Orlando JobSpot

Florida's Spring Guide to Careers is Out Now!

2011-04-29T07:46:00.000-07:00

Every spring and fall Florida's Guide to Careers hits the stands. This guide has an in-depth look at different career opportunities. Below are all the careers that were spotlighted in the Spring 2011 edition:

• Dental Assistants

• Computer and Information Systems Managers

• Retail Sales

• Graphic Designers

• Food Service Manager

• Nursing

• Medical Assistants

• Engineers

• Automation and Production Technology

• Medical Office Technologist

• RV Service Technician

• Flight Attendants

• Barbers, Cosmetologists, & Other Personal Appearance Workers

Here is the full flash version: Guide to Careers Spring 2011.

Dental Assistants

2011-04-29T06:44:00.001-07:00

Nature of the work

Dental assistants perform a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties. They sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment, prepare and lay out the instruments and materials required to treat each patient, and obtain and update patients' dental records. Assistants make patients comfortable in the dental chair and prepare them for treatment. During dental procedures, assistants work alongside the dentist to provide assistance. They hand instruments and materials to dentists and keep patients' mouths dry and clear by using suction hoses or other devices. They also instruct patients on postoperative and general oral healthcare.

Dental assistants may prepare materials for impressions and restorations, and process dental x rays as directed by a dentist. They also may remove sutures, apply topical anesthetics to gums or cavity-preventive agents to teeth, remove excess cement used in the filling process, and place dental dams to isolate teeth for treatment. Many States are expanding dental assistants' duties to include tasks such as coronal polishing and restorative dentistry functions for those assistants who meet specific training and experience requirements.

Dental assistants with laboratory duties make casts of the teeth and mouth from impressions, clean and polish removable appliances, and make temporary crowns. Those with office duties schedule and confirm appointments, receive patients, keep treatment records, send bills, receive payments, and order dental supplies and materials.

Education and Training

In most States, there are no formal education or training requirements to become an entry-level dental assistant. High school students interested in a career as a dental assistant should take courses in biology, chemistry, health, and office practices. For those wishing to pursue further education, the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) approved 281 dental-assisting training programs in 2009. Programs include classroom, laboratory, and preclinical instruction in dental-assisting skills and related theory. Most programs take close to 1 year to complete and lead to a certificate or diploma. Two-year programs offered in community and junior colleges lead to an associate degree. All programs require a high school diploma or its equivalent, and some require science or computer-related courses for admission. A number of private vocational schools offer 4- to 6-month courses in dental assisting, but the Commission on Dental Accreditation does not accredit these programs.

A large number of dental assistants learn through on-the-job training. In these situations, the employing dentist or other dental assistants in the dental office teach the new assistant dental terminology, the names of the instruments, how to perform daily duties, how to interact with patients, and other things necessary to help keep the dental office running smoothly. While some things can be picked up easily, it may be a few months before new dental assistants are completely knowledgeable about their duties and comfortable doing all their tasks without assistance.

A period of on-the-job training is often required even for those who have completed a dental-assisting program or have some previous experience. Different dentists may have their own styles of doing things that need to be learned before an assistant can be comfortable working with them. Office-specific information, such as where files and instruments are kept, will need to be learned at each new job. Also, as dental technology changes, dental assistants need to stay familiar with the instruments and procedures that they will be using or helping dentists to use. On-the-job training may be sufficient to keep assistants up-to-date on these matters.

Job Outlook

Employment is expected to grow 36 percent from 2008 to 2018, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. In fact, dental assistants are expected to be among the fastest growing occupations over the 2008–18 projection period. Population growth, greater retention of natural teeth by middle-aged and older people, and an increased focus on preventative dental care for younger generations will fuel demand for dental services. Older dentists, who have been less likely to employ assistants or have employed fewer, are leaving the occupation and will be replaced by recent graduates, who are more likely to use one or more assistants. In addition, as dentists' workloads increase, they are expected to hire more assistants to perform routine tasks, so that they may devote their own time to more complex procedures.

Earnings

Median annual wages of dental assistants were $32,380 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $26,980 and $38,960. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $22,270, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $46,150.

Story & Salary information courtesy of Bureau of Labor Statistics

Computer & Information Systems Managers

2011-04-29T06:35:00.000-07:00

Nature of the work

In the modern workplace, it is imperative that Information Technology (IT) works both effectively and reliably. Computer and information systems managers play a vital role in the implementation and administration of technology within their organizations. They plan, coordinate, and direct research on the computer-related activities of firms. In consultation with other managers, they help determine the goals of an organization and then implement technology to meet those goals. They oversee all technical aspect of an organization, such as software development, network security, and Internet operations.

Computer and information systems managers direct the work of other IT professionals, such as computer software engineers and computer programmers, computer systems analysts, and computer support specialists (information on these occupations can be found elsewhere in the Handbook). They plan and coordinate activities such as installing and upgrading hardware and software, programming and systems design, the implementation of computer networks, and the development of Internet and intranet sites. They are increasingly involved with the upkeep, maintenance, and security of networks. They analyze the computer and information needs of their organizations from an operational and strategic perspective and determine immediate and long-range personnel and equipment requirements. They assign and review the work of their subordinates and stay abreast of the latest technology to ensure that the organization remains competitive.

Computer and information systems managers can have additional duties, depending on their role within an organization. Chief technology officers (CTOs),for example, evaluate the newest and most innovative technologies and determine how these can help their organizations. They develop technical standards, deploy technology, and supervise workers who deal with the daily information technology issues of the firm. When a useful new tool has been identified, the CTO determines one or more possible implementation strategies, including cost-benefit and return on investment analyses, and presents those strategies to top management, such as the chief information officer (CIO).

Earnings

Wages of computer and information systems managers vary by specialty and level of respon-
sibility. Median annual wages of these managers in May 2008 were $112,210. The middle 50 percent earned between $88,240 and $141,890.

Story and Salary information courtesy of Bureau of Labor Statistics

Retail Sales

2011-04-29T06:29:00.000-07:00

Nature of the work

Whether selling shoes, computer equipment, or automobiles, retail salespersons assist customers in finding what they are looking for. They also try to increase sales by describing a product's features, demonstrating its uses, and promoting its value.

In addition to selling, many retail salespersons—especially those who work in department and apparel stores—conduct financial transactions with their customers. This usually involves receiving payments by cash, check, debit card, or credit card; operating cash registers; and bagging or packaging purchases. Depending on the hours they work, retail salespersons may have to open or close cash registers. This work may include counting the money in the register and separating charge slips, coupons, and exchange vouchers. Retail salespersons also may have to make deposits at a cash office. (Cashiers, who have similar duties, are discussed elsewhere in the Handbook.) In addition, retail salespersons may help stock shelves or racks, arrange for mailing or delivery of purchases, mark price tags, take inventory, and prepare displays.

For some sales jobs, particularly those involving expensive and complex items, retail salespersons need special knowledge or skills. For example, salespersons who sell automobiles must be able to explain the features of various models, the manufacturers' specifications, the types of options and financing available, and the details of associated warranties. In addition, all retail salespersons must recognize security risks and thefts and understand their organization’s procedure for handling such situations—procedures that may include notifying security guards or calling police.

Education and Training

There usually are no formal education requirements for retail sales positions, but employers often prefer applicants with a high school diploma or its equivalent. This may be especially important for those who sell technical products or “big-ticket” items, such as electronics or automobiles. A college degree may be required for management trainee positions, especially in larger retail establishments.

Most retail salespersons receive on-the-job training, which usually lasts anywhere from a few days to a few months. In small stores, newly hired workers usually are trained by an experienced employee. In large stores, training programs are more formal and generally are conducted over several days. Topics often include customer service, security, the store's policies and procedures, and cash register operation. Depending on the type of product they are selling, employees may be given additional specialized training. For example, those working in cosmetics receive instruction on the types of products the store offers and for whom the cosmetics would be most beneficial. Likewise, those who sell computers may be instructed in the technical differences between computer products. Because providing the best possible service to customers is a high priority for many employers, employees often are given periodic training to update and refine their skills.

Job Outlook

Employment is expected to grow by 8 percent over the 2008–18 decade, about as fast as the average for all occupations. In addition, given the size of this occupation, about 374,700 new retail salesperson jobs will arise over the projections decade—more jobs than will be generated in almost any other occupation.

Employment growth among retail salespersons reflects rising retail sales stemming from a growing population. Many retail establishments will continue to expand in size and number, leading to new retail sales positions. Growth will be fastest in general merchandise stores, many of which sell a wide assortment of goods at low prices. As consumers continue to prefer these stores other establishments with higher prices, growth in this industry will be rapid. Employment of retail sales persons is expected to decline in department stores and automobile dealers as these industries see a reduction in store locations.

Despite the growing popularity of electronic commerce, the impact of online shopping on the employment of retail salespersons is expected to be minimal. Internet sales have not decreased the need for retail salespersons. Retail stores commonly use an online presence to complement their in-store sales, and many consumers prefer to buy merchandise in person. Retail salespersons will remain important in assisting customers, providing specialized service, and increasing customer satisfaction.

Earnings

Median hourly wages of wage-and-salary retail salespersons, including commissions, were $9.86 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $8.26 and $13.35 an hour. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $7.37, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $19.14 an hour. Median hourly wages in the industries employing the largest numbers of retail salespersons in May 2008 were as follows: Automobile dealers: $18.91/hr; Building material and supplies dealers: $11.95/hr; Other general merchandise stores $9.22/hr; Department stores: $9.14/hr; Clothing Stores: $8.94/hr.

Story & Salary information courtesy of Bureau of Labor Statistics

Graphic Designers

2011-04-29T06:20:00.000-07:00

Nature of the work

Graphic designers—or graphic artists—plan, analyze, and create visual solutions to communications problems. They find the most effective way to get messages across in print and electronic media using color, type, illustration, photography, animation, and various print and layout techniques. Graphic designers develop the overall layout and production design of magazines, newspapers, journals, corporate reports, and other publications. They also produce promotional displays, packaging, and marketing brochures for products and services, design distinctive logos for products and businesses, and develop signs and signage systems—called environmental graphics—for business and government. An increasing number of graphic designers also develop material for Internet Web pages, interactive media, and multimedia projects. Graphic designers also may produce the credits that appear before and after television programs and movies.

The first step in developing a new design is to determine the needs of the client, the message the design should portray, and its appeal to customers or users. Graphic designers consider cognitive, cultural, physical, and social factors in planning and executing designs for the target audience. Designers gather relevant information by meeting with clients, creative or art directors, and by performing their own research. Identifying the needs of consumers is becoming increasingly important for graphic designers as they continue to develop corporate communication strategies in addition to creating designs and layouts.

Graphic designers prepare sketches or layouts—by hand or with the aid of a computer—to illustrate their vision for the design. They select colors, sound, artwork, photography, animation, style of type, and other visual elements for the design. Designers also select the size and arrangement of the different elements on the page or screen. They may create graphs and charts from data for use in publications, and they often consult with copywriters on any text that accompanies the design. Designers then present the completed design to their clients or art or creative director for approval. In printing and publishing firms, graphic designers also may assist the printers by selecting the type of paper and ink for the publication and reviewing the mock-up design for errors before final publication.

Education and Training

A bachelor's degree in graphic design is usually required for most entry-level and advanced graphic design positions. Bachelor's degree programs in fine arts or graphic design are offered at many colleges, universities, and private design schools. Most curriculums include studio art, principles of design, computerized design, commercial graphics production, printing techniques, and Web site design. In addition to design courses, a liberal arts education that includes courses in art history, writing, psychology, sociology, foreign languages and cultural studies, marketing, and business are useful in helping designers work effectively.

Associate degrees and certificates in graphic design also are available from 2-year and 3-year professional schools, and graduates of these programs normally qualify as assistants to graphic designers or for positions requiring technical skills only. Creative individuals who wish to pursue a career in graphic design—and who already possess a bachelor's degree in another field—can complete a 2-year or 3-year program in graphic design to learn the technical requirements.

The National Association of Schools of Art and Design accredits about 300 postsecondary institutions with programs in art and design. Most of these schools award a degree in graphic design. Many schools do not allow formal entry into a bachelor's degree program until a student has successfully finished a year of basic art and design courses, which can be completed in high school. Applicants may be required to submit sketches and other examples of their artistic ability.

Graphic designers must keep up with new and updated computer graphics and design software, either on their own or through formal software training programs.

Job Outlook

Employment of graphic designers is expected to grow 13 percent, as fast as the average for all occupations from 2008 to 2018, as demand for graphic design continues to increase from advertisers and computer design firms.

Moreover, graphic designers with Web site design and animation experience will especially be needed as demand increases for design projects for interactive media—Web sites, mobile phones, and other technology. Demand for graphic designers also will increase as advertising firms create print and Web marketing and promotional materials for a growing number of products and services. Growth in Internet advertising, in particular, is expected to increase the number of designers. However, growth may be tempered by reduced demand in the print publishing, where many graphic designers are employed.

Earnings

Median annual wages for graphic designers were $42,400 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $32,600 and $56,620. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $26,110, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $74,660.

Story & Salary information courtesy of Bureau of Labor Statistics

Food Service Managers

2011-04-28T13:01:00.001-07:00

Nature of the work

Food service managers are responsible for the daily operations of restaurants and other establishments that prepare and serve meals and beverages to customers. Besides coordinating activities among various departments, such as kitchen, dining room, and banquets operations, food service managers ensure that customers are satisfied with their dining experience. In addition, they oversee the inventory and ordering of food, equipment, and supplies and arrange for the routine maintenance and upkeep of the restaurant's equipment and facilities. Managers are generally responsible for all administrative and human-resources functions of the business, including recruiting new employees and monitoring employee performance and training.

Managers interview, hire, train, and when necessary fire employees. Retaining good employees is a major challenge facing food service managers. Managers recruit employees at career fairs and at schools that offer academic programs in hospitality management or culinary arts, and arrange newspaper advertising to attract additional applicants. Managers oversee the training of new employees and explain the establishment's policies and practices. They schedule work hours, making sure that enough workers are present to cover each shift. If employees are unable to work, managers may have to call in alternates to cover for them or fill in themselves. Some managers may help with cooking, clearing tables, or other tasks when the restaurant becomes extremely busy.

Food service managers ensure that diners are served properly and in a timely manner. They investigate and resolve customers' complaints about food quality and serve. They monitor orders in the kitchen to determine where backups may occur, and they work with the chef to remedy any delays in service. Managers direct the cleaning of the dining areas and the washing of tableware, kitchen utensils, and equipment to comply with company and government sanitation standards. Managers also monitor the actions of their employees and patrons on a continual basis to ensure the personal safety and local liquor regulations are obeyed.

