Tag Archives: hiring

Who’s Hiring?

interview_showdown_webA recent survey of 390 former and current clients of Express Employment Professionals provides a glance into which sectors and departments anticipate hiring (and which don’t) in the second quarter of 2016.

According to respondents, the top three sectors expecting the most hiring are:

  • Industrial – 46%
  • Administrative – 13 %
  • Engineering – 10%

When asked which departments expect to do the most hiring, respondents answered:

  • Production – 36%
  • Sales – 30%
  • Logistics – 9%

It was also revealed that accounting, human resources, legal, and risk departments have no plans to hire in the second quarter. Furthermore, respondents reported accounting as the only department in which there were plans to eliminate positions.

As you go about your job search, keep these numbers in mind. Industrial jobs or those focused on production or sales may prove more fruitful for job seekers in the next few months.

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Were you surprised by these results? Do you focus your job search based on sector or department? Let us know in the comments section below.

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

Need a Job? Seasonal Work Is Here

RET_005The holiday season may still seem far off, but now is the time to start looking for work if you plan to find a seasonal job this year. Every year, the holiday season helps put millions of people to work in jobs that may begin as temporary employment, but often turn into permanent employment.

There are many benefits to finding a seasonal job. In addition to the extra income around the holidays, seasonal jobs are also a great way to add experience to your resume and network with people who may be able to help your career in the future. Even though your job may start out as a temporary one, it could lead to permanent, full-time employment.

Take Your Job Seriously
According to Bob Funk, CEO of Express Employment Professionals, “Employers will look at their temporary employees this holiday season to see which ones merit a full-time, permanent position.”

If you want to better your odds of landing a permanent job after the holidays, remember to treat your seasonal job like an extended interview. Take advantage of the opportunity to show you’re hard-working, committed, and have a positive attitude. When you go above and beyond at your temporary job, you better your chances of being noticed by potential employers.

Don’t Limit Your Options
Holiday jobs may seem like they’re limited to Christmas or other winter holidays, but don’t forget about the entire holiday season. Halloween, for example, can be an avenue for temporary work because of large costume superstores that open for the season. Additionally, party stores may need extra help around New Year’s Eve.

Start Now
Stop by any department store and you’re likely to see holiday items already stocked on the shelves. If businesses are already thinking about the holidays, you should be too. Brainstorm places you would like to apply for seasonal work and get started on applications. Don’t wait until November or December, because most employers want their seasonal staff trained and working before the shopping rush begins.

Call a Staffing Agency
When companies want to hire multiple new employees for the holiday season, they often go to a staffing company for assistance. Since staffing providers are usually better equipped to find, screen, and hire large numbers of workers, they can be a great resource for you. Do your homework before you apply and make sure the staffing company is a reputable one, like Express Employment Professionals.

Make Sure You’re Prepared
In a recent poll on Movin’ On Up, we asked if our readers plan on looking for seasonal work this year. An astonishing 84% of responders said that they do plan to look for seasonal work. Since so many people want to find work this holiday season, you need to make sure you’re prepared to beat the competition. Clean up your resume, brush up on your interview skills, make a list of references, research the companies you want to work for, and know the skills that employers want to see. When you’re prepared for a job opportunity, you stand a better chance of landing the job.

Have you worked a seasonal job? Did your seasonal job turn into a permanent one? Share your tips with us in the comments section below!

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

Attention 2015 Graduates! Check Out These Statistics

statistics_for_2015_graduates_webAre you graduating from college this year? If so, there’s some good news. According to a recent survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), employers are planning to hire 9.6% more graduates in the United States than they did in 2014. Additionally, 55% of survey respondents plan to increase their hiring numbers this year, up from 46% in the fall of 2014. Michigan State University also conducted a survey that revealed 97% of employers will hire at least one new college graduate in 2015.

