Old town charm, warm sandy beaches, and country roads through the Appalachian Mountains combine with thriving cities to create an ideal setting for Virginia employment. Starting with George Washington, eight U.S. Presidents were born in this state that spreads across the Potomac River from Washington. D.C. Current events and political life add to the strong economic conditions that keep Virginians active and involved. Sailing and power boating are favorite outdoor sports and fisherman relish a daily catch of blue crab, clams and oysters on the Chesapeake Bay. Early American villages create a nostalgic place to browse antique shops or play a round of golf on a first class course.
Virginia unemployment
Virginia unemployment rate (seasonally adjusted) increased from October 2008 to October 2009 by 2.3% to a rate of 6.6%
[Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics]
Virginia Employment Opportunities
In the North Virginia region, the close proximity to Washington D.C. brings an abundance of Virginia employment opportunities related to the federal government. The coastal region of Norfolk contains large military bases and Virginia Beach supports the tourist industry with seaside resorts. The rural interior region of Virginia provides agriculture and recreation in the Shenandoah Valley and Appalachian Mountains. Another major city, Richmond offers potential job openings in finance, manufacturing and education.
Northern Virginia Employment: This region hums with activity related to the U.S. government. Many federal agencies and independent government contractors require administration and security personnel. The major regional airport for Washington D.C., Dulles International is located in Virginia and provides hundreds of employment opportunities for both flight and ground support workers. Near the airport, the Dulles Technology Center hosts high tech firms in the software, communications, microelectronics and Internet professions.
Norfolk Employment: Large military facilities comprise much of the Norfolk economy and job vacancies are often available for non-military support personnel. Health care workers, food service and day care providers are required to sustain military base families. This region also includes beach resort communities and the tourist industry in Virginia Beach and across the Bay in the Eastern Shore provides seasonal job opportunities.
Richmond Employment: The capital city of Richmond provides Virginia employment for office administrators, legal aides and state government workers. This area is also a large financial center and several major corporations including Capital One Financial maintain headquarters in town. The large Phillip Morris tobacco company hires Richmond based workers in manufacturing, facility management and office administration.
Shenandoah Valley and Rural Virginia Employment: Much of the interior region of the state contains softly rolling hills and fertile farmland. The tobacco industry has origins from the early colonial period and continues to be an important crop. Wine production also adds to the local economy and creates the need for seasonal workers.
Unemployment Rate: As in other parts of the U.S., the unemployment rate for 2009 continues to rise in Virginia. However, according the June 13 issue of the Newport News Daily Press, Richmond’s unemployment rate of 7.1% fell below the national average of 9.4%. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report much lower rates for the North Virginia regions near Washington D.C. with unemployment rates near a healthy 4% in many sections.
Virginia Employment Resources
Securing a lucrative position for Virginia employment involves first selecting the vicinity that provides the best opportunities. At the website www.virginiajobnetwork.com statewide job vacancies may be located by searching job categories, temporary or permanent and education level. Because the North Virginia region allows close access to vacancies in the Washington, D.C. area, those job listings are included. This website also provides current information about career enhancement seminars, recruitment and upcoming job fairs in the Virginia area. For open positions in the Norfolk region, www.norfolkjoblink.com provides listings by specialty and includes salary information. By posting a resume, an applicant may directly apply for an available job. Virginia employment agencies in the Norfolk area may also be discovered through the website www.norfolkjobfair.com.
For someone wanting to relocate in the city of Richmond, the website www.richmondjobstoday.com carries detailed information about each listing and provides current up to date postings. This well organized site links employer job openings and provides contact information through those companies to potential candidates. Another valuable source for locating jobs through an employment agency in the Richmond area may be accessed through www.richmondemploymentagencies.com.
Virginia Employment Living Conditions
The diverse topography of Virginia creates a mixture of living conditions from densely populated urban regions to sprawling estates and modest rural homes. In the cities, particularly near the D.C. area, real estate prices and rentals may be expensive. Housing in Norfolk and Virginia Beach that include waterfront or ocean views bring the highest prices. In Richmond, housing may be located for a single family, condo or apartment rental with moderate rates. In the western part of the state near the city of Roanoke, less expensive real estate includes large family homes and acreage.
Along the coast, warm humid summers are the norm and occasional hurricanes may affect beachfront property. The interior regions of Virginia experience four seasons with some snow in the winter and warm humid summers. Golf is a favorite pastime for Virginians and a variety of courses from private clubs to public resorts are found throughout the state. Boating, water sports and fishing are popular sports. The small state of Virginia holds over 100 colleges and universities including the renowned Virginia Tech, the College of William and Mary and several large military institutions. Education is highly redeemed in this region beginning with elementary grades.
Virginia Employment
The residents of Virginia proudly carry their heritage that began with the American Revolution. Much of the charm of those early days still remains in the architecture and historic sites around the state. The tradition of high involvement in politics, current events and government affairs continues to define the Virginian’s lifestyle. Towns along the Chesapeake Bay combine a peaceful waterfront home base with easy commuter access to major metropolitan centers.
A short drive away from the bustling urban centers to the north, serene country roads lead to quiet residential neighborhoods filled with gentleman farmer’s estates. A solid economy, pleasant climate and historic ambiance create an ideal location for pursuing Virginia employment and locating a home in one of the most charming U.S. states.