In addiction to their regular duties, food service managers perform a variety of administrative assignments, such as keeping employee work records, preparing the payroll, and completing paperwork to comply with licensing, tax, wage and hour, unemployment compensation, and Social Security laws. Some of this work may be delegated to an assistant manager or bookkeeper, or it may be contracted out, but most general managers retain responsibility for the accuracy of business records. Managers also maintain records of supply and equipment purchases and ensure that accounts with suppliers are paid.

Managers tally the cash and charge receipts received and balance them against the record of sales, securing them in a safe place. Finally, managers are responsible for locking up establishment, checking that ovens, grills, and lights are off and switching on alarm systems.

Technology influences the jobs of foes service managers in many ways, enhancing efficiency and productivity. Many restaurants use computers and business software to place orders and track inventory and sales. They also allow food service managers to monitor expenses, employee schedules, and payroll matters more efficiently.

In most full-services restaurants and institutional food service facilities, the management team consists of a general manager, on or more assistant managers, and an executive chef. The executive chef is responsible for all food preparation activities, including running kitchen operations, planning menus, and maintaining quality standards for food service. In some cases, the executive chef is also the general manager or owner of the restaurant. General managers may employ several assistant managers that oversee certain areas, such as the dining or banquets rooms, or supervise different shifts of workers. In limited-service eating places, such as sandwich and coffee shops or fast-food restraints, managers or food preparation or serving supervisors, not executive chefs, are responsible for supervising routine food preparation operations.

In restaurants, mainly full-service independent ones where there are both food service managers and executive chefs, the managers often help the chefs menu items. Managers or executive chefs at independent restaurants select menu items, taking into account the past popularity of dishes, the ability to reuse any food not served the previous day, the need for variety and the seasonal availability of foods. Managers or executive chefs analyze the recipes of the dishes to determine food, labor, and overhead costs, work out the portion size and nutritional content of each plate, and assign prices to various menu items. Menus must be developed far enough in advance that supplies can be ordered and received in time.

Earnings

Median annual wages of salaried food service managers were $46,320 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $36,670 and %59,580. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $29,450, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $76,940. Median annual wages in the industries employing the largest numbers of food service managers were as follows: Traveler accommodation: $54,710; Special food services: $52,680; Full-service restaurants: $49,420; Limited-Service eating-places: $41,320.

Story & Salary information courtesy of Bureau of Labor

Nursing

2011-04-28T12:50:00.000-07:00

Nature of the work

Nurses, also called register nurses or RNs, take care of sick and injured people. They give people medicine. They treat wounds. And they give emotional support to patients and their families.

Nurses ask patients about their symptoms and keep detailed records. They watch for signs that people are sick. Then, nurses help doctors examine and treat parents.

Some nurses’ help to give tests to find out why people are sick. Some also do lab work to get test results.

Nurses also teach people how to take care of themselves and their families. Some nurses teach people about diet and exercise and how to follow doctors' instructions. Some nurses run clinics and immunization centers.

Nurses can focus on treating one type of patient, such as babies or children. They can also focus on pone type problem. Some focus on helping doctors during surgery. Others work in emergency rooms or intensive care units.

Many nurses work in doctors' offices. They help medical tests, give medicines, and dress wounds. Some also do lab and office work.

Home health nurses go to people's homes to help them. Flight nurses fly in helicopters to get to sick people in emergencies.

Some nurses have special training and can do more advanced work. Nurse practitioners can prescribe medicine. Nurse midwives can help women give birth.

Helping sick people and dealing with medical emergencies can be stressful. Nurses in hospitals often have to help many patients at once.

Many nurses spend a lot of time walking and standing. Nurses also need to be careful in order to stay safe. Nurses care for people who have diseases that they can catch. Nurses can get hurt while helping to move patients. Nurses also need to guard against radiation from x-rays and chemical in medicine.

Because patients need 24-hour care hospital nurses often work nights, weekends, and holidays. Office nurses are more likely to work regular hours. Many nurses work part time.

Education and training

Nurses must graduate from nursing program. It takes about 2 years of college to attain an associate degree in nursing. It takes about 4 years to finish a bachelor's degree in nursing and a nursing diploma program usually takes about 3 years.

Deciding what kind of training to get is important. Some career paths are open only to nurses who have a bachelor's degree.

Nursing education includes taking classes and hands-on learning with experienced nurses in hospitals and other places. This is called clinical training.

Nurses study anatomy, chemistry, nutrition, psychology, and nursing theory.

After graduating, nurses need to pass a test to get a nursing license. They have to take classes every few years to keep their skills current.

Nurses need to be caring and kind. They also need to be good at recognizing problems and remembering details.

Nurses need to work well with doctors and patients. Many nurse also supervise assistants and other workers.

Nurses can become head nurses or directors of nursing. Some nurses’ move into the business side of health care. Some get jobs in big health care firms planning, marketing, and making sure people get good care.

Job Outlook

Registered nurses are the largest health care occupation. They held about 2.6 million jobs in 2008. About 3 out of 5 worked in hospitals.

Very good job opportunities are expected for resister nurses. Jobs for registered nurses will grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2018.

Many new jobs will be available for people who want to be nurses. New ways of helping people will let nurses treat more problems. They number of older people who need more health care will grow very rapidly. They will need nurses to treat them when they get sick.

Hospitals will need nurses, but many new nurses will also work in home health, clinics, doctors' offices, and nursing homes.

Earnings

In May 2008, nurses median wage was $65,130.

Story & Salary information courtesy of Bureau of Labor Go To UMA

Medical Assistants

2011-04-28T12:42:00.001-07:00

Quick Outlook

- About 62 percent of medical assistants work in ofﬁces of physicians.

- Some medical assistants are trained on the job, but many complete 1-year or 2-year programs.

Nature of the work

Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks to keep the ofﬁces of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, and other health practitioners running smoothly. They should not be confused with Physician assistants, who examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the direct supervision of a physician.

The duties of medical assistants vary from office to office, depending on the location and size of the practice and the practitioner’s specialty. In small practices, medical assistants usually do many different kinds of tasks, handling both administrative and clinical duties and reporting directly to an office manager, physician, or other health practitioner. Those in large practices tend to specialize in a particular area, under the supervision of department administrators.

Medical assistants who perform administrative tasks have many duties. They update and file patients’ medical records, ﬁll out insurance forms, and arrange for hospital admissions and laboratory services. They also perform tasks less specific to medical settings, such as answering telephones, greeting patients, handling correspondence, scheduling appointments, and handling billing and bookkeeping.

For clinical medical assistants, duties vary according to what is allowed by State law. Some common tasks include taking medical histories and recording vital signs, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing patients for examinations, and assisting physicians during examinations. Medical assistants collect and prepare laboratory specimens and sometimes perform basic laboratory tests on the premises, dispose of contaminated supplies, and sterilize medical instruments.

Working environment

Medical assistants work in well-lighted, clean environments. They constantly interact with other people and may have to handle several responsibilities at once. Most full-time medical assistants work a regular 40-hour week. However, many medical assistants work part time, evenings, or weekends.

Education and training

Postsecondary medical assisting programs are offered in vocational-technical high schools, postsecondary vocational schools, and community and junior colleges. Programs usually last either 1 year and result in a certification or diploma, or 2 years and result in an associate degree. Courses cover anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology, as well as typing, transcription, recordkeeping, accounting, and insurance processing. Students learn laboratory techniques, clinical and diagnostic procedures, pharmaceutical principles, the administration of medications, and first aid. They study office practices, patient relations, medical law, and ethics. There are various organizations that accredit medical assisting programs. Accredited programs often include an internship that provides practical experience in physicians’ offices, hospitals, or other health care facilities.

Formal training in medical assisting, while generally preferred, is not always required. Some medical assistants are trained on the job, although this practice is less common than in the past. Applicants usually need a high school diploma or the equivalent. Recommended high school courses include mathematics, health, biology, typing, bookkeeping, computers, and office skills. Volunteer experience in the health care ﬁeld also is helpful. Medical assistants who are trained on the job usually spend their first few months attending training sessions and working closely with more experienced workers.

Employers prefer to hire experienced workers or those who are certified. Although not required, certiﬁcation indicates that a medical assistant meets certain standards of competence. There are various associations—some listed in the sources of information below—that award certiﬁcation credentials to medical assistants, and the certiﬁcation process varies. It also is possible to become certiﬁed in a specialty, such as podiatry, optometry, or ophthalmology.

Medical assistants deal with the public; therefore, they must be neat and well groomed and have a courteous, pleasant manner and they must be able to put patients at ease and explain physicians’ instructions. They must respect the conﬁdential nature of medical information. Clinical duties require a reasonable level of manual dexterity and visual acuity.

Job Outlook

Employment of medical assistants is expected to grow 34 percent from 2008 to 2018, much faster than the average for all occupations. As the health care industry expands because of technological advances in medicine and the growth and aging of the population, there will be an increased need for all health care workers. Increasing use of medical assistants in the rapidly growing health care industry will further stimulate job growth.

Helping to drive job growth is the increasing number of group practices, clinics, and other health care facilities that need a high proportion of support personnel, particularly medical assistants who can handle both administrative and clinical duties. In addition, medical assistants work primarily in outpatient settings, a rapidly growing sector of the health care industry. Job seekers who want to work as a medical assistant should ﬁnd excellent job prospects. Medical assistants are projected to account for a very large number of new jobs, and many other opportunities will come from the need to replace workers leaving the occupation.

Earnings

Median annual earnings of medical assistants in May 2008:

- Highest 10 percent yearly wage more than $39,570/year

- Median yearly wage $28,300/year

- Middle 50 percent yearly wage $23,700 to $33,050/year

- Lowest 10 percent yearly wage $20,600/year

Story & Salary information courtesy of Bureau of Labor

Engineers

2011-04-28T12:21:00.000-07:00

Quick Outlook

- Employment is projected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations. Although growth will bray by specialty; overall job opportunities for engineers are expected to be good.

- A bachelor's degree in engineering is required for most entry-level jobs, but some research positions may require a graduate degree.

- Starting salaries are among the highest of all college graduates.

- Continuing education is critical for engineers in order to keep up with improvements in technology.

Nature of the work

Engineers apply the principles of science and mathematics to develop economical solutions to technical problems. Their work is the link between scientific discoveries and the commercial applications that meet societal and consumer needs.

Many engineers develop new products. During the process, they consider several factors. For example, in developing an industrial robot, engineers specify the functional requirements precisely; design and test the robot's components; integrate the components to produce the final design; and evaluate the design's overall effectiveness, cost, reliability, and safety. This process applies to the development of many different products, such as chemicals, computers, powerplants, helicopters, and toys.

In addition to their involvement in design and development, many engineers work in testing, production, or maintenance. These engineers supervise production in factories, determine the causes of a component’s failure, and test manufactured products to maintain quality. They also estimate the time and cost required to complete projects. Supervisory engineers are responsible for major components or entire projects. (See the statement on engineering and natural sciences managers elsewhere in the Handbook.)

Engineers use computers extensively to produce and analyze designs; to simulate and test how a machine, structure, or system operates; to generate specifications for parts; to monitor the quality of products; and to control the efficiency of processes. Nanotechnology, which involves the creation of high-performance materials and components by integrating atoms and molecules, also is introducing entirely new principles to the design process.

Most engineers specialize. Following are details on the 17 engineering specialties covered in the Federal Government's Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system. Numerous other specialties are recognized by professional societies, and each of the major branches of engineering has numerous subdivisions. Civil engineering, for example, includes structural and transportation engineering, and materials engineering includes ceramic, metallurgical, and polymer engineering. Engineers also may specialize in one industry, such as motor vehicles, or in one type of technology, such as turbines or semiconductor materials.

Education and Training
A bachelor's degree in engineering is required for almost all entry-level engineering jobs. College graduates with a degree in a natural science or mathematics occasionally may qualify for some engineering jobs, especially in specialties that are in high demand. Most engineering degrees are granted in electrical and electronics engineering, mechanical engineering, and civil engineering. However, engineers trained in one branch may work in related branches. For example, many aerospace engineers have training in mechanical engineering. This flexibility allows employers to meet staffing needs in new technologies and specialties in which engineers may be in short supply. It also allows engineers to shift to fields with better employment prospects or to those that more closely match their interests.

Most engineering programs involve a concentration of study in an engineering specialty, along with courses in both mathematics and the physical and life sciences. Many programs also include courses in general engineering. A design course, sometimes accompanied by a computer or laboratory class or both, is part of the curriculum of most programs. Often, general courses not directly related to engineering, such as those in the social sciences or humanities, also are required.

In addition to the standard engineering degree, many colleges offer 2-year or 4-year degree programs in engineering technology. These programs, which usually include various hands-on laboratory classes that focus on current issues in the application of engineering principles, prepare students for practical design and production work, rather than for jobs that require more theoretical and scientific knowledge. Graduates of 4-year technology programs may get jobs similar to those obtained by graduates with a bachelor's degree in engineering. Engineering technology graduates, however, are not qualified to register as professional engineers under the same terms as graduates with degrees in engineering. Some employers regard technology program graduates as having skills between those of a technician and an engineer.

Graduate training is essential for engineering faculty positions and some research and development programs, but is not required for the majority of entry-level engineering jobs. Many experienced engineers obtain graduate degrees in engineering or business administration to learn new technology and broaden their education. Numerous high-level executives in government and industry began their careers as engineers.

The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredits college and university programs in engineering and engineering technology. ABET accreditation is based on a program's faculty, curriculum, and facilities; the achievement of a program's students; program improvements; and institutional commitment to specific principles of quality and ethics. Graduation from an ABET-accredited program may be required for engineers who need to be licensed.

Although most institutions offer programs in the major branches of engineering, only a few offer programs in the smaller specialties. Also, programs with the same title may vary in content. For example, some programs emphasize industrial practices, preparing students for a job in industry, whereas others are more theoretical and are designed to prepare students for graduate work. Therefore, students should investigate curricula and check accreditations carefully before selecting a college.

