Thursday, September 22, 2011

2012 Career & Internship Fair University of the Pacific

On Wednesday, March 14, 2012 University of the Pacific will host their annual Career & Internship Fair. If you are a Pacifc undergraduate student, graduate student, or alumni interested in exploring full time, part time, and internship/co-op opportunities then do not miss this event.

When: Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Where: 11:00am-3:00pm - University Center Ballroom

Employers looking to hire UOP students can register for a table here. This year's event will be held in DeRosa University Center Ballroom. Immediately following the Career Fair, Pacific will host an Employer/Faculty Reception.  You can find jobs in Stockton at 209 Valley Jobs anytime.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Modesto Junior College MJC Job Fair - September 28, 2011

Sometimes the best way to get experience talking to employers and getting yourself in front of businesses is by going to job fairs. These days, employers get 100's if not 1000's of people applying for a job - so it's real difficult to stand out, even if you have a great resume and skills.

A job fair allows you to get face to face with employers - so you can make that impression that will make an impact. If you live around the Modesto area, you will want to check out the bi-annual MJC Job Fair.

When: September 28, 2011


Where: Modesto Junior College

The event is free of charge, and the job fair attract businesses that are hiring FT or PT ... so no commission or staffing jobs will be present. Make sure you bring your best clothes and several copies of a quality resume. As always, you can find jobs in Modesto at 209 Valley Jobs anytime.

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Even With Increasing Fees - Community College Still A Great Value

Many of you have been searching jobs and trying to make ends meet for months, if not years. One of the best resources for the unemployed in the valley are the Community Colleges that have low (subsidized) fees that make going to school affordable.

Fees used to be under $20 per unit for decades, as the state of California didn't struggle with budget deficits as they are now. Unfortunately, with the lack of property tax revenues, the state has struggled to make ends meet - and that means higher fees at the community colleges across the state. There have been generous fee waivers, however those too have come under fire as of late - as money is really tight these days in California.

Even with all the increase in fees, the value you get for going to college out weighs the costs you have to pay for the classes. Delta College, located in Stockton - and Modesto Junior College are the valley's finest (and largest) community colleges that accept students from almost any educational background.

The main thing about your decision to go to college - is to not worry about the expenses. Focus more on what you plan on studying, and what you plan on doing once you are finished. Both Delta College, and MJC offer programs to all students that get good grades to transfer to more prestigious school, such as UC and State schools.

Studies show that if you have a college education, unemployment for that group of people is less than 5% right now. If you have only a high school diploma, those numbers almost triple. Even if you don't achieve the 4 year degree, any advanced education will show potential employers that you tried to improve your skills during the tough economic times. There are jobs in Stockton and jobs in Modesto, but to really make serious income, going to school is your best bet to make a living in the valley.

Saturday, September 3, 2011

ACX Pacific Northwest Inc. Bringing 40-60 New Jobs To Stockton Port

Looking for a job? Do you like hay?

If you answer yes to both, there might be a new job for you opening up in October 2011 on the Port of Stockton thanks to ACX Pacific Northwest. Their division in Bakersfield, CA is opening up an export processing facility at the Stockton Port to better serve the demands of their customers.

If you are serious about obtaining a position with this company, you'll probably want to contact them before October begins. The Bakersfield office contact information can be found here: http://www.acxpacific.com/contact/

Friday, September 2, 2011

Stockton, CA Job Fair - Waterfront Hotel September 7, 2011

If you are searching for a job in the Stockton area, make sure you attend the HIREvent to get job leads and more. There will be employers on hand ready to hire, so be sure to dress accordingly and bring several copies of your resume. If you need help with your resume, there will be FREE resume review by professionals.

When: Wednesday September 7, 2011 -- Noon - 4pm
Where: University Plaza Waterfront Hotel
110 West Fremont St, Stockton CA

For more information call: 888-The-Jobs

Admission is free and be sure to show up early. You can always find the current open jobs in Stockton here.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

It's Not The Economy - It's You.

So many times I overhear people saying "the economy is tough right now, so I can't find a job"

This is not correct.

