Job Vacancies Outside of Pennsylvania

How to get Employment Information when you don’t live near the place you want to work

Today or sometime in the future, you may want to expand your job seeking horizons beyond Pennsylvania. If you want to work elsewhere, there are several ways for you to find out about vacancies in other cities or states. These methods are useful no matter where you live--or where you would like to live.

Be aware, however, that many employers will not take you seriously as a candidate until you have actually relocated to the new community. The expense and inconvenience of a trip to that location may well be worth the time and effort. Alert the potential employer to any visit you may be making to their area and push for an interview during that visit.

Internet is a primary resource for exploring jobs across the country. Many of them are hot-linked from the Alvernia college web site at www.alvernia.edu/careerservices. Remember, however, that competition for these positions is keen, in part, because applying is so easy. Do not overlook the benefits of a more targeted approach, particularly to small and mid-sized employers in those new locations. Here are some resources for developing that targeted approach.

1. Local newspapers for the area in which you would like to work. Many major papers are available electronically or you can subscribe to many newspapers and receive them through the mail on a daily or weekly basis (Sunday papers usually carry the most job-related ads). However, if you don’t wish to purchase a subscription, the public library or local college library is an excellent place to start as many subscribe to newspapers from large metropolitan areas such as Washington, DC or Los Angeles. If you have friends or relatives in a particular area, have them send you newspapers on a regular basis. Remember: newspapers also provide a wide range of useful information in addition to what you find in the classifieds. You can also find out about the cost of living and the strength of the economy. Listings of real estate to rent or purchase will also be helpful if you plan to relocate.
2. Telephone listings for the areas in which you are interested. Directories available on the Internet are useful in finding information on a particular company or in creating a list of a particular type of company. eg. “accounting firms”. Printed phone books are also available through the phone company and while there may be a charge, the information could be well worth the fee. Libraries also maintain a collection of phone books.
3. Chamber of Commerce or the Better Business Bureau located in the area in which interests you. They often have directories that provide employer information as well as general facts about the community.
4. Career Services at Alvernia College or any other college or university located near you for resources about certain parts of the country. Do not hesitate to contact a career services office at a college or university in the new location. They may be quite willing to share their resources and information.
5. Journals or professional associations related to your field. They can put you in touch with groups throughout the country who can provide valuable assistance. A good place to start is the National Trade and Professional Associations of the U.S. Directory.
6. Alvernia alumni. The Alumni Affairs Office may be willing to help you locate alumni already living in the city or state you are targeting. If you know someone who lives in the area you are interested in, see if he or she might be willing to share experiences, insights and information.