Job Search Resources
Find job leads
You can post your resume for free and find job openings at the state’s Minnesota Works website.
Unemployment
Trade association resources
MN High Tech Association
Youth job resources
The Minnesota Youth Program provides short-term employment and training services to low-income and at-risk youth ages 14–24 who lack the academic and applied skills considered critical in the workplace.
Preparing youth for the workplace
According to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, research has shown that the number one predictor of future success in the workforce is early exposure to work experience. Work readiness training is focused on employer-driven behaviors such as attendance, punctuality, teamwork, communication skills and problem-solving and is delivered in an interactive manner.
Work experience for teens is important
Research says:
- Contextual/hands-on learning improves student's grades, attendance and graduation rates.
- Young people who have an opportunity to gain work experience as teens are more likely to stay in school, avoid involvement in crime, gang behavior and drugs, and unwanted pregnancies.
- Teen employment contributes to significantly higher wages as young adults enter their 20s.
- Teens in low-income families have the least access to jobs — especially jobs that combine part-time work and school.
For more information, go to Minnesota Youth Program webpage.
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act provides out-of-school youth between the ages of 16–24 and in-school youth between the ages of 14– 21 with year-round employment and training services through the WIOA Young Adult Program.
CareerForce: A resource for all job seekers (including youth) in Minnesota. Jump-start your first career, learn how to write a resume, interview, search for jobs, and more.
Career and Education Explorer: Allows students and others interested in a certain field to review related job descriptions, job titles, wages, hiring demand, and top industries.
My Next Move: An online tool for students and job seekers who may not be sure about what type of job they are interested in.
ONET Online: Allows you to search occupations by key word, phrase or title.
CareerOneStop; Offers a Career Skills Profiler to help you learn about careers that might be a good fit for you.
CareerOneStop Skills Matcher: Rates your skill level based on 40 key workplace talents.
Other resources
Dakota County Employment & Economic Assistance: Help to apply for cash assistance programs, such as the Minnesota Family Investment Program and Diversionary Work Program, that will help you in your job search.
Prepare for the Fair Presentation
Job Websites for Specialized Careers