You don't have a job because you don't have skills that employers want.

Times change, economies change, and so do businesses. Chances are you haven't.

Today, employers are looking for the 'perfect employee' because they get 200 applicants for every position they put up on Craigslist or any other job website. Its like being on the TV Show 'Bachelor' ... when you've got 14 women to choose from, chances are the prettiest and one with the most game will be picked. If you have any flaws bigger than the next girl - you're gone. Same thing is going on today with hiring new employees at most businesses.

Most people that were in the construction business can't find a job because no one is building anything these days. With all the empty commercial real-estate (let alone foreclosure backlog of homes that aren't even listed on the market) no one is going to be building soon. Its almost been 3 years since the fallout in real estate - its time to move on from that bubble.

People that relied on the hourly job at the local mall or office need to move on too. Keep in mind, even in a good economy, employees like this are easy to find and aren't all that valuable to a company. You're basically like a 1990 Ford Taurus in a used car sense ... you still run, but there are better cars on the market if you look around. You need to upgrade your skills so you look like a 2011 Porsche 911 Turbo.

Companies need you to come in and be a superstar, get along with others on the staff, and make the company money. In an office setting, you need to know how to navigate Microsoft XP, and Windows 7, plus Apple OS ... plus software like Excel, Photoshop, and Power Point. In a retail setting, you need to be able to communicate with all kinds of people, while making them feel like they are the most important person in the world ... even though most aren't.

You must be available to work anytime, any day they need you. Plus you need to do jobs they used to hire other people to do. Most companies are asking employees to do more than their job description even stated when you applied ... chances are you will be overworked if you do find a job.

If you don't have the skills or can't multitask on the job, they will someone that can. Plenty of college kids these days $100k in debt will gladly take any job just so they can make their loan payments. Chances are you haven't stepped foot on a College campus in 10 years - so you won't get any job they apply for.

If you think the economy is hurting everyone, keep in mind Bloomberg News reports there are actually more millionaires in 2011 than before the recession started in 2008/2009, proving its not the economy's fault you're not rich - its your own.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Rising Gas Prices Shouldn't Break Your Budget

The Spot Price for barrels of oil has soared in recent weeks due to political unrest in the Middle East. This causes gasoline at the pump to go up in price until the issues are settled.

Californian's have been through this before, when gas was reaching $5.00 a gallon in 2008. Given the rather fickle nature of OPEC controlled countries - the price of gas can go up or down whenever they feel like it. Most of the gasoline that the United States uses actually comes from Mexico and Canada - so these types of price jumps are pure market speculation and panic.

The bottom line is we hear too many consumers that are hurt paying bills and living their daily life when the price of gas goes up. You should never have a budget that is so tight that paying $50 - $100 extra for gas during a month will cause you to not pay other expenses ... but this is all too often the case. People gladly spend $100 a month for an iPhone, Jordan Sneakers, a video game, cable TV or things we don't really 'need' instead of saving that money when we really need it.

Remember to cut back on expenses when you have money so you can have something in reserve when/if daily living expenses go up. The trend over the next couple of years will be for things to get MORE expensive - not cheaper. Think Houses, Food, Water Bills, Rent, Wages ---- all are expected to go up (inflation) in the coming years after a downtrend (deflation). The cost to borrow money (interest rates) will go WAY up in the coming years, as these rates are at record lows and are artificially being held down by the United States Federal Reserve. So don't think you will just charge everything on your credit card either - as those rates are already going up, and will continue to do so.

If a small jump in oil/gas prices causes you to panic about paying bills - its a big sign that you need to cut other expenses out of your life. Sit down tonight and identify things like TV, clothing, eating out, ... ect that you can save money by cutting out of your monthly budget. Doing this over a long period of time will create a nice pile of cash you would have just blown on stuff you don't need/use.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Modesto CA Job Fair March 29, 2011

One of the areas largest Job Fairs will be held at the Modesto Center Plaza on March 29th, 2011 from 12:00am – 4:00pm and admission is free to all local job seekers. Multiple sponsors are hosting this event and expect hundreds of employers to be on hand as well as thousands of job hunters looking for their next career.

