Looking for a job in the Orlando/Winter Park area (job market, college)

[mariemarguerite]

Hi guys,

I moved to Orlando with my boyfriend a few months ago. I just couldn't stand the horrible Midwestern winters anymore. We moved without jobs, which I know is a risky decision. However, I'd applied to jobs in Florida previously and it seemed impossible to get any serious consideration without a Florida address - lots of openings even say "local residents only".

As for my background - I graduated from college in May 2010 with a double major in psychology and business. During college I completed several internships in marketing and advertising, and I ideally wanted to work at an advertising agency after graduation. I had a great GPA, lots of internships, and I was very involved in extracurricular activities - I thought I was setting myself up for success. However, the job market/economy was bad then just as it is now, and I couldn't find work in advertising or marketing. For most of 2011 I worked in recruiting at a small recruiting company, and chose to leave the company in November before I relocated.

I am currently looking for positions in advertising/marketing, as well as human resources, administration, and mental health. Last month I was very close to landing a job as a recruiting coordinator, until an internal candidate expressed interest at the last minute. I've had a couple other interviews as well, but nothing's worked out yet.

I would appreciate any advice on companies I should apply to and any other Orlando-specific job search tips. I know it's best to use your network to find a job, but that's tough since I don't really know anyone here yet. I am getting pretty tired of endlessly sending out resumes only to hear nothing. Please no negative or hateful comments - thanks!

Marie

[annerk]

Have you used the resources of the very large networking/trade group for your industry? They regularly hold job fairs and networking events and post vacancies on their web site.

[mariemarguerite]

Networking group for what industry - HR or advertising? The only job fair I attended was a general one and had mostly call center/hourly labor jobs.

[annerk]

Marketing. And I'm not talking about job fairs. Big difference.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by mariemarguerite

We moved without jobs, which I know is a risky decision. However, I'd applied to jobs in Florida previously and it seemed impossible to get any serious consideration without a Florida address - lots of openings even say "local residents only".

That's very true and the only way to look for a job here unfortunately is to move here. I hope you're somewhat financially prepared as it can take awhile. I know it might sound crazy but have you considered offering an internship to an employer? It sounds crazy but if there's a firm you'd really like to work for and feel you can impress them, it could be the way to go while you're still looking. Such an offer could get the right people to stand up and take notice as well. Good luck!

[mariemarguerite]

What is the group called?

I have savings to last awhile, but it would certainly be nice to have money coming in. A job would also give me the chance to meet people and improve my skills. Not to mention I'm worried about the growing gap on my resume.

[mariemarguerite]

Interning or volunteering are things I'm thinking about, but I did 5 internships during college and none of them really resulted in anything. My opinion is that when an employer is actually paying you they feel compelled to find something legitimate for you to do. In internships they can leave you sitting around or doing meaningless tasks .. they don't have much incentive to keep you busy/engaged.

[MovedfromFL]

Try the Central Florida Human Resources Association (CFHRA).