January is a great time to recommit to your job search plans.

Being the onset of a new year, January can be a fruitful time to apply for positions as many employers put hiring on hold during the holidays.

For those looking for work, CareerForce is the state’s official career exploration and job search resource with locations throughout the state of Minnesota.

Two CareerForce sites are located in Bemidji: one in the Beltrami County Community Service Center at 616 America Ave. NW Suite 220 and in the Westridge Shopping Center at 2300 24th St. NW Suite 106.

Staff at CareerForce locations are workforce professionals with experience helping people from all backgrounds and levels of work experience find new employment. Staff members have deep local knowledge of job markets across the state and can help job seekers make connections with local employers who are currently hiring.

CareerForce offers five tips for prospective employees who are ready to jump-start their job search:

1. Develop a Plan. Before you start applying for jobs, know what kind of employment you want.  CareerForce can help you with interest and skills assessments plus tips on industry and employer research. When you’re ready to start looking, you can search thousands of Minnesota jobs – filtering by location, job title, company name and keyword on

   CareerForceMN.com/job-search.

2. Update Your Resume. Take a hard look at your resume. It probably needs an update.  Customize it for each position to highlight the skills and experience that match the job posting. If you’re over 40, you may need to tweak your resume to get past screening software and overcome ageism. CareerForce offers in-person and online workshops as well as personalized appointments to help you revamp and target your resume.
3. Network. Most jobs are found through networking. Reach out to your network online and in person to learn about positions that might be a good fit and identify references who can help you get your foot in the door. Consider joining a job club or participating in a networking or hiring event. 
4. Prepare for Interviews. Prepare for a successful job interview by knowing the questions you can expect and the toughest ones you might have to answer. Learn how to turn your employment gaps into a positive discussion and understand what questions to ask your interviewers. CareerForce can help with interview prep, too.
5. Follow Up and Stay Positive. Landing an interview is a big accomplishment and your opportunity to land the job. Follow up as promised, and be courteous and grateful. Send a thank-you note or email to your interviewers. If you don’t get the job, turn it into a learning experience by asking what the employer was looking for that you didn’t have. This feedback can help you better prepare for future interviews. CareerForce staff can help you analyze any weaknesses and suggest ways to make yourself more marketable.

Alongside these tips, all CareerForce services are available year-round and at no cost to anyone looking for work in Minnesota.

Beltrami County Workforce Impact and Rural MN CEP partner with CareerForce to serve customers throughout Beltrami, Clearwater, Cass, Hubbard and Lake of the Woods Counties.

For more information about CareerForce in Bemidji, call

(218) 441-2236

or

(218) 444-0732.

Amy Mistic is a business account representative at Beltrami County Workforce Impact.