Hot Positions!

There are several really hot, urgent, high priority positions that I am working on right now. As always, with such a variety of searches throughout the country...some move incredibly quickly and others take a slower pace. It seems that lately most are moving forward very quickly with getting candidates in and moving along quickly through the interview process - a great sign! Things within the industry continue to be great in my opinion, based upon the high level of activity that I am continuing to see with the job requisitions that I am receiving to fill. Of course much, if not all of this focus continues to be focused on the remodeling and replacement side of the business versus new construction - for obvious reasons. I have also noticed that many of you who I have spoken with recently have gotten new career opportunities in record time - amazing! Please continue to keep an eye out on the list of jobs that I am actively recruiting for to the lower right side of this Blog. You all have been wonderful about providing me with some great referrals and I appreciate it tremendously...keep them coming!! I am really looking forward to continuing to work hard to assist each of you in your current and future job searches and am so excited at the way things are looking within the industry!

Steps to Finding Your Dream Job

Life's far too short to not be doing what excites you for a profession! For the amount of time we spend working, thinking about work, stressing about work, talking about work, commuting to and from work, etc. it is truly amazing how many people are not in professions that make them happy. Easier said than done of course...as it involves taking that often much harder and rougher path to set out and follow your heart to be doing what you have a passion for. My father recently gave me an article relating to this topic - a seemingly invaluable read for me especially with having recently started my own business. The article my Dad gave me was far too long to post here, and is actually is a famous speech from a few years back...if you want a copy, just email me and I will email it to you. Because the gist of that article hit me in so many powerful and different ways, I sought out to find a briefer cliff notes version of steps to following the path to your dream job. Not anywhere as powerful as the article I referenced above, yet some good tips provided here nonetheless from forbes.com on steps to finding your dream job. Good luck!!!

Is It Time To Go?

If you're filled with dread late Sunday afternoon or if little things become big chores or unbelievably annoying at work, it may be time to think about changing careers. If you're routinely in a deep funk, a new job in the same field probably won't make much difference.

Current Job Bugaboos

Make a list of what drives you crazy at your current job. Is it your co-workers, short-sighted management, mindless repetition of the same stuff every day? Defining the cause of your dissatisfaction will help point you in a new direction.

Make A List

List the components of your dream job, including as many details as possible. But don't let fine points become deal breakers. Think: What do you really want to do? Where do you want to do it? What will it take to make the switch?

Follow Your Passion
The key to launching a new career is to match your passion with your talents. What are you good at? Can you pay the bills doing it? Are you willing to take a pay cut? If so, where do you and your family cut back financially?

Basic Research
Research your proposed new field. Does it require special training? A license? An additional college degree? Can you perform your dream job in your current location or will you have to move? Are your spouse and family willing move to a new city or even a new state?

Include Your Spouse
A successful career switch must involve your spouse, especially if the change means lower pay. You can do without the fancy car and spiffy clothes, but you've got to think about the kids' braces and college education. Everyone will be a part of your new career, so make your spouse a partner in making the right decision.

Take Notes

Talk with others in your proposed field to better understand what you're getting into. Ask a basic question: What are the joys and frustrations? Take notes to chart your progress. If you decide to look for work in a new field, make a list of all contacts and interviews. Above all, keep at it until you find what you want.

How to handle a layoff

With recent news of some of the larger companies such as Pella and Peachtree shutting down plants and continual lay offs within the industry, this article seemed timely to share with you all. I will stress however, that things in the job market within the industry remain quite strong in my view. As I have referenced in many recent posts here, I am busier than ever recruiting for a variety of positions throughout the country. As the bigger companies slash their workforces in an effort to cut costs...many of the smaller to mid size companies seem to be reaping the benefits and hiring up a storm!

The below information came from a mix of an article from about.com and also msn money...as I thought they both offered some good and worthwhile tips.