Admissions requirements for undergraduate engineering schools include a solid background in mathematics (algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus) and science (biology, chemistry, and physics), in addition to courses in English, social studies, and humanities. Bachelor's degree programs in engineering typically are designed to last 4 years, but many students find that it takes between 4 and 5 years to complete their studies. In a typical 4-year college curriculum, the first 2 years are spent studying mathematics, basic sciences, introductory engineering, humanities, and social sciences. In the last 2 years, most courses are in engineering, usually with a concentration in one specialty. Some programs offer a general engineering curriculum; students then specialize on the job or in graduate school.

Some engineering schools have agreements with 2-year colleges whereby the college provides the initial engineering education and the engineering school automatically admits students for their last 2 years. In addition, a few engineering schools have arrangements that allow students who spend 3 years in a liberal arts college studying pre-engineering subjects and 2 years in an engineering school studying core subjects to receive a bachelor's degree from each school. Some colleges and universities offer 5-year master's degree programs. Some 5-year or even 6-year cooperative plans combine classroom study with practical work, permitting students to gain valuable experience and to finance part of their education.

Job outlook

Overall engineering employment is expected to grow by 11 percent over the 2008–18 decade, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Engineers traditionally have been concentrated in slower growing or declining manufacturing industries, in which they will continue to be needed to design, build, test, and improve manufactured products. However, increasing employment of engineers in engineering, research and development, and consulting services industries should generate most of the employment growth. The job outlook varies by engineering specialty, as discussed later.

Competitive pressures and advancing technology will force companies to improve and update product designs and to optimize their manufacturing processes. Employers will rely on engineers to increase productivity and expand output of goods and services. New technologies continue to improve the design process, enabling engineers to produce and analyze various product designs much more rapidly than in the past. Unlike the situation in some other occupations, however, technological advances are not expected to substantially limit employment opportunities in engineering, because engineers are needed to provide the ideas that lead to improved products and more productive processes.

The continued globalization of engineering work will likely dampen domestic employment growth to some degree. There are many well-trained, often English-speaking, engineers available around the world who are willing to work at much lower salaries than U.S. engineers. The rise of the Internet has made it relatively easy for part of the engineering work previously done by engineers in this country to be done by engineers in other countries, a factor that will tend to hold down employment growth. Even so, there will always be a need for onsite engineers to interact with other employees and clients.

Earnings

The mean annual salaries for engineers ranged from $81,085 in agricultural engineering to $126,788 in ceramic engineering in March 2009.

Story & Salary information courtesy of Bureau of Labor

Automation & Production Technology

2011-04-28T12:10:00.000-07:00

Nature of the work

Assemblers and fabricators play an important role in the manufacturing prices. They assemble both finished products and the pieces that go into them. The products they assemble using tools, machines, and their hands range from entire airplanes to children's toys. They fabricate and assemble household appliances, automobiles, computers, electronic devices, and more.

Changes in technology have transformed the manufacturing and assemble process. Modern manufacturing systems use robots, computers, programmable motion control devices, and carious sensing technologies. These systems change the way in which goods are made and affect the jobs of those who make them. The more advanced assemblers must be able to work with these new technologies and use them to produce goods.

The job of an assembler or fabricator ranges from very east to very complicated, requiring a rained of knowledge and skills. Skilled assemblers putting together complex machines, for example, begin by reading detailed schematics or blueprints that show how to assemble the machine. After determining how many pasts should connect, they use hand or power tools to trim, shim, cut, and make other adjustments to fit components together and align properly. Once the pasts are properly aligned, they connect them with bolts and screws or by welding or soldering pieces together.

Careful quality control is important throughout the assembly process, so assemblers look for faulty components and mistake in the assembly process. They help to fix problems before more defective products are produced.

Manufacturing techniques are evolving away from traditional assemble line systems toward "lean" manufacturing systems, which are causing the nature of assemblers' work to change. Lean manufacturing uses teams of workers to produce entire products or components. Team assemblers may still work on an assemble line, but they rotate through different tasks, rather than specializing in a single task. The team also may decide how the work is assigned and how different tasks are performed these worker flexibility helps companies cover for absent workers, improves productivity, and increases companies' ability to respond to changes in demand by shifting labor from one prefect line to another. For example, if demand for a product drops, companies may rescue the total number of workers prefacing it, asking the remaining workers to preform more stages of the assembly process. Some aspects of lean production, such as rotating tasks and seeking worker input on improving the assembly process, are common to all assembly and fabrication occupations.

Education and Training

Most applicants for assembler positions need only a high school diploma or GED, with workers learning the skills they need through on-the-job training, sometimes including employer-sponsored classroom instruction. Some employers may require specialized training or an associate degree for the most skilled assembly jobs. For example, jobs with electrical, electronic, and aircraft and motor vehicle products manufacturers typically require more formal education through technical schools.

Job outlook

Employment of assemblers and fabricators is expected to experience little or no change between 2008 and 2018, declining by 2 percent. Within the manufacturing sector, employment of assemblers and fabricators will be determined largely by the growth or decline in the production of certain manufactured goods. IN general, despite production growth in the output of manufactures goods, overall employment is not expected to grow as the whole sector becomes more efficient and is able to produce more with fewer workers. However, some individual industries are projected to have more jobs than other The aircraft products and parts industry is a projected to gain jobs over the decades as demand for new commercial planes grows significantly. Thus, the need for aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers is expected to grow. Also, industries such as electromedical product manufacturing, which includes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, pacemakers, and other devices, should grow with an aging population requiring additional medical technology.

Earnings

Assemblers and fabricators held about 2.0 million jobs in 2008. They worked in many industries, but over 75 percent worked in manufacturing. Within the manufacturing sector, assembly of transportation equipment, such as aircraft, autos trucks, and buses, accounted for 20 percent of all jobs. Assembly of computers and electronic products accounted for another 11 percent of all jobs. Other industries that employ many assemblers and fabricators are machinery manufacturing and electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing.

Story & Salary information courtesy of Bureau of Labor

Medical Office Technologist

2011-04-28T12:03:00.001-07:00

Nature of the work

Medical records and health information technicians assemble patients' health information including medical history, symptoms, examination results, diagnostic tests, treatment methods, and all other healthcare provider services. Technicians organize and manage health information data by ensuring its quality, accuracy, accessibility, and security. They regularly communicate with physicians and other healthcare professionals to clarify diagnoses or to obtain additional information.

The increasing use of electronic health records (EHR) will continue to broaden and alter the job responsibilities of health information technicians. For example, with the use of EHRs, technicians must be familiar with EHR computer software, maintaining EHR security, and analyzing electronic data to improve healthcare information. Health information technicians use EHR software to maintain data on patient safety, patterns of disease, and disease treatment and outcome. Technicians also may assist with improving EHR software usability and may contribute to the development and maintenance of health information networks.

Medical records and health information technicians' duties vary with the size of the facility where they work. Technicians can specialize in many aspects of health information.

Some medical records and health information technicians specialize in codifying patients' medical information for reimbursement purposes. Technicians who specialize in coding are called medical coders or coding specialists. Medical coders assign a code to each diagnosis and procedure by using classification systems software. The classification system determines the amount for which healthcare providers will be reimbursed if the patient is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or other insurance programs using the system. Coders may use several coding systems, such as those required for ambulatory settings, physician offices, or long-term care.

Medical records and health information technicians also may specialize in cancer registry. Cancer (or tumor) registrars maintain facility, regional, and national databases of cancer patients. Registrars review patient records and pathology reports, and assign codes for the diagnosis and treatment of different cancers and selected benign tumors. Registrars conduct annual followups to track treatment, survival, and recovery. This information is used to calculate survivor rates and success rates of various types of treatment, to locate geographic areas with high incidences of certain cancers, and to identify potential participants for clinical drug trials.

Education and Training

Medical records and health information technicians generally have an associate degree. Typical coursework in health information technology includes medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, health data requirements and standards, clinical classification and coding systems, data analysis, healthcare reimbursement methods, database security and management, and quality improvement methods. Applicants can improve their chances of admission into a postsecondary program by taking biology, math, chemistry, health, and computer science courses in high school.

Job outlook

Employment of medical records and health information technicians is expected to increase by 20 percent, much faster than the average for all occupations through 2018. Employment growth will result from the increase in the number of medical tests, treatments, and procedures that will be performed. As the population continues to age, the occurrence of health-related problems will increase. Cancer registrars should experience job growth as the incidence of cancer increases from an aging population.

In addition, with the increasing use of electronic health records, more technicians will be needed to complete the new responsibilities associated with electronic data management.

Earnings

The median annual wage of medical records and health information technicians was $30,610 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $24,290 and $39,490. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $20,440, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $50,060.

Story & Salary information courtesy of Bureau of Labor

RV Service Technician

2011-04-28T11:51:00.001-07:00

Nature of the work

RV Service Technicians inspect, maintain, and repair RVs that run on gasoline, electricity, or alternative fuels, such as ethanol. They perform basic care maintenance, such as oil changes and tire rotations, diagnose more complex problems, and plan and execute vehicle repairs.

RV service technicians' responsibilities have evolved from simple mechanical repairs to high-level technology-related work. Today, integrated electronic systems and complex computers regulate vehicles and their performance while on the road. This increasing sophistication of RV's requires workers who can use computerized shop equipment and work with electronic components while maintaining their skills with traditional hand tools. Technicians must have an increasingly broad knowledge of how vehicles' complex components work and interact. They also must be able to work with electronic diagnostic equipment and digital manuals and reference materials.

Education and Training

Most employers regard the successful completion of a vocational training program in automotive service technology or RV Service Technician as the best preparation for trainee positions. High school programs, while an asset, vary greatly in scope. Graduates of these programs may need further training to become qualified. Some of the more extensive high school programs participate in Automotive Youth Education Service (AYES), a partnership between high school automotive repair programs, automotive manufacturers, and franchised automotive dealers. All AYES high school programs are certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Students who complete these programs are well prepared to enter entry-level technician positions or to advance their technical education. Courses in automotive repair, electronics, physics, chemistry, English, computers, and mathematics provide a good educational background for a career as a service technician.

Job outlook

Employment of automotive service technicians and mechanics is expected to increase by 5 percent between 2008 and 2018, slower than the average for all occupations. Continued growth in the number of vehicles in use in the United States will lead to new jobs for workers performing basic car maintenance and repair. More entry-level workers will be needed to perform these services, such as oil changes and replacing worn brakes. Additionally, the average lifespan of vehicles is increasing, which will further increase the demand for repair services, especially post-warranty work. The increasing use of advanced technology in automobiles will also lead to new opportunities for repair technicians, especially those with specialized skills or certifications. Workers with expertise in certain makes or models of vehicles, or with an advanced understanding of certain systems, such as hybrid-fuel technology, will be in demand. At the same time, consolidation in the automobile dealer industry, a significant employer of technicians, will limit the need for new workers.

Earnings

Median hourly wages of RV Service Technicians and mechanics, including commission, were $16.88 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $12.44 and $22.64 per hour. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $9.56, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $28.71 per hour.

Story & Salary information courtesy of Bureau of Labor

Flight Attendants

2011-04-28T11:41:00.000-07:00

Significant Points

- Competition for positions is expected to remain keen because the opportunity for travel attracts more applicants than there are jobs.

- Job duties are learned through formal on-the-job training at a flight-training center.

- A high school diploma is the minimum education requirement.

Nature of the work

Major airlines are required by law to provide flight attendants for the safety and security of the traveling public. Although the primary job of the flight attendants is to ensure that security and safety regulations are followed, attendants also try to make flights comfortable and enjoyable for passengers.

Because airlines operate around the clock and year round, flight attendants can work nights, holidays and weekends. Flight attendants may be away from their home base a least one-third of the time. During this period, the airlines provide hotel accommodations and an allowance for meal expenses.

Flight attendants must be flexible and willing to relocate. However, many flight attendants elect to live in one place and commute to their assigned home base. Home bases and routes worked are bid for and awarded on a seniority base, so the longer the flight attendant has been employed the more likely he or she is to work on their preferred flights. Almost all flight attendants start out working on reserve status, or on call. Flight attendants on reserve status, usually live near their home base, because they are required to be able to report to their home base on short notice.

Earnings

Median annual wages of flight attendants were $35,930 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $28,420 and $49,910. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $20,570 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $65,350.

Some airlines offer incentive pay for working holidays, nights and international flights, or taking positions that require additional responsibility and paperwork.

Flight attendants and their immediate families are entitled to free or discounted fares on their own airlines and reduced fares on most other airlines. Some airlines require that the flight attendant be with an airline 3 to 6 months before taking advantage of this benefit. Other benefits may include medical, dental, and life insurance; 401K or other retirement plan; sick leave; paid holidays; stock options; paid vacations; and tuition reimbursement. Flight attendants also receive a "per diem: allowance for meal expenses while on duty away from home. Flight attendants are required to purchase uniforms and wear them while on duty. The airlines usually pay for uniform replacement items and may provide a small allowance to cover ceasing and upkeep of the uniforms.

Story and Salary information courtesy of Bureau of Labor

Barbers, Cosmetologists, and Other Personal Appearance Workers

2011-04-28T11:13:00.000-07:00

Quick Look
• A State license is required for barbers, cosmetologists, and most other personal appearance workers, although qualiﬁcations vary by State.
• About 44 percent of workers are self-employed; many also work ﬂexible schedules.

Nature of the work

Barbers cut, trim, shampoo, and style hair mostly for male clients. They also may ﬁt hairpieces and offer scalp treatments and facial shaving. In many States, barbers are licensed to color, bleach, or highlight hair and to offer permanent-wave services. Barbers also may provide skin care and nail treatments.

Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists offer a wide range of beauty services, such as shampooing, cutting, coloring, and styling of hair. They may advise clients on how to care for their hair at home. In addition, cosmetologists may be trained to give manicures, pedicures, and scalp and facial treatments; provide makeup analysis; and clean and style wigs and hairpieces.

A number of workers offer specialized services. Manicurists and pedicurists, called nail technicians in some States, work exclusively on nails and provide manicures, pedicures, polishing, and nail extensions to clients. Another group of specialists is skin care specialists, or estheticians, who cleanse and beautify the skin by giving facials, full-body treatments, and head and neck massages as well as apply makeup. They also may remove hair through waxing or, if properly trained, laser treatments. Theatrical and performance makeup artists, apply makeup to enhance performing artists’ appearance for movie, television, or stage performances. Finally, in larger salons, shampooers specialize in shampooing and conditioning hair.

Working environment

Most full-time barbers, cosmetologists, and other personal appearance workers put in a 40-hour week, but longer hours are common, especially among self-employed workers. Work schedules may include evenings and weekends, the times when beauty salons and barbershops are busiest. In 2008, about 29 percent of barbers, hairstylists and cosmetologists worked part time, and 14 percent had variable schedules.

