Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Job Market Report June 30, 2010

The latest report
\__________________________________________
For Immediate Release
For Information, Dan Moran 518-641-8968

Albany, NY, June 30, 2010

Job Postings Drop Yet Again Past Week – All New York State Markets Affected

(Albany, NY, June 30, 2010) – Job postings in the Capital Region dropped again this past week, coming in at just over 4850, down from 5100 last week and 5600 the previous week. This down trend was seen in all other tracked New York State markets as well indicating that employers have cooled hiring plans. “Lingering concerns over the State budget situation and uncertainties in the market appear to be sending message of caution and that is reflected in hiring plans”, stated Dan Moran, Founder & President of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie. Moran assists individuals in identifying new careers and also those in the midst of a job search and needing direction. His firm also tracks the job market on a regional and statewide basis.

“While down this past few weeks, job postings are far better than last year at this time. For the month of June, postings were up 66% over 2009 for the same period and that is certainly good news”.

The Capital Region continues to outpace Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse for job postings. The Capital Region is the smallest of all these markets as well. Other NYS markets saw some increases this past seven days,

# Background#

Job postings in the Region are normally in the baseline of 4000 – 4900 on a weekly basis and 7-day rolling average, consistent for this area. Monitoring job postings is a leading indicator of hiring within the following 30-45 days. This methodology is utilized by reading research houses nationally and is employed in the Region by Moran’s firm. For the purpose of reporting, the Region is defined as a 50 mile radius of Albany.

## End##

About Next-Act

Next-Act, a division of DVG, Inc. is a career management & transition firm directed by Dan Moran, the Founder & President of the firm. Moran contributes over thirty years experience in career consulting, business and human resources management. Moran is noted for his expertise in helping today’s “boomers” move on to fulfilling second careers, while helping executives and professionals achieve their career goals. The firm also provides human resources consulting and corporate services to companies. Moran is also a certified facilitator for C.J. Hayden’s Get Clients Now! & Get Hired Now! programs.

For further press information: http://www.next-act.com/press_room.


Dan Moran
President & Founder
Next-Act
Career Management & Transition Specialists
125 Wolf Road, Suite #128
Albany, NY 12205
Office: 518-261-4212
Cell: 518-641-8968
eFax: 586-279-4212
dmoran@next-act.com

Monday, June 28, 2010

Getting Noticed by Hiring Managers – Just don’t go too far ….

Getting Noticed by Hiring Managers – Just don’t go too far ….

Continuous, unflagging effort, persistence and determination will win. Let not the man be discouraged who has these. -- James Whitcomb Riley

The job market is competitive – very competitive. One of the most common complaints from job seekers is their inability to get noticed by hiring managers. Technology has made I easy to apply for jobs but at the same time, hiring managers are being flooded with job applicants so it is important to stand out – within reason.

Some job applicants have done some weird and some rather innovative things to get noticed. One man hung a sandwich board sign around his next on the streets of NYC every day touting “MIT GRAD FOR HIRE” – and it paid off some 18 months later. Another woman who was looking for a nursing job printed her resume on a 3 x 5 card and stuffed it into a prescription bottle and mailed it to the hiring manager – it worked. Another woman set up a lemonade stand outside of an employer she wanted to work for and handed out free lemonade with, of course, a copy of her resume.

One of the strangest – a man in NYC would go from subway train to another during the morning rush and announce in a prepared speech who he was and the type of job he was looking for.

Being creative and innovative is unique; going overboard can have the opposite effect like the man who waiting in the parking lot to meet a company CEO so he could pitch himself. Hw observed when this individual came and left work and where he parked. So he was there and jumped out to surprise him and introduce himself. Didn’t work – he was arrested for trespassing – he climbed over a fence into a secure area. Not the way to get noticed!

I have three tips for you this week to help get beyond the dread of sending resumes into what seems to be a black hole with little response or response 4 to 6 weeks later:

• Apply only for jobs you are qualified for. Many just blast their resume to any job. That will soon get you noticed as desperate and unfocused and you don’t want that to be how you are remembered. Also, just blasting resumes to each and every job opening is going to cause frustration. On the other side in human resources, dealing with the deluge is difficult, slow and cumbersome.

