Showing posts with label career advice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label career advice. Show all posts

Friday, January 18, 2008

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

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

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."

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

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?

Friday, December 28, 2007

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.

Sunday, December 23, 2007

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.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

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.