Tennessee launches updated jobs site with 240K positions available; Here's how to apply

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — With more than 240,000 jobs listed on the Jobs4TN website, we’re taking a closer look at the positions available and why you shouldn’t wait until next year to find the right fit for you.

On Friday, the state launched the Tennessee Virtual American Job Center(VAJC) website to offer resources such as job planning, education services, skills sharpening, and work-life support. Once you fill out a short survey, the “Service Matcher” guides you toward the options best suited to help you land the job you want.

The Service Matcher also arranges a meeting with a career specialist over the phone or at any one of the more than 80 American Job Center locations across Tennessee.

The 240,000 jobs are more than Chris Cannon has ever seen in his five years working for the Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

“The skill levels are all across the board,” Cannon said.

Most jobs are full-time, but there are a few seasonal and short-term positions Cannon hopes you consider to at least cover expenses over the holidays.

“Tennessee’s economy is looking to rebound and these employers are looking for people right now to help businesses stay afloat and to continue to rebound,” Cannon said.

We know places like Amazon and other companies delivering packages need all the help during the holidays. Unlike in past seasons, these companies are now having to meet an increase in demand for their services as COVID-19 has changed the way we exchange gifts.

Travis Guerra of SHR Talent says these are companies hiring right now, but the window to land one of these jobs for the holidays is closing. His advice is to apply before the end of the week.

Typically around this time, Guerra notices companies are much more reluctant to hire while they organize what’s left of their budgets. Lately, Guerra has been encouraged to see the return of widespread hiring on the corporate level.

“It’s good to see roles that are at corporate companies in the HR talent acquisition space or the marketing space ramping back up,” Guerra said.

Guerra says there are of course other jobs making a comeback including nursing and various health care roles. With elective surgeries returning to many hospitals across the state, Guerra says HCA and other companies are actively hiring to fill these positions.

NewsChannel 5 has teamed up with SHR Talent to create a Rebound website where you can find an entire database of job listings. Some of these jobs will detail the salary and pay, but Guerra says it doesn’t hurt to ask in advance.

“Just be clear on the resume what your targeting for compensation,” Guerra said.

Cannon says what’s important is Tennesseans find a way to get back to work as soon as possible. If you’ve gone this long without a job, the state won’t have any income to reference for future unemployment claims. That means if you once again need benefits next year, you may not be eligible.

December 26 is the expiration date for all pandemic-based unemployment programs this year unless Congress signs an extension.

A $748 billion bipartisan COVID-19 relief bill is gaining traction in Washington D.C. This bill would extend the expiring unemployment benefits by at least four months and pay an additional $300 a week.