Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Open Positions

Here are some jobs I am trying to fill:
Legal Secretary, Union NJ, temp job requires around 4 years experience with Workers Compensation or Personal Injury from the plaintiff side of the business. Strong dictation skills are needed.

QA Inspectors, Mahwah NJ, long-term temp jobs for 2nd shift require experience with either Product Verification Inspection (visual) or Vended (dimensional) Inspection.

Send resumes to harold@smartstaff.jobs .

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Etc.

  • September is winding to a close and I still think we are much better off than 6 months ago. Job orders are coming in albeit very hard to fill for the most part. Employers need to be realistic about how much to expect from one person even in tough times.
  • The health care mess in Washington certainly has employers concerned about what this will do to benefit plans and cost factors and many I have chatted with are not getting positive vibes.
  • I would love to hear from anyone, corporate or individual, who has profited in any way from all the stimulus money that is apparently out there somewhere. This blogger has not seen it yet!
  • Gasoline prices are dropping of late but please do not stop car pooling, keep the pressure on oil companies!
  • Some retailers are positing job openings for the holiday season, definitely encouraging. if you have been unemployed or under-employed of late, fill out some applications. Not only might you earn some needed income, you might make contacts among vendors and customers that could lead to future prospects!

Friday, September 25, 2009

QA Inspectors Needed

I have a client in Northern NJ with several long term assignments for experienced inspectors from FDA regulated environments. Some of the slots require very hands-on Product Verification Inspection and the others need strong background in Vended Inspection and dimensional examination. If you qualify or know anyone who does, send resumes to harold@smartstaff.jobs.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Protect Yourself

Before anyone cries foul about today's topic I want to make something very clear. Since I became a recruiter back in 19xx (yes- I am getting older by the hour!), my policy has been to never submit a candidate's resume without their permission and to only submit for positions which appear reasonably suitable for said candidate.

Regrettably, I heard two stories today. One involved a candidate who is gainfully employed and told a recruiter she would not entertain temporary Job opportunities. The recruiter phoned her and pushed her to take a day off from work to go on the perfect interview. At the very beginning of the meeting, the hiring manager made it quite clear the job would be for a maximum of six weeks. The second situation was created by a recruiter who 'fixed up' a resume to get his candidate an interview for a job they were not qualified for. Many companies only allow you to apply once every 6-12 months so this placement firm seriously hindered the candidate's chances.

When contacting placement firms, make it clear you have final authority on where your resume will be sent. Should you feel uncomfortable with the response, do not release your resume! Also, ask for a copy of the resume the recruiter is submitting on your behalf. Feel free to contact me with questions, concerns, or stories to share.

Friday, September 18, 2009

L'Shanah Tovah

I wish happy and healthy new year to all who will celebrate Rosh Hashanah this weekend and very good final weekend of the summer to all of you!

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Business is Waking Up!

Folks, I don't want to jinx anyone but something is shaking out there. I have picked up about a dozen new or reactivated requirements from employers since Labor Day. Granted, the life cycle of each search appears to be much slower than in the past but there finally is some movement, at least in the states of NY and NJ. Positions are popping up for QA Inspectors, Engineering Aids, R+D Managers, Paralegals, among others. The area that is not moving is Information Technology and mid-level managers are not in demand at all. One key to grabbing a new job is to take whatever pay rate the employer is offering. Way too many people are stalling, hoping for more money. Remember, you are most likely to get promoted or recruited if actively employed!

Sunday, September 13, 2009

The Middle of the Road

A new challenge seems to be growing every day as we slowly climb out of the economic doldrums of the past 12 months or so. Employers want to hire people with 4-8 years experience in their field but most candidates on the market appear to either have less than 2 years experience or are veterans with 20 or more years. Hiring managers are telling me the more senior folks will be bored and soon quit but the junior candidates simply do not have enough background.

The problem is simple, most of those who are still employed fit the criteria that managers want and will not dare to switch jobs right now. The solution is equally simple. Either hire more senior folks or take in rookies and train them. Senior candidates repeatedly tell me they realize their golden days of high paying jobs is gone for good and they are willing to work hard to maintain more middle range positions.

My advice to employers is to hire the more senior people and pay them what you can. I believe you will be delighted by the results!

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Strange Emotions

Usually, I am not terribly moved by the loss of well known personalities though the recent passing of Senator Ted Kennedy and retired newsman Walter Cronkite both made me pause for a moment. Today has been a bit different for me. Finn Casperson, the retired chairperson of Beneficial Corporation was found dead in his Rhode island home, apparently the result of a self inflicted gunshot to his head. Casperson was highly regard in NJ and globally and was not just a great business leader, he was also a community leader and quite generous to those who had less than he did.

As a young recruiter many years ago, my first placements into the I.T. world were with Beneficial. The placement fees were paid with checks signed by Mr. Casperson. I hope his family will find solace in knowing he did good things for many people including the author of this blog.

Monday, September 7, 2009

Tax Preparers Need to Prepare!

This might sound silly, but now is the time for people with expertise in tax preparation to get themselves together. Go online and take any refreshers available to become comfortable with the current tax changes. Make sure your laptop is ready to go. Most importantly, start compiling lists of accountants and recruiters, update you resume and get it into circulation now!

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Okay, It is September

Well, we survived a long summer and the economy seems just a little less depressing than it did in June and a heck of a lot less pathetic than it did in March. Finally, I am seeing some new job opportunities pop up, albeit in little spurts, not consistent yet. Pay rates are still way below the market value of 2007 but not tail spinning anymore. Employers still seem to be doing reactionary hiring rather than proactive staffing.

Many years back, a wise retailer told me that the key to rebuilding a failing shopping district is to fill the empty storefronts with any sort of legitimate business without being too selective. Once a district looks full, rents start to rise and eventually, the selection of stores will upgrade itself. The same holds true for employment. if you are out of work and a prospect related to your skill set comes along, do not be fussy. Grab it, get back in circulation, then climb your way back up the ladder. As lottery commercials say, if your not in it you will not win!!

Let us all hope that my comments on January 1, 2010, will be even more positive!