New York State Department of Labor

Stand up and stand out!  Your resume and cover letter shows an employer who you are and why they need you!  Learn to write a resume and cover letter that will land you an interview.

Your Winning Edge

Resume Dinosaur

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For many entry level jobs, employers use applications to screen potential employees; they use the information to determine who they are going to call for a job interview.  Do you want that call?  Find out how to fill out a job application.

Applying Online

Riley Guide - this website will give you tips on using an employment kiosk and even has a simulated on line kiosk application form! A kiosk looks similar to an ATM machine and they are being used more for screening job applicants. Kiosks are typically located in malls and at the front sections of retail stores. The booths allow job candidates to pull up a chair, answer a series of detailed questions, and apply for work in about an hour. No muss, no fuss, and no resumes are needed to apply.

Technology plays a large role in our everyday lives. The use of email, mobile phones, and text messaging make communications easier, more casual. If you want the edge over the competition during your job search than follow these tips below:

Email Addresses That Aren't Strictly Business

Email is much more than just a method of delivering messages between yourself and potential employers. Your email address can say a lot about who you are. After all, people use their email addresses as an expression of their personalities. They declare their affiliations with political or social groups. Express their love of nature or the environment. All of which is fine, for the most part . However, when it comes to an active job search, less is definitely more. As in, tell potential employers a lot less about your personal life and you'll get a lot more interest.

Your email address should not include:

• References to body parts.
• Religious or political affiliations.
• Obscenities.
• Slang.
• Street-name or nicknames.
• Anything that will generally creep out potential employers.

The email address used in your job search should :

• Be professional.
• Include your full name or something close to it.
• Be checked regularly.

Recruiters and potential employers see the use of inappropriate email addresses every single day.

• It brings the job candidate's judgment into question.
• Offends potential employers or recruiters.
• Subjects the candidate to potential bias - intentionally or not.

Hitting a Sour Note with Ring-backs

Cell phone technology allows users to show our individual style, personality and flair. From customized ring tones to ring-back tones. The ring-back tone is what you hear when you call someone. Traditionally, it is a simple ring. But, thanks to recent technology, cell phone users can select a ring-back that suits their personality. Most commonly the selected ring-back is a popular song, a quote from a movie or television personality, or a short comedic dialogue.

Potential employers and recruiters can be turned off, shocked, or offended by ring-backs featuring edgy, controversial music or comedy routines. Even ring-backs that you might consider safe - orchestral music, standard classics, or inspirational music - could be a turn off for some.

Don't take a chance on jeopardizing your chance of landing your dream job. Forego cutesy or edgy ring-backs and stick to the traditional ring, at least during an active job search. You can always go back to your favorite ring-back after you've secured your new dream job.

Have Voicemail

Imagine that you are a recruiter or potential employer. You are overloaded with resumes, in addition to your usual duties. A potential job candidate's resume catches your attention and you give a call, only to discover that they don't have voicemail. Will you call her again later? How many times will you call, hoping to catch the candidate before you move on to the next?

Don't risk missing out on your dream job because a potential employer can't reach you. Utilize voicemail during an active job search and be sure to check your messages regularly.

The mistake that job seekers typically make regarding voicemail is the use of a less than professional voicemail message. Think of your voicemail message as an audition tape for potential employers. Give them a sample of how you will sound on the phone with their customers. Keep your message simple and eliminate background noise or music and slang.

Today, many businesses make you have certain identification information about yourself before you can apply for a job.  Most employers require that you have a Social Security Card, or an employer may want you to have your New York State Driver's License. 

• If you have lost your social security card, you can replace it
• If you don't have a license, but need photo identification you can get a New York State Non-Drive Photo ID card
• Birth Certificate requests for New York residents (outside NYC)
• Birth Certificate requests for New York City residents

If you have a disability and need help with a job search, resume writing, or job applications, visit or call your Disability Employment Initiative (DEI) at your local One-Stop Career Center.

If you have gotten into some trouble in the past, make sure you know if you were a youthful offender and that you know the difference between being arrested and being convicted. There are many programs that can help you get a job, like the New York State Federal Bonding Program.

Protect yourself and your rights on the job. Whether you want to make sure you are receiving the right wages or concerned about a co-worker's health, it is important you know your rights so you can have a great work experience and relationship with your employer. Below are some links that will help you get familiar with your rights on the job.

• New York State Wages and Work Hour Laws
• New York State Licenses and Certifications

Businesses, job trainers and college are looking for people that represent their organizations in a positive way.  Since there are many things going on in your life, it is important to keep yourself health and balance your life in order to keep your best foot forward.  School, home, friends, work, and extracurricular activities are just some of your daily activities.  Below is information that provides tips on dealing with stress, staying healthy, and balancing your life now and in the future.

Stress Management - Are you feeling bogged down with homework, sports, applications?  This link provides you with relaxation techniques, recognizing stressful situations, how to teach your body to react in a calm manner, and keeping your mind clear in order to concentrate.

Food for Thought - Tired in the AM?  Can't make it through that next class? Find out how a balanced diet can help you stay alert and energized throughout your day to keep your mind and body focused.

Drug and Alcohol Substance Abuse Help - Are drugs and alcohol getting in the way of doing your job?  Does one of your friends or co-workers have a problem with drugs or alcohol? This link will connect you with someone who can get you the help you need today!

Begin building your career plan. Ask yourself who am I? Where am I going? And how to I get there? Check out our career information website, CareerZone , offering assessment tools, up to date occupational career explorations and a portfolio section for planning your future!

Having money is crucial to obtaining the things we need in life, and of course, having extra for the wants too. Personal budgets will not only allow you to know how much "extra" you have to purchase those iPods or video games, but will also allow you to save for emergencies such as car repairs or hospital expenses. Get started on your financial planning today!

• CareerZone - Find an occupation & create a budget.  You can also start a portfolio account and start a budget in your portfolio
• Student Check Writing 101 - Watch a quick video of someone writing a check
• How to Make & Save Money - Teaches you to write a check, file taxes & has a financial helper
• On the Money - Includes tools like a budget worksheet, how to open a bank account, credit card information & a savings calculator
• Top 5 Budgeting Tips - Help with budgeting your money

Did you know that almost all male U.S. citizens, and male aliens living in the United States who are 18-25 are required to register with Selective Service? It's important to know that even though you are registered, you will not automaticaclly be inducted into the military. Selective Service is the process by which the U.S. government collects names and addresses of men ages 18-25 to use in case a national emergency requires rapid expansion of the Armed Force.

Find out if you need to be part of the mandatory registration.

Show employers that you have the skills to successfully perform in entry level jobs and have the competitive advantage over other entry level workers.

Find out about the  National Work Readiness Credential and how you can be work ready to get a step ahead of your peers!