Job & Career Blog | Adecco USA

SHRM 2013 Day 3 Coverage – Part 1 | Leadership and the ACA

Adecco — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:19:38 +0000

We kicked off day three of our SHRM 2013 coverage with gusto. Discussed in this article: Leadership strategies and power struggles and the Affordable Care Act (ACA)'s impact on businesses and employees. Remember to follow us on Twitter at @AdeccoUSA for real-time updates.

Request your FREE SHRM 2013 key takeaway

Adecco — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 19:34:32 +0000

Get in synch with the most important lessons learned from SHRM 2013. We know that you are probably one busy HR Manager, and sometimes even events like SHRM can seem a world away. That’s why we aim to provide you with daily updates from the day’s sessions and speakers. At the end of the event, 13,000 people will be heading home with lessons they’ve learned, tips on becoming a better manager, insights from international speakers, and knowledge that will last them a lifetime. We don’t want you to miss out on that opportunity! Request a free copy of our key takeaways, now! What’s next after SHRM 2013? Are you looking to earn more HRCI recertification credits? Join us on Wednesday, June 26 3:00 pm; we will be offering a FREE Webinar, this webinar has been approved for one hour of HRCI recertification credit. Topics we’ll cover include: The connection between collaboration and engagement The value of commitment-based performance coaching The traits of a truly collaborative leader Ways to inspire individual development How to blend collaborative learning with traditional training Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to indulge on highlights from this year’s SHRM Annual Conference & Exposition! Register now>> click here.

SHRM Day 2 coverage – HR’s future and making giving a priority

Adecco — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:57:20 +0000

Day two of SHRM 2013 went off without a hitch, and we got up bright and early to learn from the brightest minds in HR. We want to take you on a recount of yesterday morning’s events, keynotes and lessons’ learned. The first session of the morning was The Future of HR: Four Keys for Creating Competitive Advantage Through Innovative People Strategies, hosted by Jennifer McClure, President, UnbridledTalent LLC. The changing roles in HR Before talking about the future, McClure took the audience on a journey of HR past. She told the story of the National Cash Register Company of Dayton Ohio, which created the first human resources department in 1987 by hiring Lena Harvey to serve as “Welfare Manager.” Harvey was also seen at the “Corporate Mother” in charge of social events, cleaning up and other menial tasks. To prepare for the changes, McClure recommended HR professionals focus on these 10 competencies: Business Acumen In-depth business knowledge Strategic thinking Strategy development Strategy execution Organizational development Decision-making Teamwork Business ethics Technology and information systems These competencies go beyond the traditional traits associated with HR professionals, and that’s the point. “I think that’s how we have to think of ourselves, as business leaders first and human resources as part of that business leadership,” McClure said. Get ready for the future of HR McClure presented these four key ideas, for getting your business and the your department’s ready for changing landscape of human resources and professional management: Be curious and ask questions: Don’t be afraid to look further at different aspects of the business. Embrace data and analysis, and seek out future-focused data, not traditional metrics like time to fill or headcount, but enlightening information that can help uncover future opportunities. Data is the best way to justify tough decisions, and it’s the best way to persuade CEOs and senior leadership. Be focused: For a long time, HR has been focused on getting the proverbial “seat at the table.” But that thinking needs to change. The new focus should be on “wanting the ball,” like Chicago- and basketball-legend Michael Jordan in his prime. Like MJ, McClure believes HR people should strive to be the best, to be the go-to person when winning is on the line. Invite yourself to meetings, ask good questions, and seize the opportunity to get involved. Don’t just take notes and ask “How can I help?” Instead show
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SHRM 2013 Day 1 Coverage – Keynotes and Leadership

Adecco — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 15:36:18 +0000

Nearly 15,000 HR professionals and business leaders packed the Grand Ballroom at McCormick Place in Chicago for the official kickoff of SHRM 2013. Stay in Synch with SHRM13 with Adecco USA, updates straight from Chicago via @AdeccoUSA & #HRRocks

