1. Get out there.

Reach out to your contacts. You’re not necessarily asking them for a job, but you’re aiming to get the word out that you are available again and see what companies are hiring.

Join industry networking groups or at least industry groups online. Don’t write off social networking sites like LinkedIn and Twitter. These sites will allow you to get your updated information out there and make new contacts to help you in your job search. You can also learn a lot about a potential employer and the corporate culture through a company’s site.

2. Create a job.

Fill your new found time with projects that will help you stand out from the crowd. Volunteer for friends that have businesses. If you can keep you skills sharp and avoid a large gap on your resume, then the time donated is well worth it!

Start a blog about your industry highlighting your expertise. You don’t have to be in a specialized industry to write a blog. There are blogs about everything from HR to operations and warehousing to turbines. Your goal is to make a name for yourself and make connections that you wouldn’t have made otherwise.

Get active on Twitter. You should tweet about industry happenings and your take on it. You want to impress your potential employer and be seen as an expert in your field. Don’t just tweet about that new movie you saw or the weather; make sure your peers and industry execs can’t wait to see what you’re going to tweet next!

3. Explore

Check out all of your options for your job search. In addition to the popular job searching sites like Careerbuilder, Monster and Indeed, consider working with a staffing firm. Professional staffing firms are experts at matching job seekers with positions. They often have access to job openings before they hit the Internet, and they have relationships with the people doing the hiring (as opposed to having your resume in the HR inbox with the other thousand applicants).

Losing your job isn’t the end of the world. Just ask the 8 percent of Americans who are currently without work. But you can’t wait for the right position to fall in your lap. Take control of your job search and you might be surprised at the results. Talk to as many people as possible and present yourself to the world as the authority you are. You’ll find the right fit in no time.

- Stephanie Bruha is operations manager at Kavaliro.

How can you overlook Facebook as a job searching tool with a social network with more members than most countries? With more than 500 million active users, it’s likely that just about anyone you might want to find has a profile on the social networking site. Facebook is now used by 1 in every 13 people, with over 250 million (over 50%) logging in every day.

When seeking new employment just about everyone goes to the Internet and does an online search for jobs that they feel they would be interested in applying for. The Internet is by all accounts the best source for available job listings that are advertised anywhere. Why wouldn’t you use the largest social media network in the world to help with your job search?

Facebook recently announced that it is working on developing a job searching tool on its site. It said its biggest goal is to help the unemployed find jobs through social networking. More and more businesses are embracing online recruiting, and Facebook hopes to connect the unemployed with the resources to find jobs, as well as connecting recruiters to potential job candidates.

That in mind, your professional-looking profile on Facebook may very well be the link you need to land your next job. If you’re looking for a work, you will want to take advantage of every useful tool. I’ve suggested some ideas to help you get started on the right foot on Facebook.

1. Start with your photo.

Post a picture of your face (just you), in professional or business casual attire. Do not use a picture of your infant or children as your profile photo.

The site is about you, and if you want a business makeover, it starts with the first impression. Like the saying goes “You only have one time to make a first impression.” Review all of the pictures you share on the site, including ones where you are tagged.

2. Fill in the bio portion with prior work and education experience.

Focus on including the keywords you want people to use to find you. These may include job titles, specific skills, software systems, or any words that appear in job descriptions of interest to you. Include these in your profile and job descriptions, just as you would in your resume and in your LinkedIn profile.

3. Visit profile, privacy settings.

This will help control what people may find out about you online, but I always advise job seekers to assume everything they post is public information.

These are just a few helpful ideas that other potential job seekers might not be utilizing. Sometimes thinking outside the box will help you land not just your next job, but your next career.

Brian Mahony is a resource manager for Kavaliro’s Tampa offices.

Have you gotten into a rut at work? Would you like to be more engaged, satisfied and fulfilled in your work? Would you like to be more productive and feel a greater sense of accomplishment at the end of each day? Well you can. It just takes a desire and commitment to renew your habits and routines. Follow these tips and you’ll see your work life improve. And that improvement will trickle into the rest of your life.

