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.

Here at the Charlotte Employment Guide, we are getting ready to throw an amazing Job Fair at the Sheraton Charlotte Airport. Part of putting together the event is helping the Charlotte community to engage with the hiring companies and find the best possible opportunities that can impact their lives.

Today, I wanted to share with you 5 important interview tips that you should remember when talking to these recruiters live on August 10th! My suggestion would be to jot down some notes, get your short pitch memorized and practice in front of the mirror.

5 Charlotte Job Fair Interview Tips To Remember

1. Do Your Homework. Do some research on the companies that will be attending so you have an idea of what they are looking for and how you can bring value to their organization. 
2. Watch Your Nonverbal Communication. The way you carry yourself, use your eyes and use your body language will tell an employer a lot about your character. Remember to carry yourself with confidence and integrity. 
3. Don’t Exaggerate Or Lie. Remember that many cases of your work history are only a phone call or a Google search away. Be prepared to back up any statements you make to recruiters at the job fair. 
4. Emphasize The Positive. No matter your previous work situation, or the current environment, be sure to steer your conversation into a positive light. What you CAN do, what you HAVE done and what is possible with your skill sets are a great place to start. 
5. Wait For An Offer To Bring Up Salary. You will want to stay away from pay on the first conversation. While this is an important factor, keep the conversations on your value and getting the job offer, or the 2nd interview. Then come in and ask about pay. 

Remember these 5 tips as you prepare for the Charlotte Job Fair on August 10th. These tips will help you look professional and give you an advantage over the hundreds of job seekers looking for the attention of the employers at the event.

If you haven’t already, please register for the Charlotte Job Fair today.

While economic conditions continue their slow climb, employment still eludes many Americans. This has been especially true for Americans with disabilities. Even in the booming job market of the 1990’s, the percentage of disabled Americans that were unemployed actually increased. 

President Obama’s Administration has deemed this a priority in conjunction with his efforts to stimulate the economy. With approximately  54 million Americans currently classified as disabled, this Executive Order will affect about 15% of the population. 

Take a look at the press release from the White House detailing the entire initiative: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/executive-order-increasing-federal-employment-individuals-with-disabilities

-Matthew Harrell

Let me start this article by stating that I am not defending BP or any of its actions, merely creating a conversation around a job loss and things you can do to avoid the same position.

Today news broke that BP CEO Tony Hayward will leave his position atop the oil giant in October after posting a 32 billion dollar loss. That’s probably more responsibility than you will face in your job search here in Tampa, even as an executive.

Here are some lessons to learn from this situation:

You have to accept responsibility for your team. While Tony didn’t physically build the pipes, he was ultimately in charge of the plan that was put into place. In your own career, you need to ensure that you stand up for your actions and the actions of your team members. Gaining trust from your peers and colleagues is vital to an optimal performance.

Understand consequences. If you are going to undercut, over value or turn your shoulder to a situation, you need to understand what the repercussions may be. Then you must accept them if things don’t go according to plan.

When your face is public, make sure to answer concerns about your character. This also happened in the Tiger Woods scandal. The world is very face and very public. We demand answers. Whether it is right or wrong you need to defend your character, giving the public the truth , as there is always someone out there smarter who wants to uncover the truth.

Provide value. This one seems simple, but you must always strive to give back to your community, your coworkers and your customers. Make them all feel a part of your family. This will help you in times of hardship.

What other lessons can we learn from the dismissal of Mr. Hayward at BP? Leave your comments below or send us a message on Twitter.

For the long term unemployed in the Pittsburgh Metro area the June unemployment report is bittersweet.  For our area, the unemployment rate dropped from 8.6% in May to 8.3% while adding 7,700 jobs.  The good news is this represent almost 4,000 more jobs than one year ago.

While summer is normally a slow recruitment period in good times, this summer has seen a steadily (albeit slowly) increasing number of job postings as well as inquiries toward near term plans.  Our job fair held recently at Mellon Arena attracted 40 local employers which was the most in two years.

For more details on the job numbers go to the Post Gazette and the Tribune-Review.

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!

The Charlotte Employment Guide along with the AARP are excited to bring you a job fair on Tuesday, August 10th at the Sheraton Charlotte Airport. Job seekers of all ages are invited to visit employers from the area who are looking to hire greta employees that can impact their organization.

In addition to the hiring employers at the job fair, the AARP will be holding Branding Workshops to help those looking to brand themselves in today’s market. After attending these hour long workshops entitled “The Power of Promoting Yourself at 50+,” job seekers will leave with new skills that will benefit them in their overall job search.

Attendees at the Charlotte Job Fair should come dressed professionally and bring updated resumes for employers.  The event begins at 9:30 and runs till 1pm.

Venue Information
Charlotte Sheraton Airport
3315 Billy Graham Parkway & Billy Graham Pkwy
Charlotte, NC 28208

View Larger Map

For an updated list of hiring companies and to pre-register for this event, please visit the Charlotte Employment Guide. Remember to click on the red “pre-register” button to get the latest notifications and skip the line at the event.

We look forward to seeing you on the 10th and if you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below.

Today we got wind of a great new free eBook from our friends over at Brazen Careerist called “What Do You Know About Getting A Job.” Over the past couple of months, Rich DeMatteo has compiled quotes, stats and trends from the top HR Bloggers on the web.

What this means for you is information directly from the people who are looking for people like you to bring into their organization. One way to think of it is a group of HR influencers giving you tips that you would traditionally find through a mentor.

Some of the topics covered in the eBook are:

• Marketing Yourself Based on the Value You Will Bring
• How to Build Relationships that Matter
• Why a Job is NOT What Ultimately Will Make You Happy
• And more.

So today, after you submit your resume to a few new job openings here in Tampa, go and download and read this quick little book. It might open your mind to some new ideas and motivations to get you into not only the job, but the career you envision for yourself.

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.

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

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.