Jobless rates fall in most metropolitan cities

admin — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 11:47:20 +0000

As expected, the United States’ metropolitan employment situation continued to improve in April, according to the BLS’ latest “Metropolitan Area Employment and Unemployment” report. Released on May 29th, the report revealed that, from April 2012 to April 2013, unemployment declined in 276 of the nation’s 372 metro areas. Economists encouraged following regional reports Although the decrease was not as considerable in April as it was in March, when unemployment decelerated in 306 areas, economists were encouraged by the report’s results nonetheless. In all, 48 areas’ jobless rates were lower than five percent, while only four areas’ rates were measured at 15 percent or higher. Unsurprisingly, two of these areas were Yuma, Ariz., and El Centro, Calif., which recorded the nation’s highest unemployment rates, at 30.3 and 24 percent, respectively. Throughout 2013, these two cities’ jobless rates have consistently ranked first and second, with regards to the nation’s highest unemployment. Fortunately, these cities’ jobless figures were the report’s only blemish. With the country’s non-seasonally adjusted national unemployment rate declining to a yearly low of 7.1 percent in April, 219 areas’ jobless rates either matched that figure, or were substantially lower. One city’s rate, Midland, Texas, remained well below the national level, measuring at three percent, the nation’s lowest unemployment rate. Economic progress by metropolitan areas Meanwhile, as further signs of economic progress, the BLS also published the following findings regarding regional employment and inflation. Source: BLS Mid–Atlantic – Maryland employment After rising markedly in January, Salisbury, Maryland’s unemployment rate has steadily declined throughout the ensuing months, falling from nine percent in March to 8.5 percent in April. Since January, the city’s jobless rate has contracted by 1.4 percent, while total employment has risen by 1,500. Midwest: Ohio employment Columbus, Ohio’s jobless rate has also diminished in recent months, declining from seven percent in January to 5.7 percent in April. With regards to industrial hiring, two industries stood out: education and health services and leisure and hospitality, as employment rose by 2.3 and three percent, respectively, from April 2012 to April 2013. Mountain-Plains – Utah employment Salt Lake City, Utah’s positive employment trends continued in April, as 589,100 residents were employed, an increase of 10,200 since January. Consequently, the city’s labor force participation also improved, rising to 615,200, the highest monthly total of 2013. New England – Massachusetts employment The greater Boston, Massachusetts area’s latest employment figures were quite encouraging. As usual,
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Hiring mistakes, the cost of a bad hire

Adecco — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 18:02:03 +0000

Hiring mistakes, the cost of a bad hire When it comes to costly workplace mistakes, few carry as hefty a price tag as making a bad hire. It's estimated that some companies could lose up to $50,000 by making a single bad hire. Adecco hires right, the first time. Win a $10K staffing services grant.

Cautious hiring continues in May jobs report

Adecco — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 17:22:51 +0000

Every month we aim to be your resource for workplace economic changes and trends. Join us as we take an in-depth look at the current state of the economy & employment as we break down the numbers, explore unemployment trends and a closer look at hiring statistics. This morning’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) employment report for the month of May showed positive job growth with the addition of 175,000 positions and a slight change in the unemployment rate to 7.6%. Slight revisions to employment in March and April show that the gains for the two months were 12,000 less than previously reported. Over the past 12 months, employment growth has averaged 172,000 jobs per month. For a visual of how the May jobs report is affecting employment and current hiring strategies see our latest Workplace Economy video below: And now the report by the numbers. Unemployment numbers remain flat After last month’s report, economists projected that hiring and the unemployment numbers would remain flat as May numbers have been notably weak over the last several years; however experts were pleased to see growth as the private sector added 178,000 jobs. History has shown that a better than anticipated May will set the tone for the remaining months, which is good news for the state of our economy. Positive sector gains point to economic recovery In the report for May a number of sectors saw considerable growth gains including: professional and business services (+57,000), healthcare (+10,700), retail (+27,700), financial activities (+4,000), leisure and hospitality (+43,000), computer systems design and related services (+6,000), and architectural and engineering services (+5,000). Amongst the sectors, professional and business services continues to lead with job growth— over 589,000 positions have been added in the last 12 months. Temporary help services saw an increase in May, adding an additional 25,600 jobs, and continues to trend up consistently for this year. The growth in both the private and temporary sectors is not surprising as across the nation our offices are seeing demand for workers in business and professional services, retail, information technology (IT), and the healthcare industries. Through a steady unemployment rate, consistent job growth, and better than projected employment additions month over month, the path to recovery is looking clearer. As an employer or job seeker, how have you noticed these job reports affecting your bottom-line and prospect of employment?

