return of the job hop

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Will 2010 Be the Return of the Job Hop?

By tiffany monhollon on Monday, January 4, 2010

Throughout much of 2009, the career world was marked by unrelentingly high unemployment rates, continued layoffs, and negative job reports. Employees everywhere were focused on keeping the job they had – no matter how good or bad, and making the best of whatever situation they found themselves in. At the end of December 2008, job value was so high that 71% of nearly 1,500 readers said they’d take a paycut to save their job.

This year, as the economy shows continued signs of recovery and the job market begins to turn around, low employee engagement is more than just an anecdote to stir up the boardroom. It’s a reality that employers should already be taking into consideration, because it means that as soon as jobs start to open up, turnover costs may begin to soar.

In fact, our latest monthly poll showed that people are already thinking about greener pastures. We asked our readers if they’d consider job hopping for the right opportunity in 2010. A total of 817 people responded, with an overwhelming 82% saying yes, they’d job hop this year.

It’s true that you don’t have to job hop to improve your career, especially in normal circumstances. And, some people felt they were now actually better off career-wise than they were before the recession.

But, it’s also apparent that employment uncertainty from the past year or two has created the perfect storm for job hopping when the job market opens back up. Employers will increase recruiting seasoned professionals to build back diminished workforce numbers and add expertise, and employed professionals may move from a passive job search into an aggressive pattern, seeking to increase salary, gain responsibility, or simply have a change of pace. And all of this will only work to increase the competition in an already competitive job market.

So, keep your eye out on this trend in 2010, and share your thoughts about job hopping, the 2010 job market, and employee engagement with us in the comments section.

The Job Search

Why the Job Search is Like a Turkey

By Job Journey on Thursday, November 22, 2018

Yup, you read that right.

Today is Thanksgiving. A day to eat, spend time with friends, eat more, be thankful for life’s blessings, and, finally, eat again.

In summary, there’s a lot of food. And the main course on practically everyone’s table? Turkey.

But what is a turkey? As defined by Merriam-Webster, the top three turkey definitions are:

“A large North American gallinaceous bird (Meleagris gallopavo) that is domesticated in most parts of the world.
Failure, flop, especially: a theatrical production that has failed.
Three successive strikes in bowling.”

Interestingly, each one of these definitions applies to the job search. Don’t believe us? Stop packing on the pounds with pumpkin pie and read on.

You’re One Turkey Among Many

Turkey: A large North American gallinaceous bird (Meleagris gallopavo) that is domesticated in most parts of the world.

Courtesy of Merriam-Webster, “gallinaceous” means: “Of or relating to an order (Galliformes) of heavy-bodied largely terrestrial birds including the pheasants, turkeys, grouse, and the common domestic chicken.”

So basically, gangly birds that travel in packs.

When you’re a job seeker, you’re just one applicant among many. One turkey among hundreds. You keep hoping to find something great, but it can seem like you’re just wasting your time.

Don’t lose faith! While it’s true that most chickens and turkeys end up on a dinner plate, your career doesn’t have to. Drumstick with it, do your research, prepare, and you’ll be soaring high (like an eagle, not a turkey) in no time.

You Gotta Break a Few (Turkey) Eggs to Make an Omelet

Turkey: Failure, flop, especially: a theatrical production that has failed.

The job search doesn’t always go well. Some searches result in filling out applications for jobs you don’t even like. Other times you just don’t make it to the interview stage. In other words, they turn out to be turkeys: complete failures.

And that’s okay. You’re not right for every job. You’re allowed to fail. That’s how we all improve and get better. The important thing is to not get discouraged. There’s a perfect job for you out there. You just have to find it.

3 Strikes Makes a Turkey!

Turkey: Three successive strikes in bowling.

The goal of a job search? To line up all those turkey failures and use them to set things up for a series of awesome interviews and job offers; three success job search strikes. A bowling turkey!

All of that time and effort spent researching online, applying, and interviewing is worth it when you get an awesome job offer. And you’ll often find that success begets success. You’ll get a few job offers at once, or within close proximity to each other. It’s all worth it in the end!

Don’t Be a Turkey (Or Do, Depending on the Definition); Call Express Employment Professionals!

The job search is hard, just like Aunt Emma’s fruitcake. You can spend hours doing all the right things, and still not land an interview. Want to boost your job search game? After you’re done stuffing yourself and celebrating all things Thanksgiving, give your nearest Express office a call, or apply online. You can also download the ExpressJobs app via the App Store or Google Play.

We never charge a fee, and won’t eat the last slice of pecan pie.

How is your job search like a turkey? Let us know in the comments section below!

Uncategorized

Find a Holiday Job Now

By Job Journey on Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Did you know holiday hiring has already started?

Holiday hiring is already in full swing. Businesses need to prepare for the increased traffic the holiday months are sure to bring. Here are a few reasons why now is a great time to look for a seasonal job.

Harvest Season

For many areas in the United States, now is the time to thresh the grain and harvest fruits and vegetables. Carrots, Brussels sprouts, Celeriac, Endive, and cabbage are all in season in the fall. As a result, many areas are hiring farmhand positions. Grocery stores also need to hire more people to prepare for the increased demand.