The Degrees That Get You Hired
Employers are hiring more, but who are they hiring? According to NACE’s survey, which also asked employers to rate the college degrees they most desire in new hires, the top 10 most in-demand degrees are as follows:

  1. Engineering
  2. Business
  3. Computer Sciences
  4. Accounting
  5. Miscellaneous Majors
  6. Economics
  7. Physical Sciences
  8. Communications
  9. Humanities
  10. Social Sciences

The Skills That Get You Hired
The same survey also reported the skills that employers value most in recent graduates. Based on a 5-point scale, the skills employers want to see most often are:

  1. Critical thinking/problem solving – 4.7
  2. Teamwork – 4.6
  3. Professionalism/work ethic – 4.5
  4. Oral/written communication – 4.4
  5. Information technology application – 3.9
  6. Leadership – 3.9
  7. Career management – 3.6

Top Places to Start Your Career
Businessweek.com compiled a list of the top cities to start your career. The findings are based on job availability, affordability, and average income. The results are:

  1. Houston
  2. Washington D.C.
  3. Dallas
  4. Atlanta
  5. Austin

Express Employment Professionals recently released a study on the top 10 cities with the most unfilled job openings. To find out which cities made the list, click here.

Where to Go From Here
Now that you know the careers and skills employers are looking for, how do you make yourself the top candidate for open jobs? Forbes advises that you visit your school’s career services offices before graduation and ask for advice on networking, internships, and organizations within your field of study. Networking with students from your school who have already graduated in the field you’re interested in can also be beneficial in your job search efforts. Those graduates have already been in the workforce for a few years and may have tips of the trade you could learn. Visit your school’s career services offices for assistance finding alumni who can help.

It’s Not Too Early to Start
Even if you’re not graduating in 2015, it’s never too early to get a head-start on finding a job after graduation. As early as your freshman year, you should consider visiting your school’s career services offices and begin networking. Remember to keep your grades up and try to find internships and extra-curricular activities that would interest an employer. Joining the debate team, helping with a political campaign, or being part of the advertising club can help you stand out on your resume. Additionally, volunteering your free time in your community can also set you apart from the rest of new graduates.

The hiring outlook is bright for new graduates, so how do you plan to land a job after graduation? Share with us in the comments section below!

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

Be Good for Goodness’ Sake!

be_good_for_goodness_sake_webEach year, employers hire hundreds of thousands of workers for temporary jobs during the holiday season. Many of those workers will be hired to stay on into the next year and some may even land a full-time job with the company.

As the holiday season draws to a close, those who work temporary or seasonal jobs should be aware that employers are watching workers to see who is productive, fits in with the company culture, and ultimately, deserves to stay.

“I guarantee managers are watching their seasonal workers closely,” said Bob Funk, CEO of Express Employment Professionals. “They’re looking to see which employees merit a full-time position. In some sense, a seasonal job is like an extended interview, so if you want to become a permanent worker, take advantage of your holiday job and show how hard-working and dedicated you are.”

If you’re working a temporary job this holiday season, take note of these four tips for turning seasonal work into a long-term job.

Work like you’re a regular.
Whether or not you’re a temporary worker, your quality of work should always be as good as or better than any core employee. If you want to turn your temporary position into a permanent one, make sure your work is consistent, timely, and done right.

Put in extra time.
A great way to impress your boss and stand out from the crowd is by showing up to work on time. If you want an employer to make a commitment to you, you have to show you’re committed to them. If you finish your work, ask for more. Be sure you demonstrate your dedication and outstanding work ethic.

Dress to impress.
A well-dressed employee can catch the eye of all the right people. When you honor your work’s dress code, you show decision makers that you value the workplace culture. And, fitting in with the norms of your work environment can go far in the eyes of your supervisors.

Be personable.
Keep your attitude in check, because how you behave will impact your chances at landing a full-time job. Employers appreciate employees who are positive, have high morale, and get along with their supervisors and co-workers. But, remember to socialize with others only when it’s appropriate.

As Bob Funk adds, “an employer knows if you’ve been bad or good, so be good for goodness’ sake!”

How do you stand out at a seasonal or temporary job? Have you been hired full-time after working such a job? Let us know in the comments section below!

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

4 Secrets of Hiring Managers

hiring_manager_secrets_webGetting an interview is a great first step to landing a job. But, how do you ensure you’re a top pick for the position when you meet face-to-face with the hiring manager? We asked four hiring professionals from Express Employment Professionals to share their secrets from the initial phone call to the follow-up in order to help you stand out in your next interview.

