The Job Search

Competing effectively in today’s job market requires self-knowledge, persistence, creativity and a lot of hard work.


Setting the Stage
When performing a job search, your primary goal should be obtaining an interview. In outlining your effective goal, you should be aware of the steps necessary to achieve this:
1. Create an inventory of your skills, strengths and weaknesses
2. Identify the employers who would hire people with your skills
3. Obtain valid contact information from your employer list
4. Create effective cover letter(s) and resume(s) and submit to prospective employers
5. Get the interview(s)

Network, network, network
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again, networking is one of the most powerful tools to use during your job search. Family, friends, past employers, instructors and staff from school, church members, social events, job fairs – these people and events present great networking opportunities. Don’t forget – when you ask for help from others, be prepared to return the favor. Make sure you write a “thank you” note to anyone who lends a helping hand.

The Power of the Internet
Utilizing the power of the internet should be a primary part of your job search efforts. Set aside some time, everyday, to get on the internet and research job opportunities in your field. Below is a list of just some of the job search web sites available:
Team PA Careerlink
Monster.com
Careerbuilder.com
IT Jobs
FlipDog.com
HotJobs.com
JobDirect.com
Jobs.com
Vault.com
Penn State Employment
Geisinger Health System
Federal Bureau of Investigation
PA Non-civil Service Jobs
PA Civil Service Jobs
America’s Job Bank
National Newspapers
Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County
Veterans Web Site
Vet Jobs

Internet Jobs Search for State
Federal and Government jobs
Federal Jobs
Post Office Employment
PA Joint Apprenticeships

Other helpful sites (non-job search related)
Starting Your Own Business
U.S. Dept. of Education (Student Loans and Grants)
Unemployment Claims
Dislocated workers/TRA/NAFTA
US Small Business Administration

Take a Traditional Approach
Don’t forget the value of “the written word”. Make sure you’re checking the “Help Wanted” ads in a daily or weekly newspaper, for the geographic area in which you would like to work.

Other great sources of information might include: employer directories, telephone books, professional journals, newsletters and trade magazines, and professional association membership directories.


“It’s just temporary….”
Finally, don’t rule out temporary agencies like Manpower/Manpower Professional, Preferred Temps, Spherion/Stratacon, etc. Most temporary agencies deal in temp-to-hire and direct hire positions in addition to the traditional temp openings. Also keep in mind that some companies might want to create a permanent position, but must first justify the need by initially bringing an employee on in a temporary status.