
Begin with a narrow, manageable set of actions so you build momentum and clarity:
- Clarify your target roles and the sectors you want to pursue.
- Update a concise resume and LinkedIn profile focused on accomplishments and transferable skills.
- Contact three people in your network for informational chats; ask for one introduction each.
- Register with a public employment office or local career center for workshops and listings.
- Set a daily routine: apply to a small number of roles, follow up on previous applications, and spend time learning one new skill.
Public resources and government support
Public employment services and non-profit job centers can be especially helpful if you need training, certification, or one-on-one counseling. These programs often include résumé reviews, interview practice, and connections to local hiring employers. For an overview of international skills and employment strategies that inform many national programs, see the UNESCO resources on skills and employment.
UNESCO skills and employment resources
Specialists who can speed the process
Several paid or semi-paid professionals can make your search more efficient:
- Career coaches — help with strategy, confidence, and interview technique.
- Resume writers — useful when you lack the time or skill to craft effective application materials.
- Recruiters/headhunters — most effective for mid-to-senior roles or specialized fields.
Decide whether a paid service matches your needs and budget. Many career centers offer sliding-scale or free sessions that can substitute for a coach early in the process.
Networking effectively
Networking is often the single most powerful source of new opportunities. Make it targeted: identify five organizations or alumni groups related to your field, attend one event per month, and follow up with two new contacts after each event. When you reach out, be specific about what you want—an informational interview, a referral, or advice on breaking into a niche.
Combining online tools with human help
Online job boards and application portals are necessary but rarely sufficient. Use them to find openings, but layer in human help: ask a contact to refer you for a role, request feedback from a mentor on application materials, or get a recruiter to present you directly to hiring managers. That personal touch often converts an application into an interview.
When to seek specialized help
If you’re changing careers, returning after a long break, or aiming for senior leadership, the return on investment for a career coach or a professional resume rewrite rises. For immediate placement needs—temporary income or quick re-entry—staffing agencies and public job centers are usually the faster option.
Quick checklist: who to contact first
- One trusted friend or former coworker for an informational chat.
- Your nearest career center or university alumni office for services and events.
- One relevant professional association to join or follow for job leads.
- Register with at least one recruiter or staffing agency that serves your industry.
- Apply to three roles that match your skills each week and track your outreach.
Further reading
If you’re also thinking about switching roles or industries as part of your search, this guide offers helpful ideas on career pivots and target roles: Guide to the best jobs to switch careers.
FAQ
Q: Who is the best person to contact first when I have no experience?
A: Start with your network—friends, family, and acquaintances. Informational interviews with people in entry-level roles can reveal realistic expectations and hidden openings.
Q: Are paid career services worth it?
A: They can be, depending on your goals and timeline. For targeted, senior-level moves or a tight deadline, a coach or professional resume writer often accelerates results. If funds are limited, use free public resources first.
