Mixed signals for job seekers

Mixed signals for job seekers

When it comes to the job market, timing may be important, but it's not everything.
And that may be good news for the Class of 2008. With rosy employment predictions from fall meeting recent speculation of a recession, career directors at universities everywhere are getting mixed signals.
If their worst fears are realized, it could mean that students who received offers in the fall might find themselves jobless on graduation day.
"What I suspect will happen is that opportunities will be offered -- this is a little scary to say, because I would hate for our students to think about this. But offers will be made, and offers will be accepted and, by and large, all of those will be honored," said Donna Cassell Ratcliffe, director of career services at Virginia Tech. "But it's not unusual around April, May, June for those companies, some of those companies, get back to their students ... and move start dates back from May to July to September."
And some job offers may be simply pulled off the table, she said. Cassell Ratcliffe has worked in career services at universities for 26 years and has seen her share of recessions and their effects on the job market. She advises students to save business cards and stay in touch with employers, even if they've already accepted a job.
But that doesn't mean students shouldn't still honor their words.
"One of the things that we always stress to students is that your commitment should be sound," she said. "You shouldn't be looking for a better offer and then go back to them and say, 'Oh, I found a better offer.' "
Despite her words of caution, Cassell Ratcliffe said that even if a recession does hit, students shouldn't panic.
"People still need to hire," she said. "It just may not be their first, ideal job."
Cassell Ratcliffe's office is busy this time of year working with students anxious to get those job offers, recession or no recession. February is filled with job fairs that will bring hundreds of employers to campus, and career development staff meet regularly with students to polish their resumes.
At a resume workshop in late January, organizers passed along tips for students seeking jobs, such as following up with companies and keeping pages of social-networking Web sites free of embarrassing information.
And listing an e-mail address on your resume is a good idea.

Job Seekers Information

MPS Group

MPS Group is successful bidder for Chimes’ assets

Beeline, the workforce solutions business unit of MPS Group, Inc. announced Thursday that it was the successful bidder for the assets of Chimes, a competing vendor management solution. The closing of the transaction is subject to certain contingencies, but it is anticipated the transaction will close by the end of the month.


Chimes was founded in 1998 and is a leading provider of vendor management software and onsite services. In February 2007, Chimes was purchased by Axium International, which filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy on Jan. 9. Wednesday, the assets of Chimes — including software platforms and related intellectual property — were auctioned through bankruptcy proceedings in the United States District Court in Los Angeles

