When applying for a driving hardship after 3 DUI's, what is the best way to do it? Should I find a job before or after?

Normally the DMV only issues hardship licenses on a first offense, and hardly ever on a third time DUI. You should contact the DMV office, or bureau of driver improvement in your location that handles hardship licenses and ask about eligibility. My guess is that you are not eligible with a third offense. If you have extenuating circumstances you can discuss those with the DMV and see if there is any program or course of action that will get you a permit. Good luck.