Journey

The Results Are In: Have you considered becoming an independent contractor?

By Job Journey on Monday, July 6, 2015

poll_results_independent_contractor_web When it comes to the workforce, there are a number of different job types available, including full time, part time, temporary, and independent contractor work. Since the U.S. Department of Labor predicts that this number will grow to 65 million in the next five years, we asked Movin’ On Up readers if they had ever considered being an independent contractor.

What the Survey Revealed
With 249 votes, the survey revealed that more than 68% of readers are currently independent contractors. The results of their answers break down as follows:

Yes – 68.27%
I am currently an independent contractor – 18.47%
No – 6.43%
I tried, but it wasn’t for me – 6.02%
Other – 0.81%

Of the 3.36% who selected “Other,” responses included:

I was an IC for 12 months, then was hired by the company
I need more information about the contract agreement
I’ve only done it out of necessity between “real” jobs

Keep Focusing On Your Goals

Results indicate the majority of respondents are independent contractors. Although some don’t really know where to start, others are well on their way to being freelance workers—which is not surprising considering that Fortune magazine reports that 42 million people in the workforce are freelance or contract workers. If you don’t know the right steps to take, Express can help get you on your path: talk to a representative, set yourself a goal, and check back here for tips and advice!

Have you taken the leap to freelance or independent contracting? Do you have any tips for others who want to take that step? Let us know in the comments section below!

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

Networking

Holiday Weekends Are a Great Time to Network

By Job Journey on Friday, July 3, 2015

With the Fourth of July holiday right around the corner, many Americans will find themselves traveling, camping, enjoying cook-outs, and gathering with family and friends. While it’s a great time to make memories and enjoy a firework show, it’s also a prime time to make sure you’re thinking about your career.

How can a holiday weekend make an impact on your job search? It’s all about networking. Whether you’re planning to attend a neighborhood pool party, barbeque with friends, or participate in a community event, there’s always an opportunity to network and make connections that could help you on your career path. Take a look at these tips for enhancing your summer holiday through the power of networking.

Be friendly.
You never know who you may run into at a social gathering, so it’s always important to put your best foot forward. In fact, it’s a commonly held belief that people will form an impression of you in the first seven seconds. When you meet someone new, consider it an informal job interview. Be friendly and positive and don’t be afraid to talk about your hobbies, what you enjoy doing for work, or your career goals. Even if the person you’re meeting doesn’t seem to possess any direct connections to a new job or company you want to work for, they may know someone who does. And, the first impression you give them could make or break your chance at that relationship.

Give yourself value.
When you meet someone for the first time, it may be easy to talk about yourself and share your career goals with the other person. While it’s important to introduce yourself, make sure you also allow your new connection time to speak. And don’t forget to give yourself value by explaining what you can do for the relationship. If you have experience, certain skills, or training that could benefit the other person, make it known. For example, if you’re an experienced welder and you find out your cousin’s friend owns a machine shop that’s looking for welders, be sure to introduce yourself and make your skills known.

Share your contact information.
If you happen to meet someone with connections or a job they’re trying to fill, make sure you get their contact information so you can follow up with them after the holiday weekend. You may want to consider carrying around business cards with your name and contact information for networking purposes. Keep a pen handy so you can write a note on the back of the card, like “Jim’s BBQ” or “Sarah’s Firework Stand” so they will remember where you met when they find your card after the holiday weekend. You may also consider sharing your LinkedIn profile with any new connections. If you have a smart phone or tablet handy, you can even look up the profile of those you network with and add them as a connection before you forget.

Don’t forget to follow up.
After the holiday weekend has ended, consider sending your new contact a handwritten note thanking them for their time or interest and asking if there’s a convenient time for you to meet and further discuss the open position or your career goals. Sending a quick note through email is another way to make a memorable impression and keep your name at the forefront of your new connection’s mind.

How do you plan to network during the holiday weekend? Have you made a job connection through a social event? Share your tips in the comments section below!

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

The Job Search

Break Free From Your Job Search

By Job Journey on Wednesday, July 1, 2015

As our Canadian friends celebrate Canada Day, Independence Day is just around the corner in the U.S. While both of these holidays are a great time to get together with family and friends, enjoy a picnic, watch a firework show, and celebrate freedom, it’s also an opportunity to declare independence from your job search. If you’ve been looking for work for an extended period of time, you are probably well aware of the struggles a difficult job search can bring. In honor of the July 4^th holiday, we want to share some tips that may help you break free from your search and land a job.

Re-evaluate and consider your goals.
When it comes to your job search, there may be a specific job or company you have in mind. While it’s beneficial to have an idea of where you’d like to work or what you’d like to do, it’s possible that too much focus on a specific position may cause you to have tunnel vision. If you’ve submitted resumes and applications for the same type of job over and over, but haven’t landed an interview yet, take some time to step back and evaluate whether or not you’re on the right path. It’s possible that you don’t possess the skills or experience needed for a certain job, and you’re only wasting time pursuing it.

If that’s the case, assess what education or experience you may need to meet the position’s requirements and consider receiving the appropriate training before you apply for similar jobs.

