Northern Bedford County High School

Some students may already be working in the job they plan to continue with after high school graduation. While others are just ready to start looking for that first job. Whether you are already employed or not, looking for a part-time job or full-time job, you can benefit by being knowledgeable of valuable job search skills and resources.

Students at least 14 years old and under the age of 18 may require an employment certification, more commonly know as the Workers Permit, before they can become employed. Students who need an employment certificate can request an application at the high school office. The application must be completed and signed by a parent and principal. Workers Permits can not be issues until all required parts have been completed.

Developing your job search skills is one of the many areas where your school counselors can help you to! Make an appointment to have your employment application reviewed and get some tips on how to best present yourself to the employer before, during and after the interview.

• Register at a local Pennsylvania Career Link Center. Ask for facts about job opportunities available in your field of interest. Bedford County Career Link Center info below:
  • Phone: 814 623 6107
  • Web: www.pacareerlink.state.pa.us
• Remember to network. Talk with relatives, friends, and neighbors for information about possible jobs. Talk to people who are presently connected or working in the field you wish to enter.
• Read the classified section of the newspaper for job openings under “help wanted”.
• Use the yellow pages in a phone book to identify names, addresses and numbers of local businesses you can contact for work. (If you are searching outside our area, the library will have additional phone books to look through.
• Check with private employment agencies for possible job opportunities. A fee is usually charged for the service. Be sure to understand the terms before signing as a client.
• The Internet offers numerous job search opportunities. Locate potential jobs by checking the direct website of the company or business you are interested in or by looking at a website designated for job searches. Additionally, you may be able to find jobs through social media such as Facebook.

• Use appropriate telephone skills.
• Complete a neat application and answer all questions.
• A one-page typed resume that lists your education background, work experience and skills. Sell yourself! They want to know how you can benefit them, not how they can benefit you.
• Practice for the interview. Review the steps that can make for a successful interview. Remember to offer a firm handshake when introducing yourself and make eye contact with the interviewer. Anticipate possible questions. Make a list of questions you would like to ask the interviewer about the business and job requirements. Always thank the interviewer and if interested ask for the job!
• Send a thankyou note to the interviewer (whether you get the job or not)
• Always follow-up with a written reply, phone call or email.

Smile and be confident. The right job is out there for you!