Jobs and Job Training in Arizona: ARIZONA@WORK and Unemployment

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.

JOB

ARIZONA@WORKJob centers statewide.

Unemploymentazui.com.

211

Dial 211Local help.

SNAP

Food while you lookApply on HEAplus.

Bunkly tip: Bunkly says hi and explains how this guide works (0:25). Tap play for sound. Captions included.

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

Your first steps, in order

Find your nearest ARIZONA@WORK office.
Bring your ID and a list of past jobs, with dates if you can.
Ask about job leads, training and hiring events.
If you lost your job, file for unemployment at azui.com.
Apply for Nutrition Assistance on HEAplus, so food is covered while you look.

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

Valley Metro light rail in the Phoenix area

SAY IT LIKE THIS

What to say at a job center

"Hi. I'm looking for work in (kind of job)."

"I have experience in (what you've done)."

"Are there any training programs or hiring events coming up?"

"Can someone help me with my resume?"

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.

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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.

What to put on a resume

Your name, phone and email.
Your last few jobs, with dates and what you did.
Skills, like driving, cooking, computers or languages.
Any training, school or certificates.
Volunteer work counts too.

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?"

EXAMPLE

Say you're starting over in Prescott

You could visit the ARIZONA@WORK office in Prescott to ask about job leads and training. You could apply for Nutrition Assistance on HEAplus while you look. If your power bill is due, you could call your Community Action Agency.

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.

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Every no gets you closer

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

Questions people ask a lot

Do I need an appointment?

It depends on the office. Call ahead or check the website.

Do I need a computer?

No. Job centers and libraries have computers you can use.

Can I work while I get unemployment?

Questions about that? Check the official page at azui.com and ask DES.

What if I don't have work clothes?

Ask your job center or 211 about clothing closets.

What if I don't have a phone?

Ask the job center if you can use their phone and get messages there.

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.

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If you get put on hold or cut off

"Hi, I was just talking with someone about (what you need), and we got cut off."

"Can you help me pick up where we left off?"

"Is there a direct number I can use if this happens again?"

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.

Keep your papers safe

Keep your ID, Social Security card and benefit letters in one folder or zip bag.
Take photos of each paper and save them where you can get to them, like your email.
Keep a short list of your case numbers and who you talked to.
Never share your EBT card PIN with anyone.

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.

ARIZONA@WORK

What it offers Arizona's job center network. Job search help, career coaching, resume help, training and hiring events, at offices across the state.

How to reach Find your local office at https://arizonaatwork.com/ or dial 211.

Source https://arizonaatwork.com/

Last checked October 22, 2026

DES Unemployment Insurance

What it offers Weekly payments for people who lost work through no fault of their own and qualify. File and request payments online.

How to reach File at https://azui.com/ Questions: call the UI Benefits Call Center at 877.600.2722.

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

Last checked October 22, 2026

Health-e-Arizona Plus (HEAplus)

What it offers Arizona's online application for Nutrition Assistance (Arizona's name for SNAP), Cash Assistance and Medical Assistance (AHCCCS). You can apply for all three at once.

How to reach Apply at https://www.healthearizonaplus.gov/ For help, call DES at 855.432.7587.

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

Last checked October 22, 2026

211 Arizona

What it offers Private, no cost help line and online search for local help with housing, food, utilities, health care, transportation and more. Specialists answer from 9 am to 7 pm, every day, in English and Spanish, with interpreters for other languages.

How to reach Dial 211, or call 877.211.8661 from anywhere. For Relay, dial 711 or 800.367.8939. Search at https://211arizona.org/

Source https://211arizona.org/

Last checked October 22, 2026

Wildfire (Arizona's community action network)

What it offers Wildfire represents the Community Action Agencies across Arizona. It runs Arizona Self Help, an online screener that shows which of about 40 programs your family might get help from.

How to reach Call 602.604.0640, or visit https://wildfireaz.org/ Office: 340 E. Palm Lane, Suite 315, Phoenix.

Source https://wildfireaz.org/

Last checked October 22, 2026

Other local groups may also help.

Maricopa County (Phoenix)

Here are some places to start.

ARIZONA@WORK West Valley

What it offers Job search help, career coaching and training for job seekers in the West Valley.

How to reach Call 602.372.4200. Office: 4425 W. Olive Ave., Suite 190, Glendale.

Source https://arizonaatwork.com/locations

Last checked October 22, 2026

ARIZONA@WORK East Valley

What it offers Job search help, career coaching and training for job seekers in the East Valley.

How to reach Call 602.372.9700. Office: 1001 W. Southern Ave., Suite 101, Mesa.

Source https://arizonaatwork.com/locations

Last checked October 22, 2026

ARIZONA@WORK City of Phoenix job centers

What it offers Job search help, career coaching and training for Phoenix residents.

How to reach Phoenix South Job Center, 4635 S. Central Ave., 602.495.6905. Phoenix West Job Center, 3406 N. 51st Ave., 602.495.6906.

Source https://arizonaatwork.com/locations

Last checked October 22, 2026

Other local groups may also help.

Pima County (Tucson)

Here are some places to start.

ARIZONA@WORK Pima County

What it offers Job help in Tucson: the One-Stop at Rio Nuevo, 1010 W. Miracle Mile, 520.724.7650. The Youth Employment Center, 175 W. Irvington Rd., 520.724.9640. The Kino Veterans' Workforce Center, 2801 E. Ajo Way, 520.724.2646.

How to reach Call the office closest to you, or visit https://arizonaatwork.com/

Source https://arizonaatwork.com/locations

Last checked October 22, 2026

Pima County Community Assistance Division

What it offers Pima County's Community Action Agency. Help with rent, mortgage and utility bills for people who qualify, when funds allow, plus links to utility discount programs.

How to reach Call 520.724.2667, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm (closed noon to 1 pm). Main line: 520.724.2460. Office: 801 W. Congress St., Tucson.

Source https://www.pima.gov/community-assistance-division

Last checked October 22, 2026

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.