What to do if you're laid off

Visit or call your state unemployment office

Ask your current employer about severance pay, accrued vacation and sick pay

Request information on continuance of health and life insurance benefits

Ask about outplacement resources

Request a reference letter for your files

Update your resume so it is ready to go when you come across opportunities that interest you and match your skill set

Research and determine career options

Create a job search action plan

Use this time as as opportunity to reassess your career goals

Treat your job search like a full-time job

Contact industry specialized recruiters to get your name thrown into the ring quick and often for opportunities that are not advertised

Other tips worth mentioning:

Try to negotiate a better severance package. Some (employers) will negotiate. The more senior the people, definitely. The more rank-and-file, it might be more difficult. It might be just based on the number of years you've worked there. If you don't ask, you won't know. The worst they can say is no.

Leave on good terms. You never know when that president or CFO goes to another company and you're looking to hire on with that company. Just don't burn bridges.

Get a recommendation. Especially if it's a mass layoff and really has nothing to do with your job performance, get a letter of recommendation explaining that so you can use it in your next job interview.

Roll over your retirement plan. Make sure you roll your money into an individual retirement account using a trustee-to-trustee transfer to avoid any penalty or tax hit. Don't take a check,or you could be subject to taxes.

If you're short of cash, tapping your retirement accounts should be "a choice of last resort," Still, he noted, such withdrawals become necessary at times. If so, check to see whether you qualify for your plan's penalty-free hardship withdrawal (though a job loss is often not covered).

Even if money's tight, resist using credit cards. Plus, if a big annual insurance payment is nearing, consider switching to smaller monthly or semiannual payments to avoid an immediate big hit to your pocketbook. And if necessary, put a hold on any automatic savings plans.

Calling all Sales Reps!!!!

Wow! I cannot honestly remember a time over the past 6 years that I have recruited in this industry where there was such a surge (and sudden one) for sales reps at this time of year! While I still continue to have several operations and manufacturing positions to recruit on...it seems sales positions are hot, hot, hot right now!

I am currently looking for great sales people in Atlanta, Dallas (2 here), KY, CA, NJ (3 here, different companies!), NY (several here, different co's), Dallas/Ft. Worth (another one!), and Sales management roles in the Midwest and also west coast! The best part is that I can honestly say each and every one of these companies are ones that I am personally impressed with and excited about that have great opportunities to offer along with great company and product reputations!

Nothing could be more exciting to be swarmed with so many sales positions to fill...what a great sign for the industry especially with all the bad news we have been hearing lately! I have heard from many of the companies and also candidates that I work with that several of you anticipate a tough and rough year ahead in 2008. I am hopeful and extremely optimistc that we will all pull through it unscathed and even more hopeful that this influx and demand for sales people will start the year off great for all of us!

On the manufacturing side of things my hottest and most urgent positions currently are for a Quality Manager in TX, a Plant Manager on west coast and a Design Engineer in FL. All great companies and fantastic opportunities!!

Please remember to keep checking my list of current positions to the right side of this Blog in the event you or someone you can refer or recommend to me may be a good fit for one of them! Thanks as always for all of your support and fantastic referrals over recent months especially!

Ways to Boost Your Interview IQ

It never hurts to beef up your interview skills...and as such, here is an article on tips to boost your interview skills/IQ that I thought was worthy of mentioning. Much of it seems to be basic, common sense...yet you would be surprised to know just how many people don't put many, if any of these to play when it comes time for the interview.

Ten Tips to Boost Your Interview IQ (by Carole MartinMonster Contributing Writer) Even the smartest and most qualified job seekers need to prepare for job interviews. Why, you ask? Interviewing is a learned skill, and there are no second chances to make a great first impression. So study these 10 strategies to enhance your interview IQ.

Practice Good Nonverbal Communication. It's about demonstrating confidence: standing straight, making eye contact and connecting with a good, firm handshake. That first impression can be a great beginning -- or quick ending -- to your interview.

Dress for the Job or Company. Today's casual dress codes do not give you permission to dress as "they" do when you interview. It is important to look professional and well-groomed. Whether you wear a suit or something less formal depends on the company culture and the position you are seeking. If possible, call to find out about the company dress code before the interview.

