gethired

ACS hiring 600 for Raleigh call center

suestock — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 11:41:45 -0400

Affiliated Computer Services will hire 600 people for its Raleigh call center operations. Positions available include call center agents and supervisors.

The new jobs will bring the total number of workers ACS has hired here in the past two years to 1,500.

ACS said in a statement this morning that the expansion is being made to fill the needs of "a leading consumer electronics and technology company," but did not offer details about which company it is serving.

People interested in the positions may apply online at www.acs-inc.com or in person during regular business hours at 2641 Sumner Blvd. in Raleigh. In addition, there will be a day-long open house on Oct. 16 from 9 to 5 a.m.

About 250 companies expected at NCSU engineering job fair

marycornatzer — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 12:18:50 -0400

NCSU expects more than 245 companies at next week's engineering career fair.

The event attracts more than just students from the university's College of Engineering. The last career fair, in February, attracted more than 3,000 job seekers.

Among the companies participating this year: bioMerieux, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, Burt's Bees, Cree and Duke Energy.

The fair is from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 5 and 6, in the McKimmon St. at 1101 Gorman St. on the NCSU campus.

For more information and a complete list of the companies attending, go here.

Toys "R" Us plans to hire 45,000 for the holidays

marycornatzer — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 10:26:12 -0400

Toys "R" Us plans to hire 45,000 workers for the holidays.

The New Jersey-based toy retailer announced the hiring effort today, adding that the initiative will double its domestic workforce — albeit temporarily.

About 10,000 of those jobs will be in the 600 temporary stores — Toys "R" Us Express — the company is putting up at malls across the country.

Of course, that doesn't necessarily translate into lots of local jobs. Toys "R" Us has just one traditional big box store in the Triangle — at Cary's Crossroads Plaza — and two Babies "R" Us stores — on Capital Boulevard in Raleigh and on Fayetteville Road in Durham. It has opened an Express store at Northgate Mall. That store will close in January.

Want to work at the State Fair?

suestock — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 19:55:26 -0400

The N.C. Employment Security Commission is now accepting applications for jobs at the N.C. State Fair.

The ESC generally fills between 200 and 400 jobs each year, said ESC spokesman Larry Parker. Wages range from minimum wage to $11 to $12 an hour for jobs requiring specific skills, such as assembling or breaking down the rides.

People interested in the jobs must apply in person at any ESC office (find them here). When applying reference job code number NC7269750 for set-up and tear-down jobs or NC7269751 for retail, food service, ticket taking and other related jobs.

The State Fair will run Oct. 14 to Oct. 24 this year. The ESC will start contacting applicants in early October if they want to hire them for the fair.

Edward Jones looking for new advisors

marycornatzer — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 14:05:14 -0400

Financial services firm Edward Jones is planning to add 77 new offices in Raleigh over the next few years. But to do so, it needs people.

The company is hosting what it's calling a "recruiting event" from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Brier Creek Country Club, 9400 Club Hill Drive in Raleigh. A panel of local Edward Jones advisors will be on hand to talk about their work and answer questions.

The company is based in St. Louis and has 12,000 financial advisors around the country. For more information about the business, go here.

N.C. groups publicize march on Washington for jobs

marycornatzer — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 09:28:03 -0400

The NAACP and AFL-CIO have teamed to launch the One Nation Working Together Campaign. Their goal: jobs, affordable and safe housing and quality education.

To achieve those ends, the North Carolina chapter will hold a press conference on the steps of the legislative building in Raleigh at 3 this afternoon and a prayer meeting at Binkley Baptist Church in Chapel Hill tonight at 7 p.m. Those events will publicize a march on Washington on Oct. 2.

Manpower sees modest hiring in Triangle

AlanMWolf — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 08:49:47 -0400

Local employers report a modest increase in hiring plans, according to the latest quarter survey by temp firm Manpower.

In the Raleigh-Cary area, 21 percent of the companies surveyed plan to hire during the fourth quarter, while 6 percent plan to cut their payrolls. That's a net employment outlook of 15 percent, a level that is the best in the nation, Manpower reports.

Nationally, 15 percent of employers plan to hire, while 7 percent plan to reduce their staffs.

The Triangle's job market, where the unemployment rate fell to 7.5 percent in July, continues to fare better than the state and nation. That's partly because of its solid foundations of education, health care and state government, even as those sectors see some layoffs and limited hiring. This region also benefits by its concentration of technology and biotechnology firms.

For this region, the latest outlook is a slight improvement from June's survey, when 19 percent of companies planned to increase their staff levels during the third quarter. Only 5 percent planned to cut jobs.

A year ago, 6 percent of companies planned fourth-quarter hiring, while 12 percent planned cuts.

