State plans veterans job fair in Chicago 3/28/12

The Illinois Department of Employment Security is planning a job fair for veterans on March 28 in Chicago.

The department says it expects more than 100 Chicago-area businesses to send representatives to the four-hour job fair.

High numbers of veterans of the Iraq and Afghan wars have had trouble finding work when they leave the service. Unemployment rates among veterans have been consistently higher than for the population in general the past few years.

In its announcement, the department says veterans should come to the fair dressed appropriately and with resumes.

The fair will be at The Hilton Chicago on Michigan Avenue starting at 9 a.m.

Other online resources for veterans in a job search include:

America Wants You (recent news article on AWY)

VetJobs

MilitaryHire.com

U.S. Dept. of Veteran Affairs recruitment website

National Veterans Association

Looking for volunteer opportunities?

Check out Serve Illinois.  It's fully searchable by type of volunteer opportunity or keyword and zip code.  The site is maintained by the Illinois Serve Commission, which is appointed by the Governor.

Career Gateway: Job Seekers Guide offered by JVS Chicago

Job hunters will no doubt benefit from taking a good look at The Career Gateway: Job Seekers Guide, produced by JVS Chicago.  Jewish Vocational Service crafted an easily searchable online tool which directs job seekers to accomplish steps they need in their search.  Excercises are simple to follow, but essential in identifying contacts, giving realistic advice and encouragement to network with confidence.  There are helpful guides to develop writing and computer skills, prepare for phone and in-person interviews, personal budgeting, and sample scripts to start conversations with potential hiring managers.

While The Career Gateway is an excellent job site, it by no means takes the place for the personal service and consultation offered by JVS.  They have convenient locations and professional career guidance staff to help job hunters from all levels.  Their main office is at 216 West Jackson Blvd., Suite 700, Chicago, IL 60606. Please call or email for an appointment: jvschgo@jvschicago.org or (312) 673-3400.

Making the Most of LinkedIn

LinkedIn is the social media tool most thought of when it comes to professional networking.  But beyond creating an account, there are many users who underutilize its features.  To help direct you to the online training that will boost your profile and help you actively reach business contacts, please take a look at their Learning Center.  There you can easily find user guides and suggested steps for using LinkedIn as a job seeker. You may also register for one of their weekly and free webinar training sessions by clicking on Training Resources.

Another helpful site to create a resume using LinkedIn is from Inbound Marketing.

The Library continues to order current titles on different applications of social media and choosing which best serves you in your job search.

Why do employers do background checks?

This guide explains the why and how of background checks. It also tells you what can be covered in a background report, your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Employment based on credit history or credit no longer permitted

Earlier this year, Illinois enacted the Employee Credit Privacy Act, which prohibits the use of credit histories or credit reports in making employment decisions. As with most employment laws, the Act doesn't apply to all employers or all employees, so please take a look at what the law requires.

 

Local Senior Job Fair on March 25, 2011

The annual spring job fair for seniors 50 and older in Schaumburg, Palatine, and Wheeling townships will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, March 25 at Schaumburg High School, 1100 W. Schaumburg Rd. in Schaumburg. Companies interested in attending should call Val Profit at 847-884-0030 x2016 or 847-902-7508. The job fair typically hosts about a thousand job seekers wanting to speak with companies' human resources departments.

Upwardly Global

Upwardly Global helps with resume writing and job placement support for the immigrant professional population with specialized skills. 

 

UpGlo works with both job seekers and potential employers. Qualifications to become a registered jobseeker within this program are available on their site.  

Small Business Jobs Act and the IRS

On Sept. 27, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Small Business Jobs Act, a significant piece of small business legislation. The tax provisions intended to lend support, tax cuts, and other opportunities for entrepreneurs and small business owners.  Tax Information for Small Businesses also have a link for Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center.

 

Additional info regarding detailed credits and translated IRS sites follow:

  

Hiring Credits:

English http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=220326,00.html

Spanish http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=220499,00.html

 

Health Care Tax Credit:

English http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=223666,00.html

Spanish http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=224438,00.html

 

Spanish

Business Page (Spanish): http://www.irs.gov/espanol/content/0,,id=162902,00.html

Spanish Information for Individuals & Businesses: http://www.irs.gov/espanol/

Executive Network Group

The ENG's (Executive Network Group) works to network and build professional relationships among active members, ENG alumni, employers, executive recruiters and other service providers and support groups. ENG draws membership from a three-state area, and offers a pool of management talent for both interim consulting projects and full-time positions. They assist members in their job search activities by facilitating networking among people dedicated to filling jobs, advancing careers and satisfying the needs of recruiters and employers. The group meets monthly at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library. Details on upcoming agendas, fees, and ENG events can be located at www.engchgo.org.