The Monster Blog

These Days, There's Much Ado About Jobs Creation

Last week, President Obama held a Jobs and Economic Growth Forum and this week he's laid out his proposal for spurring jobs creation, which is desperately needed despite the drop in jobless rates announced last Friday.

 

Obama outlined the plans in a speech he gave at The Brookings Institute on Tuesday. "Our work is far from done," said the President, referring to the initial stimulus plan." For even though we've reduced the deluge of job losses to a relative trickle, we are not yet creating jobs at a pace to help all those families who've been swept up in the flood. There are more than 7 million fewer Americans with jobs today than when this recession began. That's a staggering figure, and one that reflects not only the depths of the hole from which we must ascend, but also a continuing human tragedy." 

 

The new jobs creation plan includes:

 

·         incentives for small businesses (such as eliminating capital gains taxes on new investments, an employment tax cut to encourage hiring and eliminating fees on loans from the Small Business Administration);

·         up to an additional $50 billion to support "shovel-ready" construction projects;

·         incentives for homeowners who make energy-efficient improvements.

 

The President went on to say: "Of course, there's only so much government can do. Job creation will ultimately depend on the real job creators: Businesses across America."

 

Additionally, Obama is calling on you. According to The White House Blog, "…the White House is inviting citizens, community leaders, and local officials to hold their own Community Jobs Forums." You are encouraged to sign up to host a jobs discussion in your community. The White House will send you questions and the other materials you need for the event as well as instructions for sharing back ideas.

 

In the meantime, tell us what you think the government and businesses should be doing to help with jobs creation right here on Monster's blog.

 

Holiday Season = Job Search Season

Bringing the hiring side's perspective to the Monster Blog, today's guest post comes from Matt Charney, a seasoned corporate recruiter. Matt has recently joined Monster as a social media engagement manager.

 

One winter, while recruiting for a Fortune 50 company, my staffing team received an internal communiqué telling us how to stay busy during the holidays. The top recommendation: Get ahead of next year's work by reaching out to prospective candidates now.

 

The message is essentially the same for job seekers: Don't take a holiday from your job search; keep at it. In today's fiercely competitive job market, the holiday season presents an ideal opportunity to demonstrate your drive and ingenuity.

 

With budgets and headcount approved, hiring managers and recruiters are gearing up for the deluge of jobs and candidates that typically comes immediately after the New Year. This is not to say there’s no hiring during the month of December; conversely, many firms and recruiters are racing the clock to fill all open positions by the end of the year.

 

To get a head start on new openings, be vigilant and don't succumb to perceived holiday lulls. In addition to searching for jobs, you can make the best use of your time by laying the groundwork with these activities:

 

Engage Your Network

 

What better excuse to reconnect with a past colleague or potential employer than to send

a “Season's Greetings” email or card? It can set the groundwork for deeper conversations in the coming year.

 

Reopen Closed Doors

 

Chances are you’ve had conversations with potential employers regarding opportunities that didn’t materialize. Send an email reminding your contacts of the position you interviewed for, who you met with and any feedback you received. (Recruiters are more likely to respond to direct emails than follow-up phone calls.) In many cases, recruiters won’t follow up with strong candidates, assuming they’re off the market. If you’re still looking, interested and proactive, let them know.

 

Research Potential Employers and Reach Out

 

Identify and research a few firms you think would be a good fit for you. Target broadly -- that Fortune 500 conglomerate, for instance, might not be as good a match as that unknown local start-up. Impress hiring managers by doing your homework. Read up on the company’s SEC filings, 3rd-party news stories or customer reviews to understand the firms' financials, industry and structure.

 

Expand Your Options

 

Take a step back and assess your skills and interests. Beyond what you have already done and what you could do, what do you want to do?

 

Many experienced candidates feel that with a proven track record and focus, this question is best consigned to entry-level job seekers or those exploring career changes. From the hiring perspective, anyone looking for a new opportunity is making a career change. 

 

Take Some Time for Yourself

 

Looking for a new job can be draining; in fact, it may be the hardest job you’ll ever have. While it’s unwise to stop searching for a job during the holidays, it’s just as important to take some time off. With the work you’ve put into your job search, you deserve it.

 

Take advantage of holiday downtime by exploring Monster's 12 Days of Job Search on Facebook. From December 7th to the 22nd, we'll feature daily articles, tips and advice on keeping your job search active now and into 2010.

'Tis the Season for Office Holiday Parties…or 'Tis It?

