Job Market Report 1 15 14 - MUCH BETTER!!!!

For Immediate Release

For Information: Dan Moran 518- 641-8968

Job Market Roars Back After Holidays .. Job Postings Surge

(Albany, NY) As expected for this time of the year, job postings surged ahead this past seven days, recouping the losses of the holiday period and demonstrating strong strength in the job market at levels even unseen in previous years. 

“Postings in the state, our region and nationwide surged ahead this past seven days – an indictor of continued strong demand. This is excellent news for those seeking jobs. Also, this is on the heels of a very disappointing and somewhat confusing national job market report last week that added to the question – is the job market better? Questionable in other markets – but in out Region we are rocking", stated Dan Moran, President and Founder of Next–Act, a career transition management firm in Colonie. “ We need to look local – we are strong – other markets may be weaker"

Can’t Find Qualified Applicants – Yes?

Moran added, “While we see job market activity very good, I am hearing from a surprising number of employers who tell me they cannot not find qualified talent to fill their needs. This is extremely concerning as there appears to be a disconnect between the skills job seekers are marketing and the needs of hiring employers. The inability to find talent to meet job requirements indicates what many in my field have been forecasting – a labor shortage to meet hiring needs that could have a detrimental impact on the market. I am planning to survey this further to identify specific issues”.

Job postings in the Capital Region were 2035, up significantly from the week prior. Other markets in NYS saw similar increased and strong results. The Capital Region still outpaced Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse for jobs in the market and the Capital Region is much smaller in population and employment than other NYS markets.

National Job Market

Nationally the market showed significant improvement as well. Postings were up over 100,000 in one week, climbing to 674,000 from  460,000 the week before which is a significant gain. 

  

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.

Age is only your state of mind...

“ Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.”– Mark Twain

This past Monday, January 6th, I turned 60 years old. Some say well that's the big one – the Big 6- oooo.

To me it wasn’t much -- just another passing of a day. But it made me think about the number of times in my practice I’m often asked by a client …

Do you think I’m too old to find a new job? 

It is a concern for sure, especially many of those in their 50s early 60s or even late 40s. We have been conditioned to believe when you reach the grand old 40s, 50s, 60s or even 70s, your are washed up and of no value.

The truth is 100% the opposite. In fact, companies are courting those more seasoned and tenured employees because, frankly, they are tired of hiring younger employees who don’t have a sense of loyalty and commitment. I can understand why they don’t have that loyalty or commitment; it’s been a rough recession and they have going through quite a few changes. As well, many in their 40s 50s 60s 70s felt the same exact thing. As a result, when an opportunity opens for a new job, new locale or ability to develop new skills, many younger professionals bolt; older more seasoned staff may elect to stay.

Companies like CVS Caremark make it a practice to hire older workers (reverse discrimination?) and in fact, 25% of their workforce is over 65 years old. The same goes for Home Depot, The Container Store and while not a surprise to me, many smaller, established companies – and that is what our regional job market is made up of.

Then why do some older job applicants have a difficult time finding a job?

The experts seek to agree:

• Unrealistic Salary Expectations

• Dated Industry Experience (or industry experience that has gone away)

• Not having up-to-date technology skills – and showing it

Many industries shrunk or went away during the recession and trying to find a job in a dying industry – difficult if not impossible. As well, if someone was with a company for 20 years, gets laid off and expects the same starting salary somewhere else – likely not going to happen.

The last is the “biggie” in my opinion. I met so many seasoned workers who haven’t embraced new technology, social media, etc. The simple things like not having a LinkedIn profile, or not including an email address on a resume (yes – true). Technology rules the working world – so one must be on top and be sharp or suffer.

Is there job discrimination in hiring?

I would be Pollyanna if I were to say it does not exist. The fact is yes - age discrimination does exist and it is terrible when it occurs to someone. .

However my question I ask is this “” if you were working for a company that you felt didn’t want a more seasoned and tenured person in the company, is that such a big issue? I’ve been in situation working in a company with a number of 20 and 30 year olds when I was in my mid 40s as a consultant. I used to catch a lot of heat because of my age. I just elected to let it go and fit in – it wasn’t malice and I knew it going in.

