Chester County Library

Getting Started

By Lisa Pincelli

 So, you were laid off.  Never in your wildest dreams did you expect this to happen to you.  Today, many of you in this town are still shocked to realize you don’t have a job to go to each morning.  Losing a job you have had for many years is a traumatic experience.  Who knew it was going to happen to you? There are thousands of books, magazine articles, and web sites devoted to finding the “perfect” job.  Most of these writings are geared toward professionals looking for a better opportunity—not someone who recently has lost a job through a surprise layoff. Once over the initial shock of your situation, it is difficult to know how to begin.  The good news is that there are many agencies in this county and state ready to assist you.  This column, and ones to follow, will help you navigate through the red tape, as well as help you organize your efforts to find a new job. If you are one of the many who has suddenly lost a job, here are steps to get you started on your search: 

Treat finding a new job as your only job.  Get up at the regular time each day.  Shower, dress, go.  There are a thousand excuses not to move—“No one is hiring;” “It’s too cold/rainy;” “I still have 10 weeks of benefits, there’s time;” etc.  Just remember, someone is up and looking for a job—maybe your perfect job. Don’t lose out on an opportunity because you weren’t looking every single day.

Determine the benefits for which you may be eligible.  Go to the Chester Workforce Center, 764 Wilson Street.  They can tell you about unemployment insurance benefits for which you may qualify.  They also keep an up-to-date listing of all job opportunities available in this area.

Research training opportunities.  Basic computer skills are essential.  Potential employers are likely to ask you to complete an online job application and will want to contact you about a job via email.  The Chester County Library can assist you in setting up an email account as well as navigating through the online application process.  For more extensive computer literacy training contact The Learning Center (formerly know as the Chester County Adult Ed Center) at 581-9324 or the Fort Lawn Community Center at 872-4491.

 Of course, remember that York Technical College’s Chester Center is now open and available to assist you in furthering your professional career.  Contact them at 385-5884.

Image is everything.  Learn how to present yourself well—on paper and  in person.  It is important to showcase your talents and transferable skills.  This means having a well-written resume, correctly completing a job application and being properly prepared for the interview.  Again the Chester County Library will assist you in these tasks.

Keep good job search records.  Purchase a 3-ring binder and loose-leaf paper.  Keep individual records on each company you research and contact.

Networking is key.  Tell everyone you meet that you are looking for a job.  Don’t be shy!  Talk about your job search at church, the grocery store, the gas station, etc.  Volunteer.  The best place to meet new people in our community is to volunteer your time.  You never know who you might meet.

Keep an open mind—think outside the box.  Few jobs exist in this county right now.  You may need to commute to another town to find work.  You may need to find employment in another industry.  You may need to relocate.  Do not dismiss any opportunities while you are looking for a “perfect fit.”  Just be open to what ever comes your way.

   The writer is the Job Skills Consultant at the Chester County Library.  She may be contacted at 803-377-8145, extension 111.