Barbers, cosmetologists, and other personal appearance workers usually work in clean, pleasant surroundings with good lighting and ventilation. Good health and stamina are important, because these workers are on their feet for most of their shift. Prolonged exposure to some hair and nail chemicals may cause irritation, so protective clothing, such as plastic gloves or aprons, may be worn.

Education and training

A high school diploma or GED is required for some personal appearance workers in some States. In addition, most States require that barbers and cosmetologists complete a program in a State-licensed barber or cosmetology school. Programs in hairstyling, skin care, and other personal appearance services can be found in both high schools and in public or private postsecondary vocational schools.

Full-time programs in barbering and cosmetology usually last 9 months and may lead to an associate degree, but training for manicurists and pedicurists and skin care specialists requires signiﬁcantly less time. Makeup artists can attend schools that specialize in this subject, but it is not required. Shampooers generally do not need formal training.

All States require barbers, cosmetologists, and other personal appearance workers to be licensed, with the exceptions of shampooers and makeup artists. Qualiﬁcations for a license vary by State, but generally a person must have a high school diploma or GED, be at least 16 years old, and have graduated from a State-licensed barber or cosmetology school. After graduating from a State approved training program, students take a State licensing examination.

Job outlook

Personal appearance workers will grow by 20 percent from 2008 to 2018, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth primarily will be a result of an increasing population and from the growing demand for personal appearance services, particularly skin care services.

Employment trends are expected to vary among the different occupational specialties. Employment of hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists will increase by about 20 percent, much faster than average, while the number of barbers will increase by 12 percent, about as fast as average. This growth will primarily come from an increasing population, which will lead to greater demand for basic hair services. Additionally, the demand for hair coloring and other advanced hair treatments has increased in recent years, particularly among baby boomers and young people. This trend is expected to continue, leading to a favorable outlook for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists. As a result, fewer people are expected to go to barber shops and employment of barbers is expected to see relatively little change in employment.

Continued growth in the number of nail salons and full-service day spas will generate numerous job openings for manicurists, pedicurists, and skin care specialists. Employment of manicurists and pedicurists will grow by 19 percent, while employment of shampooers will increase by 13 percent. Estheticians and other skin care specialists will see large gains in employment, and are expected to grow 38 percent as more facial procedures to improve one’s complexion become available and become more popular in spas and some medical settings. Makeup artists are expected to grow by 40 percent, but because of its relatively small size, the occupation will only add a few hundred jobs over the decade.

Median hourly earnings in May 2008 for salaried hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists, including tips and commission, were:

· • Highest 10 percent hourly wage more than $20.41/hour

· • Median hourly wage $11.13/hour

· • Middle 50 percent hourly wage $8.57 and $15.03/hour

· • Lowest 10 percent hourly wage $7.47/hour

Story and Salary information courtesy of Bureau of Labor

Florida's Fall Guide to Careers is Out Now

2010-10-14T12:57:00.000-07:00

Below is a featured article from Florida's Fall 2010 issue of Guide to Careers with some great tips on how to dress to land your next job. We will soon be posting a link so you can read all of the fall issue. If you can't wait until then you can always pick up at a free copy in your local area.

Pre-Register for the Orlando Job Fair next week!

2010-09-20T14:39:00.000-07:00

Don't miss our big hiring event next week. We've got a bunch of employers already signed up to attend, including:

Centura College
American Management Co
Banker's Life
Project Wave/Together Rx
Edward Jones
Le Cordon Bleu
Primerica
CNS Healthcare
Central Florida Inst.
IADT
US Army
National Guard
CIA

...and more!

As part of EmploymentGuide.com's Hire Commitment job fair series,
this event will give job seekers the ability to speak with over 15 companies about employment and career education opportunities.

Be sure to Pre-Register to avoid long lines at the event!

Here are the specifics:

Who: Orlando Employment Guide

What: Orlando Diversity Job Fair

When: September 28, 2010

Where: The Orlando Shakespeare Theater- 812 Rollins St.Orlando, FL 32803

Why: Because you don't want to miss the chance to meet with employers face-to-face!

Pre-Register here: http://www.employmentguide.com/jobfairdetails.html?JobfairID=3446

5 Common Job Seeker Blunders

2010-09-02T13:55:00.000-07:00

Have you sent out tons of resumes to no avail? In this week's blog, we'll give you a 5-point checklist to help you get over the hump!

If you've been searching for a job for quite some time, it may be time to re-evaluate your process. Here are 5 blunders that job seekers often make.

1. Send out too many resumes. Sounds odd, right? The problem arises when job seekers send out the same resume to every position they apply for. Seasoned recruiters will easily pick up on this and discard your application. Make sure that you tailor your resume to each position you apply for.

2. Have an easily accessible Facebook account. So…you just downed a 12-pack of beer and got kicked out of the local bar? Yikes! Not only is this scenario inappropriate behavior, but it could also be sabotaging your job search. Employers WILL check your social media profile so either 1) keep them clean, or 2) set them to private! (We prefer option #1 for the record!)

3. Give the hiring manager a call. Did the application explicitly tell you to call for more information? More often than not, recruiters only want to talk to candidates they deem qualified. If you annoy them with a phone call, it can often disqualify you, even if you're well qualified. The hiring process can often take a great deal of time, so be patient. Also, only utilize the method of communication stated in the job application.

4. Come to the interview and simply answer the interviewers' questions. Hiring managers want to see a genuine interest from candidates in their company and the position. Be sure to research the company and have questions prepared pertaining to the position you're applying for. Also show an eagerness for advancement and responsibility. Do so, and your credibility will sky-rocket!

5. You had a great interview and are simply waiting for the hiring manager to call you back. Always, always, always write a thank you note to everyone you interviewed with. If you had an extensive conversation with the receptionist, write he/she one as well. This is a simple thing that speaks volumes about a candidates character and professionalism.

Best of luck in your job search and check out http://orlando.employmentguide.com for Orlando Jobs!

Also be sure to check out the Jacksonville Virtual Job Fair before September 27th.

Jacksonville Virtual Job Fair - August 25th September 27th

2010-08-25T12:51:00.000-07:00

The Jacksonville Employment Guide is currently having a virtual job fair that is running from August 25th to September 27th! Our neighbors to the Northeast wanted to do something special for those that need a job right now. And we wanted to allow you to do if from your own home if you want.

The Jacksonville virtual job fair features 6 companies across Northeast Florida, so this event allows you digital access to hiring managers through the EmploymentGuide.com.

Participating in the job fair are:

Verizon Wireless
Scott's Lawn Service
TNT Direct Sales Group
U.S. Army Reserve
The Blood Alliance
R&A Staffing

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.

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

5 Ways To Succeed In The Orlando Virtual Job Fair

2010-07-30T07:59:00.000-07:00

This week we launched the Orlando Virtual Job Fair. The event features 11 companies all looking to talk to and hire people like you in the Orlando community.

Now a Virtual Job Fair is slightly different than a traditional job fair - mainly because you never have to leave your home. But there are still some ways that can help you get the most from these events and end up with an interview. Below are 5 things to remember when taking a look at the Orlando Virtual Job Fair, which ends on August 25th.

Read the entire job description. We have done our best to ensure that each company gives us a full view of what they are looking for in a strong, desired candidate. Be sure you read the entire job description and sculpt your resumes and profiles to fit their needs as described in the job posting.

Create multiple resumes if necessary. You are probably not going to want to send the same resume to the FBI as you do to Disney, even if you are qualified for both positions. Make sure your resume puts your most relevant information for the position in front of the recruiter.

Do a quick Google search on yourself. We have talked about this in great detail in past posts as well as in the live presentations at our job fairs. I suggest that you take a few minutes and pop your name, email address and other relevant keywords into Google and see what shows up on the results page. If you can find something inappropriate that easily, so can a recruiter who just got your resume digitally.

Don't wait till the last day. Even though the event lasts well into August, get our resume in now. These companies are not waiting around to hire, they need people working today. Plus, we all now procrastination is a negative trait when you are trying to improve your life and career.

Keep looking. There are plenty more jobs on the EmploymentGuide.com and our partners JobALot.com, CareersInGear.com, HealthCareerWeb.com and WiserWorker.com. Persistence is key!

So, go out and start applying today in the Orlando Virtual Job Fair. And let us know your thoughts on the Virtual Job Fair in the comments below.

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

2010-07-27T08:30:00.000-07:00

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?

2010-07-20T07:56:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-19T12:40:00.000-07:00

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!

Improve Your Job Search Through Powerful Networking

2010-07-13T17:09:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-09T10:59:00.001-07:00

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

2010-07-01T06:33:00.001-07:00

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

2010-06-23T12:33:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-22T08:26:00.001-07:00

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

2010-06-18T07:34:00.001-07:00

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

2010-06-07T11:15:00.000-07:00

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

Ed Muzio Talks Career Transitions and Job Incentives

2010-06-03T19:38:00.001-07:00

Today we are very excited to have Ed Muzio, author of the new book, Make Work Great, answering some questions with us about adjusting to a career change, learning why we work and what jobs have to do with lakes freezing over. This is a really great piece and I recommend it for anyone looking for employment, or looking to take their career to the next level.

This is Part 2 of the interview with Ed. You can read Part 1 at the Carolina JobSpot.

Orlando JobSpot: In the second chapter you talk about incentives and the reason why we work. With many people just looking to find a job that can stop them from dipping into savings, how much should they focus on the incentives to work that go beyond a paycheck?

Ed: Unemployment is a complex problem, because issues of survival become intertwined with career-related concerns. When you are worried about how you will put food on the table, the question of long term job satisfaction takes a distant back seat to the need for income right now. And because the expectation of future stressful events has the same cognitive effect as a current stressful event, many job seekers experience of the anxiety of financial failure, over and over, long before it has happened. Faced with that type of stress, it’s no wonder they become likely to jump into the first opportunity that presents itself, even if it is a poor fit in terms of work, salary, or lifestyle.

Each of us differs in financial habits and risk tolerance; certainly there is no single answer to the question of when to “settle” rather than continue the job search. The key is to begin with two well crafted definitions. First, you need a clear picture of the job you would like to have: type of work, salary, commute distance, workplace atmosphere, incentives beyond the paycheck, and any other element you imagine when you visualize your best case scenario. Remember that many of these items may not be industry specific, and craft your definition as broadly as possible while making sure it still excites you. Second, you need a clear understanding of the objective status of your finances: requirements, reserves, savings opportunities, risk tolerance, and anything else that you or a financial advisor deems appropriate. Consider also any information you can get about the employment market in your chosen sector or field.

Good information drives better decision making. A job offer that meets 15% of your best case criteria, made 24 months before your reserves run dry, may not look so good. An offer that meets 40% of your criteria and is presented eight weeks before the end of your reserves might look great. Having clear definitions of your career goals and financial status won’t guarantee that your decisions are easy, but operating from facts will reduce unnecessary worry and allow for more balance between short term and long term concerns. You don’t want to starve, but you don’t want to end up in job you hate either.

Orlando JobSpot: In your book, you use the metaphor of a crystal to identify the process of your work life and the work process. Can you explain what the crystal is and how we can begin to build our own?

Ed: When a lake freezes over, the individual molecules of water undergo an organic process of structural change. First one or more seed crystals of ice form, then as neighboring water follows the example of the seed and organizes in a new way, the ice spreads until the lake is frozen. This process is an excellent a metaphor for my method of creating cultural change in an organization, for three reasons.

First, anyone can start. In the lake, there is nothing special about the seed crystals of ice except that they freeze first. Through their example other molecules learn the new pattern. In the workplace, any person at any level can begin to demonstrate new patterns of behavior that create more output with less stress. Over time, like the neighboring water molecules, neighboring individuals will begin to see and mimic those same patterns. When they do, the cultural crystal has begun to grow.

Second, it is flexible. In the lake, if a piece of granite protrudes from the surface, it does not stop the freezing process. The ice does not judge the granite or complain about it, it simply wraps around the stone. In the workplace, if a particularly difficult individual is unwilling or unable to change, he or she does not have to stop the improvement of the culture. The culture can just wrap around the difficult individual, without passing judgment or expending energy complaining. Granite can’t stop ice from freezing, and your most difficult coworker can’t stop you from improving your output and reducing your stress.

Finally, it is an organic process. In the lake, it takes time for the ice to spread, and even more for it to thicken and become stable. In the workplace, culture change takes time too. When it comes to changing the behaviors of a human system, the changes must happen incrementally and spread out slowly over the whole system. It may be tempting for a high level leader to issue a directive, but until the new behaviors are internalized by members of the group, they will not stick.

It’s not advisable to sit by the lake in the fall, and watch it as you wait for it to freeze. Similarly, if you want to be a seed crystal of cultural change, it’s not advisable to check in every day and see if the whole workplace world around you has changed. All you need to do is begin to practice some better behaviors – for example, learning how to be extra clear with everyone about your workplace purpose – and let the rest take care of itself. The good news is, if you choose your new behavioral patterns wisely, they will begin to help you long before anyone else even notices.

Orlando JobSpot: We work with a good deal of experienced workers who are looking to either a) make a career change (laid off or just time for a change) or b) get back into the workforce after a delayed period (motherhood, etc). What can these folks learn from your new book that will help them make their new career great?

Ed: One advantage of career change or career re-entry is that you are considering a wider set of options. When you’re not constrained by a specific industry or job title, you can begin to evaluate positions in terms of the broader work environment or culture, and whether you see yourself as a fit. If I were pondering a career change, I would use the first section of Make Work Great as a guide for evaluating potential workplaces.

First, I would seek through observation and interview to determine whether the new environment demonstrated the six elements of overtness about task. In other words, are they clear as to what I am supposed to do, why my work will matter to the company, how my work will relate to my personal incentives, how quickly I am expected to make progress, what resources I need to be successful, and what capabilities I would need to develop or leverage? Are they clear about those same issues with their other employees? I would look for environments where productive discussions about those topics are the norm, rather than places where these questions are left unexplored.

Second, I would explore whether the environment supports clarity within relationship. Conflicts and confusion arise in every workplace, and I would want to make sure that interpersonal issues are resolved respectfully, carefully, and functionally. For example, what happens when an employee and manager disagree over what work is most important? What if two employees are competing for the same resource?

These questions are not about what the HR manual says, but what actually happens. Do the two sit down, define their disagreement, and address it carefully? Or, do they let it fester under the surface, or allow a more senior manager to dictate the answer? I’d be looking for patterns suggesting mature, functional human problem solving tendencies, rather than too much politics and too little common sense.

