Local Realtor Hopes to Better Connect Job Seekers, Employers

It dawned on him one day while using Facebook to help donate toys to Shepherd's Pantry for the holiday season.

One by one, donators began spreading word of the effort through the social media platform.

"So many people on Facebook supported it by sharing with their Facebook friends. I was getting emails from people I didn't even know who wanted to bring me toys," said Zak Bushey, realtor with Southland Properties.

Unfortunately, he also received numerous e-mails from people stating an interest in donating, but having lost their job, they were not able to.

Thus, Glendora Jobs Connection was born.

The page has only been live for two weeks. In that time job postings have slowly trickled in. Postings from job seekers have come in at a much faster rate, according to Bushey.

Bushey wanted to stress local hiring with the jobs page and start with Glendora. Eventually it may expand to include more cities.

Bushey hopes to encourage a more personal touch to the hiring process by allowing job seekers and employers to interact more.

"This site allows employers and potential local employees to get a warm introduction to each other rather than just a name on an application," Bushey said. Businesses have been replying to posts by job seekers. Bushey is very pleased that not only are these businesses willing to use this jobs page, but they are also interested in seeing who is looking for work.

"Job seekers should really sell themselves and their passion when posting as well," Bushey said.

As the weak economy continues to take its toll, more and more older adults are being let go, forcing them to use any and all alternatives to find work again. A good number of job seekers on the Glendora Jobs Connection page have anywhere from 10 to 24 years experience in their respective fields.

"I am looking for any type of work," said job seeker Nelle Seda on the Facebook page. "I have 24 years experience with automotive dealerships, office, cashier [and] warranty administrator."

Michelle Cowley, a Covina resident, learned of the Jobs Connection page through a San Gabriel Valley Tribune article and decided to give the Facebook page a try. Cowley is looking for a position in customer service and has 20-plus years experience in banking and manufacturing.

"I have been looking for work 6 months now. I was laid off June of last year," Cowley said. "I just joined the page just waiting to see what happens next, however I have been on some interviews and continue to send out my resumes."

"My worry was that it would turn into a 16-year-old seasonal job page only," Bushey said. "It has been the opposite. I do want all ages to post however my priority is to get people careers so that they can continue to support their families.

Bushey feels that Facebook is the best platform to use, whereas a platform such as Twitter tends to be a bit impersonal.

"Twitter is more for celebrity updates and news updates. The two way personal interaction is just not there, it's more of a one way street," Bushey said.

Since the page is still young, there haven't been any true success stories yet, but Bushey is positive.

"It's exciting. I'm not sure if people will come back and announce they are now employed but the best thing I see happening is people already referring other people to the page. Obviously people are experiencing something positive," Bushey said.