10,000 Mile Check-Up

Just like your vehicle's need for regularly scheduled maintenance, your resume travels many places and needs periodic checkups and tuneups as well. Luckily, it is quite easy to freshen up your resume just in time for the beginning of 2017! Whats follows is a list, in new particular order to assist you in this task:

• Ensure that your employment information is up to date and your duties include what you are currently doing.
• Make sure all of your contact information is current. It is acceptable to include social media links (LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.) but make sure your best phone number and email address are also listed.
• Keep your job description and skills information concise, simple, and easy to read.
• Double and triple check your spelling, paying special attention to any cities and/or company names listed.
• List all education including coursework which may not have led to a degree.
• All certifications and awards earned should be posted on your resume.
• Do not list your references on your resume. It is best to have a separate attachment for them and only provide them upon request.
• Never include personal information (marital status, number of children, birth date, religious affiliation, etc.) as none of this should be considered by potential employers when screening candidates.
• The number of pages is driven by the amount of useful information you need to share but remember that Page 1 must be interesting enough to move the reader to Page 2!

There are certainly many other steps to follow but the above are quite essential. I always recommend reviewing your own resume at lest three times then asking at least tow other people to review it. No one is perfect but trying harder will pay off Good luck!

Staff Reductions

From my activity as a career coach, recruiter, and volunteer, I continuously observe the behavior patterns of both small and large organizations, some of which are for-profit while others are non-profit. The methods used for staff reductions and how the situations are handled never cease to both amaze and disturb me at the same time.

One example is a global manufacturer who had retained the services of a contract employee for more than six years over two stretches. The representative from the company called me and said the individual had reached the new time out level for contract employees and would need to have their assignment ended the next day after they left the premises. Although I was unhappy that this was being done near the holiday season, it is a fact of life. However, when I contacted the employee to break the news, he informed me that he had figured it out since his card access within the building had been shut off a few hours earlier and no one would tell him why! In my opinion, that is a poor way to release someone who had been extremely dependable.

Another organization I am familiar with in the technical services industry thinks nothing of calling in senior team leaders, releasing them on the spot, and refusing to pay any type of severance compensation. While severance is not a requirement, it is certainly a reasonable expectation after 5 to 10 years of blemish free service.

Just this week, an educational services company informed dozens of employees at one of their sites that it will close its doors in late April and most of them will not have jobs at another location. Honestly, waiting two weeks to allow the staff and their families an enjoyable holiday period would have been commendable. Yet another organization I am very familiar with abruptly eliminated a handful of positions with the end of 2016.

There are countless additional scenarios I could share from this year and prior years. Suffice it to say that, while staff reductions are sometimes unavoidable, timing and compassion should be utilized if at all possible. Employees are human beings with obligations, both personal and financial, and should be treated properly. I also remind decision makers that today's employee could some day be your boss!

Sr. Software Developer Needed

Our client seeks a Sr. Developer w/5+ yrs. industry exp. w/ Java, JavaScript, CSS, HTML, and HTTP.  Must have proven work exp. developing, testing, troubleshooting and modify code.   Candidates can work remotely from a home office for this 6-9 month assignment.

 ALL CANDIDATES MUST BE ELIGIBLE TO WORK IN THE U.S. WITHOUT SPONSORSHIP.  THIRD PARTY AGENCY SUBMITTALS ARE NOT NEEDED AT PRESENT!

Resumes to Harold@smartstaff.jobs or call Harold Levin at 908-508-0300, ext. 104

Networking Opportunities!

Monday, December 19th, from 7:00 am - 9:30 am: The Monday’s @ 7 Group will host Dr. Leonaura Rhodes, Director of Programming for Project: Job Search, and an expert in career transition, who will give a presentation titled: Stress Busting Strategies for Job Seekers.  Job seeking is tough.  It is a time of uncertainty, change and stress.  Unfortunately this stress can have a major impact on your health, your relationships and your ability to land your dream job, or even any job.  An essential part of the job seeking process is to understand and manage your stress.  Leonaura will discuss: 1) The science behind your stress, 2) Identifying your sources of stress, including those specific to job seeking, 3) Developing a stress management toolkit and daily stress management routine, 4) Getting your body and mind healthy so that you get stressed less often, and 5) Becoming a more confident, energetic job seeker. For further information, contact Ed Thomas at 1-203-981-4648 or ejjthomasjr@gmail.com, or the group’s website at http://www.mondaysat7.org/. The meeting is at the Westport United Methodist Church, 49 Weston Road, Westport, CT 06880 (Exit 42 off the Merritt Parkway).

