Relocation Issues in Today's Tough Job Market -- Who Will Pay?Written by Elizabeth Kirwin
In light of recent unemployment figures, and a continual downturn in labor market, many unemployed professionals are finding themselves in a bind when their benefits or severance packages are depleted. It is not easy to compete with 300-600 resumes for one job. Those seeking jobs through postings on web or through a professional recruitment service must consider a new place to live as well as a new employment situation -- if they are serious about jobs they are applying for. For 14 years, Steve Hall has made a career in connecting great companies with great people in IT industry, which is famous for turnover. Job seekers and companies in post-911, post-dot.com and post-Enron business environment rely upon Hall and Find Great People (FGP) International, for worldwide recruitment services. Find Great People relocates to a new office in late October with complete with state-of-the-art equipment at 150 Executive Center Drive, B-82, Greenville, South Carolina in October. Steve Hall has been a recruiter with same company since 1989. He counseled and placed job seekers in positions through downturn of early Nineties, when another war was raging in Iraq. Despite fact that politicians and business leaders may not be calling this downturn a recession, from a recruiter’s standpoint, these are definitely tough times. “In April 2001, severity of it hit everyone around country,” said Steve. He continued, “Since April 2001, it’s like being buried in mud. You have rises and falls. For a month or two there is hiring, like flame is lit – then suddenly it drops back. This all weighs heavily on minds of those in labor force.”Some professions, like health care, seem to be booming. But others, like IT, are on a long swing down. Job seekers are looking for an edge to be more competitive. Steve Hall believes relocation issues may be one key to unlocking corporate mentality behind hiring in these times. “Differentiating factors between likely candidates for a job are important,” says Mr Hall. “Does person have a two year or four year degree or a Master’s Degree? Is potential candidate located within reasonable proximity, or will he/she have to relocate – and at whose expense? In addition, what are costs of bringing someone in for an interview?"
| | Three Ways to Transition to a New CareerWritten by Steve Hall, Certified Personnel Consultant
Three Ways to Transition to a New Career As a Certified Personnel Consultant working for Find Great People International in Greenville, South Carolina, I receive telephone calls from people who are considering a career change. For some, transitioning to a new career is easier than others. Some professionals already possess a foundation of skills to make transition easier. I’ll give an example. An unemployed network engineer and hobby electrician decides to become an electrical contractor for new construction. His transition might be easier because he needs minimal training to enter new field. But others require training, or additional schooling, which can sometimes be costly. Strategy for Changing Careers It’s best to take a strategic approach when changing careers. The first step is identifying a career of interest to you. Then, visit jobsites like Careerbuilder.com,Monster.com, and Hotjobs.com and search for job postings by keywords or titles relating to your newly desired career field. Next, read through job postings identified, analyze them, and try to determine knowledge, skills, and abilities employers are searching for in this field. Once you’ve researched your chosen career, deepen your knowledge through class work or mentoring with a friend whom you respect and whose experience might relate to that field. In order to advance in your field of choice, an undergraduate or advanced degree may be necessary. Speak to a Recrutier Another way to make an effective career change is to contact someone like myself – a recruiter or “headhunter” who specializes in your desired field. The purpose of your call is to gather information about your chosen profession. For example, at Find Great People International, we have recruiters specializing in manufacturing, information technology, health care, apparel, finance and accounting, and professional temporary staffing. It may be helpful to jot down a list of questions before your call. When I speak to someone about changing careers, individual usually acknowledges they do not possess skills or experience to do job yet -- but they are eager to break in. I evaluate their skills, based on a series of questions. Sometimes they’ll have a foundation for new career and that’s a starting point. Education: a Positvie Step Schooling or training is a wise first step for many who shift careers, provided they have money to pay for it. There are times when I recommend a national training center with locations throughout U.S. Or, since I specialize in IT field, I’ll suggest a technical training institute, or a technical college that offers supplemental training. Some certifications and trainings in computer field can range between $8,000-10,000. This may seem steep, but truth is most places of employment will not hire you without some sort of training. Step Into Your Field in a Better Job Market There is a third, bolder angle, which works better in a more robust job market. Simply investigate companies in your field of interest, contact them directly, and ask them if they are hiring entry level. If you are lucky enough to speak to a hiring authority, or someone in a position to be helpful, use time to sell yourself on transferable characteristics you possess as an employee.
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