Managing a Contingent Workforce in the Retail sector

Recruitment is now the primary problem for more than half of all UK companies, ahead of business strategy or management, according to a study from accountancy consultancy KPMG and the Recruitment and Employment Confederation. Annual turnover of the industry in Europe exceeded €90 billion in 2006, accounting for an impressive 45% of the industry’s worldwide turnover.Overall recruitment industry turnover in the UK exceeded £25 billion for the first time and now stands at £26,673 million, an increase of 7.4% on the previous survey of 2006. The temporary/contract sector spends in excess of £23.4 million a year in the UK through more than 17,000 recruitment agencies, making the temporary agency labour market a highly fragmented industry. With the resource frequently sourced at point of use and the difficulties associated with implementing centrally controlled purchasing systems, it is easy to see why the £25 billion contingent workforce spend is often poorly leveraged and badly managed. Companies who operate with a large contingent workforce must keep control of pay rates and costs as well as ensuring they are 100% compliant with the law so they can protect their company from a host of legal issues.However, temporary labour is an extremely useful business resource in terms of offering employers reduced wage and benefit costs, increased workforce flexibility, accommodating seasonal trading patterns, providing assistance with special projects and staff replacement. Companies who operate with a large contingent workforce are now addressing the complications of operating within temporary labour industry.Co-operative Retail Logistics (CRL), who are part of the Co-operative Group (CWS) Ltd, the largest consumer co-operative in the UK leaders and operate with a contingent workforce, identified nationwide variations in staff quality, pay and charge rates and service agreements supplied by temporary agencies. They sought an opportunity to reduce their overall temporary agency labour expenditure and improve service delivery from agencies and turned to de Poel Consulting to help make these changes.de Poel Consulting is an independent consultancy that specialises in helping major blue chip companies reduce costs and other issues associated with temporary labour. By engaging with over 750 recruitment agencies on a weekly basis and as one of the UK’s top purchasers of temporary labour their negotiating ability is powerful. Their expertise and knowledge of the industry is backed up with a web-based invoicing and timesheet processing system.Importantly, this type of outsourcing does not cost any money. de Poel’s solutions require no capital expenditure and fees are based on a percentage of the direct savings achieved. John Simmonds, Managing Director explains “we visited all of the CRL sites using temporary labour to determine existing supply arrangements and local requirements and to identify current service levels and pay and charge rates. Our objective was to create a level playing field of agency supply by setting rules for pay and charge rates and putting in place accurate quality and service measurements.” A new pricing structure was proposed along with a new standardised service agreement and a series of KPI’s to measure supplier service delivery. An examination of CRL’s IT operation ensured that de Poel’s groundbreaking e-tips™ time sheet and invoice processing software could easily be integrated into their systemsThe introduction of a new national pricing matrix with regional variations has provided CRL with substantial cost savings whilst the standardised service agreement has protected their company’s interests. CRL is now receiving precise information on agency performance and as a result, have been able to increase their suppliers’ commitment and improve service delivery.With e-tips™ in operation, back office costs have been dramatically reduced and agency invoices have been consolidated to just a single, electronic invoice each week. CRL have also been given access to accurate management information, providing complete visibility and control of agency costs. With their recruitment process now streamlined CRL is able to focus on their strategic business objectives.de Poel is playing an integral part in “raising the bar” in terms of service quality within the recruitment industry, as well as helping to grow and modernise the industry as a whole.

http://www.onrec.com/newsstories/20013.asp

Tomax Workforce Management Solution

Tomax is the leading provider of real-time merchandising and store execution applications and services. The Tomax Retail.net suite helps retailers connect the dots across the demand-driven retail continuum, integrating people and processes, and providing timely, relevant, actionable information to improve retail results. Tomax has served retailers exclusively for more than 20 years, delivering Merchandise Planning, In-Season Merchandising, Merchandise Management, Workforce Management, Store Operations and Customer Management solutions, andimplementation and application hosting services. The Tomax customer base includes over 100 branded retailers including Air Terminal Gifts, The Andersons, ALCO Stores, Coach House Gifts, EZ Lube, Kelly-Moore Paints, Pamida, Party City, Raley's Supermarkets, ShopRite, Snyders Drug Stores, Sportsman's Warehouse, Trader Joe's, Travel Traders, Winn Dixie, and 24 Hour Fitness.

Workforce Management

Tomax Corporation is pleased to announce the expansion of its current relationship with Save Mart Supermarkets. Earlier last year, Save Mart chose to implement Tomax’ Workforce Management solution, including labor forecasting and scheduling in 127 stores that were acquired from Alberstons LLC. In December, the business decided to purchase additional licenses to implement Tomax Workforce Management in their remaining 125 Save Mart and Food Maxx bannered stores.
The Workforce Management solution, a component of the Tomax solution suite called Demand- Driven Retail Continuum, is used to control labor costs and boost customer satisfaction by creating accurate schedules to support all retail processes at the stores, including customer service. In the United States, the Tomax Workforce Management solution supports labor forecasting, scheduling and time and attendance processes for more than 7,800 stores and 1.5 million employees.
Steve Gaines, Sr. Director of Retail Efficiencies at Save Mart, said, “Save Mart has had a very successful relationship with Tomax over the years and is looking forward to completing our enterprise-wide implementation of Workforce Manager. Workforce Manager is a key strategic step towards optimizing our planning, execution, and measurement of labor efficiency and labor effectiveness.
“We are delighted to expand our relationship with Save Mart. As a result of twenty years of experience in retail labor management, Tomax offers a robust, easy to use workforce management solution that manages payroll costs while improving customer service, as well as connecting the dots across people and processes to maximize operational effectiveness,” commented Tomax CEO Eric

Five High-Paying Careers in Two Years or Less

Forensic Science Technician
You've seen the TV shows -- these professionals collect and analyze physical evidence and document laboratory methods and findings. Computer skills and attention to detail are crucial as collection and processing of materials must be spot-on to safeguard evidence.

