More Jobs Likely in 2013

If you are job hunting 2013 may be your year ~ check out this article By James Limbach A Washington, D.C., reporter for more than 30 years, Jim Limbach covers the federal agencies for ConsumerAffairs. Previously, he was a reporter and news anchor for Associated Press Broadcast Services, where he covered business and consumer news as well as space shots and other major spot news events.

Tax Information for Unemployed

Information provided by the Project Compass Workforce Recovery 2012 in associationship with the Florida Division fo Library Services:

Those of us facing financial difficulties may find that there's a tax impact to events such as job loss, debt forgiveness, or tapping a retirement fund.

For example, if ones income decreased, they may be newly eligible for certain tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit.

The Tax Center to Assist Unemployed Taxpayers from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides your patrons with needed information and online tools about their federal tax obligations. One of these tools, Internal Revenue Publication 4128, uses a question and answer format to address tax questions created by job loss. The publication is also available in Spanish. 

  

Florida Office of Reemployment Assistance sends out a Form 1099-G, showing the amount of benefits paid and the amount of withholding tax which was forwarded to the IRS, by January 31. The form is mailed to the patron's last official address of record on their benefits claim.

  

If you have questions concerning the amount of benefits received or tax withheld shown on the form, they should call the Reemployment Assistance hotline toll-free at 1.800.204.2418, option 2, and a customer service representative will help them.

Great Resource for Resumes, Cover Letters and Interview Tips

Now is a great time to polish your Resume or brush up on your Interviewing skills.  Check out CareerOneStop for employment resources and assistance.

Seasonal, Temp and Part-Time Holiday Jobs

Check out the wonderful resources provided by Alison Doyle, About.com Guide

Many stores have help wanted signs in their window and your best bet, if you're interested in a retail seasonal job, is to walk around the mall or your town, and stop in and fill out an application. Macy's, Target and Walmart accept online applications. You can apply online or over the phone for some JC Penney positions. Also, check out the local job searching resources for your city or state. Many of the employers who hire extra help for the holidays are the same employers who hire part-time help. So, be sure to check the part-time job sites.

To expedite your job search, use the job search engines to find seasonal jobs. You can either use the Advanced Search option, selecting Temporary Jobs, or search by keyword for "seasonal" or "temp" jobs.

Click here to continue reading this article -

Resume Examples: A - Z

Resume Examples Listed by Occupation/Career Type by Alison Doyle, About.com Guide

Review resume examples listed by type of job and type of resume to get ideas for writing your own resume.

Check Out JobsPlus Calendar for Upcoming Events and Classes

JobsPlus calendar has a listing of current events and classes that can improve you skills and increase you chances at finding the right job.

JOBS FAIR - Sept. 20, 2012

Please Note The New Location!

The Panhandle Job Fair is located on 165 Coral Drive which is about .15 miles North of Miracle Strip Parkway/Highway 98 in Fort Walton Beach. St. Mary's Parish Life Center 165 Coral Drive Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548

Get Job Search Help at the Library by Alison Doyle, About.com Guide

In addition to providing job search and career related books, public libraries offer many other resources for job seekers.   Libraries are a good resource for unemployed workers and job changers, especially for those who can use personal assistance.

Job seekers can attend job search classes, learn how to use a computer, learn how to use a variety of software programs, use library computers to check email (get a free Gmail, Yahoo, or other account), and apply for jobs (save a copy of your resume and cover letters online using Google Docs).  

Some libraries even offer classes - like yoga and meditation - that will help with the stress involved in job searching in a tough economy. 

Here's more on how you can find out about job search help at the library including finding information on library resources, programs, classes, tools, and events that can help you with your job search.

Tips for a Good Job Interview by John Tesh

Here are some tips to help you stand out from the crowd, they come from Brody Communications, an executive coaching and training firm:

·         First, shake hands like a pro. Lots of women wait for the other person to extend his or her hand, but reaching out first, puts you in control and makes a friendly impression.