Job Fairs have become very popular and often draw huge crowds and this one will be one of the biggest and best in the Central Valley in 2011. The Fair is co-sponsored by some of the biggest names in employment recruiting California Job Journal and HIREvent. TV Stations Telemundo, KCRA, KQCA and Citadel Radio will be on hand as well as promoting the event over their networks. This means that competition for any available jobs at the fair will be difficult and you must bring you best foot forward to land a job.

Job seekers need to bring lots of resumes. I would plan to have at least 100 with me and make sure all the information is accurate and looks good. Be sure to dress appropriately, treat this Job Fair as though you are attending an actual job interview. If you are a College Graduate, I would highly advise attending this event if you are looking for employment. Most of the people attending this event will not have a College degree, so this is your chance to stand out and shine if you have that education on your resume.

The most important thing to remember is don't be shy at an event like this. You've got to put your communication skills to work and try and sell yourself in the mayhem that will be the Modesto Center Plaza on March 29th.  Ladies - this is the time to get dressed up and impress while looking classy. Fellas - it's real important you come wide-eyed and looking sharp at an event like this. I wouldn't go suit and tie, but I would wear my best business casual outfit. Get the smartest person you know to look over your resume and make sure the grammar, spelling, and punctuation is perfect. There will be lots of companies looking to hire at this event, this is the time to make yourself stand out above the rest.

Modesto’s HIREvent Job Fair
Modesto Center Plaza
1000 L Street, Modesto, CA 95354
Tuesday, March 29th 12:00am – 4:00pm
Admission: Free
For additional info. (916) 925-0800

For more Jobs in Modesto, CA check 209 Valley Jobs.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

No Luck Finding A Job? Here Are 3 Things To Help

  1. Sell Stuff - you don't have to watch PBS Antique Roadshow or History Channels Paws Stars long to realize that people pay big money for things many of us think are worthless. Antiques, electronics, and collectibles sell very well and chances are you have some of this around your house or apartment right now. You can use 'free' outlets like Craigslist and Garage Sales to move your items, but many people use online places like eBay and Amazon to sell things as well.

    Some items that sell well online: Video Games & Systems, Designer Clothing, Shoes & Handbags, Vintage Antiques & Collectibles, TV's, DVD's, Exercise Equipment and much more. If you spend just a small amount of time listing your items - you are bound to get some extra cash for things you probably aren't using much anyway.
  2. Get Creative With Your Job Search - Spend all day on Facebook or Twitter? Do you know your city like no one else in town? Maybe you spend all day talking on the phone ... chances are you have 'skills' that you don't even consider trying to make a career out of. Many people apply for jobs based on what education they have and experience ... not what they are passionate about or what they enjoy doing the most. You'd be amazed at the businesses that need help with Facebook, Twitter and getting 'recognized' on the web. All you need to do is use your knowledge of building a network on those sites and apply those to a business that needs 1,000 friends or followers. Most places that offer this service are not located in the Valley, so going door to door would help you market your skills to businesses in your area. Most companies have a need for promotion and marketing, but no one ever comes to their door and sells them on it. Creating your own 'small business' could be as simple as creating Facebook and Twitter pages for local companies.
  3. Go back to school. Especially if you have never gone to college, or finished High School. If you are the first person from your family to go to college and you need financial aide - its almost 100% available in this case. Most other people can find scholarships, loans or financial aide/work study to help pay. The cost of going to school should never keep you from going. If you haven't found a job in several months (while applying for jobs/interviews) its a sign that your skills are not attractive enough to employers. Going to school is the best way to improve your skills and raise your pay when you find a job that hires you.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Teaching Still An Attractive Job Despite Local Budget Cut-Backs

Education has long been a career path for many college graduates in the Valley for many reasons. Solid pay with regular raises, benefits, and weekends, summers - or extended periods of time off compared to most other jobs.

