Cultivating Career Connections

Senator Ritchie’s Weekly Column

When you’re looking for a job or trying to make a career change, connections matter.  In fact, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, 70 percent of all jobs are found through networking. 

Helping people make connections with businesses and organizations looking to hire is main goal of my Job Fairs, held annually in St. Lawrence and Oswego Counties.  Throughout the years, I have hosted a total of ten Job Fairs in the region I represent, giving thousands of people the opportunity to meet with employers throughout Central and Northern New York.  Just recently, I was pleased to host events in Ogdensburg and Fulton, where more than 600 people were able to talk with representatives from more than 100 businesses and organizations.

My annual Job Fairs are just part of the work I’m doing to expand our region’s workforce and match the talented people of Central and Northern New York with employment opportunities that suit them best.  If you’re looking for work, I encourage you to visit my Online Jobs Bank, available here.  There, you’ll find links to thousands of employment opportunities both local and statewide.  In addition, my Online Jobs Bank also features information on organizations that can help you create a resume, access free career counseling and workshops, build your own small business and more. 

As you’re looking for work, there are important steps you can take to make your search easier—and more successful:

·         Be sure to keep your resume updated with information relevant to the job you’re searching for;

·         When you’re interviewing, “dress for success” and heed the old adage that says to “dress for the job you want—not the job you already have”;

·         Be sure to check your local newspaper as well as online job search websites daily;

·         Brush up your LinkedIn page, and try to connect with individuals in the field which you’re looking for work; and

·         Keep an eye on social media, as companies often times post open positions on Twitter and Facebook.

Job searching can often times be stressful.  But, when armed with the right tips and tools it doesn’t have to be.   For links to job listings and more information on how to land your next big opportunity, don’t forget to click here.