Private sector provides encouragement for job seekers -- Career Center Blog

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July 18, 2010

Private sector provides encouragement for job seekers

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By Randy Woods
NWjobs

Before getting into the list of job-seeker events for the rest of this month, I thought it was necessary to point out some recent jobless figures this week that may have gone unnoticed amid the good news down in the Gulf of Mexico. On the same day the knuckleheads at BP finally found a way to cap its spewing oil well after three months, the job seekers of Washington state quietly received some encouraging figures about the steady trickle of new jobs being created.

For the last three months of our economic recovery, the state has seen its unemployment rate shrink. However, most of these reports have been packaged with a very large caveat--that most of the "job growth" each month has come from the public sector in the form of temporary jobs for the U.S. Census. Then, after Thursday's report showed a net loss of 3,500 jobs statewide from May to June, mostly due to the expected post-census correction, many news reports led with the net loss and ignored the fact that the unemployment rate fell to 8.9 percent and that private-sector jobs expanded.

This is what we journalists call "burying the lead." According to the Washington Employment Security Department, more than 4,500 private-sector jobs were created in the state, including 1,300 jobs in health and educations services, 1,000 in the hard-hit construction sector and 900 in retail. These are all jobs that the economy needs to get back on its feet and build up consumer confidence.

As you head out to the many excellent networking events and job fairs listed below, just remember to take the media's endless, attention-grabbing predictions of doom and gloom with a grain of salt. I'm not saying it's all smooth sailing on the job front, but it's important to realize that the economy is headed in the right direction and that the private sector is doing its part and beginning to respond.

TUE., JULY 20

City Career Fair: Diversity Employment Day - More than 30 employers are expected to attend, including Northrop Grumman, GE Aviation, Holland America, Bank of America, Home Depot and others. Pre-register with your resume to gain immediate admission. Where: Northwest Rooms, Seattle Center. When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost: Free.

Technical Fields Career Mixer -- This networking event, hosted by Express Pros Seattle, is geared towards those looking for work as software developers, QA engineers, systems administrators and other technical positions. Between 10 and 13 companies are expected to attend. Where: Zeitoon Café, Seattle. When: 6 to 9 p.m. Cost: Free.

WED., JULY 21

The Greater Seattle Job Fair - Jobbernaut, always one of the best job fairs in town, makes its quarterly visit to Seattle, this time with more than 30 companies in the sales, retail, marketing and management fields. Where: Qwest Field and Events Center, Seattle. When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost: Free.

THURS., JULY 22

Small Business Success Story Networking Event - This morning Biznik seminar for local entrepreneurs will feature short presentations from successful small business owners on what drives their success. Where: New York Life Insurance Co. Conference Room, Bellevue. When: 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. Cost: Free, but seating is limited so please RSVP.

Mix & Mingle - Get Inspired! - Get to know local business owners at this informal and relaxed Biznik networking mixer. The event is geared toward entrepreneurs but is open to all. Drink and food specials will be offered. Where: Liberty Bar, Seattle. When: 5 to 7 p.m. Cost: Free.

Northside Networking Social - Bothell's newest wine bar is the site of this networking event for job-seekers and entrepreneurs in the north end of Puget Sound. Guests are welcome with a +1 RSVP. Where: Tandem Wine and Cheese Bar, Bothell. When: 5:30 to 8 p.m. Cost: Free.

FRI., JULY 23

Advanced Interviewing - This presentation from ProLango goes beyond the basics to address how hiring managers make decisions, how to profile the interviewer, the common mistakes that hiring managers and interviewees make, and more. Where: Bellevue Place, Bellevue. When: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cost: Free.

THURS., JULY 29

A Cross-Pollinated Networking Event - For those interested in starting their own businesses, this mixer will help you make connections with other like-minded individuals in a casual atmosphere. Bring ideas to share and good conversation. Where: Café Metropolitain, Seattle. When: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Cost: Free.

SUN., AUG. 1

PRforPeople Happy Hour - In this installment of Patricia Vaccarino's monthly get-togethers, Michael Kostov, executive producer of Kostov Productions, will provide tips on how to use digital media to generate buzz for you and your business. Where: Whispering Wind Ranch, Woodinville. When: 2 to 6 p.m. Cost: Free.

Randy Woods writes about job-search tools, networking techniques and other tips to help you land your dream job.