Unique Aspects of the Indianapolis Job Search

Robby

If you’re searching for work in Indianapolis, there’s a couple of factors to keep in mind that are distinctive to our city and state. Combine these with the good ideas that apply just about everywhere, and you’re more likely to find the right job on the best possible timeline.

© Flickr User Nick

Know the Jobseeker Resources

Time for a little history lesson. Back in 1998, Congress passed the Workforce Investment Act, which allocated billions of dollars to help improve the employment situation across the country. One of the key ideas was One-stop career centers, which are places that people can go to get job training, assistance of finding employment, and also receive general advice from career experts. In Indiana, this program is called WorkOne.

If you’re looking for a job, you need to know that website inside and out. You need to be at your local WorkOne center at least once a week. Take free classes, get to know a career counselor, and leverage that resource. It’s the single biggest line of support for every jobseeker here in Indiana in terms of taxpayer support. Go!

Next up are job clubs. We maintain a list of the job clubs in greater Indianapolis, and you should work your way around to as many as you can make it to. These are fantastic programs, but they will likely be pretty uncomfortable if you never been to a networking event before. Buck up and get to one!

Know the Top Ten Employers

As of this writing, the largest for-profit employers in Central Indiana by employee headcount are:

1. Anthem
2. Eli Lilly and Co.
3. Calumet Specialty Products
4. Simon Property Group Inc.
5. CNO Financial Group Inc.
6. HHGregg, Indianapolis
7. KAR Auction Services Inc.
8. Allison Transmission Inc.
9. The Finish Line Inc.
10. Republic Airways Holdings Inc.

Chances are you know someone who works or has worked for one of these companies. And if you don’t recognize one, search online to find out what they do. While you’re more likely to get a job for a small company than a large one, knowing the major forces in our local economy is hugely important.

Know the Key Publications

You’re probably already familiar with the Indianapolis Star, the hometown paper that’s been around since 1903. But you should also be reading the Indianapolis Business Journal and Inside Indiana Business. And for statewide business news, read Indiana Business Review and Bizvoice Magazine. And if you’re looking for news about the nonprofit sector, logon to Charitable Advisors.

That’s enough to keep you busy. Good luck!