Network both online and offline.
LinkedIn is a great way to make connections with people in the industry or company where you want to work. Making sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date with all of your skills, experience, and educational information to help you stand out to potential employers who find you online. Likewise, your other social media accounts may be visible to recruiters and interviewers as well, so make sure you keep your Facebook, Twitter, and other accounts professional at all times. You never know who is looking at them!

In addition to online networking through social media, it’s just as important to network offline. Consider going to industry events, joining a professional organization, attending local functions, or volunteering in your community. These gatherings give you the opportunity to meet new people face-to-face and network on a personal level. Often, employers don’t post their jobs online. They rely instead on employees or personal networking, so you don’t want to miss out on this unspoken opportunity.

Show excitement during your interview.
If you are asked to visit a company for an interview, there’s no doubt you’ll be excited. But, a recent survey from OI Global Partners reveals that 56% of interviewers think their interviewees don’t show enough excitement or interest during the conversation. While it’s natural to feel nervous during an interview, it’s important that you don’t let those nerves get the best of you. Make sure you show your interest in the job by researching the company before the interview.

When you research, look for something about the company that stands out or relates to you so you can share a personal story about it with your interviewer. This shows that you put effort into learning more about the job and that you’re excited about its purpose. And of course, go to your interview. A recent survey from Express Employment Professionals revealed that an alarming number of job candidates don’t even show up to their interviews. Remember, you can’t get the job if you don’t make the effort. If you’re going to be late, call ahead and let the interviewer know that you’re running behind, but don’t avoid going just because you’re late.

Consider short-term employment.
Even if your end goal is to find a long-term position at a company, you shouldn’t turn down any temporary roles that come your way in the meantime. There are a number of benefits to taking on temporary work while you’re looking for your dream job, including the ability to test out industries you haven’t worked in before. You may be able to find a job in an environment you’re interested in, but don’t have the experience necessary to land permanent work yet. Additionally, many temporary jobs can turn into permanent ones if they’re the right fit for you. If you decide to pursue temporary work during your job search, remember to showcase your work ethic, skills, and dedication every day. You don’t always know when the employer is looking to hire someone full time!

How did you break free from your job search and land the job? Share your stories in the comments section below!

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

Reader Surveys

Poll: How Would You Prepare for a Highly Skilled Job?

By Job Journey on Monday, June 29, 2015

Lately, there has been a lot of talk about the skills gap, or the lack of qualified workers to fill highly skilled jobs. According to ExploreHealthCareers.org, “well-trained and highly skilled workers will be best positioned to secure high wage jobs.” Those jobs require higher education or experience, and ExploreHealthCareers.org predicts that the fastest growth in jobs will come from occupations that require an associate’s degree or vocational education.

Employers look for a number of qualities in their highly-skilled workforce, including communication, mathematics, professionalism, teamwork, and basic fundamental skills. To become the right candidate for these jobs, job seekers may need to explore higher education or training to sharpen their skills.

Since highly skilled workers are in demand, we want to know how you would prepare for a highly skilled job.

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

Uncategorized

Brand It Blue Day 2015 Provided More Than 65,000 Meals

By Job Journey on Friday, June 26, 2015

On Saturday, June 13, in communities across North America, Express Employment Professionals offices came together to serve and give back as part of the third annual Brand It Blue Day.

More than 225 Express offices, from California to North Carolina to Canada joined with 1,000 volunteers to provide more than 65,000 meals for those in need. If you were able to be a part of this amazing effort in any way, thank you for your support and hard work.

As we recently shared, volunteering and serving with a local nonprofit or charity can help make you more employable. But giving back to your community doesn’t just impact your job search. Research shows volunteering is connected to an increase in well-being and lowered depression, both of which are often impacted by the loss of a job. (more…)

Career Advancement Networking Salary and Promotions

Peak Performer’s Life: Networking is a Game Changer!

By Job Journey on Wednesday, June 24, 2015

This week on Peak Performer’s Life, Walter Bond continues his series on networking and discusses how networking can be the game changer you’ve been looking for to advance your career and personal life. By using networking skills, you can elevate and focus your career through your relationships. Your success is determined by your ability to connect to and maintain your network.

According to Walter:

“If you do a great job networking, it’s a game changer. I mean, if you really really focus on your network, it can change the trajectory of your life. It can create what I call a new normal.”

As part of his year-long series of motivational messages, Walter Bond discusses the importance of patience, solid investments, perseverance, and more. Check out the full message below. (more…)

Career Options

Tips for Making a Career Path

By Job Journey on Monday, June 22, 2015

The Job Genius program from Express Employment Professionals is an educational video series that offers insights on the job market and how to get a job. The video series includes information on everything from writing your resume to finding job opportunities, interviewing, and more.

Whether you’re a recent graduate, someone who has been out of the workforce for a while, or are just looking to change your career, knowing the path you’d like to travel can make a world of difference. As you advance in your career, it’s important to know what you want out of employment. Do you want to move into a leadership role? Or, do you want to find work that allows you more time at home? After you answer questions like these, take a look at your career objectives, knowledge, education, and resources. Then, start making goals that will help you make a plan for your career.

To begin establishing your career path, check out the Job Genius video below for more information on evaluating your skills, furthering your education, and more.

To check out other videos in this educational series, visit ExpressPros.com/JobGenius.

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