Planning. Establish a routine of planning your week and your day. This will allow you to have your most productive week all the time. Start your day an extra 15 minutes early to do this planning. Write down the top one to three most important things you must do that day. And most importantly, set and reach your goals! Use the power of intention to get there! (This is what adds jazz to your life. And focusing on your future helps you get through challenging times.)

Take Breaks. It’s a fact that taking breaks will increase productivity. It’s been proven in studies. If you need to find someone to help ensure you take a morning and afternoon break.

Choose Happiness, Humor, Enthusiasm, Gratitude, Kindness and a Positive Outlook. Being productive and competitive in business doesn’t mean that you have to be serious all the time. Smiling doesn’t mean you’re not working hard. Enthusiasm doesn’t mean you’re not competitive. Being positive doesn’t mean you’re blind to challenges. Choose to enjoy your time at work. Find others who are like this and spread good cheer. It’s contagious and it grows. Try to avoid gossip and negative chat. It can be tempting, but it doesn’t serve anyone well, including yourself.

Face the Tough Stuff Head On. If there is something difficult that you must do, just bite the bullet and do it. Don’t put it off. Do it first thing in the day. It’s like jumping into a cold pool. Just count to three and do it!

Adapt. Adaptation is the number one survival skill of living organisms. Those that don’t adapt, become extinct. In the work world, the same is true for companies, whole groups and for individuals. Be open to change. Give it a chance. Adapt to new things while using your experience to guide you, and you will have great success.

– Michael Groeneveld is a resource manager at Kavaliro

Seminole County wooing New York-based Genesis10

Seminole County is trying to lure a New York-based technology staffing firm to open an office in Longwood this year and create 100 high-wage jobs during the next three years.

The county reportedly is competing with other areas such as Atlanta for Genesis10 Corp., which has 19 locations nationwide, including one in Tampa.

If it decides to open an office here, the company would invest up to $230,000 for renovations and equipment at 260 Wekiva Springs Road in Longwood. That address includes the 141,000-square-foot Protegrity Place I & II properties, which is advertising more than 50,000 square feet of available space.

The company’s hiring plans for the new jobs would be split over three years, with 50 jobs created by December, another 25 jobs by Dec. 31, 2013, and the rest by year-end 2014.

The positions, which were not defined in county documents, would have an average salary of $80,000, more than 115 percent higher than the Seminole County’s average wage of $37,925.

The company was approved for $30,000 in Qualified Target Industry incentive funds from the county, which is a 20 percent local participation match to what the company is seeking from the state.

Calls to Genesis10 Corp. were not returned. Seminole County officials declined to comment due to nondisclosure agreements.

However, Orlando appears ripe for another technology staffing firm. Consider: The City Beautiful ranks among the top three cities looking for information technology-related positions, according to a study by Modis Inc., a Jacksonville-based IT staffing firm with offices in Orlando.

“Tech job opportunities in Orlando are increasing due to the new Medical City project adding 10,000 new jobs in Orlando, driving health care IT jobs, the increasing networking needs of companies of all industries driving telecommunications jobs, a recovering hospitality industry driving hiring in this space, and the apparent consolidation of financial services sector IT jobs in the less-costly labor markets,” said the study.

Orlando’s most needed positions in the past couple of years have been those with extensive backgrounds in technology such as software development and modeling and simulation, saidBill Peppler, managing partner at Kavaliro Staffing Services in Orlando, which specializes in technology staffing.

“The software developer and technology industry has an unemployment rate of less than 2 percent, compared to metro Orlando’s 9.5 percent overall unemployment rate,” he said. “So if you can provide those resources to businesses, that’s a strong business model.”

In fact, Peppler said a new company in town will push firms like his to further refine services, causing the overall industry to improve. “We always welcome new competition.”

Richard Bilbao
Reporter – Orlando Business Journal

This quarter we are asking for CEREAL & POP TARTS. February 1 – 15 we will be setting up bins in the Central Florida area and asking friends, family, colleagues and complete strangers to help feed our children.So start looking for those Buy One Get One Free deals and stocking up for February!