Monday, December 19^th from 10:30 am - 1:00 pm: Professional Service Group of Central NJ wishes everyone Happy Holidays.  No Meeting until the New Year.  PSG will resume on January 2, 2017. Additional information is available at: www.psgcnj.biz.  PSGCNG meets every Monday, except holidays.  The meeting will be at First United Methodist Church of Somerville, 48 West High Street, Somerville, NJ 08876.

Monday, December 19^th from 6:00 - 9:00 pm: The Westchester Networking Organization (WNO) will host their 8th Annual Year-end Potluck Supper and Networking Meeting.  Agenda: Good food ... Good friends ... Good times. If you can bring a food dish, please be sure to let us know. The WNO hosts meetings on the third Monday of each month.  For additional information, or to register for this event, please visit WNO’s website at: http://wno.weebly.com. The meeting will be at the Croton Free Library, 171 Cleveland Drive, Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520.

Monday, December 19th, from 6:30 – 8:45 pm, The Warren Financial Executive Network Group (FENG) will host Janelle Razzino, President, Razzino Associates, who will give a presentation titled: Mediocre to Magnificent.  We stop ourselves from achieving our full potential not because we aim too high and miss, but because we aim too low and HIT. What is the maximum level I want to achieve? What can I do to raise the ceiling? Is my commitment to growth and learning ongoing? Let’s do it NOW. The meeting will end early enough to allow for networking afterwards.  We invite other networking groups to attend, such as: The Breakfast Club, Careers in Transition, Career Connections Consortium, Career Forum, and NJ-SENG. Register at http://www.thefeng.org/chapters/announcement.php?ChapterID=45. The meeting is at the Morris County Library, 30 East Hanover Avenue, 1st Floor Conference Room, Whippany, NJ 07981.

Tuesday, December 20th, from 7:00 - 8:30 pm: The Newtown Career Networking Group will offer a presentation titled: The Networked Job Search.  You have done the research, developed the tools, and put a search plan in place. So you are ready to go.  Let's show you how to put those tools to good use; tell the people around you who you are, what you do, and why you would be a great asset for the RIGHT company. Please RSVP at: newtownnetworking@gmail.com.For more information, contact the church at 1-215-968-3861 or www.newtownnetworking.org.  The meeting is at The Newtown Presbyterian Church, Reception Hall, 25 North Chancellor Street, Newtown, PA 18940.

Tuesday, December 20th, from 12:00 noon - 1:30 pm: The New York Science, Industry and Business Library will host John Crant, who will give a presentation titled: Building Your Professional Network with LinkedIn and How To Use It In Your Job Search.  John will discuss how to start networking with LinkedIn.com’s networking personal profiles and then use your expanded network in your search for your next career challenge. The discussion includes: 1) Your LinkedIn Profile, and Creating Your Own Personal Network, 2) Networking Strategies to Expand Your Network, 3) Whom should I link with on LinkedIn, 4) Joining Groups will Benefit You in ways that You May Not Realize, 5) Why Your Blog should be Linked to Your LinkedIn Profile, 6) Expert Questions, Job Listings and More, Right on LinkedIn, and 7) Why Giving and Receiving Recommendations for Your Profile on LinkedIn is More Important than it Seems.  The meeting is at the New York Science, Industry and Business Library, 188 Madison Avenue @ 34th Street, New York, NY 10016.

Tuesday, December 20th, from 1:15 noon - 2:30 pm: The New York Science, Industry and Business Library will offer a program titled: Career Resources. Explore job/career resources available at the Science, Industry and Business Library (SIBL) and other public sites; Find industry and career advice, resume guides and more.  The meeting is at the New York Science, Industry and Business Library, 188 Madison Avenue @ 34th Street, New York, NY 10016.

Tuesday, December 20th, from 7:30 - 9:30 pm: The Career Forum will host Lloyd Feinstein, a career coach, who will give a presentation titled: Getting The Job You Should Want. For more information, contact Sylvia Velez at 1-908-630-3530 or email svelez@somersethillsymca.org.  The meeting is at the Somerset Hills YMCA, 140 Mt. Airy Rd, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920.

Wednesday, December 21st, from 1:00 - 3:00 pm: The New York Science, Industry and Business Library will offer a program titled: AARP Back To Work 50+ Virtual Career Network.  Explore job strategies for 50+ workers.  The Virtual Career Network can help you prepare and qualify for a well-paying job and a rewarding career in Healthcare, Green Economy or Transit by connecting you to the education and training you need. The meeting is at the New York Science, Industry and Business Library, 188 Madison Avenue @ 34th Street, New York, NY 10016.