Despite state and local budget cut-backs that have limited the number of teachers districts can hire, education is still an ever growing field because of population growth. Once state and federal budgets get back to a more 'normal' level - you should see education benefit from tax dollars.

Math & Science teachers are almost always in demand, partly because students with those degrees typically go into even higher paying fields such as Medicine or Engineering. If you have a desire to get into teaching, these are the subjects that are often needed the most - and aren't 'cut' like PE and Music jobs tend to be let go in tough economic times or low enrollment.

If working with kids every single day doesn't appeal to you - there is always substitute teaching. Anyone with a College Degree can take the CBEST Test and work as a substitute teacher with a district of your choice. Depending on the district/school - some pay over $100+ per day for being a substitute. Having strong communication skills and being able to relate to young people are a must, however if you can handle that responsibility - you can make a 'full time' wage by substitute teaching a few times a week.

If you have a college degree (sometimes an AA degree can work) you should really consider taking the CBEST Test, and applying to districts in your area. Places like Stockton actually has 3 major districts in the city limits - Stockton Unified, Lincoln Unified and Lodi Unified school districts can all be sources of employment. Smaller towns like Ceres and Newman still have demand for teachers because there are less qualified teachers in the area (simply because the population is lower).

If you want to make teaching your career, you should consult your local university counselor about finding a Teaching Credential program. There are many in the area, including University of the Pacific in Stockton and Stanislaus State University in Turlock. Achieving your teaching credential can sometimes be done while you have a full-time position (and often they pay for your classes if needed). I have several friends that got a $40,000+ paying jobs with benefits, while they went to school at night to obtain their teaching credentials.

Despite budget cutbacks, you should find teaching jobs in Stockton, as well as jobs in Modesto. The smaller communities will have plenty of openings as well, most come available as the school year ends in the spring and summer months.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Modesto Nuts Minor League Baseball Team Is Hiring Until Feb. 25, 2011

The Modesto Nuts are only a few weeks away from beginning another baseball season and they need employees to make the stadium a great place to be for fans. Applicants should be dependable, energetic, outgoing, hard-working, customer service-oriented individuals who can add to the fan-friendly atmosphere of John Thurman Field on 601 Neece Drive in Modesto, CA. Employees must be able to commit to a schedule which may include 70 regular season games from April 7 - September 25th 2011.

Apply in person by February 25th, 2011 
Staffing Network
1356 Mitchell Road #A
Modesto, CA


The team is hiring at these positions:
  • Guest/Customer Service
  • Merchandise Sales
  • Team Mascot
  • Drink Wait Staff (18+)
  • Ushers
  • Parking Lot Attendants
  • Concession Stands
  • Ticket Sales & Reps
  • Cashiers
  • Bat Boys
  • Group - Birthday - Event Host
For more information call the Modesto Nuts (209) 572-HITS

These are Part Time Positions, for a list of all jobs in Modesto CA visit 209 Valley Jobs.

Monday, February 7, 2011

Getting An Education Is A Must In Today's Highly Competitive Job Market

The national unemployment rate dropped again to below 10%, however valley cities still see higher rates that aren't dropping as fast as the national average. The national average could be skewed a bit as well, because people may not be filing for unemployment benefits after they expire or run out. Many people have still been looking for a job for a long time, especially the under skilled and under educated Californians.

While the worst seems to behind many companies and the economy, many workers still are having trouble finding work. Some people have become frustrated finding new positions, or they simply have adjusted to living on a lower budget. The Valley offers some good education opportunities on a low budget, most notably Delta Community College in Stockton and Modesto Junior College in Modesto, CA. These junior colleges offer a wide range of classes at little to no cost to anyone in the community willing to apply. Many students have taken advantage of the classes during this time when they can't find regular work. Valley employers are going to be interested to see what potential employees did during the tough economic times of 2008 until today. If you show no effort in developing your education or finding temporary work - other candidates that did will get opportunities.