Are You Addicted to your Smartphone? Time for a Detox.

Jenni Chelenyak — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 10:45:12 +0000

Do you remember life before smartphones? A time when you weren’t constantly connected through email, text messaging or social media? When you went on vacation or left the office at 5PM, and didn’t do any work until you returned? I didn’t. I wanted to remember what it was like to really have a break. So, on a recent vacation to South Beach, I made an agreement with my boyfriend to truly disconnect. For five days, we’d switch our cell phones into airplane mode, using them only to take pictures. No phone calls, emails, texting, Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp or news reader apps. I knew this would be a challenge, but I also knew it was necessary: TIME’s Mobility Poll found evidence that mobile devices interfered with relationships: 30% of users in the US, 50% of users in Brazil and 60% of users in China felt their device came between them and their spouse 92% of lawyers have seen an increase in smartphone data being submitted as evidence in divorce cases, according to the American Academy of Matrimony Lawyers. A recent Harvard Business School study found that 51% of managers and professionals check their phone constantly during a vacation. Considering smartphone users between the ages of 18-34, Lookout’s Mobile Mindset Study found that 68% check their phone at least once per hour. 74% check in while lying in bed. 32% check in while driving. 51% check in while using the bathroom! Huffington Post reported the results of a HealthDay study, showing that smartphones can increase stress: “The stress gets so bad for some users that they actually begin to feel phantom vibrations, thinking their phone is buzzing when it isn’t.” The result? It was wonderful. It reminded me of when we had first started dating: we were having real conversations and really listening to each other, free from the distraction of notifications. It made me wonder why it’s expected that you put your phone away on a date during the early stages of a relationship; but later on, most people allow life to get in the way and lose that sense of respect. We weren’t perfect. He texted his dad to check on our dog and Google mapped directions to our hotel. I read review sites to find the best nightclubs. Two days in, I even logged in to Twitter for an Adecco USA Twitter chat with u30Pro to talk about Millennial job search and interview tips and Adecco’s Way
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Top digital trends to grow your small business in 2013

Adecco — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 12:00:37 +0000

There's never been a better time to be a small business owner.Technology -- from e-commerce to social media to mobile -- plays a large part in start-up growth, giving business owners more opportunities to grow their brand and expand their customer base.

How can recent grads benefit from volunteering?

Cedric Brown — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 11:50:09 +0000

Time management, team-building and real world experience. How can recent grads searching for jobs personally benefit from volunteering?

Small Businesses enter now to win a $10,000 grant for staffing services

Adecco — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 15:11:28 +0000

What is the biggest challenge you face as a small business? Answering that question now through June 16th, 2013 could win you a $10,000 grant in staffing services to build the team you need to grow your business, without growing your budget.

Gen Y can’t I get a job? [infographic]

Adecco — Tue, 28 May 2013 10:30:31 +0000

The Adecco infographic below explores why today's grads have a hard time finding jobs (the majority of hiring managers (66 percent) do not believe new college graduates are prepared for the workforce, and 58 percent don’t plan on hiring entry-level college graduates this year) and what they can do to overcome some of mainstream media's harshest millennial myths and criticisms.

Landing a job after graduation

Adecco — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:21:58 +0000

There are approximately 1.8 million new grads entering the workforce this year. If you’re one of them, chances are you can use a little help in your job search. That’s because, according to our recent survey, a majority of employers (58 percent) are not planning to hire college grads this year. Of those that are, they only plan on hiring one or two candidates. Crazy right?