Wednesday, December 21st, from 1:30 – 4:30 pm:  The ChemPharma Association will host Frank Morales is a Professional Development Specialist, who will give a presentation titled: Utilizing DISC (Personality Styles) to Grow Your Network, Build Your Business, and Advance Your Career. Are you a bottom-line person or do you like a lot of details? Do you consider yourself a people-person who likes working with teams, or would you rather work independently? Do you know how to identify these and other personality attributes in yourself and others? Come to this informative and powerful session and utilize what you learn immediately in both your business and personal life. Please prepare about 20 copies of a one page summary of your background, skill sets and target companies to share with others during the networking sessions. The meeting is at the Morris County Library, 30 East Hanover Ave, Whippany, NJ 07981.  Please register at:  www.chempharma.net.

Wednesday, December 21st, from 7:00 - 9:00 pm: GenY Networking Group Will Not Meet Until the New Year. GenY wishes everyone a Safe and Happy Holiday. Meetings will resume on January 4, 2017.  The group meets twice monthly on Wednesdays. For additional information or to register, please contact Joe Finazzo at joseph.finazzo@yahoo.com. The meeting is at the Library of the Chathams, 214 Main Street, Chatham, NJ 07928.

Wednesday, December 21st from 7:30 - 9:15 pm. Job Seekers of Montclair will host their Annual Holiday Pot Luck Party.  Join us for a fun, free session to catch up with members and group leaders. Please feel free to bring your favorite holiday treat to share with others. Additional information is available at: http://www.jobseekersofmontclair.org/. The meeting is at St. Luke’s Church Hall, 73 South Fullerton Avenue (corner of Union Street), Montclair, NJ 07042.

Thursday, December 22nd, from 10:30 – 11:45 pm: The New York Science, Industry and Business Library will offer a special program titled: Are you Fluent in LinkedIn.  Learn strategies and tips on how to utilize your LinkedIn account in your job search, including customizing your LinkedIn profile, strategies for determining LinkedIn groups to join, performing basic and advanced job search using LinkedIn, and more.  The meeting is at the New York Science, Industry and Business Library, 188 Madison Avenue @ 34th Street, New York, NY 10016.

Thursday, December 22nd, from 2:00 - 4:30 pm: The New York Science, Industry and Business Library will host Sherry Natkow, who will give a presentation titled: Crafting an Elevator Pitch. It is the holiday season, so how's your elevator pitch?  Will it start a conversation?  A proven way to make a positive first impression is with a well-crafted elevator pitch. It communicates your core information quickly and is adaptable for using at a cocktail party, at the gym, or at a conference. Your elevator pitch can also be tweaked for LinkedIn, cover letters, email introductions, and cold calls. Sherry will offer a step-by-step approach to crafting a successful elevator pitch. Learn how to effortlessly answer, So tell me about yourself, with confidence. Participants should bring a copy of their resume with them. The meeting is at the New York Science, Industry and Business Library, 188 Madison Avenue @ 34th Street, New York, NY 10016.

Thursday, December 22nd, from 7:15 PM - 9:00 pm. Fair Lawn Library Job Group (FLJG) will discuss Cover Letters.   Rosanna Conti, a certified School Counselor, will lead a discussion on how to write the T cover letter, pain cover letter, and basic cover letter using a holiday slant.  In addition, the group will celebrate the holidays with finger foods (cookies, vegetables, etc.). Please bring food to share with others.  For Further Information, please contact Leslie Krueger at 201-796-3400, ext. 5. The meeting will be held in the Director's office at Maurice M. Pine Library, 10-01 Fair Lawn Avenue, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410.

Friday, December 23^rd: The Princeton Public Library and the Professional Service Group of Mercer County (PSGMC): No Meeting due to the Christmas Day Holiday weekend. PSGMC wishes everyone a Safe and Happy Holiday. Visit the PSG of Mercer County  website to learn about the numerous resources available there. Meetings are held at the Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, NJ 08542.

Monday, December 26th, from 7:00 am - 9:30 am: The Monday’s @ 7 Group. No Meeting due to the Christmas Day Holiday weekend. The group wishes everyone a Safe and Happy Holiday. For further information, contact Ed Thomas at 1-203-981-4648 or ejjthomasjr@gmail.com, or the group’s website athttp://www.mondaysat7.org/. The meeting is at the Westport United Methodist Church, 49 Weston Road, Westport, CT 06880 (Exit 42 off the Merritt Parkway).