If I found those two elements – overt treatment of what is necessary for task success, and clear and functional treatment of interpersonal difficulties – I would feel much more comfortable committing my time to their cause, because I know that my own success would be much more likely.

___________________________________

If you enjoyed this interview, please leave a comment below or on our Facebook page.

I also encourage you to check out Ed's new book, Make Work Great. It was a truly nice read and is filled with tips and instructions on how to better your career and truly "make work great!"

Ace Your Interview By Learning About The Interviewer

2010-05-28T10:16:00.000-07:00

In today's video training we talk about ways that you can connect with the person that will be conducting your interview. In the video I posted with Harvey McCay, he mentioned that this was one of the biggest mistakes job seekers make.

Enjoy the video and please leave your comments below.

-Greg

After 40: How to Make a Successful Career Transition

2010-05-27T06:37:00.000-07:00

Today we have a special guest post from Christina Archer. Christina is a career agent, recruiting specialist, resume writer, and author. You can visit her online at i-CareerSearch.

photo by prosto photos

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national unemployment rate currently sits at 9.9%, as reported on May 7, 2010. The good news is a burst of hiring in April added a better than expected 290,000 jobs to the U.S. economy, the biggest monthly total in four years, the Labor Department reported. While it may seem like a bad time to consider making a career change at any age, looking for new opportunities seems particularly challenging for those over 40. Regardless of the economic factors locally, statewide, nationally, and even globally, every job seeker who has reached their 40s can make a successful career transition if they follow these guidelines.

1. Get up to speed on the latest job search techniques.

Prior to the late 1990′s, most job searches were conducted utilizing a local Sunday newspaper and a highlighter. Today, the Internet has made it possible to completely automate the process of uncovering qualified job leads through a job aggregator. It’s important to know the playing field prior to engaging the competition. Books on creating a successful job search process are available from merchants and local libraries in your area.

2. Perform in-depth research about local companies.

Many job seekers choose to move in to a particular field or industry without ever determining whether there is a local demand. Websites like LinkedIn and Hoovers can provide invaluable information about companies, including the number of employees company wide, statistical data about the age and types of jobs within the organization, and more. The Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook is another career resource for transitioning professionals. The job seeker should look for growth trends in their new target field, and create a list of those companies who are prospective new employers.

3. Take an inventory of skills acquired.

Even though an individual may choose to transition to an entirely new profession, it is imperative to create a list of all skills and experience obtained to date. Hiring managers in the new field will expect the job seeker to articulate why they wish to change careers, and how past accomplishments are applicable to the new field/industry.

4. Make a deliberate choice, and start the transition process.

After performing the necessary research, and taking a skills inventory, the job seeker is in a position to choose a new target career. At this point, the individual’s resume must be updated, and their career portfolio tweaked to match the new goals. The job seeker is then ready to begin their official search within the new field.

5. Have a job search plan.

Whether an individual chooses to contact one target company per day or ten, it’s important to have a plan with daily, weekly, and monthly goals. Keep a list of where each resume is submitted, and follow-up until either an interview is scheduled or a rejection letter is received.

Making a career change after 40 should not be a frightening process. Simply taking the time to research local companies, gaining an understanding of what types of jobs are growing, and making a deliberate career decision based on all the facts will enable any job seeker to effectively transition.

Article courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap, a content exchange service sponsored by CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students looking for internships and recent graduates searching for entry level jobs and other career opportunities.

For additional resources on finding employment "after 40," please visit Wiser Worker. A job board and resource center built for those with experience!

Use Your Head To Get Your Foot In The Door

2010-05-25T12:05:00.000-07:00

I just saw this interview with author Harvey McCay on the Larry King Show. Harvey recently released his book, "Use Your Head To Get Your Foot In The Door," aimed at helping people find jobs today in today's economic landscape.

Some highlights from the interview:

There are 6.3 million Americans that have been out of work for at least 6 months according to the Bureau of Labor Secrets.
The biggest mistakes job seekers make is not learning about the person giving the interview before the interview. They Google the company, but do not get to know the people at the company. People buy from people. Take the next step and get to know them when you are preparing for an interview.
The best thing you can do right after you lose your job is to volunteer.
Learn to accept that rejection is not permanent. The example Harvey gives is of his best friend Lou Holtz, who was fired from the University of Arkansas. Instead of going crazy and suing the school, he changed his attitude, realized that the rejection was not permanent and wound up coaching Notre Dame for a Hall of Fame-esque coaching career.

Let us know what you thought of the video in the comments below. Or tell us over on our new Facebook Page.

-Greg

Florida's Guide To Careers

2010-05-20T11:27:00.001-07:00

Twice a year all the Florida Employment Guide offices (Orlando, South Florida, Jacksonville and Tampa) get together to help job seekers find their next career opportunity, or explore new possibilities. We package this into a nice book we call the Guide To Careers.

For this issue we have a very special online edition that reads like you are holding it in your hands. View the newest Guide To Careers here.

In this issue we feature the following industries:

Broadcasting
Surgical Technicians
Advertising Sales Professionals
Dental Assistants
Auto Service Mechanics
Respiratory Therapists
Security Officers
Computer Systems Designs
Medical Assistants
The Armed Forces
and more...

If you are looking for a career change, or are looking to find a carer that suits your needs, pick up the Guide To Careers. Knowledge is power and like the good ole G.I. Joe's used to say, "knowing is half the battle."

(Click on the image to view the online version.)

Be sure to follow us on Facebook for more job resources and jobs from the EmploymentGuide.com.

-Greg

Having Persistence In Your Job Search

2010-05-19T06:19:00.000-07:00

Being Persistent In Your Job Search

When you are looking for a job, it becomes very easy to get frustrated. Countless applications, resumes, interviews and phone calls all start to talk a toll on your sanity! Persistence is very important to finding that ideal career that will both put food on the table and lend to a satisfying lifestyle.

One big player in persistence is to know your skills and how skills can impact your career and the business you work for. I am currently reading No Excuses, The Power Of Self-Discipline by Brian Tracy. In the book he outlines the power of self discipline to have no excuses in your life. One of those disciplines is persistence. Having persistence allows your confidence and self esteem to increase. He says that:

"the primary reason for success is persistence and, likewise, the primary reason for failure is lack of persistence, or quitting too soon."

And...

"Each time you persist and force yourself to continue on, even when you feel like quitting, your self-esteem goes up."

In the video I talk about 3 activities that can help boost your confidence and help you to persist during your job search. The 3 exercises are:

Skill Sheet

Write down a list of skills you possess. Everytime you are faced with rejection, look at the skills and know that there is an organization that needs what you have to offer.

Accomplishment List

I do this one all the time. Everytime that I feel like someone got something that I would be perfect for, or when I don't get the desired result that I am looking for, I take a look back at the accomplishments I have been able to achieve. If your list isn't as big as you'd like, start making opportunities and creating this for yourself.

Look Back At Times You Persisted

When in your life have you overcome failure and still succeeded? Was it school, maybe a big project, working with a nonprofit? Write this down.

Put all 3 of these sheets together and use them to create some self-discipline and persistence in your life. And keep going. There are jobs. The JobSpot is here to help. See you next time in another video and as always, please leave a quick comment and let us know if you have any questions or ideas for a future video or post.

I hope you enjoyed the video and please leave your thoughts and comments below.

-Greg

Study Recruiter Behavior To Get Into Their Office

2010-05-12T06:50:00.000-07:00

The goal of looking for a job, for better or for worse is to get into the office of the hiring manager and see if the position is a fit for both parties.

So if your goal is to get the interview, you really need to know what the recruiter is looking for in order to line up that call that leads to the in-person meeting. One such way is to study the things and tools that recruiters use to find candidates. Articles run rampant these days on major media outlets on using the latest buzz tools and how recruiters are finding great people for their opportunities.

Recently in Inc. Magazine, they ran a story focused on recruiters using social media to recruit. The article went in depth on using the Big 3 - LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter for their efforts.

LinkedIn

For LinkedIn it notes to look for people who are connections, people that have respected recommendations and referrals and by looking at their work history in their profile. Knowing this you can start to build those relationships, start to acquire recommendations and build out a profile that is appealing.

Facebook

On Facebook, recruiters may use applications, the marketplace or general searches to find candidates. Is your profile searchable for these keywords? Does your profile match the jobs that you are looking for? Are you interacting on a company's Facebook page (especially if they have a specific careers page)?

Knowing how recruiters use Facebook can help you build a profile that is appealing to their needs.

Twitter

The last of the Big 3 mentioned in the article, Twitter is another beast in itself. The biggest thing to look out for on Twitter is keywords and hashtags (#). Are you tagging your Tweets properly? Are you searching for companies and getting information from the right account?

Again, knowing how a company utilizes this technology can greatly enhance your chances of getting that meeting, aka the interview.

The same tactics can be applied to job boards, like the EmploymentGuide.com. Seeing how the company is set up to receive their applications can tell you a lot about how they bring people into their company. Submitting resumes via email is much different than filling out an application on their site which is still different from using the internal application on EmploymentGuide.com.

Make sure you cater to the recruiter's needs. Doing so will help you get into the hot seat faster.

Let's hear your thoughts.

Have you thought of studying recruiter behavior online? How are you using technology to your advantage? Let's talk in the comments below.

-Greg

You should follow us on Twitter, or "like" our FanPage on Facebook. It's what all the cool job seekers are doing!

Image by escapedtowisconsin

Alternate Transportation In Orlando

2010-05-10T11:00:00.002-07:00

photo by Major Clanger

This past weekend I was visiting friends in San Francisco, California and I was very intrigued at the ways many people commute to work. There is a monorail - subway-esque system, buses, rail cars, trolleys and a very large population of people on bikes. Yes bikes.

Now Orlando is not San Francisco and things here in Central Florida are separated by more than 7 miles (the main city is 7miles by 7 miles) in many cases. I travel about 20 miles to work every morning. Biking is really not an option. However there are some people that can use alternate transportation to save more than just some gas money.

While saving the gas money is a plus, there are plenty of other benefits for ditching the car and looking for other means.

Lose the car payment.
As someone that is looking for a job, and is financially hurting - losing the car payment can help the bleeding. Even if your car is paid off, repairs, new tires, oil changes and other factors contribute to your monthly output of cash flow.

Help the environment.
You may not think that one car off the streets makes a difference, but every individual choice can easily be multiplied when others take action. You are helping the environment by your choices, which judging by the unusually cold winter and very steamy spring (not to mention some freaky earthquakes and floods in other parts of the world), the environment needs our help.

Exercise.
One of the overlooked features of both public transportation and physical activity is the increase in exercise. This can be time spent walking to and from the bus stop or station, biking the few miles to work or strolling the city to gather your thoughts. This extra exercise time is stimulating for both your body and your mind. Seems like a win-win to me.

While doing some reading before writing this post, I found a great article from Inc Magazine on incentives for employers to implement a biking system for their work place. There can be tax breaks, a bike-share or loan program and even sponsoring bike related events that benefit community organizations.

I also found out that May was bike month? Yea, didn't know that this existed, but apparently it does. Wikipedia even shows that the 3rd Friday in May is "Bike To Work Day" where:

...national, regional, and local bicycle advocacy groups encourage people to try bicycle commuting as a healthy and safe alternative to driving by providing route information and tips for new bicycle commuters. On Bike-to-Work Day, these groups often organize bicycle-related events, and in some areas, pit stops along bicycle routes with snacks.

Using Alternative Transportation In Interviews

Many employers want to know if you have reliable transportation upon you coming on board. For some, having that vehicle is the answer you think your boss wants to hear, and many times that answer may be correct. But having alternate transportation is also highly reliable. How many times has the bus not shown up?

This question can also work in your favor. Turn it around and ask if they offer any form of carpool, or have rewards systems for people that bike to work or utilize public transportation. This can make you sounds "green friendly" and also shows a vested interest to learn more about the culture of the company.

Have a great week Orlando and let us know what you think about using alternative transportation to get to and from work. We'd love to hear your thoughts.

-Greg

Have Starbucks On Us During National Nurses Week

2010-05-06T06:36:00.001-07:00

At a time when customer service is being applauded with online platforms like Twitter, Yelp or Facebook, the appreciation we show towards people who do great work that impacts our lives should go back to square one, shouldn't it?

HealthCareerWeb.com is trying to bring it back to where appreciation matters. With health and family on the top of the minds of many Americans these days, we need to show gratitude to those that keep us healthy and balanced. This created the initiative for "We Appreciate Nurses A Latte," a new Facebook campaign on HCW.

The campaign corresponds with National Nurses Week, which goes down May 6th through 12th. The week recognizes the 3.1 million nurses across America that work in our hospitals, emergency rooms, schools, nursing homes and all the other duties and responsibilities that come with making sure America stays healthy.

To celebrate, HealthCareerWeb.com wants to know why you chose to enter the nursing profession. To show our appreciation, we will choose one nurse who shares their story everyday on May 6th, 7th, 10th, 11th and 12th, to enjoy a latte on us (in the form of a $25 Starbucks gift card)!

All you need to do is head on over to the HCW Facebook page, "like" the page and give us a few words on why you made the decision to join the fastest growing career field in the country. Here is a video that breaks it down:

Maybe it was a relative that was saved by a nurse when you were young, maybe a family member is in the healthcare field, or maybe you just want to feel like your job is making a difference in the lives of others.

No matter the reason - We Want To Hear From You!

If you know a nurse, send them over! Show them your appreciation and maybe they'll get a latte (or 2 or 3) out of the experience. Some may even become re-engaged after reading the stories of others.

See you on Facebook. I can't wait to read the stories that inspired you.

-Greg

Baby Boomer Lifestyle Management with Darlene Jalowsky

2010-04-30T10:29:00.000-07:00

Today I had the opportunity to speak with Darlene Jalowsky, author of Baby Boomer Lifestyle Management. I learned a great deal on the issues that face boomers and the challenges in retirement, staying in or reentering the workforce and dealing with healthcare and care in general.

Darlene has some great tips and I wanted to introduce you to her in this brief video we shot this morning.

I encourage you to visit her site, Baby Boomer Lifestyle Management, and check out her book of the same name.

If you are a Boomer and looking to re-enter the workforce, WiserWorker.com, is a great resource filled with experience friendly companies, resources and tips to get you in the working groove.

Let us know what you think of the video, below in the comments. You can also follow Darlene on Twitter, @Jalowsky.

