How Do I Find a Job?

Search Iowa’s largest jobs bank
 

IowaWORKS.gov is Iowa’s largest collection of open job postings, with readily available listings from employers across the state and featuring jobs that fit a wide range of careers. 

1. Start your search by visiting the IowaWORKS website and entering the criteria you are searching for.
    
2. You can search jobs by industry, occupation group, education level, or minimum acceptable salary.  You can also search for jobs with specific employers or requiring specific skills.
    
3. Basic searches can be done as a guest.  Additional features – such as creating an online resume and receiving one-on-one assistance to help with your job search – will require registering for an account at IowaWORKS.gov. 

IowaWORKS is Iowa’s network of American Job Centers, part of a one-stop shop created to provide universal access to an integrated system of employment services.

Job seekers can get help researching the job market, figuring out what careers they qualify for, learn about potential pay, and other topics. Employers can use the system to post job openings to a large pool of candidates, partner on hosting hiring events, search online resumes based on a wide variety of criteria, and use state data to assess where potential employees may be coming from.

Job seekers and employers can connect in two main ways:

1. Connecting with an IowaWORKS employment office. 
   • There are 15 full-service IowaWORKS offices and five additional locations with more limited services. Job seekers can obtain services to assist in their search, including: 
     • One-on-one career assistance, including virtual appointments
     • No-cost training and workshops covering several job seeker topics (offered virtually and in person)
     • Job fairs and hiring events
     • Coaching and resume assistance, and mock interviews
     • Assistance with the unemployment process
     • Referrals to other job training opportunities and partners, if needed
   • IowaWORKS is not just for the unemployed.  Any Iowan can get help with  career exploration. Find the location of the IowaWORKS office closest to you and get started.
      
2. Registering at IowaWORKS.gov.

• Register and create a free account at IowaWORKS.gov to have access to:
  • A personal file folder that contains information on saved searches, system settings, and other information.
  • Career assessment tools, including skills matching, that help match a person's qualifications and abilities to specific occupations.
  • A home page with customized news content.
  • Creation of resumes and cover letters.
  • Automated job searches that deliver job opportunities to your system message box, an e-mail address you provide, or both.
• Employers who register can:
  • Post job orders.
  • Search the system's database for candidate resumes.
  • Perform searches using an expanded range of advanced search options.
  • Create automated candidate searches that deliver resumes to your message box, e-mail address, or both.

All personal information is kept strictly confidential.

IowaWorks Veterans Portal

The IowaWORKS for Veterans Portal is your pathway to finding new opportunities in Iowa! If you're a Veteran, transitioning service member, or a military spouse, the portal is your gateway to Iowa's largest bank of online job listings. Training and workshop resources are available to improve job-hunting skills. Veteran-friendly employers also can use the portal to sort through our database of Veteran resumes.

Whether you're looking for a new "home base" or you already call Iowa home and simply want a new job opportunity, the Veterans Portal can help you find it.

Home Base Iowa

Home Base Iowa (HBI) is  a program for Veterans, transitioning service members, and their spouses looking to find meaningful employment in Iowa, as well as the support to call Iowa home.

HBI provides assistance with:

• Workforce Solutions and Growth – Trained Career Planners can help Veterans navigate their transition to civilian life.

• Quality Education and Student Success – Home Base Iowa Certified Higher Academic Military Partners (CHAMPS) are higher education institutions that provide on-campus resources, financial assistance, and other support considerations necessary to help Veterans further their education. 
• Community Support – Hundreds of Iowa communities have partnered with HBI to provide additional incentives in welcoming Veterans to their communities. 

For more information or to get started, visit:

• www.homebaseiowa.gov
• Or head to the veterans employment services page at this link.

IowaWORKS offices throughout the state provide additional resources for Veterans. These resources include dedicated Veteran Career Planners who can help eligible Veterans and spouses make connections with services necessary to remove barriers and find meaningful employment.

Locate the closest IowaWORKS office to your location to come and visit.  

Iowa Workforce Development’s Labor Market Information division maintains resources where employers and job seekers can research the current labor market. These tools include information on:

1. Current employment levels, salaries, and economic forecasts for various careers.
2. Which jobs in Iowa require a license or certificate issued at the state level.
3.  Staffing patterns, such as where companies are most likely to be effective in looking for workers.

Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS)

Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS) is an employment program now under IWD for individuals who experience a disability. IVRS focuses on service delivery that assists Iowans to prepare for, obtain, retain, and advance in employment. 

For those eligible, IVRS delivers employment services based on unique individualized employment plan. IVRS strives to help find employment for its job candidates that meets the needs and interests of their goals, as well as the needs of its business partners.