Manpower surveys about 18,000 employers nationally. It doesn't disclose how many local employers it surveys. Read the full Manpower report on the Raleigh-Cary region here.

Find the family-friendlist companies to work for

marycornatzer — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 06:46:23 -0400

If finding an employer who understands the need to balance work and family life is important to you, then check out the list of the state's Family-Friendly 50. The list is compiled annually by Carolina Parent magazine.

The magazine's staff works with the Kenan-Flagler School of Business at UNC-Chapel Hill which takes the nominations and supporting data to compile the annual list.

You can see the entire list here.

As job market improves are you ready to be hired?

marycornatzer — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 15:22:59 -0400

The state's unemployment rate dropped to 9.8 percent in July — the first time it has been in single digits in more than a year. You can read more about that here.

It's a small sliver of good news and a reminder that as companies begin to hire - even if it's ever so slowly - you're more likely to get the nod if you're prepared. Ford R. Myers, a career coach and author of "Get The Job You Want, Even When No One's Hiring," (John Wiley & Sons,) says autumn is a good time to focus on your career.

"Hiring managers are back in their offices making employment decisions for the fall and early 2011," Myers says.

He offers these tips:

1. Create and control your Internet image. Whether it's LinkedIn, YouTube or Facebook, every professional should have an online presence. Most employers research job candidates on the Internet before making hiring decisions. Therefore, it is vitally important that you take control of your online identity, and carefully monitor the "personal brand" you're building on the Internet.

2. Tune into the network. Early fall is one of the best times of the year to make new connections and find new opportunities. With folks returning from vacation and refocusing on work, there are many fall networking events, planning meetings and group happenings. These are ideal environments for productive networking.

3. Perform an internal career audit. September is a perfect time to take an honest look at your career — where you've been, where you are today, and where you'd like to go. Identify new goals based on your own definition of career success, take action, and then follow through.

4. Update your career "tool kit." Most job seekers use only their resume as the cornerstone of their search because their other "tools" are weak or nonexistent. But there are many other documents you should have: accomplishment stories, positioning statement, one-page biography, target company list, contact list, professional references, letters of recommendation, and more. These items are important not just to land the next job — but also to maximize your long-term career success.

"There really couldn't be a better time than September to launch a professional job search. Hiring managers are back in their offices making employment decisions for the fall and early 2011," says Myers.

N.C. groups get money to help homeless veterans

marycornatzer — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 16:39:52 -0400

Military veterans in North Carolina will receive job training under grants awarded today by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program.

In Raleigh, StepUp Ministry received a grant of $299,910, while in the western part of the state the Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry received a $200,000 grant.

In all, 97 grants totaling more than $24 million were awarded to help approximately 14,000 veterans.

Funds were awarded on a competitive basis to state and local workforce investment boards, local public agencies and nonprofit organizations, including faith-based and community organizations.

The grant monies will be used for occupational, classroom and on-the-job training, as well as job search and placement assistance, including follow-up services. The Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program is the only federal program that focuses exclusively on employment of veterans who are homeless.

For information on the StepUp Ministry, go here.

Four new offices planned for job seekers

suestock — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 16:31:33 -0400

Area job seekers will soon have four new places to go for help.

Four new NC SHARE Network Access Points will open on June 24 at 11 a.m. to offer people help with the JobLink system. Trained volunteers will also offer people help with things like obtaining references, resume preparation and online job hunting.

The four access points are a partnership between Capital Area Workforce Development Board, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Division of Employment and Training, Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships and North Carolina Division of Workforce Development. They will be located at:

Family Life Center, Inc., 909 East Lee St., Smithfield
First Reformed Church of Cary, 555 SW Maynard St., Cary
Literacy Council of Wake County, 916 West Morgan St., Raleigh
The Life Enrichment Center, Inc., 3805 Tarheel Club Road, Raleigh

Winston-Salem Urban League plans expansion into Raleigh

marycornatzer — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 06:52:54 -0400

The Winston-Salem Urban League wants to bring its community outreach programs to Raleigh.

The group is looking at a couple of different sites downtown for its office and is holding a three-day training conference and job fair here next week as a way of introducing itself to the community.

The Claim Your Career Conference and Career Fair takes place Wednesday-Friday in the Raleigh Convention Center.

In a statement Alvin Borders, vice president, Urban League Workforce Development and Employment Services said, 'the conference reinforces the National Urban League's 'I Am Empowered' campaign which focuses on ensuring that every American has access to jobs with living wages and benefits. But, the conference focus goes beyond getting jobs to establishing careers.'

The Urban League is celebrating its 60th anniversary in Winston-Salem this year. In a phone interview last week, Borders said the idea of coming into Raleigh first came up about a year ago. Borders and the League CEO Keith Grandberry have visited the area several times since then.

