Jobs and Job Training

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

Hi friend. Looking for work takes real courage, especially when money is tight or life has thrown you a curveball. I'm cheering you on.

Here is the easy first step: find your local PA CareerLink center. Their help is at no cost, and they can help with job leads, resumes, training and more. This guide walks you through it, plus unemployment pay, help for people with disabilities, and a fresh start if you have a record.

A few things to know

• You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
• Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise a job, money or a spot in any program.
• Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.
• In danger right now? Call 911. Thinking about suicide or in crisis? Call or text 988.

Where can I get no cost help finding a job?

Start with PA CareerLink. Pennsylvania's job centers offer no cost job search help, resume workshops, mock interviews, training help, adult education, career fairs and job referrals, plus services for Veterans, people on SNAP or cash assistance, and people with disabilities.

You can search jobs and sign up online at https://www.pacareerlink.pa.gov/ Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.pa.gov/services/dli/explore-job-resources-on-pa-careerlink-

BUNKLY TIP

Use the library, too

No computer at home? Your public library has no cost computers and WiFi, and many libraries have no cost help with resumes and applications. Easy peasy!

What if I just lost my job?

The Department of Labor and Industry runs unemployment compensation (UC) in Pennsylvania. It's meant to give temporary income to workers who lost their job through no fault of their own.

Any unemployed person can file, and the state decides if you qualify after you apply.

• Apply online any day, any time, at https://www.pa.gov/services/dli/apply-for-unemployment-compensation-benefits or call 888.313.7284, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm.
• Register with PA CareerLink within 30 days of applying.
• File a certification for every week you're out of work or working fewer hours, even while you wait for a decision.
• Keep a log of your job applications and work search activities each week.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/dli/documents/uc/ucp-forms/ucp-1.pdf

Losing a job doesn't say anything bad about you. It's a season, and seasons change. One phone call at a time, friend.

From the Bunklow team

How does Pennsylvania unemployment work after I apply?

It can feel like a lot of rules at once. Here's the path, in plain words, from the Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation Handbook.

How you get paid

• UC pays by direct deposit to your bank account, or on a debit card. If you don't have direct deposit set up, a debit card comes in the mail automatically. There's no money on it until benefits are paid.

Working part time while you look

• You must report all the hours you worked and your earnings before deductions, every week you request payment.
• You can still get partial benefits if you work part time and earn less than your partial benefit credit. The handbook explains how it's figured.

Who qualifies

• You must be out of work, or working fewer hours, through no fault of your own. The handbook says workers fired for misconduct can't get UC.
• You must be able and available to work.
• Questions? UC staff answer at 888.313.7284, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm, or by email at uchelp@pa.gov.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/dli/documents/uc/ucp-forms/ucp-1.pdf

BUNKLY TIP

Keep your log

The handbook says all work search activities must be written down, and it has a sample log you can copy. A simple notebook or phone note works great!

What if I have a disability?

The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, called OVR, helps Pennsylvanians with disabilities get, keep or move up in a job. OVR counselors offer career guidance, goal setting, a written plan for employment, job placement and more.

Here's how to start.

• Apply online through PA CareerLink, or contact the OVR district office for your county. The OVR Office Directory lists them.
• If your main disability is vision loss, the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services offers its own vocational help.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.pa.gov/services/dli/apply-for-vocational-rehabilitation-services

Can I get a job if I have a record?

Yes, many people do. CareerOneStop, from the U.S.

Department of Labor, has a no cost section for people with a criminal record, with tips on talking about a conviction in an interview, a ReEntry Program Finder, and help with IDs and basic needs. Many job centers also offer reentry help, so ask your local team.

• Use the ReEntry Program Finder at careeronestop.org to find a program near you.
• Need your ID first? See Guide 11, Getting ID and Documents Back.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.careeronestop.org/JusticeImpacted/default.aspx

BUNKLY TIP

Practice your answer

Practice a short, honest answer about your record, then turn it toward what you learned and what you can do now. Saying it out loud a few times makes it so much easier. You've got this!

Where can I get no cost job training?

• Training money. Ask your local PA CareerLink center about training help and on the job training, and what training help is open.
• Apprenticeships. You earn a paycheck while you learn a trade. Ask your job center what's open near you.
• Job Corps, ages 16 to 24. Job Corps says it is a no cost career training and education program for young adults with low incomes, with no cost housing and meals while you train. Call 800.733.5627.
• SNAP job help. If you get SNAP, ask PA CareerLink or your County Assistance Office about job and training help for SNAP members.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.jobcorps.gov/

How do I get ready for interviews?

• Write a simple resume. One page is fine. List your jobs, skills, and any training. Your job center can help at no cost.
• Plan the trip. Know the bus route and leave early. Dial 211 to ask about ride help.
• Dress neat and clean. Need interview clothes? See Guide 5, Clothing and Hygiene.
• Bring copies. Your resume, your ID, and a list of references with phone numbers.
• Follow up. A short thank you call or email the next day helps you stand out.

What if my boss didn't pay me?

Pennsylvania has a way to help. The Bureau of Labor Law Compliance takes complaints about unpaid wages.

Here's what the state says.

• Examples of violations include not paying your agreed wages without notice, and taking improper deductions from your pay, like charging you for equipment that is the employer's responsibility.
• Paid sick leave, holiday pay or other hours not worked are covered only if they were promised in writing, like in an employee handbook or memo.
• File a complaint online. You can also fill out the paper form (in English or Spanish) and send it by email (the address is on the complaint page) or by fax to 717.787.0517.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.pa.gov/services/dli/file-a-wage-payment-and-collection-complaint

Questions people ask a lot

Sources: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dli/departments-offices/health-and-disabilities/ovr-office-directory and https://www.pa.gov/services/dli/apply-for-vocational-rehabilitation-services

Federal help (works in every state)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Pennsylvania

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Philadelphia

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Allegheny County (Pittsburgh)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Montgomery County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Bucks County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Delaware County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Lancaster County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Chester County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

York County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Berks County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Lehigh County (Allentown)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

My job plan for this week

Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!

Key numbers to keep

BUNKLY TIP

Please let me know if you have any questions

If something in this guide is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. I'm proud of you for taking this step. Make it a great day, friend!

About this guide

Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 17, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

Affordable living. Simplified

Download the PDF

Last updated October 17, 2026