• When you find an opportunity that is right for you, get focused in your approach. Remember that your resume gets 5 to 15 second scan so be sure that you clearly communicate why you are best for this job right up front in your resume and of course, email or cover letter you send. Be specific and address the qualifications the employer is looking for and how you fit the bill.

• Don’t just send a resume – network your way in. To truly get noticed, find someone who may have a connection to the company or one of the managers and ask that person to make an introduction for you. Send your resume as requested in the posting but go the extra step – network. It is a bit harder, but certainly worth the pay off.

Be unique for sure. Be creative; just be careful. It is persistence that wins – so win – win –win!

And thank you for reading this -- Dan
Dan Moran
President & Founder
Next-Act
Career Management & Transition Specialists
125 Wolf Road, Suite #128
Albany, NY 12205
Office: 518-261-4212
Cell: 518-641-8968
eFax: 586-279-4212
dmoran@next-act.com

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Job Market Update, June 24, 2010

A bit of a drop the last seven days following a trend. Employers very cautious over State budget and potential State layoffs. Remember - 24% of our areas population work int he public sector. layoff's there could hurt.

Thanks for reading this ... Dan
____________________________________________________________________________________FFor Immediate Release
For Information, Dan Moran 518-641-8968

Albany, NY, June 23, 2010

Job Postings Drop 10% Past Week – State Budget Woes Raise Concerns Among Employers …

(Albany, NY, June 23, 2010) – Job postings in the Capital Region dropped 10% this past week, coming in at just over 5100, down from 5600 the week before indicating that employers may have paused in their recruitment and hiring plans. Postings are still way above last year at the same time when postings were at 3500.

“The drop this week and a rather flat few weeks indicate that there is a level of caution among hiring managers. Informal discussions with businesses indicate a strong concern over the State budget situation and the potential impact on the Region especially when news of earlier layoff plans hit the market last week. As we have seen so many times in the past, where there are discussion of this type in the State, employers usually respond by pausing and holding back. We saw it last year; we are seeing this again”, stated Dan Moran, Founder & President of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie. Moran assists individuals in identifying new careers and also those in the midst of a job search and needing direction. His firm also tracks the job market on a regional and statewide basis.

“With twenty-four percent of the Regions workforce employed in the public sector in some manner, any hiccup in the stability of this sector causes concern”.

With the exception of Syracuse, all other markets in NYS saw slight increases this past week while the Capital region saw a drop. The Capital Region continues to outpace Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse for job postings. The Capital Region is the smallest of all these markets as well. Other NYS markets saw some increases this past seven days,

# Background#

Job postings in the Region are normally in the baseline of 4000 – 4900 on a weekly basis and 7-day rolling average, consistent for this area. Monitoring job postings is a leading indicator of hiring within the following 30-45 days. This methodology is utilized by reading research houses nationally and is employed in the Region by Moran’s firm. For the purpose of reporting, the Region is defined as a 50 mile radius of Albany.

## End##

About Next-Act

Next-Act, a division of DVG, Inc. is a career management & transition firm directed by Dan Moran, the Founder & President of the firm. Moran contributes over thirty years experience in career consulting, business and human resources management. Moran is noted for his expertise in helping today’s “boomers” move on to fulfilling second careers, while helping executives and professionals achieve their career goals. The firm also provides human resources consulting and corporate services to companies. Moran is also a certified facilitator for C.J. Hayden’s Get Clients Now! & Get Hired Now! programs.

For further press information: http://www.next-act.com/press_room.


Dan Moran
President & Founder
Next-Act
Career Management & Transition Specialists
125 Wolf Road, Suite #128
Albany, NY 12205
Office: 518-261-4212
Cell: 518-641-8968
eFax: 586-279-4212

Monday, June 21, 2010

It’s not always about the money …

“Money never made a man happy yet, nor will it. The more a man has, the more he wants. Instead of filling a vacuum, it makes one.” - Benjamin Franklin quotes


Money. Money. Money.

