How technology can increase your chances of accelerating your career?

In a recent study done by the University of South Wales, 69% of 772 college and high school students indicated that chance events in their lives influenced their career path. Does this mean that being in the “right place at the right time” is why you do what you do today?
Most of us “fell” into our current careers by chance.

After years of recruiting and working with numerous professionals in Central Florida, I truly believe that “chance” does play a role on how many of you ended up in the career path you have selected. Sure, many people grow up wanting to be a doctor or fireman, but if you ask most people, they found their jobs by accident. Many people find industries and jobs that they had no idea existed just by meeting the right person at the right time.

So if chance is playing such a big role in getting you into a certain industry, what can you do today to increase your “chances” of accelerating or changing your career path? To have a “chance” to win the lotto, you must have a ticket. The same is true for your career. Here is a way to increase your chances by knowing what is going on in your career at all times:

LinkedIn Groups. Many of you are members of LinkedIn.com. By joining groups around your career you will see many discussions on what is going on in that industry. You may find a discussion that really can help your career that you didn’t even know existed. Search Groups Here

News Feeds. Set up Google alerts that can scan the internet and bring you back industry stories. Use key words that describe your industry. For example, if you are a Chef, set up a Google alert for “new restaurant designs”. Google will scan the world and bring you interesting stories about what others are doing in your industry. These are delivered directly to your email. Set up Google Alerts Here

Blogs. Just like talking to your neighbor about careers. Blogs yield tremendous information about your career and will present opportunity. Search Blogs Here
Technology has made the opportunity for “chance” to become more of a reality. The information you gather about your career will allow you to find out more about your career and make great decisions about your future.

I still remember the meeting I went to in 1995 in Atlanta. By chance, I met a great person named Jay Rollins. He was the person that told me about the next big thing before most people…the internet.

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Central Florida Job Market Outlook. Interview with radio host Bud Hedinger from 540 WFLA.

Bud Hedinger of 540WFLA interviews OrlandoJobs.com Roger Lear on the current state of the Central Florida Job Market.

You can listen to this interview here. It gives you a good idea where the Central Florida Job Market is heading. Where are the jobs in Orlando? What sectors are hiring?

CLICK ON PODCAST TO LISTEN NOW:

PODCAST

WFTV produces a great story about UCF's College of Medicine. Medical City will produce jobs!

The University of Central Florida's new medical school has its first class. WFTV produced this 20 minute titled UCF College of Medicine: The Players, The Vision, The Future.

Medical City is a reality and will create many jobs for Central Florida. Orlando is well known for its hospitality industry, in a few years our health services corridor will be known world wide!

Watch the video HERE.

Podcast with Bud from 540 WFLA- Where are the jobs in Central Florida

This Morning I spent a 1/2 hour with Bud Hedinger Live(aka the Bud Man) on 540WFLA. We talked about the current state of the Central Florida employment. Also, we previewed the 3rd and 4th quarter Central Florida Hiring Survey that will be released next week. The survey contains data that that shows who is hiring, where the jobs are and some projections for the rest of the year. I will post to the blog, Facebook and Twitter as soon as it is completed.

Listen to the podcast by clicking here:

Roger Lear on the Bud Hedinger Show July 23, 2009 7-7:30

The BEST 30 Careers for 2009!

Here you go, a great list of potential jobs you should consider. Please pay special attention in Central Florida to the following areas:

1. Fundraiser
2. Health Policy Specialist
3. Government
4. Hairstylist
5. Management Consultant

Click HERE for the full report!

What are Clean Energy Jobs and How Can you Get One?

This report is a must read if you want to find out about Clean Energy Jobs. This report will tell you what those jobs are, where they are located and the future of this industry. It is a must read if you want to understand this growing industry. Pew Research has published this report and it is located here:

Clean Energy Jobs Report

Some of the jobs this industry already has and will create include:

1) Engineers
2) Teachers/Trainers
3) Machinist
4) Electrician
5) Recycling
6) Solar Jobs
7) Wind Jobs
8) Traffic Monitoring Software
9) Hybrid Diesel Buses
10) Bio fuels infrastructure

...and many more. They are both white collar and blue collar jobs.

