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Duluth Workforce Development encourages residents to “jump start your job search” with CareerForce in January

[DULUTH, MN] City of Duluth Workforce Development and its partners at CareerForce are launching a “New Year, New Career” campaign and inviting area residents who are looking for work to “jump start your job search” this January. January is a good time to commit to career training and job search plans.

“Many employers put hiring on hold during the holidays, so January can be an effective time to apply for positions,” says Duluth Workforce Development Director Elena Foshay. “Additionally, many people make New Year's resolutions related to employment, and CareerForce can help them reach their career goals. There are great career opportunities available in the Duluth area, and plenty of employers seeking motivated workers for key positions.”

CareerForce services are available at no cost to anyone looking for work in Minnesota. CareerForce is the state’s official career exploration, job training, and employment search resource, with locations throughout the state. Duluth Workforce Development and its CareerForce partners offer a range of programs and services to area residents, including one-on-one appointments with a job counselor and drop-in support through their Career Lab.

Whether residents are interested in healthcare, manufacturing, construction, education, transportation, or other high-demand fields, Duluth Workforce Development offers a variety of supports to help residents train for a new career.  Duluth Workforce Development offers tuition assistance for degree and certificate programs at area colleges, as well as training classes for career-track jobs like Certified Nursing Assistant, Phlebotomy/Medical Lab Assistant, Human Services, and more.  Details and application materials can be found on the City of Duluth website: duluthmn.gov/workforce-development/adults.

Staff at CareerForce in Duluth are workforce professionals with experience helping people from all backgrounds train for a career and find new employment. CareerForce staff have deep knowledge of the local job market and they can help job seekers make connections with local employers who are hiring now.

Five easy tips to “jump start your job search” this January include:

1. Develop a plan before you start applying for jobs. What kind of employment do you want? CareerForce can help you with interest and skills assessments plus tips on industry and employer research. They can also help you leverage AI tools and social media in your job search. When you’re ready to start looking you can search thousands of Minnesota jobs, filtering by location, job title, company name, and keyword, at CareerForce.MN.gov/job-search.
2. Take a good hard look at your resume. It may need an update. And remember your resume should be customized for each position you apply for to highlight the skills and experience you have that match that job posting. View expert tips for developing a successful resume at CareerForce.MN.gov/resumes or sign up for a job search appointment at CareerForce.MN.gov/duluth.
3. Network, network, network. Most jobs are found through networking. Reach out to your network online and in-person to find out about positions that might be a good fit for you and to identify references who might be able to help you get your foot in the door. Follow Duluth Workforce Development on Facebook or Instagram to stay up to date on local job fairs and networking events.
4. Prepare for a successful job interview. No matter how many times you’ve interviewed for jobs, everyone can use more practice.  What are the questions you should expect? What are the toughest questions you might have to answer and how can you prepare for them? What questions should you ask your interviewers? CareerForce can help with interview prep. Register for an interview skills workshop at CareerForce.MN.gov/events.

5. Follow up and stay positive. Landing an interview is a big accomplishment and your opportunity to land the job. Make sure you leverage it. Say you’ll follow up – and do it. Send a thank you note or email. If you don’t get the job, ask what the employer was looking for that you didn’t have. This feedback can help you better prepare for future interviews. CareerForce staff can work with you to adjust your approach as needed to find employment.

Find out more about CareerForce in Duluth by visiting Monday through Friday between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, or by calling (218) 302-8400.  The first job fair of 2026 takes place at CareerForce on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

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