Living in Las Vegas

As part of a 132 city tour, the Independent Entertainer’s Association’s Rock the Economy concert and family music festival will be held at the Henderson Pavilion on Saturday, April 4th.  The entertainment starts at noon and goes until 10:00 p.m.  There is going to be plenty of food, fun and music. 

Rock the Economy is intended to be an economic stimulus for different local schools, churches and social organizations.  In addition,  it is a way for people wanting to make an economic change in their lives to talk to different companies that can help with their home financing, finding employment or establishing new credit. 

The Independent Entertainer’s Association is a group of independent entertainers, businesses, and enthusiasts who support the independent entertainment industry.  The founder of IEA, CD Palmer, based the association on four objectives; production, promotion, distribution and marketing.

IEA recently built a  brand new recording studio at it’s local office to assist independent artists in being able to compete with the mainstream entertainment industry.  They will have programs for the novice and professional musician.  Sounds like it’s going to be a great opportunity for all the local Las Vegas musicians.

I think the Rock the Economy concert is exeactly what Las Vegas needs right now.  A little food, a little fun and a little free advice.

First of all, I would like to say “Welcome Back Mercedes!” to Mark and Mercedes on Mix 94.1.  As you may know, they are my favorite morning show out here and Mercedes has returned from maternity leave.  I enjoyed Blair and Drea very much, but it’s nice having Mercedes back.

Our unemployment rate has hit another record high, topping out at 9.1%.  Bill Anderson, an economist with the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation , said some of the biggest contributors to the high unemployment rate the housing market, construction jobs, the leisure industry, and the failure of Mervyns, Linens-N-Things and Circuit City.  So for those of you that are part of the 128,000 Nevadans looking for a job, the Las Vegas Review Journal and Sun are hosting a job fair at the Tropicana Hotel & Casino tomorrow, January 27, 2009.  It will be opening at noon and runs until 4:00 p.m.  Good luck!

On a happier note, I had a chance to check out the 1-bedroom suite at Palms Place and I was super impressed! The view was amazing and the room is about 1200 sq. feet with a full kitchen, laundry closet and an awesome two-person shower.  The rates are totally reasonable right now with prices as low as $159 a night!

As promised, I am trying to keep you informed about upcoming career fairs around town.  Today Texas Station is holding a career fair starting at noon.  It looks like there are going to be some really great companies attending, including AAA, Cox Communications, Hilton Grand Vacations, Station Casinos and Yellowpages.com.  Several different schools are going to be there, along with a representative from the Army National Guard. Spruce up your resume and head on over.

This time of the year is usually a pretty good time for job seekers.  Many companies hire seasonal help and then keep the good workers on a more permanent basis. Although, this year with the economy in a recession, the competition is going to be tougher than ever.  There are less jobs to go around, and more people trying to get them.  Retail is usually one area that you can always depend on for seasonal jobs to be available.

Even if you don’t have a lot of experience, a well filled out job application, stellar resume and awesome first impression can still get you the position.  When filling out your application, make sure to fill it out completely.  Don’t leave blanks, that makes it look like you were not paying attention, always fill in “n/a” or “not applicable”.  Type it up online if possible or write neatly.  Your application is your first, first impression.

Your resume is also very important.  Even if it is very short, just the fact that you have one leaves a good impression.  Make it very neat and easy to read.  A resume is a way for you to sell yourself, so do just that.  Put in all your good qualities, some ways that you have improved sales, service, etc. at your previous job(s) and what you can bring to their company.  If you are mailing in your resume or applying online, always try to include a short cover letter.  Just briefly state which position you are applying for, a couple of reasons why you are perfect for the job and a short conclusion with your contact info.

Finally, when you do that land that interview, come prepared.  Bring an extra copy of your resume, and dress for success! Even if you will be wearing a uniform everyday, you want to show your potential new boss that you want the job enough and care enough about the job to show up in a nice business outfit that is ironed and matching.  This is your last chance to make a good first impression and outshine the competition.

Good Luck!

I have to admit, I have been trying to avoid the topic of the economy.  I keep thinking it can’t really be as bad they say, but I guess it’s time to face it.   Nevada’s economic activity is the lowest in the country this year.  Our unemployment rate is the highest it’s been in 23 years. 

I am thinking if everyone just keeps a positive mindset and accepts that we all may have to work a little harder these next couple years, then everybody will pull through ok.  Is a second job a topic in my household a little more frequently these days? Yes, and although we are not happy about it, I guess that’s just how it is right now.

So in an effort to do my part, I thought I would post about Opportunity Boulevard’s Career Fair at Green Valley Ranch Casino on Tuesday, October 14th.  The fair is going to be held in the Estancia Ballroom and it starts at 12:30 p.m.  There will be a resume workshop, a healthcare presentation, a sales presentation and a worship about applying for government positions.

Overall, this fair sounds really nice and hopefully will help out a few people. I will try to post more career fairs as I hear about them.  As always, dress to impress!!