Ever find yourself standing in the middle of the grocery store aisle with hunger pangs swirling, wondering what on the shelves of boxes and cans is going to satisfy your hunger? Looking for employment can be a similar experience.

You need to work because the financial strains are swirling around you, but the options can be overwhelming, and if not chosen correctly, can leave you longing for something more. Sometimes extra ingredients are needed to get a job that not only meets your needs, but satisfies your passions and skills.

A few months ago, William Beine entered the PA CareerLink through the Employment, Retention and Advancement Network (EARN) program. He described his work history as a series of dead-end jobs. Arriving at the PA CareerLink, he was eager to take advantage of any door that was open to him and begin a path towards a career with potential for growth.

Through the guidance of his Career Counselor, he completed his G.E.D. with the IU 13. Having a high school diploma or G.E.D. has become a requirement for many jobs, so this step alone opened up additional possibilities for William. However, William didn't stop there. He completed the Ready2Work program through the PA CareerLink, which gave him a National Career Readiness Certificate. Completing Ready2Work opened the door for additional short-term trainings at the PA CareerLink.

"They show you the door, it's up to you to take it" William commented when talking about the training options that were available to him. During his time at the PA CareerLink he completed Blue Print Reading, OSHA Certification, Fork Lift and in December he will finish the welding course.

On September 12th, William attended the Ready2Work graduation which was followed by a 57 – employer Job Fair. During the Ready2Work graduation William and the other graduates were introduced to the employers with a brief explanation of the trainings they completed and what field they wanted to pursue employment. As William exited the stage, the owner of McGrath Systems approached him with an offer he could not refuse.

William is now an employee of McGrath Systems and will begin as a Lead Carpenter on October 22nd. The doors were presented to William and he made the most of the opportunities. He is on his way to forging a career that will sustain his family, and satisfy his longing for a job with opportunities.

Lancaster:  On Tuesday, September 25, 2012, the Lancaster County Association for Human Resource Management hosted a webinar with the staff from the PA CareerLink, entitled "Value-Added Human Resources Services from the PA CareerLink".  The 45-minute presentation provided human resource managers with a view of the regular program of the Center as well as new "value-added" services. Click here for a downloadable copy of the presentation.

Anna Ramos, Site Administrator, emphasized that the requirements and standards set for people as they work through the program produce a "job-ready" person.  Click here for a Service Delivery Map of the PA CareerLink.  Brenda Chavez, WorkKeys Profiler, spoke to the way that WorkKeys, a nationally-recognized workforce readiness assessment by American College Testing, is used to match the requirements of employers with the qualifications of the potential employee.  For more information about WorkKeys, click on employers and employees.

Tom Woronko, Coordinator of Business Services, reviewed information on how employers can list jobs on the Commonwealth Workforce Development System.  Scott Sheely, Executive Director of the Lancaster County Workforce Investment Board, provided information on the new Shared-Work Program (click here), the PA New Hire Reporting Program (click here), and Keystone Works, a new program which compensates employers for the on-the-job training that may be needed when they hire a person who is currently on unemployment. This program is expected to roll out in fall of 2012.

Another webinar entitled "Dealing with the Criminal Background of Prospective Employees" will be offered on November 27, 2012 at 11:00 am.  Contact LCAHRM for more information by clicking This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Lancaster: The Job Search Center is helping individuals reduce their time being unemployed with some proven job search methods. Qualified individuals are enrolled in this intensive job search program, which provides résumé coaching and staff support in your job search. Here are a few suggestions from Karen Lindquist, the Team Lead of the Job Search Center.

Five ways to shorten the length of your unemployment

1. Increase your job searching efforts. An effective, directed job search that targets potential employers takes time. A full-time job requires a 40-hour a week job search!  

2. Plan your week and stick to your plan. Decide how much time you will devote to researching companies, contacting hiring managers to introduce your qualifications, sending your cover letter and resume, and making follow-up phone calls. These efforts will lead to interviews.

3. Network with others. Make a list of your co-workers, neighbors, relatives, etc. Contact them and send your resume to them. Find out what openings they might know.

4. Keep searching even when you may have a job offer. You never know when things will turn out differently than expected. So, continue to develop leads while you are waiting!

5. Evaluate your approach to finding employment. Accept advice from others. Maybe what you thought just isn't so!

Did you know?

Only 15% of job openings are advertised! That means that 85% of employment opportunities are found in the "hidden job market."

Networking, cold calling, and meeting the manager are the most successful job searching methods! 52% of jobs won in our Job Search Center are found through these techniques. This is the hidden job market.

Just as some industries are disappearing, others are growing or are being developed! Can you identify which ones?

It only takes 15 seconds for an employer to make a first impression about you! What kind of an impression are you making?

Preparation is the key to successful interviewing! Do you have a firm grasp on your accomplishments, abilities, and skills? Do you know how to explain this to employers?

Where can you get answers to these questions?
Try the JOB SEARCH CENTER!

Enrollment in the Job Search Center qualifies you for the following services:

Our week-long training . . .
• Introduces you to a proven job searching process
• Teaches you how to market your strengths regardless of your background, education, or job preference
• Uncovers or rediscovers your marketable talents
• Helps you to learn and practice how to:
Contact employers; prepare for and win interviews; sharpen follow-up skills; and negotiate job offers

Professional Staff . . .
• Evaluate your job search efforts
• Provide on-going guidance
• Aid in resume/cover letter writing
• Match your qualifications with employer needs

Networking Opportunities
• Connect with peers for support
• Meet employers
• Learn about available community services
• Attend focus group meetings
• Share/receive multiple job leads

Resources
• Access to internet, computer, printers, telephones, etc.
• Research local businesses

The Job Search Center serves approximately 200 customers annually with an 80% placement rate. The national average for length of time unemployed is 9 months. Time spent in the Job Search Center averages 3 months! You can cut your time out of work by 66%. To find out how to become enrolled in the Job Search Center, attend a Career Planning Session at the CareerLink.

Karen Lindquist is the Team Lead of the Job Search Center. Karen works with hundreds of job seekers through their job search and has gleaned a wealth of knowledge in her years at the PA CareerLink. Be sure to mention a few of the tips above when talking with Karen, she will be really impressed.