A Job Seeker's New Years Resolution

Have you thought of a New Years Resolution for 2011? As you are reflecting on 2010 and planning your goals for 2011, take some time to think about your job search strategy. Tomorrow starts the first day of the new year, consider these tips below to help lead you to a successful, happy, and productive job search in 2011!


Do's
** Don’t underestimate the importance of your network! Network by meeting (on the phone or in person) 2 new people per week who can help you with your job search. Also, they may know a great contact you need to meet!

** Consider your job search a full time job. Dedicate the appropriate amount of time for it (no more than 3-4 hours per day!). Prioritize your job search ahead of TV, games, ect.

** Volunteer! It is a great way to make good use of your time by meeting new people and networking! Also, it will make a difference in the community and you feel good after helping others!

** The job hunt can be frustrating so consider exercise to be a good stress-reliever and pick a program you will enjoy. Refer to one of our previous October 2010 blog post: "Exercise your Body...And your BRAIN!" Studies show that even 10 minutes of activity changes your brain!

** Create a profile on LinkedIn! Many employers and recruiters use LinkedIn to source potential candidates, so it’s important for job seekers to incorporate this professional networking site into their job search strategy. Once your profile is complete, start increasing your number of connections by adding people that you know: past and present colleagues, family members, professors, clients, vendors, and friends.

** Goals are important. Build a plan for your job search by outlining resources to research, target companies, and people to contact. It is a good idea to create a schedule and track who you have contacted or where you applied.

** Stay POSITIVE! Nothing kills an opportunity faster than negative energy! Hiring managers and recruiters can sense it.

Don't's
** Don't apply for jobs you are definitively do not qualify for.

** Don't call HR Departments EVERYDAY asking if they received your resume. HR Departments receive 500 to 1200+ resumes on a daily basis, and recruiters are bombarded. You don't want them to remember your name for the wrong reasons. Pecking day after day can land you on the NO list.

** Don't make spelling or grammatical errors when sending a Thank You to a potential employer. Be sure the company's name and the interviewer's name are all spelled correctly. Ask for a business card before you leave an interview to ensure you have the correct spelling. Lack of attention to detail could cost you the job.

** The interview is the first impression. Don't show up late or too early. Employers look at this as an indicator of how you’ll act in the future. Any more than 10 minutes before your scheduled time is too early.

Happy Job Hunting and Happy New Year from the SSInc Team!

A note that made our day!

Happy Holidays everyone!! Below is a sweet note we received from an applicant who just landed a new position!

"Bonny, I can't say enough about you, Pam, and the staff at Staffing Solutions. You have helped me with my job experience, my confidence, and you've given me support through thick and thin. Depending on how things develop here in February, we may be
working together again. I will keep you updated on everything. If any of you are ever in the Maryland Heights area, feel free to let me know. You can stop by and meet the gang I work with.

Darryn Y"

Congrats Darryn! We at SSI are so happy for you! Keep in touch!

50 Best Careers of 2011....Consider these high-opportunity jobs!

As we come out of the recession many ask what jobs are "hot"? Which occupations offer decent pay and are likely to stick around through the next 10 years?

Last week the U.S. News and World Report released their 50 Best Careers of 2011 list! This list contains high-opportunity positions to consider in the next year.

Included in this list are jobs that have high-growth predictions over the next 10 years, a high median salary and high job satisfaction. Some careers on the list have been on the list for years, while others are reflective of the recovering economy.

According to U.S. News and World Report, "With an aging baby boomer generation, healthcare continues to make a strong showing. All of the healthcare jobs on last year's list have made the cut again this year, plus two new positions: massage therapist and athletic trainer."

In addition, technology postions account for a large portion of the list! In a struggling economy with a 9.6 percent unemployment rate, competition is still stiff even for some jobs that made this list. For every job opening in September, there were about five unemployed people, according to the Labor Department. During the three years before the recession, the rate averaged 1.7 unemployed people for every job opening.

