Job Market Report 11 29 12

Thanksgiving holiday takes toll on job market - but it will return
_____________________________________________________________________________

For Immediate release

November 29, 2012

Job Postings Drop Significantly During Thanksgiving Holiday 

(Albany, NY,  November 29, 2012) –  As expected, the job market in the Capital Region as well as nationally dropped significantly that past week falling 22% in one week in our area.” This was not unexpected at all with the lead up to the Thanksgiving holiday. This year we saw job market activity drop significantly the Tuesday before the holiday and this continued through this past Tuesday. Good news is that the market seems to be recovering the past few days”,  stated Dan Moran, of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie.

Moran continued, “Once again this year I stress to those in the market looking for  job. Do not put your resume on the shelf for the month thinking employers are not hiring in December. There is no data to support this and often  just the opposite as hiring managers scurry to fill jobs before the end of the calendar year. Rather than hold back and wait until January, make more contacts and put more emphasis into your search activity this month”.

Other markets in NYS reflect the same situation. The Capital Region still outpaces Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, all larger markets with more employers and population.  

National Job Scene

As of 11/28/12, there were,  on a seven-day-average,  455,017   national job postings showing the effect of the holiday as well.   The top five areas for the most jobs per capita still continue to remain unchanged: San Jose, CA, Washington DC, Boston, MA, Raleigh, NC and Oklahoma City, OK. There is one job posting per unemployed person in each of these markets meaning the market is much less competitive.  

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.com

Career Management & Transition Specialists

Celebrating 24-years of helping others in 2012!

125 Wolf Road, Suite #128

Albany, NY 12205

Office: 518-261-4212

Cell: 518-641-8968

eFax: 586-279-4212

dmoran@next-act.com

Give yourself the gift of yourself …

“Usually, when the distractions of daily life deplete our energy, the first thing we eliminate is the thing we eliminate is the thing we need the most: quiet, reflective time. Time to dream, time to contemplate what's working and what's not, so that we can make changes for the better”.
― Sarah Breathnach, Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy

 The holiday season is upon us and in full swing. There are the gatherings, the celebrations, family and more – we savor this time of the year.

 It is also the best time of the year to connect (or reconnect) with new contacts, opportunities and yes, potential employers. It is the time to renew friendships that may have slipped away due to time; it is a time to fully connect to family and friends.

 And – it is a great time to rediscover yourself.

 We are all busy – very busy and likely too busy. The importance of setting some time for yourself and reflection gets lost in calendars, emails, phone calls, kids and responsibilities at home. Usually time to reflect on yourself and where you are going happens when there is a crisis in life or career – or what I call a defining moment. It brings issues of life or career front and center when you may not have wanted or in a less than perfect time. That is not the best time to reflect and plan as usually there is a fair amount of stress and pressure and that can cloud thinking.

 As you find perhaps a bit more time as we end the year, set time aside for yourself – reassess where you are, where you are going and is that is where you want to be


Step One:  Talk to yourself – spend time thinking about what you really want from a new job, career or life change during the holiday season. Not just a hit-or-miss thought – but thoughts you will then commit to writing. Seeing it on paper is the first step in developing a strategy to achieve your goals.

 Step Two:  Answer the tough – real tough questions – and write down the answers you formulate. Ask yourself, looking over the past year:

•  What did I learn – did I learn?
• What did I accomplish that I can measure?
• What was the greatest contribution I made – to myself or to my career – that I am proud of?
• What has been my most significant roadblock or challenge I did not overcome?
• How am I different this year versus last year at this time?
• I can list the three most significant events in my career or life this past year, and they are?
• For what am I grateful?

 Step Three:   Ask the simple yes-no questions:

•  Am I fulfilled?
• Am I having fun?
• Am I motivated?
• Do I have energy?
• Am I happy with myself personally?
• Am I happy with myself professionally?