5 Things Your HR Department Wants You To Know

Adecco — Wed, 15 May 2013 11:45:25 +0000

Your Human Resources department is in a tough spot, no really, you may not think so, but they are. In addition to managing salary and benefits, doing all the hiring (and the occasional unfortunate termination), and administering performance reviews, they also have to play mediator. The HR department can be the mediator between employees, between a supervisor and a direct report, and even between the company and its staff. There’s a lot on their plate, and for this reason, your HR team would like you to keep a few things in mind. They’re here to help If you think of your HR department as nothing more than some well-intentioned folks who sit upstairs, process your paycheck, and make you watch office sensitivity videos once a year, then you’re not taking full advantage of one of the most versatile resources your company has to offer. Whether it’s managing your 401(k), getting additional training and development, or just getting a clearer understanding of your career path, Human Resources is happy to help. They want to hear from you This one is as simple as it gets: just talk. Part of the reason your HR department exists is help make sure your professional needs are met and that you have the resources you need to be as successful as possible. They can’t do any of that unless you communicate with them. If your team or department has a dedicated HR business partner, consider setting up monthly or quarterly check-ins; you’ll both be better for it. They want you to take your performance reviews seriously You probably don’t look forward to your performance reviews. For many people — managers and staff alike — performance reviews seem like a tedious exercise and get treated like an afterthought at best. However, this kind of thinking will only work to your detriment. Performance reviews are your best opportunity to have a frank conversation with your boss and Human Resources about your struggles, your triumphs, and any additional training you might want or need. They’re also the best time to gather your KPI metrics; you’ll want to have those on hand when it comes time to update your resume. They love it when you refer people Personal referrals are your chance to play matchmaker. You know the company, its needs and its culture; you also know a friend or former colleague who might be a great fit. Why
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10 Tips to Create an Effective Resume and Get Noticed

Jenni Chelenyak — Mon, 13 May 2013 12:30:35 +0000

Advice from a Former Recruiter As a former Technical Recruiter, the most common question I was asked was, “Can you look at my resume?” which was always followed by a series of apologies. It was an easy request; considering that in an average day, I deconstructed and revamped countless resumes. Unless a resume was truly in need of help, I could normally format it in less than 15 minutes [see the sample format at the bottom of this post if you're feeling a bit lost with your own resume]. The best part? While resume writers charge hundreds of dollars to revise a candidates resume, I did it for free. Most recruiters modify a candidate’s resume in some way. Although our modifications are often limited to formatting rather than content modifications, we’re usually willing to offer suggestions to candidates we realistically believe we can place if asked [nicely, of course]. Much of the confusion and mystery surrounding resumes stems from the fact that there is no single answer to what makes a resume effective. What works in one industry does not necessarily work in another. While the sample format provided is based on a Project Manager’s resume, in my experience, certain things are consistent across the board. I’ve chosen a selection of tips to share that I believe are relevant for any job seeker. Some tips may seem as if you, the candidate, are compensating for a recruiter’s hurried process – while that may not seem fair, it’s often a reality; and as a job seeker, you need to market yourself and look out for your own best interest. Tips to Create an Effective Resume Don’t over-complicate things. A resume does not need color, intricate fonts, borders, icons or pictures; unless you are in the creative industry. All a resume truly needs is the four sections shown in the template below: Summary of Qualifications, Education and Certifications, Work Experience and Technical Skills [or Additional Skills and Activities]. Don’t put your contact information in the header. If you do, many resume databases will not pull your contact information into the system. Recruiters may be dying to call you – but you will never know about it. Use .RTF or .DOC formats – not PDF. For the reasons expressed in my previous post, stick with Word. Do not use resume templates or tables. Recruiters will often need to modify your resume in some way before submitting
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Happy Birthday Florence Nightingale: International Nurses Day

