Job Seekers and Prospective Employers set to "Speed Date for Jobs" at Virginia's first-ever pink-slip party

Online, January 19, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Virginia Beach, VA - Professionals, both unemployed and looking to hire, in Virginia Beach, VA including the surrounding areas will have an opportunity to mix and mingle at the area's first ever "Speed Dating for Jobs" pink-slip party on January 28th.

Despite unemployment locally trending lower than the national average, of 10%, organizers feel that the event - which has became one of the hottest job hunt trends throughout America in cities such as New York, Los Angeles and Detroit - is greatly needed locally to help job seekers connect and network with hiring companies in what has become one of the most laid back and casual job search experiences ever seen.

The event is being organized by Epiphany Consulting - a local consulting firm operated by Vaughnchette Townsel, who started the firm after losing her job last year and by JobsDirectUSA, a Florida-based member organization that sponsors the free "pink-slip" mixers around the country. Virginia Asset Management, a financial services firm, has also committed to being a part of the event and provide free counseling to seekers in attendance.

Last year Carlos Gil, who started JobsDirectUSA after being laid-off by insurance giant AIG in November of 2008, heard of "pink-slip parties" popping up around the country as an outlet for recently unemployed professionals to network and commiserate over drinks in a bar. Gil's first instinct became to place an innovative spin on the concept, unemployment blues, by inviting not only job seekers but also recruiters of nearby hiring companies, in his hometown of Jacksonville, to the so-called "party". The result for Gil, and JobsDirectUSA, has become a national job hunt and recruiting trend.

"Speed Dating for jobs is another resource to help job seekers find a job in this economy and network with members of the local business and staffing communities, as well as each other, in a relaxed and casual setting," says Gil. "It's also meant to help recruiter's screen and interview candidates in person rather than by phone or not at all."

The first-ever "Speed Dating for Jobs" pink-slip party in Virginia Beach will take place on January 28, 2010 at Mangos Mexican Bar and Grill from 5 - 9 PM. Job Seekers are encouraged to dress to impress, bring copies of their resume, be ready to network. The event is free for all who wish to attend; all hiring companies in the Greater Virginia Beach Area are encouraged to participate.

###

For more information, or media requests, please contact:
Carlos Gil, JobsDirectUSA
[email protected]
(904) 536-5764

Vaughnchette Townsel, Epiphany Consulting
(757) 404-4442
[email protected]