 Step Three:  Plan the year – critical to success. Don’t just “talk” it – plan it and commit to it. Nothing happens until you commit to success – and I dare you to prove me otherwise. Ask yourself:

•  What is the one – the real one and most critical – that I will accomplish in the 12-months ahead?
• And how will I do this?
• And how will I feel when I achieve it?
• And will it be enough to make me feel fulfilled?

Step Four:   You asked yourself the tough questions – now take actions for success:

•  Are you in the right job – answer no – Change it!
• Fulfilled in your personal life – answer no – Change it!
• In the right career that energizes and charges you – answer no – Change it!
• Need help sorting all this out? Talk to your friend (not family) or get a pro to help – most important – Change it!

If “it” isn’t working, accept it and make this time of year – the reflective time – the time to Change it!

 I am making change – join me in my journey and lead make the coming year your best year ever – really!

And thank you for reading this. - Dan

 Dan Moran
President & Founder
Next-Act:
Career Management & Transition Specialists
Corporate Management Services
Celebrating 24 years providing career& corporate management services in 2012!
125 Wolf Road, Suite #128
Albany, NY 12205
Phone: 518-641-8968
eFax: 586-279-4212
dmoran@next-act.com
Visit the Assessment Center: next-act.com/assessment-center.cfm
Manage Performance & Achievement: next-act.com/prescriptive-performance-analysis.cf

Job Market report 11 21 12

Holding - but flat - not what we want to see - there is great uncertainty - but you canot give up looking - press on!
_____________________________________________

For Immediate release

November 21, 2012

Job Postings Flat Nationally and Regionally  – Continuing trend over past few weeks –

(Albany, NY,  November 21, 2012) –  The job market in the Capital Region as well as nationally continues to be flat with little improvement and this is consistent with national trends and forecasts. “We are seeing little activity at all. The market is stalled until employers feel more confident with the effects of the fiscal cliff and other government policies. This is not where we want to be right now”, stated Dan Moran, of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie.

“We will also see the market cool as we enter into the Thanksgiving holiday, which is expected”.

Other markets in NYS reflect the same situation; however, NYC is recovering to a slight degree and that is good.. Other markets in NYS were flat as well. The Capital Region still outpaces Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, all larger markets with more employers and population.  

Region’s Unemployment Rate still An Issue

The most recent report on the Region’s unemployment rate pegged our Region at 7.3% up from 6.8% one year ago which is an indicator of softening of the market. However, and the good news – our Region paces about one percentage point lower than the State. “Still, we need to see that unemployment rate drop to improve consumer and business confidence”, added Moran.

National Job Scene

As of 11/21/12, there were,  on a seven-day-average,  521602  national job postings, with hardly a very, very slight change from the week before. “The market is stuck in neutral; we need to see what Washington will be doing before any real change can be expected”. The top five areas for the most jobs per capita still continue to remain unchanged: San Jose, CA, Washington DC, Boston, MA, Raleigh, NC and Oklahoma City, OK. There is one job posting per unemployed person in each of these markets meaning the market is much less competitive.  

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.com

Career Management & Transition Specialists

Celebrating 24-years of helping others in 2012!

125 Wolf Road, Suite #128

Albany, NY 12205

Office: 518-261-4212

Cell: 518-641-8968

eFax: 586-279-4212

dmoran@next-act.com

Give Thanks ...

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” – John F. Kennedy, 35th President of the United States

 As we enter Thanksgiving week, a week I hope is  enjoyable for you. It is important to look back and think for moment. Think back over the year. Think of those affected by Hurricane Sandy and other traumatic events in their life.

 Life is hectic. The demands of one’s job, life and all that revolves around us can be a whirlwind at times. And at times, very nerve wracking and unsettling.

