In a recent survey this summer conducted by the Blackstone Group, 18 percent of African-Americans in Pittsburgh indicated they were unemployed. This number more than doubles the national average of 8 percent.
 |
| DRESS FOR SUCCESS—One of the many tutorials in the site’s video library shows users how to dress for an interview.
|
The Job Placement Assistance Program launched this fall by Community College of Allegheny County aims to reverse these numbers. The free program available to all residents of southwestern Pennsylvania offers not only a job search engine, but also a number of services to make a person’s job search more successful.
“At the site they will find a community page specifically designed for them. Job seekers will be able to compose then submit their resume for review by CCAC Job Placement & Career Services staff online,” said Bob Kmetz, director of Career Services. “Staff will provide assistance and constructive advice. Once approved, job seekers resumes will be able to be reviewed by, and submitted to, potential employers.”
Online job search engines are growing in popularity for those seeking employment and employers have begun to notice the trend and utilize websites for recruiting. In the last year 550 employer representatives registered on the CCAC site with more than 1,800 job postings being listed on the site in the past year as well.
“Online recruiting as a practice is growing and is only expected to increase,” Kmetz said. “Job seekers must be able to utilize online tools to access many opportunities.”
Though CCAC students overwhelmingly utilize many components of the program, including online solutions for discovering a new career path and building job-searching skills, the college’s job search engine through the College Central Network has been helping Pittsburgh residents for several years.
“Over 5,100 Students, alumni and community jobseekers have visited the site within the last two years with over 2,700 visiting in the last 12 months. Community registrations to CCAC College Central currently constitute 13 percent of new registrants,” Kmetz said. “Local and regional employers utilizing the site can only benefit from an increased community presence providing access to the widest range of candidates.”
The site hosts an archive of articles dating back nearly 10 years and covering a variety of topics including how to navigate an interview, personal finance, job transitioning and even health. The website also lists upcoming events such as a Sept. 30 workshop dealing with debt relief.
“Additional online features include portfolio and resume building tools, help with cover letters and tips on interviewing. Jobseekers can also access the online Career Advice Video Library with categories that include Dress for Success, Interviewing, Career Profiles and more,” Kmetz said. “Information about upcoming campus and local recruiting events and informational programs are also posted online.
About Post Author
