Thursday, December 29, 2011

Job Market Report 12/28/11 - Plus a tip for you ...

Good bye 2011 - and on to 2012 with hopefully better job results in the region!
_______________________________________________________________________________

For Information: Dan Moran, 518-641-8968
December 28, 2011

Job Postings in Region Drop During Holiday Week as Expected … What should Job Seekers do? -

(Albany, NY, December 28, 2011) – Job postings in the Region slumped considerably this past week given the downturn of business activity associated with the holiday period. Postings came in at just over 1850 – a new low for the year – but no unexpected. “We see this every holiday week at the end of the year as business activity is way below normal and people take time off as well. As a result there is little new jobs posted for the period and it will not pick up again, if history proves right, until after the 1st week in January”, stated Dan Moran, Founder & President of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie.

Similar results were posted in other NYS market. The Albany Region continues to outpace Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, which are larger markets, with more job opportunities.

Next-Act’s Tip of the Week to Job Seekers

So what does one do this week and next when activity will likely be low? “Focus on finding out once and for all what you really want to do in your career. Many simply continue to look for the same type of job over and over again, when they really do not enjoy what they do. Take this down time to reflect and consider – what do I really want to do in my career that will make me happy, fulfilled and productive. Being in the wrong job or career I like trying to dance with shoes that do not fit – you may look good, but you are hurting. 80% of your waking life is focused on working or thinking about it – should you not enjoy that time?”, continued Moran.

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. In 2012, his firm will celebrate 24 years in business. 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

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Give a gift – the gift of The Positive …

“Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you’ll start having positive results.” – Willie Nelson

It is Christmas morning perhaps when you are reading this – or sometime thereafter. I thought I would repeat a blog I wrote last year around the holidays that generated a number of emails and phone calls. The blog challenged each and all to find their way through the “noise” we live in at this time of the year, and find and accept the gift of The Positive.

Our best wishes to you and yours this holiday season as we close out the year. Up next – a great 2012!

I hope you enjoy – Dan
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One of the greatest gifts you can give is The Positive. The state of mind and being that many long for, but sometimes do not get. The aura that others see and admire when around The Positive.

So just what is The Positive …

It is an acceptance and commitment in life to look at the positive side, to accept the good in others and to put aside mind-sucking thoughts of negativity. It is then living a positive life – and demonstrating this to others.

In short, it is, for some, a new behavior. It is taking the difficulties once might be having on-the-job or looking for a job and focusing on the small “wins” – the interview, finding a job that might be good for you, or handling something at work that you knew you did well. It might be a thank you from someone or a smile from a patient or their family. Small but important in life.

It is the way you go about your life and the connections you make. It isn’t just you being positive – it is a gift to show others that anxiety has no place in celebration and really, no value.

We are bombarded with negative messages each and every day – in broadcast, online, from others around us and sometimes from ourselves. It is hard to escape from. It can be easy to accept negativity – and look at life and situations as half-empty vs. half-full at times. For many, while it is difficult to understand, it is the “easy” way in life.

To be in The Positive you must accept a new behavior and vow to practice it – everyday and consistently. It is framing your mind through affirmations, reading, being around those of like mind and letting go of the small stuff:

* Rather than focus on why your family guest was late for a holiday celebration, embrace that they are there and enjoy their company.
* When looking back on the year, why focus on the jobs you didn’t qualify for – rather focus on those you know will come in the very near future and visualize your success. Focusing on history is a total waste of mind matter – you can’t change history so why try!
* Don’t think about the connections you haven’t heard from – take steps to make connections. Use social networking tools or the tried-and-true note or card in the mail.

