The October 19th Job Fair is Almost Here!!

The National Job Fair Series will be hitting Tampa on Tuesday. This job fair is free to the public and you can pre-register right now. Get your resumes ready, practice your elevator speech, and press your suits because over 20 companies want to meet with you! 

The schools and employers include:

AFLAC

Allied Barton Security, Inc.

Asset Acceptance

Center for Technology Training

Dish Installation

Drive Time

Elite Communication Services

EMSI

Fast Train

Florida Army National Guard

Fortis College

Freight Center

Insphere Insurance Solutions

International Academy of Design & Technology

K Alliance

LaSalle Computer Learning Center

Massey Services, Inc.

New York Life

PRC, LLC

Racetrac Petroleum 

Sanford Brown Institute

Southwest Florida College

Ultimate Medical Academy

United States Army

United States Secret Service

Important things to remember:

When: This Tuesday, October 19th, 2010

Where: Museum of Science and Industry

             4801 E. Fowler Ave.

             Tampa, FL 33617

             map>

Time: 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Tampa Job Fair October 19th at MOSI!

Hey Tampa, we at the Employment Guide have another job fair coming up next month, and I just wanted to let everyone know some of the details upfront.

What: Tampa October Job Fair

When: Tuesday, October 19th, 2010

Time: 10am – 2pm

Facility: Museum of Science and Industry / MOSI

4801 E. Fowler Ave.

Tampa, FL 33617

It is Open and FREE to the public

It is Free of Admission and There will be Free Parking

Job Seekers, please pre-register for the career fair by clicking here!

And lastly, for those of you who are more visual here is the Job Fair Flyer:

The Job Fair is Fast Approaching!

There is only a little less than 5 days before the Tampa Job Fair gets here. If you didn't see our last post, then here are the details for the job fair. It will be at the Museum of Science and Industry on Tuesday, August 24th from 10am - 2pm. Make sure you dress to impress and bring lots of copies of your resume! This job fair is free to the public and you can still pre-register right here!

Check out the list of companies that will be on hand at the job fair:

• AARP
• AARP SCSEP Program
• AFLAC Insurance
• Allied Barton Security Services
• APAC Customer Service
• Argosy University
• Asset Acceptance Capital Corp.
• Bright House
• Center for Technology Training
• Committed to Your Success & Jill Flansburg, Career Counselor
• Digital Reception Services
• Drive Time
• EMSI
• Fast Train
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Florida Army National Guard
• Fortis College
• Lasalle Computer Learning
• Liberty Tax Service
• Massey Services, Inc
• Merchant Services Consulting Group, Inc.
• Meridian Career Institute
• National Business Institute
• New York Life
• Plastipak Packaging, Inc.
• PRC
• Racetrac Petroleum
• Sonic Restaurants, Inc.
• Southwest Florida College
• T-Cellular, Inc.
• The Employment Guide
• TZ Insurance Solutions
• Ultimate Medical Academy
• US Army
• US Small Business Administration
• Walt Disney World
• Webber International University

So are you ready for Tuesday? Have you prepared? Well if not, here are some job fair tips you can use to make sure you land that job!

Tampa, let us know if you have any questions about the job fair. You can follow us on Twitter for up to the minute information. We look forward to seeing at the job fair on Tuesday, August 24th and with that I say good luck!

Tampa Career Fair In Partnership with AARP August 24th!

Hey Tampa, we have a Job Fair coming up this month!

Please Join us in at the Museum of Science and Industry on Tuesday August 24th from 10am - 2pm. Job seekers, don’t forget to dress to impress and bring lots of copies of your resume. Start your job search with the Tampa Job Fair brought to you by the EmploymentGuide.com and AARP.

Check out the List of Companies that will be in Attendance on 8/24:

• AFLAC

• AFLAC Insurance

• Allied Barton Security Services

• APAC Customer Service

• Argosy University

• Asset Acceptance Capital Corp.