Lisa Moore
Kavaliro
3504 Lake Lynda Drive
Suite 175
Orlando, FL 32828

Tyger Danger
Uproar
121 S. Orange Avenue
Suite 1430B
Orlando, FL 32801

Sheila Lafont
Fairwinds Avalon Park
12800 Tanja King Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32828

Pat Moore
Great American Insurance Company
1060 Maitland Center Commons Blvd, #100
Maitland, FL

Amy Gausz
PULAU Corporation
12633 Challenger Pkwy, Ste 200
Orlando, FL 32826-3248

Allena Bailey
Workable Solutions
7120 Lake Ellenor Drive
Orlando FL 32809

Joe Liguori
Pizzeria Valdiano
Lakeside Village
1610 Town Center Drive
Lakeland, FL 33803

Pointe Orlando
9101 International Drive Suite 1036
Orlando, FL 32819

Waterford Lakes Town Center
421 N.Alafaya Trail
Orlando, FL 32828

Winter Park
510 N. Orlando Ave Site 103
Winter Park, FL 32789

Ashley Liguori
Baldwin Bark
4836 New Broad St.
Orlando, FL 32814

Barbara Couillard
The Moat
4250 Alafaya Trail #100
Oviedo, FL 32765

Danielle Peppler
NSI Orlando
1315 S Orange Ave
Suite 1B
Orlando, FL 32806

Amy Moore
LoyalSource
13001 Founders Square Drive
Orlando, FL 32828

Craig Froehlich
UCF Strategy, Marketing, Communications and Admissions
12443 Research Parkway, Suite 301
Orlando, FL 32826

Jen Foristall
Magic Curtain
Magic Curtain has a big mainstage show of “Annie” at Timber Creek High School performing arts center- Feb 2-4th. A bin will be there during the show. They are offering $1 off ticket at box office when someone brings a food donation to the show!

States such as North Dakota, Pennsylvania, and Ohio are using new hydraulic fracturing or “fracking” technologies to extract natural gas from deep under thousands of feet of shale rock. Fracking is one of the most remarkable breakthroughs in the energy exploration business in the last 50 years. It not only has reduced America’s foreign oil consumption from 60% in 2005 to 47% in 2010 and made the U.S. the largest natural gas producer in the world. The natural gas and oil sector has created over 1.5 million jobs since that time. In addition, recent analysis by PriceWaterhouseCoopers states that more than 1 million jobs could be produced in the manufacturing industry alone by 2025 to support the demand to produce the equipment used to extract the gas. This does not even include the service and construction jobs that will be produced to support these workers and industries.

Could states like North Dakota lead the country to increased prosperity and keep the economy out of another recession? North Dakota is among the five fastest growing states in terms of percent increase – along with Texas, Utah, Alaska, and Colorado. All of these states have strong job growth and are experiencing energy booms. Significant economic investment in shale industries is also occurring in other states that have large natural gas reserves. The Marcellus Shale formation which runs through from southern New York through Pennsylvania and into parts of West Virginia and Maryland is believed to be the second largest natural gas deposit in the world and could be produce huge economic returns. These could mean thousands of high paying jobs over the next couple of years.

In addition to driving job creation, shale gas recovery can be the game-changer to the U.S. becoming more energy independent and result in lower energy costs to American consumers. In fact, the U.S. has now become a net exporter of fuel for the first time in nearly 20 years. There are however several factors that could hinder this new energy development; these include regulatory obstacles, environmental concerns, and increased government intervention.

As with any boom, there are potential problems and the jury is still out on the health risks as a result of all this new drilling. Protests of hydraulic fracturing drilling have sprung up throughout the country. These are mostly in response to concerns over the environmental impact in the communities where fracking is largely taking place, such as Pennsylvania and Ohio. The largest concern is on the potential to impact local drinking supplies. The risk is that the chemicals used in the fracking process will flow back into the local aquifers and contaminate the drinking water. Other concerns are on the impact to the landscapes and the air quality where the drilling is occurring. This type of new drilling does leave a footprint and can impact local ecosystems. There will continue to be vigorous debate regarding these matters going forward; nevertheless, the prospective job growth from shale oil and gas exploration in this country is undeniable. Could the country’s next gold rush be upon us?

