Job Searching Basics

Résumé and Cover Letter
Your résumé is a simple document showing your contact information, your work history, your educational background, and other qualifications for a job. You should always have an online version of your resume saved for quick access. You can create a resume using Google Docs or Microsoft Word. Try free online storage such as Google Drive or Dropbox, that way you can always access, edit, and send your resume from the cloud! Once you've completed your document, remember to regularly update the content. Read about .

View sample resumes and cover letters at the following websites:

Email
You will need an email account to apply for jobs online, send your resume to employers, and for employers to contact you. Google offers free Gmail accounts where you will have access to email, online storage, and more.

Job Websites
Once you have your resume written, you are ready to apply for jobs. Below are some popular job websites to help get you started on your job search.

General Job Websites

PA CareerLink® - Job search tool that connects you to job openings across Pennsylvania, and allows you to apply through PA CareerLink® or the employer's website.

Indeed - Search results from hundreds of job boards and company websites.

Idealist - Search jobs, internships, volunteer opportunities, events, and organizations at social impact and nonprofit organizations.

Snagajob - Part-time and full-time hourly jobs, mainly entry level for teens, college students, retirees and others in retail, foodservice, entertainment, customer service and more.

Monster - More than 800,00 job listings, career information and advice.

Zip Recruiter - Search for jobs, view salaries, and maintain a profile for employers to view.

LinkedIn - Use LinkedIn Jobs to boost your chances of getting hired through people you know.

Government Job Websites

City of Philadelphia Office of Human Resources - Employment opportunities with the City of Philadelphia.

PA Employment - Civil service opportunities with the state of Pennsylvania.

USAJobs - U. S. Federal Government's site with information about the federal hiring process, federal jobs and storing a resume on the site.

Local Field-Specific Job Boards

Culinary Agents - Culinary Agents is a professional networking and job matching website designed for current and aspiring professionals in the food, beverage, and hospitality industry. They offer resources, hiring events, and job listings in Philadelphia and elsewhere.

Sustainable Business Network - The Sustainable Business Network (SBN) curates a list of job opportunities currently available in Philadelphia’s sustainable business community.

Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance's Job Bank - The Job Bank is a resource of job opportunities in the arts and culture industry for the Greater Philadelphia area.

Freelance and Remote Job Websites

We Work Remotely - Job search site explicitly for remote work, with option to search by career field, company, and more.

UpWork - Make a profile and be connected to employers searching for short- term workers or help on a specific project in a variety of industries.

Freelancer - Search short-term job/task postings and make a bid for jobs that suit your interest and pay level.

Guru - Search short-term or specific task projects and send a quote to the employer.

Fiverr - Make a profile and search for a variety of short-term employment opportunities.

TaskRabbit - Search for local individuals in need of short-term manual labor for tasks such as contactless delivery, running errands, assembling, and more.

Volunteer Opportunities

Free Library Volunteer Services - Volunteering at the Free Library is a rewarding and fun experience. We have many opportunities at Parkway Central Library and all of our neighborhood library locations throughout the city.

Volunteer Match - Search this leading website in volunteer opportunities which posts local, regional, national, and international volunteer opportunities.