Formula for Stimulus

April has arrived with just a bit more positive energy on the job front. I have actually seen some hires made in the past few weeks and a handful of employers have indicated they are close to adding additional staff to their very depleted ranks. At the same time, a fair number of hiring managers have shared stories of all time lows in new orders for their goods and services. Trying to analyze which industries are hot has been puzzling as the results of my unofficial canvassing are not showing a steady trend.

My opinion is that the success of a company is driven by some factors they cannot control such as overall demand for what they produce or distribute, transportation costs to get their goods or even their service people to their customers, competition from foreign markets, and the public's perception of the economy. The areas I believe a company can control are quality of product, level of customer support and service, turnaround time for delivering the order, and ability to offer their product at a competitive price. Where some companies appear to be struggling is a reluctance to modify their product or service to the current expectations of their customers. Most consumers are looking for a bigger bang for their dollar and feel entitled to additional bells and whistles at little or no increase in cost to purchase.

This is where the job market could be impacted. Companies that stand by their original concepts and are unwilling to be flexible look to be the ones struggling the most right now. There are many talented individuals on the job market. I suggest that this is a great time to look for talent with innovative ideas, offer them a job, perhaps on a contract to permanent basis initially, and see if they can identify some tweaks to your process which could bring in additional revenue. The old adage that sometimes you have to spend a little money to make money definitely applies here.

Stimulus packages can appear in subtle ways and I think this is one of them. Imagine this, if every employer added 1-2% to their workforce to try to bring in creative minds, the national unemployment rate could possibly drop under 8%. All those people who were re-employed would have money in their pockets to pay off debt and perhaps do a little shopping which would help fill the empty storefronts and put even more people back to work. Feel free to let me know if you think I am dreaming but I trully think this could go somewhere!

PLEASE!! WAKE UP!!

As the recession staggers along, candidates continue to amaze me at how unwilling they are to be flexible. Of late, I have been told that, even though out of work for two years, the option of a 3-6 month assignment will not be considered. Also, since this one candidate is the best in their profession, recruiters should be willing to drop everything and do a customized search! Finally, having never commuted more than 10 miles each way, a 15 mile commute is out of the question (imagine the response if I had suggested a 25 mile drive).

These are a few samples of why unemployment numbers are still too high. Yes, jobs are very, very hard to find but candidates absolutely need to realizes they have to meet the hiring company a bit more than half way right now. I dislike this reality as much as anyone (in fact, it gets under my skin daily) but I go back to a term I learned as a management trainee in the very demanding retail field over 30 years ago: WIT - Whatever It Takes! Hopefully, the day will return when the pool of available, high quality candidates is thin again and employers will hustle to hire the best regardless of price but that is not even close to reality in the relatively near future.

ETC. Plus Some More ETC.!

Since the thoughts of an impending dental appointment in a few hours have me up early, my brain is filled with more items than usual before sunrise this morning. Here is what's on my mind in no particular order:

• The federal government announced we are down to an unemployment rate of 9% but only 30,000 new jobs were created (gosh, that is only 500 per state) last month and they cannot figure out a 0.4% drop if many new jobs did not appear. Perhaps they need to look at how many people no longer are eligible for unemployment benefits or maybe how many jobs remained unfilled for prolonged periods that are now starting to get filled or how many people have taken much lower paying positions just to get back to work!
• Governor Christie in NJ seems hellbent to break up all major labor unions. He is destroying public education (in my opinion) in NJ but even more disturbing is the fact that large, crime ridden cities such as Newark, Jersey City, and Camden have been forced to eliminate up to 50% of their police forces. Does he really think this will somehow stimulate the economy?
• Automotive repair centers are seeing a spike in business due to people attempting to keep their older cars alive longer and from damages and deterioration brought on by this incredibly challenging winter season that the majority of the U.S. is enduring. If you have the proper certifications and experience, go find a job in that field while they last!
• Placements are starting to happen a little bit more frequently and at a bit higher level from what I have experienced of late. Some companies are starting to actually hire full time people for their payroll and the level of jobs open has become a bit more senior. As one client said to me, he hopes this is just not another false start.
• Nobody should consider themselves too old to land a job. Finally, employers are rediscovering the value of hiring someone who has experience (even if not a prefect match), professionalism, and a commitment to do well in their new position!
• On a related thought, never try to hide your age on a resume or dramatically change your appearance to get a job. Go out there just as you are and demonstrate why you will be a great addition to a company!
• A few people have approached me about their adult children who have recently entered the job market for the first time. Right now, my advice is tell them to take any job related to their career goals in any way no matter the pay rate, hours expected of them, title of the job, etc. A start is just that but needs to happen soon than later!
• Retailers are practically giving away merchandise right now so it may be a good time to update your interviewing wardrobe. DO NOT spend a ton of money. Become a creative bargain hunter!
• Finally, if anyone really cares, I pick the "Pack" over the 'Steel Curtain' (I know I am dating myself!) by a score of 16-12 in the Super Bowl.

