The Orlando Virtual Job - July 27th Through August 25th

In lieu of the recent postponing of the Orlando Job Fair till September, we wanted to do something special for those that need a job right now. And we wanted to allow you to do if from your jammies if you want!

Today is the start of the Orlando Virtual Job Fair. Featuring 11 companies across Central Florida, this event allows you digital access to hiring managers through the EmploymentGuide.com.

Participating in the job fair are:

• Unlimited Energy Solutions
• Walt Disney World
• PRC
• Radio Disney
• Verizon Wireless
• Shades To You
• TMC Call Center
• Popeyes
• D&A Building Services
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Lewis Consulting - Orlando Pharmacy Technicians

Head on over to the Orlando Virtual Job Fair now and see the opportunities that are only a click away!

A New King Of Cleveland?

One of our cities here at the Employment Guide is missing one of it's biggest stars. And while this may be good for the beach that's a few hours south of Orlando, it's bad news for the folks in Cleveland.

Thus begins the search...for a new king!

Over the next 10 days the Cleveland Employment Guide is looking to hire a New King Of Cleveland. One with loyalty, longevity and willing to do what it takes to bring the city back to prominence.

If you have what it takes, or know someone in the area that has what it takes, you could win a $100 Visa gift card and a custom Cavaliers jersey to show off your Cleveland pride.

Here is a video that explains more.

Next King Of Cleveland

To enter, simply click the Facebook link below and either post a comment or upload a video on why you should be the next King Of Cleveland.

Good luck and I hope one of you in Orlando gets to be treated like a King!

-Greg

Orlando Job Fair Moves To September 21st

The Orlando Job Fair scheduled for this Wednesday, July 21st has been moved back to Tuesday, September 21st. The new date will still be held at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater and will bring top employers and employment resources to the Orlando and Central Florida community.

We apologize to all that were planning to attend the event this week. Due to unforeseen circumstances, we feel that the best way to throw an event in Orlando is to throw it 100% for both the employers attending and the local community that is looking for opportunities.

More information regarding the new date and event details will be posted shortly right here on the JobSpot as well as the Orlando Employment Guide.

In the meantime, here are some great employers looking for people like you right here in Orlando!

• Spring Hill Senior Communities
• Tropical Palms
• RaceTrac
• View All Orlando Area Jobs

Improve Your Job Search Through Powerful Networking

Navigator Executive Advisors is hosting a seminar for job seekers on Tuesday, July 20th at Florida Hospital in Orlando at 9am. The event is limited to 40 participants and will support the Florida Hospital for Children initiative. For this, they are asking for a $25 cash donation.

100% of the proceeds will benefit comprehensive programs and specialized services for Pediatric patients.

Leading the seminar will be Tami Mann, the Director of Operations and Career Transition Coach for Navigator Executive Advisors. In this morning session Tami will be going over the importance of networking and ways to access the "hidden job market."

There will be opportunities to network, share business cards and ask questions after the event on Monday. You can register for this event right now on Eventbrite.

Let us know if you are going to the event and why you think this is beneficial for your job search here in Orlando.

Top Orlando Personal Brands

A strong and strategic personal brand can be one of the biggest advantages when looking for a great career in today's job market. By presenting yourself and marketing yourself like a brand you are helping to educate yourself in your niche, you attract others to your thoughts and experience and you begin to open doors of opportunity that are not available to those that wait for opportunities to come to their door.

Today, I wanted to share some top notch personal brands right here in our backyard of Orlando and Central Florida. Look at some of the things that make them great and why people in their field look up to them.

Ted Murphy


Ted is the CEO of IZEA and a social media expert. His brand revolves around running his company, running marathons and talking social media. Check out his site Ted.me to get a glimpse into his life. He holds nothing back and what you see is what you get, which is a major part of his success.

John Raser

John is a professional golfer from right here in Orlando. His brand revolves around, well, golf. But he goes beyond his on the grass strategies and works with local companies, charities and even has some small acting and promotional gigs. His branding is very strong and so is the content he provides.

Dwight Howard

If you live anywhere close to Orlando, you know Superman and the immense branding presence he brings along with him. From the billboards and tv advertisements to the Twitter account to his blog, Dwight is a shining example of a great brand and role model. And even with Lebron in Miami, I think I like my chances with this guy in the middle.

Marc Grossman

A local real estate agent turned broker, Marc has created a brand for himself with his updates on the local community from events to real estate news. He is always keeping his ear to the community at networking events, hanging on social media and asking questions to further his opportunities in the market. And you gotta love the tagline - Marc it Sold!

Nick Nanton

Nick Nanton is known as the Celebrity Lawyer and has also been responsible for creating the personal brands of a great number of people just like you. Nick is a blogger for Fast Company and uses a mixture of traditional press, social media and great imagery to expand his empire.

If you take just a piece from what each of these great brands is doing here locally, you can start to develop your own personal brand. If you would like to learn more and get started with personal branding right here in Orlando, Greg Rollett will be hosting a presentation at the next Orlando Job Fair on Wednesday, July 21st at 10:15am.

Head on over to the Orlando Job Fair registration page to reserve your spot today.

Speak Your Mind!
Let us know who you think has a killer personal brand here in Orlando. Leave your submissions in the comments below or send us a Tweet - @orlandoeg.

Orlando Job Fair Coming July 21st To The Shakespeare Theater

The Orlando Employment Guide is pleased to announce the next Orlando Job Fair and Employment Session on Wednesday, July 21st at the Lowndes Shakespeare Theater in Downtown Orlando.

This is the same location as the April event and will feature over 25 hiring companies, a computer center and resume critique area as well as 2 live presentations on personal branding, social media and looking for a job online.