- Rocky Fullerton is a veteran of the energy industry and has more than 15 years’ experience in developing and deploying Information Technology and Smart Grid focused solutions. http://rfenergy.wordpress.com/

Most businesses large enough to realize the cost benefits of technological advances to recruitment have implemented at least a few of these options. Applicant Tracking Systems are a prime example of a way employers are streamlining procedures – making paper resumes and hard copy assessments a thing of the past. Social media is another. Where once lied over-the-phone reference checking and newspaper research, now there are social networking sites like LinkedIn.

The Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) published a short spotlight on how technology has altered the way companies recruit. One of the main differences, cited Staffing Advisors president Bob Corlett, is that new technology has “leveled the playing field”. Smaller companies and recruiting firms now have access to some, if not all, of the same information as the bigger players. Corlett also believes, however, that sites like LinkedIn may have made things too easy: “When social networking venues like LinkedIn began their meteoric rise in popularity: the economy crashed and millions of people lost their jobs. Now, with an abundance of candidates competing for a relatively small number of available positions, technology has also made it easier for companies to be downright rude with applicants. Maybe it’s a dismissive rejection letter delivered via e-mail or a total avoidance of follow-up contact with an applicant, but the reliance on technology has also reduced personal interaction…When the economy recovers, there will be backlash against those companies that used recruiting technology simply to shave costs. Hiring used to be a one-to-one experience. That’s not the case anymore.”

Recruiters need to keep in mind their target audience as well. Certain industries, especially those targeting a wider range of experience levels in their applicants or without educational restrictions for hiring, may not have the need to utilize social networking or other online resources as would an organization hiring recent graduates. Everyone knows Generation Y is online and that’s where you have to go to get them. It’s not true of all candidates, however. The internet is primarily gong to be the most dominant resource to use, but it may need to be supplemented or even replaced in certain situations. It’s all about who you are trying to hire.

Mark Stelzner, principal of Inflexion Advisors, an HR consulting firm explains that “greater transparency in the hiring process and companies’ use of new technology and social media would clear up much of the confusion that arises between candidates and their prospective employers…A lot of candidates have no idea what tools companies are using. Technology can be a great friend to you, or a terrible impediment. If you’re relying on it completely for communication, it only goes so far.”

All in all, as advancements in technology continue to evolve, so will recruitment processes. In order to attain the next best candidates, you may have to use the next best thing in recruitment innovation. We’ve changed our procedures in terms of efficiency, costs, and availability of information, and in doing so we have decreased the level of personal contact and levels of communication. Be sure to include “old school” principles in the improvements you make or you could end up on the wrong side of the economic upturn when it comes to future hiring.

Traci K. is an HR professional and freelance writer based in the Midwest, specializing in recruitment and immigration. When she’s not improving unemployment, she keeps busy with her husband and four children.

Now that a new year is upon us, that means that it’s time for a new salary budgeting plan. With everyone still a bit wary of the economy and what lies in store for us in 2012, many companies are struggling with how far they should go. However, after hitting record-breaking lows in 2011, salary increases are expected to rise. Also, with more companies reporting improved confidence with their budgets, they are looking to lead or at least match market pay rates despite the still weakened job market.

According to early surveys conducted by Mercer, Towers Watson, WorldatWork, Hay Group and ERC on 2012 salary increases, companies are projecting higher pay increases compared to the past two years. Most companies are planning for salary increases between 2.7% and 3.0%. These results can be used as credible references for your company’s own salary planning needs.

Source/Projected Increase:

ERC: 2.7%
Mercer: 2.9%
WorldatWork: 2.7%
Hay Group: 3.0%
Towers Watson: 2.7%

According to the Economic Research Institute, with the recession projected to be starting to come to an end, 2012 is expected to be the year in which companies start to review why certain jobs are paid what they are. That being said, these companies will most likely be turning to the market for answers to help them stay current with employee compensation.

Do you know why you pay what you pay?

