June 26, 2011

Southwest WA: Where the jobs are?

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With the return of nice weather (eventually) and summer vacation, the networking calendar for July is one of the lightest of the year -- small enough to fit into a single Hire Ground post. But that doesn't mean there aren't jobs available, provided you're willing to look outside the immediate Puget Sound region.

According to the Washington Employment Security Department, there has been a small surge of about 500 job openings in Southwest Washington, with 21 businesses looking to build up their staffs in Clark and Cowlitz counties. The demand appears to be driven by the currently thriving international trade sector with Pacific Rim markets, such as China.

The industries that have the most hiring opportunities, ESD said, include high-tech, biofuels, glass and steel, with positions opening up in assembly, tech support and sales. Most of these jobs pay between $15 and $30 per hour, plus benefits.

"This hiring news couldn't have come at a better time, with unemployment above 10 percent in this area," said Robert Brown, ESD's area director in Southwest Washington, in the press release. "We've never seen this much demand from such a wide range of employers at one time."

For more information on seeking out these opportunities, visit WorkSource career centers in Vancouver or Kelso.

Now, here are some of the networking events and job fairs for the month of July:

FRI., JULY 1

PR for People -- Patricia Vaccarino's monthly professional networking group has reserved a private room for a special Independence Day celebration, which will be held at a new time. Where: Pike Place Bar & Grill, Seattle. When: 6 to 8 p.m. Cost: Free.

WED., JULY 6

Diversity Employment Day Career Fair -- City Career Fair is sponsoring this annual event, focusing on hundreds of local job opportunities for multicultural candidates. University of Phoenix will also host a Diversity Roundtable group discussion prior to the career fair. Where: Northwest Rooms, Seattle Center. When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost: Free.

THUR., JULY 7

ProLango Career Mixer, Powered by NWJobs -- This career mixer, hosted by Hire Ground's Paul Anderson, has quickly become one of the hottest Seattle networking events. Each event boasts 500 career professionals on average across many industries. Where: Intiman Theater, Seattle. When: 6:30 to 9 p.m. Cost: Free, but registration is required.

WED., JULY 13

Business After Hours -- Meet local business owners, professionals and other Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce members in a casual setting for an evening of conversation and networking. Where: Sullivan's Steakhouse, Seattle. When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Cost: $25 in advance ($35 after July 11); $20 for Chamber members ($30 after July 11).


THUR., JULY 14

Nationwide Job Fair -- Meet directly with decision makers at top companies and schedule in-person interviews with local companies, government agencies and nonprofits. Attendees can upload resumes for review by attending employers. Where: Embassy Suites, Seattle. When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost: Free.

FRI., JULY 15

Toast of Seattle -- One of the Seattle Chamber's most successful networking programs, this event features three structured networking rounds over breakfast at some of the region's best venues. Where: Columbia Tower Club, Seattle. When: 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Cost: $25 in advance; $20 for Chamber members.

MON., JULY 18

Mastermind Net-Together -- Celebrate the power of group intelligence at this monthly Biznik brainstorming and networking event. After introductions from each participant, the meeting will break into smaller groups, where each member can discuss how to solve problems and meet business goals. Where: Unity Library, Bellevue. When: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost: Free.

TUE., JULY 19

Greater Seattle Job Fair -- Jobbernaut returns with one of the best job fairs in town, featuring more than 40 hiring companies with hundreds of open positions. Where: Qwest Field Events Center, Seattle. When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost: Free.

Young Professionals Network -- Mingle with top professionals in the Seattle area, aged 21 to 39, and make new connections at this popular Seattle Chamber event, held each month in a new location around Seattle. Where: Piatti Ristorante & Bar, Seattle. When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Cost: $20 in advance ($25 at door); $15 for Chamber members ($20 after June 20).

JULY 19-21

Casual Connect Seattle Conference -- For three days, the Casual Games Association will present seminars and networking opportunities for more than 3,000 of the most talented professionals in the casual games industry. Where: Benaroya Hall, Seattle. When: 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. each day. Cost: $450 to $550 through July 11; $550 to $700 after July 11.

THUR., JULY 21

PR for People Ben Franklin Breakfast -- In honor of Benjamin Franklin's call for "multi-disciplinary intelligence," Patricia Vaccarino's networking group holds a monthly breakfast every third Thursday to exchange information and ideas. This month the focus is on the latest developments in content management systems. Where: Bustle Café, Seattle. When: 7:30 to 9 a.m. Cost: Free, but RSVP is required.

Northend Connectors Networking Event -- Each month, this group of Biznik members, located between Kirkland and Bellingham, gets together to build relationships, meet new professionals and have fun. Where: Windermere/Mill Creek offices, Bothell. When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Cost: Free.

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

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