Archive for June, 2009

Keep your head up and stay positive…

Monday, June 29th, 2009

I’ve been in the recruiting industry for over (20) years and can honestly say I have never experienced a job market that we are all experiencing today. I’ve talked to many candidates on a daily basis that are so discouraged with the state of the job market. I would like to offer some advice to all those job seekers, STAY POSITIVE AND KEEP YOUR HEAD UP, things are going to get better!  In all my years in the business I’ve never seen a job market that reacts so slow in the hiring cycle, the market is at glacier speed and you’re not going to change that. Still, be diligent in your efforts, have a sense of urgency and keep things in perspective.

Persevere and never lose sight of your goal. Never let up on your efforts, and never stop believing that the right opportunity is out there. The job market in its current state is disheartening to say the least, but there is opportunity out there to be had. That opportunity goes to those who keep their heads up, get creative in marketing themselves and persevere in their efforts. As frustrating as your situation may be, never lose your passion! Show passion in everything you do, even when falling and not finding that job, get up, dust your self off, put a smile on your face and get back in the game.

Passion and a positive attitude are infectious, people see it in your efforts and in everything you do. This goes beyond your game face for interviews, your networking and daily job search. It’s about being positive, your body language and how you interact all the time. We as a country have been down many times before and it has always been the positive attitudes, passion and keeping our heads up that bring us back bigger and stronger than before.  So, for all you job seekers out there, show some passion and strength in everything you do, you’ll be amazed at the reactions you get and the impacts on your job search.

One last thing… As we get ready to celebrate the fourth of July, our freedom and independence, remember our troops.  The men and women of our armed forces are truly what Passion, Perseverance and Positive Attitude is all about!

Posted in Dave Winterich | No Comments »

Some thoughts on Retirement

Wednesday, June 17th, 2009

I can honestly say the 45 years I have spent in this business have been a labor of love. I have enjoyed meeting and interacting with thousands of individuals, I have worked with, worked for, and others I have had the privilege to know.

Without question, the relationship and friendship I value most is that of Art Healan, who is one of the first designers I hired and will be the last and most important association I have had over the past 45 years. I have been a success due to those relationships and, specifically, my long association with Art. Art has been successful because he has been able to take Advancement to the next level and diversify, in spite of the economic situation of our country today. I have been through several recessions over the years, some serious and some not so serious, and we will get through this one also.

I have received numerous emails and calls over the past six weeks, all of them are very meaningful to me. My philosophy has always been to employ and work with the most qualified people I could find, and they represented me and Advancement professionally, and sold our reputation every hour on the job. Treat everyone fairly, honestly and with respect. That is what I feel is the golden rule to running a business and living life.

With all humility I am pleasantly surprised at the number of employees, both past and present, as well as client companies, who have taken the time to wish me well in my retirement. I wish Art, the staff, and all our employees present and past, the very best.

Posted in RayKaufman | 1 Comment »

“The good old days”

Monday, June 1st, 2009

Remember the good old days, before the recession. That was about 18 months ago. In January 2008 the National unemployment rate was 4.9%. Engineering jobs were very plentiful for most specialities. In fact, there was a severe shortish of experienced Engineering talent in some fields.

At a 2007 Staffing Industry Forum I attended, it was reported that US colleges were not graduating enough Engineers to meet the demand. 100,000 more Engineers were needed every year than there were graduating. That demand and shortfall, as stated at the time, was expected to continue for at least a decade – 10 years.

Obviously the demand, along with so many other professions, has dropped dramatically – for now. The silver lining to this recession is there is expertise and talent available today that companies spent tens of thousands of dollars trying to hire just a year and a half ago and couldn’t. Hard working, creative people, that were employed 18 months ago, are sitting on the sidelines waiting to go back to work and prove their worth. Companies that know they will need this talent as the economy starts to turn around are wise to examine this opportunity today, rather than wait.

There will be a shortish again, probably sooner rather than later. For those who wait, the selection of top people will wear thin quickly and you will most like pay a premium for who you can hire. My advice is (as crazy as it might sound to you right now), don’t wait. Plan for the future now and be positioned for growth with the best personnel available and leave your competition behind.

Posted in Art Healan | No Comments »