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!

Friday, November 16, 2012

Job Fair Information - Time Sensitive

Please visit the following link for a job fair being held today.


Re-Employing America
Seeking qualified veterans, military families, women, and minorities who are unemployed or underemployed to attend.
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Washington D.C.
Today, November 16th, 10 am to 6 pm


If you know of any other events or resources that benefit veterans of our military, please post the information in the comments below.




Thursday, November 15, 2012

Job Fair For Veterans - Time Sensitive

Visit the link below for job fairs being held today in various parts of Texas.


Hiring Red, White, and You!
Various Locations across the state of Texas
Thursday, November 15th


If you know of any other events or job fairs that benefit veterans of the military, please post the information in the comments section below.



Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Job Fair Information for Veterans

Please visit the following links for job fair information and resources for veterans of the military.

Hiring Our Heroes Job Fair Information
This site provides an extensive list of upcoming job fairs sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.


If you know of any job fairs or resources that benefit our veterans, please post the information in the comments section below.



Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Veteran Job Fair - Time Sensitive

Please click on the link below for a veterans job fair being held today.  If you can't make it to that one, there is also information for one on Thursday.

Burlington National Guard Armory
Piedmont Triad, NC
Tuesday, Nov. 13th, 10 am to 2 pm

VFW
Greensboro, NC
Thursday, Nov. 15th, 9 am to 1 pm

If you know of any job fairs or resources that benefit our veterans, please post them in the comment section below.



Monday, November 12, 2012

Job Fairs & Resources for Veterans

In honor of Veterans Day, all of this week we will be featuring jobs and other resources that help those in our military both past and present.

Veterans Weekly Report
This site provides a wealth of resources for Veterans.  It includes job fair information, insurance services, crisis line information, veteran discounts, and much more.

Paralyzed Veterans of America
You will find information and resources on this site for Operation PAVE - Paving Access for Veterans Employment

Virtual Career Fair for Veterans
Online - Free
Tuesday, November 13th
Visit the link above for information on registering for the event.


If you know of any other programs or events that benefit veterans of the military, please post them in the comments section below.



Sunday, November 11, 2012

Happy Veterans Day

We would like to say Happy Veterans Day to all of those who are either presently serving in the military or who have helped keep us safe in the past.  We thank you for all that you do!

Please check out this listing that shows various places offering free services in honor of Veterans Day.


If you know of any other free services being offered to those either past or present in the military, please let us know in the comment section below.


Friday, November 9, 2012

Online Career Center Poll Reminder

This is just a reminder that our reader poll ends today at 5 pm MST.

If you haven't participated yet, please take just a moment to let us know what job-related information is most helpful to you.

You will find the poll in the upper right corner of your screen.  By answering this poll, it helps us to provide you with the information you need to succeed in your job and career.

If there is another topic that you need help with that isn't listed, please feel free to let us know in the comments below so we can take that into consideration as well.

Thank you for your participation!



Thursday, November 8, 2012

Job Fair Information

Please visit the following links for upcoming job and career fairs:


Ambassador Hotel Job Fair
Ambassador Hotel
Wichita, Kansas
Thursday, Nov. 8th, 9 am to 4 pm

Goodwill Industries of Northern New England
Goodwill Store
Portsmouth, NH
Friday, Nov. 9th, 9 am to 7 pm


If you're looking for job or career fairs in your area, please visit the Choice Career Fairs website for more information.



Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Job Interview Tips to Learn from the Election

Now that the election is over, we can all breathe a sigh of relief that we don't have to watch another political ad.  At least not for a few years.

We found this article that relates the presidential debates to how to successfully prepare for a job interview and we wanted to share it with all of you.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.


P.S. Don't forget to fill out our quick, one-question poll to help us know what information you need to find the job you deserve.  The last day to enter your response is on Friday at 5 pm MST.


Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Career Fair Information


Please visit the following links for upcoming job and career fairs:


The Red Lion Hotel
Denver, CO
Wednesday, November 7th, 10:30 am to 2 pm


Website allows you to post your resume and pre-register for online events.


If you are looking for job or career fairs in your specific area, please let us know where you live in the comments below and we'll do the searching for you.



Monday, November 5, 2012

What Information is Most Helpful to You?

At the Online Career Center Blog, we want to make sure we are providing you with the information you need to help you find the job that you deserve.

That's why we are asking our readers to answer a quick, one-question poll to find out what information is most helpful to you.  You will see the poll on the upper right hand of your screen and it will only take a second to fill out.

By filling this out, you ensure that the content we provide here helps us to give you all the necessary tools to help you succeed.

If you are looking for additional information that isn't listed here, please let us know in the comments below.

We appreciate your cooperation!


P.S. Make sure you fill out the poll as soon as possible as entries close on Friday at 5 pm MST.


Friday, November 2, 2012

Impressive Job Interview Techniques

Please view the following video on certain tips and strategies you can use to make your next interview successful.



If you have the time, look at some of the other videos in this same series for some great information.

Did you find this video helpful?  Let us know in the comments below.





Thursday, November 1, 2012

Job Fair Information

Please visit the following links for upcoming job and career fairs:



Job Fair
Meredith Community Center
Meredith, NH
Friday, November 2nd



Fall Job Fair
Carl Sandburg College
Sandburg, IL
Friday, November 9th


Working Abroad
Boston University School of Management
Lists links to resources for international job seekers


If you would like more information on job and career fairs in your area, please visit the Choice Career Fairs website.