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Archive for the ‘Job Search’ Category

‘Entry Level’ Means Starting from Square One

Monday, October 15th, 2007

What dreams may become
The USA has a definite perception among people in different parts of the world. Widely regarded as a land of infinite opportunity there are a lot of myths that are associated with it. Like the Great American Dream or the Go West adage. The first one means that any individual irrespective of his background can come to America and work hard to build his or her future. All one needs is dreams, passion and lots of hard work and you can make your fortune. The other one means that any person who has lost everything and sees a dark future can just pack up his bags and head west. Over the years millions of people in the world and in the Western world in particular have believed in these myths of the journey.

Reality bites
The reality is a lot harsher and not so pleasant. There are a lot of jobs available in the USA as compared to other countries but so is the number of job seekers. There are myriad jobs available in USA at all levels but the most are at entry level. This is obvious because these jobs form the base of the job pyramid. There are many ways to find these jobs. All across the USA there are recruitment agencies that help one find entry level jobs. There are job fairs, job meets and job exhibitions that are held regularly which give information about jobs. Individual firms have their own recruitment division while there are general recruitment firms that will also give out information on entry level jobs.

With the IT infrastructure very strong in the USA, there is a lot of information available on the internet. People from anywhere in the world can log on to the internet and find information on jobs. Entry level jobs in USA tend to pay lower than similar jobs in other countries. This is because job mobility is very high and with the high availability of such jobs people hop jobs. So employers do not want to pay too highly especially since in the beginning employees are in the learning phase and do not have the required productivity. The good thing is that USA has stringent labor laws that protect entry level workers. They ensure a certain minimum quality of work environment for workers. If the standards are lower one can report the employer to the concerned authorities. Dignity of labor is respected in US much more than in many other countries. The average employer in the US would try to make the work environment amenable for workers.

The law is a friend
There are also many laws regarding wages in the US. For every kind of legal job there is a certain minimum amount of wages that have to be paid. Employers paying less than this would be liable for punishment. The matter can be reported to the authorities. Wages are to be paid in legal documents and the documents are verified and checked for irregularities. Workers also need to be compensated for any medical problems or injuries suffered during work. The US is trying to improve its work environment for entry level workers because it makes good business sense.

Minneapolis Employment Scene Heating Up

Wednesday, October 3rd, 2007

With Minneapolis being recently named one of the best areas for business, there is no doubt that the area, despite cold weather, has a lot of appeal for the business minded. Economic diversity makes the Twin Cities a profitable place to live for those with working experience in a variety of industries. For individuals looking to relocate in order to find Minneapolis jobs, finding pertinent information on the area can help easy the anxiety of moving.

Accessing the city’s official website at www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us can provide a myriad of useful facts for those who are considering such a move. Links to information on local laws, utility bills, and community events are easily found on the main page.

One of the most valuable parts of the website is the page pertaining to Minneapolis employment. Here once can find the city’s information of job training and assistance programs. There is even a link to information on the area’s youth job programs.

In this section of the website one can also find a link to postings of jobs in Minneapolis for those who desire to work for the city. The website is set up in a way that one can apply for a position online. Information on the benefits available to those who work for the city can be located here. New jobs online are posted every Monday, making this the best day for one to check the site. Seeing how many individuals enjoy the idea of working for the local government, accessing the new Minneapolis employment information before others have had the chance to snatch up the best positions.

Also found on the employment part of the site is information for women who desire to work in traditionally male industries, which include law enforcement, technical work, and careers that are heavy in math and science. This page has a list of links which provide quizzes to determine if one is suited for such work and various job postings.

How To Find Media Jobs Online

Friday, September 28th, 2007

There has been a lot of change in the present media world. Nothing is same as before, people are not more into radio or newspapers as the new media has conquered the world. People are no longer getting into the papers for advertisements as they are more into the internet for everything. It is because of the faster pace that people are into the internet as everything happens with a click. The Web is widening its wings and in the same line of its growth, Internet recruiting is also on a steep rise.