How do you begin to change your behavior and accept The Positive? …

It is like learning a new language – you have to practice – practice – practice Maybe start by reading and experiencing the changes others have made or experienced — perhaps it will “rub” off. Some recommended reading (and these would be great gifts too) from my “source” – my wife Vikki, the most positive person I have ever met:

* The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho, Harper One, Division of HarperCollins Publishers (www.amazon.com/Alchemist-Fable-About-Following-Dream/dp/0062502182)
* There is a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem, Wayne W. Dyer, HarperCollins Publishers www.amazon.com/Theres-Spiritual-Solution-Every-Problem/dp/0060192305
* Earth’s Elders: Wisdom of the World’s Oldest People, Jerry Friedman, www.earthselders.org

Please note: These are not how-to or get-your-head-on-straight books – these are stories of others who have learned from others, experienced life-change and demonstrate the power of being positive. If you feel you need to visualize the power of positive thoughts and messaging, consider The Secret, Rhonda Bryne, www.thesecret.tv — a bit more spiritual in nature, but a mind-opener. If you want to give the gift of positive thinking and time’s running out, you will find most of these at a local bookseller.

When you accept and adopt the behavior, your world changes. Your outlook is brighter. You feel better – and think clearer.

In whatever manner you celebrate this festive season , my greetings to you and your family.

And thank you for reading this — Dan

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Job Market Report 12/21/11

To you and yours - a safe and enjoyable holiday - and some good news here!
__________________________________________________________________________________

For Information: Dan Moran, 518-641-8968
December 21, 2011

Job Postings in Region Continue to Remain Steady -

(Albany, NY, December 21, 2011) – Job postings in the Region continued to remain steady, when normally they would drop given the upcoming holiday. “Postings remained approximately 2600 – the same as last week – in a time when job postings usually drop sharply which is good news to those in the job market”, stated Dan Moran, Founder & President of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie.

Job opportunities usually get much weaker the week before and right after a major holiday period. Postings are down significantly from one year ago but have been holding steady showing consistency. “To date, 2010 was a much stronger year than 2011. We have slid back to 2009 levels and can’t seem to get out of that trend. However, polls are showing that the early part of 2012 may be stronger in our region than forecasted for the nation”, continued Moran.

Dropping Unemployment Rate a Good Sign as Well

The unemployment rate in our Region again dropped for the fourth month in a role signaling a steadily but slowly improving job market. “In the Capital Region, private sector employers have been consistently adding jobs which is excellent., However, the gains have been offset by decreases in public sector employment as municipalities and government in general deals with shrinking fiscal resources and this will likely continue”, stated Moran.

“Some surveys are showing that the first quarter of 2012 may be better than expected and certainly better than this year. For those in the job market or contemplating looking for a new job, the key work is preparation – preparation now to be ready to take advantage of improving market conditions. It will be difficult to connect to people over the next week so use this time to gear up”.

In other NYS markets, postings were down. Our Region continues to outpace other NYS markets, with the exception of metro NYC, and our Region is much smaller.

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. In 2012, his firm will celebrate 24 years in business. 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

Sunday, December 18, 2011

"Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose." - Viktor Frankl

Everyone on earth has a purpose - a purpose you must understand to reach your potential. Everyone has passion too - passion for what they do and what they want to be.

A simple formula: (Purpose + Passion) = Performance.

Not knowing what your purpose & passion is leads to aimlessly walking through life & career - taking the wrong job for the wrong reason (likely money, ego), not fulfilling your inner dreams, not truly doing what you are passionate about, but rather doing the "comfortable" and "easy" thing.

However when you discover your true and intended purpose & passion - the world opens up. When you make this discovery, you are rocket-ship-forward - reaching your peak performance - which leads to satisfaction in all aspects of life.

Julia Child fumbled about for sometime before finding her purpose and passion in life - and she didn't find it until well into her 40's and she is one of many famous examples. Andrea Bocelli, Tenor, went to university and graduated from law school before he discovered and applied his beautiful voice later in life.

I worked with a client recently who was clearly caught up in the "money chase" - didn't matter what he did, as long as he made gobs of money. Truth of the matter - he was miserable, and it was affecting his family. He hadn’t yet discovered his purpose. He wasn't focused on doing what he was truly passionate about. Through a process I have used successfully for years, he "got" the answers – he discovered his passions and then felt he had true purpose. His life changed in positive ways and he reconnected with his family which was so important but often neglected.