Chances are this economically tumultuous year will end with a muted holiday celebration -- at least at work. According to a survey by Challenger, Gray and Christmas, 62% of companies are planning holiday parties this year (down from 77% in 2008 and 90% in 2007). And those companies that are planning office holiday parties are likely not living as large as they have in years past. Lunches are replacing dinners, potlucks and catered in-office events are replacing hotel bashes.

 

On a positive note, gatherings focused on charity and community giving are gaining in popularity and participation. For example, according to this Houston Chronicle article, the local KPMG office is getting employees together to sew and stuff teddy bears to be distributed with books to disadvantaged children. It's a different type of holiday cheer that for many feels better considering the current state of affairs.

 

If your company is having a holiday event, you need to be prepared. Appropriate office party etiquette can help you make a great impression, just as one false move could tarnish your reputation, or worse, your career. Remember: Even though it's a labeled a party, it's really a business event. You need to:

 

·         Have fun, but in moderation.

·         Dress appropriately for the occasion.

·         Find out if it is a "plus one" event.

·         Talk to people outside your immediate work team (this is a great opportunity for professional networking).

·         Thank the party coordinators.

 

So how is your company celebrating the holidays this year? Do you agree with the plans?

 

Get more office holiday party tips from these articles:

·         "Office Holiday Party Etiquette"

·         "Navigate Company Events"

·         "Etiquette Tips for the Office Holiday Party and Coworker Gifts"

 

 

 

The Cyber Monday Myth: Do You Shop Online at Work?

Were you among the millions who woke up early -- or never went to sleep -- in order to take advantage of last week's Black Friday deals? This year, with retailers extending hours, sales and promotions, the urgency of the day has diminished. Those same market realities are also coloring the online version of Black Friday: Cyber Monday.

 

According to this blog by Mercedes Cardona, "While traffic does spike on Cyber Monday, holiday sales online don't really peak until the week before Christmas, when the window to order in time for Christmas delivery begins to close." Cardona goes on to liken Cyber Monday to Mother's Day, an event created by retailers to boost business.

 

A few years ago, when folks had to rely on high-speed Internet connections found only at work, Cyber Monday made sense. Now with so many homes broadband enabled, the pressure at work is off.

 

Of course, that's not to say workers will not be shopping or tending to other holiday planning while at work. But before hopping online while on the job to buy your sweetheart those earrings, download a cookie recipe or send out an Evite, know your company's Internet policy.

 

And while you're getting into the holiday spirit, check out Monster's Guide to the Holidays, with tips on balancing the holidays and work, office holiday party etiquette, gift giving and more.

 

Tell us whether you snagged some great deals on Cyber Monday or plan to shop online at the last minute like the rest of us…

Stay Healthy at Work over the Holidays

Ah, Thanksgiving -- the mother of all meals and the gateway to the holiday season.  What better way to 'celebrate' our health than to gorge on turkey, stuffing and more?

 

And this year, on top of high unemployment rates, we face the spread of H1N1 and the dearth of vaccines to fight the virus. So if we have our health, we’re likely thankful for it.

 

Nonetheless, in a May 2009 Monster poll, 71 percent of respondents say they go in to work sick, either because they’re afraid of losing their job or because work is just too busy.

 

So what can you do to stay healthy and productive? First, become familiar with the CDC’s information regarding H1N1 and the seasonal flu and consider getting a seasonal flu shot if you haven't already. Lastly, be sure to check out these articles on how to stay healthy at work, from fitting fitness into your workday to eating better on the job.

 

Remember: The healthier you keep yourself, the better a job your body will do in fighting off seasonal ailments. So have a helping of vegetables with that big turkey dinner.

 

How do you plan to stay healthy this holiday season?

 

Giving Thanks for a Great Job Seeking Experience (and a New Job)

As Thanksgiving approaches, I realize that despite months of underemployment, I have a lot to be thankful for this year. First and foremost: I have a new job. During my search for permanent, full-time employment, I got to know many generous people. I also had a chance to use my skills in ways I never thought possible, enriching my professional experiences and, ultimately, my value to employers. Sometimes, I even had great fun!

 

And with my unemployment ending, my story here on the Monster Blog is coming to a close as well. I leave you with this list of what I am thankful for this year -- not despite the ups and downs of the job search, but because of them.

 

Thankful for a New Job

 

I have accepted a business development position with a local engineering firm. This solid company manufactures high tech devices for a variety of industrial markets. Their biggest challenge -- and now mine, too -- will be to grow their small 5 percent market share. Part of my charter includes developing my staff and hiring a few new folks. I am glad to be on the hiring end for a change.

