Searching for a Job? Use Your Time to Build Professional Resources

With unemployment figures at 6.1% in August, there is great concern among jobless about their financial future. Though internet job posting seems convenient and opens up new possibilities, competition is so fierce, it is not unusual for an employer to receive 300-600 resumes for one posting. Since most companies do not have staffing or time to answer these inquiries, job seekers tend to feel like they are casting their resumes into a great void. Steve Hall, a 14 year Certified Personal Consultant with Find Great People in Greenville, South Carolina (http://www.findgreatpeople.com), has witnessed disappointment in internet job hunters. “When job seekers spend a great deal of time applying for jobs and receiving no word, it tends to weaken their self-worth,” said Mr. Hall. Spending five to eight hours per day on-line searching creates a sense of isolationism, too. “Most job seekers would be better served to balance their time behind computer with an effort to meet with people and build a network of professional resources,” said Mr. Hall. He suggests volunteer work geared toward job seeker’s profession with a charitable organization. “For example, an accountant could visit Red Cross, a state boy’s home, or a church and offer to do bookkeeping,” Mr. Hall suggested. “This would have professional benefits. It will keep professional skills sharp and enable job seeker to build a soft skill -- which is interacting with people. By volunteering skills and expertise, person may meet somebody that will lead to employment,” added Mr. Hall. Another activity that could stimulate job leads is participation in a weekly network group. “If you want to start a group in your area, rally a support group through professional associations,” recommends Mr. Hall. It’s important to find people of like minds, with similar passions, and in close proximity for weekly lunch or coffee meetings. “This interaction with colleagues and peer groups will allow job seeker to hear about positions that may not be posted.” said Mr. Hall. Belonging to a network group composed of those with similar professional interests could make job hunting a little less stressful. The network group will also help internet job seekers overcome a sense of isolationism. Mr. Hall notes that participation in a focused group will be like “having more than your own two eyes looking for work for you.” Job seekers can learn how others interviewed correctly or incorrectly. Sharing professional resources is also key to success with this type of group. “Say a person in your particular group received a call for a job they were not interested in,” observed Mr. Hall, “perhaps location, hours, or pay were wrong for that individual. It may be just right for someone else in group.” A simple exchange of information could be a hot lead to a new position. “If you are at home alone, you’re only interested in yourself,” said Mr. Hall, “though it might be noble, it’s not always productive.”

Relocation Issues in Today's Tough Job Market -- Who Will Pay?

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?"