2009 Orlando Jobs Outlook-The GOOD NEWS

What a year it has been. As I sit in my office looking at all kinds of statistics, you would think that Orlando and the entire Central Florida area may never recover from the current trend of rising unemployment and underemployment.

So what is the good news? Since 1950, there have been eleven significant “recessions” and thankfully, eleven recoveries. Each recovery was stronger and lasted longer than the one before it. And with each recession, we learned a lot about the short term and the long term. Today, I want to share with you my Central Florida outlook on employment and what you can do to make sure you capitalize on the next recovery.

The GOOD NEWS:

1. For the first time in 10 years, more people are moving out of Florida then becoming residents. I think this is due to high cost of real estate and the lack of high paying jobs. No matter what, this will help stabilize the workforce and provide a better variety of jobs.

2. Gas Prices. Thankfully, they are down and this will help drive the cost of goods and services down as well. I also think that our number one industry, hospitality, will see an increase in visitors from the east coast. Today, hotel occupancy in Central Florida is 53%. It is a slow time anyway for the industry, but hopefully it will pick up swiftly with the discounted vacation packages and low gas prices in 2009.

3. If you have a current job at a company that has been cutting back employees, it is now your time to shine and really showcase your value. Yes, you may be doing the work of two or three, but when the economy gets back normal, you can position yourself to advance your career.

4. If you have been laid off or underemployed, your good news is that you now have a chance to re-evaluate your job and career choice. Did you enjoy your job? Were you “world class” in your job? Did you take advantage of all training and education the company offered? No matter what, if you don’t have a job, you are not feeling well. However, you can take this time to research and discover what you want your next job to be to make sure your career sky rockets with the recovering economy.

5. Education. Central Florida boasts numerous education facilities that have classes and degrees in all areas. Research these schools and indentify programs that will get you excited about your career. Most schools have tuition assistance.

6. Job Seeker Resources. If you are looking for a new job, use job boards like OrlandoJobs.com. The good news is now you can start indentifying companies through sites like Hoover, LinkedIn and Facebook. Also, subscribe to the Orlando Business Journal and keep up with companies on the move in Central Florida. We also have a lot of new companies moving to the Orlando area and you can find out about that through the Orlando Economic Development Commission.

7. Friends and Networking. The good news is that 65% of all hires at any company are by word of mouth. Talk with your friends and neighbors and find out where they currently work. Take that information, research that company and if your background is any type of fit, have your friend refer you into the company.

Overall Outlook for Jobs in Central Florida:

Just like after September 11, we learned with have to compliment the Hospitality industry with other types of business. Central Florida has done a great job of bringing companies like Burnham, UCF Medical School, Nemours, technology companies and education facilities like Kaplan. We are also watching the reality of Innovation Way beginning to evolve. Any new or expanded industry creates jobs.

Central Florida is a GREAT place for companies to do business. Not only is it warm most of the year, it has very favorable tax laws and a very good talent base. I think when the economy gets rolling; Central Florida will recover faster than many of our friends in other cities.

Finally, history repeats itself. I just want you to be ready for the 12th recovery so you can take total advantage of your career path. At OrlandoJobs.com, my staff spends every day working with Human Resource Directors from many industries talking about their hiring needs. While a lot of companies are sitting on the sidelines, they are not preaching gloom and doom. And that is very good news for everyone. Please contact me if you have any questions or comments.

Orlando Jobs has Fun at Annual Winter Park Christmas Parade!

OrlandoJobs.com participated in the Annual Winter Park Christmas Parade and had a great time. Featured in these pictures is Carmen Cardoza, our marketing director. Not pictured but did a great job of driving the OJ Hummer was Stuart Raskin. Great day of fun and it was great to see everyone!