Have a successful week!

Commitment!!

Commitment is a key part of a job search. One must commit to a certain amount of time each day for the process then stick to the plan. It is okay, especially if you are still somewhat employed, to say that you will search certain days but skip others so long as you do what you say you will each and every week.

Commitment also means keeping your appointments with unemployment office counselors, support groups, contacts who offer you help, etc. Not showing up for a meeting, even if it is only for some free advice, shows a lack of interest in improving your situation. Professionals will not recommend you to their colleagues if they doubt that you will followed through as you could endanger their reputations and they will not risk such an occurrence.

Commitment is crucial to your future success. Make sure you understand and subscribe to this before beginning your quest for a better future!!

New Poll

I just posted a new poll and would like all of you to vote. Disturbingly large numbers of people seem to feel they are entitled to remain on unemployment as their primary income indefinitely even if jobs are offered to them for less than they previously earned. A few folks have told me they have taken contract work then tried to restart their unemployment benefits when the job was finished and it is an absolute nightmare. My solution is to have a graduated benefit where the government makes up the difference between your prior and current pay rate. Please vote on my poll!

Dealing With the Unemployment Office

This morning, a gentleman who sounded genuine in his job search efforts, contacted me. He tried to apply for a job I posted online through the NJ state unemployment office (who, by the way, copied my listing from a paid site and made it look like their posting) and was forced to navigate through a series of unneccessary application forms which were not issued by me! Exasperated, he walked out after jotting down my phone number, called me, explained his problem, and sent his resume straight to my email account. Whether or not he secures this job is not the point of this article. The point is, something is exceptionally wrong with the unemployment assistance process in our country and we better get it repaired immediately!

Job Training Shortcomings

Everyone needs to read the article in today's New York Times about government funded job training for displaced workers. Over $800 Mil is being spent to train people who previously earned in excess of $75K for jobs that barely surpass minimum wage and are in fields that are terribly overcrowded already. The end result for many is that they are replacing their unemployment earnings with welfare checks and we are all paying for this through taxes. Please note that I did vote for President Obama so I am not tossing out some sour grapes but I am very disturbed by the results.

As a former Career Services Director for a proprietary trade school, I witnessed individuals who were pigeon holed by unemployment counselors into accepting training they never wanted because they knew it was a poor fit for them. Usually, the unemployment counselor has a menu of a few available programs and you must select from what is out there, not what is good for you. It appears that the Obama administration simply fed money into this worn out program instead of creating something that would best match the student with the right career move. Again, try to read this article and draw your own conclusions.

PS: If you participated in one of these courses, i would love to hear how you made out!

Etc.

• July is proving to be a mixed bag. While traditionally a slow time for placements, I do see slightly busier than normal activity.
• Pay rates are running about 25-35% lower than they were 2-3 years ago. Think twice before turning down an opportunity as the next one could be for less money!
• The federal government has a huge decision with millions of extensions for unemployment benefits ending this month and I am anxious to see how this is handled.
• Candidates appear willing to take jobs they are extremely overqualified for while employers seem fixated on hiring folks with 2-6 years experience. Simple fact, most of the unemployed population is comprised of those with under 2 years experience and those with 10+ years.
• For some reason, candidates are taking 2-3 days to answer phone calls about potential jobs. Is it frustration, complacency, or something else.

Mixed Reviews

2010 is proving a bit hard to read on the job front thus far. This past week, I reached out to clients in a variety of industries and found things have a very long way to go yet. Medical device manufacturing seems strong as usual; finance and accounting are very weak; publishing is a bit healthier; machine and equipment manufacturing are a bit better than a year ago; while I.T. looks like it has a long and slow trip to recovery. Too many people I chatted with sounded exceptionally concerned about thier futures and were not positive about what they are hearing from the White House or, in the local sector, from Governors Christie or Patterson.

News reports came out yesterday that unemployment rates are climbing because many folks who had stopped looking for work are now trying again. Does this mean that because you take a break from searching for a few months our federal government does not count you as unemployed. Something is terribly wrong with that concept. I was a supporter of change in Washington in 2008 but not very impressed with the results so far. We need to see the real numbers, not manipulated information.

Personally, I was fortunate to start three consultants on new assignments this week so I do see a tiny ray of light shining through! I cannot wait for the day that we are all talking about the great strides beingmade toward recovery! Let's hope that is very soon.

Missing In Action

Are you out of work?... Have your unemployment benefits run out?... Do you have a ton of unpaid bills?... Were you forced to take a low paying job just to stay somewhat afloat?... Without any doubt, is this the worst time you have experienced in your professional life?...

