The Church has lots of resources to help anyone who needs a job or needs to upgrade their current employment.

Here is a list of some of the major resources. Your bishop or branch president can help you identify others.

• LDS Employment Resource Services website (LDSjobs.org). See listings of job opportunities, community resources, training resources, and effective job search tips.
• Ward/Branch Employment Specialists. They can provide one-on-one help and mentoring.
• LDS Employment Resource Service Centers. These centers have staff and missionaries who can help you tap into a tremendous network of people and resources, such as job postings, one-on-one coaching, help with resumes and interviewing, Internet access, and use of copiers, fax machines, and telephones. Attend The Career Workshop.
• Employment Opportunities with the Church. See this listing of  job openings as a Church employee. Use your talents and skills to help build the kingdom of God by working for the Church. There are also many unpaid opportunities for full-time and part-time Church Service Missionaries.
• Deseret Industries Skills Training. Many locations have training programs to help you get the job skills you need. They partner with community colleges, applied technology centers, and other institutions to offer training programs in many states.
• Quorum and Relief Society leaders can access online tools to help them in their calling.
• Special New Era Magazine on Employment & Education. Youth should read this special magazine issue that focuses on seeking knowledge and becoming self-sufficient. Read it online or order a copy.

Questions to think through before you meet with your ward employment specialist or an LDS Employment Resource Service Center:

• What is your current employment situation?
• What have you done in the past to support your family?
• What do you want to do and what are you willing to do to achieve this?
• What income do you need to provide for your family?
• What is your plan for achieving it?
• What are you doing now to find opportunities?
• Have you considered self-employment?

Things to do:

• Make a list of talents, skills, relationships, possessions, money, or other assets that could help you find a job or generate income.
• Build relationships with people in the occupation or field of interest.
• Talk to people in that field every day to explore opportunities.
• Develop 15 job leads, communicate with 10 contacts, and meet face-to-face with 2 contacts every day.
• Consider working as a volunteer to gain experience and connections in the desired field.
• Make sure all the members of your quorum and your ward know what you are looking for. Many of the best job opportunities are discovered by word of mouth and are filled long before a formal job notice is published.
• Use every available career service organization and resource available through government and private agencies, educational institution career service centers, NGOs (nongovernmental organizations), apprenticeships, internships, or on-the-job training programs.

See last week’s articles “LDS Church Employment Resources” and “LDS Employment Resource Centers.”