It’s like crack. People want it. They are addicted to it. They rule their life by it.

Too bad. Because – at the end of the day, it is not all about the money. Problem is people get so wrapped up in their “life stuff”, they can’t see this.

It is so true in issues of career and work. Many evaluate their worth on total of their paycheck. They overlook the value they deliver to the community, to the region and especially to themselves. I meet many who just can’t get their career act together, or miss opportunities or “chase” a job because they are so focused on the money side.

I am not a Pollyanna. I know that money has an important place in life, but I have learned – and learned from my clients – that is not the end all. In fact, when you look at why people leave jobs, money is not the top reason – lack of growth is (see the survey conducted by Next-Act for WRGB CBS6 and CRHRA: http://www.cbs6albany.com/sections/road-to-recovery). But it is the thing that seems to be the go-no go in making a decision to take a new job or pursue a new career.

I ask that you also pose these questions to yourself when making an evaluation of this type:

• I know my values. Does this opportunity align to my values?

• I know the culture of a company I want to work in. Does this opportunity present a culture I will excel in?

• I know what I will make and that is good. In 30 days, when I get into the job, will I still feel the same way?

• I have heard the details. Does it sound too good to be true?

• I think I will fit the job. Am I sure I will? – The most important question!

Five powerful questions that you need to be bluntly honest in answering. This will help you make the best decision for your job or new career.

Oh yea, ask yourself the money question too: Am I getting paid for what I am worth and will I feel the same in 30 days?

Do what you love. The money will follow. Believe me.

And thank you for reading this. – Dan

Dan Moran
President & Founder
Next-Act
Career Management & Transition Specialists
125 Wolf Road, Suite #128
Albany, NY 12205
Office: 518-261-4212
Cell: 518-641-8968
eFax: 586-279-4212
dmoran@next-act.com

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Job Market Report, June 17, 2010

This week's job market update ----

Thanks for reading - Dan
_______________________________________________________________________________________

For Immediate Release
For Information, Dan Moran 518-641-8968

Albany, NY, June 17, 2010

Job Postings Begin to Climb Back – Uncertainty about State Budget looms …

(Albany, NY, June 17, 2010) – Job postings in the Capital Region climbed back after two weeks of ups and downs which may be attributed to the uncertainty over the State budget, layoff threats and concern over the State’s ability to pay bills. On a day-to-day basis, results have been mixed but in general, the direction is positive – with job postings coming in at just over 5600, up from last week and a full 90% better than last year at this time.

“It is good to see the number of job postings pick up again after a few rocky weeks. In talking to some business owners, I am hearing concerns over the potential impact of the State budget or lack thereof, and of the impact on the community should there be layoffs or inability to pay contracted obligations. This past Saturday, I talked with a local restaurant owner who saw his revenues plummet 10% immediately upon the news of a potential State shutdown. Last year, when the same talks were in the news, the number of job opportunities decreased as employers played a wait and see game”, stated Dan Moran, Founder & President of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie. Moran assists individuals in identifying new careers and also those in the midst of a job search and needing direction. His firm also tracks the job market on a regional and statewide basis.

Similar results were seen in other New York State markets. The Capital Region continues to outpace Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse for job postings. The Capital Region is the smallest of all these markets as well. Other NYS markets saw some increases this past seven days,

# Background#

Job postings in the Region are normally in the baseline of 4000 – 4900 on a weekly basis and 7-day rolling average, consistent for this area. Monitoring job postings is a leading indicator of hiring within the following 30-45 days. This methodology is utilized by reading research houses nationally and is employed in the Region by Moran’s firm. For the purpose of reporting, the Region is defined as a 50 mile radius of Albany.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Time to Get Back in the Career Game … Right Now – Take your Shot!

You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.
Wayne Gretzky

Some very interesting news was reported over the past few days – news that clearly indicates that the time is now to jump back in and reengage your search for a new job or career (if you haven’t already). To highlight:

• In May 2010, for the first time in over 15-months, the number of people who quit a job beat the number of those laid off. This is a clear indicator that there is confidence among those in the job market and that there are opportunities. Generally when one quits, they do to a new job. Over 2 million people quit – now that’s a lot of change!