 

Mostly, though, I am excited by the prospect of working in a new professional environment. It's good to feel wanted by a firm for the skills I have to offer. Alas, the company needed someone in this capacity "yesterday," so there won't be much recuperation from the job search.

 

Thankful for a Return to Normalcy

 

Throughout this job search, I was never comfortable and I rarely got a solid night's sleep. Was my time management that bad? Not when you consider that as I was working the mini-jobs, I was also running the household singlehandedly, engaging with my 2 sons by day and job searching by night. Returning to a normal sleep pattern is just one of the things I am looking forward to when I start the new position.

 

With the job in hand, I can now focus on pulling all my miscellaneous paperwork into the done pile rather than the to-do pile. And with the return of a revenue stream, I'm also set to tackle those idle household fix-it projects.

 

Thankful for You, the Readers

 

I am grateful I could share my trials with you as I navigated this bumpy path to a new job. There was true solidarity in knowing many of you are experiencing similar situations. (For instance, all of us seem to rage at the job search black hole.) Your feedback was often a catalyst for another blog topic or deeper introspection on my part. In many ways, you helped me get where I am today.

 

Thank you all, and best wishes for your own career and job search.

 

How do you think you will feel once you land a position?

 

Racing to the Finish Line with 2 Competing Job Offers

Back in June, my sixth sense told me that all my hard work would converge and I'd be struggling with a decision about whom to work for. I even noted this premonition in my job search log book.

 

I know it sounds hard to believe, but having 2 companies pursuing me as a potential new employee is a mixed blessing.

 

The Hare and the Tortoise

 

The firm that’s in the lead to win my talents -- let’s compare that company to a hare -- is a small European-based manufacturer with its American subsidiary a few miles from my home. The position they offer is challenging and exciting: Create an entire department from scratch with little or no process hurdles. If I encounter any obstacles, I just stroll 30 yards to the president's office. So why am I struggling with taking this job?

 

I get the impression that this firm is lacking critical resources. For example, generating my offer letter has been a protracted and peculiar experience. The original hard-copy offer letter featured a major error in bold letters on the first page. Am I being too picky? My friends say to let it go. Meantime, as I wait for a corrected offer letter, the firm’s missteps have dampened my enthusiasm.

 

The other firm in the race is a turbo-charged-but-not-quite-nimble tortoise. It is a Fortune 500 multinational firm with locations close to my home. The company’s newly created position will relieve the vice president of doing 3 jobs in business and marketing development. The work will be well-known and understood by all in the department. At this stage, I am in the 5th round of interviews meeting with the very senior managers.

 

This opportunity came about as a direct result of my filling out employment applications on the firm's own job boards. I applied for several interesting positions that required many of my skill sets. About a month ago, a very smart internal recruiter was reviewing my resume and asked if I would consider this position in lieu of the one I had applied to. Since I had had an excellent experience with this firm a decade ago, I was delighted by her suggestion. Compared to the hare contender, I have no qualms about the scope or nature of the position with the tortoise company.

 

Which Firm Will Win This Race?

  

Timing is everything. I have a job offer in hand (albeit incorrectly written) and the strong possibility of a second offer coming. Is it worth taking a job that is in a state of flux from the start? Or do I continue to use valid reasons to delay the process with the hare firm in favor of waiting for the tortoise catch up?

 

As in any sort of competition, there is jockeying for position even in the last lap. I am bracing for a photo finish.

 

If you were in my shoes and had competing but very different job offers, what would you do?

 

Reflections on a Successful, Often Sleepless, Job Search

My protracted season of underemployment is coming to an end. The people in my life are relieved to hear that I will soon be employed full-time. To them, this is an encouraging sign that the economy is turning the corner.

 

Reflecting on these past months, I think: What have I learned?

 

The Power of One

 

Throughout this job search experience, I’ve learned that often it’s the one tip, one idea or one contact packing the most value. Even just one of these factors can make the difference. Here’s an example: I just finished reading a lengthy book about interviewing questions. In it, I found an invaluable nugget: a single paragraph that addressed a particular question I had been struggling with: Why do you feel you can be successful in this position? Serendipitously, this very question came up in a recent interview.

 

With a little reflection beforehand, I outlined my interest in the company’s industry and its market vision. Then, I capped it off with a concrete example, aligning my product development skills with the employer’s needs. 

 

Embrace the Unknown

 

Allowing yourself to be open to possibilities is another significant takeaway. In the employment search, you might dismiss different industries or types of jobs as unsuitable or out-of-reach. But by venturing into unfamiliar areas, new possibilities may present themselves. When I volunteered at a global conference on green matters, for instance, I made networking connections that I never would have in my routine job search.