Forensic science technicians should develop a strong base in math and science as preparation for their associate degree, typically earned in applied science or science-related technology. Coursework will include laboratory work and hands-on learning. Once in the field, technicians can choose to specialize in a certain type of analysis or examination.

Median annual earnings: $44,010

Five High-Paying Careers in Two Years or Less

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Also known as ultrasonographers, diagnostic medical sonographers can specialize in obstetrics and gynecology, abdominal or breast sonography, or neurosonography.
A strong background in math and science is recommended, as associate degree coursework will include anatomy, physics, and physiology. A good bedside manner enables the to explain complex procedures to patients and reassure those who fear the health matters the testing may reveal.

Median annual earnings: $52,490.

Five High-Paying Careers in Two Years or Less

Fashion Designer

In this creative field, an inherent artistic ability and eye for detail, color, balance, and proportion are necessary. Ingenuity is key, as are sewing, pattern-making, and sketching abilities.
Designers usually hold at least a two-year associate degree in fashion design or fine arts. They must be knowledgeable about textiles, ornamentation, fabrics, and fashion trends, and exhibit communication and presentation skills, problem-solving abilities, and the willingness to work occasional long hours and travel to trade and fashion shows.

Median annual earnings: $55,840.

Five High-Paying Careers in Two Years or Less

Dental Hygienist
Employment of dental hygienists is projected to grow much faster than average for all occupations through 2014, ranking among the Bureau of Labor Statistics' list of fastest-growing occupations.
To practice in a dental office, hygienists must earn an associate degree or certificate from a school accredited by the American Dental Association Commission of Dental Accreditation. A base of biology, chemistry, and math courses are advised, and program coursework will include clinical, laboratory, and classroom instruction.
Median annual earnings: $58,350.

Factors That Will Affect Your Career This Year

The Global Economy
Challenger doesn't believe the nation is headed for a recession. "The housing market is slowing down the U.S. economy, but the positive affects of the global growth engine will offset what is happening domestically."
He also believes that the weak U.S. dollar isn't necessarily bad for business. In fact, the opposite may be true. "It means that U.S. businesses can compete around the world, especially vis-a-vis Europe, because our goods will be cheaper due to the weaker dollar. When businesses in other countries repatriate the dollar across the seas, they'll get even more for their money."
He admits, "The falling dollar is a mixed bag for the economy, but it's good for global business hiring and job growth."

Factors That Will Affect Your Career This Year

Generation Y
Born between 1977 and 1995, Generation Y is 79.8 million strong. In 2008, millions of these echo boomers, as they're also called, will be looking for work. Challenger predicts that competition for jobs for new graduates will be stiffer than in recent years.
He notes, "Generation Y workers are flooding into the job market, but they might not be flooded with job offers."
He says the class of 2008 shouldn't expect the same robust job market their counterparts enjoyed in previous years. "Since the summer of 2003, the market was very strong for graduates, but job creation has slowed in the second half of 2007. The economy is slowing down, and business owners may be more cautious about adding new staff."

Factors That Will Affect Your Career This Year

The U.S. Presidential Election
Much will change with the outcome of the 2008 presidential election -- but not all of it depends on the winner's party affiliation.
"Stem cell research has been on hold for the last several years, but it looks like both parties have an interest in that. Biotech and genome work will also be hot areas, post-election," predicts Challenger.
"If the Democrats win and they do move the country out of Iraq more quickly, defense spending will be affected. That's been a growth area in the economy." But, he counters, "A national health-care plan might be a job creator. If you expand coverage to more people, you'll need more providers. Health care is one of the strongest areas for job creation in the economy."
He also foresees more growth in "green" jobs if a Democrat wins the election.