• The US Department of Labor reported that job opportunities in the month of April were the highest since December of 2008. The number of jobs advertised at the end of April rose to 3.1 million from 2.8 million in March, the Labor Department said Tuesday. Job opportunities advertised were largely in the private sector, and not government or public sector like we saw earlier when the Census jobs hit. Government job opening actually decreased by 36,000.

• Candidates per job opening dropped from 5.4 to 5.0. This occurs when there are more job opportunities and fewer looking for a job – a good positive sign.

What does this tell us?

The wait is over. There is more confidence among business leaders than anytime in the recent past. Employers are beginning to hire in many markets. In our own Region, we are seeing job postings week over week exceeding last year by 80 – 100%.

What does this mean? Time to get off the sidelines – reengage in your career.

I have five questions for you to think about and help you identify if and how ready you are for a change.

• Are you simply working for a paycheck, or are you energized by your career? 0 Yes 0 No

• Do you look at others and wish you had their job? 0 Yes 0 No

• Do you have the “Monday Morning Blues” and wish you didn’t have to go to work? 0Yes 0 No

• Do you often question your ability and your purpose in work? 0 Yes 0 No

• Do you feel you are contributing to your future or just working? 0 Yes 0 No

If you answered yes to two questions, you are ready for a change in the direction of your career and certainly your job. Answered yes to three --- you need to engage now and begin. Answered four or five – you are disconnected from your career life and likely this is impacting other parts of your life as well. You must move on or make a radical change in the manner in which you work.

What to do next?

It’s so easy to say just move on …. but how and what do you do? Three critical steps:

• Identify your ideal career and job – this is absolutely critical before you do anything else.

• Develop your contact and/or target list – begin networking now. Seventy percent of jobs are found through networking.

• Commit to action --- simply thinking about change won’t work – you need a plan of accountability. With my clients, I use the Next-Act ActionNow! program which provides clear and measurable daily and weekly actions to drive results and progress. Use your own process, but be accountable. Write down your actions and then go back and measure what you did. Get someone to buddy up with and hold each other accountable.

Ready for a change? It is time. Do it now! Ride the wave! Good luck!

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Job Market Report June 10, 2010

This week's job market update --- climbing back!

- Dan
_____________________________________________________________________________________

For Immediate Release
For Information, Dan Moran 518-641-8968

Albany, NY, June 9, 2010

Job Postings Down Slightly Again – Effect of holiday still lingering

(Albany, NY, June 9, 2010) – Job postings in the Capital Region were lower this past seven days from the week before, coming in at just about 5500, down 300 from the previous week. On a day-by-day basis, postings were weak right after the holiday and picked up steam by the weekend. “As I forecasted, the week after the holiday was a bit lighter as history has shown always happens but then postings picked up toward the end of the week and have been very good these past few days”, stated Dan Moran, Founder & President of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie. Moran assists individuals in identifying new careers and also those in the midst of a job search and needing direction. His firm also tracks the job market on a regional and statewide basis.

“As a comparison, last year at this time, there were just a shade over 3000 job postings, so we are still seeing a health increase in jobs and employer confidence which I hope will continue”.

The Capital Region continues to outpace Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse for job postings. The Capital Region is the smallest of all these markets as well. Other NYS markets saw some increases this past seven days,

Monday, June 7, 2010

Be one with class ...

“Class is the sure-footedness that comes with having proved you can meet life.” – Ann Landers

We are all faced with situations in life and career that push us to the edge – the edge of losing it, bellowing out and not being ourselves. In other words, acting without class. It is natural; it is expected in many, but it can be avoided.

We saw this just a few days ago in of all things, a major league baseball game in the city of Detroit. With a perfect game under his belt, two out and a grounder that would have sealed a perfect game for pitcher Armando Galarraga, the seasoned umpire Jim Joyce called the runner safe when, upon reviewing the replay, he was clearly out.