 

Keep Laughing, or at Least Smiling

 

Approach the whole unemployment process with a measure of humor. True, it is not easy finding humor in looking for work every day, but on the whole, keeping perspective is a healthy thing to do. Finding friends in the same boat helps too. I met many people from diverse backgrounds through my job search networking groups, and I count them as friends well beyond the job search.

 

Keep Your Skills Sharp and Contacts Close

 

Lastly, I have come to terms with the nature of employment in the 21st century. No matter where my work journey takes me, I am basically a long-term consultant, even if I am called a full-time employee. That’s why keeping my job skills and networking contacts current is crucial for any “next” employment phase.

 

Whether mid-stream or close to the end of your job search, what's been your most valuable lesson?

 

Due Diligence and the Job Offer: More Than Salary and Benefits

Success! I have received a job offer from one of the two firms I have been interviewing with. The offer is reasonable in terms of salary and bonus, but, of course, there is more at stake than the total compensation package.

 

So begins due diligence, part two, where I really take a look under the hood of this company.

 

The Firm’s Well-Being

 

Let’s start with my concern about the firm’s technical commitment and support. While waiting in the firm’s lobby for my final interview, I couldn’t help but overhear current employees complain about malfunctioning or non-existent computers. Hopefully, new hires receive new computers.

 

When I was originally researching this company, I discovered their involvement in a significant patent lawsuit. Perhaps this is the norm in their industry, but how often does a patent issue get escalated to a state Supreme Court? That seems unusual to me for what appears to be an otherwise solid manufacturing firm.

 

There are bigger picture questions that linger in my mind, too. In particular, a number of skilled folks recently departed the firm in a voluntary downsizing. According to my sources, some of those depleted departments are being “held together with duct tape.” Ironically, the human resources department suffered a 100% voluntary reduction in force. So what motivated many of the key people in this economic downturn to voluntarily leave their jobs? Is there something more at work here?

 

My Well-Being

 

No job offer analysis would be complete without taking a hard look at the health insurance benefits. At first blush, it appears there is no dental coverage. Doesn’t the firm care about the whole health of its employees? Despite the fact that I have seen more impressive company-sponsored healthcare plans, it is better than paying through COBRA for coverage.

 

Perhaps I have been spoiled by past employers who provided both short- and long-term disability. With this firm, I can elect to buy into group long-term disability, but strangely short-term disability coverage is not offered. Fortunately, I am in good health so I don't anticipate the need for any such insurance coverage. But Murphy's Law is always at play.

 

My Career Advancement

 

Finally, the intangible: The prospect of no real professional development. While I am grateful to have this job offer letter in hand, I have to consider that this may not be a linear progression at this stage of my career. But since it’s only a niggling factor, perhaps it’s best to ignore it and just get on with my life and new routine.

 

If you were considering a job offer, what would you want to uncover about your new prospective employer and job?

 

The Job Search Isn’t Over Until the Offer Is in Hand

About 10 days ago, I began a second and final round of interviewing, and everything went swimmingly. I was thrilled when the recruiter called to say there was a job offer in the making. But sealing the deal with this recruiter has been a bumpy ride.

 

Usually the recruiter would have relinquished the offer process to the firm’s hiring manager or HR department by this point. The problem is, I have questions about the offer, which means the recruiter has had to chase down answers. Trying to untangle the phone conversations, I requested to see everything in writing.

 

And so, I wait by my mailbox.

 

Now it’s time to focus on wrapping up loose ends. So much gets put off during a search for permanent full-time employment -- doctor's appointments, postponed luncheon engagements and the home office to-do pile. My biggest task by far is finding full-time care for my 2 young sons. The good news is that there are many more quality caregivers in the market now -- a manifestation of underemployment, perhaps? In theory, then, my job offer will actually employ 2 people.

 

What happens when I finally find the written offer in my mailbox? I will carefully carry out my benefits and salary due diligence. You only have one chance to come out of the gate swinging, so now is the time for negotiation. Once I have all my questions in a row, I want to understand how this firm will treat me as potential employee. Given that I am unfamiliar with the company culture, I am very cautious -- as they say, buyer beware. But the hiring courtship often indicates how an everyday employee is treated. A few of my unemployed friends have accepted jobs even though they didn’t like how they were treated by the hiring firm, but the positions satisfy their healthcare and revenue needs. I would prefer to find a position that satisfies both my fiscal and emotional needs.

 

When you receive an employment offer, what next steps will you take?