According to the California Employment Development Department 4,743,000 people are employed in L.A. County. That's a whole lot of workers. But 258,000 people are unemployed. That gives us a current unemployment rate of 5.2%, a little bit above the national average of 4.6%.
That's a sizeable amount of people looking for work. It doesn't even include people who are currently employed, but are in the market for a better job. So whatever your status, you've got a good bit of competition out there. The good news is, this is Los Angeles. Imagine job hunting in Chicago - in the winter. There are jobs out there with your name on them. Good Hunting.
Network! Network! Network!
Only about 1 in 5 jobs is ever advertised at all. People hire by word of mouth. The web is a great tool for job hunting, but remember its limitations. Use it to zero in and research your chosen industry. Get involved, take classes, join clubs, meet people who share your passions.
Networking websites can be a valuable tool. You may not realize how many connections you have. Check them out and sign up. Both of these sites are free to use.
Los Angeles Job Listings
Head here to check out the current L.A. job listings.Salary Calculator
Need to know what salary range you can expect for your chosen job? Head here to match dollar signs to your job title.Job Training
Getting new job training can be a great way to learn new skills and network with fellow professionals. The California Employment Development Department website lists a huge number of organizations offering a wide variety of job training opportunities across Los Angeles. If you're interested in job training, the EDD website is the place to begin.
WorkSource CaliforniaWorkSource California has more than 40 career centers around Los Angeles that are dedicated to helping people find jobs and training. Head here to find the WorkSource office nearest you.
More Job Training Organizations- Asian American Job Training: 680 Wilshire Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90005, (213) 480-1282
- Career Center, California State University, Northridge: 18111 Nordhoff St #105, Northridge, CA 91330, (818) 677-2878
- Forty Plus of Southern California: 3350 Wilshire Blvd #480, Los Angeles, CA 90010, (213) 388-2301
- HBI Job Corps Training Center: 3695 E Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90023, (323) 263-6858
- Job Service
- 315 W 9th St # 200, Los Angeles, CA 90015, (213) 833-7900
- 10950 S Central Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90059, (323) 357-1945
- 1231 S Gerhart Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90022, (323) 887-3970
- 5401 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90043, (323) 290-5100
- Job Corps Female Admissions: 6820 La Tijera Blvd #209, Los Angeles, CA 90045, (310) 670-0711
- Jobs Training and Placement Center: 3772 W 54th St, Los Angeles, CA 90043, (323) 291-9004
- L.A. Works: 5200 Irwindale Ave #130, Irwindale, CA 91706, (626) 960-3964
- Los Angeles Urban League: 5414 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90043, (323) 292-8111
Job Fairs
Hundreds of employers all in one place, and they're coming for one reason - hiring. Job Fairs are a great resource to network, polish your interview skills, and meet potential employers. Head here to find Job Fairs nearest you.
More Job Listing Websites
- CalJobs
- Craigslist.com
- L.A. County Job Listings
- LosAngelesRecruiter.com
- SnagAJob.com: They list hourly jobs.
- SimplyHired.com
- WorkingWorld.com
Youth Jobs
If you're 18-24, check out HireLAYouth.com. They specialize in jobs for young adults.
Entertainment Industry Jobs
Hunting for jobs in the Entertainment Industry is a different beast than your normal job search. The majority of entertainment industry jobs are listed on unique websites, if they're listed at all. Networking is everything in Hollywood. It's all about who you know, and who they know.
Entertainment Industry Job Websites- Career Transitions for Dancers
- EntertainmentCareers.net
- FilmStaff.com
- Mandy.com
- Media-Match.com
- ShowbizJobs.com
- Variety.com
Unemployment Information
If you're between paychecks, it helps to be up to date on the ins and outs of unemployment insurance.
Find out how to collect unemployment.
Job Hunting Advice and Resources
- Balancing Work and Family
- Career Self Assessment
- Cover Letter Writing
- Evaluating a Job Offer
- Resume Writing
Relocating to Los Angeles?
If you're a new arrival in the city check out the Los Angeles Relocation Guide for everything you need to know.
Need an Apartment in L.A.?
Head over to the Los Angeles Apartment Hunter's Guide to find yourself a place to call home.
