Check Out The Emerald Coast Professionals For Job Openings

Facebook is a great way to network but it is also a great way to locate job offers.  Check out Emerald Coast Professionals (a regional program of JobsPlus) for local employment opportunities as well as networking.

Local Community Job Fair - November 19

A community job fair will be held Saturday, November 19, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm at Northwest Florida State College, Fort Walton Beach Campus in the Student Union (building 21), 1170 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.  Local industry, retail stores, resturants, health care facilities and local, state, and federal goverment will be present.  Workshops are planned fo 10:00 am and 11:30 am in room 126 (administration bldg) on "Interviewing Techniques" and "Resume Building."

Help Wanted ~ Seasonal Jobs

Seasonal Job Search Tips

• It’s time to think holiday jobs. Retailers are now hiring seasonal workers for a variety of Christmas jobs. Apply today!
• Remain positive during the job interview process.
• Be extremely flexible with your work schedule. Seasonal jobs often require working nights and weekends. Be flexible enough to work these holiday hours.
• Apply to more than one seasonal job this holiday season. Retail and restaurants are the largest industries that are hiring hourly workers during the holiday season but did you also know that UPS and FedEx need delivery drivers? Security guards are also in demand during the holiday season as shopping malls get crowded from shoppers.

Top 50 Interview Mistakes

Top 50 Most Common Interview Mistakes By Alison Doyle, About.com Guide

Here are the top 50 most common interview mistakes to review so you can avoid making them.

1. Dressing inappropriately.
2. Not taking a phone interview as seriously as an in-person interview.
3. Leaving your cell phone on.
4. Chewing gum.
5. Bringing a cup of coffee or other drink with you.
6. Bringing another person with you to the interview.
7. Wearing sunglasses.
8. Showing up early.
9. Showing up late.
10. Showing up hungover and/or really tired.
11. Going to the interview if you are really sick.
12. Not knowing the interviewer's name.
13. Not introducing yourself.
14. Leaving a Bluetooth earpiece on.
15. Texting during the interviewer.
16. Interrupting the interviewer to take a call.
17. Have background noise (kids, pets, etc.) during a phone interview.
18. Wearing too much much perfume or cologne.
19. Wearing a hat or cap to the interview.
20. Not bringing extra copies of your resume.
21. Not bringing a list of references.
22. Depending on the job, not bringing a portfolio of your work.
23. Playing with your hair.
24. Saying "ummm" or "you know" or "like" too often.
25. Mumbling and using poor grammar.
26. Talking too much.
27. Cutting off the interviewer's question.
28. Not talking enough.
29. Not smiling enough.
30. Telling jokes and laughing too much.
31. Not making eye contact with the interviwer.
32. Criticizing your last company or boss.
33. Not remembering your work history.
34. Checking your notes for an answer to a question.
35. Not following directions if you're given a test.
36. Not being prepared to answer questions.
37. Not paying attention to the questions you're asked.
38. Not taking the time to research the company prior to the interview.
39. Forgetting the name of the company you are interviewing with.
40. Forgetting the names of the companies you've worked for in the past.
41. Not remembering the job you applied for.
42. Telling the interviewer that you really need the job.
43. Telling the interviwer that you need the money.
44. Not knowing enough about the company you are interviewing with.
45. Asking about time off in your first interview.
46. Asking about salary and benefits right away.
47. When asked "Why do you want to work for our company?" providing answers that are focused on you instead of on how you will benefit the company.
48. Not have relevant questions to ask when asked, "What questions do you have?"
49. Neglecting to thank the interviewer for the opportunity to meet with him or her.
50. Not sending a thank you note after the interviewer.

Understanding Health Insurance Options if You Lose Your Job

As the economy continues to struggle back from the recession, employers are still cutting jobs or at least holding down their hiring levels. That means the strain is continuing for people who have been out of work for many months as well as those who have recently lost their jobs.

Even if your job seems secure for now, it’s a good idea to have a mental game plan for your health coverage if your employment situation changes. Consider the following:

Get some general financial advice right now: While health insurance is one of the biggest concerns for the unemployed, it’s a good idea to take a look at your overall finances if your income is under threat. While you’re still working, talk to a trained financial planner about immediate things you can do to conserve money and protect your investments.