• Bright House

• Center for Technology Training

• Digital Reception Services

• Drive Time

• EMSI

• Fast Train

• Federal Bureau of Investigation

• Florida Army National Guard

• Fortis College

• Lasalle Computer Learning

• Merchant Services Consulting Group, Inc.

• Meridian Career Institute

• National Business Institute

• New York Life

• Plastipak Packaging, Inc.

• PRC

• Racetrac Petroleum

• Sonic Restaurants, Inc.

• Southwest Florida College

• T-Cellular, Inc.

• TZ Insurance Solutions

• Ultimate Medical Academy

• US Army

• Webber International University

For those of you who want to pre-register early for the Job Fair click here! And, for those of you who need some job fair tips check these articles out here and here.

We can't wait to see all of you at the and Job Fair!

-TampaEG

What You Can Learn From Tony Hayward's Job Loss At BP

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.

What Do Top HR Bloggers Think You Should Be Doing To Land A New Job?

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.

Tampa Sees Wages Increase For Jobs in Tri-County Area

There is a slight breeze coming into the heat of the summer here in Tampa. A recent data analysis from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) has announced that those with employment and jobs in the Tampa Bay area have seen an increase in their wages, despite the economy.

The tri-county area has one of the largest increases in the country as far as wage increases goes. This may be a sign to the region that commerce and tourism are increasing.

Here are the stats from the BLS:

• Pinellas: Average wage: $852. Increase: 5.7 percent. Rank among 334 counties: 21.
• Hillsborough: Average wage: $927. Increase: 5.8 percent. Rank among 334 counties: 17.
• Pasco: Average wage: $680. Increase: 1.8 percent. Rank among 334 counties: 241.

As you are looking for a new job in Tampa this summer, look for companies that are increasing their wages and taking care of their employees. We all want stability and a place that we feel welcomed and appreciated. Now there may be some incentive in the wallet sector for great employees.

This month at the Tampa Employment Guide, we have jobs from some great companies that think of their employees as team members and look to people like you for the success of their business. Search for these companies now on Tampa's Job Board!

What do you think of the wage increases in your area? Sound off in the comments below.

-Greg

Job Seekers: Florida’s Unemployment Does have Hope

It’s always bad news when we hear the unemployment rate has increased again. Last month was another increase for Floridians, bringing to light just how bad it really is in our state’s job market.

At 12.3%, Florida was outdoing the 9.7% national average by several percentage points. In the Tampa Bay area, the unemployment rate was at 12.7% for the month of March. However, compared to past months like February’s 13.2%, it appears our jobless rate is on the decline. Every county in the Tampa region reported a drop in their unemployment rate for March’s statistics.

The pace of job losses has dramatically slowed and at a national level things seem to be making a turn around. So, what does that mean for Florida? Well, some believe that Florida’s unemployment rate will rise slightly before it begins to fall.

In an article I read, “Record jobless rate again” Dale Brill, president f the Florida Chamber Foundation said, “Florida’s recovery will trail the balance of the nation.” He also cited three obstacles in particular that Florida faced: a weaker housing market, stagnant population growth and heavy reliance on non-wage income.

Ugh. Depressing isn’t even the word for all of that. Isn’t there any good news?

Yes! Records show that Florida’s online job postings have steadily risen to 232,200 in the past month.

The Council of Economic Advisers states that the federal stimulus plan has a segment for adding or keeping 152,000 jobs in Florida in the first quarter of 2010.

Florida’s turnaround will largely be influenced by how well the nation improves because a large part of our economy depends on tourism. When people begin traveling and loosening up personal funds for family vacations and such, Florida will start to fill the impact.

It is slowly and steadily improving, as we can see with the unemployment rates, small changes will take time for Floridians to feel the effects.

Don’t give up. It is getting better. Changes are being made and time will show that to be true. Hold on Florida, we’re almost through one of the worst times since the depression!

What do you think? Do you believe other states are being hit worse than Florida? Leave your comments for me to post and others to read!