You too may be in the same place.


• In a job that isn't giving back to you in more ways than money?
• In a life situation that isn't aligned with who you are, and who you want to be?

In one big word – you are disconnected.

Recall the moment in work or in a life situation when you were in your groove/zone, had your mojo. The time(s) when you were rocket-ship-ahead. What were you doing? Try to recall the circumstances. The answer should help you better your purpose & passion.

Still stuck?

Time to take control of your situation. Without an understanding of your purpose & passion in life, you cannot launch. Assessments can help; discussion with a professional always helps. Talk to your spouse or significant other. Talk to someone who knows you very well and can be brutally honest in their opinion. Visualize how you will feel and act - pursing your true purpose and passion.

Commit to be happy. Commit to having purpose. Follow your passions and you will succeed like never before.

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

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Job Market Report 12 14 11

Still holding steady which is good for this time of the year
_______________________________________________________________________

For Information: Dan Moran, 518-641-8968
December 14, 2011

Job Postings in Region Remain Steady -

(Albany, NY, December 14, 2011) – Job postings in the Region remained steady, further evidence that holiday hiring continues at this late date. History shows a normal drop this week; it did not happen this year. “ The holiday hiring spurt appears to have been delayed for a few weeks but is continuing well into the holiday season which is good news for those seeking to secure a holiday job into January, stated Dan Moran, Founder & President of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie.

Similar results were posted in other NYS markets. Our region continues to outpace other NYS markets, with the exception of metro NYC, and our Region is much smaller.

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

Sunday, December 11, 2011

It isn’t just fit to the job – but to the culture as well …

Take control of your consistent emotions and begin to consciously and deliberately reshape your daily experience of life.
Tony Robbins


You often hear people talk about finding the right fit to a job and how critically important this is. At times, people find themselves in jobs that just do not align to their personality, interests, temperament – and the results are usually poor and sadly predicable. They end of leaving the job or the company asks them to leave the job. Normally not a pleasant experience.

That is why career consultants inform – no preach – to those who will listen that you need to be certain of your fit to a job or career before jumping in. At times the grass seems greener on the “other” side – but it may not be if the role isn’t right for one. Assuring that you fit to a job or career brings satisfaction on all levels of life as your job – where you spend 80% of your waking time working at or thinking about – can often define your level of life satisfaction and happiness.

But it goes beyond fit to the job … Fit to culture is as well critical

Finding the right fit to a job or career is critical as I have said. As critical in many cases, is finding the right fit to the culture of your employer or prospective employer. I have met so many people who loved what they do every day and are happy and connected in their career, but disconnected from the culture of the organization they work for.

Defining Company Culture

There are several descriptions but I feel this one sums it up:

A blend of the values, beliefs, taboos, symbols, rituals and myths all companies develop over time.
(www.entrapreneur.com)

Culture is, as you can see, an interesting mix of factors – some real; others perceived. The best way to evaluate the culture of the company – the real culture and not the one that is posted on the web site or in the mission statement - is to talk to employees, current and former. That is where you really learn how the company operates (values, beliefs, taboos, symbols, rituals) versus what is said on how they operate, treat employees and service the customer (the myths). Of course, you need to temper what you learn – the person conveying the info to you may be tainted or have an agenda but nevertheless, you will learn.

It is also important to know thyself – and understand the culture that you best work in as well as the constructs of a job that fits your cultural needs in order to be truly successful.

So you love your job – but not your company?

Very common. Some find themselves in a situation where they just love the job they do, but they don’t have the same feeling for the organization they work for. Perhaps they did at one time, but then the company changed. This is so true after new management or after mergers & acquisitions. When faced with this the decision is usually clear – time to move on and do what you love to do in another organization. It is sad yes and difficult, but the right thing for you to do for yourself and the company. If you are not engaged with the company, your commitment and performance will eventually suffer, and that hurts all.