Borders said the timing was right for the group's expansion. 'We have done an excellent job training people in Winston-Salem in this bad economy. We do well at outreach and helping people reintegrate . And even though Raleigh does not have high unemployment we do a good job of reaching the underserved.'

The office, which Borders said could open in three or four months, will initially have about six employees, and will focus on employment. The office would expand with people and programs as needed, said Patricia Sadler, a spokeswoman for the League.

Borders said that once here the League would work with existing programs and organizations to provide services to the community. 'The Urban League believes in everybody working together,' he said.

The conference next week is sponsored by the League in partnership with the UPS, the N.C. Institute of Minority Economic Development, the Capital Area Workforce Development Board, AARP, the Raleigh Black Chamber of Commerce, Genworth Mortgage Insurance and the office of Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton.

Presenters will conduct interactive sessions covering resume readiness, financial literacy, job search, computer literacy, proper business attire and interview skills. The conference is free and open to the public, and culminates with a career fair.

For more information and register in advance go to the N.C. Institute of Minority Economic Development website www.ncimed.com.

RTP job fair on June 7

marycornatzer — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 08:11:18 -0400

Print multiple copies of your resume, shine your shoes, dress professionally and put on your best job fair smile.

RaleighHires is holding a job fair in Research Triangle Park on Monday, June 7 at Radisson Hotel Research Triangle Park, 150 Park Drive. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Among the companies sending hiring managers are Aaron's, American Shingle and Express Professionals Staffing. RaleighHires will have a local career expert on hand to provide a free professional resume review.

For more information on the job fair, call National Career Fairs at (702) 614-9537 or visit their website here.

Don't forget your alumni office when job hunting

marycornatzer — Fri, 28 May 2010 11:54:34 -0400

Diane Stafford who writes a column for the Kansas City Star recently made these job search suggestions for new grads. They're also pretty solid suggestions for folks who have been out of school for a few years and still don't have a lot of work experience.

—Instead of applying to the same big-name companies that everyone knows and covets, learn about the smaller up-and-comers. Read national business magazines and trade journals, search the Internet, and read your local newspaper and business publications for ideas.

—Be flexible and prepared to relocate.

—Talk to people. Don't just search online. Talk to family, friends' parents, neighbors, former educators, Scout leaders, coaches — anyone who knows you and, presumably, thinks well of you. Someone may have a job lead or be looking to hire someone just like you.

—Don't forget your college career office. They get leads year-round. Use your alumni network, too.

—If your heart is set on a certain employer, try for part-time, temporary or entry-level openings below your skill level or goals. It's a foot in the door.

—If you have no idea what to do, sign up with staffing companies and check out different jobs through your (hoped-for) placements.

—Spell your job hunt with volunteering at social service organizations. Job paths may open, and you'll feel better.

Progress Energy needs subcontractors

marycornatzer — Tue, 18 May 2010 21:35:32 -0400

Have experience in building, particularly power plants?

Progress Energy and TIC, the principal contractor on a power plant the utility is building in Goldsboro, will hold a vendor fair on June 7. It's for subcontractors interested in bidding on the construction project.

At the height of construction the project will employ as many as 500 people. Find out more here.

Raleigh offers free training in green building

marycornatzer — Mon, 17 May 2010 13:12:55 -0400

Keeping your skills updated is often key to for keeping a job or getting a new one.

The City of Raleigh has a new program that could help you with that goal if you're in the construction industry: green building training and certification.

The program is free and is funded by the federal government's stimulus program.

The idea is that companies who have workers trained to build green will be able to market themselves in the burgeoning green economy.

For the city, the program is an effort to make sure that the area has a skilled workforce trained in cutting edge technologies.

To be eligible, participants must have a valid business license with the City of Raleigh. For a calendar of courses and to register go here.

RTP job fair scheduled for June

marycornatzer — Mon, 17 May 2010 09:20:24 -0400

Job fairs are one way to see who's hiring and what other career options might be available to you. So take advantage of them when you can.

The next one coming up is being held by RaleighHires on Monday, June 7 at the Radisson Hotel Research Triangle Park, 150 Park Drive. It will run from 11 a.m to 2 p.m.

You'll need to register on the RaleighHires website here to see a list of companies participating. Registration is free. There also will be people available to give your resume a review.

As with any job fair, bring multiple copies of your resume and dress professionally.

Older workers getting the job done

marycornatzer — Fri, 14 May 2010 00:17:25 -0400

The number of age discrimination claims neared a record high last year and unemployment for those 55 and older has never been higher, according to outplacement firm Challenger, Gray and Christmas. The company released its analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data at the end of last month.

However, the same analysis showed that age has its benefits, namely needed experience. According to the data, workers 55 and older represent the only segment of the population to experience net employment gains over the past year.

'The latest employment figures suggest that it is both a blessing and a curse to be
an older job seeker in America,' said CEO John A. Challenger in a prepared statement.

