JOBWIRE

Been Off Work Awhile?

There are all kinds of reasons for a stretch of long-term unemployment. Maybe you took time off to care for a family member, maybe the industry you specialized in experienced major downsizing, or perhaps you had to overcome an illness. Bankrate.com offers some straightforward advice on how best to explain your absence from the workforce. First, wait until the interview to disclose the reasons for your lengthy absence (rather than putting it on your resume). During your job interview, you can put the situation in context. Next, put everything in the most positive light. Explain, for example, that you passed up several career opportunities in order to care for your dying mother, but now you are back and ready to excel. Another tip: Find the positive aspects of your layoff. What did you achieve in your spare time – as a volunteer, for example. Your activities might be noteworthy, especially if they relate to the work you seek. Finally, Bankrate.com advises you consider part-time or temporary work, an internship or a position as a contractor – anything that helps you show your stuff.

On the Job Front

STATEWIDE – The Internal Revenue Service is hiring 50 revenue agents throughout California. Those hired may also qualify for a $5000 signing bonus.

BAY AREA – Comerica Bank, based in Detroit, plans to add branches this fall on the Peninsula and in the East Bay. Targeted cities include San Ramon, South San Francisco, Millbrae and Burlingame.

CENTRAL VALLEY – According to the latest Census Bureau data, San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Merced counties all experienced job growth from 2003 to 2004, thanks to increases in population. The three areas collectively added about 8000 jobs, primarily in construction, retail and health.

CITRUS HEIGHTS – Grocery Store Outlet is opening a local store in August, the first of many it hopes to unveil in the greater Sacramento area in the near future.

EMERYVILLE – Pharmaceutical firm Novartis AG will lay off 60 more employees as it continues to trim staff after acquiring Chiron Corp. The firm is finding other positions for those affected, or providing outplacement help.

FOLSOM – Intel has issued layoff notices to 53 workers amid reports it plans to sell some of its local operations. Seven thousand workers are employed in this area.

MOUNTAIN VIEW – Scios Inc and Alza Corp, two subsidiaries of Johnson & Johnson, are cutting about 500 researchers and other employees. Scios makes drugs to treat cardiovascular ailments and cancer, while Alza develops ways to administer drugs.

SAN FRANCISCO – High-tech companies are on a pace to lease up to one million more square feet of office space in 2006. The firms that are expanding include Mindjet (software), Marketools (market research), Bellamax (photo editing software), Vontu (security software), Salesforce (customer management software), Esurance (online insurance), Mypoints (marketing solutions), and Riptopia (converts digital music) . . . Del Monte Foods is canning 85 workers, despite posting sharply higher net income for the latest quarter. Layoffs will affect administrative and sales workers.

SAN LEANDRO – Recently acquired Albertson’s food chain will lay off 189 workers at a warehouse and transportation center here.