Adecco — Sun, 12 May 2013 13:30:35 +0000

We wanted to end Nurses Week on a birthday wish to the woman that founded what we now as modern nursing Florence Nightingale National Nurses Week is celebrated annually from May 6, also known as National Nurses Day, through May 12, her birthday. All week we’ve featured nurses from the military to case management to nurses that volunteer and teach. We’ve also featured 2 nurses that blog regularly. They taught us a thing or two on how the medical field is using technology for patient care and what is happening with high-tech coding practices. So, Happy Birthday Flo and thank you for paving the way for the exemplary nurses that take care of our country! So never lose an opportunity of urging a practical beginning, however small, for it is wonderful how often in such matters the mustard-seed germinates and roots itself. ~ Florence Nightingale Check out our site and learn more about how Adecco Medical and Science can advance your career! Give your job search a better prognosis. As a medical professional, your job is to help make people better. Our job is to help put you in a better position to do so. At Adecco Medical, we work with skilled professionals like you every day, helping them realize their career goals by connecting them with top companies. Check out our medical opportunities – we’ve got temporary, temporary-to-permanent and permanent positions available. Find some places where you think you can contribute and grow. Then apply. It’s pretty simple. You’ve got the skills. Now get the job you want. Apply now!

Featured Nurse Mary Kelly, RN : Happy Nurses Week!

Adecco — Sat, 11 May 2013 13:00:22 +0000

Join us as we celebrate our last nurse of the week for Nurses Week.

High-Tech Temps : The HiTech Act

Adecco — Fri, 10 May 2013 16:15:54 +0000

As 2014 approaches, thousands of lucrative temporary IT nursing job opportunities will be created across all nursing departments, including medical, surgical, intensive care, telemetry, oncology, maternity and pediatrics. If you want to cash in, start preparing today by achieving the proper certifications and training. The American Health Information Management Associations (AHIMA) website has detailed information on how to earn certifications in your field.

Working Abroad? Know the do’s and don’t's of business etiquette

Adecco — Thu, 09 May 2013 17:25:54 +0000

When business takes you abroad, research is imperative. Read up on dining etiquette, male-female interaction, proper titles and terms of address, and customary attire. No matter where you go, there's no greater faux pas than being unprepared.

Metropolitan unemployment figures remain encouraging

Adecco — Thu, 09 May 2013 15:59:50 +0000

On May 1st, financial experts throughout the United States were once again encouraged by the BLS’ latest “Metropolitan Area Employment and Unemployment” report. According to the report, which focused specifically on data from March, national joblessness continued to decelerate, as unemployment was lower in 306 of the nation’s 372 metro areas in March 2013 than it was in March 2012. At the same time, 157 areas reported jobless rates of less than seven percent, an increase of 44 areas, when compared to March 2012, while 44 areas’ unemployment rates were 10 percent or higher. Unsurprisingly, two of these areas, Yuma, Ariz., and El Centro, Calif., once again documented the country’s highest unemployment rates, at 26 and 23.7 percent, respectively. On the other hand, for the fourth consecutive month, Midland, Texas, recorded the nation’s lowest jobless rate – 3.1 percent. Meanwhile, on a non-seasonally adjusted basis, 202 metro areas’ unemployment rates were lower than March’s national rate of 7.6 percent, as nonfarm payroll employment rose in 287 metro areas, from March 2012 to March 2013. In addition, the BLS published the following figures concerning regional inflation and employment. Source: BLS Mid–Atlantic: Morgantown, W.Va.’s jobless rate decreased for the second straight month in March, from 5.6 to 4.8 percent, as total unemployment declined to 3,300, the lowest monthly figure recorded since November 2012. Although the civilian labor force also deteriorated, employment did increase, rising to 64,100. (Link: http://www.bls.gov/eag/eag.wv_morgantown_msa.htm) Midwest: The greater Chicago area’s Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) and Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) rose by 0.9 and 0.8 percent, respectively, from March 2012 to March 2013. (Link: http://www.bls.gov/eag/eag.il_chicago_md.htm) Mountain-Plains: From March 2012 to March 2013, hiring upturned within a majority of the greater Denver, Colo., area’s private sectors. The rise in employment was mostly pertinent within the education and health services and professional and business services sectors, however, increasing by 4.3 percent. (Link: http://www.bls.gov/eag/eag.co_denver_msa.htm) New England: After rising considerably in January, New Haven, Conn.’s unemployment rate has steadily decreased ever since, declining from 8.8 percent in February to 8.5 percent in March. Although total employment rose by 1,100, 26,000 residents were without work in March, the lowest monthly total of the first quarter. (Link: http://www.bls.gov/eag/eag.ct_newhaven_mn.htm) New York–New Jersey: Since rising to 9.4 percent in January, the greater New York City area’s jobless rate has begun to decline, falling to 8.1 percent in
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It’s Thursday have you thanked a nurse lately? Frank Dana, RN

