By Paris Wright, Eastside Neighborhood Employment Center Manager
Every week, I meet with neighbors from all over our community””people navigating job loss, career changes, or just trying to figure out what’s next. At the Eastside Neighborhood Employment Center, we believe that everyone deserves the chance to thrive in their career. Here are a few of the most common questions I hear””and how we can help.
Q: How do I explain frequent job changes or short-term roles without looking unreliable?
A: You’re not alone””many people have job histories with twists and turns, especially after the last few years. I believe that the key is to frame those changes in a positive, forward-looking way. Maybe you were exploring different roles, gaining new skills, or adapting to shifting circumstances. In our sessions at ENEC, I help you craft a narrative that shows growth and resilience rather than instability. It’s about connecting the dots for employers so they can see the full picture””not just the timeline.
Q: What should I expect from Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), and how can I make sure my resume makes it through?
A: ATS software is used by most companies to scan resumes before a human even sees them. It looks for keywords that match the job description, so customizing your resume for each job is critical. At ENEC, we’ll walk through your resume together and make sure it’s formatted correctly and includes the language employers””and their software””are looking for. It’s not about tricking the system; it’s about making sure your strengths are seen.
Q: How can Paris and the Eastside Neighborhood Employment Center support me?
A: Whether you’re starting over, starting fresh, or just feeling stuck, ENEC is here to walk with you. I offer one-on-one sessions that include resume help, job search strategies, mock interviews, and just good old-fashioned encouragement. It’s all free and focused on your unique goals. We believe in second chances, fresh starts, and the power of community.
Closing Thoughts
Our area is full of hardworking, talented people””and we’re proud to serve you. If you’re looking for support in your job search or career journey, come see us at the Eastside Neighborhood Employment Center. You don’t have to figure it all out alone.
The Eastside Neighborhood Employment Center (ENEC), brought to you by the Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation (BGC), aims to help improve the economic and social vitality within the community through workforce development, job readiness training, career counseling, and ultimately, job placement. The ENEC Manager, Paris Wright, is a lifelong resident of the Garfield neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Wright is no stranger to workforce development, he brings well over 15 years of experience that he uses to connect the Garfield community and ENEC visitors to the professional and personal resources they need to find employment opportunities and deal with a range of financial challenges affecting the quality of life within their households. In 2024 alone, Wright succeeded in placing 160 ENEC visitors with job placements.
The ENEC’s services are available for anyone aged 16 and up and is located at the Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation at 113 N. Pacific Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224 and can be contacted at (412) 362-8580.