Sunday, November 25, 2012

Job Fair Information

Please view the following links for upcoming job and career fairs being held this week:


Job Fair in honor of "Hire Veterans Month"
North Essex Community College Technology Center
Boston, MA
Tuesday, Nov. 27th - 10 am to 1 pm
(Note - there is other information listed for job fairs in the area throughout the week)


MinnesotaWorks.net Career Fair
Marriott Minneapolis NW
Minneapolis, MN
Thursday, Nov. 29th - 10 am to 3 pm



Trying to find a job or career fair in your area?  Let us know in the comment section below and we'll help you find one!


Friday, November 23, 2012

Free Resource - Work From Home

Are you looking for a legitimate work from home opportunity?

We occasionally provide you with links to information to help you find different ways to earn a legitimate income from home.  There are a lot of resources out there but it's important to make sure you do your research.  We know that some opportunities can seem shady at best but we only bring your attention to those we've used before or have done research on ourselves.

The following link is a free course on how to find your freedom by working from home.  There's a short video and you can download the course without obligation.  You don't even have to provide an email address or any other contact information.

Work At Home - Free Masters Course

We have personally used this service for over 3 years and find it is one of the most dependable and easiest ways to make money online.

Have questions or comments?  Please let us know in the comment section below.


Note: We occasionally post information on this blog that includes affiliate links.


Job Search Series - Legitimate Work Online

So our staff can enjoy this week with their families, we are reposting our Job Search Series from a few months ago. 

This week we've talked about different ways to search for a job. We've discussed telling people you know, using social media, going to job fairs, and contacting a professional hiring agency.

There's an additional resource that you can use to help find a job. Unfortunately, it's something that has somewhat of a negative view surrounding it. The resource is working online. Yes, there are a lot of scams out there but there are also a lot of legitimate companies out there that provide many people with a viable source of income.

The key to finding legitimate companies is to do your research. Make sure the company is well-known and guarantees their services. Some reputable companies are Elance.com., Guru.com, and Freelancer.com. There are plenty of jobs on these sites for administrative, IT, accounting/finance, writing, marketing, engineering, and legal professionals.

You will need to bid on projects when you use these sites but it's really not that different than submitting a resume for a job. While you may be looking for something more permanent, there are quite a few jobs on these sites that will lead to bigger and more long-term opportunities. Another nice thing about these sites is that your pay is guaranteed. Once you are awarded a project, the company has to fund an escrow account that you will be paid from. The only way you won't get paid is if you don't do the work.

The important thing to remember with these sites is that they provide you with a stable source of income. You not only gain employment but you can maintain a flexible schedule and work from home. These sites also can help you pay the bills if you're looking for a part time opportunity to supplement your income.

Do you work online? What do you like about it? What don't you like about it? Please share your stories with us in the comments below.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Job Search Series - Make Yourself Known

Happy Thanksgiving! So our staff can enjoy this week with their families, we are reposting our Job Search Series from a few months ago. 

Given the tough job market, it's important to get the word out that you're looking for a job. We've already talked about a few options this week but today we wanted to talk about going public.

In addition to telling friends, family and people you come across in everyday life, there are a few other options that you can utilize to maximize your job search. One option is to attend a job or career fair.

Here on the Online Career Center blog we post information on job fairs throughout the United Stated on a regular basis. This can be a great tool in your job search. Most events are free to attend and it gives you the opportunity to reach a lot of potential employers at once.

If you're planning on attending a job fair, make sure to follow the guidelines listed. Some will want you to register online while others require you to register at the actual event. Dress professionally and bring a few copies of your resume. Some job fairs will also have workshops on how to interview and resume tips.

Another option you may have to get noticed is to attend networking events. While some networking events can be for small business owners, there are those that are for individuals seeking employment. Do a search for groups on either LinkedIn or Meetup.com to see if there is a similar group in your area. If not, look at some of the other groups listed there that might be of interest to you. You never know who else within those groups would be a great person to connect with to help you in your search.