Listen. From the very beginning of the interview, your interviewer is giving you information, either directly or indirectly. If you are not hearing it, you are missing a major opportunity. Good communication skills include listening and letting the person know you heard what was said. Observe your interviewer, and match that style and pace.

Don't Talk Too Much. Telling the interviewer more than he needs to know could be a fatal mistake. When you have not prepared ahead of time, you may tend to ramble, sometimes talking yourself right out of the job. Prepare for the interview by reading through the job posting, matching your skills with the position's requirements and relating only that information.

Don't Be Too Familiar. The interview is a professional meeting to talk business. This is not about making a new friend. Your level of familiarity should mimic the interviewer's demeanor. It is important to bring energy and enthusiasm to the interview and to ask questions, but do not overstep your place as a candidate looking for a job.

Use Appropriate Language It's a given that you should use professional language during the interview. Be aware of any inappropriate slang words or references to age, race, religion, politics or sexual orientation -- these topics could send you out the door very quickly.

Don't Be Cocky Attitude plays a key role in your interview success. There is a fine balance between confidence, professionalism and modesty. Even if you're putting on a performance to demonstrate your ability, overconfidence is as bad, if not worse, as being too reserved.

Take Care to Answer the Questions When an interviewer asks for an example of a time when you did something, he is seeking a sample of your past behavior. If you fail to relate a specific example, you not only don't answer the question, but you also miss an opportunity to prove your ability and talk about your skills.

Ask Questions. When asked if they have any questions, most candidates answer, "No." Wrong answer. It is extremely important to ask questions to demonstrate an interest in what goes on in the company. Asking questions also gives you the opportunity to find out if this is the right place for you. The best questions come from listening to what is asked during the interview and asking for additional information.

Don't Appear Desperate When you interview with the "please, please hire me" approach, you appear desperate and less confident. Maintain the three C's during the interview: cool, calm and confident. You know you can do the job; make sure the interviewer believes you can, too.

2008 Forecast

Seems to be continually dismal news relative to the housing market and construction industry as well as another pretty bleak article/cover story on DWM this month regarding the down turn in the housing market. While true, I have to say the job market seems to be withholding relatively well based upon what I am seeing. I have mentioned in prior postings how busy I am with jobs to fill and what a good sign it is when an industry recruiter stays busy in what appears to be a fairly dismal time for many. Yet, seems worthy of mentioning again. I currently have several urgent, priority positions that I am working on so please be sure to keep an eye out on the listing of current jobs I keep updated here on this Blog. And thank you to so many of you for what have been some fantastic referrals lately! It seems when it rains it pours and I appreciate all of your help in helping me identify and find good talent for the positions I am working on!

New Years Resolutions for Job Seekers

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday and New Years! It is certainly good to be getting back to work after the long holiday! I look forward to assisting many of you with finding new career opportunities in the coming year!

Here are some good tips that were posted on about.com in regard to job seekers new years resolutions by Alison Doyle, who writes a fantastic job searching blog. Also below is a link to some additional worthy tips from a myriad of other staffing experts that are worth checking out.

The start of a new year is always a good time to assess where you are in your job search, and to get back on track if your job search has faltered during the holiday season. That happens to the best of us, and a break can be a good thing, especially during the busy holiday season. The new year is also a good time of year to consider whether the timing is right for you to begin looking for a new job or a career change, and, if so, to get started. If you're not in job search mode, take some time to begin building or to expand your

professional brand. Branding is something every professional should be doing, even if they are not in job search mode at the moment.

This is also the time when we typically consider some resolutions for the future. Some of the top experts in job searching and career development have been kind enough to share their advice on how to effectively job search with us. (Click on link in blue text to read some additional good tips from other staffing experts). Consider adding some, or all, of them to your list of New Year's Resolutions and best wishes to you all in landing that perfect dream job in 2008!