-Greg

Orlando Job Fair Recap Video

2010-04-26T08:01:00.000-07:00

If you missed the job fair last Wednesday, or were there looking to advance your career, we wanted to share with you a quick video from the event.

Full Orlando Job Fair Recap.

We want to hear from you. Leave us a comment below or shoot an email to greg.rollett@employmentguide.com.

-Greg

Orlando Job Fair Recap

2010-04-23T07:28:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, over 1,000 people from across Central Florida came to the Lowndes Shakespeare Theatre looking for opportunity. That opportunity came in the form of a new job, career or a career change.

The event was co-sponsored by the AARP and the caliber of candidates was at an all time high. The event also featured over 100 seniors from Colonial High School. Workforce Central Florida provided a helping hand with computers and counselors on hand to work with job seekers that needed some hands on techo0logy help.

Based on post event surveys, the employers at the event were looking to hire over 250+ positions, and some, such as Wyndham were looking to bring on over 100 new people in their immediate future.

These same employers estimated that they would be interviewing and calling back over 185 of the job seekers from the event (this includes results from only 8 of the 22 hiring companies).

The AARP held 3 sessions on the Power of Branding at 50+ that included objectives to help experienced workers

understand the new realities of job hunting

learn how to sell their personal brand

how to leverage that personal brand in their resume and interview
creating and seeing the value in an "elevator speech"

If you were a job seeker that attended the event, we want to hear from you. Tell us your story in the comments below, or send an email to greg.rollett@employmentguide.com.

Have a great weekend Orlando and happy hunting.

-Greg

Orlando Job Fair - Updated List of Companies

2010-04-16T08:49:00.000-07:00

As we approach the Orlando Job Fair on Wednesday, April 21st at the Lowndes Shakespeare Theater, we want to give you every chance to succeed and meet with as many qualified employers and resources as possible.

In the last video where we talked about researching companies, we discovered some ways to check out the companies before you get to the event, becoming informed about open employment opportunities and knowing about the industry to strike up conversations and add value to the recruiter.

Here is the updated list for the event on the 21st so you can start that research

Aaron's Sales and Lease
AARP
After 55
American Management Systems
Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
Centura College
CNS Healthcare
DeVry University
Edward Jones
Employment Guide
High Tech Institute
International Academy of Design and Technology
Kane's Furniture
Matco Tools
National Business Institute (Truck Driver Training)
New Horizons
Primerica
Travel Media Group
Unlimited Energy Solutions
US Army
US Army National Guard
Wal Mart Stores
Waste Management
Wyndham Vacation Ownership

For questions on this event as a job seeker, or if you would like to be an employer at this event, please send an email to greg.rollett@employmentguide.com.

Pre-Register for the event by clicking on the red Pre-Register button on the official Orlando Job Fair page.

Dr. Woody Talks The You Plan At Miami Job Fair

2010-04-16T08:18:00.000-07:00

(read the end of the post to see how you can win a free copy of The You Plan!)

This week I traveled to Miami and particiapted at the Job Fair at the Miami Job Corps Center. At the event we had a special guest stop by, Dr. Michael M. Woodward, or Dr. Woody for short.

Dr. Woody just released his new book, The You Plan, which looks at ways to proactively look for opportunities in this new economy while looking for employment. I had the opportunity to ask him a few questions about the book as well as how people can turn their passion into a paycheck, something we deep down want to accomplish.

His teachings are based off of a system he coins VIPER, Values, Intrinsics, Passion, Essence and Roadmap. Here is a graphic that explains more.

Contest!

Dr. Woody was very generous and left a few signed copies of the book with me to give out to job seekers at the Orlando event next Wednesday. If you are coming to the Orlando Job Fair on Wednesday, April 21st, leave a comment below and I will reserve a copy for you. These are on a first come, first serve basis.

If you have left a comment, I will put your name at registration where you can claim your copy of The You Plan!

Good luck and we'll see you on Tuesday at the Orlando job Fair!

Health Career Web Podcast Episode 2

2010-04-15T10:59:00.001-07:00

This week on the Health Career Web Podcast Denise and I spend a few minutes going over the importance of setting up a complete profile on the site to attract employers and recruiters that are proactively looking for job seekers that meet their requirements.

We also chatted about Wolfe Living Center and the opportunities their organization offers.

Enjoy this week's episode and remember that you can subscribe to this Podcast for free on iTunes.

Brought to you by HealthCareerWeb.com.

-Greg

Top Growing Careers For The Wiser Workers

2010-04-06T10:49:00.000-07:00

Here at Employment Guide Headquarters we ran across an article from US News on the 30 Fastest Growing Careers for Older Workers. We are all well aware that retirement funds and government programs are not enough for many in America that would be retiring and enjoying life on a sunny Florida beach.

Even for those in their late 30's or 40's, a career change may be something to spark your career and lifestyle.

No matter where you are in your life, the career you choose is very important, not only for you but for your family and your future. You can read the entire list of growing careers here or look at some highlights below:

6 of the top 7 fastest growing fields are in health care with everything from nurses to home care aides and medical assistants.
Teaches and child care is another industry with many opportunities in many sectors from day care to primary school teachers
Office clerks, managers and technical/computer fields are also on an upswing

The source of the data came from a Northeastern University analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics and Census Bureau data.

As a continued resource to the local community, please check out WiserWorker.com for jobs to the 40+ crowd and for those interested in a health care career, listen to the first HealthCareerWeb Podcast that was posted yesterday.

Happy hunting Orlando!

Health Career Web Podcast - Episode 1

2010-04-05T06:06:00.000-07:00

Healthcare jobs is something that is extremely important to both the people living in this country and the people looking to find a career that is both rewarding financially and mentally. Through HealthCareerWeb, a sister site to the EmploymentGuide.com, we are able to help job seekers find great healthcare jobs and careers, as well as connect them with other like minded professionals through the professional network.

To shed some more light into HCW and some of the great things happening on the site, Denise Tanner, Business Development Manager, and Greg Rollett, Social Media Director from HeathCareerWeb have decided to talk about the site and give you an inside scoop as to the companies, the people and the jobs that have an impact on your future.

In Episode 1, we featured:
The Florida Department of Corrections
The Air National Guard
Resurrection Health Care (Hospital in Chicago)
Certified Healthcare Recruiter Badges

You can subscribe to the HCW Podcast on iTunes or by checking out the JobSpot!

-Greg

Orlando Job Fair Research

2010-03-30T12:16:00.000-07:00

In today's video we look at 3 ways to research companies that will be at a job fair before you get to the event. The idea here is to engage employers with educated conversations, questions and calls to action. Having this information will put you out and above your competition and keep your name on the recruiter's mind.

Enjoy the video and see you on the 21st Orlando!

Orlando Job Fair Research

-Greg

Pre-Register for the job fair now by clicking this link.

Orlando Health Care Jobs

2010-03-25T06:58:00.000-07:00

This week the JobSpot had an opportunity to speak with Ryan Irwin from Hi-Tech Institute about the Orlando Health Care industry and more importantly about the jobs and careers our local community can expect to see, both currently and in the future.

JobSpot: Is the health care industry growing like the media is making it out to be and what are current graduates career forecasts looking like?

Ryan: Yes it is. With the aging population and continued specialization in health care the job opportunity is strong and it is projected to continue to be that way.

JobSpot: What things can students do, during their time on campus to improve their resume and career opportunities for the day graduation comes?

Ryan: The first thing is to focus on their education and make sure they doing well in school. Second, is to be networking and getting involved in various campus activities to show they are involved and going above and beyond.

JobSpot: What do you see as strong points for people looking to move or start a career in Orlando and Central Florida?

Ryan: Like I mentioned before we have a growing health care industry here which provides job opportunity for graduates. It is a great place to live and if you are motivated to succeed you will find the opportunities here!

JobSpot: Thanks Ryan for answering some of our questions about the local market. With the trends that we have seen here at the Employment Guide and Health Career Web, there is much to be explored in the health care field, but as with any profession, you need to the drive, determination and work ethic, coupled with knowledge and networking to make your future a success.

Job Seeking Has Hit The MTV Level

2010-03-18T08:21:00.000-07:00

If you thought your job search was made for tv, with all the drama of your family and friends, interviews gone crazy and an education that you are paying good ole Uncle Sam for every month, then you were right!

This week MTV announced a new series about the job seeking process of recent college grads called 'MTV Hired.' The show will follow

"recent college graduates as they pursue the daunting task of finding employment in today's difficult economic climate."

They have 20 episodes slated for this year and according to their pres release, the job market is pretty tough and filled with qualified competition:

In today's cutthroat economy, finding a job is like searching for a needle in a haystack. For every job opening there are thousands of applicants desperate to be hired. From the over-qualified to the un-employable, one thing is certain: jobs are yours to win or lose during an interview. Blow the interview -- and its back to the unemployment line. Nail it, and there is a paycheck with your name on it. In each resume-clenching episode, "MTV Hired" looks into the diverse professions that the job market has to offer including personal training, shoe designing, event coordinating, and many more. Viewers will also meet an employer looking to fill a position, get to know the hungry job applicants, sit in on the interviews, and be there when one lucky person lands the job of their dreams. Who will stand out and who will crack under pressure? Find out on "MTV Hired."

If you want to enter the real life "Hired" we encourage you to pre-register for our little reality series called the Orlando Job Fair. It is happening on Wednesday, April 21st at the Lowndes Shakespeare Theatre from 10am - 2pm.

You can learn more and register in the Job Fair section of the Orlando Employment Guide.

What are your thoughts on the show and do you think your job search is made for tv? Tell us in the comments below.

-Greg

Who Is On The Other Side?

2010-03-02T07:20:00.000-08:00

photo by Sienna Blakney

Do you remember "To Whom It May Concern?"
Do you still use that tag line? Why?

In a recent blog post by Ashley Campbell on Blogging 4 Jobs she stated that using this line is the Kiss of Death during your job search. More specifically:

Unfortunately, gone are the days when just anyone has a shot. It seems that if you want to even be considered for a job, you must know someone. To get an interview with a company to which you have zero personal connections is nearly unheard of.

Ashley brings up a great point. Now that social media is not a fad, but an actual business tool, for both customers and employees, there are more ways than ever to connect with a company. Not knowing who you are sending your resume to over the interwebs is a new age cardinal sin in today's market.

Look, you are up against stiff competition. Going through the motions is just not going to cut it. What makes you stand out from the pack? What extra miles did you walk on to ensure that the recruiter knew you were the right person for the job?

I was reading a blog post from Shoemoney on a competition that he won a few days back. Essentially it was a referral competition. Whoever sent over the most referrals for a new product was to win $5,000 in Apple products. Pretty cool prize.

Now, Shoemoney is a household name in Internet Marketing and has more Twitter followers and blog readers than many people can imagine. And they are loyal. When he won the contest many called it unfair, like he obviously should win because he has bigger numbers than the rest of the people that entered.

Shoemoney is not one to let this slide so he responds (warning: there is some NSFW language in the image):

What he basically said was - yea, I have more stuff going on that you guys, but I also tried really hard to win. And everyone else just went through the motions.

How Does This Relate To Your Job Search

It has everything to do with looking for a job! If you are blindly filling out online applications, crossing your fingers and hoping to get a call back, you are not doing what you need to do to find that job opportunity that will get the paychecks coming in.

If you are a sales professional - go and sell yourself.
If you want to be in marketing, start a blog, start networking and market something.
If you are in IT, go build something, help out a nonprofit or post an ad on Craigslist for freelance work.

Doing these things get you in front of people. Sometimes these people are the right people. Then you no longer have the "to whom it may concern" mentality. You have the abundance mentality of knowing that you did everything within your power to get that job, win that promotion or get the freelance gig.

Don't expect anything. Go out and create your own future. Get motivated. Be driven by something.

Please share your thoughts in the comments below. What are you doing to get rid of the "to whom it may concern" mentality?

-Greg

Orlando Employers Speak On Interview Success

2010-03-01T08:33:00.000-08:00

photo by laverrue

This week on the JobSpot, we asked employers and hiring managers about their interview process - more specifically, what is the number one thing that makes a successful interview?

The answers are both what you would expect and also eye opening to hear it from the person that is responsible for hiring you and getting you those much needed paychecks every week.

Brady Keys from Alpha Airports (retail industry) looks to your past to determine your future success:

When we go into the interview process, we are looking for a detailed account of their previous work experiences. We want them to explain actual situations and examples and have the interviewee articulate on their work. We also look at the longevity of their experience.

Patrick O'Brien, General Sales Manager for the Orlando Employment Guide stated:

I look for someone who is willing to and able to learn and someone who can think outside of the box (i.e. doesn't need to be scripted, but can have an easy well thought out flowing conversation with an individual).

One of the most important things to me during the interview process is the questions they ask. I think this gives good insight into their motivations, gives good insight in how they can be consultative in an interview and gives good insight into how they work and think.

Julie from Banker's Life and Casualty

For Banker's Life, they stated first impressions with the way the interviewee dresses as the thing that can make or break an interview before it even starts. Jeans are a 100% no-no, even in their business casual environment.

Tom from Banker's Life Continued

Because our agents work on commissions:

PHD level

P - "Poor". Tired of feeling like they are underpaid or
underappreciated in jobs where they have been paid an hourly rate or
salary.

H - "Hungry". The hunger for a better quality of life. The realization
that in order to obtain higher status in lifestyle comes with higher
risks.

D- "Desire". The realization that no on owes them anything and that
they will need to commit 100% of their time and energies to learn a new
business and career that will not happen overnight and without
challenges.

Aaron Smith, Vice-President at Makk Maketing Concepts stated:

As far as we are concerned, the number one thing is enthusiasm (sense of urgency, hunger, punctuality, internal motor, etc).

The Weinbach Group / Fairmount Turnberry Hospitality stated:

We look for interviewees that are friendly with good listening skills.

Ruthie Sanchez, Sales Manager for the South Florida and JacksonvilleEmployment Guide stated that her applicants need...

Energy on the first phone call. How they interact with me on the first phone call, is indicative of how they may interact with cold calls. The second thing is follow up. Depending on how you follow up with me, may also be indicative you would follow up with a potential client.

I look for good energy on the phone, they must be engaging on the phone because after all, we are telephone sales.

A hiring representative from restaurant chain Applebees wants their applicants to be themselves going on to say

That they be themselves and don’t answer the questions the way they think I want them answered.