 That is why, at this time of the year, one just needs to stop dead in your tracks – pause, reflect, give thanks and be grateful for what you have and who you know. It is important, and gives a new and fresh perspective.
 Perhaps it is the boss you have that you like – sometimes and not others. The special group of co-workers you spend your day with. Your friends and business associates. Great clients. The folks who work in your favorite stores. Your doctor and the medical professionals who work to keep you healthy. The list can go one.

 A few ideas:

 • Remember that mentor – the person you go to for advice and feedback with a phone call or personal visit just to say thanks.

 • Think about the special person who helped you solve a problem at work or at home. Maybe it was advice they gave; maybe an action of some type. It happened in the past – bring it to the present by acknowledging and showing your gratitude.

• Give back to your network of contacts – reach out, say thanks and ask how you can help them. In Harvey MacKay’s book, Dig Your Well Before You Are Thirsty (http://store.harveymackay.com/product_p/48543-3.htm), a highly recommended book on networking, he makes a very strong point: don’t just take from your network of contacts, always see how you can help them and then do so.

 • In the hectic world of healthcare, where there never seems to be a break, think about those who help you give care to a patient or attend to a families need. The ones that perhaps are not recognized, or work in the shadows so to speak – but are still ever so important.  Perhaps it is the contact who is helping you along in your healthcare career.

Giving thanks and showing your gratitude will bring rewards back to you as well. You will be remembered and thought of when a new opportunity opens up for a job or in business, community or socially. And – you will feel good too.

That  feel good feeling is truly motivating and will take you to new heights. Please do keep those affected by Sandy in your thoughts and if possible, give to help – food, water and whatever they need, especially your prayers in whatever manner you ask for help for others.

 And thank you for reading this. - Dan

Dan Moran
President & Founder
Next-Act:
Career Management & Transition Specialists
Corporate Management Services
Celebrating 24 years providing career& corporate management services in 2012!
125 Wolf Road, Suite #128
Albany, NY 12205
Phone: 518-641-8968
eFax: 586-279-4212
dmoran@next-act.com
Visit the Assessment Center: next-act.com/assessment-center.cfm
Manage Performance & Achievement: next-act.com/prescriptive-performance-analysis.cfm

Job Market report 11 14 12

Market is flat - election, Sandy - you name it ... all contributing ...

____________________________________________________________________

For Immediate release

November 14, 2012

Job Postings Flat Nationally and Regionally  – New York City struggling to recover after Sandy; job postings drop better than 30%

(Albany, NY,  November 14, 2012) –  The job market in the Capital Region and the state is flat – without any movement one way or the other which has been consistent for a few weeks now, starting just before Election day. “Employers are pausing for sure, and as national surveys are indicating, holding pat on hiring and as we hear, on spending as well until they better understand the short-term financial picture which is not what we wanted to see as the 4^th quarter opened so strong and it is now stuck with little progress when we need it”, stated Dan Moran, of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie.

Not a surprise, the Metro NYC job market has continued to suffer after plummeting some 30% after Sandy and now appears to be stuck at that level which is not good news for the State’s largest job market. Other markets in NYS were flat as well. The Capital Region still outpaces Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, all larger markets with more employers and population.  

National Job Scene

As of 10/31/12, there were,  on a seven-day-average, 517,642  national job postings, with hardly a very, very slight change from the week before. “The market is stuck in neutral; we need to see what Washington will be doing before any real change can be expected”. The top five areas for the most jobs per capita still continue to remain unchanged: San Jose, CA, Washington DC, Boston, MA, Raleigh, NC and Oklahoma City, OK. There is one job posting per unemployed person in each of these markets meaning the market is much less competitive.  

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.com

Career Management & Transition Specialists

Celebrating 24-years of helping others in 2012!

125 Wolf Road, Suite #128

Albany, NY 12205

Office: 518-261-4212

Cell: 518-641-8968

eFax: 586-279-4212

dmoran@next-act.com

It’s Over – A New Day – And the President is ------- …..

Election Day is in the history books I am writing this blog on Election Day and as I write this, I do not know who won or even if the race is decided (but I sure hope so).