With our US Government putting money into this area at a unprecedented rate, jobs in these areas will provide some great opportunity...not to mention help the environment.

Join our FaceBoook Fan Club and get the scoop on Central Florida Jobs!

www.facebook.com/orlandojobs

Testing OrlandoJobs.com Social Media Reach Today July 14, 2009 with a FREE Job posting

Hello Friends,

We are testing our social media reach today on Twitter and Facebook. (July 14, 2009) To do this, I wanted to give something away to catch your attention. SO.....

Today only, if you have any job you want to post at OrlandoJobs.com (84,000 users per month), you can do that for FREE.

Please feel free to retweet or send to your Facebook Friends!

Here is how to take advantage of this offer. ($195.00 value)

1) Go here to post your job and use the promo code TWEETOJ. Once posted, you will not be charged for the job posting.
2) Call one of our fabulous OrlandoJobs.com account managers @407-645-4224.

We look forward to hearing from you. Pass it on to your Twitter or Facebook followers. (This offer EXPIRES at midnight on July 14, 2009.)

Thanks!

Roger Lear
President
roger@orlandojobs.com

Go Orlando Magic!!- OJ Hummer at Amway!

Go Orlando Magic! The Lakers have won their last game and it is now MAGIC TIME!

OrlandoJobs.com wishes the entire Magic organization the best luck!

Outside Amway ready for Game 3

Nailing the Interview to Get that Job! Free Webinar 5/27 and 5/28

Webinar: "Nailing the interview to get the job"

In today’s job market there is tremendous competition, especially if you want the better jobs. Your interview has to be flawless!

OrlandoJobs.com would like you to join us for a 30 minute free webinar with Robert Newland of our strategic partner YOCAMO.com to learn how to come out on top during the interview.

Topics will include:

*How to prepare for the interview

*Conducting yourself masterfully during the interview

*How to handle interviewer objections

*Sealing the deal to get the job

We have 2 times for you to select from:

Title: Nailing the Interview to Get the Job Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2009 Time: 8:00 PM - 8:30PM EDT Space is limited. Reserve your Webinar Seat Now at:https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/470729801

Title: Nailing the Interview to Get the Job Date: Thursday, May 28, 2009 Time: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM EDT Space is limited. Reserve your Webinar Seat Now at:https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/895664312



Speaker: Robert Newland Robert Newland is a seasoned career expert with over 20 years of experience in the talent management field. He is the leader of YOCAMO.com by Newland Associates, the Official Career Transition Partner of the Central Florida Human Resources Association. Robert is a frequent speaker in career matters. He has a Management Degree from the Sacred Heart University and continuing education programs from Harvard Business School. As a member of the community, Robert has served on the board of the Central Florida Human Resources Association and currently sits on the board of the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando.

OrlandoJobs.com is Central Florida's #1 employment website and look forward to bringing you many free events to help you in your job search. If you have other career topics that you want to hear about, please call or send an email. (roger@orlandojobs.com or 407-645-4224)

Jobseekers! Standout from the crowd and get that job!

You have applied to a lot of positions but you are not getting any responses from employers. Are you doing everything you can to stand out in every way you can? When that employer receives your resume, does it go to the top of the pile or get canned? Here are some tips to stand out as a candidate, no matter what level of job you are applying to:

1. Make sure your background matches the job description. One size doesnt fit all. Your resume should change if your strengths to the job description are not clear and stand out. Make sure your objective fits the job as well. (Objective: Continue Career as a Chef)

2. Email Address. Make sure your email address is professional. Depending on who is looking at your resume, they might not think your email address is cute.

3. Phone Number Message: Just like the email address, change your phone greeting to a very professional message. If an employer calls, call them back ASAP.

4. MySpace and Facebook: Use these accounts to HELP your employment status. You have heard all the bad things that happen when employers reference these accounts, but you can make your profiles very professional. Most people dont have to change a thing. If you are concerned, make your profiles private.

5. Include references and awards. Including these with your resume will help you stand out from others that are applying for the same positions. The best references are from your managers at previous employers. Do not ever use personal references.