Dylan from G2SecureStaff picked a bone with Gen-Y Interviewees

As a proud card-carrying Generation-X'er, I've noticed the new generation affectionately known as Gen-Y or Millenial all but refuse to wear proper attire (i.e. a minimum of business casual) to interviews or on their job finding quests. It's actually quite vexing and it shows a lack of enthusiasm on the part of the applicant. It does not matter how menial the job may be, an applicant in jeans and a t-shirt are an absolute deal breaker for me.

The Visiting Angels, a senior home care center, noted that their ideal candidate should also be weary of their first impressions.

Appearance, groomed for success. Positive attitude is how they put it.

So if you were taking notes or keeping score, here are some things that you need to prepare for when going in on an interview:

Your first impression. Dress the part and look professional even in a business casual environment.
Be honest and answer questions with integrity. They can see right through rehearsed, generic answers. Bring specifics, numbers and past experiences into the conversations.
Be yourself. People hire people and if you can show that you are a special one that can contribute to their organization, you are interviewing in the right direction.
Interview for the right positions. Ruthie Sanchez stated it best when she said her sales reps need to have energy and be able to close. Customer service reps should be happy and be great at listening and so on.

What are your thoughts on these tips and processes from recruiters? These are the people that have the power to bring you into an organization and by all accounts, they say matters and it matters a great deal for your future.

Happy hunting Orlando!

Remember our next job fair in Orlando is on Wednesday, April 21st at the Lowndes Shakespeare Center. More information is coming soon to the Orlando JobSpot.

-Greg

Planning Your Day - From Motivation To Action To Hired

2010-02-23T08:59:00.000-08:00

Last week we shared with you 5 sites to get you motivated - no matter if you are looking for a job or looking to make a career change. We are continuing to help shape your beliefs, thoughts and emotions as you continue on the job search.

Today, I shot a video that walks through a productive and positive day while looking for a job. It runs about 7 minutes long and should really help you coordinate a successful day.

Your Day As A Job Seeker - From Motivation To Action

As noted in the above video, the 5 steps in your daily job seeking routine may look something like this:

Get Positive and Get Motivated
In the first phase of your day you need to condition your brain with positive reinforcements. This can come from eating a healthy breakfast, going for a light jog or walk or listening to motivational messages. The idea is to break the habits of getting your brain conditioned to the negativity that surrounds talk radio, the news and newspapers.

Freeing your mind from negativity and getting it warmed up with positive beliefs, thoughts and emotions will carry over to your entire day.

Get After the Jobs
As soon as your brain is warmed up, go attack the job market. We have stated many times that many jobs posted on job boards have a great number of applicants in the first 24-48 hours after a job posting goes live. If you attack the jobs in the beginning of the day, you are getting to the jobs first and will be more likely to have your information viewed by recruiters.

Be sure to have your resume and all sources ready to go so that you are not being distracted by making corrections or looking for information.

Build Your Personal Brand
You know that I am a big proponent of personal brands and there is no better time than while you are looking for a job to do so. Right after you apply to jobs your brain is fresh and excited with anticipation. Now is the time to write compelling blog posts, make connections on LinkedIn and Twitter and start connecting with other thought leaders.

Learn more about personal brands here.

Get Outside
The Internet is great, I live on the thing practically every waking hour of the day, BUT, you need to see the outside world and start connecting with people everyday. As mentioned in the video start looking for local meetups, groups and associations that have like minded professionals.

You can also bring the laptop to your local Starbucks, Panera Bread or coffee shop. The idea is to start networking and get you conditioned to speaking with people. The fresh air doesn't hurt either.

End Productive and Positive
As you wind down your day there are several things you can do. The first is to reflect and build on what you were able to accomplish today. Winning battles everyday will help you win the war.

The next step is to plan the following day. Are there new contacts you need to follow up with? Are there new blog post topics floating in your head? Go ahead and use something like Remember The Milk to create your important tasks for the next day.

The last part of the equation is to end positive. Again don't get sucked into negative thoughts and emotions by wathcing the news or talking about bad situations. Read a book - anything from leadership to personal development will suffice. The goal is to keep your brain full of positive energy. Your body will thank you in the morning.

So what do you think of these steps in your day? Are you doing these now? Has anything helped you get through your day as a job seeker?

Tell us below in the comments.

-Greg

5 Sites To Get You Motivated

2010-02-05T06:15:00.000-08:00

photo by moragcasey

Every once in a while we need something inspirational to kick our day off. Job hunting can be a draining experience and the longer it drags out the harder it is to back out there and give it a shot.

Today I wanted to share 5 sites that give daily doses of inspiration. The kind of inspiration that will get your mind back on track, thinking about the possibilities and the satisfaction that being productive and focused will bring you. Take in these sites with caution, as they may cause you to take action in your life that will spring positive change!

Illuminated Mind

Written by Jonathon Mead, Illuminted Mind gives you a take on being your own individual, living on your own terms. While you goal may not be to work for yourself, the ideals in this site are nothing short of inspirational. From his free resources like the Zero Hour Workweek to his take on Why People Hate Productivity, Jonathon is one that tells it like it is and gets your mind filled with creative visions of where your life could be if you took an initiative to be great!

Tony Robbins Blog

This guy is the "definition" for the word motivation. You can't help but feel better after after listening to Tony for a few minutes. Luckily on his blog he takes to video to get most of his messages across. He has 2 special videos that are sure to get you ready to tackle anything that comes your way. One features an Orlando local who had the best day of this life while working through a disastrous hurricane. The other shows why some people succeed after learning a new skill and why others continue doing the same bad results producing activities even when they know better.

Zen Habits

Written by Leo Babauta, Zen Habits focuses on the little things in life that make the biggest difference and impact towards your productivity. This includes your health, fitness, the clutter in your life and finding simplicity in the chaos of the world. Stop by for one of his doses of inspiration and see your days get better as you read every word.

The Happiness Project

Written by author Gretchen Rubin, the Happiness Project is a memoir of the year I spent test-driving the wisdom of the ages, the current scientific studies, and the lessons from popular culture about how to be happy--from Aristotle to Martin Seligman to Thoreau to Oprah. This is a great site to get small doses of how to be happy even when stressed, faced with adversity or just looking to bring sunshine on a rainy day.

Work Happy Now

Work Happy Now is a fun blog about careers and getting into a state of happiness at your job and in your life. Written by Karl Staib, the site claims that "a happy environment is more productive and profitable, and that is something everyone can do to improve the company culture." This is true whether you are in a job or not and Carl's laid back writing style will have you in the right mood for the opportunity when you walk into a interview, get the job and start enjoying your time at your desk!

Take a look at these 5 sites and let me know some others that you find give you that inspirational jolt to get your day started or take you out of a mental rut.

Best of luck in your job search and keep your job seeking questions coming!

-Greg

Stay Motivated By Emulating Success

2010-02-01T10:14:00.000-08:00

photo by man's pic

For many in Central Florida, the job hunt has gone on longer than many sitcoms entire lifespan on network tv. As the hunt grows longer and longer, the motivation to get up, check job boards, tweak resumes and put yourself out there becomes harder and mentally draining.

To break out of the job seeking routine, we need to look back at what our dreams, goals and aspirations are. Look back at why we are looking for a new position in the first place.

Once you have a goal in mind, it's time to find emulation in someone that has come before you. When molding your career, you do not need to reinvent the wheel. You need to look at the success of others and see how you can use their strengths, victories, failures and road map and apply them to your own life.

Today, Jonny Gibaud is looking to help those that need a dose of success in their life. Jonny has created an eBook filled with 30 young professionals and asked them for their definition of success. To take it a step further, he has also asked them to say how to achieve that success.

If you need some motivation to take a crack at landing a great position, this may be a sparkle of light to help you get going and on the right path.

Go download it for free now and let us know what inspires you to have success in your career.

Happy hunting Orando!

-Greg

Using Video To Enhance Your Personal Brand

2010-01-25T11:00:00.000-08:00

If you are looking to build your personal brand to help you find a great career, land new freelance work or build up your credentials for long term success, you need to be using video to enhance your online presence. The stats are staggering and sites like YouTube are even preloaded on iPhones and Google powered Android phones.

Here is the presentation we gave at the Orlando Job Fair on January 20th at the Plaza Theatre. We decided to shoot a screencast to get 100% quality and audio so you don't miss a thing.

Using Video To Enhance Your Personal Brand

If you have any questions on how video can enhance your career prospects and develop your personal brand, please leave a comment below.

Using Video in Personal Branding - Presentation at Orlando Job Fair

2010-01-14T06:28:00.000-08:00

photo by f-l-e-x

As part of the Orlando Job Fair on Wednesday, January 20th we will be having job seeker resources to help in the overall process of looking for a new job. This includes a computer station, resume critiquing, a video creation station and 2 information packed sessions.

We explored the first of the presentations, Looking For Jobs Online, earlier in the week. Today we wanted to talk some more about the 2nd session which focuses on using video to enhance your personal branding efforts.

In this session Greg Rollett, Social Media and Internet Marketing Specialist for the Orlando Employment Guide will be leading a discussion on ways to use video to increase your profile, showcase your skills and give you a competitive advantage.

This video marketing session will include

The difference between a video resume and using video in personal branding

The discrimination objection

How to easily create videos to showcase your skills and knowledge

Free resources to create videos

What cameras you can use to create online video

How to create a video blog in an afternoon

What services to use to host and stream your videos

Why video is the here and now in marketing

Following this session, the Video Blog Creation Station will open, helping 50 job seekers create a 45 second to 1 minute video to use to kickstart their personal brand. You can pre-register to be one of the 50 here.

We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, January 20h at the Plaza Theatre. If you have any questions about the event, the sessions or the videos, please contact Greg at greg.rollett@employmentguide.com.

Happy hunting Orlando!

Orlando Job Fair - Live Presentation Online Job Seeking

2010-01-12T06:28:00.000-08:00

At the job fair on Wednesday, January 20th, Greg Rollett, Internet Marketing and Social Media Specialist at the Orlando Employment Guide, will be presenting 2 sessions to help job seekers in their job search. The first of these sessions will be on navigating the online space and finding opportunities that match your skill sets and desires.

Greg will be hitting topics including:

How best to navigate job boards

Ways to have jobs coming into your inbox everyday instead of endless searching

How to use social media sites to find opportunities from your network

How to build a network of like minded professionals

How to set up RSS Feeds to organize the information you consume online

What personal branding is and how you can use it to propel your career

How to pass an online background check

How to create content that will get attention

How to find and use keywords correctly in your job search

This sessions is free and will take place at 10:30am in the main room of the Orlado Job Fair. You can register for the event now and reserve a seat for this presentation as well as the opportunity to network with 20+ hiring companies and utilize the resume resource center.

See clips from past presentations:

Create Your Own Video Blog at Orlando Job Fair

2010-01-08T07:14:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday, January 20th at the Orlando Job Fair, we will be helping job seekers kick start their personal brand. In the second informational session we will be going over how you can use video to create a powerful personal brand. When the talk is over we want you to take action and get started in making 2010 a successful year for your professionally.

To accomplish this we will be shooting 50 videos in our Video Blog Creation Station. The first 50 job seekers to signup will have the opportunity to shoot a 45-second to 1-minute clip explaining who you are, where you are from, what you do and why that's important.

After the event, we will edit it for you and email you a link to download it and place it on your own blog, social network or video sharing site. Here is a video that explains more.

Create a Video At the Orlando Job Fair

At the event you will be given instructions and a script template to make this as painless as possible. Even if you have never been on a camera, this exercise will help you relax and show you the powerful impact of video.

Here is an example of how simple your video can be:

Reserve your space now as only 50 of these videos will be created at the Orlando Job Fair. Be sure to come to the presentation at 11:30 to learn why video is a great tool to build your personal brand and how it can impact your career.

Notice that we are not saying "video resumes." These videos are not to be used as a video resume but to enhance your visibility online through your personal brand.

To learn more about personal branding visit these resources:

See you on the 20th Orlando!

Orlando Job Fair - Wednesday, January 20th

2010-01-05T09:12:00.000-08:00

Orlando Job Fair Packs Jobs, Educational Sessions And Community Resources To Start 2010 On a High Note For The Unemployed

The Orlando Employment Guide is kicking off 2010 with a bang in the local community. Committed to being hands on with both job seekers and local businesses, they have jumped the gun to put together an event that will make 2010 an amazing year of personal and professional growth.

The job fair comes on the heels of the Putting America Back to Work campaign of 2009, where the Employment Guide was able to put over 15,000 Americans into positions all around the country as a result of their job fairs.

The job fair, to be held on Wednesday, January 20th at the Plaza Theatre in Downtown Orlando will feature 30 local organizations, educational institutions, live presentations on social media and online job seeking as well as resources to help job seekers with their resumes and apply to jobs online.

Live Sessions

10:30 - Advanced Techniques When Looking For Job Online
11:30 - Using Video To Network and Brand Yourself

(time and topics may be subject to change)

Participants from our September event left the event confident and knowledgeable about their future stating,

“The sessions were of particular benefit - particularly how to apply for a job on the internet,” and “the event initiated a new way of thinking about techniques of advertising oneself.”

Special Video Blog Creation Station
To kick off the event we will be offering job seekers an opportunity to create a 1 minute video blog to start their personal brand and online profile. More information about this program will be unveiled later in the week. This will be limited and can be one of the top things you can do to help boost your personal brand and get active in your career profile.

The Plaza Theatre
When: Wednesday, January 20th, 2010 from 10am - 2pm
Where: The Plaza Theatre
425 N. Bumby Ave
Orlando, FL 32803

View Larger Map
Contact us and get involved
Local businesses that wish to attend the job fair can do so by calling 407.673.6101 or by emailing greg.rollett@employmentguide.com.

For press inquiries, please contact Greg Rollett at 407.673.6113 or greg.rollett@employmentguide.com.

Sign Up To Job Alerts With Your Cell Phone

2009-12-22T07:39:00.001-08:00

photo by Stephan Geyer

One thing I have been looking at as someone that spends many hours everyday looking at marketing and technology, is the growth of the mobile industry. There are now 4 web ready phones to every 1 computer on the planet.

This week I got word that YOU can now signup to receive job alerts from the EmploymentGuide.com via your mobile phone.

It's a pretty simple process:

Start by texting "JobAlert" to 44733 (non case sensitive)
You will receive a confirmation text with a link to the mobile signup page
You will enter your email address and your zip code (so we don't send you jobs in Alaska or something)
Now you can start adding industries that you would like alerts from. Choose as many that interest you and your career.
Scroll and click on the signup button and you are done!