Carly Sabato

Reality Show About Job Seeking

Reality shows. Documentaries. True Crime. Real life people on television and the riveting slimy, grimy, and dramatic situations are always an attention grabber. MTV is attempting to jump on this money making train by adding their show called “Hired”. On May 6, 2010, MTV will debut the documentary type series that featuring recent college graduates out searching for a job. The series will air 20 shows and will show recent graduates from all spectrums; some will be overqualified while others are barely making the mark.

The series details exactly how difficult it is to get a job right now. MTV producers want not only the regular Joe’s watching the show to see the struggles that people are going through in finding a job, but also parents of recent graduates who believe jobs will be handed to their child because s/he has a degree. This is certainly not the case –as many of you can attest to!-- and this series will detail the true hardship of what it is like in the working world and how difficult it really is to get your foot in the door.

My Comments:

It’s a tell tale sign of the times when there is a reality based show featuring college graduates attempting to finding jobs. It would be really interesting to see the debut of another show that follows the lives of job seekers from all walks of life. Capturing scenes of a mom looking to go back to work to help ease the burden of high expenses, a long time worker who was let go after years of working for the same company, and just the average job seeker trying to find work anywhere just to pay the bills is a great script for real life drama, but how many of us need a television set to see what happens next?

A series showing college graduates looking for a job is a good start to show the world how difficult it really is out there. However, in my opinion, it’s too narrow of a scope –so many are struggling with this situation. So many people aren’t that to focus on one demographic neglects those who have been looking for months and even years.

However, I think this series will give great insight to the reality of the working world and what is out there. If the show is realistic in its portrayal, people will begin to understand how difficult it is to find a job in today’s economy. If a young adult (whose salary is less pricey than your long time worker) can not get a job after 4 years of college and a degree in hand, what hope is out there for people who are just an average Joe?

My Suggestion:

Job seekers, do not get discouraged. Jobs are out there and things are beginning to become more available. The best thing that any job seeker can do is continue working through all the necessary steps to finding a job. Don’t stop, create a great resume, and become an expert in interviews. All this is possible if you put your mind to it and practice.

Remember, if one employer tells you “no” it doesn’t mean you won’t find a job. You have other options. Keep plodding along, strengthen your interviewing skills, rework your resume and eventually you will find a job that will be the best fit for you. Yes, it will take time but as I have always said, looking for a job is like a job itself. So give your all and never give up!

What do you think? Are you a recent college graduate looking for a job but not having any luck? Or, are you a job seeker who thinks that there needs to be a series about all job seekers? Did you know about this new series coming out? Are you going to watch it?
Leave your comments so I can post for others to read.

Carly Sabato

Job Seekers: Don’t forget About Your Phones

We all know that when we’re looking for a job we have to clean up our physical appearance and always be prepared because we never know when an opportunity for a job will appear.

In my past blogs, I have discussed the importance of a well written resume, updating/monitoring all social networking sites and removing anything from your account or from your friends accounts that is inappropriate, and finally dressing for success.

A pretty complete list. That should cover it all, right? Wrong! There’s one thing often forgotten about that leaves a lasting impression on employers.

If all goes well, the employer will call you to set up an interview. Your voicemail picks up because you can’t answer. The employer hears “Yo, you know what to do.” Or another message of an equally unprofessional nature. There is no way an employer in a business environment is going to consider hiring you after that. It in no way reflects the type of individual they are trying to hire.

Listen to your voicemail and ask yourself is it appropriate?

Professional voicemails messages should say, “You have reached INSERT YOUR NAME. I am unable to answer the phone at the present time, so please leave your name, number, and a brief message and I will return your call as soon as possible.”
A good rule of thumb for jobseeker voicemails is to leave out anything pertaining to kids, cute sayings, religious messages, or music of any kind in the background or as your ringer. It is fairly common practice these days for people to use cell phones as their main phone line. When an employer calls you, it is very unprofessional to have music blaring in their ear, which is the case if you have downloaded a ring back. Regardless of how much you love listening to the latest and greatest of Ludacris’ songs or Taylor Swift’s tunes, the best solution to ensuring an employer leaves you a message is to remove the ring back while in the process of searching for a job.

