Sunday, July 28, 2013

Q3 – Should Rock and Roll for Jobs …

We are off to a great start – the 3rd quarter that is. Jobs in our region appear to be off to a very strong start – much stronger that even the 2nd quarter and that is very surprising. Historically, the 2nd quarter of the year is the strongest for job and hiring . This year and again – it is the 3rd quarter that is showing considerable strength across all sectors.

 The “pundits” have come together …
 You know what a forecaster and analyst is good at? Creating new forecasts! But everyone is in sync about the 3rd quarter – it will be strong.
 A few examples:

 Manpower, a powerhouse in the employment field forecasts:
  •  ·         Manpower indicates 22% of employers plan to hire in the 3rd quarter – the highest level nationally in four years
  •  ·         Manpower is also forecasting that in our Region 25% of employers plan to hire – that is strong.
  •  ·         44 percent of employers plan to hire full-time, permanent employees, on par with last year

  •  ·         25 percent plan to hire part-time employees, up from 21 percent last year

  •  ·         31 percent plan to hire temporary or contract workers, up from 21 percent last year
 Other forecasts nationally are indicating the same. The bottom line – the job market is stronger that we have seen in a number of years. So those who say there are no jobs – sorry, wrong.

 However we are not back to the “Glory Years” …
 2006 … 2005 and back a few – jobs nationally and regionally were booming at levels about 25% better than what we are seeing now in our Region, and about 50% better nationally. The unemployment rate was a scant 3.4% – otherwise known as inflationary unemployment when employers had to pay more to attract job candidates. We are not there now and I think it will be a number of years before we get there again.
  
What to do?
 Thinking about a new job? Thinking about a career change? Get off the sidelines – jump in – the “water” is fine; the market is strong. Don’t wait until the Fall – now is the time.
 Be all you can be. Define your own destiny. Soar. Excel. And thank you for reading this. – Dan
 ______________________________________________________________________

For your information, this week’s job report …

Job Postings Steady Last Seven Days – Very Strong Indicators that 3rd Quarter will be strong for jobs

(Albany, NY,  July 24, 2013) –  Job postings held steady at over the 2000 mark again this week, a bit down from last week but holding steady at a level we have not seen for a few years, and that is very good news. “Job postings in the Region were 2100 compared with 2200 last week, a very slight decline. But the good news – we are holding steady at numbers we have not seen for a few years. This is on top of national forecasts from Manpower and others that indicate 22% of employers plan to hire in the 3rd quarter – the highest level nationally in four years. In our Region, better than 25% of employers plan to hire – a very strong indicator that the second half will be very, very strong. I am bullish – and I hope job seekers as well as employers will be too”, . stated Dan Moran, of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie. Moran continued to stress, “It is important that job seekers not put their resumes on the shelf thinking jobs and hiring are down in the Summer – there is no truth to this at all and the numbers show it. Be sharp, be connected and be aggressive as the market, like the weather, is hot right now.  

Most other markets as well were up this past week. The Capital Region continues to still outpace Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, all larger markets with more employers and population.  

National Job Scene

On the national level, job postings stayed about the same indicating weakness in some parts of the country.  Postings were 525,300 compared to 536,000 the week before.. 

Dan Moran
President & Founder
Next-Act, Division of DVG, Inc.
Career Management & Transition Specialists
Corporate Management Services
Celebrating 25 years providing career & corporate management services in 2013!
125 Wolf Road, Suite #128
Albany, NY 12205
Phone: 518-641-8968  dmoran@next-act.com
Visit the Assessment Center: next-act.com/assessment-center.cfm
Manage Performance & Achievement: next-act.com/prescriptive-performance-analysis.cfm
Accept … Commit … Permit … Then Achieve!

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Why People Leave Jobs … It’s Not Just the Money



People are moving to new jobs in droves. The level of employee engagement – people aligned to the work they do and feeling good about their job and career – is at an all time, and in my opinion, dangerous level. Surveys are reporting that 71-75% of employees are not engaged in their work and therefore, not productive, committed or happy with what they do. Add one more static that was reported by Forbes this past week (www.forbes.com) – people are changing jobs not once every 20 years (that is history), not 10 years, not seven, five or even three – on average every 1.5 years. This is devastating to employers and supports  high employee disengagement  (I will be writing more about this very soon).

So why are people leaving jobs?

A recent survey by Dale Carnegie Training and reported on LinkedIn (http://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20130709152707-5799319-the-top-10-reasons-people-hate-their-job?_mSplash=1) reported the top ten reasons people are leaving jobs, and the results, were not surprising. The list can be a checklist for you – to take your pulse on where you are – engaged or ready to bolt. So let’s review the top ten:

10. Think grass is greener – Very common. An employee leaves thinking that their situation will change and things will be better at a new company and often, it is the same old same old.

9. Values do not align to the company - One’s values must be in line with the values of their employer.

8. You don’t feel valued – Being employed consumes 80% of your waking time – and if you do not feel valued and perhaps “used”, you should leave.

7. Job insecurity – When one feels their employer is on shaky ground, employees bolt for safer grounds.

6. No room for advancement – I remember hearing … “If you stand in place, you will rust”. If an employee cannot grow and advance, they will leave to a company that may have a ladder thy can climb.

Now for the “biggies” – the top five:

5. Unhappy with pay – Surprised? I wasn’t. One can make all the money in the world, but if they are unhappy, that money means nothing. To “chase” money in a job or career search won’t work over time.

4. Too much red tape – Call it bureaucracy, technology, reporting etc. – it is all the same. Employees often feel they don’t have time to do their job (sell, service, fix) because they are bogged down in paper, reports or red tape in some fashion.  