The Internet is at its peak providing the relevant information that is needed by the common people in soing. It is reaching out to many people around the globe at the same time. The job depends on the criteria that people are into which provides the latest and corresponding information. The job seekers skills also play an important role in moulding up the entire performance in the other half.

While job searching through the internet it is very important to ensure that the entire task would be a challenge as there would be more competitors on the row. With internet as the possible media, it is possible to apply for different jobs at the same time. The same bio data could be applied for these jobs and it can really do wonders for you.

There are many scams present as job search website and they also ask for lot money for enrolling in. Always be aware of these before stepping into any of the sites. Collecting good information from nearby can really help you get into the best job searches in the internet. Getting the best jobs online is also in the skills and the resume which is attached along with the job search.

Careers in HR

Wednesday, September 19th, 2007

As the job market becomes more competitive, the focus on issues that relate to staff members strengthens. This, in turn, has fortified the importance of human resources departments. Because of this, individuals who chose careers in HR will experience a certain level of job security. One of the major differences that determines a lot for individuals who have careers in HR, is whether they have chosen to be a generalist or a specialist.

Those who have chosen careers as HR generalists are considered the office place “jack-of-all-trades.” Generalist tend tend to have less specific job descriptions and handle a variety of different tasks. Because of their ability to handle an assortment of tasks, HR generalist often experience a higher level of job security.

Careers as HR specialists, offer just that, a chance to specialize in a particular area such as employment and recruiting, training and development, compensation and benefits, employee and labor relations, or health, safety, and security.

Usually, smaller businesses have one of two HR generalist who shoulder the responsibilities that would, in a larger office, be divided amongst several different specialists. From reading HR articles arely do smaller businesses have HR specialists, but a larger company may have one HR generalist who handles employee relations.

Interestingly enough, there is a certain level of fluidity in HR careers in the staffing industry. Individuals who start up as generalist may end their career as specialist. The switch between the two areas is particularly easy in the early stages of an individual’s career. As one grows in their chosen field, careers changes maybe come some what more difficult due to the fact that their experience and base of knowledge has become more specialized.

Because of this, it is a good idea to try out several options early in one’s career. In doing this, individuals who chose a career in HR allow themselves time to decide what area they would rather work in without having to struggle to make a shift later on. According to Matt Aspin, a board member of the Seattle chapter of the Society of Human Resource Management, filling entry level jobs tend to be in recruiting or in administrative roles.

MD Aspirations Key to Landing Physician Jobs

Wednesday, September 12th, 2007

Students who aspire to one day have a career in the medical field as less likely that ever to pursue becoming a doctor. With more and more work being available for a variety of different medical technicians and the salaries for nurses on the rise, many are swayed away from becoming MDs. The cost and time required to finish medical school is another contributing factor to what is now becoming a physician shortage that will only worsen if circumstances continue.

For those who are unswayed from the idea of eventually obtaining physician jobs, options do exist to decrease the cost of medical school. Scholarships and loan forgiveness plans are appearing more frequently as hospitals increase their recruiting efforts. Also ,if one is able to attend a medical school in one’s home state then cost of tuition is significantly lower.

For those who are unable to acquire a scholarship, there is always the option of attending medical school abroad, particularly in the Caribbean Islands or Central and South America. These schools often have less stringent requirements from American students than they do from local students. For several of these schools, being able to speak another language is not a requirement. Several institutions from this area have English only classrooms and do not provide instruction in any other language.

With hospitals already beginning to reach out to foreign countries to assist in fulfilling their hiring and staffing needs, attending medical school abroad does not stigmatize a student. Those wishing to obtain a physician job in the US only have to pass an examination to prove that they are qualified to practice medicine. Many of these schools, such as St. George in Grenada, boast that 95 percent or better of their students receive passing scores on this test.

