Brooklyn's Progress
June/July 2006

By HAROLD EGELN

Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce Member Andrew Bernstein’s mission is to help the borough’s job-seekers. His work at The Employment Guide is one of the best vehicles for making that happen.

Mr. Bernstein says his work helps guide Brooklyn's workforce development through career fairs, cyberspace and a free publication, and most important, he finds satisfaction in his work. The Employment Guide was his first big job after graduating from Ramapo College, New Jersey, where he majored in radio broadcasting and journalism.

"At The Employment Guide we are helping the unemployed and other job seekers through our teamwork," said Mr. Bernstein, an account executive.

Just over a year ago Mr. Bernstein was urged to become active in the Brooklyn Chamber by Brooklyn-born Vincent Chiappone, the Guide's General Sales Manager. Mr. Chiappone believed the membership was a way to connect, network and learn.

"I found the Membership Orientation session of great value, a good learning experience. I've attended some of the Brooklyn Chamber's After Hours events, and enjoyed the one at the Bronx Zoo last year," Mr. Bernstein said as he worked during the Employment Guide’s most recent Career Fair. "It is really good to know what is out there in Brooklyn," he said.

The Employment Guide’s Career Fair was held at Kings Plaza Mall in Mill Basin on Apr. 18. Recruiters included Brooklyn Chamber Members like Health Plus, Touro College, Bank of America, Kelly Services, ASA Institute, Brooklyn Job Corp Academy, Affinity Health Plan and New York Presbyterian Hospital.

"We're generating ways to make jobs available to the people," said Mr. Chiappone. "It's about building partnerships and relationships, and extending the reach of our services."

“This is a big team effort, with our event planners, sales team, creative team and advertising and sales teams,” Mr. Bernstein explained. "This fair includes on-the-spot interviews. We urged job seekers to bring their resumes and to dress well."

"There's been a really good response to the fair here," said Billy Bedford, a Graphic Designer for the Employment Guide. The fair was held on the shopping mall's two levels.

A valuable resource, Mr. Bernstein noted, is the Guide's "Job Seeker Survival Guide." This 60-page guide contains information and "survival tips" on resumes, interviews and the job search.

The Employment Guide is a nationwide service, based in Fairfield, New Jersey. It publishes the free "Employment Guide" seen regularly in green display boxes on sidewalks and other locations throughout Brooklyn.

The company’s Web site, http://www.employmentguide.com/, has received more than 1,800,000 visitors. The site features local job postings, corporate discount plans, and lists its 150 jobs nationwide. The Employment Guide has two Career Fairs scheduled for Kings Plaza Mall this year; Jun. 6 and Oct. 24.