TIPS:

• Please be careful to use the correct web address - http://www.pacareerlink.state.pa.us. PA CareerLink® does not charge a fee for use of their web services.
  

• When creating your Keystone ID (Username) try something unusual - a combination of letters and numbers often works well. If you try a fairly common name or word you may find that it is already in use by someone else. There are many users on the PA CareerLink® system and no two people can have the same Keystone ID (Username).
  

• Upon registration you will be assigned a random Participant ID Number - write this number down - it can be used instead of your Social Security Number when you call, write, or e-mail the PA CareerLink® office.
  

• You must have a resume entered in the PA CareerLink® website, and be logged in, or you won’t be able to apply for jobs you find.
  

• Make sure you have completed your "Resume" and "Job Preferences" section and have indicated that you are available for job matching. This is important when employers are searching for potential applicants for their job openings. When employers search, the system matches with the preferences you entered.
  

• Take a look at your contact information/methods! Don’t use an e-mail address that sounds unprofessional or that an employer could find offensive. This doesn’t mean you have to change your e-mail address, you can always set up a free e-mail account with Hotmail, Yahoo or Gmail to use for your job search efforts. If you have voicemail or an answering machine be careful of your greeting message - don't use blaring music, silly, lengthy, or offensive greetings. What your friends or relatives find amusing may not be to a potential employer.
  

• Check your PA CareerLink® resume to make sure all of your information is up to date (address, phone, job history, etc.). If there are changes to be made do it BEFORE you start looking at job openings. That way your resume is up to date and current if you apply for a job through the PA CareerLink® website.
  

• Use "Job Applications" to track the jobs you've applied for - from your Home Page click on "Jobs Applied For" on the right side of the screen, or, click on "Jobs" in the blue navigation bar and select "Job Applications" from the dropdown box. (NOTE: It is possible you could have jobs in your Job Application list that you have not applied for. This would happen if you clicked on "Apply For This Job" when viewing job openings but did not follow through on the application process.)
  

• When you apply for jobs on the PA CareerLink® website, make sure you follow all of the instructions for each job. Employers choose their preferred method of contact and instructions can vary from one job posting to another. After clicking on the Job Number, you will come to the “Job Posting Details” page. This page contains an overview and summary of the job. If you are interested in applying for the job, click the “Start Application” button. The next page will give you the opportunity to select a resume (if you have more than one resume on the system) and the option to include a cover letter. Then, scroll down and select “Apply For This Job.” By selecting “Apply For This Job,” you will be brought to the screen stating your application has been sent. BUT, at this point, you may not have fully applied for the position. Make sure you read the page carefully for any further contact instructions from the employer. If you clicked apply in error, or you decide you are not interested in the job, click on “Withdraw this Application.”

• Don’t hesitate to click on links such as "Resources" in the blue navigation bar to find a wealth of information available to you such as Individual Services or Web Resources. One example on the Individual Services page is "Pennsylvania CareerLinked Employers." This page features company logos of participating PA CareerLinked Employers. By clicking on any logo, you can access the company's profile, view their job openings, and apply for jobs. If you click on a company logo, and then click on "View Job Orders," a new screen will come up asking for you to login if you are not logged in already. You will use the same Keystone ID (Username) and Password you use for PA CareerLink®.
  

• Having problems with the PA CareerLink® website? Have you noticed there is a HELP link at the top of every page? (Note: You may have to disable any pop-up blockers you have on your computer to use the Help menus.)