6. Follow Up. Even if you just can leave a message, let the manager or human resource professional a voice mail letting them know you have a interest in the position. Be positive and enthusiastic in this message.

7. Dont apply multiple times to the same company. You will look desperate. If a company has more than one job opening, apply to the one you are most qualified.

Once the company contacts you, let them know you would have an interest in other jobs you saw as well.If your background truly fits the job, you should be able to stand out by following these tips. Most importantly, just remember that your first contact with a company is usually through your resume. However, social media like Facebook allow employers to bring your resume to life with never having to meet you. A good resume and social media presence may be your ticket to your next great job.

Tax Day- What does it tell you about your Career?

What do tax day and your Career have in common?

Today is the final day to file your taxes for 2008. Once you or your accountant finishes your return, you sign it and it officially puts 2008 in the record books. It also gives you a snap shot of what you earned and how much of that money you actually took home. If you are like most Americans, especially in this economic time, this year’s tax form or “career financial report card” may tell more of a story then how much money you made.

So what can your tax return tell you about your career?

1. Did you get paid enough for what you do? Are people at other companies that do the same thing you are doing making more money? (You can find this out at Salary.com)

2. Did you increase your income from 2007?

3. No matter what you made, did you like your job?

4. Does your current job have a future?

5. Is your line of work going to be around in 5 years or will you be replaced by newer technology or products? (Remember raters in the insurance industry?)

No matter how you answered your questions, it is time to evaluate your career. Like the old saying goes, if you do the same thing every year, you will get the same results every time. Careers are no different. The challenge in this economy is to evaluate your current job and make some changes.

You spent hours doing your taxes. Here are some tax day tips that will help your career!

1. Use your tax refund to have your resume written professionally. I am always surprised that many of the resumes I come across are poorly written. In today’s economic market place, employers have choices and if your resume doesn’t “fit” the position, you may not even get consideration

2. Career Coaching. Wouldn’t it be great to meet live with an expert in getting jobs and giving career advice? NBA players have agents, why shouldn’t you for your career? Career coaches can help you with identifying your strengths, career paths, live interview skills and many other things that will give you a major advantage in any career situation. (Visit Yocomo.com)

3. Develop additional skills by taking classes at local colleges. For example, get into the healthcare industry. Many schools and colleges will train you in very specific skills that immediately will increase your income. How about a physical therapist assistant? Use your tax refund to get started!

4. E-Learning. Computer skills today are a major requirement in almost any job. If you are at a company that uses a specific type of computer program (like advanced Excel) and you don’t understand it, master it with a online learning course. Your employer will be impressed! (Visit Yocomo.com)

What does your tax form say about your current career and where you are going? Use your tax refund to kick start your career. It is the best investment you can make and career services are tax deductible!

Interviews are hard to get. Whatever you do, don’t blow the interview!

Even though companies are not hiring as many people as they did a year ago, they still are hiring. Today’s employment market is demanding that if you interview, you MUST stand out from the crowd. To do this, follow these interview tips for a tight job market, and you will separate yourself from your competition.

1. Do not be negative about anything. This includes your current or former employer, the economy or the traffic driving to the interview. It is very easy to sound negative especially if you can’t stand your current job or you have been out of work for awhile. It is easy getting caught up in your own personal situation. This is a sure fire way to eliminate yourself from consideration.

2. Know how you will add value to the job you are interviewing for directly. Before the interview, make sure you know exactly what the job is and the responsibilities of that job. Employers today are looking for exact job matches. Have great examples of your skills that are needed by using examples from previous employers. If you are selling insurance, make sure to mention that before you leave the interview so they know your selling style and actual success.


3. Research the company AND the people who are going to interview. Just like companies go to your facebook or LinkedIn to check you out, you can do the same to them with great results. What if the person who is interviewing went to the same college? If you knew this before the interview, sharing that information at the right time during the interview will score points. It is also great to know what types of jobs those interviewing you had before they got their current job.

