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First Coast Virtual Job Fair January 23-27, 2012
By Michael Corby Tue, January 10, 2012 5:40 pm EDT
Once again job seekers can take advantage of technology in their job searches with the First Coast Virtual Job Fair (VJF). In 2011, four VJF events attracted just over 12,000 job seekers applying for 2,943 posted jobs. Employers had more than 11,000 resumes to look over, with 254 of them coming from job seekers outside of Florida. The upcoming VJF, beginning at midnight Jan. 23 and continuing through 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 27, is the first of four being offered in 2011 by WorkSource, along with Florida State College at Jacksonville. Twenty-four employers have already signed up with a variety of jobs, which typically range from entry-level to management. Job seekers will be able to view and apply for these jobs by going to the WorkSource VJF site .
A major advantage for job seekers is that the typical half-day, take time off and stand-in-line routine is unnecessary. Access to the site is 24 hours a day during the days of operation to accommodate anyone’s schedule, from anyplace at which they have computer and Internet access.
There are advantages for employers too. They don’t have to haul materials to an off-site location and take time out of the office. Instead they attach their company logo and add their organization’s profile. They can then screen qualified applicants without having to leave the workplace.
A free Web-based training manual, the VJF Handbook, was created by WorkSource and Florida State College at Jacksonville. The Handbook guides novices and experienced job seekers through the basics for those who need them, with tips on resume building and ways for everyone to best present their skills to prospective employers. The Handbook links to information on career counseling and training for workers needing to upgrade their present skills. They can learn about courses and programs to build new skills in health care, trades and industries and numerous other high-wage, high-demand careers. Additionally, a video option is available for each section.
Industry, educational and media organizations can learn more about how to become involved in this exceptional response to the region’s employment needs by contacting Elizabeth Cochran Brown at WorkSource at (904) 798-9229, ext 2212 or by e-mail at ecochran@worksourcefl.com.
About the AuthorMichael Corby is a writer, editor and media relations coordinator at Florida State College at Jacksonville, his employer since 1995. He contributed an ongoing series of career articles to a local publication (which won a “Best-Bang-for-the-Buck” award), and has provided in-house support for countless marketing and public relations projects. His knowledge of and connections with the faculty and staff at the College enable him to provide rapid response to media inquiries, even to the extent of setting up early morning live TV interviews while on vacation in another part of the country. Corby has a Bachelor of Arts in English and Theatre from Macalester College in St. Paul, MN, a college with such rigorous academic standards that he still can’t believe he got in—or that he got out.