Our Career Advisors are our first line of assistance supporting job seekers throughout the Southern Alleghenies Regions. They provide one-on-one support to both employers and job seekers. Job seekers often feel that they jump from one job to another without finding a career that genuinely works for them, or simply don’t find one at all. Unfortunately, data shows us that is a cycle many people get stuck in. Breaking that cycle is a challenge. For example, a recent survey found that “69% of those currently unemployed are out of work as a direct result of the pandemic, and 42% have been out of work for a year.”
Whatever the reason a job seeker gets stuck in that cycle or is out of work for an extended period, our Career Advisors are trained to provide them with the proper support. That means having a solid advocate to help create or update resumes and assist in navigating the actual job search, which can be overwhelming. In addition, these trained professionals are available for ongoing conversations with job seekers in person and via phone and email about interests and qualifications, what opportunities seem to be a fit, as well as any barriers to employment that may exist. Then, as a team, job seekers and Career Advisors problem solve, identify options, and find referrals to local social service agencies for additional support, if needed.
A strong Career Advisor understands that it is much more than finding open positions; their job is to help match job seekers with the right employer.
If you are a job seeker, here’s what you can expect.
During your first meeting, a Career Advisor will determine eligibility and conduct a simple assessment, which means you’ll know what services are available and can keep moving forward. The next step will be to develop an individual employment plan defining the best path to reach your employment goal and objectives. At this point, there are several options available that may include our Paid Work Experience, On-The-Job Training, Educational Training, and job search tools. Finally, together you will chart a course of action and develop a resume. The process is fun and explorative—all needed for a job seeker to conquer the challenge and get off of the job search cycle.
PA CareerLink® Career Advisors are proud of our employment plan process. This broad assessment covers what skills a job seeker has, where those skills can lead, and what training or additional resources may help develop an individual plan.
Real Life: Career Advisors Stories
Career Advisors are available at every PA CareerLink® location and make a difference daily for both job seekers and employers. The same survey results also share that “48% of unemployed job seekers said they are frustrated in their job search because they can’t find the right jobs to apply for, causing many of them to rethink the parameters of their job searches. Fully 47% are actively looking outside their current career to find employment.”
We believe that our professional team makes all the difference to the job seekers we serve. Finding a new career is often like a full-time job. The process takes time and commitment but is so rewarding to the person willing to walk it out. Career Advisors understand the process because part of their role is to walk through it with the job seeker.
Often job seekers are timid or feel they have lost necessary job skills. Career Advisor Karen Sellers (Cambria County) explains how she helps nervous job seekers get started. “I talk to my customers trying to get them to feel comfortable discussing with me their interests, skills, and education. Then, I like to suggest they attend some of our free workshops and complete a mock interview. This makes them feel comfortable going into their interviews and getting the process started.”
Similar to Career Advisors, John Haydu, Veterans Employment Specialist for Cambria and Somerset Counties, specializes in working with veterans who have barriers to employment. He helps them tackle any barriers first and then helps them gain employment. John says, “My ultimate goal is to help veterans with employment issues. We work with all veterans here at PA CareerLink®, but I specifically work with veterans who have barriers to employment.” John works closely with job seekers to match their skills to what employers are looking for in the region. “I do this through an interview process and a sit down session where we work together to build a resume.” Other services include the On-the-Job Training program and the Paid Work Experience program. John works closely with all job seekers to ensure the best fit of program and services to aid them in their job hunt and ability to conquer the challenge.
Employers
Need employees? Want to help build the economy in this region? Reach out to PA CareerLink®. We work one-on-one with your business to ensure the best possible mix of services and programs that will benefit you. Because most services are federally funded, we can offer them at no cost to the businesses and individuals we serve. PA CareerLink® Southern Alleghenies can help you reduce your recruitment, hiring, and training costs.
Just like job seekers work directly with a Career Advisor, employers receive customized and personalized support to ensure the right mix of programs and services are used to benefit their organizations. Each employer who reaches out to PA CareerLink® has a dedicated Career Advisor who works with them through job postings and other services. Other services include job fairs, job matching; market data; and an On-the-Job Training program.
If your business could use some support with growth or is actively looking for a job seeker ready for the challenge, take advantage of this local and valuable free resource. Call a PA CareerLink® office today. Phone numbers and open times are by county below.
PA CareerLink®-Bedford County
Hours: Monday-Friday 8 am – 4 pm; Friday 9 am – 4 pm
Phone: 814-623-6107
TTY: 814-623-6029
PA CareerLink®-Blair County
Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm; Friday 9 am – 4:30 pm
Phone: 814-940-6200
TTY: 814-569-1066
PA CareerLink®-Cambria County
Hours: Monday-Thursday 8 am – 4 pm; Friday 9 am – 4 pm
Phone: 814-534-2500
TTY: 814-534-2511
PA CareerLink®-Huntingdon County
Hours: Monday-Friday 8 am – 4 pm
Phone: 814-641-6408
TTY: 1-866-395-0149
Employment and Training Inc.
Affiliate site of the PA CareerLink® Huntingdon-Fulton County
Hours: Monday-Friday 8 am – 4 pm
Phone: 717-485-5131
TTY: 717-485-3970
PA CareerLink®-Somerset County
Hours: Monday-Thursday 8 am – 4 pm; Friday 9 am – 4 pm
Phone: 814-445-4161
TTY: 814-444-5814