First impressions are key and you just gave yours without ever meeting the employer face to face. It’s your prerogative to personalize your voicemail, but choosing a professional, courteous and simple message will go a long way to making sure the employer leaves a message given the option.

Jobseekers are on display and it’s important to have all aspects of your life ready to be evaluated. Good luck!

Carly Sabato

Job Seekers: Resources are out there!

Job seekers and Employees alike are constantly reminded of the importance of brushing up on their skills. It’s recommended that job seekers and employees make themselves more valuable by taking training courses or enrolling in college courses that will make them standout among their fellow candidates and/or co-workers.

All of this is great advice and if you have the money to do it, or if your job offers free training, I strongly advise you to jump on the opportunity. However, if you can’t afford to take college classes, training courses, or are not offered any free programs there are some other options that you might want to take into consideration.

EmployFlorida.com is an online portal to virtual job-matching services and many other workforce resources. On this site, patrons are linked to websites that offer a variety of free online learning and training courses that will expand not only your knowledge but your skills as well.

This site also links you college programs, giving students free online access to course materials that are used in university classrooms. These open programs do not require someone to registration or even charge tuition however, there are also no credits given and there is no interaction with a professor.

*Please click below to be linked to the site.

ONLINE LEARNING RESOURCES

Have you used these resources? How did beneficial did you find them? Any thoughts to share with your fellow jobseekers? Leave me a comment so I can share your feedback with everyone else.

Carly Sabato

A New Bill Extends Unemployment Compensation

Losing your job is a very stressful time. For many, filing for unemployment and cutting costs are the first things on their to-do list. However, people who have filed for unemployment have found unemployment benefits are running out. People are left once again feeling hopeless and concerned with what they are going to do for money.
On April 16, 2010 President Barack Obama signed an $18 billion jobless benefits bill that gives a 60 day extension of federal extended unemployment benefits. So, for those people who have been out of work for months and have been denied additional weeks of unemployment, they can now reapply for long-term benefits that will run until June 2, 2010.

Here are some facts about unemployment:

Unemployment insurance is defined as compensation provided to workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own. Unemployment provides compensation for a specific period or until the worker finds a new job.

So how long is a typical person covered? Regular unemployment provides benefits for up to 26 weeks, based on the weeks you have worked in your claim year. However, during times of high unemployment, other options for those who have exhausted their regular state unemployment benefits are available.

People who find themselves in these types of situations can file for Extended Unemployment Benefits, which will provide compensation for a longer period. In addition, some may be eligible for benefits funded by the federal government, including Emergency Unemployment Compensation or EUC.

Eligibility for extended benefits depend on the where the claimant lives and the date s/he became unemployed. Extended benefit programs provide an additional 13 to 20 weeks of benefits to workers who are already receiving unemployment benefits and are in a state with a high unemployment rate.

Emergency Unemployment Compensation Tiers:

• Tier 1- 20 weeks
• Tier 2- 14 weeks
• Tier 3- 13 additional weeks of benefits in states where the total unemployment rate is 6% or higher
• Tier 4 6 additional weeks of benefits in states where the total unemployment rate is 8.5% or higher.

*Eligibility depends on your tier benefits plus state guidelines.

Visit your State Unemployment Office: For details on who qualifies and when/how benefits will be paid.

http://www.floridajobs.org/Unemployment/

Check out this how to video for help on filing for unemployment Compensation:
http://www.floridajobs.org/unemployment/How_to_File/index.htm

Have you been affected by the new bill that President Obama has passed? Are you unemployed and unable to receive benefits for whatever reason? Leave your comments for others to read and learn from.

Carly Sabato

Two paths to Look at When Looking for a New Career

In today’s economy, finding a job can be like finding a needle in a hay stack. However, there is hope. Some industries are prospering and some almost guarantee you a job. If you are unemployed and thinking of changing careers, going back to school, or about to graduate there are two professions you may want to consider that will leave you with many job offers when you are ready to take that step into the workforce.