Adecco — Thu, 09 May 2013 14:10:54 +0000

Frank Dana, RN Frank, a retired military nurse, began his Adecco Medical & Science career in 2005. Since then, he has managed flu clinics, led vaccination initiatives at hospitals and corporations, and served as a school nurse in several school districts. A registered nurse for more than 30 years, Frank has extensive experience in occupational health and has worked with a variety of companies across industries and locations. He is a certified clinical instructor for New York State and teaches licensed practical nurses class.

How Technology Can Help Nurses Deliver Patient Care

Adecco — Wed, 08 May 2013 15:02:46 +0000

Author Bio: Brittney Wilson, RN, BSN, also known as The Nerdy Nurse, is a Clinical Informatics Specialist practicing in Georgia. In her day job, she gets to do what she loves everyday: combine technology and healthcare to improve patient outcomes. She can best be described as a patient, nurse, and technology Advocate and has a passion for using technology to innovate, improve, and simplify lives, especially in healthcare. Brittney blogs about nursing issues, technology, healthcare, parenting, and various lifestyle topics at TheNerdyNurse.com. You can also connect with her on Facebook , Twitter , and Google+. Technology and Patient Care Technology has become an essential part of the nursing profession. However, in many instances, it has also become a frustrating one. Take, for example, electronic medical records (EMR). As more and more facilities convert from paper charts to EMRs in order to meet meaningful use guidelines, nurses are being forced to adapt to this new, technologically-driven method of charting. Yet, many nurses do not receive adequate training and coaching, leaving them resentful of the technology and unprepared to use it effectively. The truth is that, with the right knowledge and the right tools, nurses can use technology to improve patient outcomes and their own careers. Here are some examples of how you can use technology to your advantage: It provides easy access to patient information. When nurses think about EMR systems, they often focus on the negatives, such as the countless boxes to check and the endless screens they have to browse through. However, EMRs really can save time by providing instant access to patient lab values, history, physical information and notes – all in one location. Accessing this data via paper charts could take hours, but with an EMR, it’s all at your fingertips. It helps deliver accurate medications. Every nurse knows about the five rights of medication administration. However, many nurses also know first-hand how difficult it can be to document each step on paper. Fortunately, with EMRs, accurate medication records are always available and updates can be documented with ease. You can also quickly access allergy histories and drug information, and see how the drugs will interact with other medications. As a result, you can ensure that the right drugs are going to the right patients. It makes it easy to research diseases and illnesses. Every day, you care for patients suffering from an ever-changing variety of
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Featured Nurse 3 of the Week : Florence Battaglia, RN

