Regardless of the economy and your current job, a career awaits. However, there are three main things that lead to a successful search:
1. Focus
2. Determination
3. A Professional Recruiter
Focus and determination are two very important ingredients for success, for without them you might not find your path. The other very important ingredient is a recruiter – a knowledgeable recruiter is a free resource and a wealth of knowledge. Seasoned recruiters have an incredible network, they have the knowledge of their specific industry, and their guidance can help refine your search and make the most of your time.
A good recruiter will listen to your wants, understand your needs, help direct your actions, and be a springboard to help you succeed in your journey to hopefully find your career. A recruiter who specializes in a specific industry will know the companies, the personalities of the people in those companies; they will know the cultures, both the good and the bad.
If you truly partner with your Recruiter and listen to his/her advice and guidance, his/her expertise, and know that he/she is committed to your search, you will be that much closer in achieving your goal to find the perfect career.
Spencer Smolinsky
Director – Legal Support
To temp or not to temp? Many an unemployed candidate has come across this dilemma while conducting his or her job search. I specialize in placing administrative support staff in temp, temp to hire, and direct hire positions through our Bridgewater, New Jersey office. The nature of my job is working with highly skilled administrative assistants who have just been let go from permanent positions. Many have received a wonderful severance package and even have the opportunity to take some time off before trudging full speed ahead in their job search. But here’s the thing: for the most part, these people are looking for a permanent position – with an ultimate goal to find a new work “home.” My suggestion is to keep in mind that your new home can come in many different packages.
There are no guarantees! I have seen candidates get hired directly for a position, only to leave or be let go a few months later when it is discovered to be a weak fit, or due to company layoffs. Remember: last one in can be first one out.
I have had assignments lasting six weeks come across my desk and had many qualified candidates turn down these positions because the length of the assignment was so short. In many cases, the person who did accept the short term job ended up with a permanent offer in their lap because the client loved them so much.
We all know these are tough economic times. It is tough for the candidates, tough for the companies with shrunken budgets, and even tough for some agencies to connect the two. There are a lot of people who are out of work and looking, and only so many jobs out there right now. Competition can be tough; human resources and hiring managers sometimes view hundreds and hundreds of resumes for one position. You know that you are wonderful and amazing, but they don’t! Your resume is just a foot in the door, but temp work can get you working in the door at a great company. People want to work with people they know, like and trust!
The only way to make that happen is to get yourself out there and build relationships with great companies. I’ll use myself as an example. When I was first out of college, I accepted a week-long assignment at a company in NYC. One week turned into a permanent position that lasted for five years. If someone had told me that before I started my temp job, I would have thought they were crazy! But, it worked out. I got out there, and in turn, they liked me and the work I did. Before I knew it, I became a part of the “ work family.”
Also remember: just because you have accepted a contract assignment does not mean you have to halt your search for a permanent position. Keep up your searching and keep on interviewing! After spending too much time at home, some people can experience depression, so keep yourself in the game! There is nothing worse than getting a phone call from a job seeking candidate who is in the process of losing his or her home after failing to factor in the difficulty of landing a new job in these tough times. The attitudes of these candidates has shifted from confident to a frantic “I’ll take anything! Help!”
Take it from me; go on out there and build your relationships! Keep up your skills or try learning a new skill. Before turning down a possible temporary position, reconsider. You never know, with any luck, you may just find your new work home!
Stacie Renna, Staffing Coordinator