Taking control is the most important step

You cannot move forward, grow, prosper or get yourself into a better situation if you do not take control and be personally responsible for your own career. Your employer isn’t going to manage your career for you – you must. One step – pledge to make 2012 the year you put yourself in the driver seat of your career and navigate your own way.

Only you can define your own destiny. Only you control how high you grow. 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, December 8, 2011

Job Report December 6 2011

A bit better - good holiday hiring seen!
_____________________________________________________________________

For Information: Dan Moran, 518-641-8968
December 6, 2011

Job Postings in Region Increase – Stronger Holiday Season ahead

(Albany, NY, December 6, 2011) – Job postings in the region increased a few hundred, a welcome sign that holiday hiring has kicked in and employers are seeking some glimmers of hope in a difficult and concerning economy. Postings were up to 2650, up 5% over the previous week, a holiday week, when little improvement was expected. “ This is welcomed news as it appears that holiday hiring – which many people count upon – is finally occurring – if not rather late - and this is positive for those in the job market today”, stated Dan Moran, Founder & President of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie.

Similar results were posted in other NYS markets. Our region continues to outpace other NYS markets, with the exception of metro NYC, and our Region is much smaller. Postings in the Buffalo – Rochester- Syracuse are were just over 2200 again this week.

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

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Holiday Job Search: Jobs don’t go away – job seekers do.

"Magic is believing in yourself, if you can do that, you can make anything happen." Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

It is here - the "official" holiday season. . The time of the year when parties abound, there are presents to buy and the time of the year when no one finds a job – an often repeated mantra or myth.

Wrong!

I wrote about this a few years back and after listening to people over the past week or so, think it is time to revisit this again.

Diffusing the Myth


The true fact is this: Companies continue to hire during the holiday season but job hunters quit looking. As a recruiter and corporate human resources executive job openings continue during December just when many job seekers put their resume on the shelf for the holiday season. There is no statistical proof that there are fewer new job openings in the month of December versus other time of the year. In fact, many say it is just the opposite. Hiring isn’t driven by a calendar, it is driven by need.
Many companies want to tie up loose ends – and that means hiring
In many companies, hiring actually heats up in December as managers and business owners have money left in their budgets and want to spend their budget rather than potentially losing it. Still others want to tie up loose ends before the end of the year – and this includes filling open positions.
Many are also surprised to learn that the holiday season is also a popular time for people to give their notice and move on, to get a fresh start in a new job for the New Year. The result – more job opportunities for others.

Six Tips for Your Holiday Job Search


So, before you buy into the myth, put your resume on the shelf and don your dancing shoes, consider the following actions:
• Use holiday events as networking opportunities – Every event, party, children’s school function, gathering etc. is an opportunity for you to network, make a new contact. During the holidays there are generally more events – and more opportunities!
• Volunteer and make new contacts – Get involved with a charity or group during the holiday season. Often the pillars of the community either attend or help at these events and for you, which means an opportunity to make great contacts – and give back to the community at the same time.
• Rather than holding back on search activities – heat up your actions – While I hope I have enlightened you to keep the search activities going, others still won’t and there will be less competition and fewer candidates giving you a better competitive opportunity.
• Close down loose ends – contacts, follow-ups, applications – What better time of the year to close down your “to do” list of contacts and follow-ups and tie up you own loose ends.
• Make yourself flexible & available and keep in contact – What is miserably frustrating to a recruiter is the inability to get in touch with potential candidates who “check-out” during holiday weeks. They just don’t check their email and messages go unreturned. Stay connected!
• Set goals – celebrate wins – visualize success - You may have heard the expression “You cannot manage what you cannot manage”. In career & job search, it is critical that you set goals, and set daily actions to achieve your goals, especially when outside factors – like holiday activities – can be distracting. I utilize the Get Hired NOW!methodology with my clients which focuses on goal setting, drives results through doing simple and planned actions everyday, and celebrates the achievement of goals. As an idea, set a goal for making X-number of networking contacts this holiday season --- and celebrate when you hit your goal!

Keep the pressure on and take advantage of less competition in the market as some will just not take advice and hang it up for the season.

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