Updates in Charlotte Employment Guide

Even though it's the summer, that doesn't mean that we're going to wind down much. There has been a bunch of different things going on and I thought I'd take a few moments to fill everyone in.

Win a Gas Card Contest
Gas prices have been on the rise. I know I nearly flipped when I saw gas for the first time yesterday over $4 a gallon. Some people say it's just going to continue to rise and I've heard other financial predictions that it'll go down eventually. Either way we decided to do something to help. We're going to give away a $50 gas card every week to a randomly drawn name. The contest starts July 1st. Now you can find a new job and we will help you with the gas to get there.

To enter just use the Chat Box to the right in the sidebar. You'll need to type in and enter your Name, Telephone Number and Email address. (If it says we're offline, that's ok. We'll still get your entry.) Only enter once and you have to be 16 years or older to win. If you try and enter more than once, it's in vain because we're not going to count multiple entries. Each week we will randomly choose a winner. We will list your name in our "list of winners" in our publication and online. Your contact information will only be used to contact you if you're the winner. So you can get a job on EmploymentGuide.com and now we'll help you get there each week. Any questions you can send to ncjobs@employmentguide.com but we're only accepting entries through the Chat box.

Hospitality Virtual Job Fair
This industry has consistently been in the top 10 keywords of our online searches and we've seen approximately 3,200 online applications completed in our hospitality database last year. If you're looking for a job in hospitality, including food and beverage service, hotel or resort jobs, room service or other housekeeping jobs - from now until June 25th we're having a Hospitality Virtual Job Fair. So CLICK HERE to check that out!

It's a growing industry - even despite the dismal economy reports. EmploymentGuide.com has set up some key partnerships with American Hotel & Lodging Association, ProStart Program, American Resort Development Association, the National Restaurant Association and others! Also if you're recruiting in the hospitality industry, ask about our discounts for American Hotel & Lodging Association members.

National SHRM Conference: Chicago
The National Society of Human Resource Management 2008 Conference in Chicago is fast approaching. Be sure if you're attending to check out The Employment Guide's booth. And whether you're going or not, we'd love to get your input. We're conducting a survey of Hourly Recruiting Managers so that we can better serve your needs. Visit our site: ChicagoSHRM.com to find out our booth information and to complete our survey.

Wiser Worker Blog Launch
Not long ago we launched WiserWorker.com to target the older worker. Now we have launched the WiserWorker Blog. This will hopefully become a valuable resource for recruiters looking to hire and job seekers in the mature worker demographic. We've partnered with the AARP Foundation and have a group of bloggers that will be posting about the various issues that this demographic faces in the job search and the workplace.

Lynx Station Distribution
We're increasing our distribution. You can now find The Employment Guide publication at many of the Lynx light rail stations in Charlotte. Now on your ride you can read about available jobs in the Charlotte area. We're also posting our weekly publication online so if we have another hot week, you can sit in the comfort of your A/C and check out the ads in our paper on our blog.

May I Take Your Order?

Allison Owings over at the NYTimes writes an interesting reaction to the new movie Waitress starring Lew Temple, Keri Russell and Cheryl Hines. The movie seemed to portray a very unrealistic portrait of what it's actually like working in a diner except for the camaraderie that the characters seemed to develop throughout the film. Owings talks about her years of interviewing waitresses for her book, Hey, Waitress! The USA From the Other Side of the Tray, she talks about the paradoxal pride that restaurant service ignites in the women she interviewed:

"Some examples: I make sure my plates look good. I can “turn a frown into a smile.” I get along with the cook. I tally up my checks fast. My people don’t have to ask for refills. I upped tabs by offering a to-go box for the entree, so they would order dessert. I have lots of regulars. I could make a pyramid with water glasses and never spill a drop.

More examples: I know how to prioritize. I don’t let a customer eat something I wouldn’t eat myself. I can keep children under control. I could carry eight plates. I remember what everyone orders for breakfast. I always serve on the left and clear from the right, properly. I know when to give a free piece of cheesecake to smooth things over.

Some waitresses also said the following: 'I can take it.'"

Owings' thoughts remind me of a post on another blog by Jeff Lebel about hospitality jobs and how they get such a bad rap in our culture…

"Why do we hold this view of the server or bartender in the restaurant, the front desk clerk or room attendant in the hotel? After all, they are the people most responsible for the experience we have when trying to escape to a destination outside of our daily norms. Marc pointed out that in Europe, service jobs are highly regarded and those working in them take pride in providing that experience for their "client". This attitude seems quite contrary to ours in the US."

The pride and the work that goes into serving hungry and sometimes impatient customers is well-deserved and under appreciated most times. From the short time I waited tables in college, I remember not only the physical labor but the emotional as well. But what little experience I have working in a restaurant, while I do remember the sore feet and the customers who didn't bother to leave a tip but I also remember the bond that develops between restaurant servers and even the bond that you form with those who do respect your service, the "regulars" who take the time to know who you are is what helps to develop that great sense of pride that Owings talks about.

Thinking about a job at a restaurant? We've got plenty to choose from: Look here for our listings.

Posted by Rosie Reilman, Internet Sales Specialist

Podcast: 2 Day Exclusive Hiring Event!

We're doing things a little different this month with our job fairs. A double job fair event, June 25th we'll bring our company's recruiters to Gastonia. Then on June 26th we'll be in the University area. Recruiters, you can participate in our exclusive 2 day hiring event for one price. So mark your calendars. But first, listen to our featured jobs in Charlotte from NCL America and TSG Incorporated. NCL is hiring various positions on board their cruise ship that tours the Hawaiian islands all year long. And TSG Incorporated is looking for a Latex Coatings Chemist for their Hickory, NC location. Information on how to apply or sign up for our upcoming job fairs can be heard on our podcast.


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