The fact that the unemployment numbers are going down doesn't mean that jobs of all kinds are going to be steadily coming onto the job market. Mid-size and small companies are looking for more talented workers, who are expected to work longer and do more on the job. Many companies are running lean operations, leading to people doing multiple jobs usually handled by more employees. There is no guarantee that these companies will hire at the 'low-skill' or part time level. Its possible that the job pool remains high enough that over educated and over qualified people are still applying to low level part time positions in Stockton, Modesto, Merced, Tracy and all the smaller cities in the 209 valley, therefore leading the under educated to less job opportunities than in years past.

When times are tough like they are now, people often take jobs that are 'below' them under normal economic situations. Working at fast food places like McDonalds or Pizza Hut weren't the first choice of many people unemployed, but if you have been out of work for months its your only option. The bottom line for Valley residents is that part time and low skill jobs will be tough to find even when the economy is starting to make comebacks in 2011. Most jobs draw 50+ applicants, where some are often over qualified and this trend doesn't seem to be slowing down. The amount of people graduating from college and junior college still remains high, so its important to understand that you will need to compete with an even more educated and more motivated employee to get the jobs you want.

Smaller towns in the valley will have some temporary positions, as the local economy doesn't lead to higher tech (higher paying) positions. There are some small businesses in Turlock that are hiring and even places in Lodi CA that are hiring because these local communities still have some people taking advantage of the reduced competition in the marketplace. Larger valley cities like Stockton CA has companies hiring at a higher education level because of the size of the population and the fact that University of the Pacific and Delta College has been producing graduates that stimulate the area for decades. The breadth of jobs available will be larger in Modesto, Stockton, Tracy and Merced - just based on the population size and needs. However, remember that often leads to a higher cost of living compared to other smaller towns because of the options that are available to the consumers. You might make more money in Stockton, but you'll probably spend less if you lived in Lodi ... but that's probably debatable.

Bottom line is that people are still graduating from school at the same rates or higher than before the economy when into a tailspin in 2008. With all those jobs lost - most are going to be filled by educated individuals for many years before people with just a high-school diploma or less will be able to find work on a regular basis. If you haven't taken any college level courses, or haven't thought about it, now is the time.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Low Price Pizza Wars Keep PT Delivery Jobs In Season

The Pizza Hut franchise experimented with $10 any size, anytime pizzas about a year ago, and given that they've kept the pricing strategy, it must be driving sales. The Super Bowl (Held February 6, 2011 when the Pittsburgh Steelers face-off against the Green Bay Packers) is considered the biggest day of the year for Pizza Sales. Domino's has been trying to re-make its image by using fresher ingredients, and they too offer $5.99 Carry-Out Pizza. Papa Johns and local Pizza Joints have lowered the prices similar to sandwich shops did when Subway did $5 Footlongs in 2008.

These price wars do squeeze profit margins, however these jobs are typically low-wage positions with high turnover of staff. The lower prices encourages people to purchase Pizza more often, which means the Pizza place needs to keep more people employed during the week to keep up with demand.

Although these jobs don't typically offer high wages or benefits, you can generate good money being a delivery driver because of Tips. The price of gas has remained 'low' or stable for the past year, and the higher fuel efficient cars make this a viable option if you have a car. Certain areas and certain Pizza places will get more tips than others. Discount pizza often leads to a discounted tip, but sometimes people will tip out some of the money they saved buying $10 Pizzas.

No one really dreams of being a Pizza delivery driver, unless you own the place yourself ... but it is a part time job that you can find hiring in almost any mid-sized city. Its a good choice for students or people that have another job, as most places open after 10am and stay open fairly late. You have to deal with minimum wage and no benefits; but the lower prices have kept customers buying Pizza more often and that means regular work and money in your pocket.

In terms of California, Pizza Hut has a large presence throughout the state and is often hiring in Stockton, CA. Smaller valley cities won't have as many openings as the larger ones, but you should be able to find Pizza jobs in Modesto.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Sacramento Kings May Move To Anaheim CA - Causing Job Loss In NorCal

The Sacramento Kings have been trying to get a new basketball stadium built in Sacramento for over 10 years now. The owners have threatened to move many times, often to Las Vegas where they have casinos and other investments. The NBA however will not allow a team in that city for the time being. The 'great' fans of Sacramento don't come to games, and won't fork over the money to build a new stadium ... so the Kings and the jobs the team creates will be gone from Northern California.