Now jobs will come directly to your email as they become available on the EmploymentGuide.com.

Go ahead and check it out today.

As we move ahead with mobile technology here, I can see jobs coming directly via SMS in the near future. For those reading the print version of the Employment Guide, you should know that there are many companies now allowing you to text in your information to apply for positions.

-Greg and the Orlando Employment Guide Team

Orlando Job Fairs in 2010

2009-12-18T06:37:00.001-08:00

In 2009 the Orlando Employment Guide held 4 job fairs that were responsible for putting close to 1,000 people back to work. In addition to the jobs, we were able to begin providing resources, access to information and give job seekers new ideas and new motivation to continue their job search and find the opportunity that will change their life.

Going into 2010, we are looking to improve our job fairs, based on feed back that we have gathered from people just like you. To get ready for our first job fair on January 20th, here is a quick video that goes into detail on what to expect at an Orlando Job Fair in 2010.

Orlando Job Fair in 2010

Creating a Powerful Resume Objective Statement

2009-12-07T12:35:00.000-08:00

Today on the Orlando JobSpot we are going to be looking at creating a Rock Star Objective Statement for your resume. Over the course of the year we ask for resume submissions to place on our job fair CD and we see our fair share of objective statements. Add that to all the advertisers and employers and that has taught us a lot about what recruiters are looking for.

Check out the video below to see how you can write a more effective, personable and actionable resume objective statement.

Creating a Resume Objective Statement

As you prepare your resume this week to send to employers, be sure to focus on getting the attention of the recruiter quickly with a strong objective statement or qualifications summary. Your goal is to get them to read on and pick up the phone to call you in for an interview.

How are you convincing them to pick up that phone?

Happy hunting Orlando!

Obama's Job Summit

2009-12-03T06:34:00.000-08:00

Today, Thursday, December 3rd, President Barack Obama will hold a Job Summit at the White House where he will meet with some of the best and brightest CEOs, small business owners, and financial experts about ideas for continuing to grow the economy and put Americans back to work.

Tonight on Larry King Live, he will be bringing in some great minds to talk about the jobs summit including Google CEO Eric Schmidt, Tony Robbins and Magic Johnson. As usual, you can submit questions for this show via iReport.

As we near the end of the calendar year, jobs are a major focus at holiday dinners as many are hoping to turn things around and start a fresh new year. Personally I am excited to hear what the President says, as well as from these other employers and financial experts to get an idea of what the New Year will bring.

What are you hoping to hear from this jobs summit?

Regardless of the outcome, you can start making a difference in your career today. Begin branding yourself and looking to multiple outlets for opportunities. Holiday networking events are great places to meet like-minded professionals and talk about their company going into the New Year.

Join conversations online and begin following the blogs, Twitter accounts and social networking profiles of companies you have an interest in.

Get proactive and use this as momentum going into the job search!

For coverage on the jobs summit, please check out:
Twitter
Google News
Yahoo News

Happy hunting Orlando.

Ryan Patrick McCafferty - Orlando Business Professional - Meet and Orlando Job Seeker

2009-11-24T07:11:00.000-08:00

In the Meet an Orlando Job Seeker series, we are going to be meeting job seekers and see what is holding them back, what they are doing to look for a job and helping promote them to the companies we have the opportunity to showcase them in front of. If you are looking for a job in Orlando and wish to be profiled and promoted, please send an email to greg.rollett@employmentguide.com.

Meet Ryan Patrick McCafferty, a recent grad looking for an entry level business position in Orlando, FL. We asked Ryan some questions about his job search and his future. Here is the interview.

JobSpot: How long have you been looking for a job?
Ryan: 6 months

JobSpot: How did you find yourself unemployed?
Ryan: Graduated College

JobSpot: What has worked for you in terms of finding available positions?
Ryan: Word of mouth, internet job searches

JobSpot: What has been the most frustrating part of the process?
Ryan: Not hearing back from companies I have sent resumes to and finding more experienced people are taking entry level jobs away from college grads and the jobs that are available are commission based which don't necessarily pay the bills.

JobSpot: If you have been interviewed, how were the interviews conducted and what can employers do to make interviews more efficient?
Ryan: The interviews were professional that were in person and I've had a few phone interviews which were less formal. In terms of making the interviews more efficient the company can give an exact date and time they will get back with a candidate to inform them whether they will be chosen.

JobSpot: Describe the value you can bring to an organization?
Ryan: I can bring energy, intelligence, leadership, hard work, dedication, loyalty, and an ability to work well with teams.

JobSpot: What is your dream job?
Ryan: A job that I would enjoy going to everyday and that would allow me to use my talents in a way where I would be able to make a difference in other peoples lives.

JobSpot: What steps are you taking to get to that dream job?
Ryan: Networking and actively searching job postings.

JobSpot: What would you like to see improved in the whole looking for a job process?
Ryan: It would have been nice if there was an opportunity to have more connections working through the college as I was graduating.

What Ryan should do next?
My suggestions to Ryan and others in Ryan's shoes is to start making yourself more attractive to employers and recruiters by building an online presence. This can come in the form of a LinkedIn profile, blogging about your industry or profession and looking for networking opportunities with people in the positions you wish to be in. Job boards are great, but rarely do they have all the answers.

Another idea is to narrow his focus. Take the business angle and find specific jobs and careers that fit your dream job or ideal career. From here it will be easier to find companies that offer these types of positions and find people to network with.

Here are some posts for ideas and inspiration:
Discover Who You Want To Be
How To Find A Career By Listening Online
Finding People To Advance Your Career Online

If you would like to contact Ryan about a position at your company, please reach out to him at MCCAFFERTYR@etown.edu.

-Greg

Job Fairs For Veterans

2009-11-19T13:34:00.000-08:00

Job fairs are still one of the easiest ways to get in front of a potential employer. The entire point of the event is to being together employers with open positions and job seekers to fill them. If you prepare adequately and come with an open mind about job possibilities, you may very likely leave the event with an interview, a job offer or some great leads. The Employment Guide was fortunate enough to help over 15,000 people find employment through job fairs alone in 2009.

We have a complete resource center on Orlando Job Fairs here.

For more information about transforming from the soldier's life to civilian employment, please be sure to pick up a copy of the Veteran's Transition Guide at your local Workforce Central Florida location or at a military base near you.

It's A Brave New World For Transitioning Soldiers Looking For Work

2009-11-19T13:23:00.000-08:00

Whether you just got out of the service or are staring to think about your next steps after military life, online job hunting is the most efficient way to find your new career. There are many new search tools and online job resources available, waiting for the classifieds in the Sunday paper is old news. Perhaps you have already dabbled in online job searches and social networking. However there are still some tips and tricks to getting the most of your online job seeking efforts.

Here are some tips and resources to get you started:

Start With The Basics
Set up a professional email with GMail or your own hosted domain. Try and grab yourname@gmail.com if its available.

Look in All Available Places
In today's landscape there are job boards, social networks and communities for every industry, every niche and every brand. Find these specialized job boards and communities and look for people to connect with, companies that you relate to and opportuities to explore. The Employment Guide has set up niche sites in Transportation, Healthcare and Older workers to make this process easier for job seekers.

Use Automation Tools
Set up things like job alerts and Google alerts to create feeds that bring the jobs to you. This will make the most effective use of your time.

Promote Yourself
Use these social media tools to promote yourself in a positive light. Do you have videos of presentations or pictures of things you have built, awards you have won? If so, showcase this on your profiles, start a blog or bring them onto the networks. This will give recruiters a great sense of who you are and what you can do for their company.

Get Offline
We can get caught up in the ease of tools like Google and Job Baords, however physical meetings and networking events can still play a major role in returning to a civilian job. Try sites like Meetup, Eventful and Upcoming to find events in your area that relate to your likes and interests.

For more information about transforming from the soldier's life to civilian employment, please be sure to pick up a copy of the Veteran's Transition Guide at your local Workforce Central Florida location or at a military base near you.

Joe Biden Talks About New Jobs From the New Administration on the Daily Show

2009-11-19T10:04:00.000-08:00

I was up late the other night and this clip really caught my eye. It was an interview on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart featuring Vice President Joe Biden. In this first part of the interview Joe and Jon talk about the administration's role in job creation and the new jobs coming to Americans in the form of Health Care, Energy and Education.

Watch the clip here.

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Joe Biden Pt. 1

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show
Full Episodes

Political Humor

Health Care Crisis

I'd love to know your feedback. Over the past half a year we have heard from Florida's Gov. Charie Crist and now Joe Biden talk about jobs in these sectors. They say the growth with come in the first quarter of new year. What do you think is happening and where do you fit in. We love learning from the people who are living the job seeking lifestyle as it helps us deliver news and information and help you out everywhere that we can.

Happy hunting Orlando!

-Greg

Blogging on Health Career Web

2009-11-19T09:02:00.001-08:00

As we continue our tour of the new Health Career Web, I wanted to showcase one of the most beneficial things you can do other than create a powerful profile, and that's making use of the blogging feature. The video below walks you through how to create a new blog post and where it goes and who has the potential to see it.

I hope you are enjoying these videos and taking action if they pertain to you. We have some great information coming in the next few days including a Thanksgiving action plan for job seekers that may just turn your holiday season around!

Happy hunting Orlando!

-Greg

Setting Up Your Professional HealthCare Profile

2009-11-13T09:35:00.000-08:00

As we continue our series on Health Career Web, today we are going to take a look at how to create your profile to optimize its visibility to other healthcare professionals and employers that may be looking for someone with your credentials.

How To Set Up a Professional Healthcare Profile on Health Career Web

After watching the video, go ahead and signup and get started with your profile. Use keywords to describe your career and your career path, upload a strong photo that portrays you in a confident light and be sure to pass along your profile URL t your other social networks like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

And then be sure to search for me and say hello!

-Greg

Find HealthCare Jobs in Orlando

2009-11-12T05:58:00.000-08:00

Last year we shared an overview of the all new HealthCareerWeb.com and all the new features of this health care professional network. Today, we have a quick video that shows you all the different ways that you can look for a job on the site, after all, the goal of your networking is to expand and develop your career, right?

All you nurses, physical therapists and health care professionals now have a very powerful tool to find jobs in your area and in your niche.

Some tips to finding great health care jobs in Orlando on Health Career Web:

Keywords: Use the best possible keywords for the position you desire. If you type in nursing, you will see positions for all types of nurses, in all situations, skill levels and experience. If you type in LPN or Registered Nurse, you will find more specific results that fit your skill level and job of choice.

Broaden your search: If you know your areas, you can begin picking cities, zip codes and locations that match your preferences. Knowing that Sanford is just around the corner from Lake Mary will open up jobs in both locations. Don't be scared to open a map and see the place you want to work, especially if you are looking to relocate.

Know your skill level: If you are currently in school, are there things you can be doing to help you get the certifications or experience you need? If you are out of school, can you be doing things to brush up on your skills? Look for similarities in job descriptions and see the things you are going to need in order to land that healthcare job.

Happy hunting Orlando and please let me know what you think about the new Health Career Web in the comments.

-Greg

Veteran Outreach Programs

2009-11-06T06:25:00.000-08:00

The VA is a great resource that is ready to provide health care and other important services to the Veteran community that is returning from the armed services. Below are some of their programs and resources that you need to know about upon returning back to civilian life.

The Returning Service Blog
This site is a great resource for veteran's to check out on a consistent basis with news, tips and stories on the impact of the VA on the lives of veterans.

Recent articles include:
A Journey We Must Take Together
What Should We Call Our Newest Vets

Health Care Eligibility
You can enroll for health care at any VA Medical Center or clinic for 5 years following your military separation date. When you enroll, you may start receiving your health care at the VA right away or defer till a later time, the choice is yours. You need to enroll within 5 years from your separation.

Dental Benefits
Unlike the health care, which you have 5 years with which to enroll, the dental program requires a dental exam within the first 180 days of your separation. Check out this link for more information on the dental program.

Federal Recovery Coordination Program
This program assists severely wounded, ill or injured returning service members, veterans and their families in accessing the care, services and benefits provided through the various programs in the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs and other private sector agencies. Check out this link for more info.

VA Mobile Site
Get your information on the go with the VA's new mobile site. Check out news, videos and find the closest VA facility from your mobile phone by going to m.va.gov today!
Important Numbers
Benefits...................................1-800-827-1000
Education and Training...........1-888-442-4551
Life Insurance.........................1-800-669-8477
Special Issues..........................1-800-749-8387
Health Care..............................1-877-222-8387
Headstones / Markers.............1-800-697-6947
VA Insp. General.....................1-800-488-8244

Are you a Vet looking for a Job in Orlando? Check out all the jobs in Orlando here.

Have You Tried Van Pooling?

2009-11-06T05:52:00.000-08:00

I found an interesting resource this morning that I wanted to share with you guys. It's a site called Van-Pools and features ways to, you guessed it, van pool to work. From their site:

Van-Pools.com is a blog and online resource portal for commuters who want to learn more about the financial and environmental benefits of sharing rides. Van-Pools.com provides a forum for vanpoolers and other ride-sharers to access commute-related information, national trends and expert insights, share stories and gain access to unique and useful commute-related tools.

With time and money being your two strongest assets, you can save both by teaming up and riding with friends and co-workers. We have some people in our office doing this and it saves miles on the car, money in gas and allows them to switch off from driving - which gets them refreshed for the day.

Do any of you car pool to work? Let's share some stories in the comments.

-Greg

Network With Healthcare Professionals

2009-11-05T06:08:00.000-08:00

Health Career Web is a great resource for nurses, allied health professionals, doctors and really anyone looking to expand their career in the health care industry. Over the past 2 years the team at HCW have been talking to aspiring health care professionals, hospitals, small practices and nursing homes to get a better idea of what these skilled professionals are looking for when they network with each other.

Last week we saw the relaunch of Health Career Web as a professional networking site for these health care professionals, as well as recruiters and facilities to meet, talk and grow together. Here at the JobSpot, we wanted to give you a bird's eye view of all the cool things you can now do on the site to boost your visibility and your credibility.

Below is the first in this series of videos and is an overview of the new Health Career Web. Check it out...

If you are a nurse, doctor, physical therapist or aspiring to tackle another career opportunity in the Health Care niche, sign up for a profile today and be sure to check back with us over the next few days as we release new videos on how to search for jobs, how to create and optimize your profile, write compelling blog posts and other great tips to get the most of this medical resource.

Happy hunting Orlando.

-Greg