Looking for a job today is a full time task that includes networking, meeting people and looking for opportunities in every corner. This event allows you to meet with recruiters, career professionals, as well as other job seekers to help progress your prospects in the Orlando and Central Florida markets.

We encourage you to pre-register for the event on the official Orlando Job Fair page so that we may stay in touch and remind you of the event. And as always stay tuned to the Orlando JobSpot over the next few weeks as we unveil some tips and strategies to having a successful job fair.

Happy hunting Orlando!

-Greg

Related Articles:
Interview Mistakes
Orlando Job Fair Recap Video
Orlando Job Fair Research

Jacksonville Job Fair June 30th

Our good friends in Jacksonville, FL are hosting a job fair at the Avenues Mall in Jacksonville, FL next Wednesday, June 30th from 10am - 2pm. The event will feature over 15 local employers looking to hire people just like you.

For some of you in Central Florida, this may be an opportunity for you if you are looking to move in and around the Jacksonville area, or a great place for college graduates to consider relocating to.

As part of the Employment Guide’s Hire Commitment 2010 campaign, this job fair exists with the sole purpose of finding employment for the Jacksonville community.

You can pre-register for this career fair over at the Employment Guide's Job Fair Page.

We look forward to seeing some of you at the event next Wednesday, June 30th.

-Greg

Mashable's Social Media Day Comes To Orlando June 30th

Mashable, one of the top blogs and new sources for social media and online technology has decided to create a national day for social media, and guess what?

It is coming on Wednesday, June 30th.

In the post announcing the day and the activities, Vadim, the author of the post says:

Social media has changed our lives. It has not only changed the way we communicate, but the way we connect with one another, consume our news, conduct our work, organize our lives, and much more. So why not celebrate?

Here in Orlando, the celebration will be held at Wall Street Plaza in the heart of Downtown Orlando. From 6-8pm there will be food and beverage specials. To show Wall Street's commitment to social media, anyone who is friends with them on Twitter or Facebook will also get their first drink on the house!

While you are at it, check out our Twitter and Facebook pages to stay up to date on job tips, branding information, the latest local jobs and more!

Wall Street on Twitter
Wall Street Facebook Page
Social Media Day Orlando Facebook Page
Orlando JobSpot on Twitter
Orlando JobSpot on Facebook

Let's close this celebratory post out by asking you how you are using social media to look for your next job or career opportunity?

-Greg

4 Rookie Interview Mistakes

With high school and colleges finishing up for the year it means more students and young adults looking for part-time and full time jobs here in Central Florida. These students are coming out of a safe, or comfortable environment and into a results driven world that many have not been prepared for, and I'm not just talking about the work.

Before the job comes the interview. Below are 4 rookie mistakes that I hope you can avoid this summer when going into your job interview (whether you are a student or a seasoned pro!).
1. A Bad Case Of The Electronics

We all know that Millennials, or Gen-Y are glued to their mobile device, texting, Tweeting and Facebooking their way through the day. When you are at the interview however, turn it on silent and avoid the twitching to check your friends' status saying to hurry up and get to the pool when you leave the interview.

2. Lack Of Knowledge About The Company And/Or The Position

We talk about this often, but still many people go into interview without a strong knowledge of the company they are going to talk to. It can be as simple as a Google search, asking your Facebook or LinkedIn friends or asking the person that called you in for the interview a little about the background of the company. Do your due diligence and it will show in the interview's results.

Here is a video on learning more about the person interviewing you.

3. Making Demands During A First Interview

At a first interview there is no reason to have an entitled attitude. You should be selling yourself and your value that will get the hiring manager's attention and ultimately a job offer. That is when you can begin negotiations. Making demands before you are even offered the job is a headache waiting to happen and there are plenty of candidates who can do a great job in that position without the demands.

Focus your energy and strength on your value proposition to what you can bring to the company.

4. Walking In The Door Under-dressed

Grab your big boy pants and look like you really want the job and not like you want to hurry up and finish the interview so you can meet up with your people at the mall. If you are unsure of the work environment, ask upfront, or dress up. Jeans and free school t-shirts don't make the grade when faced with a recruiter and hiring manager.

To Wrap It Up

As you head into an interview this summer, really look at what you can contribute to an organization and bring your A game. With many candidates to choose from, recruiters have many options to address and your performance in the interview is a very strong indicator if they want to take the chance to bring you on.

Best of luck and happy hunting Orlando!

-Greg

photo by Steve Rhodes

The Student Loan Debate

photo by Art Pets Photography

Over the last few weeks the New York Times has been debating the college experience. In today's economic climate and tough job market, many students are entering early adulthood faced with tremendous debt and a job outlook that will not allow them to pay it back in full for 20, 30, even 40 years with increasing interest rates and deferred payments.

In the most recent article, the author mentions that even bankruptcy will not remove student loan debt. This article explains how federal bankruptcy law makes it nearly impossible to remove this ever-growing debt.

There have been plenty of local and national headlines of individuals and families walking away from their homes and mortgages after a bad investment, but should students who were optimistic about their future be allowed to have the same options for potentially "bad education?"

The NYT article looks at different culprits of the student load debt and sites many points that are valid for all sides including the school, the lenders and the parents/family.

As someone who graduated with college with $20,000+ in student loans I understand how difficult and stressful they can be. They weigh in on you and sit on your shoulder like the white elephant in the room and unless you strike gold or the lottery they are going to move with you for a long time.

I'd love to open this discussion up to everyone. What are your thoughts on the growing costs of a college education versus the declining job market for young candidates? What are some ways you have seen to curb college loan debt or go about eliminating it altogether?

Let's talk in the comments below, on Twitter or our Facebook page.

-Greg