FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 13, 2009
Media Contacts:
FCCJ: Michael Corby 904.632.3310
WorkSource: Candace Moody 904.798.9229, ext. 2201

Online Virtual Job Fair April 1-8 offers new dimensions of convenience, confidentiality, security and accessibility for job seekers and employers
WorkSource, First Coast Manufacturers Association, JAXPORT and Florida Community College Jacksonville partner in online job fair to link qualified applicants to employer needs

WorkSource is in the business of connecting workers with jobs. In partnership with First Coast Manufacturers Association (FCMA), JAXPORT and Florida Community College, WorkSource is introducing the Virtual Job Fair (VJF), a new means by which qualified job seekers and employers can match their skills with employer need. Beginning April 1 and continuing through April 8, Northeast Florida will have access to this entirely online recruiting tool. The Web-based format makes it available 24/7, offering unmatched convenience for Internet-savvy job seekers and employers.

Job seekers will find it convenient to access employer job listings in the privacy of their own homes or anyplace Internet access is available. They can post their résumés by filling out or copying and pasting the information in provided text boxes; search for jobs in a specific industry; and learn about a variety of jobs from entry-level to management in numerous fields. Taking time off from work and traveling to another location has become unnecessary with 24-hour Internet access. Once registered, applying for a particular job becomes as easy as clicking a button to submit their applications and résumés. The résumé can be publicly viewed or marked as private so the job seeker controls who can view it. There are no crowds, no lines, and no cost for job seekers to participate in the VJF.

Job seekers will also have access to basic computer and Internet training provided by Florida Community College, for those with limited experience, enabling them to make the best use of the VJF. The College also will provide information on career counseling and training for workers needing to upgrade their present skills. They can also learn about courses to build new skills such as welding, for industries in which there is a demonstrated need for employees.

WorkSource is making this service available to employers who don’t want to or can’t participate in traditional job fairs. Some may simply want to take advantage of the 24/7 accessibility and open their opportunities to a wider pool of potential employees.

Employers are provided a virtual “booth” wherein they can post company profiles and job listings. Low cost and minimal staff involvement allow for maximum use of resources. Additionally, WorkSource provides customer support to help businesses get their booths operational, and to assist with any problems that may occur during the span of the VJF. Job listings are easily added by completing the required fields provided by the VJF. Employers may list as many jobs as they want. Job listings can be easily edited if the need arises and deactivated if the job is filled during the course of the VJF. Additionally, at the VJF conclusion employers receive a database including all of the public résumés.

Upon registration, employers will be given the option of becoming an Exhibitor, or for an additional fee, listing themselves as a Featured Business. The Featured Business option has all the benefits as an Exhibitor, with the added visibility of having their corporate logo appear on each page. Their logos will link to the company’s profile page. Only four Featured Business spots will be available at each VJF so early registration is encouraged.

“This virtual job fair uses advanced technology to accelerate the process of matching employers with prospective workers,” said Lad Daniels, president of FCMA and Chairman of WorkSource. “It is another example of cooperative efforts between public and private organizations to our workforce needs.”

Industry, educational and media organizations are invited to 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.