Job openings are listed in many different places. Here are a few places to look:

• newspapers, including smaller community newspapers
• Internet job sites such as www.monster.com, www.hotjobs.com, and www.careerbuilder.com
• state-run employment offices
• federal job program offices
• bulletin boards at churches, community centers, and school

If you’re looking for work, regularly check as many resources as possible, but also let friends and family know you’re looking. You never know when someone will hear of a job opening—and you may be the perfect fit.

Or perhaps you’re attracted to a company and you’d like to work for it. If you know anyone who works there, ask him or her to investigate the best person for you to contact. Also, ask them if you can use them as a reference. Then, call the key contact, express your interest in the company, and say that your friend recommended that you contact him or her. Although an opening may not exist at that time, there’s a good chance you’ve placed yourself on the priority list for future job openings.

In general, try to stay away from the "work at home" offers you may see advertised, usually listing a toll-free 1-800 number that you call for information. Oftentimes, you're required to spend money up-front to purchase the product you sell or send in money for other reasons. In the end, the only people making money from these schemes are the ones placing the ads.