Although these jobs are usually temporary for the season, they are also frequently part-time. So you can use them to bolster your normal paycheck or as a chance to experience a different industry.

Holiday Preparation

The holidays bring a huge uptick in traffic for most businesses, especially retail and grocery chains. November experiences a huge amount of Christmas traffic (especially black Friday), while December is full of last minute shoppers.

However, new employees need to be trained before the holiday season arrives. That’s why companies are already starting holiday hiring.

Less Turnover

Many industries traditionally experience a fair amount of turnover in the summer. This is due to vacations and family obligations. Now is when vacations are finally winding down and people are ready to work. Many people also need to work so they can afford the holidays.

So now what?

What does all of this mean for you as an applicant? It means you can get ahead of the curve by calling businesses you are interested in working for. If you call them courteously and ask about job opportunities, they may keep you in mind when hiring starts in the near future. And that holiday job could turn into a full-time job.

Not quite sure how to make that next step? We’re here to help. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, OK, Express Employment Professionals is a leading staffing provider in the U.S. and Canada. Our recruiters are already reaching out to companies for the holiday season. Just contact your local Express office or create an Express account to get started.

Are you looking for a holiday job? Let us know how the search is going in the comments below!

Job Interviews Networking Resumes and Cover Letters

It’s Cold Outside – But Your Job Search Doesn’t Have to Be

By Job Journey on Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Winter officially kicks off in late December, but it’s already getting cold outside. With a chill in the air, this could be the perfect time to heat up your job search techniques and defrost your career.

Don’t let your job search take a vacation just because everyone else might be requesting time off for trips and holidays. And, don’t succumb to the temptation to take a holiday from looking for that perfect job.

For the serious job seeker, Christmastime and snow days mean business as usual. Despite the cold weather, recruiters and companies continue to work on a typical business schedule, and so should you. We know it’s hard to be motivated when egg nog and cozy fireplaces tempt us with the lure of warmth and relaxation, so here are five tips that will help heat up your job search and put you ahead of your vacationing competition.

1. Don’t let the holidays sabotage your momentum.
While winter is traditionally a time for vacations and spending time with family, it’s also a valuable time to stand out to recruiters and hiring managers. The competition for the same job position lessens as others take time off, so you have a real chance to stand out from the competition by maintaining a steady effort during the holidays and winter slumps.

Keep searching the job boards and don’t stop networking. The end of the year is also a time when positions open up for the next year, so you may find great job leads by maintaining your job search momentum.

2. Stay connected.
The holiday season means visits from family and long school breaks. But, that doesn’t mean you need to turn off your email or mobile device the entire time.

Even if you are away from home or welcoming visitors, your mobile device should be on just in case you receive a call from that important potential employer. Make time each day to check your email for responses to applications and return important calls the day you receive them. Family should respect your need to be professional and motivated about finding that perfect job. Of course, there’s a fine line to walk when it comes to cell phone etiquette. Checking your email during holiday dinner may not be appropriate and is likely unnecessary since most recruiters and hiring managers aren’t checking theirs on holidays either.

3. Update your resume and social media profiles.
If you’re stuck at home thanks to snow, ice, or extreme cold, use the downtime to spruce up your online footprint and your resume. Remove old information on your resume and look up industry keywords that highlight your skills. These keywords are vital in today’s job search world as many applications are scanned electronically.

Winter break is also a great time to assess your skill sets and sign up for workshops or trainings to build any skills that you lack. You can also use the holiday time to clean up any old or embarrassing social media entries, renew conversations about job hunting, network, and remind people that you are still eager to work.

4. Network at the holiday events.
Attend as many community and industry events as you can during the winter months so you can network and spread the news about your job search. Because many winter and holiday events are casual, you have a better chance to approach the decision-makers you normally wouldn’t have access to.

Use social events to build a network of like-minded professionals who can send job openings your way or introduce you to others who are hiring. Don’t forget to be on your best behavior at these social events, though. Don’t overindulge or act inappropriately. Winter social events can be great opportunities for contacts, but you can also ruin your reputation if you’re not careful.

5. Don’t discount seasonal work.
Sure, you want a full-time position. But, many companies need extra help around the holidays and winter months. By accepting temporary positions, you get your foot in the door and open opportunities for future work. Working while others are on vacation also shows you are a motivated and eager employee.

Use temporary or seasonal positions to boost your skills, pump up your resume, and make important contacts who can help you with your career down the road.
Most importantly, take care of yourself. Shorter, colder days can lead to the winter blues and it’s an easy temptation to nest and shut yourself in at home. While it’s important to maintain your job search techniques, it’s also vital to eat healthy and get some kind of exercise. Taking care of your health during these cold winter months gives you the energy and focus you need to find that perfect job.

How do you boost your job search when the weather turns chilly? Share your tips in the comment section below.