The healthcare industry, like we have talked about before, is still a booming industry despite the slow economy. In some cases there are some hospitals and doctors offices that are understaffed and need more people immediately. Healthcare related jobs offer great pay, benefits, and a variety of places to find work. When considering a job in healthcare it is important to look at what will best fit you. Some healthcare jobs, such as a pharmacist might require a bit more schooling than that of a registered nurse but when weighing the benefits and pay that come with such a position, the end completely justifies the means.

If healthcare just doesn’t do it for you, you might check into the computer and IT industry. Now, not all of us have the skills or thought processes required to work with computers but with schooling and training you can become certified and an industry expert. The key to a computer- related profession is understanding how to be flexible. The industry components morph quickly as technology advances, so you have to be dedicated to learning new technology that comes out regularly to stay informed. You should also be willing to travel; on-site technicians for major companies have many advantages. You not only get to travel on the company expense account, but you visit new locations and get paid to do what interests you. Working with computers also offers a lot of entrepreneurial opportunities because so many businesses require assistance from someone with the knowledge and capability to solve their technological needs.

Here is a list of professions in both the healthcare and computer industries. You’ll maybe not be surprised to learn that these are among the fastest growing occupations in today’s job market which are listed on the Department of Labor’s website. Check them out!

Computer software engineers, applications
Computer support specialists
Computer software engineers, systems software
Network and computer systems administrators
Network systems and data communications analysts
Desktop publishers Database administrators
Personal and home care aides
Computer systems analysts
Medical assistants Social and human service assistants
Physician assistants
Medical records and health information technicians
Computer and information systems managers
Home health aides
Physical therapist aides
Occupational therapist aides Physical therapist assistants
Audiologists Fitness trainers and aerobics instructors
Computer and information scientists, research
Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers
Occupational therapist assistants
Veterinary technologists and technicians
Speech-language pathologists
Mental health and substance abuse social workers
Dental assistants
Dental hygienists
Special education teachers, preschool, kindergarten, and elementary school
Pharmacy technicians


What do you think? Are you in one of these types of profession and feel like your job is secure? Or are you someone looking for a career that will offer security and believe that one of these choices is the best way to go? Leave your comments for others to read and learn from.

Carly Sabato

Job Seekers: Be Ready at all Times

COMICS BY: JASON LI @
www.iheartrecession.com/.../ihr_051.jpg

Telephone interviews. We’ve all had them, either as the interviewer or the interviewee. And so, we all know that a phone interview is as important as an actual face-to-face interview. Many times employers use phone interviews as a way to identify and recruit candidates, pre-screen for an actual in office interview, or as a means to lower costs for out-of-town candidates. No matter the reason of the phone interview, it is important that you are just as prepared as if you were doing a formal interview.

When preparing for a phone interview, use the same methods that you would if you were preparing for an actual in person interview. Be aware that as a job seeker with applications out there, it is very likely you will receive a call and need to speak with no notice.

Here are a few basic tips to help you prepare for a phone interview. If you have an in- home office this is the best place to conduct your phone interview as well as a great place to keep all of your job seeking material. See my blog on Job Seekers: Create an Office Area for the Job Search Process.

• Have your resume available at all times. Put it in a place where you more than likely will be taking the call for the interview.

• Have a list of accomplishments ready list to the interviewer rather than stumbling to remember because you are caught off guard.

• Keep a pen and paper in an area where it will be easily accessed and ready to use.

• Clear the room. Make sure that you are in an area that is quiet and free from any distractions.

• Use a landline. If your only choice is a cell phone, make sure you are in an area that receives uninterrupted reception.

• While on the phone DO NOT smoke, chew gum, eat, or drink. However, keep a glass of water nearby in case your throat gets dry or scratchy. Just remember to only use it if you are seriously in need.

