Where the Jobs Are

By: Roger Lear President OrlandoJobs.com

I try to avoid the news if I can. In a slower economy, all the dire headlines could lead you to believe no one is hiring. The fact is that in any economy a lot of jobs are available, but these days they are just harder to find and usually more competitive to obtain.

To me, a slowing economy is an opportunity to locate companies that are great! When times are booming, it is sometimes hard to identify leaders because everyone is doing well. Remember the technology boom in the late ‘90’s? When things slow down, the crème rises to the top and the businesses that are not performing well are exposed. Who would have thought companies like Circuit City, Bed Bath and Beyond and Sharper Image would file bankruptcy? A few months ago, Circuit City decided to save costs by laying off 3,400 of their most experienced and highest paying workers. Last month, the company’s stock hit a 52-week low in a time where more televisions are being sold than any time before. Companies that get rid of experienced and knowledgeable workers in slower times will never be profitable.

So how do you locate top performing companies in Central Florida and find out about their current openings?

Take your search to the companies in sectors that are performing well. In Central Florida, those sectors include healthcare, technology, hospitality and retail positions. Please note that while you need some specialized training for some of the jobs in these areas, most of these companies also have administration, accounting, marketing, sales and management positions. You’re accounting experience in the mortgage industry should be able to transfer to healthcare.

Pick up a copy of the Orlando Business Journal’s Book of Lists. It is a great local resource, giving you a road map and guide to the area’s top-rate companies in many sectors.

Check out OrlandoJobs.com. We’re partnering with Insight Magazine throughout the month of July to bring you an East/Southeast Employer Showcase, highlighting the companies of the Innovation Way Corridor and all of East/Southeast Orlando.

Attend networking events in Central Florida. This is my #1 choice for those serious about a job search. At most networking events, you will talk to many people that will go out of their way to help you. Make sure you have a business card that details your skill sets. Once you leave the event, follow up with your new network friends.

Check niche employment websites. For example, if you are looking for a job in retail, try www.allretailjobs.com . The top niche employment websites can be found at www.nicheboards.com.

Discover local companies in the membership directory of your local Chamber of Commerce website. Central Florida is home to over 15 local chambers! Research each company and find out what positions they have available.

Visit the Orlando Economic Development Commission website, www.orlandoedc.com. It is a wealth of information for companies that are moving into the area or expanding operations. You will find tremendous professional leads if you do good research.

In addition to our online employment job board, check out CareerBuilder.com and Indeed.com to help round out your job search.

These suggestions can guide you, but, like anything worthwhile, it takes effort to locate a great job in any economy, let alone a slow one. Take the time and follow these ideas and you will find yourself in a great job; most likely with a company you never knew existed. The nice thing is that your competition may automatically think there are no jobs in a slow economy. The best jobs are waiting for you, so go get them!