·         Grooming counts. Your shoes, hair and nails are the things people notice first. It may not seem like a big deal to have a chipped nail or worn-out shoes, but those things suggest that you're sloppy and not detail-oriented.

·         Establish eye contact. Eye contact shows you're comfortable, interested and engaged.

·         Show you're prepared. Do a little research on the internet. Mentioning some key things about the company lets them know you are informed and up on things.

Jobs Fair Coming Soon!

The Panhandle Job Fair will be held April 19th and September 20th. Doors are open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (CST).   More information to come as the event nears.

Are You A Parent? Check Out These Top Jobs For Parents

Finding the right job as a working parent isn't easy. Along with a good salary, parents often need jobs that offer flexible hours and even the ability to work from home.  

Check out this article, "Best Jobs for Parents" by Alison Doyle for a list of job alternatives.

10 Tips for Coping With Job Interview Anxiety

If you have job interview anxiety then check out this article by Arlin Cuncic from about.com guide.  You will learn 10 tips for coping with job interview anxiety to help you reduce your stress.

2012 Panhandle Job Fair Held Twice a Year

The 2012 Panhandle Job Fair will be held April 19th and September 20th. Doors are open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (CST).  The check-in and registration for employer set-up is from 8 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Because space is limited, we encourage you to take the time now to fill out the online Registration Form. The cutoff date to register for the Panhandle Job Fair is one week prior to the event. No registration is needed for job seekers.

Is Your Job Search Stuck?

Read Alison Doyles article for tips on what you can do differently.

What is Pre-Employment Screening?

What's pre-employment screening?  It's the type of checks that employers conduct either before they offer a candidate a job or during the hiring process.  The types of screenings companies do include criminal background checks, credit checks, employment history verification, education verification,  and driving record checks.

Here's more on pre-employment screening and what employers look for when they are checking out job applicants.  Article by Alison Doyle

Tips for Informal Job Search Networking

What is networking?

The vast majority of job openings are never advertised; they’re filled by word of mouth. That’s why networking is the best way to find a job. Unfortunately, many job seekers are hesitant to take advantage of networking because they’re afraid of being seen as pushy, annoying, or self-serving. But networking isn’t about using other people or aggressively promoting yourself—it’s about building relationships. Check out these job networking tips provided by helpguide.org.

Also watch this video from About.com to see how to do it successfully.

How Not to Dress For an Interview!

In a recent artcle by Alison Doyle, she instructs job hunters on how not to dress for an interview.

Unemployment Compensation Becomes Re-Employment Assistance

Recently signed by the governor, HB 7027 will make several changes to the unemployment compensation law in Florida, including rebranding the program as the "re-employment assistance program."

  

Some of the changes include: 

• Requiring the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) to establish a numeric score on the initial skills review which demonstrates a minimum proficiency in workforce skills. Individuals who fall below the minimum score may elect to take workforce skills training.
• Clarifying that individuals who are non-Florida residents, on temporary layoffs, union members or participating in short-time compensation plans are not required to complete the initial skills review.
• Reducing the number of required work search contacts from five to three for individuals who live in small counties.
• Clarifying work search requirements for union members and individuals on temporary layoffs or participating in short-time compensation plans.

The bill also codifies Executive Order 12-03, extending the temporary state extended benefits program.

Complete information can be found on the Florida House of Representatives website for HB 7027.

Resources for Unemployed Older Workers

Employ Florida Marketplace - Silver Edition

Employ Florida Marketplace - Silver Edition 50. It is sponsored by Workforce Florida, the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the Governor's Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service and other members of the Silver Edition Task Force. Database search types include any job with older-worker-friendly businesses, volunteer jobs or any paid job. has been created to address the mutual needs of Florida businesses and organizations and Florida jobseekers over

SeniorJobBank  

For more than a decade, SeniorJobBank.org has been committed to bringing together employers with qualified older job seekers. The SeniorJobBank has been highlighted in many publications, including Forbes and BusinessWeek. Florida jobs and career information has state-specific information.