Secret #1: The first impression is hard to change.
You only get one chance to make a first impression. Sometimes that first impression may be through a phone call or email, so don’t forget to act professional in non-face-to-face interactions. “A candidate who responds quickly and has a professional demeanor over the phone, in email, or on my voicemail is someone who usually excels in person,” said Lee Wenninger, owner of the Fishers, IN Express office.

Lauren Chandler, a recruiter at the Howell, MI Express office, agrees. “Did the person arrive on time, call back when they were supposed to, or follow up when they should have? This could be a big indicator of whether or not they will be a dependable employee,” she said. “They’re basically on an audition with us, and they have to pass our audition to get to the next one.”

If your first impression happens to be during an interview, be as professional as possible. Here are a few things Joe Paquette, a consultant at Express, looks for in an ideal candidate:

And, don’t forget to be respectful to the company’s receptionist or anyone you come in contact with. “I always ask staff members how they were treated by someone who is applying internally,” Joe said.

Secret #2: The reason you’re looking for a job matters to employers.

Before your interview, you may want to ask yourself why you’re looking for a job. For many jobseekers, finding a job is essential because they aren’t currently working. But, if you’re looking for a job due to other reasons, be honest about why you’re searching. If you indicate on your resume that you’re “looking for additional opportunities,” some hiring managers might see this as a disguise for more serious reasons, like challenges or issues working with a team member or manager.

“I dive into past work history to look for patterns,” Joe said. “I ask the candidate what they think their previous or current supervisor would say about them personally, and I follow up with that supervisor to see if their thoughts are the same.”

If you’re looking for a new job due to challenges in your current one, turn it into a positive. Emphasize how your past experiences have prepped you to become successful in the role you’re interviewing for and give helpful examples.

Secret #3: Asking questions shows interest in the job.

If you land an interview, be prepared to not only answer questions, but to ask some of your own as well. According to Joe, asking questions throughout the interview process shows that you’re interested in the position and driven to succeed. To get ahead of the game on this hiring manager secret, remember to:

  • Research the company you’re applying for and make a note of important information, like the date they were founded, the name of the CEO, and the company’s core values.
  • If you’re given the name of your interviewer beforehand, research them as well. Find out about their educational background and interests in case you can use them in the conversation.
  • Develop a list of questions you may have about the company, the role you’re interviewing for, or the hiring process.

Showing interest in the job or company you’re applying for goes a long way, according to Carrie Smith, a recruiter for the Howell, MI Express office. “If they seem uninterested in the opportunity to be here, I find myself being uninterested in them as well.”

And, when you’re answering a question, try not to talk forever. “Nothing takes you out of the top category quicker than not being able to get to the point. Answer the question, then elaborate if needed,” Lauren said.

Secret #4: A follow-up note is very important.

Following up after an interview is important to hiring managers. Send an email or letter after your interview to say thanks and provide any details you may have forgotten during the interview. And, don’t forget to emphasize your interest in the position. If you don’t have the email address for your interviewer, do some research to find their contact information or call the company and ask for it.

If your interviewer gives you something to do after the interview, like performing a test or providing a sample of your work, do it. And, do it quickly. According to Joe, giving an interviewee a task lets hiring managers see how much time, effort, and thought the candidate puts into that task and if they are someone who can take direction. If you don’t complete the work you’re given, it could put the brakes on your interview process.

“I run from someone who doesn’t complete the task or sends me something without a lot of thought put into it,” Joe said. “It’s fine not to understand the task, but someone who is serious about the job will follow up to get more details if they’re stuck.”

How do you ensure you’re a top pick during an interview? Share with us in the comments section below.

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

3 Extreme Job Search Tips

extreme_tips_webIf you’ve been on the job hunt for any time at all, you’re probably very familiar with the common pieces of advice. There are hundreds of tips out there, ranging from how to keep your job search low-tech and what to wear for success to how to find new leads and using apps to organize your hunt. They are all good to apply to your specific job search situation as-needed. But, it’s also important to consider some new ideas on finding and landing the job you want. So, here are three outside-the-box tips you might want to consider.