• Smile. Studies show that smiling injects charisma and warmth into your voice.

• Speak slowly and enunciate all words.

• Make sure that when addressing the interviewer you use their correct title unless instructed otherwise.

• NEVER interrupt the interviewer!

• Give short and to the point answers.

• Take your time to collect your thoughts.

• DO ALL THAT YOU CAN TO IMPRESS THE INTERVIEWER. REMEMBER, THIS COULD MEAN THAT GETTING THAT FACE-TO-FACE INTERVIEW AND THAT MEANS THAT YOU ARE ONE STEP CLOSER TO LANDING THAT JOB!

Have you ever had an interview over the phone? How did it go? Do you prefer phone interviews over face-to-face interviews or just the opposite? Leave your comments so other readers can take a look.
Carly Sabato

Layoffs: Make the Best of a Bad Situation

It is common to hear, “It can’t happen to me,” and suddenly what couldn’t happen to you becomes a harsh reality. This is true for many people who have found themselves out of a job. The best rule of thumb is to be proactive. Anything is possible, even if you think your job is 100% secure.

Even in times of good economic standing, it is important for people to live within their means, budget appropriately, and save any money they can. Today, that same mindset is even more important as unemployment is on the rise, businesses are going under, and foreclosures have reached an all time high.

Most financial advisers would advise you to save up to six months of living expenses, as an emergency fund or what is today known as a “jobless” fund. However, in today’s circumstances, it is wise to save not only for 6 months but for 12 months or more.

Need help developing a plan of action for “It can’t happen to me?” Here are some helpful tips to live by:

• While you are working, double the amount you put into your emergency fund.

• Downsize where you live. Evaluate your space -- is it more for the comfort and prestige of having it?

• Call your landlord or rental agency and explain your situation. Ask about deferred-payment plans for rent or see if your loan allows it to be restructured.

• When you find out you will be without a job, file for unemployment immediately.

• Look for personal health insurance. Many people who lose their job lose their benefits as well. Health insurance is often something people think that they can live without but costs you more if there is an accident or personal illness.

• Develop a strict budget plan and follow it line by line.

• Prioritize your debt. Pay the big bills like; mortgage/ rent, car payment, utilities before anything else. Of course, it is the goal to pay everything on time but sometimes that is not possible. Learn to know what you can live with and what you can live without.

• Sell things you no longer need. For example: electronics, jewelry, a second car, etc.

• De-invest. Investing is great if you have the money to do it. However, it is not a priority when you are living with no income.

Are you in jeopardy of losing your job, or have you lost your job? Did this blog help you reconsider how to live wisely? Leave your comments for others to learn from

Carly Sabato

Age Discrimination Effects all Ages

Age discrimination is nothing new. However, what may be news to you is it isn’t just your typical over 50 crowd who are being targeted; younger workers can find themselves caught up in age discrimination just as easily.

Labor lawyers say employees in their twenties and thirties find themselves more at risk of a layoff. There are many reasons for this such as companies avoiding age-discrimination lawsuits by adopting a “last one in, first one out” policy when conducting their layoffs. Also, younger workers often have a high- maintenance attitude and a poor work ethic that makes it easy for management to let them go. Also adding to the list, younger people are a lot less of a risk for an employer to lay off because states employees typically protect workers 40 and older from age discrimination. Laid off employees younger than the 40 year old benchmark don’t have much backup when trying to file an age-discrimination lawsuit against a company due to the current laws.

Young, childless workers say they feel that they are being targeted during layoffs. While no particular age group is targeted in a layoff, numbers from the Department of Labor speak for themselves. In April of 2009, the unemployment rate for ages 25 to 34 was at 9.6% compared to 4.9% a year earlier while in that same year the age group of 55 and older had an unemployment rate of only 6.2%, which is compared to 3.3% from the year before.

Now, it is not a proven fact that younger workers should be on guard when it comes to age discrimination, but it is important to know that times are changing and that no age is safe. Here are some ways to protect yourself and keep your job.

