"Use the online system! It's how I got an interview for my job! Go to company information sessions, and ask questions!  Asking the right question at the right time can directly lead to you getting a job." David, Computer Engr. '01 MIT Lincoln Laboratory.

The job search process can be a very frustrating and time consuming endeavor.  It takes a great deal of effort. In fact some people will tell you that looking for a job is a full-time job.

The Career Development Center  (CDC) at Penn State Erie is here to help. We offer a variety of resources to aid in your job search process. 

Job-Searching Resource Checklist

The Career Development Center offers the following services to assist in your job search:  

CDC Career and

CDC Counselors-Career and Job Search Discussions
Career & Graduate School Fairs

Use Nittany Lion Recruiting (NLR)  for:
Full-time Job Postings
On-Campus Recruiting (Interviews at Behrend, Altoona, Berks, Harrisburg, & U. Park)
Employer Resume Searches

Resources and Research
Salary and Relocation Information
On-Campus jobs (the Financial Aid office compiles this information.)

Networking organizations
A Variety of Company Career pages to get you started
LINKS, LINKS, and more LINKS to sites for various fields

Job Search Discussion
Schedule an appointment with Andrew Watters by calling 898-6164 to: 

• Have your current job search materials (resumes, cover letters, CV's, etc.) reviewed and suggestions made to improve the value of critical job search tools.

• Get help you in locating companies and job opportunities with companies and organizations that do not come to campus.

• Learn how to prepare for a career fair.

• Discuss factors that are specific to YOUR job search.

• Schedule a practice interview to help you sharpen your answers to commonly asked questions.  (May be scheduled with various CDC staff or graduate interns.)

• There is no fee to use NLR to view and apply to job postings, search career fairs and information sessions, or to be included in resume books.

• The CDC staff used to send out e-mail job postings related to specific majors.  As of August 30, 2006, all full-time job postings will be on Nittany Lion Recruiting. 

• Occasional reminders and updates regarding what's on Nittany Lion Recruiting will be sent to a listserv that includes all majors.

• If you do not receive these updates, please e-mail recruitbehrend@psu.edu. 

• The glass cases located outside the CDC display full-time, part-time, and summer opportunities for which you'll apply on your own. Follow submission requirements listed on posting. 

• Internship information and postings are also available on our CDC Behrend Angel page.

Behrend On-Campus Recruiting
         

On-campus recruiting is available to all students and alumni. Seniors should Register for On-Campus Recruiting, and are strongly encouraged to a training session or visit the CDC to get directions to use Penn State's Web-based recruiting system.

• Choose companies of interest and submit resume before deadline stated.

• Watch for email to students regarding interview selections.

• If selected, contact CDC to schedule interview time.

Employer Resume Searches

Employers conduct resumes searches through Nittany Lion Recruiting. You can opt into a resume book feature, and doing so may generate additional employer interest.

Research and Resources
A critical aspect of the job-search process is to know the career field and company with which you are trying to get a job interview.  

References are available covering:

• Internships, careers fields, civil service, salary information, geographic locations, grad schools, and much more.

• Many books and videos can be signed out for a one-week period. The CDC also houses files on many companies that recruit through Penn State Behrend. 

• The Career Exploration page includes basic information about fields.

• The Occupational Outlook Handbook includes extensive information from the Federal Government about career fields, job outlook, and more.

• International Job Search: Foreign Labor Certification Data Center
  Also, download these documents: Hiring Guide, Resources, Job Search Notes, and Sample E-mails.
  
  
• The links page provides hundreds of job search links and professional organization web sites.

Once you have an interview scheduled, it is essential that you read the company web site and learn all you can about the company.

• Information on many companies is located in the CDC Company Resource files.  

• The on-campus recruiting page includes a list (and links to) companies that have recruited at Behrend for the past few years.  The Behrend Career fair page includes links to all companies that have attended recent fairs.

• The links page includes links to the career pages of many different companies that may recruit students.  It is important to read the various parts of the company web page in addition to the company career page.

• Visit the CDC Interviewing page. 

• Use the Career and Graduate School Manual (available in the CDC) for information on Evaluating and Negotiating job offers. 

Networking or Professional Organizations

Many fields have organizations that welcome students to come to programs and to networking events.  Here are 2 that welcome students of all majors! More are available under links.

Technology Council of Northwest PA
Pittsburgh Technology Council
Northwest PA Human Resources Association