4. Ask for the Job! If your interview goes well and you think it is a great fit for your career, ask for the job BEFORE you leave. Too many times, the interviewer has no idea how you feel about the job you just discussed. “I really am impressed with the position we discussed today and could see this job being a great career move for me. I am very interested in this job”.

5. Do all the normal things WITHOUT fail! Tips one through four are the most important. However, they will not mean anything if you don’t do all the other things well. These include not being late, dressing poorly, using poor grammar, not showing enthusiasm and interrupting the interviewer.


Companies are looking for the best and the brightest. You have to have a great interview and following these tips will help. Finally, make sure you send a hand written thank you note to the company immediately after your interview. (Remember the United States Post Office?)

OrlandoJobs.com releases it 2009 Hiring Projections for Central Florida- Find out who is hiring!

OrlandoJobs.com surveyed 277 Central Florida Companies between January 14th and January 30th. Direct phone interviews were conducted with Senior Human Resources Management and Business Owners in companies from a mix of industries. These companies’ combine to employ 86,399 Central Florida based employees. This report will serve to give some insight to who is currently hiring, the type of jobs that are open and the forecast for hiring for 2009. All participants were also asked questions about the recruiting challenges they face in 2009.

Download your copy at www.orlandojobs.com/whitepaper

Job seekers, pay special attention to Page 12. It will give you some great tips on how to find a job in the hidden job market.

Friday-Feb. 6 Seminar! How to NAIL that interview! 6pm to 9pm

Attention Job Seekers: GAIN an INTERVIEW ADVANTAGE!

The Central Florida Paralegal Association, Communications & Career Coach Lisa Maile and Mall at Millenia team up to present “A New You: Nail That Interview” for all who'd like to sharpen their interview skills and develop a competitive edge, on Friday, Feb 6, at the Mall, 6-9 p.m.

The public is invited, and preregistration is recommended. (walk ups okay as well) Maile will present Power Interviewing Skills including professional image for less, with strategies and tips to deliver your most effective personal sell. The workshop is geared to benefit all facing interviews, from entry level to Fortune 500 positions. "We'll empower everyone looking for work," says Maile, who presents workshops for businesses and consults privately nationwide through Lisa Maile Seminars & Coaching, LisaMaileSeminars.com.

"Often, because we interview so infrequently, even accomplished professionals may have no talent for selling themselves, easily remedied with preparation and practice. We'll help applicants enjoy the experience and perform at the top of their game!"

The $25 admission benefits Dress for Success of Greater Orlando®, helping to transition disadvantaged local women into the workforce. Last year, DFS helped over 500 central Florida women. To donate, volunteer or for assistance: DressforSuccess.org/OrlandoStrategies to be presented at this workshop include:Your Most Powerful 1st ImpressionDress Your Best for LessThink like an InterviewerPreparing Distinctive “Word-Picture” ResponsesShowcasing Memorable EnergyPowerful Body LanguageThe SUBTEXT of every question“Tell Me about Yourself” & why this comes firstHow NOT to Dread the Salary QuestionThe Most POWERFUL CLOSE to seal the deal. Learning to Love Interviewing.

To register for this seminar, visit www.cfpainc.org where you can make a reservation with PayPal for “A New Year, A New You: Nail That Job Interview”, go to LisaMaileSeminars.com, or call Theresa Thomas of CFPA at 407.649.4064. Walk-ins are also welcome Friday evening.

What can you do if you are still looking for a Job in Orlando?

With the unemployment rate rising in Orlando and Central Florida, you might be thinking that you will never get another job if you are still looking. While this definitely is not the case, I want to give you a check list of things that will make sure you are doing a good job in your job search.

1) Network, network, network. I can’t stress this enough. You need to let everyone you know that you are looking for a new job. Also, please join network groups like we talked about earlier this month.

2) Don’t send and sit. If you see jobs that you are qualified for on sites like OrlandoJobs.com, don’t just apply and sit back and wait. Get proactive professionally. Use your friends, family, and LinkedIn or Facebook friends to find anyone who may work at the company you just applied to. This connection could be your way in to this job.

3) Send hand written thank you cards. After the interview, use the US Mail and send the interviewer a hand written thank you card thanking them for their time AND asking for the job if it is a job you desire.