'There definitely are obstacles for more seasoned job seekers – some of which are institutional and some self-imposed – and the recession has clearly tightened the market for everyone, including senior job seekers,' he added. 'At the same time, the latest figures show that these job seekers appear to be overcoming the obstacles related to age and the recession better than most people realize.'

Not only is the unemployment rate for older Americans lower, they are the only age group that has seen employment gains. Between March 2009 and March 2010, employment among people age 55 to 64 grew 3 percent from 20,954,000 to 21,584,000. Americans 65 and over saw the number employed grow 2.3 percent from 6,055,000 to 6,192,000.

The biggest gains were in management and professional occupations, according to Challenger.

According to BLS data, employment among workers 55 and older in service
occupations, including healthcare support, food preparation, protective services and maintenance occupation, grew 2.7 percent to an annual average of 3.8 million in 2009.

The number of workers 55 and older employed in management, professional and related occupations increase 5 percent from 10.9 million in 2008 to 11.4 last year.

'While older job seekers do face difficulties securing positions, they continue to make gains. This is undoubtedly due to the fact that these seasoned veterans are valuable to employers who want people who can hit the ground running without much, if any training,' Challenger said.

Not that it's all sunny. It's taking longer for the most experienced job seekers to find positions. In March, unemployed workers age 55 and older had been out of work for an average of 35.5 weeks compared to 30.3 weeks for job seekers 25 to 54, Challenger reports.

Older job hunters have to overcome some stereotypes, Challenger points out. HR managers might worry about how committed an older worker, near retirement age, might be. Concerns could also include a worker's willingness to work for a younger boss, take a lower salary or adapt to new technology.

Challenger says older workers need to put these and any other misperceptions to rest.

'You want to convey to the hiring manager that you are flexible and always open to change and continued learning,' he says.

'You may have 20 years of experience over the person hiring you, but any attempt to suggest that you know more than he or she does will immediately label you as someone who is unlikely to work well with a younger boss or alter your working style to fit the culture of the employer. The biggest mistake older job seekers make is to get
defensive about age or consider their age to be a negative.'

10 to-dos to get the job

marycornatzer — Thu, 13 May 2010 23:41:20 -0400

A recent National Association of Colleges and Employers report found that 5.3 percent more new graduates will be hired this year than in 2009. While that news is encouraging those students will be competing with thousands of people who have much more work experience.

Ford Myers, career coach and author of 'Get the Job You Want, Even When No One's Hiring,' (John Wiley and Sons, 2009) recently offered up a list of 10 items every new college graduate should have in their 'job seekers' tool kit.'

1. Accomplishment stories. Write five or six compelling stories about school or work-related tasks that made you proud.

2. Positioning statement. Prepare and practice a 15-second commercial about who you are, what you've done academically and professionally that's applicable, and the particular strengths you can contribute to an employer.

3. Professional biography. Write a one-page narrative of your career.

4. Target list. Make a wish list of adjectives that would describe your ideal employer, such as size, location, industry, culture, environment, etc. Then research specific organizations that meet those criteria, and put them on a list of 35 to 50 target
companies.

5. Contact list. Compile a list of all the people you know personally and professionally.

6. Professional/academic references. List colleagues or professors who would sing your praises if asked about you. Contact each and get approval to use their names on your list of references.

7. Letters of recommendation. Request letters from four or five respected business colleagues or professors printed on their professional letterhead.

8. Networking agenda. Write out a full networking discussion or script so you will know exactly how to manage the networking discussion.

9. Tracking system. Keep a detailed record of your job search activities, including phone calls, meeting notes and correspondence.

10. Resume. It has to be great. Be sure it is carefully edited and succinct (no more than two pages) with a layout that is easy for the eye to follow.

Free seminar offers career help

marycornatzer — Thu, 13 May 2010 23:31:34 -0400

Need a little inspiration for your job search?

Andy Thomas says he can give you some.

Thomas, a former syndicated talk show host turned career counselor, is bringing his "The Job I need, Needs Me" tour to the Triangle May 25 and 26.

Thomas leads a seminar in which he teaches participants personal marketing strategies to find employment. The seminar, developed for Goodwill Industries, is free and nothing is sold at it. Find out more about Thomas here.

The Raleigh and Durham seminars are:

Tuesday, May 25 at 10 a.m.,
East Regional Library, 211 Lick Creek Lane, Durham

Tuesday, May 25 at 6 p.m.,
Main Library, 300 North Roxboro St., Durham

Wednesday, May 26 at 10 a.m.,
Raleigh City Museum, 220 Fayetteville St., Raleigh

Wednesday, May 26 at 3 p.m., Richard B. Harrison Library, 1313 New Bern Ave., Raleigh,