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Some friends of mine are currently searching for new jobs in town, so I wanted to pass along a few tips to those of you out there whom are also searching. Here are my 11 tips:

1. Go apply at local employment agencies. Even if you don’t like working as a temp, you never know, they may find something permanent for you. Or if you are willing to give temp-ing a try, it could just turn into something permanent.
   
2. Check the Classifieds. Search the 1,500+ local job postings on Bakersfield.com or pick up a copy of The Bakersfield Californian.
   
   
3. Sign up for job posting e-mail alerts. Bakersfield.com offers alerts so you don’t have to check the site daily.
   
4. Make your resume more impressive. Get assistance with your resume at the JobSource Resource Center or Career Services Center. Show your resume to everyone you know and get their honest advice.
   
5. Upload your resume online.  You can create an online job application and cover letter or upload your resume to Bakersfield.com and most national job websites. This allows employers to review your resume while searching for candidates online. It also makes it faster to apply online.
   
   
6. Gain new skills or brush up on old ones. Check out the Job training and education programs offered by Career Services Center. Check out instructional books from the library.
   
   
7. Search CalJobs. It's the EDD's site offering job postings for the state and Kern County.
   
   
8. Check Bakersfield’s large employer’s job postings. This would include employers such as: Edwards Air Force Base, Kern County Public Schools, County of Kern, Grimmway Farms, Giumarra Farms, Catholic Healthcare West, Bolthouse Farms and Dreyer’s Ice Cream.
   
   
9. .Check the posting on national job sites. Sites such as Monster, Career Builder, HotJobs, or smaller local sites like Snagajob from KGET17 or Kero23 can also be great resources.
10. Think outside the box a bit. Sites like CraigsList or Bakotopia also have interesting job postings from time to time.
11. Pick up the phone and send out a few emails to everyone you know in Bakersfield. Word of mouth is the best way to get leads for available jobs and to get an inside advantage.

I wish you the best of luck in your job search. If you have any other helpful tips, please leave a comment!