For starters, take a look at the 2011-2012 Kavaliro Employment and Salary Handbook for an outline of some of the most trending jobs and their current/projected salaries for the year. There is also a lot of helpful advice on how to retain employees and manage employee satisfaction in other ways than simply compensation.

Next comes the debate on how to distribute raises. How does your company usually do this? Do you give across the board raises, raises based on performance, or some other method?

Traditionally, many companies have given across the board raises, which often can send mixed messages to employees. Knowing that everyone will get the same salary increase despite dedication and performance can hinder an employee’s motivation and prevent them from reaching their full potential, which in return prevents your company from reaching optimum performance. That is why differentiation based on performance with compensation plans has become a popular way to recognize and reward employees that are loyal and a “cut above the rest”.

Basing your salary increases on job performance can also help to motivate your employees. Knowing that they have to work to be rewarded can help anyone always do their best work. Like stated in Kavaliro’s 2011-2012 Employment and Salary Handbook, instituting regular performance reviews can also help employees feel more accountable for their work and motivation to succeed.

It can also help to have employees complete self-evaluations to gain insight into areas that they feel they need to improve on and areas where they feel strong, so you can discuss and work on these areas together. Increasing communication with your employees is another way to increase employee satisfaction. When employees feel heard and appreciated for what they do, they are more likely to remain loyal to their employing company.

So, how do performance based salary increases work?

If you decide on an average increase of 2% for instance, you might give top performers as much as 4%, and lower performers as low as 1% or less.

A survey conducted by WorldatWork shows that employers are planning to give average pay increases of 3.7% to top performers, 2.4% to average performers, and less than 1% to bottom performers in 2011.

Now, more than ever, it is important to keep up on market trends to help you make decisions for your company, not only for employee compensation purposes, but for most financial decisions. It has become a way for many businesses to survive the recent economic instability. That is why Kavaliro remains committed to studying the most recent employment and business trends, and relaying them to you!

On the first day of job searching, find the right career for you! Taking a career aptitude test is a great start, try this one.

On the second day of job searching, update (or rewrite) your resume! Check out our guide to writing a winning resume.

On the third day of job searching, recognize the important role of social networking in job searching and join/tailor your personal profiles! It is estimated that around 50% of employers search potential applicants on social sites, so be seen (in the right light) today! Here are some thoughts by two of our recruiters to get you started: John Putoff and Matt Rowles.

On the fourth day of job searching, search Kavaliro’s open job database to find the right job for you! You can even apply directly from the portal and create a profile with your resume so our recruiters can help you find a great fit!

On the fifth day of job searching, contact a Kavaliro recruiter to start applying for jobs!

On the sixth day of job searching, work on improving the 10 most desired soft skills.

On the seventh day of job searching, give yourself a mini work makeover! Make sure that you are dressed for success with this guide and tips from recruiter Angel Diaz!

On the eighth day of job searching, work on your listening skills! Having good listening skills not only helps you to ace your interview, but is a quality that makes you a valuable employee! Here are some quick tips on how to improve your listening skills.

On the ninth day of job searching, research the companies you have applied to. One of the best ways to prepare for your interview (and later, potential employment), researching potential employers/companies presents you as an empowered and dedicated applicant/employee. Taking some time to go that extra step can pay off in the long run, even by way of being able to strike up a conversation during your interview about a current company project, etc. that can speak to your skills if they bring you on board!

On the tenth day of job searching, practice running through possible interview questions! Try to be prepared for any questions you may be asked. Here’s 100 example interview questions to help you along.

On the eleventh day of job searching, learn to ask great questions! Don’t think that you should only be answering questions in an interview – an interview is also the time for you to gain more insight into the company and position you are applying for so you can determine if it feels like a good fit for you. Opportunities for advancement, management/decision-making styles, internal politics/company history & direction (a good time to bring up key points from your research), the types of projects you would be working on, and backgrounds of clients you may be working with are all great examples of the types of questions you should ask.

On the twelfth day of job searching, send Thank You notes or emails to your interviewers. Thank them for their time and express your excitement about the position and any important take-aways you had from the interview.

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