Editor’s note: This post is from Melinda M. Mulawka, Deputy Director of the New York City Workforce Investment Board. Throughout her tenure with the WIB, Melinda has been responsible for the development and implementation of high priority initiatives such as the NYC Labor Market Information Service and  www.CareerLinkNYC.com. In addition, she has spearheaded efforts to recruit dynamic business members to the Board and enhance communication to the WIB’s many stakeholders, as well as served as the Acting Executive Director throughout 2009.

In late May of 2009, the NYC Independent Budget Office projected the loss of 254,000 jobs by the summer of 2010.  Recognizing the importance of getting people the resources they need to get back to work as quickly as possible, the NYC Workforce Investment Board, NYC Economic Development Corporation and NYC Department of Small Business Services have developed www.CareerLinkNYC.com.  CareerLinkNYC is a dynamic one-stop internet portal for recently unemployed individuals. The site connects New Yorkers to employment opportunities, labor market data, support resources, and career changing information.  While initially developed to respond to layoffs in Finance and IT, the majority of the site is relevant for any mid-level professional.   Understanding that this population is not likely to visit their local One-Stop Career Center, we developed a site that could provide a succinct compilation of resources and links.  Jobseekers are connected to essential information such as,

1) First steps after you lose your job,

2) Key tips for searching for a new job,

3) How to start up your own business, and

4) How to update your skills, or go back to school to change your career.

Content was developed through a collaboration of partners from NYC government, as well as the expertise of private stakeholders —including the Partnership for New York City, Vault.com, the Ladders and the New York Times.  As a result of our private sector partners www.CareerLinkNYC.com can provide up to the minute information on the new jobs, key articles, events, interviewing tips and more.  We have recently hit over 30,000 unique visitors, and we are exploring ways to keep CareerLinkNYC relevant and meeting job seekers needs – like emerging green opportunities.