• Come in early and leave late

• Check, check, and re-check all your work

• Volunteer to do the work that others do not want to do.

• Get certified—Many companies offer free training and certification programs—Take advantage of this!

• Don’t be demanding!

• Make yourself invaluable to the company, for example:
o Cross train in another department
o Learn as much as possible in all areas of the company
o Be willing to relocate ANYWHERE!

• Find a mentor within the company, preferably someone in upper management
• Volunteer on all projects

• BE THE BEST WORKER YOU CAN BE AND THEN BE BETTER THAN THAT!

What do you think? Are you a victim of age- discrimination? Are you a young worker who has a story to tell? Leave me your comments so I can post for others to read.


Carly Sabato

Job Seekers: Have you Filed Yet?

It is April 13, 2010 have you filed yet? If not and you find yourself scrambling to get everything done than this blog might be informative.

To start, if you are unable to file by the April 15, 2010 due date than file an extension. This will help reduce the stress of getting all the forms done and done correctly as well as avoiding the penalties that occur when you do not file on time. Here is a link to the forms that need to be filed BY OR BEFORE THE DUE DATE APRIL 15, 2010 for an extension: Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Income Tax Return

Now let’s talk deductions. If you are a job seeker who is looking for a job within the same line of work that you are currently in than you may qualify for many deductions of your job seeking expenses.

Here is a list of what you can and can’t deduct.

CAN DEDUCT:

• Employment and Outplacement Agency Fees
• Resume’s- Time you spend creating a resume as well as the cost of printing and mailing your resumes to prospective employees.
• Travel and transportation expenses- If you are looking in a new area for a job that is in your current field.
• Phone calls- local and long distance call to prospective employees

CAN’T BE DEDUCTED:

• You are looking for a job in a new occupation
• There is a long break between the ending of your last job and looking for a new one.
• You are looking for a job for a first time.

IRS WEBSITE: For more helpful information on your taxes.

Have you filed yet or are you trying to get everything done by April 15, 2010? Leave your comments for others to read.


Carly Sabato

Job Seekers: More Jobs May be Coming to Florida

Boeing, the world’s largest manufactures of commercial jetliners and military aircraft, could be bringing 1,900 jobs and work for 14 local suppliers to the state of Florida. But wait! There’s more! The Boeing Company could also bring a total of 50,000 jobs to the entire United States as well as bringing business to more than 800 suppliers in 40 states.

Right now, the government is looking to build a replacement for the current 179 KC – 135 and create the NewGen Tanker, as the new tanker aircraft for the U.S Air Force. If the government chooses the $35 Billion contract from the Boeing Company, it will allow Boeing to build the replacement, which is how Florida will get these jobs. Awesome news, right? It’s great news for the state of Florida because not only will it put a dent in the high unemployment rate but it will also bring about $95 million annually in economic impact to the state.

So what exactly is the NewGen Tanker? Well, it is an improvement to the current 767 commercial airplane. It is considered a multi- mission aircraft, with advanced technology, and is capable of fulfilling the Air Force’s needs to transport fuel, cargo, passengers, and patients for the military.

Other companies are also bidding for the contract of building the NewGen Tanker. However, all proposals are due by May 10, 2010 and a decision is expected later in the year. For the sake of Florida and the unemployment rate, let’s hope the Boeing Company is chosen and the Florida people can get back to work!

Curious as to what Florida suppliers will be contributing to the building of this aircraft? Here is a list of the 14 companies:

• Vought Aircraft, Stuart
• Goodrich Lighting Systems, Oldsmar
• Pall Aeropower, New Port Richey
• Parker Fluid Systems, Naples
• Radiant Power Corp., Sarasota
• AAR Manufacturing, Clearwater
• ACR Electronics, Fort Lauderdale
• Alnitak Corp., Sarasota
• ASC Industries, Miami
• CPN Electronics, Fort Lauderdale
• DME Corp., Fort Lauderdale
• Gables Engineering, Coral Gables
• IPECO, Casselberry
• Kaman Aerospace, Jacksonville

PHOTOS OF THE NEWGEN TANKER:
BOEING COMPANY HOME PAGE:

Job Seeker: Don’t be a Victim!