   

AARP  

The American Association for Retired Persons (AARP) website on work and retirement has useful sections on job hunting especially tailored to the job seeker over 50. Sections include what to do if you have lost your job, writing résumés, preparing for interviews and more. AARP Also includes a Job Search page to search by type of job and/or location.

 

Workforce50.com 

With employment and career change resources for people over 50, Workforce50.com arms the older workforce with employment resources and career information to achieve their goals. The site allows searches by job type and/or location.

RetirementJobs.com 

 

The goal of RetirementJobs.com is to identify companies most suited to older workers and match them with active, productive, conscientious, mature adults seeking a job or project that matches their lifestyles. Check out Florida's job search page. Services are always free to job seekers.

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) 

The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)is a program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor that serves low-income persons who are 55 and older and have poor employment prospects. Eligible individuals are placed in part-time community service positions with a goal of transitioning to unsubsidized employment.  There are programs available in each of Florida's 67 counties.

Don't Miss The Panhandle Job Fair

The Panhandle Job Fair will be held April 19th and September 20th. Doors are open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (CST). 

10 Tips for Getting Your Dream Job

Need tips to land your dream job.  Check out this informative article by Abigail Garner. 

 

Too Much Information? by Alison Doyle

Find out how much information you should provide during the job interview and what to do if you think you have been discriminated against.  Too Much Information?

Career & Job Fair March 14 at NWFSC - Free Event

The NWFSC Career & Job Fair is 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, Wednesday March 14 in the new Student Services Center on the Niceville Campus at 100 College Boulevard. The event is open to all job seekers, from the general public to college and high school students.

Looking for a Summer Job?

According to Alison Doyle, the summer job market for 2012 is going to be one of the best ones in quite a while especially for those who have a strong guest service background with mid-level management experience, seasonal jobs can turn into year-round positions.  Check out her article.

Using Twitter to Search for Jobs?

Why Twitter? They post thousands of jobs daily.  You don't have to register of post a resume first.  It is a great venue for casual informal networking.

Searching for jobs ~ here are the most popular hashtags for job-related tweets:
#job, #jobs, #career, #careers

Best way to narrow search results - double up on the hashtags:
#job #healthcare, #jobs #clerical, #career #engineering, #careers #IT

Searches can also be narrowed by zipcode and nearby range.  Tip use the advanced search.  Scroll down to PLACES and enter your zip code and use the toggle button to select the range WITHIN THIS DISTANCE.

You can also use Third-party Websites such as:
TweetMyJobs
TweetMyJobs for Veterans
JobTweet.me
TwitJobSearch
TweetBeep

Smartphone Apps for Job Seekers:
Jobtweet.de's Jobsearch (iphone)
Twittcareers (iphone)
TwitterJobSearch (ipone & androids)
Real Tweets Job Networking (androids)

Who to Use for a Reference

Check out Alison Doyle's column on References With Job Applications

In the past, employers typically waited to ask job applicants for references until they were serious contenders for a job.

Now, many companies are asking applicants to provide a list of references when they apply for a job.  Giving a list references can be tricky because you need to be careful not to jeopardize your current position if you're employed.

Here's information on who and how to ask for references, how to protect your privacy and keep your job search confidential, and more on providing references with job applications.

More Updates on the Unemployment Extension

Check out the updates on the unemployment extension and scams and what to do when it runs out.

Great Information On Pre-Interview Questionnaires

Ever had a company asks you to fill out a pre-interview questionnaire.  Here is a great article to assist you.

Changes in Duration of Florida Unemployment Benefits Effective January 1, 2012

For all claims filed on or after January 1, 2012, the duration of benefits adjusts from the current maximum of 26 weeks to a range of 12 to 23 weeks, based upon the average unemployment rate in Florida for the third calendar quarter of the previous year. 

The change in duration of benefits is projected to save the state's Unemployment Trust Fund an estimated $103 million annually.

You can find complete information on the Department of Economic Opportunity's website for Unemployment Compensation.