3. Not being challenged – Employees invest in developing skills and experience through work, training, education and personal development. If one’s skills are not being utilized, they move on.

2. Passion is gone – We change over time. What we may have been passionate about in the past changes as we mature. When one loses their passion, they lose interest, motivation and their attitude may suffer – all signs that it is time to move on.

And number one:

1. They hate their boss – People leave companies in droves when there are poor, untrained, disrespectful, uncommunicative and often disengaged managers. It is rampant in companies and in my consulting work I do with companies I usually find that the company isn’t “broken” – the management is. People find themselves in management and are never training on how to lead; it is a shame and so costly to companies.

One or more sound like you?

If so, time to plan your change – in job or career. Take control of your future, and your happiness. There is no reason to toil in a role that doesn’t motivate and drive you. When you are not, it affects all parts of your life: family, relationship, community, health and more.

Step one: Accept – accept that you need a change. Accept that your situation may be broken. Accept that you are no happy. Step two: Commit to do something about it – start today.
And thank you for reading this. - Dan

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Job Market report 7 17 13

WOW!!!!!
_________________________________________________


For Immediate Release

July 17, 2013

Job Postings Soar Past Seven Days – Capital Region, New York State and National

(Albany, NY,  July 17, 2013) –  Job postings increased last week during a normally slower period and this past seven days, have soared in all areas and geographic areas. “This increase is significant – a 23% increase in one week in our Region – and you do not see that often. Results were consistent in other New York State markets and as well, nationally which has lagged behind. This sets up a very strong indicator for the third quarter which started July 1st and is good news for all”,” stated Dan Moran, of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie. Moran added, “It is important that job seekers not put their resumes on the shelf thinking jobs and hiring are down in the Summer – there is no truth to this at all and the numbers show it. Be sharp, be connected and be aggressive as the market, like the weather, is hot right now.  

Postings were 2230 vs. 1806  the week prior.

The Capital Region continues to still outpace Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, all larger markets with more employers and population.  

National Job Scene

On the national level, job postings dropped sharply during the holiday week.  Postings were 536,000 compared with 475,000 the week before, up a healthy 18%. 

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 2013, his firm will celebrate 25 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.

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Fire Yourself!



"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to success is more important than any other one thing." --Abraham Lincoln

Working for the man? Fed up with your boss? Just had it with the work rat race?

Fire Yourself – and be in business for your self – a little bit at a time.

Huh? Yes, that’s the reaction of a group I spoke to recently when I brought this topic up. I got those looks like …

"… okay Moran, what do you mean a little bit at a time? Have you lost it...?"

No not really. There is a whole new movement in the marketplace today – a movement that is being fueled by individuals just saying to hell with traditional work. They want to be in their own business, but can’t jump in right away at 100%.

They are the new Employedpreneur: The ambitious professional who undertakes launching and running a business while working full-time.

Some may, in the past, called this moonlighting – but that often meant a second job – for the “man”. This is different. This is setting your sights on being in full control of your destiny, driving your income, controlling your fate and building your gifts and fortune for the future – but doing so little steps at a time.  I am seeing this more and more in my practice and have advocated to many a client that this is their way to launch their own business or to test if their business idea or passion is economically viable.

Given the state of the economy and the anemic job market, self-employment is becoming an increasingly viable option for many.  More businesses have been born in the midst of recessions than any other period. Think Microsoft, Starbucks, PetSmart - yes, all born in recessions.  Also, the reality is that you don't need boatloads of money to invest in a business today - there are many opportunities that can be launched on very low budgets, if you are open-minded to new ideas.

Think of the possibilities:

• Like to cook and thinking about being a caterer? Rather than jump in with two feet and be all in – try catering a few holiday gatherings this year, see how you like it and see if you can make a go of it.
• Handy with a trade? Try a few projects (paid please) for others and gain, see if it “fits” you and if you can turn a profit.
• Like to write? Publish a blog – market it – and see how it is received and read in the market.
… and the list can go on and on.

There is even a web site dedicated to this new movement: www.launchwhileworking.com.
But what does it take to be successful in your enterprise?

No matter what scale you are at, one must:
… Listen to Advice
… Trust your instincts
… Have the ability and drive to take action
… Be willing to take risks – measured risks

The first step however – answer the big question: Is your own business right for you?

This is critical. Being in business for some is in perfect alignment to their personality and interests. For others, it is not a match. Get this answer first. If you can’t get the answer yourself, get professional assistance. I have used an assessment tool – the EA: Entrepreneurial Assessment – to help guide (or not) clients to their own business. There are other tools as well on the market; just be sure there is validity and experience to back them up.

Be in control. Drive your destiny. Break the shackles of traditional work and you will grow and prosper – and you will work hard!

And thank you for reading this. - Dan

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Job Market report July 10 2011



For Immediate Release

July 10 2013

Job Postings Increase Past Seven Days in Region even in Holiday Week – Defies Statewide and National Trends

(Albany, NY,  July 10, 2013) –  Job postings increased the past seven days in the Capital Region in a week when we normally see rather sharp decreases the result of the holiday. “Much to my surprise, postings increased in the Region during the normally slower 4th of July holiday week indicating continued strength in jobs within the Region. Statewide markets were all down and nationally rather significantly” stated Dan Moran, of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie. Moran added,

Postings were 1800 vs. 1715 the week prior.

Other markets in NYS were all down sharply. The Capital Region continues to still outpace Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, all larger markets with more employers and population.  

National Job Scene

On the national level, job postings dropped sharply during the holiday week.  Postings were 475,500 compared with 530,500 the week before..  

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 2013, his firm will celebrate 25 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.