 (Last Minute Add: Congratulations to the President on his reelection. Happy or not about it, it is time to move on).

 In my mind, it doesn’t make a difference in what I want to write about: The Election is over. Time to get out of the malaise. Time to move on.

 Over the past several months many have been mesmerized – many paralyzed - not knowing what to do or where our country is headed. That has caused a significant amount of indecision on the part of people and their lives, and with businesses just holding still. Many seem to be in a malaise and unable to move forward or think forward. We have dealt with and experienced a most divisive election – one that has to go into the history books, and also, a natural catastrophic event in the  name of Hurricane Sandy which brought millions to their knees and we pray and hope for them every day.

 The malaise affected people and business. Investments were curtailed.  Business slowed on hiring – we have seen this for sure. The markets have been anemic. Politics and fear have dominated thoughts and most definitely the media. We have also witnessed America at its best and our cherished honor – the ability to vote freely – which should make each and everyone proud.

 So --- now over – time to move on

 Move on to the plans you have set for yourself, your life and your career. Time to start anew on growing and succeeding. Time to take back control of your life and career. Think of the key goals you have set for yourself – goals that may slipping somewhat given the time of the year and the election.  It is time to dust off that list of goals and dreams you have had, and begin working on it. The list may include:


Finding a new job that you find fulfilling and rewarding, and not just a paycheck.


Discovering your ideal career – a career that makes you want to jump out of bed in the morning and engage.


A business that you have wanted to launch – but were held back by uncertainty and maybe fear.


Giving back to your community in some manner – or just helping others or a special person. 


… and the list can go on ….

 You control your success, or your failure. It is up to you – and no one else. No elected official, no government, no other factors. It is you alone.

 So set your sights on tomorrow. Don’t look back – you can’t change history. If your candidate lost, feel bad – then move on. If your candidate won, celebrate, and then move on.

 And thank you for reading this. - Dan

 Dan Moran
President & Founder
Next-Act:
Career Management & Transition Specialists
Corporate Management Services
Celebrating 24 years providing career& corporate management services in 2012!
125 Wolf Road, Suite #128
Albany, NY 12205
Phone: 518-641-8968
eFax: 586-279-4212
dmoran@next-act.com
Visit the Assessment Center: next-act.com/assessment-center.cfm
Manage Performance & Achievement: next-act.com/prescriptive-performance-analysis.cfm

Job Market Report 11 7 12

The effect of Election Day - and most certaintly Sandy ..

_______________________________________________________________________

For Immediate release

November 7, 2012

Job Postings Increase Slightly in Region – New York City drops better than 30%

(Albany, NY,  November 7, 2012) –  After a flat few weeks, and some decreases, job postings rose very slightly that past seven days in the Capital Region. Postings came in at 1650 up from 1533 the week prior. “We are seeing the effect of Election day – there is little movement and employers are holding steady and waiting to see what the impact of the Election will have on hiring, which is not surprising. The next few days will be very telling, and I will be watching this closely”, stated Dan Moran, of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie.

Not a surprise, the Metro NYC job market plummeted some 30% after Sandy and will likely be slow to recoup. Other markets in NYS were flat as well. The Capital Region still outpaces Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, all larger markets with more employers and population.  

National Job Scene

As of 10/31/12, there were,  on a seven-day-average, 517,410  national job postings, down again slightly from the week. The top five areas for the most jobs per capita still continue to remain unchanged: San Jose, CA, Washington DC, Boston, MA, Raleigh, NC and Oklahoma City, OK. There is one job posting per unemployed person in each of these markets meaning the market is much less competitive.  

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.com

Career Management & Transition Specialists

Celebrating 24-years of helping others in 2012!

125 Wolf Road, Suite #128

Albany, NY 12205

Office: 518-261-4212

Cell: 518-641-8968

eFax: 586-279-4212

dmoran@next-act.com