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Looking for a new job? Visit CareerLink

Classes and career specialist available to help with search

Editor’s note: The Sentinel’s annual Juniata Valley magazine is included in today’s newspaper, with the theme “Careers in the Juniata Valley.” Interesting and inspirational stories and photos by staff members and readers explain the varied careers held by people in and from the Juniata Valley. Reading about the careers of others can be the starting point for something new and different in your life. Here’s a look at how to begin or revamp your own career.

LEWISTOWN — Anyone looking for their first job or next career move can find help and information at PA CareerLink in Mifflin County.

CareerLink offers many services, such as career planning seminars, career success workshops, job searches, interview practice, resume development and job training to get people moving in the right direction.

The first step is attending a career planning seminar where attendees learn to identify personal interests, learn what and where the jobs are, begin to develop a resume, explore career pathways and identify skills and abilities.

“There are lots of opportunities in our area,” adult instructor Keith Mernin said. “Resumes have to be perfect and tailored to the job. We help in the lab and have one-on-one resume appointments.”

CareerLink offers free resume help and may offer suggestions on how to improve your resume.

During the seminar, attendees can evaluate types of careers that might make a good fit for their interests using O*NET Online tools. After answering 60 questions about work activities some people do on their jobs, the program determines career interests and identifies jobs based on the level of training or education needed. O*NET also gives job descriptions to help with resume writing.

The seminar also explores “Job Gateway,” which is an online system that connects job seekers and employers through online job postings in Pennsylvania.

Mernin suggested during the seminar that people research jobs they are interested in.

“Employers Google you, too,” he said. “They want to know you’re up-to-date in the tech world.”

He also cautioned to not post anything controversial, and keep your information private.

When researching a future career, Mernin suggests finding out what the entry level positions are, if you have any transferable skills, who are the local employers offering this career and what training will be needed. Networking is another option when researching a career. Mernin suggests finding out who you know in that career and ask them questions.

Learning what careers are growing here is also important, and Mernin pointed out that health care and truck drivers are the most in-demand jobs. Due to an aging population and the popularity of online shopping, both careers will continue to grow locally.

Reviewing the tools needed to begin developing a solid resume was also discussed. Your resume should include a professional email address, work history, job tasks specific to the job you are applying for, salary, why you left your former job (positive answers only), list any special skills, certifications and licenses and three to four references.

Finally, workshop attendees complete a brief assessment of academic skills in the categories of reading, math and language. Based on your score, job coaches will give help with training ideas.

CareerLink also offers a Career Success Workshop, where attendees can identify essential skills needed for today’s workforce, identify individual skill sets, develop a plan on how to use skills to gain and keep employment and understand an employer’s point of view.

“See the world from the employer’s needs,” Mernin said. “It’s not just about you.”

During the workshop, attendees will complete a skills self-assessment to garner an effective description of your skills and strengths that can be used during interviews or for job applications. Attendees will also learn how to research jobs that match their skills and apply for jobs more effectively.

A Career Lab is an open computer lab that offers job search tools and an opportunity to complete online applications with the assistance of a staff person to answer any questions or assist with an application.

Funding for training in some fields such as earning a commercial driver’s license or licensed practical nurse training can be funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. Eligibility to receive this funding will be determined during an appointment with a career specialist.

Job seekers can also make a business connections appointment that provides assistance with interview practice and other information about local employers.

CareerLink in Mifflin County is located in the MCIDC Plaza, Building 58, in Lewistown. For more information, call 248-4942.

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