Here is the list of Best Careers of 2011:

Technology and science jobs
•Biomedical engineer
•Civil engineer
•Computer software engineer
•Computer support specialist
•Computer systems analyst
•Environmental engineering technician
•Environmental science technician
•Hydrologist
•Meteorologist
•Network architect

Healthcare jobs
•Athletic trainer
•Dental hygienist
•Lab technician
•Massage therapist
•Occupational therapist
•Optometrist
•Physician assistant
•Physical therapist
•Physical therapist assistant
•Radiologic technologist
•Registered nurse
•School psychologist
•Veterinarian

Social service jobs
•Clergy
•Court reporter
•Education administrator
•Emergency management specialist
•Firefighter
•Marriage and family therapist
•Mediator
•Medical and public health social worker
•Special-education teacher
•Urban planner

Business and finance jobs
•Accountant
•Actuary
•Financial adviser
•Financial analyst
•Logistician
•Meeting planner
•Public relations specialist
•Sales manager
•Training specialist

Creative and service jobs
•Commercial pilot
•Curator
•Film and video editor
•Gaming manager
•Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration technician
•Interpreter/Translator
•Multimedia artist
•Technical writer

Top Reasons to Take a Temp/Contract Position

Companies use staffing agencies when they need extra help on a project, to cover while someone is on leave or vacation, or just because it is a busier time of year. However, many job seekers are hesitant when it comes to using a staffing agency to find a job. Many do not realize that temporary jobs are a great way to earn a paycheck, network, learn new skills, try a different career, and sometimes...even lead to a full time job!

Here are the top 4 reasons to take a temporary job:

1.Earn a paycheck while you continue your job search! Temp postions are keeping many "afloat" while they continue their job search. Also, temp positions typically pay more than unemployment! If you are on a temp assignment and have an interview for a "full time" position, our clients are flexible! Most of our candidates will schedule interviews in the morning or at the end of the day.

2. A temporary job could potentially turn into a full-time job and we have seen it happen! If you’re a good fit for the position and if the company needs to fill the position, you are a great candidate because you are already familiar with the company and trained on their software! Keep in mind, some companies do most (or all) of their hiring through staffing companies, so it could be the only way to get into some companies.

3.Temporary positions can fill gaps in your employment history. Large gaps on resumes can be questionable to some employers. By temping between permanent jobs, it shows that you are a hard worker– even without a full-time job. We understand the job market is tough and it is taking job seekers 6-8+ months to find a full time position! So when an employer asks you what you have been doing the past 8 months you have been job searching during an interview, you can say you are keeping your skills up and also learning new skills by temping!

4. Temp positions give you the opportunity to network and meet many new people! These people can give you an excellent recommendation, and also keep you in mind for future opportunities since they are already aware of your great work ethic!

Don’t dismiss temporary positions while performing your job search. you never know....they may be the way to your next full-time position!


Have you been on a temp position that has turned full-time? What tips do you have for those in temporary positions to show a potential employer that they’re worth keeping? Comments welcome!

Scam Artists are on the Prowl!

Many jobseekers are on electronic job boards these days, and the scam artists are on the prowl!

For some tips on how to NOT become one of their victims, read this month's newsletter!

Go to https://www.staffingsolutionsinc.com/temphomepage.htm and click on Newsletter in the menu bar to view!

Also visit www.staffingsolutionsinc.com for our current job openings, volunteer opportunities, great career building tips and the best self-help help-desk online!!

Good news for St. Louis! STL is "on the road to recovery" in global economic study!

Thought we would share some positive news!

According to STLtoday.com, "An international survey of 150 regions ranks the St. Louis metropolitan area 54th in the context of projected economic growth in the aftermath of a recession that left no corner of the globe untouched."

Prior to the downturn, St. Louis was ranked 133rd in the "Global MetroMonitor" compiled by the Brookings Institution and the London School of Economics.

Going from number 133 out of 150 to number 54 is certainly good news!! The rankings are based on certian factors including past economic performance, employment trends and growth potential.

In the article, Coleman, president and CEO of the St. Louis Economic Council, credited the rise in ranking to a local economic shift. Positions in health care, pharmaceuticals, IT and financial services are gradually replacing those in the once dominant heavy manufacturing sector.

"Those are not just growth jobs, those are well-paying jobs," Coleman said.

St. Louis is on the road to recovery!

source: http://www.stltoday.com/business/local/article_ff1858c4-8dc1-5aaa-b4de-d39f424cb676.html