Monday, December 26th from 10:30 am - 1:00 pm: Professional Service Group of Central NJ wishes everyone Happy Holidays.  No Meeting until the New Year.  PSGCNJ wishes everyone a Safe and Happy Holiday. Meetings will resume on Tuesday, January 3, 2017. Additional information is available at: www.psgcnj.biz.  PSGCNG meets every Monday, except holidays.  The meeting will be at First United Methodist Church of Somerville, 48 West High Street, Somerville, NJ 08876.

Monday, December 26th, from 7:00 – 9:00 pm: Temple Community Network (TCN). TCN wishes everyone Happy Holidays. There will be No Meeting this month due to scheduling conflicts. The group typically meets on the fourth Monday of each month. Directions to Barnert Temple at: http://www.barnerttemple.org/Directions. For more information, contact Bob Roman at: broman235@gmail.com. The meeting is at Barnert Temple, 747 Route 208 South, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417.

Tuesday, December 27th, from 10:00 am – 12:30 pm. The Professional Service Group of New Brunswick (PSGNB) will host a free workshop titled: Resume Writing. Learn how to customize your resume for each job and use C.A.R. (Challenge, Action, Result) stories to convey your competitive advantage. For the schedule and to learn more about the organization and activities visit the website at: PSGNB.org. The workshops are held at the Kennedy branch of The Piscataway Public Library, 500 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854.

Wednesday, December 27th, from 11:00 am – 1:30 pm: Free Online Live Webinar hosted by Tom Powner of Career Thinker Inc. who will give a presentation titled: Writing a Winning Resume that Brands and Markets YOU.   Whether you are actively searching for a job, just thinking about a new job or career or you want to be prepared, invest in yourself and attend our resume writing workshop to help make your resume a winning one that brands you to your target career. Tom will discuss: The true 5 purposes of your resume, Understanding branding and marketing in your resume, Putting Jane Doe’s before resume to the test, What really happens with your resume when applying to online job postings, Tips on getting your resume through Applicant Tracking System, Why a typical Jane Doe resume does not work, Understanding resume keywords and how to find them, How to show your Return on Investment value on your resume, Formatting tips for your resume, Putting Jane Doe’s new winning resume to the test, and Top do’s and don’ts for resumes. Advanced registration is required at:http://events-careerthinker-.eventbrite.com/.

Tuesday, December 27th, from 7:30 - 9:30 pm: The Career Forum will host Lloyd Feinstein, a career coach, who will give a presentation titled: P-A-R Theory and Workshop.  The Problem, Action, Result (PAR) format is the gold standard for resume writing by showcasing your accomplishments.  When you apply the PAR format, your resume automatically answers the interviewer’s hidden question, namely, why should we believe that you can do what you say you can do.  Lloyd will discuss how using PAR demonstrates the business impact of your actions, all described in terms of the employer's point of view.  Utilizing this format will help you stand out and make your resume become memorable.  For more information, contact Sylvia Velez at 1-908-630-3530 or email svelez@somersethillsymca.org.  The meeting is at the Somerset Hills YMCA, 140 Mt. Airy Rd, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920.

Wednesday, December 28th, from 1:00 - 3:00 pm: The New York Science, Industry and Business Library will offer a program titled: AARP Back To Work 50+ Virtual Career Network.  Explore job strategies for 50+ workers.  The Virtual Career Network can help you prepare and qualify for a well-paying job and a rewarding career in Healthcare, Green Economy or Transit by connecting you to the education and training you need. The meeting is at the New York Science, Industry and Business Library, 188 Madison Avenue @ 34th Street, New York, NY 10016.

Thursday, December 29th, from 7:15 PM - 9:00 PM. Fair Lawn Library Job Group (FLJG) will discuss will discuss how to overcome job search obstacles.  At this meeting, Rosanna Conti, a certified School Counselor, will discuss job search best practices; and, give pointers on overcoming other problems members are encountering. In addition, the group will celebrate the holidays with finger foods (cookies, vegetables, etc.). Please bring food to share with others.  For Further Information, please contact Leslie Krueger at 201-796-3400, ext. 5. The meeting will be held in the Director's office at Maurice M. Pine Library, 10-01 Fair Lawn Avenue, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410.

