How to Find a Job in Missouri

Conducting a statewide job search can seem like a challenging task, especially in a state like Missouri, which hosts a wide variety of industries ranging from agriculture and manufacturing to technology, retail and tourism. While your training, experience and interests play a large role in determining the opportunities available to you across the state, several Missouri-based resources will enhance your job search.

• 1

  Check state and local government resources. The Missouri Department of Economic Development operates a network of career centers across the state to help you find a job. Career centers provide local job boards, training and advice on conducting a job search and landing job in Missouri. County governments --- like Saint Louis County --- offer workforce development and job hunting resources through their human services agencies. Visit county government offices for job listings, opportunities to meet with career counselors and links to recruiters and career sites.

• 2

  Use resources developed by professional associations. If you hold a membership in a professional association or a volunteer organization, use networking resources or job boards that they offer as part of your membership. Missouri state chapters of professional organizations --- like the Missouri Occupational Therapy Association --- publish job listings for their industry and often provide networking opportunities for job seekers. If you do not belong to a professional association, identify associations that represent your industry and locate their Missouri chapters to boost your job search.

• 3

  Use nonprofit, state-based job search resources. Information portals like WorkSmart Missouri and Job-Hunt.org offer links to local Missouri job listings, information about job fairs and directories of local employers. Some Missouri-based job sites also provide resources and tools to find employment ads for individual communities across the state. Sponsored by nonprofit workforce development organizations and community groups, these sites offer more of a grassroots approach to a Missouri job search. Job listings, links to employer job boards and advertisements cover a scattered variety of communities and industries across the state.

• 4

  Look in Missouri newspapers. Check major metropolitan newspapers as well as smaller community newspapers for employment ads, career fair notices and news about employers adding jobs or expanding in Missouri communities. Newspapers like the Columbia Daily Tribune or The People's Tribune offer job information in both print and electronic formats, allowing you some flexibility in your search for information or job leads. Note that electronic editions of large and small newspapers allow you to search for jobs in particular industries, specific communities or by keyword.