Job Searching Basics

Resume and Cover Letter
Your resume is a document with your contact information, work history, educational background, and other qualifications. You can create a resume using Google Docs or Microsoft Word. Once you've completed your document, remember to regularly update the content. For quick access, keep a digital copy of your resume in your email or online storage such as Google Drive or Dropbox.

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. Gmail accounts from Google offer free 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.

LinkedIn - Use LinkedIn to tap into your professional network. Use LinkedIn Jobs to find and apply to jobs directly. 

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.

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.

19 Organizations You Can Volunteer at Around Philadelphia - Find opportunities at local organizations in this Philadelphia Magazine article.