Friday, December 30th: The Princeton Public Library and the Professional Service Group of Mercer County (PSGMC): No Meeting due to the New Year’s Day Holiday weekend. PSGMC wishes everyone a Safe and Happy Holiday. Visit the PSG of Mercer County  website to learn about the numerous resources available there. Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, NJ 08542.

Tuesday, January 3rd, from 7:00 - 8:30 pm: The Newtown Career Networking Group will offer a presentation titled: How to Build a Killer LinkedIn Profile.  LinkedIn is your single most powerful tool. With over 350 million subscribers It is essential to any successful job search, but how do you distinguish yourself from the crowd.  Certainly you need to do more than hang out a shingle. You need to quickly catch your audience's attention and get them interested, but do not tell them everything. Intrigue and the desire to learn more makes them want to contact you.  Make it easy for them to do so bring a big notebook tonight. You will need it. Please RSVP at: newtownnetworking@gmail.com. For more information, contact the church at 1-215-968-3861 or www.newtownnetworking.org.  The meeting is at The Newtown Presbyterian Church, Reception Hall, 25 North Chancellor Street, Newtown, PA 18940.

Tuesday, January 3rd, from 7:30 - 9:30 pm: The Career Forum will host Janelle Razzino, President, Razzino Associates, who will give a presentation titled:Mediocre to Magnificent, Believing You Can Have The Position You Want. For more information contact Sylvia Velez email her at svelez@somersethillsymca.org or call her at 1-908-630-3530.  The meeting is at the Somerset Hills YMCA, 140 Mt. Airy Rd, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920.

The New York Science, Industry and Business Library, located at 188 Madison Avenue @ 34th Street, New York, NY 10016-4314, offers an extensive series of weekly programs pertaining to job search, training, and career advice.  Inquiries about programs may be made by calling 917-275-6975, Monday to Saturdayfrom 9 am to 6 pm.  Click on their link at: http://www.nypl.org/events/calendar?location=65 for a detailed list of upcoming classes.  In addition to these great in-person classes, the library also recorded some of the presentations and they are available 24/7 on-line at: http://www.nypl.org/node/90324.  Check them out, I am sure you will be pleasantly surprised by the amount of helpful information awaiting you.

Free Pro Bono Career Coaching.  Career Coaching is a PRO BONO / FREE service available to job seekers who wish to focus an existing job search strategy and/or gain insight on how to craft an effective self-marketing plan. Each session is comprised of a 50 minute meeting with a volunteer Job Coach at SIBL's Madison Avenue location.  To make an appointment for a PRO BONO / FREE coaching session, please visit:

http://www.genbook.com/bookings/slot/reservation/30075466

Please provide your name, phone number, e-mail address, and specific goals. If you do not have an e-mail address, please input noemail@email.com when prompted. Once booked, an e-mail confirmation and follow-up reminder will be sent to the e-mail address provided. In addition, you may also receive a courtesy telephone call confirming your appointment.  If you have any questions, please contact the Job Search Central Manager at jscnypl@nypl.org or call 1-212-592-7006.

The United Way of Northern New Jersey offers Free Career Coaching.  The program provides professionals with an opportunity to learn techniques for success in the workplace and shares local resources for job training.  Obtain help with topics such as:  Tools to brand yourself, Updating your resume and cover letter, Career networking tips, Techniques to ace your next interview, Strategies for resume distribution, Counseling on alternative career paths, Advice on dressing for success, and Help setting and achieving short and long-term career goals.  These one-on-one sessions are by appointment only. Please click on this link for additional details:  UW Career Coaching Flyer_2016.pdf. Additional information is available at: http://www.unitedwaynnj.org/newsevents/uwevents_template0.php?event_id=1170&frm= To make an appointment, email Durelle McPherson or call 1.973.993.1160, ext. 210.  The meetings are at United Way of Northern New Jersey, Suite 205, 60 South Fullerton Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042.

The Westport Public Library, located at 20 Jesup Road, Westport, CT 06880 offers an interesting series of weekly programs pertaining to job search, training, and career advice. Click on their link at: http://www.westportlibrary.org/events for a detailed list of upcoming events. In addition, many of these informative presentations are recorded and the podcasts can be viewed 24/7, when time allows, at: http://www.westportlibrary.org/digital/podcasts/search-results?podcast_terms=jobseeker. This is a time saving and cost effective way of seeing a great presentation, from the comfort and convenience of your home. Isn’t technology great!