Factors That Will Affect Your Career

The High Price of Fuel
The cost of getting to and from work keeps getting higher as fuel costs skyrocket. Single car commuters aren't the only ones affected, as major metropolitan areas will see public transportation costs increase.
Challenger says, "The cost of getting to a job that's far from home has jumped considerably. People might be spending double what they did just three or four years ago."
The trend is alarming. "A lack of mobility on such a vital part of the workforce is a real drag on the economy, but no one seems to be able to resolve the issue."

Factors That Will Affect Your Career

1. The Housing Crisis
You can't pick up a newspaper these days without seeing a headline about the sub-prime mortgage crisis and the downturn in real estate -- and that's with good reason.
"The ongoing housing crisis affects not just subprime lenders, but banks, realtors, home retailers, construction and renovation contractors, building materials companies, and others," Challenger says. And, unlike problems in the automotive industry, for example, "This crisis is so geographically dispersed, so very far-reaching. Every region of the country is going to face difficulties."
Even if you don't work in one of the aforementioned fields, the housing crisis will still impact consumer spending. Challenger says, "Because of the fact that consumers can no longer use their homes as piggy banks, they're losing the ability to spend. And consumer spending constitutes two-thirds of our economic growth."

Apply without providing the salary information you requested:

Why it Matters: Many candidates are positive that once you see their credentials, and meet them, salary won’t be an issue. Their credentials will knock your socks off. They’re wrong. You have a budget, a job description, and the expectation that you’re not going to waste your time on a candidate who is too expensive. Minimally, this candidate causes you to make a screening phone call. Why spend time on candidates who don’t offer valid applications that follow your directions?

Mistakes Job Seekers Make

Send resumes or cover letters with typos:

Why it Matters: Typos brand the job searcher as a careless person who didn’t take the time to proof read her resume and cover letter. You can often judge the quality of the candidate’s future work by the quality of the documents that introduce the job searcher. You certainly obtain a sample of the written work you can expect. Many managers use typos as a screen to eliminate candidates from contention – and, wisely so.

Top Mistakes Job Seekers Make #2

Fail to follow your directions about how to apply:

Why it Matters: By following your requested application method: email, fax, or mail, the job searcher brands himself as a cooperative person who can and is willing to follow directions. The candidate makes it easy for you to route all applications into an email recruiting folder, as an example. The job searcher is telegraphing that he is willing to stand on his qualifications without the need for games or by-passing your application system. He’s the job searcher you want.

Mistakes Job Seekers Make

Mistakes Job seekers Make

Sometimes the simplest mistakes make all the difference in the potential joining together of an employer and a job searcher. These opportunities to fail occur before the first phone call is ever exchanged. If you’re an employer, these simple, yet serious, job searcher mistakes tell you volumes about the candidate. These deadly mistakes matter. Here are ten things that employers need to watch for as you review job searcher resumes and applications.