If you interview in a company and you notice that you are probably the most senior person - even older than the ownership - you will likely not fit the culture or engage with the staff, so why subject yourself to it?  Rather find a company or role where you would fit in best and where you would feel culturally aligned.

Please put the “excuse” of your age out of your mind if you are having a tough time finding a job You can do whatever you want to do it any point in time in your career - you just need to set your mind to it. No one can hold you back - absolutely no one. It is easy to say you didn’t get a job you applied to because your age but likely it was not that at all. In fact, it’s probably some other fact that you didn’t really realize until now.

Age occurs – can’t do much or really anything about it. I have a wood carving on my wall, which says, “It's never too late to be what you could have been”. Remember those words. After all age is a state of mind and you have a choice on dealing with it - at least in my opinion.

Thank you, as always, for reading this.-Dan

Job Market report January 9 2014 - coming back after holidays!

For Immediate Release

For Information: Dan Moran 518- 641-8968

Job Postings Rebound Sharply After Holiday Weeks – Sign of Confidence and Strength 

(Albany, NY) Jobs in the Capital Region rebounded sharply the past week as business returned to normal after the two-week holiday break. On a day by day basis, job opportunities rebounded very well starting right after New Year’s Day climbing by close to 40% over the past few days. "What that shows in not a slowdown but rather , a break caused by the holiday period. Employers seem bullish and confident; that is good news as we head into a very active hiring period”, stated Dan Moran, President and Founder of Next–Act, a career transition management firm in Colonie  “If history proves right, this will continue and by the second or third week of January the market will be at pre-holiday levels – and stay there or grow more”.

Job postings in the Capital Region were 1390 compared to 985  the week prior, a very strong rebound .Other markets in NYS saw similar improved results but not at a level as we saw in the Capital Region. The Capital Region still outpaced Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse for jobs in the market and the Capital Region is much smaller in population and employment than other NYS markets.

National Job Market

Nationally the market has improved off the holiday weeks as well. .  There were 479,000 postings this past week on average daily basis compared to 307,500 the prior week.  “ Again – a stronger rebound”. 

  

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.

Career & Life 2.0: 7-Habits to kick-off ’14 on a surge …

You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage—pleasantly, smilingly, nonapologetically, to say “no” to other things. And the way you do that is by having a bigger “yes” burning inside. The enemy of the “best” is often the “good.” - Stephen Covey, Author, 7-Habits of Highly Successful People

It is a new year full of promise and opportunity. Perhaps a year of change for you or someone close to you, or the time when you make that real breakthrough in your life or career.

Knowing where to start your path to growth is often difficult, so I thought I would bring the thoughts of Dr. Stephen Covey’s 7-Habits of Highly Effective People to mind. This is the 25th anniversary of the publication of the book and over 25 million copies in 40 languages have been put into practice. In fact, you are invited to attend a special program by Franklin-Covey’s Cris Lang on February 12th at the Century House in Latham presented by the Rensselaer County Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Capital Region Living. (See registration details below.)

I caught up with Cris to talk about how one can apply the 7-Habits on their quest to be happier, healthier and wiser beginning in 2014.

As we enter a new year, how would you recommend that one apply 7-Habits to achieve their 2014 goals?

I recommend that they read and re-read the book. Study the 7-Habits and discuss with others.  As one learns, they internalize their learning and act upon it. Start slow and understand that this is not a quick-fix, rather a lifelong practice. Also, just focus on one habit at a time; don’t try to do all right away. Determine what is the one thing you can change to be more effective and choose the habit that will allow you to achieve it.  

Is there one habit that you feel is the breakthrough for someone who is determined and focused to grow and succeed?

All the habits are extremely important. In my mind, Habit #1: Be Proactive, is critical and a great place to start. When one is proactive, they take responsibility for their self, their needs, feelings and actions. Proactive people are more resourceful, accountable and they do not blame others. They focus only on what they can control.

Peter Drucker once stated, “If you cannot measure it, you cannot manage it.”  How would you recommend one measure their short and long-term progress?