4) Corporate Career Sites. Not all companies post all their jobs on major employment website. While this might take some time, identify 50 companies in Orlando that you want to work for and go to each of their corporate websites and search their jobs. You may be surprised.

5) Resume Clean? One of the craziest things I see over and over is the poor quality of the resume you send to potential employers. A good resume is grammatically correct, targeted for the job you are sending it to and has important information about you and your qualifications. Think of it this way; past performance is an indicator of future performance. Most resumes I see have a job history but no defined accomplishments. I like to see things on resumes that show the value you had to past employers. For example, “I decreased phone wait time from 70 seconds to 14 seconds”. If you are applying to an administration position, this will stand out.

6) Email Address and Phone Message. Wow. If your email address is not professional, you automatically put yourself at disadvantage over other candidates. Get yourself a simple, professional email address for applying to jobs. Also, if a cell phone message is funny for your friends, a potential employer may not be laughing. Clean it up!

There are jobs in Central Florida. However, in a job market like we have today, you cannot afford to miss the little things you should be doing. Make yourself stand out professionally and you will increase your odds of getting the job you want!

Yes, the job search can be tough in Orlando and Central Florida, BUT are you doing this?

I had a very long conversation with a job seeker this week that really disturbed me. This person was convinced that there are no jobs and there won't be for a long time. Ironically, this person has a very specific IT background that just a year ago was in high demand. I am sure that some of you have the same feeling.

The good news going into 2009 is that there will be jobs. The world doesn't stop and neither should your career. Sure, your job search is going to be harder. A lot of companies will not be hiring. In some industries like construction, it will be extremely difficult. However, if you do the following, you will position yourself to find jobs others can't.

Think of it this way. If a company is hiring in the "worst economy in 100 years", when the economy turns and you're working at one of these companies, the sky is the limit. Happy New Year!

Tips for Finding a Job in a Sluggish Economy in Orlando and Central Florida

1. NETWORK with Networking Groups.

You will be amazed at the people you will meet that may be able to steer you in the right direction. Word of mouth, after all, is still the number one way people get their next job! Once you decide which events to attend, be ready to shake hands and introduce yourself to as many people as you can. You may want to have a personal business card with your name, address and email on it. I also recommend that you put a very quick profile of your skill sets on the card. The impression will be made by you; the card is just for reference.

Here are some networking directories:
1. Orlando Leads Group
2. Central Florida Business Forum
3. LinkedIn Networking Group for Orlando (you will have to create an free account to access)
4. Central Florida Super Network
5. Any of the Chamber Networking Events. Non members can attend. Go to the Chamber websites by clicking this link.

One word of caution. DO NOT use these events to tell everyone your issues in your job search. Your one and only goal is to meet people and let them see you in a very positive light. If you tell them your doom and gloom employment story, it will not leave a very good first impression!

2. Use social media sites like Facebook and LinkedIn. Let your friends know that you are looking for a new job. Ask your friends to ask their friends on your behalf. Before you know it, you might reach over 500 people!

3. Don't look desparate. If you are applying to jobs online or in person, be specific about what you want to do. Do not write to any employer that you will do "anything" because you need a job. Do not apply to five jobs at the same company.

4. Re-evaluate your career. If you are in construction and want to become a website designer, now is a great time to start getting the education you need to achieve that goal. Make it happen!

5. Send hand written notes thanking interviewers for their time. This is a lost art and will really help you stand out! Do not email.

6. Give your resume an update. List out your skills vs. just saying that you are a security guard. Talk about your accomplishments and give specific examples.

7. Advertise yourself on Facebook. Sounds crazy doesn't it? A good article written by Willy Frazen shows you how five people did just that. Better yet, he shows YOU how to do this up and coming job search technique. Read Willy's article here: Use Facebook Ads to Make Employers Hunt You Down

7. STAY POSITIVE. Easy to say, but hard to do. I really like networking in sluggish economies. It gives you a chance to meet people that know people you need to meet.

You will be amazed at how these “connections” may be able to steer you in the right direction. Word of mouth after all, is still the number one way people get their next job!

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!