Yo! You Wanna Work in Philly? How to Snag a Job in the City of Brotherly Love (and Cheesesteaks)
So you've got your eye on the City of Brotherly Love (and cheesesteaks, let's be honest). Philly's a vibrant place, with a rich history, booming business scene, and enough scrapple to feed a small army (though, maybe don't start there). But before you pack your dream cheesesteak and Liberty Bell socks, here's how to land a job in this awesome city.
Step 1: Befriend the Online Job Boards (They're Not So Scary)
Yeah, yeah, we know the struggle. Scrolling through endless job listings can feel like wandering through a Pat's and Geno's cheesesteak fight blindfolded. But fear not, my friend! There are some great resources out there. Here's your holy trinity:
- Indeed: The granddaddy of them all. Indeed has everything from corporate giants to local shops looking for the next pie-baking whiz (because let's face it, Philly takes its food seriously).
- LinkedIn: Not just for your uncle's inspirational work quotes anymore. LinkedIn can be a goldmine for connecting with Philly companies and recruiters. Polish up that profile and get networking!
- City of Philadelphia Jobs: Want to work for the city itself? This is your one-stop shop for everything from park rangers to tax auditors (though maybe not cheesesteak inspectors, that would be a dream job).
Step 2: Tailor Your Resume Like a Soft Pretzel (Gotta Make it Philly-Perfect)
Your resume is your first impression, so make it shine brighter than a cheesesteak on a greasy spoon menu. Here's the recipe for a Philly-worthy resume:
Tip: Read aloud to improve understanding.
- Keywords: Sprinkle relevant keywords from the job description throughout your resume like sprinkles on a Tastykake. This helps Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) notice you, because trust us, a robot resume reader is not impressed by your amazing soft pretzel-folding skills (unless the job is for pretzel vendor, then by all means, showcase those skills).
- Highlight Philly Experience (if you have it): Did you intern at a local cheesesteak joint? Did you lead the charge on a charity Mummers Parade float? Philly experience shows you're not just here for the cheesesteaks (although, let's be real, they are pretty great).
Step 3: Network Like You're Shaking Hands at a Phillies Game
Philly's a tight-knit community. Getting your foot in the door often means who you know. Here's how to get your network buzzing:
- Connect on LinkedIn: We mentioned it before, but it's worth repeating. Reach out to folks in your field, attend online events, and get your name out there.
- Hit the Events Circuit: From industry meetups to cheesesteak festivals (because, yes, those exist), there are tons of events in Philly. Mingle, chat, and make some connections.
Bonus Tip: Charm Them With Your Philly Knowledge (But Not Too Much)
Okay, you probably don't need to explain the difference between a cheesesteak hoagie and a cheesesteak (because there is none, they are the same glorious thing). But showing you've done your research about the city and the company doesn't hurt.
Tip: Context builds as you keep reading.
How To Find A Job In Philadelphia |
FAQ: Philly Job Hunting Edition
How to Get a Job in Philly with No Experience?
Focus on transferable skills! Can you write well? Are you a customer service whiz? Highlight those skills and target entry-level positions.
QuickTip: Return to sections that felt unclear.
How to Find Remote Jobs in Philly?
Many Philly companies offer remote work options. Search job boards with "remote" filters and target companies with a strong online presence.
How to Prepare for a Job Interview in Philly?
Research the company and dress professionally (with a touch of Philly flair, if you feel comfortable). Be prepared to answer questions about your love for cheesesteaks (just kidding... mostly).
Tip: Reading carefully reduces re-reading.
How Long Does it Take to Find a Job in Philly?
The timeframe varies, but with persistence and the right approach, you can land a great gig in Philly.
How to Know When You've Found the Right Job in Philly?
When the company culture feels like a friendly neighborhood Wawa on a sunny day, that's a good sign.
So there you have it! With a little effort and some Philly spirit, you'll be rocking a job in the City of Brotherly Love in no time. Now, go forth and conquer that job search, and don't forget to celebrate with a cheesesteak (or two, we won't judge).