Couple pointers to bear in mind while looking for work: It is always good to be one step ahead in the job market; however, these times call for different strategies…..

#1- It could be the right time to freelance on your own. With all of the dramatic changes affecting organizations and businesses across the board, companies may be finding it extremely difficult and perhaps impossible to replace your job when it’s lost.

#2- There is no longer any “safe” positions. For the first time, many lawyers, journalists, accountants, radiologists and other professionals are finding themselves part of the downsizing.

#3- Now is the time to do an honest assessment of yourself, get out that sheet of paper and list your: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Really analyze each point and determine what your assets are and what needs improvement. Don’t take the easy way out, you are only kidding yourself.

#4- Maximize your personal value with prospective employers by updating your skill set. Now is the time to take seminars, course work or leverage other skill enhancement vehicles to get on the leading edge.

#5- Create a personal action plan. Many companies thrive despite economic downturns, business closures and other tumultuous events solely because they have defined goals and strategies, despite difficult times.

# 6- Network online. Join social networking sites such as LinkedIn, Plaxo and Facebook to network with peers and hiring managers. Already active on one, be sure that it is professional or don’t use that for business.

# 7- Establish new relationships and cultivate existing relationships while out and about, which could result in an unexpected opportunity or inspired business idea.

 For more information, please feel free to contact our offices at 858.227.9118.

Opportunity Meets its Match!

Have the recent unemployment numbers got you down? Frustrated that you aren’t getting any call backs? Is the job search taking longer than you thought it would?

It has been a tough year in the job market and there are specific industries that have been hit hard. However, there is still hope! How can you be more effective? The best way: Networking and increasing your current skill set.

While the Internet has significantly changed the employment search process, it is not “the be all and end all” to finding your next position. If you only surf the net, you can be missing upwards of 60% of the job openings.  How savvy are you about the steady industries right now? Now is the time to be aware of them and make your move.

To name a few…..

Environmental: Many people are concerned with their carbon footprint and actively seeking ways to improve the environment. Companies too are concerned with the environment and how they impact it and today, more and more companies are going green. There will be a high demand for scientists and engineers as companies look to expand their technology. With the technology in place, positions such as managers, attorneys, and consultants are needed.

Energy: Not only is global warming a concern, but so is renewable energy sources. There is an increase in demand of positions for oil, gas, solar manufacturing and possibly even nuclear power.

Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals: On President Obama’s list of top priorities is health care reform. This impacts the need to advance prescription drug initiatives and the support positions, such as Nurses, Medical Assistants, and medical records technicians.

For more information on how your current experience and skill set can be transitioned into a new industry, please speak with one of our recruiters today at 858.227.9119.

Things are looking up!
On Monday, June 1, there were signs that the recession is letting up.
Despite the news of GM filing for bankruptcy, Wall Street had three other signs to give a big lift. The Dow Jones industrial average rose more than 230 points which is 2.7 percent and other major indexes also advanced more than 2 percent. Richard Yamarone, an economist at Argus Research was very optimistic as he said, “What looked like a flicker of light at the end of the tunnel is now starting to look like a beacon. We are no longer in the deep throes of recession. A recovery may be just a few months away.”
U.S. manufacturing showed that activity is shrinking at a slower pace in May with similar reports from Asia and Europe. For the first time since November 2007, the index of new orders placed with U.S. factories rose to 51.1 in May. Economist feel that the worst has clearly passed, however, still feel that a real recovery will be months away.
Another uplifting report from the Commerce Department, said that construction spending rose 0.8 percent in April! Most Economists were expecting a decline of at least 1.2 percent. This was the second month in a row that construction spending rose.
The third report showed that, we, as consumers are still trimming expenses, with the focus being on food and bargains. Mainly due to increasing unemployment numbers, many consumers are still a bit wary to part with their money. However, as a result of tax cuts and benefit payments from President Barack Obama’s stimulus package, American incomes went up in the month of April 0.5 percent! Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke is hopeful that the recession will end this year. Unemployment continues to rise to record levels and is the greatest cause for concern to turn the recession around. The numbers are staggering and can be de-motivating, however, keep in mind that this too shall turn around.
As of today, the Labor Department did provide some good news for job seekers, though small, new jobless claims dipped! This is the first decline in 4+ months.
Clearly, the economic picture remains difficult and financial conditions continue to be problematic, but, better days are clearly ahead. More to come…