Thursday, September 30, 2010

Job Market Report - September 29, 2010

Not much change -- but no big drops so that is good. Also - tips on holiday jobs ---
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For Immediate Release
For Information, Dan Moran 518-641-8968

Albany, NY, September 29, 2010

Job Postings Dip Slightly Past Seven Days – Holiday hiring looking better

(Albany, NY, September 29, 2010) – After climbing last week, job postings over the past seven days dipped slightly from 5500 to just about 5250 showing that employer confidence in hiring is still on the fence with no forward, sustained positive movement. “It seems clear that the economy and concerns over looming taxes, election and other events is causing employers to be cautious in hiring plans. Still however, the market is much better than last year at this time when job postings were in the 3300 range”, 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.

“We are still far off the mark set this past Spring when job postings were in the 6000-7000 range “. Moran added that markets across New York State saw similar results this past week, with some strong growth in Metro NYC. While a smaller market, the Capital Region still outpaces other NYS markets (with the exception of metro NYC).

Holiday Hiring Up – But Not to Pre-Recession Levels
Some good news in the market is that holiday hiring, which was anemic the past few years isn’t flat, isn’t booming, but better than last year. 20% of employers plan to hire more seasonal help this year and the huge layoffs in the retail sector – with 65% of retailers reporting that they had cut staff – appears to be subsiding. Giant Toys-R-Us plans to put 45,000 on the payroll for the holiday season. They also plan to open 600 temporary location stores to be staffed by 10,000 people employees.

Don’t Wait to Apply … And don’t think just retail …

Moran added, “Those interested in holiday employment should begin to apply now. Store managers and human resource staff will begin interviewing and building their list of potential workers now to be ready. A few tips:

• Above all, stress that you can be flexible. Don’t go in with demands for certain hour that appear to indicate that you can’t met their changing needs. Also, be flexible in the jobs you would do.
• Research the employer before applying ; know what they do, their products, hours etc. Show you are interested in being part of their team.
• Be prepared with your resume – yes even for a part-time seasonal position; it makes a difference,

Moran also suggested not just looking at retailers but as well, other businesses that are known to hire many holiday works like shipping companies, hospitality businesses, catering, restaurant and others. “Around the holiday, companies like FedEx and UPS hire thousands to help with the volume – and they pay well”.

# 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

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