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

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Veterans and the Job Search

By leidson on Monday, November 11, 2013

The overall unemployment rate for veterans has steadily declined according to a recent article in USA Today. It currently stands at 6.5%, under the 7.2% rate for the entire country. The jobless rate for younger veterans still remains high. For veterans ages 18-24 the unemployment rate was 19.5% in the third quarter of 2013.

The decline in unemployment for veterans overall is due in part to initiatives like a national campaign to hire veterans supported by the White House, state run programs, as well as private businesses like Starbucks and Wal-Mart setting up their own hiring programs.

The franchising community is also working together to help simplify the job searching process for veterans. There are many programs and organizations that are established nationwide that are helping returning veterans learn about the opportunities available to them. Some franchises, including Express Employment Professionals have even waived franchise fees, reduced royalty payments and guided veterans through business plans to become business owners.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s program, Hiring Our Heroes, joined efforts with Capital One Financial Corporation and found 108,000 jobs for veterans and military spouses as part of the Hiring 500,000 Heroes campaign. This campaign will continue through the end of 2014 and hopes to have 500,000 jobs filled by United States veterans.

Military Experience Can Help You Find a Job

Veterans have unique and highly valued qualities that employer’s desire, which can give them an advantage in the job search. In fact, according to a recent survey by Accenture, veterans say their military service is the top factor in landing a civilian job. Whether it be technical, or leadership traits, the experiences, values and skills veterans have gained in the military can be beneficial in the civilian workforce.

3 Out of 4 Employed Veterans Had Additional Training

Veterans who are still struggling to find work might consider seeking additional training. In the same Accenture study, 69% of employed veterans reported receiving additional training or education following their service.
Career tech schools could be a good place to start, especially with more than 3 million skilled jobs still unfilled in the U.S. If you’re a veteran seeking additional training be sure to find what education benefits you quality for.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

In an interview with NPR, Carrol Stripling, who retired from the military after 37 years in the U.S. Army, shared that it’s hard for veterans to say they need help. “We’re taught from the very beginning to be self-reliant and so it’s difficult to say, I’m failing at this,” Stripling said.

If you can relate, don’t be afraid to ask for help wherever you can. Reach out to friends and family for support or try contacting a local staffing firm to see how they can help. The truth is when it comes to the job search, we all need a little help from time to time.

This Veteran’s Day, Express would like to thank and commend veterans and service men and women for their hard work and dedication to our country and today we celebrate your sacrifices that have given us all life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

As a veteran, what are some ways you’ve used your military experience to help your job search? Share with us in the comment section below.

Reader Surveys The Job Search

Is Job Hopping Back in Style?

By tiffany monhollon on Friday, July 30, 2010

In our January poll, we asked whether or not people would consider job hopping in 2010, and 82% of respondents said in our online poll they’d job hop if a better opportunity came along.

So, as the year progresses and the job market improves, we want to know if the great job hop has begun. Let us know your take by voting in our online poll.

At Work Career Options

Before the Job Hop: First, Face Yourself (If You Dare)

By Job Journey on Thursday, January 21, 2010

Of late, the news is focused on low employee job satisfaction. The lagging economy and resulting layoffs have fueled that focus.

While job satisfaction appears to be at an all time low, the number is at a stand still. In 2008, best selling author Patrick Lencioni who wrote The Three Signs of a Miserable Job referenced a Gallup poll revealing that 75% of employees hated their jobs and 35% had checked out. Some of the most common reasons employees leave their jobs are:

Personality conflicts with their supervisor/co-workers
Salary and/or benefits package
No advancement opportunities
Lack of two-way communication between management and employees

Of course, due to pressures from the recession, many of these situations are likely to be more extreme than before. But, though 80% of people would consider job hopping, it’s highly unlikely that 80% of employees in the U.S. will actually change jobs this year.

So, if you’re feeling some dissatisfaction at work, it’s important to ask yourself what you’re going to do about it. Are you going to check out and stay on the clock, tanking your professionalism and reputation where you are? Are you going to look around for other opportunities (that may or may not be better than your current position)? Or, are you going to do something to create happiness in your current position?

While extreme life circumstances such as health issues or diagnoses of clinical depression affect happiness levels, your job situation may not be as extreme as it feels. If you’re unhappy in your job, perhaps a change in perspective could help change your outlook on your current job situation.

Author and speaker John Maxwell suggests that job satisfaction is largely based on your ability to lead yourself. In his book The 360 Degree Leader he devotes nine chapters to Lead-Up Principles. Within these chapters, he helps the reader discover ways to gain the respect of their boss and peers. When you feel respected, your job satisfaction will increase. If you want to be respected and valued for your contribution, often that is gained through the actions you take to achieve that level of respect.

A few of Maxwell’s principles include:

Be willing to do what others won’t.
Be prepared every time you take your leader’s time.
Know when to push and when to back off.
Become a go-to player.
Be better tomorrow than you were today.

Whatever you choose to do with your career in this recession, make sure you take time to consider the bigger picture first. And, if you do choose to leave, make sure you’re not just running away from something but you’re running towards a better opportunity.

by Jennifer Anderson, Guest Blogger
Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Express Employment Professionals