The rumor is that the Anaheim Ducks owner is offering the Honda Center + $100 Million dollar relocation loan to the Kings/Maloofs, who appear to be in some financial troubles. Many people think of only the players, arena & team staff that loose jobs ... however, surrounding hotels, airlines, beat/newspaper writers, and other local businesses will suffer without the Kings in Sacramento. Many of the management and staff positions will be forced to re-locate to Southern California, giving that area it's 3rd NBA franchise. Jobs in Sacramento are already scarce, so loosing a multi-million dollar 'business' would not be good for the city. Jobs in Stockton and jobs in Lodi, the nearby valley cities may loose jobs due to the Kings moving south as well.

If the fans won't come to games, and won't build an arena that will help draw people and players to the team that will make it better ... I sure hope Sacramento residents don't get too upset when they find out their NBA team is packing up and moving south. Residents in Sacramento that benefit because of the Kings being in town will want to monitor the situation, as those jobs will be at risk. Those that live in near Anaheim can look for new job opportunities in Anaheim to possibly open up if the deal goes down. The NBA and group of owners that include nearby Los Angeles Lakers & Los Angeles Clippers teams will decide if the move can happen if submitted by the Kings ownership in the coming weeks.

Monday, January 10, 2011

UPS Package Handler Jobs Stockton - CA

One great way to break into a company like UPS is by starting at the bottom and that would be as a package handler. Here you will be moving packages and boxes onto the truck and get the drivers ready to make deliveries. In Stockton, CA the company currently has openings for package handlers which has an hourly pay rate of $8.50 an hour.
It is well known that UPS delivery drivers make big bucks, but usually the only way to crack into that type of position is to have started at the bottom of that company or have a college degree. FedEx drivers also benefit from the same pay scale and company perks.

As a part-time package handler for UPS in Stockton, CA you will asked to work 3 - 41/2 hours each day, Monday-Friday. During peak seasons like Christmas you might have longer hours. You do not have to work holidays or weekends as the customer center in Stockton is closed.
 1532 N Broadway Ave, Stockton, CA

Friday, January 7, 2011

Stockton CA Job JOS Banks Assistant Store Manager

This is where all the business men in Stockton, CA shop! As an assistant store manager at J.O.S. Banks in the Stone Creek Shopping Center you will earn commission on your sales to rake in the big bucks! Best of all, they just put a 5 Guys Hamburgers in the same retail shopping center so you are good to go for lunch.

J.O.S. Banks does not give details of the commission salary structure for the position available in Stockton, CA. Be sure to check out the job application page to view the list of requirements and other details. You also become bonus eligible by being an assistant manager. In addition, you do not need a college degree to apply!

I knew of many guys who worked in the CB Richard Ellis building on West March Lane in Stockton who would always get their suits at JOS Banks right there in the Stone Creek Village Shopping Center. J.O.S. Banks has really good deals when you buy multiple items at one time, which is a great way for you to earn commission on sales as a manager or assistant manager. Be sure to check out this opportunity if you think you can work retail and thrive!

APPLY NOW

Jos. A. Bank
5757 Stone Creek Village
5757 Pacific Avenue, Suite A-115
Stockton, CA  95207

See More: Stockton, CA Jobs @ 209 Valley Jobs

Western Region Company Drivers Wanted - Stockton, CA

Company Driver & Owner Operator Class-A Driving job opportunities at Marten Transport Tucking are now available in Stockton, CA. Marten Transport drivers are some of the best - and most well paid - in the industry. They have offices and job placement opportunites all over North America. If you're interested in becoming part of a trucking team that is one of the finest and most professional the business has to offer -- apply today!

  • Fair Pay sliding pay scale based on length of trip
  • Up to 5 years past credit for experience
  • Annual pay raises!
  • Earn up to $.445!
  • Per diem pay package
See More: Stockton, CA Jobs @ 209 Valley Jobs