Does and Don'ts of Networking

Networking is an important part of attending Career Developement Job Fairs

You wouldn't wear jeans to a job interview, but do you pay as much attention to job-hunting etiquette when networking? If you're approaching potential contacts in an offhand way, you may be putting them off entirely. Learn what the most common networking mistakes are so you don't have to make them.Waiting
Many people start networking only after they've lost their jobs. Effective networking means creating contacts and relationships while you're still employed.Being Clueless
If you're heading to a networking event, make sure you know why you're going. Do you want a job? If so, are you seeking something specific, or will anything do? Are you looking for contacts or a mentor to provide guidance? As soon as someone starts talking with you, you have to hold up your end of the conversation. If you don't know what you want, you can't do that.Being Unprepared
Thinking you know what you want is not the same as knowing it. Treat networking the same way you would an appearance at Carnegie Hall. Practice your pitch as well as your answers to questions about your career goals that might arise. Forgetting Business Cards
There is nothing more embarrassing than establishing a good relationship with someone, extracting a pledge of help and then searching around for a cocktail napkin to write on. Spend a few extra bucks to print professional-looking cards on good-quality paper.Using a Silly-Sounding Email Name
Sure, your friends know you as "SexyMama4U" or "TimeForHemp," but when looking for work, stick to a serious email address, such as your real name.Being Pompous
While you're networking, you need to listen to what everyone else is saying. People help by offering advice. They are not interested in hearing how much you already know.Monopolizing Someone's Time
At a networking event, everyone wants to mingle. And if you're networking over the phone or by email, understand that the person you're speaking with has a life that extends beyond you.Dressing Down
Look sharp at networking events. Mind your manners, shake hands firmly, stand up straight, make eye contact and show respect in any way you can. A networking event can be a dress rehearsal for a job interview, but no one will help you get your foot in the door if you give the impression that you'll slouch through it once it's open.Being a Wallflower
Men and women with contacts and power meet many people; they remember only those who stand out from the crowd. Be assertive, and act like a leader. But don't go overboard. You want to convey self-assurance, not obnoxiousness.Being Passive
If someone says, "Sorry, we don't have anything right now," take a minute or two to ask follow-up questions: "Well, what's the outlook for future possibilities? Do you know anyone else in the industry who might have something? Any thoughts on what my next step should be?" Persistence shows true interest on your part and may help the person you're networking with come up with ideas he might otherwise overlook.Lying
It's tempting to say, "So-and-So gave me your name and told me to call." It might even get you a meeting. But eventually Such-and-Such will learn that So-and-So did not tell you to call. And you'll have burned not one, but two bridges.Treating Your Networking Relationships as Short-Term Flings
No one likes to be used. Follow up every conversation with a thank-you note, email or call. Let your contact know whether his suggestions panned out or not. When your job search ends -- for whatever reason -- inform the person who has helped you. You may think your networking is over, but your paths may cross again.Forgetting Where You Came From
Anyone who has ever networked, whether successfully or not, owes an obligation to all those who will network in the future. Return the favor and help someone else.

Are Job Fairs Worth Your Time?

STICKY SITUATION: I went to a job fair last week but thought it was rather stupid. I didn't meet anyone there, nor did anyone interview me. Are job fairs just a waste of time?
WHAT THE EXPERT SAYS: They're not a waste of time if you know how to attend one. Most of the work is done before you even go through the doors. The next time a job fair rolls around near your town, follow this to-do checklist so you can make the most of the fair and your time:
Call the organizers and get a list of companies participating in the job fair.
Make a hit list of the top five or 10 companies attending that you'd like to work for.
Go online or to the library and research those companies like crazy. What's the company's strategy for growth? How can you fit in?
Once you target the companies you'd like to work for, call those companies and find out who is attending the job fair. Get the person's name, title, address and, if possible, phone number.
Write a cover letter to the person who will be attending. Slip the letter, your resume and your business card into a letter-sized envelope. Address the envelope with the person's name, title and address, and include your return address. But instead of mailing this letter, take it with you to the job fair.
Things to Do While at the Job Fair
Get a map of where employers' booths are set up.
Be very assertive and approach the employers you've targeted at the fair. Find the person your cover letter is addressed to. Introduce yourself and hand him the envelope. Say you've prepared this information for him and you'd like to tell him a bit about yourself, and then go ahead and do so. But there is one caveat: A different person may actually be there. Don't let that throw you off. Just say you were told that so-and-so would be there, and then give the information to the person attending.
Make sure to get a business card from the person attending the conference.
Stay focused when you attend job fairs to be sure you get what you want out of them. Don't fall into the trap of getting distracted by other people you may run into at the conference if they aren't in a position to help you get a job.
Make sure to follow up with written notes to the people you meet. Call each individual and, if you clicked with one, ask to meet for a cup of coffee. It's another form of networking that will work in your favor.

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