Simply, they need to have goals that are measurable. Without goals you cannot measure progress. Write your goals down and keep in view.  Be very specific with dates to achieve. Establish priorities aligned to goals in a weekly task list and check them off when done. Review progress on a weekly basis and remember, consistently is critical. Three key tips:  1. Do 20 minutes of weekly planning focused on goals at home and work.  2. Do daily planning – 10 minutes in morning – have a meeting with yourself and identify the 3-4 most important goals 3. Get someone at work and one at home to be accountable to.

How can one who is stuck find a way to move forward?

Focus on Habit #2: Begin with the end in mind. Have a laser-focused vision of where you are going.  Focus on this and your mind will be less stuck in the old you. 

 

Last words of wisdom?

 Sure – attend the overview on February 12! Really, take dedicated time to define what you want 2014 to be. Try this: Define the amazing contribution you want to make in 2014 as a mother, father, friend, boss, worker, coach – and write it down – now. Make it clear and exciting. Then commit to one activity – yes, just one – that you will make each week to make your vision a reality.  Always break your goals into bite-sized pieces and always continue moving forward. Keep it simple and savor the breakthroughs.  

A quick review of the 7-Habits:

 

Habit 1: Be proactive

Take initiative in life by realizing that your decisions (and how they align with life's principles) are the primary determining factor for effectiveness in your life. Take responsibility for your choices and the consequences that follow.

Habit 2: Begin with the end in mind

Self-discover and clarify your deeply important character values and life goals. Envision the ideal characteristics for each of your various roles and relationships in life.

Habit 3: Put first things first

A manager must manage his own person. Personally. And managers should implement activities that aim to reach the second habit. Covey says that rule two is the mental creation; rule three is the physical creation.

Habit 4: Think win-win

Genuinely strive for mutually beneficial solutions or agreements in your relationships. Value and respect people by understanding a "win" for all is ultimately a better long-term resolution than if only one person in the situation had gotten his way.

Habit 5: Seek first to understand, then to be understood

Use empathic listening to be genuinely influenced by a person, which compels them to reciprocate the listening and take an open mind to being influenced by you. This creates an atmosphere of caring and positive problem solving.

Habit 6: Synergize

Combine the strengths of people through positive teamwork, so as to achieve goals no one person could have done alone.

Habit 7: Sharpen the saw

Balance and renew your resources, energy and health to create a sustainable, long-term, effective lifestyle. It primarily emphasizes exercise for physical renewal, prayer (meditation, yoga, etc.) and good reading for mental renewal. It also mentions service to society for spiritual renewal.

2014 can be your year to achieve and grow. Start Now! 

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Signature Program, Wednesday February 12. 7:30am – 11am. The Century House, Latham. $75 Members; $95 Future Members & Walk-ins Online Registration:  www.renscochamber.com or 274.7020. 

See you there!

Dan Moran is president & founder of Next-Act, a career management & transition firm located in Colonie.  You can reach him at 641.8968 or dmoran@next-act.com">dmoran@next-act.com

or visit www.next-act.comhttp://www.next-act.com">www.next-act.com>.

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

Author: Accept-Commit-Permit: Three Essential Steps to Achieving Happiness &

Success in Career (and Life!) ... Exclusively at Amazon.com:

http://tinyurl.com/lluzsyd

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!

The New Year is Upon Us ... Will You Soar or Stagnate ...

"Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore". – Andrea Gide

In just a few days, the New Year – 2014 – will be here. As one enters a new year, they enter with promise and hope for a year they soar in their career and life. New Year’s resolutions are set – and the dawn of New Year’s Day brings to most a new beginning.

So today you have three choices:

You can elect not to change – to just go on - So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservatism, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality nothing is more dangerous to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future.

You can rely on others to change your life direction - In this world, if you rely on others, you become controlled. We see it in our society, in our government and in business.

You can choose to grow, change, pursue personal excellence and make a difference – a real difference – In other words, you choose to lead versus being led or staying in life & career situations that do not excite you, that you are not passionate about – and do not make you happy and fulfilled. If you make this choice, you are swearing that you will make 2014 – and beyond – your personal best.

So - Get out on the limb, take chances and excel. Soar with the eagles! 

My best for a happy, prosperous, safe, loving, purposeful, spiritual, passionate and powerful New Year (hope I covered it all).

