Professional Outlook, Inc. Recruiting Specialists

According to a recent survey by Sibson Consulting, “employee engagement” remains low. Sibson defines employee engagement slightly differently than we do: “employees knowing what to do and wanting to do it”. (We typically use the Conference Board’s definition: “A heightened emotional connection that an employee feels for his or her organization, that influences the individual to exert greater discretionary effort to his or her work.”)

You might expect that anyone with a job during these challenging economic times would be happy to have one. However, Sibson’s research shows close to half of today’s employees are not happy at work, and the cost to employers is substantial. (more…)

How do you explain being unemployed for an extended period of time? The way you address this issue during an interview can make the difference of you receiving a job offer or being screened out. On your resume show “what” you have been accomplishing since your last job. Have you worked part-time, in a temporary assignment or on a contract? Have you volunteered your time while searching for a job? Did you enroll in courses to enhance your skills? Have you done some consulting? (more…)

Retention of key employees is one of the greatest challenges faced by Managers.  There are a few simple ways to make your employees feel important.  It is also crucial that you attempt to keep them happy! A happy employee is an employee who will remain loyal to you even when another opportunity presents itself.  One way to keep a strong solid relationship with your employees is to celebrate anniversaries!  The following is a round up of companies who have implemented programs to let their employees know that they are valued. (more…)

Do you ever feel like a “quick change artist” should be part of your job description as a manager?  We are in a new economy and the Age of Information.  The economy is shifting more toward services and knowledge based work.  Computers and technology have created an intense, worldwide competition for business.  Soon, competition for your job could come from practically anywhere on earth.  Careers just don’t develop the way they did ten years ago and that is no one’s fault.

The Age of Information doesn’t care about our opinions, feelings or fears.  The world rewards only those of us who catch onto what’s happening and invests energy into seizing the opportunities that will be brought about by change. (more…)

Image and first impressions are critical during your interviews!  You need to think about what image you want to create and how you will successfully accomplish that task.

There are some character traits that are common and should be used in order to create that positive image!  The following are character traits that you should be incorporating into your first interviews. (more…)

Over 50% of individuals who obtain a new job have used some method of networking.  Networking should be an integral part of your job search strategy. Simply explained, developing and utilizing a personal network links the people you know to the people they know which results in a constant increase in your number of contacts. (more…)

Don’t go it alone! There is nothing more depressing and frustrating than conducting your job search alone. Too often, you feel like everyone else has a job but you and it can be very difficult to pick yourself up everyday and do the things you need to do to progress your search. At Professional Outlook, we support our candidates in a number of ways, including a job portal with general job search advice. Here are some comments and tips from other job seekers who’ve benefited from career advice: (more…)

Take time this week do conduct a mini review of your job search efforts by answering the following three questions:

What have you done right? What is the 20% of your effort that is providing you with 80% of your results? You want to continue doing more of these activities.

What is wasting your time? You want to stop doing what is wasting your time today!  If something is not working, then why continue doing it? Focus on what works and quit wasting your valuable time.

What can you do differently to improve the results of your job search? Do you need to network more?  Do you need to revise your resume?  Do you need coaching from a professional recruiter?

When you stop doing things that waste your time, you have more time to identify and implement new ideas and methods.

Do holidays affect your job search? The bad news is that it may be more difficult to reach hiring authorities because they have taken time off. The good news is most job seekers put their search on hold which means less competition for you.

Summer celebrations usually include fireworks, picnics and parades. These are all opportunities to subtly network. Don’t be afraid to get out there and mix a little business with pleasure. This month is also a good time to review your goals and progress to date. If your job search efforts are not providing you with results or even interviews, review your activities. It’s important that you submit resumes and follow up daily.

We appreciate the kind words our professional Recruiter staff receive from Clients and Candidates alike. This one comes from Jesse Trent for Colleen Doerr:

Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, Expert

“I worked with Colleen while in the paper industry. She attempted to help me find work outside the paper industry, but I decided to stay within my company even though there were good positions presented to me. In 2006, she helped me find a great job with the energy industry in a quick manner and in one of my top 2 locations. I’ve been here 4 years now and can say I never would have had this opportunity without her help.”