When you're unemployed, it's easy to sit at home and not interact with others. The more you get out and meet other people, the better your chances of finding someone who can help you in your search. By meeting with others, you won't feel so isolated and you will feel more productive.

How has attending events helped you find work? Feel free to share your story with us in the comment section below.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Job Search Series - Contact a Recruiter

So our staff can enjoy this week with their families, we are reposting our Job Search Series from a few months ago. 

As we've mentioned a few times before, not all available jobs are listed or viewable to the public's eye. A lot of times an employer will only announce a job internally or on their website. Sometimes they'll list it with a hiring agency.

They may want all of the hiring to be done by an outside agency so that the candidates can be screened or they may just not have the time to perform the hiring process. The only way to be a candidate for these jobs is to sign up with a recruiting agency.

You can google your profession and add "recruiting agency" or "head hunters" to find a recruiter that specializes in your field of work. Depending on the agency, they may also be able to place you in a temporary or contract position until you find full time work.

Do your research and make sure it's a reputable agency. They shouldn't charge you any money to apply and have an interview with them. The potential employer will pay all of the hiring fees.

Also make sure that you treat them as you would a potential employer. Always act professionally and dress appropriately if you do get invited to meet them for an interview.

Using a recruiter to help you find a job should be one of many methods you need to use in your job search. The more methods you enlist, the better your chances of finding work.

Has working with a recruiter helped you to find a job? Let us know by sharing your story in the comments below.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Job Search Series - Social Media

So our staff can enjoy this week with their families, we are reposting our Job Search Series from a few months ago. 

If you're already using social media, you know how powerful it can be to reach many people at once. It's also becoming a widely used platform for finding work.

While you don't want to use social media to beg someone for a job or try to gain people's sympathy, you can still use it to make everyone aware that you are looking for a job. You're status could say something like - "I'm really excited about my interview tomorrow!" or "I sent out 10 resumes this week, I hope one gets me an interview". This should inspire additional conversations with those who follow you. Try to find a way to post a status that makes people ask you about the type of job you're looking for or what your experience is.

Another great way to find a job through social media is LinkedIn. If you have a complete profile, they will actually tailor job openings to your background and experience. When you've logged in to your LinkedIn account, look over on the right hand side. You should see a section in that column with the heading of "Jobs You May Be Interested In".

These jobs should be directly related to your previous jobs and experience. It even lets you apply to them or refuse them based on their relevancy to your current situation. We don't know if these jobs are listed anywhere else, but it provides you with another opportunity to find work.

Use social media as part of your job search and open your possibilities to getting hired sooner rather than later.

Has using social media helped you find work? Share your story in the comments below.

Monday, November 19, 2012

Job Search Series - Tell Your Friends

So our staff can enjoy this week with their families, we are reposting our Job Search Series from a few months ago. 

When you've lost your job or are just looking for a new one, you want to make sure that those close to you know your situation. It's hard to reach out for help sometimes but that's actually one of the best things you can do.

It can be hard to admit when you've either lost your job or struggling to make ends meet. This is exactly the time when you should put the word out that you need a job. By telling people that you need help, it provides you with options you might have never had.

A friend or family member may know of an opening at their place of work or from someone they know. So many jobs aren't advertised through the normal channels anymore. Most jobs are found today through word-of-mouth or through someone who knows you. It only benefits you to get the word out that you're looking for a job.

You probably have other opportunities to tell people in your life that you're looking for work that you hadn't thought of. At least once a week, we do one or more of the following: go to the store, go to the doctor, eat out, or any other things that bring us out among other people.

You've probably been to the store or at the doctor and started chatting with the people there. Find a way to work your situation into the conversation. You could mention something like you're looking forward to an upcoming interview or that you're excited about changing careers. Anything to bring up work and that you're actively looking.

The point is to talk about it. You'd be surprised to find how many people are willing to help you. Just remember that they can't help you if they don't know you need it.

Share your stories in the comments below about how you've talked to people about your situation. Have you been hired based on just knowing someone? Let us know!