Let me guess, many of you answered yes to most of these questions? If that is true for so many people, why on earth are folks not showing up for interviews? I know of at least four cases in the last month where people with great backgrounds and skill sets simply never appeared for scheduled meetings. Life happens and emergencies develop but that is why cell phones and email were invented (well at least one of the reasons they came along)!

Keep in mind that the person you bl0w off today might hold the key to opportunity somewhere down the road. I remember being blow off years ago and putting the key in my back pocket a few years later!!

February Doldrums

February has been an odd month, snow on the ground in 49 of 50 states in the U.S., Senator Bayh announcing his retirement, the Super Bowl replacing the finale of M*A*S*H* as most watched program ever, President Obama hinted he would try to compromise with his rivals on health care reform, and unemployment rates were dismal once again. Change seems to be taking longer than ever (heck, it is snowing tonight across the Northeast once again).

Does this mean you, a job seeker, should resolve yourself to a month of dead-ends? I say, move forward now! Many of my clients are hinting that they just do not have the resources to meet any sort of increased demands for their goods or services. February is a great month to retrace your steps from a few months back and see if you could rustle up some interviews!! Good luck and never give up!!

Vicious Circle

Unemployed people are facing an unneeded obstacle. If they try to re-enter the workforce by doing contract assignments, they face the risk of either losing unemployment benefits or having to go through the process of filing a fresh claim. This is an unfair burden to place on someone who is is fighting for financial and career stability. It would be great to see our lawmakers at the state and federal levels finds a reasonable solution.

Dear Hiring Manager

The following is a message I want to send to all decision makers at companies of all sizes and types any where and everywhere on behalf of all the hardworking unemployed folks out there waiting for a chance to help your organization:

Dear Hiring Manager;

Your company posted a job opening over 2 months ago for a professional with five years experience in my field. Since I have about ten years of most of the required skill sets, I sent you my resume, emailed a follow-up one week later, left you a voice mail the next week, and finally received a one line email stating I was overqualified. When I tried phoning again, your assistant told me that with so many people out of work you saw no need to hire an over qualified person. As you saw in my cover letter, my last employer went bankrupt over 18 months ago. Rather than collect unemployment, I have taken a series of part-time jobs somewhat related to my field. The chance to re-enter my industry is much more critical than the pay rate right now. If you have been unable to hire the perfect candidate for the last two months, please consider at least meeting with me to see if perhaps I would be suitable for the open job.

Respectfully,
Available to Work

Personal Choices

Working in the staffing field, I talk with people with diverse work experiences and all sorts of philosophies on their careers. From very open-minded hiring managers to those who still think that recession means they will find perfect candidates for 30% below market value to candidates who will do anything to avoid unemployment to those who are collecting their government checks and refusing to job hunt, I hear a little bit of this and a little bit of that each week.

Yesterday, I had a great conversation with someone who has been in the engineering field for a very long time and never had been faced with unemployment until about 2 years ago. Insistent on remaining in his field to keep his career intact and properly provide for his family, this gentleman has juggled contract jobs that require him to at times live in a rented space about 2 hours from home and to live over 1000 miles from his family while commuting home once a month or so. He has never filed an unemployment claim and managed to keep0 plugging away no matter what.

No one has the right to tell you how to manage your career but consider how you stack up against others in your field when making very tough choices! As a recruiter, this is one type of candidate I will always enjoy dealing with as he subscribes to something I had pounded into my head when my career began back in prehistoric (or at least before texting developed) times, do Whatever It Takes to succeed!

Some Very Early December Rantings

For some unknown reason, I am ringing in December 2009 with both some early morning indigestion and insomnia. Of course, I am imagining everything from early onset of H1N1 ( makes me think of being dragged to see Star Trek/Wars) to the seasonal flu (dumb name) to a reaction to some medication changes to some unknown ailment waiting at the door........

Guess what? I figured out my problem! Indigestion was brought on by all the stupid decisions being made by our federal government which will undoubtedly mess up the economy even more resulting in more depressing employment figures to wrap up 2009. Insomnia was brought on by trying to figure out how to motivate my clients, who are desperately short handed to the point of barely being productive, to bring in staff (at least on a short term basis) to meet the needs of their valued customers without losing them to off-shore manufacturers. Also, I would sleep better if the unemployed populus became realistic about what it takes to jump back into the job market therefore making themselves more desirable to future employers once the fog lifts off our shoulders (yes, it has engulfed our heads and is working downward for now) and if I could bring employed folks to their senses about staying put until partial clearing replaces the fog.

Wow! Getting that off my chest was almost as good as a glass of ginger ale. Time to sign off and go find the Canada Dry!