Choose target jobs
Start with one role you can describe in a sentence and one nearby role that uses similar skills. Compare several current listings to identify the responsibilities that appear repeatedly. Save examples of how you met similar expectations in past work, study, or volunteer roles.
Find current openings
Use employer career pages, a local American Job Center, and public listings such as USAJOBS when federal roles fit. For a promising listing, check the employer’s site for the closing date and application instructions.
Measure the work you can control
Keep a record of applications, employer conversations, interviews, and follow-up dates. After two weeks, look at which types of roles generated useful conversations. Adjust your search using those results and check that each application includes evidence relevant to the job.
Open the job search dashboard guide or the career skills hub for your next step.