Be Slow To Apply
It’s always exciting to find a potential job, and your first reaction is usually to apply right then and there. According to Forbes, though, Isa Adney, author and blogger, says, “Applying is the last thing you should do.” Instead, Adney advises that you should first “research that company and the professionals who work there, and reach out to someone at the company before you apply for the job, letting them know you admire what they do and would love their advice.” You should scour your social media accounts to see if you have any connections with employees at the company you could talk with and potentially use as your advocates and references.

Ignore Position Titles
Job titles often differ from company to company. For instance, at one employer a specialist position could be higher than a coordinator position, while at another company it may be the opposite. Don’t base your decision on whether to apply or not on the position title. Thoroughly read the job description and then see what your research of the company, department, and position title turns up. Also, keep in mind that there are probably other jobs out there that you would be good at that have a different position title than what you’ve been searching.

Create a New Position
Sometimes businesses don’t know that they need to hire someone, or aren’t actively seeking a new employee at the moment. So don’t just rely on posted job openings. If you know of certain companies that you’d like to work for, come up with how you could specifically use your skills and experiences to help that business and get in contact with professionals there. As the Forbes article states, “Don’t just sit around waiting for your ‘dream job’ to open.” Teri Hockett, chief executive of a career site for women, also suggests that after learning of challenges the company is facing, either from employees or public information, “you can craft a solution that you can share directly or publicly through a blog, for instance.” This could get you noticed and also get your foot in the door.

It’s easy to get into a regular routine of how you search for jobs, and then find yourself in a job-hunt rut. But seeking out some new advice and thinking of extreme job search tactics will help you get out of that rut, and may even help you finally land the perfect job.

Do you have any unusual tactics when searching for a job? Has one of those unconventional ideas helped you get a great job? Please share your experiences with us below in the comments section below.

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

Who’s Hiring this Summer

Summer_Hiring_April2014Summertime is just around the corner, and every year many people take on summer jobs to earn some extra cash. Working a summer job can expand more than just your pocket book – it can also benefit your future! Summer jobs allow people the opportunity to explore a career path, gain experience, and find full-time work.  So, if you’re looking for work this summer, check out this good news!

Positive Outlook
According to the annual summer jobs survey by Snagajob, this summer’s hiring trend looks the brightest it’s been in a while. The number of hiring managers planning to hire more seasonal staff in 2014 is up 10% from the summer of 2013, and wages are at their highest level in six years. Additionally, the number of hiring managers who don’t plan to hire help this summer is down 14% compared to last year at this time.

Even more positive news: Snagajob also shares that hiring managers expect 10% fewer workers to return this summer compared to the summer of 2013, creating more job openings and making 2014 one of the best years for job seekers to get their foot in the door. As in years past, a 54 percent majority believe the biggest competition for summer jobs will be among high school and college students.

Seasonal Jobs
Many cities have local recreational parks and departments that are responsible for local pools, golf courses, and other activities. To find more information on jobs in your community, check out your local parks and recreation website. Another great summer job would be working at a camp, but if you’re not much of an outdoor person, look into working at your local YMCA. Since many children are out of school in the summer, child care is another job option.
So, if you’re out of school, between employment, or just looking to make some extra cash, make sure to check out these summer job opportunities in your community.

Outdoor:

  • Lifeguards
  • Park concession, such as selling snacks or accessories
  • Golf course attendants and golf cart drivers
  • Sports umpires and referees
  • Park maintenance and security
  • Lawn maintenance

Indoor:

  • Daytime camp counselor
  • Tutor
  • Childcare giver
  • Class instructor, such as arts and crafts or sports
  • Summer school assistant

Getting a summer job can be a great way to build your resume, earn income, and even make friends while having fun in the sun. The possibilities of summertime employment are growing, so find the job that’s right for you.

Express Can Help
Whether you’re starting a new career, re-entering the workforce, or supplementing your income, Express has the resources to match you with a job that fits your desires and abilities. To search for an Express office near you, visit ExpressPros.com.

What are your plans for summertime employment? Share with us in the comment section below!

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