What happened next defines class and accepting responsibility.

In a very unusual move, Joyce accepted full responsibility for the blown call – he admitted he was wrong. He accepted responsibility. He stood above others who would shrink from the cameras. He defined leadership.

Pitcher Galarraga too showed true class and leadership. He kept his smile; he understood mistakes happen. Rather that rant and rave on the field or in the locker room, he accepted what had happened and was a man of class. This is so uncommon in sports – and in life as well -- and is a welcomed sign of relief that some just do get it.

Handling yourself with class in difficult situations defines leadership. Getting above the noise and accepting responsibility when you know there may be consequences is again, the sign of a leader. When something goes wrong, followers look around for someone to blame; leader don’t look around, they look right in the mirror – and accept responsibility.

So …

• When you are wronged by someone and it wasn’t intentional --- be accepting.

• When you are dealt a blow in your job – don’t rant and rave – try to probe deeper and reach a level of understanding. Let cooler heads prevail.

• Rather than battle – pick your battles selectively.

• Rather than react – look at yourself in the mirror and be sure you like what you are about to present through your actions and words.

Be accountable. Be responsible. Act with class always. You will be able to carry your head high. And when you make a mistake, take responsibility. Others will look up to you. Your boss will see this. You will grow.

Dan Moran
President & Founder
Next-Act
Career Management & Transition Specialists
125 Wolf Road, Suite #128
Albany, NY 12205
Office: 518-261-4212
Cell: 518-641-8968
eFax: 586-279-4212
dmoran@next-act.com

Friday, June 4, 2010

Timely Job market Update - June 4, 2010

The latest job market update. Looking good!

For Immediate Release
For Information, Dan Moran 518-641-8968

Albany, NY, June 2, 2010

Job Postings Down Slightly – Usual around Holiday Weeks - May 2010 Up 80% over May 2009

(Albany, NY, June 3, 2010) – Job postings in the Capital Region were lower this past seven days as we approach and celebrated Memorial Day. The same trend was seen across New York State as well. The seven-day average postings were just over 5700, down from 6200 the week prior. “As reported last week, job postings generally decrease just before and just after a major holiday and we saw this occur last week, and it will likely continue this week as well. If history proves right, we will see postings begin to increase again toward the end of this week or next week at the latest”, stated Dan Moran, Founder & President of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie. Moran assists individuals in identifying new careers and also those in the midst of a job search and needing direction. His firm also tracks the job market on a regional and statewide basis.

The Capital Region continues to outpace Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse for job postings. The Capital Region is the smallest of all these markets as well.

May 2010 Up 80% Over Last Year
“It is clear that we have seen quite a rebound over last year as job postings in May 2010 were up 80% over last year for the same time period indicating significant growth and employer confidence”, continued Moran. The average week-by-week for May was just about 6200, compared to 3450 in May of 2009.

# Background#

Job postings in the Region are normally in the baseline of 4000 – 4900 on a weekly basis and 7-day rolling average, consistent for this area. Monitoring job postings is a leading indicator of hiring within the following 30-45 days. This methodology is utilized by reading research houses nationally and is employed in the Region by Moran’s firm. For the purpose of reporting, the Region is defined as a 50 mile radius of Albany.

## End##

About Next-Act

Next-Act, a division of DVG, Inc. is a career management & transition firm directed by Dan Moran, the Founder & President of the firm. Moran contributes over thirty years experience in career consulting, business and human resources management. Moran is noted for his expertise in helping today’s “boomers” move on to fulfilling second careers, while helping executives and professionals achieve their career goals. The firm also provides human resources consulting and corporate services to companies. Moran is also a certified facilitator for C.J. Hayden’s Get Clients Now! & Get Hired Now! programs.

For further press information: http://www.next-act.com/press_room.


Dan Moran
President & Founder
Next-Act
Career Management & Transition Specialists
125 Wolf Road, Suite #128
Albany, NY 12205
Office: 518-261-4212
Cell: 518-641-8968
eFax: 586-279-4212
dmoran@next-act.com