And thank you for reading this. - Dan

Time to Refresh and Reflect – and a special free gift for you and yours … help someone (or yourself) today!

“Rest when you’re weary. Refresh and renew yourself, your body, your mind, your spirit. Then get back to work.” – Ralph Marston

I would like to say thanks in a special way …
This is a time of the year to look back and give thanks. As 2013 draws to a close, I reflect on the past 25 years I have been in this business (it all started in 1988) and all the people I have met over the years. I am truly blessed, and I want to show this. In September, I published my 3rd book, Accept-Commit-Permit: Three Essential Steps to Achieving Happiness & Success in Career (and Life!) which is on amazon.com. The book helps someone who is “stuck” in their career or life and needs help to push it forward, and get “unstuck” and focused. This may be you; it may be someone you know.

So I want to help. Until midnight on Christmas Eve, I invite you to have a copy of my book – and to give it as a gift to others – absolutely free. Yes – absolutely free- no catches at all. Give to as many people as you want, share this others as well. All I ask is your feedback at some point. I have made special arrangements with amazon.com to make this happen so just click the link – enjoy, and help others too. The book is in Kindle format – but you do not need a kindle to read it. Simply sign-up for Kindle’s Cloud Reader and you are all set!
_____________________________________________________________________
This week – no pithy comments, no “get out there and push-push” – but rather, a wish to you that you may rest and refresh over the next week as we celebrate the season, in whatever manner you celebrate. Taking pause to rest, refresh and recoup is absolutely essential. It renews the spirit; it renews your commitment to growing and prospering in you life and career.

I thought I would share a poem I discovered that’s puts the season in words that are meaningful. Please share and may you and yours have a safe, healthy and refreshing holiday.

And thank you for reading this – Dan

Christmas Time, by Robert Doe
Christmas Time is finally here,
It only comes but once a year.
And it’s a time to spread good cheer,
To those we love and hold so dear.
Christmas Time is a time of glee,
A time when peace and love run free.
A time for those like you and me,
To sit beneath the Christmas Tree.
Christmas Time is a time of joy,
A time to sit back and enjoy.
The smile on each girl and boy,
As they play with a Christmas Toy.
Christmas Time is a time to share,
The passing of another year.
Birth of Jesus, a joyful prayer,
To show loved ones how much we care.
Christmas Time is a time for song,
A time for us to get along.
To make us feel Lord Jesus strong,
Forgive all those who did us wrong.
Christmas Time is a time to pray,
Put love and kindness on display.
Show compassion along the way,
Christmas Time should be everyday
Source: Christmas Time, Christmas Poem http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/christmas-time#ixzz2nq6W5m1A
Family Friend Poems
 
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
Author: Accept-Commit-Permit: Three Essential Steps to Achieving Happiness & Success in Career (and Life!) … Exclusively at Amazon.com: http://tinyurl.com/lluzsyd

Job Market Report - December 19, 2013 - Holiday Slumber ...

For Immediate Release

For Information: Dan Moran 518-641-8968

On The Brink of the Holidays, Job Market begins to Cool

It isn’t only the weather that has cooled, but the job market has as well nationally, regionally and statewide, fully expected this time of the year. “As holidays approach, job postings begin to dwindle as employers plan for extended periods of closure, especially this year with two Wednesday holidays, that affect business for two weeks. We have had a nice past few weeks buoyed by strong national hiring reports which has been very good”, stated Dan Moran, President and Founder of Next-Act, a career transition management firm in Colonie.

Job postings in the Capital Region were 1667 compared to 1857 the week prior. Other markets in NYS saw similar down results. The Capital Region still outpaced Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse for jobs in the market and the Capital Region is much smaller in population and employment than other NYS markets.

“ In addition, it is also important to remember that the number of job postings is a forward view of hiring; there will be a fair amount of hiring to occur through the balance of the year to meet the needs of postings that hit the market the past few weeks. In other words – if you are looking, don’t stop – gear it up even more”. 

National Job Market

Nationally the market is cooling as well in advance of the holiday. There were 493,400 job postings the past week, compared to 503,300 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.

Dan Moran

President & Founder

Next-Act:

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

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