Jobs and Job Training

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

Hi friend. Looking for work can be tiring, especially when money is tight. You don't have to do it alone. Arizona has job centers in every corner of the state, with people whose job is to help you find work.

Start with ARIZONA@WORK for job leads and training. If you lost your job, you can also file for unemployment at azui.com.

A few things to know

• You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
• Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise a bed, money or a spot in any program.
• Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.

Where do I start looking for work?

ARIZONA@WORK is Arizona's job center network. Staff help with job searches, resumes, career coaching, training and hiring events, at offices across the state.

You can walk in, call, or start online.

Sources: https://arizonaatwork.com/locations

What if I just lost my job?

You may be able to get Unemployment Insurance. It gives weekly payments to people who lost work through no fault of their own and who qualify.

File and request your payments online at azui.com. Questions? Call the UI Benefits Call Center at 877.600.2722.

Questions about who qualifies? Check the official page below, and read the details there.

Sources: https://des.az.gov/contact-us

Can I get training for a better job?

Yes, maybe. ARIZONA@WORK can tell you about training programs that may help pay for classes in jobs that are in demand.

Community colleges and adult education programs also offer classes. Ask what you might qualify for.

BUNKLY TIP

Ask about support costs

Some programs help with things like bus passes, work clothes or tools. It never hurts to ask.

What if I have a record?

Many employers hire people with a record. Ask your job center about employers who give second chances, and about help getting ready to talk about your past.

Questions about clearing a record? Check AZLawHelp.org, linked below, and decide what's right for you.

How do I write a resume?

A resume is a short list of your work and skills. Keep it to one page if you can.

How do I get ready for an interview?

• Practice a few answers out loud, like "Tell me about yourself."
• Plan how you'll get there, and leave early.
• Bring a copy of your resume and your ID.
• Ask a question at the end, like "What does a good day look like here?"

How do I keep going when the search is slow?

Job searching can take time, and that's normal. Try to set a small goal each day, like two applications or one call to a job center.

Take care of yourself, too.

• Keep a list of every job you apply for, with the date and who you talked to.
• Follow up a week later with a short call or email.
• Ask a job center about temporary or part time work while you look.
• Ask your Community Action Agency about help with bills while you're between jobs.

BUNKLY TIP

Every no gets you closer

Each application is practice. Keep going, friend. The right place is out there.

Questions people ask a lot

How do I make the most of each call?

Calling for help can feel like a lot. A little planning makes each call easier, and you'll get further, faster.

• Call early in the day if you can. It leaves time to follow up the same day.
• Have a pen, paper and your papers close by before you call.
• Say what you need in one or two sentences first. Then answer their questions.
• Ask, "Is there anything else I should apply for?" One call can open more doors.
• Before you hang up, ask who you talked to and what happens next.
• Write it all down in your call log at the back of this guide.

BUNKLY TIP

Keep going, friend

If one place can't help, ask them who can. Each call gets you closer.

What if I'm told no, or put on a waitlist?

A no from one place isn't a no from everyone. Programs have different rules, funds and space, and things change from week to week.

• Ask why. Knowing the reason helps you know what to try next.
• Ask, "Who else could help with this?" Write down every name and number they share.
• If you're on a waitlist, ask how long it usually takes and how you'll hear from them. Ask how often you should check in.
• Keep your phone number and address up to date with every program, so you don't miss a call or letter.
• If a state agency turns you down, read the letter right away. It explains how to ask for a review. Call legal aid if you want help.
• Dial 211, or search 211arizona.org any time, to look for other options near you.

BUNKLY TIP

You're doing great

Asking for help, and asking again, takes strength. I'm cheering you on every step of the way.

Who can I call in my county?

Here is help that works across Arizona, then local help in Maricopa County (Phoenix) and Pima County (Tucson), then help for other counties. Call ahead for hours.

Arizona

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Maricopa County (Phoenix)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Pima County (Tucson)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Other counties (ARIZONA@WORK offices)

ARIZONA@WORK has job centers across the state. Here are offices outside Phoenix and Tucson. Find the one closest to you at https://arizonaatwork.com/ or dial 211.

Other local groups may also help.

My job plan

Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!

Key numbers to keep

BUNKLY TIP

You're doing the right thing

Asking for help is a strong thing to do, my friend. You don't need to have it all figured out before you call. Take it one step at a time, and call again tomorrow if you need to.

About this guide

Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 22, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

Affordable living. Simplified

Download the PDF

Last updated October 22, 2026