Scams, we have all heard about them and many of us may have been directly affected by some sort of fraudulent activity. However, did you know that you might be scammed when it comes to looking for a job?

With online job searches on the rise, scam cons are able to reach people who would never have been victims of scams before. People are being scammed in various ways, from fraud to stolen goods people are sometimes clueless to what is going on.

Imagine, you apply for a job online. You receive an acceptance letter, get the contract, and send it back via email. You are now a finance manager for a bigwig company! A week later, you receive your first assignment: Money has been transferred into your personal account. Your task is to transfer the money into an overseas account. When you go to “do your job”, you are arrested. Why, well the money is stolen, welcome you have been a part of a popular scam.

Sound unrealistic or maybe you think how could someone not know this is a scam? Well, there are many reasons; one, people in these situations are so excited to finally have a job after a long stance of unemployment that they overlook the awkwardness of the situation. Two, the paperwork and all information of their job assignment seems legal and legitimate. No matter the reasons of how these people become victims of such a popular scam it is crucial to know and understand what to look for so you never become one of these horror stories.

Be aware that the scenario that I gave you is not the only type of scam out there. Here are some other popular ones; reshipping packages- usually this job is titled forwarding packages. Basically, your “employer” sends a package to your home and you are instructed to repackage and reship it to a certain location. DON’T DO IT the contents are stolen! Another, is a work-from-home opportunity. Now, not all of the work-from-home opportunities are scams but those who offer quick cash and a large sum of it probably is a scam. Typically, victims are prompted to pay a registration fee or a training fee this is just a way to get your money. Best rule of thumb for this type of situation, DON’T DO IT!

Here are some common warning signs that you might the job might be a scam:

• You are asked for your social security number

• You are asked for your bank account number

• You are requested to scan some sort of identification (i.e. driver’s license)

• The contact email for the employer is not a primary domain.

• The job ad is unprofessional and has many spelling, grammatical, or information errors

• The employer does not want to meet you face to face or have a conference call with you

Common since right? Well, you would be surprised by how many people know the warning sign and still fall victim to such scams.

Here are some tips to avoid being scammed:

• Never give out your social security number

• Never give out your bank account information

• Never transfer or wire money to a strange account/.employer

• Don’t give a copy of your identification

• Don’t re-ship products that you do not know who they are from or what is in them.

• ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS RESEARCH A COMPANY BEFORE GIVING ANY INFORMATION TO THEM!

What do you think? Have you been a victim of such scams. Leave me a comment so I can post for others to read to learn what not to do.

Carly Sabato

With the economy declining many people have found themselves in a place they never thought they would be, out of a job. Today, people of all ages and economic backgrounds are taking jobs that are below there experience or education level just to make ends meet. Some people who have found themselves unemployed are taking the opportunity to go back to school. However, many people who are without a job have bills that are piling up and money is simply too tight to even think about earning a degree. If this is your thought process I am here to give you information that will help you pursue your dreams.

Scholarships, grants, or financial aid there are opportunities out there that will help ease the burden of what school can cost. Many of you might be thinking I am too old to get a scholarship or grant money or even financial aid, but this is not the case. Their are many resources that will give you money to go back to school and make a better future for yourself and/or your family.

The site, www.acinet.org/ that I discussed on my blog yesterday, is the same site that has information about scholarships. I chose this site among others because it gives you four different categories to narrow your search sub categories in each main category to narrow your search even more.

Check out the direct link and start finding your scholarship today: SCHOLARSHIPS

The best advice that I can give anyone wanting to go back to school is, DON’T GIVE UP! There is money out there you just have to look for it.

Good Luck!

What do you think? Have you recently lost your job and are thinking about or already have gone back to school? Leave your comments below to inspire others.

Carly Sabato