With financial assistance programs and lower costs of tuition, foreign medical school are an option to consider for those who desire to obtain the necessary skills they will need in order to get job as a physician.

Unemployment and Loathing in Las Vegas

Monday, August 27th, 2007

The statewide unemployment rate of Nevada rose once again, making July the fourth consecutive month that this has happened. With 4.9 percent of area individuals finding themselves without employment, the state’s jobless rate is currently at it’s highest since January of 2004. Within the last year the number of those employed in Nevada has risen 1.7 percent. This goes to show that they problem isn’t necessarily that there are not new positions being created, but that the population growth is far exceeding the number of new jobs in the area. When combined with the nationally experienced housing slump, one can easily see why employment conditions continue a downward trend.

Las Vegas jobs seem to be among the most scarce in the state. The city’s unemployment rate, which is currently higher than the national average, increased from 4.7 percent in June to 5.1 percent in July. The total number of individuals employed city-wide was approximately 919,100, which left about 49,800 people without jobs.

It isn’t that there aren’t Las Vegas area jobs to be had. The problem is that they exist mainly in certain industries, such as healthcare. Instead of being filled by individuals from the local area, employers looking for doctors, nurses, therapists, teachers and engineers are finding that they have to look elsewhere for those qualified. The city just doesn’t seem to have enough residents with the proper education and training to meet industry demands.

Available jobs in Las Vegas for construction still exist, just on a smaller scale. Nevada moved from the 16th most expensive state to do business in to the 14th due to taxes and increased cost of office and residential rent. When paired with the already existing housing slump, the rise in the cost of commercial operation has decreased the number of large scale construction projects.

Also adding to the frustration of Las Vegas job seekers is a decrease in the number of temporary positions available for those waiting on something more permanent. At this time trolling online job postings and local newspaper classifieds maybe important. When so many individuals are without employment, the job market tends to be more competitive. This means that applying to a newly available position as quickly as possible is extremely important. With employers receiving such a large number of resumes, one would hate to have theirs on the bottom of pile.

Austin Job Market Remains Hot for Latinos

Monday, July 30th, 2007

Austin, Texas is rated one of the most welcoming and livable cities in the Nation for the Mexican and Latino population, as well as, many other racially diverse populations. It is a city of tolerance, and this tolerance has added to the city’s goal of becoming self-sustaining. Obviously, being so close in proximity to the Mexican/American Border has allowed numerous illegals to integrate into the Austin workforce for much longer than other cities.

While many other cities are struggling with immigration realization and its issues, flocks of Mexican and Latino workers are joining their workforce and moving into their neighborhoods. Clearly many other cities around the Nation fail to remember that this American nation was founded by those from the mother England and do not appreciate the diversity that the new workers bring to the table. What tends to be most favorable in filling Austin jobs is its ability to recognize the opportunity in welcoming new workers into its workforce.

Hiring first generation workers lends to an increasingly diverse workforce and many multinational corporations recognize the opportunity that such a diversity presents. Austin lacks the strife and ill feelings those others currently face. In fact, this particular city has benefited from an increasingly diverse workforce and accentuates this duality of cultures as a benefit to potentially interested companies. Perhaps the benefit outweighs the drawbacks, as Austin is a thriving city poised to compete on a global level as more and more international markets open.

Perhaps this diverse workforce explains why the city of Austin offers a higher standard of living and quality of life despite being the home to a capital city of Texas. One drawback that remains for Austin is its transportation infrastructure and roadways. Nonetheless, a number of major companies announced moves or future plans to locate within the Austin area. In 2007, the future looks bright for Austin based on a mere eight key sectors alone.