Webinars Featuring Kathy Bernard, a public speaker, career coach, resume writer, and expert LinkedIn profile optimizer who has helped thousands land satisfying careers. Kathy is also the creator of WiserU.com, where you can find career and LinkedIn services and tips.  Check out Kathy’s numerous presentations, such as: How to Research and Impress Hiring Companies, Strong Online Identity, Pre-Employment Personality Tests, Negotiating Salary, LinkedIn Boot Camp, Use LinkedIn to Attract Employers, Networking Into A Job, Landing a Job After 40, Business Leads from LinkedIn, Outmaneuver Online Job Applications, How to SHOW and TELL You Are the Best, Mastering Online Job Applications, Mastering Interviews, Tips for Snagging Business on LinkedIn, Transform Your Resume, and Working With Recruiters.  To view Kathy’s presentations, Click Here for the Recording & Slides  Kathy does a great job with her presentations, I am sure that you will find them most helpful and very informative.

Wednesdays, from 7:30 - 9:15 pm. Job Seekers of Montclair, located at St. Luke’s Church Hall, 73 South Fullerton Avenue (corner of Union Street), Montclair, NJ 07042. A nonsectarian job-search, career-change and support group meets; various speakers deliver on topics such as: recognizing your accomplishments, resumes, and networking. For a schedule of upcoming presentations, click on their link at: http://www.jobseekersofmontclair.org/, or call (973) 783-3442 for additional information.

Project Manager Opportunity in Boston!

If you, or someone you know fits the following, submit resumes to harold@smartstaff.jobs and please mention this blog post:
 Opportunity to join a leading a technology leader in the Boston area on a 1 year contract.  Position requires at least 5 yrs. of PM exp. w/ Information Technology Library (ITIL) and Configuration Management Database (CMDB). ServiceNow is desired. Bachelors Degree needed.  PMI or similar training good to have.  Must have proven exp. assembling and managing teams responsible for software development, hardware configuration, IT management, etc.  Candidates must currently reside in the greater Boston MA area.  Those in need of sponsorship will not be considered at present.

Networking Opportunity

Jewish Family Service of Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties is offering a Job Seekers Success Group for active job seekers who are unemployed, underemployed or seeking a career change.  The next group will be held on Wednesday, January 4, 2017 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at JFS, 150-A West High Street, Somerville, NJ.

            The topic for this session is “Secrets of the Job Search Process: What Really Works” presented by Allan Weisberg, Co-President, Next Chapter Coaching and Consulting.

            This group is offered free of charge and is open to the entire community.  Funding for this program is provided by grants from The Arnold A. Schwartz Foundation and Magyar Bank. To register or for information about Career Counseling Services, please contact Elise Prezant at 908-725-7799 X108 or eprezant@JewishFamilySvc.org.

Elise Prezant

Jewish Family Service of Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties

150-A West High Street

Somerville, NJ 08876

908-725-7799 X108

908-725-0284-fax

Tax Season Opportunity

My client is in need of an experienced tax preparing for the upcoming season.  All candidates must have several years’ experience preparing business and individual returns using Lacerte.This position will be located in the Kenileorth NJ area.  All candidates must have a PTIN.  For more info, submit resumes to Harold@smartstaff.jobs or call Harold Levin at 908-508-0300.

December is for Job Hunting!

Once Thanksgiving comes and goes, many candidates get sluggish in their job search efforts because of the misconception that no one actually makes hiring decisions for non-seasonal work during the holiday period. During my first year in the staffing field back in the 1980's, many of my recruiting colleagues took advantage of relaxed December office hours to partake in holiday festivities. A few of us plugged along, maintained our daily routine and kept contacting employers. In late December, I scheduled a slate of candidates to interview for computer operations jobs leading to two people beginning new positions during the first week of the new year!

Another year, I had a client in need of hiring a contractor into a scientific research position. The ultimate decision maker was returning to the U.S. on December 24 and the hire was to go into effect December 26 pending his approval. My candidate sat down with the client around 5:00 PM on December 24 and began work two days later!

As I write this commentary on December 8, I am pleased to report that my third placement of the week begins today. One hire was the result of a rather detailed hiring process, another was confirmed on Thanksgiving Eve and the third was due to a very proactive candidate who quickly progressed through the hiring process this week.

The message here is that someone in need of work should never shift into low gear. There are definitely recruiters and hiring managers who keep working regardless of the date or season. Because some of your counterparts may slack off, your resume might get significantly more visibility. While there is certainly an argument to be made for enjoying the holiday season, there certainly will be more reasons to enjoy the season once you have landed a great job!