Adecco — Wed, 08 May 2013 13:30:21 +0000

Florence Battaglia, RN Florence, a registered nurse for more than 20 years, has been a part of the Adecco Medical & Science team since 2006. She has supported a variety of clients, including flu clinics, schools, large organizations, local startups and the United States Postal Service. Today, Florence is an occupational health nurse at a large manufacturing company. She is responsible for conducting pre-employment physicals and drug screens. She also serves as the first responder to accidents and injuries and provides health and safety education to the company’s workforce. Florence is just another reason why we are celebrating Nurses Week! Possibilities, not a panacea. So, why should you be limited to how and where you use it? We give you a few different ways to share your talents with top companies, including: Temporary employment Temporary work is a great way to gain experience in a variety of jobs and get your foot in the door with a variety of companies. If you’re someone who values flexibility, we can help you find work on your schedule — on an as-needed, day-to-day basis, or on an indefinite contract. Plus, as an Adecco medical temporary associate, you get access to our comprehensive group medical plan, 401(k), skills training, and more. Temporary-to-permanent employment If you think you’re ready for a full-time position, but want to test the waters a little first, a temporary-to-permanent arrangement gives you the best of both worlds. You’ll get a feel for what it’s like to work for certain employers (while earning a paycheck) and decide if you want to sign on — or move on — when the time comes. Permanent employment Ready to make a long-term commitment? We’ve been doing this for a while, so we have lots of connections with top employers — and we know which ones are looking to fill permanent positions. Improving your career is our full-time job. Let us introduce you to your next career opportunity. Contact us today to talk about your career goals.

Nurses Week Featured Nurse 2 | Melanie Torres, RN

Adecco — Tue, 07 May 2013 15:17:09 +0000

We’re almost halfway through Nurses’ Week already! We’d like for you to meet our 2nd featured nurse of the week, Melanie Torres, RN. Stay tuned everyday this week for more nurses on display! Melanie Torres, RN Melanie has been a registered nurse since 2001 and recently worked in a hospital as part of the facility’s medical/surgical and critical care nursing units. She also served as nurse manager for the hospital’s long-term care unit. Additional experience includes rehab and geriatrics. Currently, Melanie is a chart review nurse. She works closely with Medicare recipients and helps those who have been denied reimbursement file appeals. Her role requires a keen attention to detail, as she reviews medical charts, compares services to the diagnoses and writes a detailed report for review by an appeals board. At Adecco Medical, we work with skilled professionals like you every day, helping them realize their career goals by connecting them with top companies. Check out our medical opportunities – we’ve got temporary, temporary-to-permanent and permanent positions available. Find some places where you think you can contribute and grow. Then apply. It’s pretty simple. You’ve got the skills. Now get the job you want. Apply now!

Working Abroad Options

Adecco — Tue, 07 May 2013 12:30:20 +0000

By Scott Westcott When deciding on whether to work abroad a few years ago, Elena Sheppard , Culture Editor at PolicyMic, thought of Mark Twain’s famous words: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.” With that notion in mind, she headed off to Bangkok where she spent more than two years working and immersing herself in another culture. In an article titled Why I Chose to Work in Thailand (And Why Millennials Should Work Abroad Too!) Sheppard details the many benefits of working overseas – particularly for those workers in the millennial generation. And, indeed, many millennials are now working abroad – or seriously considering the option. The trend is fueled in part by the high value many millennials place on real-life experiences combined with the continuing challenges recent college graduates face finding work in the U.S. While working abroad can be exciting, fulfilling and can help jumpstart your career, it takes time and planning to help ensure a positive experience. Here are some things to consider before booking your flight. What do you want to accomplish? Laying the groundwork to work abroad can be a time-consuming and costly process. So before making the leap, consider what you want out of the opportunity – and how it can best help you in the future. Do you primarily want work experience or the opportunity to immerse yourself in another language and culture? Do you want to gauge whether you would like to live overseas for an extended time? Are you seeking a commitment or an adventure? After defining your goals, consider the various options from internships and teaching English to landing jobs with multinational corporations or government positions. Wikitravel provides a good overview of the job options available, as well as links to some of the most popular international job boards. International Job Market – Can I get a job? A basic question for sure, but probably the most important one to ask yourself. Heading overseas without a realistic plan or the legitimate promise of a job is the fastest way to end up broke, and thousands of miles from home. Many economies around the world are struggling as evidenced by the recent news that Spain’s unemployment now tops 27 percent in the first quarter of 2013. Also consider that a 2011 International Gallup Poll
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Win a Trip Around the World in 80 Jobs

Adecco — Mon, 06 May 2013 17:33:53 +0000

Around the World in 80 Jobs™ Join the competition to work your way around the world. And discover your dream job on the way!

Happy Nurses Week! Meet Nancy!