* Semiconductors
* Medical devices/Bio sciences
* Data Centers
* Wireless
* Automotive
* Digital Media
* Clean energy
* Headquarters and Regional Offices

In fact, Austin made an excellent unveiling of both its promising forward motion towards becoming an entirely self-sustaining city in the future. Strategic geographical location of this particular city explains why many companies, such as CitiGroup, plans to start a new call-center in Austin, a growing digital media market, and improving training and educational programs leading to an increasing number of skilled workers in the workforce. In addition, to further promote and attract new businesses, the state offers a comfortable tax climate for both corporations and individuals with no corporate or individual state income tax.

The primary difference in Austin is this city offers support to both existing and potential corporations unlike some who attempt to only attract new ventures. This city recognizes the benefits of entertaining and supporting established business is just as worthwhile as new business in the big picture. Retention is equally valuable along with newcomers in the interest of sustaining jobs for the workforce. A mistake that many cities should reconsider if the overall goal is to become a self-sustaining entity.


Find San Francisco jobs at SanFranJobs.com.

ikea’s ‘painarchy’ in the uk

Friday, July 20th, 2007

The United Kingdom is currently experiencing the lowest unemployment rate it has in the last 2 years. With several companies announcing cuts for London jobs, for example, one can not help but wonder if this good fortune will continue. Among the businesses currently going through drastic changes is Ikea. The Swedish based furniture store recently let it be known that they intend to cut at least 300 management positions from their UK stores due to poor performance throughout the industry.

The news comes only 2 years after the opening of a new store in Edmonton, London, which, due to the popularity of the company’s products, caused a stampede in which five were taken to the hospital to be treated for injuries. One would-be customer had to be treated for a stab wound. The UK branch is still one of the company’s most popular, ranked as the third most profitable market, and brings in 11 percent of Ikea’s income. The United States and Germany are the only areas that generate more sales for the company.

The 300 managers will be given a chance to take a demotion and return to the store ’s main floor. There they would be expected to assist customers and stock shelves for a lower pay rate than they were previously receiving. The Chief Executive of Ikea stated that these job cuts were not decided upon as a way to increase profits. Instead he says that customers have requested better service and friendlier staff. The job cuts are seen as a way to be able to invest more toward this area of the business’ operations. According to the Chief Executive, the company had begun to become management heavy and the cuts were done to create more of a balance.

By giving the employees a chance to keep their jobs, if not the one they originally had, Ikea hopes to avoid being short staffed. At this time it is not known how many of these managers are willing to take a pay decrease and a less prestigious title along with more physical work as opposed to searching for new jobs.

Over all the furniture industry has suffered several difficult years recently. According to an Ikea spokeswoman, increased competition will likely cause this trend to continue for at least some time. Ikea maintains that their company is stilling doing, overall, better than many of its competitors in terms of profit.

the great physician shortage

Monday, July 16th, 2007

America is currently experiencing the beginning of a shortage of doctors that looks like it’s only going to get worse. Fewer and fewer people are undergoing the training it takes to become a doctor. Add this to the fact that the American population is aging, and you have to perfect equation for a health care nightmare.

There are several reasons that less students are choosing medical school. Many believe that the fact that there are now a number of careers in the medical field that do not require as much training and still have good salaries has contributed to this shortage. There is also the rising cost of American medical schools and malpractice insurance once one begins their practice.

Whatever the reasons are that students have chosen against medical school and finding physician jobs, there is no denying the fact that the decrease in applicants has been a trend for the last fine years. If medical colleges are not able to increase the number of physicians graduating then it is estimated that their will be a shortage of anywhere from 85,000 to as many as 200,000 doctors by the year 2020.

Aside from making it harder for an ill individual to find a doctor without having to wait an increasingly long amount of time, this will also effect the quality of the care people receive. The medical field has always been highly competitive, meaning that the best doctors were in demand and the one’s with less skill had to settle for lesser positions. If a shortage of this magnitude does occur then hospitals maybe consider hiring individuals with less skill, individuals that they wouldn’t have considered prior to the shortage.

If this shortage does occur, it is believed that it will hit smaller towns much worse than it will larger cities. Larger areas will have the benefit of multiple hospitals, where as smaller areas will most likely have only one or two choices for healthcare. One solution for this problem has been to increase recruitment of medical students from small towns. Many of these individuals, once trained, would be likely to return to their home towns.

No matter what solution is reached, it is evident that one must be found and quickly. Still, despite the negative side of the physician shortage, those who do graduate from medical school will have the ability to be choosier in the positions they take and will most likely be offered increasingly high salaries.

San Francisco Job Outlook Good for Top & Bottom

Saturday, July 14th, 2007

The city government and immigrant populations can be divisive issues. But on the other hand, amongst those seeking San Francisco jobs you may be hard pressed to find someone who doesn’t find some aspects of the Bay Area attractive.

The aforementioned city government has raised the minimum wage to over $9 per hour (nearly double the current federal rate) and employment is beginning to drop below the 4 percent mark. Other unique perks of a generous welfare scheme include being able to have your sex change paid for as an employee health benefit (transgender health legislation was passed in 2001). Joking aside, with job growth up nearly 2 percent to 14.75 percent last year, San Francisco’s jobs market is certainly expansive.

Employment in San Francisco is undoubtedly dominated by the two technologies: high tech and biotech. The latter has been especially boosted by having the headquarters for California’s $3 billion stem cell research program based in San Francisco, but biotech was strong before that, and continues to be so due to large, continued investment. In what is often considered by economists as a recession-proof industry – as the population ages, demand for healthcare will increase – there has been strong growth in the past years, especially in the areas surrounding the city.

The Bay Area is home to over 580 bioscience companies, employing more than 85,000 people directly and there is extensive financial and legislative support for research creating more and more jobs in San Francisco. With the average age of a nurse around 50 in California, and the baby-boom generation not getting any younger – the manufacture of medicines and treatments, and also trained healthcare professionals, will be much in demand in the near future.

The high-tech industry can be split into two parts. On the one hand, giants of the industry such as Google, Oracle and Apple are all based in the nearby Silicon Valley and are increasingly looking to tap into specific city talent in software engineering and web development/design. The activities of Microsoft, who have just moved into a new 500,000 sq ft campus in Silicon Valley, are quite typical. Whilst the majority of their employees are based there, the company is also seeking a bigger presence in the city and has employment opportunities in sales, product support and account management as well as those that are more industry specific.

The city of San Francisco itself is home to the other side of the high-tech industry – Web 2.0 start-ups. This is the second wave of web based communities and hosted services, the first being the dot-com boom of the 1990s. High end technical and analytical skills are in high demand here and these Web 2.0 businesses may go some way to explaining why small businesses with fewer than 10 employees and self employed firms make up 85% of city establishments.

Abbey Snay is the director of Jewish Vocational Services – a non-profit organization that provides employment counseling to the general public (not just the Jewish Community) in the area. I spoke to her about San Francisco’s employment prospects and she described the area as having an “hourglass economy,” with plenty of jobs right at the top – managers, executives etc. and also plenty at the bottom – waiters, shop assistants etc.

One of the main problems, she explained, was the gap in skills with some of the prospective workforce; a problem heightened by the move offshore of the garment industry, leaving many immigrant workers stranded in the jobs market by poor English.

Big brands ranging from Del-Monte to Levi-Strauss and Co. are all based here, giving credence to San Fran’s claim to being the HQ city, and opening up further jobs in marketing and administration, as well as compliance jobs. Perhaps the best way to find out what jobs/skills are in demand right now is through one such company.

Craigslist, the classified advertisement internet site started as one San Francisco man’s (Craig Newmark) idea and now receives over 5 billion pageviews and 500,000 job listings a month. Searches for biotech/science, computing and healthcare jobs revealed up to 80 job advertisements posted in one day alone. This Web site along with its contents certainly gives a positive outlook to employment in San Francisco.

And don’t forget that sex change.