Adecco — Mon, 06 May 2013 13:45:08 +0000

Patients, doctors, families and facilities all rely on you throughout the year, and you come through every time. That’s why, in honor of National Nurses Week, May 6-12, we wanted to extend our sincere appreciation for your hard work and your commitment to your patients and our company.

A closer look at the jobs report

Adecco — Fri, 03 May 2013 16:55:56 +0000

This morning’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) employment report for the month of April showed encouraging data with the addition of 165,000 jobs and a slightly changed, but lower, unemployment rate of 7.5%. Positive revisions to the February report — initially strong at 268,000 — increased the total to 332,000 jobs, while growth was seen in the March numbers with the BLS adding an additional 50,000 jobs to the economy, totaling 138,000 – more in line with 2013 growth trends. After last month’s report, economists projected that hiring and the jobs report would be weak for the second time in a row; however April’s growth rebounded with the private sector adding 176,000 jobs. Additionally, the number of long-term unemployed individuals (those jobless 27 weeks or longer) declined by 258,000 and private sector job creation totaled 176,000. A number of sectors saw gains including professional and business services (+73,000), healthcare (+19,000), retail (+29,300), financial services (+9,000) and leisure and hospitality (+43,000). Temporary help services also saw an increase in April (+31,000); a sign employers are opting for temporary help in an effort to expand and meet business needs. Government job cuts are seemingly one of the larger hits on the economy of late – a trend that was seen consistently throughout the recession – showing a loss of 11,000 jobs in April. There will be a close watch on the long term effects of the government sector on the economy as job cuts continue. The significant increase in job additions after a weak March report is a positive sign that job growth is remaining relatively consistent month over month, which should calm some of the unease that came with last month’s numbers. Adecco is seeing an increased demand for workers in business and professional services, retail, IT, mortgage, banking and the consistently growing healthcare industry. The demand for temporary workers continues to be strong, with long term, temporary assignments on the rise. As 2013 progresses, it seems that the economy is continuing to improve. Check out our informative video which breaks down the numbers from this month’s jobs report and explores the current youth unemployment issue.

Adecco Way to Work Careerathons a Success!

Adecco — Thu, 02 May 2013 17:15:58 +0000

With the average unemployment rate plateauing around 7.6% Detroit and Los Angeles soar well above that average. It’s time we stand up to unemployment around the world. Join us in spreading the word by participating in Way to Work and our newest initiative Around the World in 80 Jobs.

How to Turn An Internship Into a Full-Time Job

Adecco — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:35:37 +0000

Stepping Stone These days internships might be an essential stepping stone to your first job offer, but a stint (or several) as an intern is no guarantee of a paid job after graduation. In fact, new research from consultancy Millennial Branding and online career network AfterCollege found that while 79% of students have had at least one internship, a similarly large percentage (76% to be precise) of these placements didn’t result in a job offer. So how do you make sure your internship is among the minority that actually yields a job upon completion? Experts have plenty of advice to offer beyond the basics of showing up on time, dressing appropriately and always being upbeat. Choose Well The first step to converting your internship into a full-time gig is choosing the right one. Not all internships are created equal. If possible, find a paid position. Research by the National Association for College and Employers shows that paid internships turn into jobs nearly twice as often unpaid ones. Why? You’re more likely to be asked to do substantive work at a paid internship. The same study found paid interns spend 42% of their time on professional tasks. Unpaid interns spend just 30% of their time on substantive work. Have Something to Show for Your Time… and Show It! Not only should you only choose an internship where you’ll be given real work, but you should also communicate with your supervisor to make sure you have clear aims for your time with the company. “Set specific expectations for the internship. Often in the excitement of obtaining the internship, you forget to let the employer know what you hope to gain from the experience. Schedule a formal appointment with your supervisor on the first day of work to establish goals for your projects,” suggests the USC Career Center. And keep track of how you’re doing at reaching those goals. Either note down accomplishments to use in both your performance review and on your resume, or employ another strategy Jessica Givens, author of Get Your Summer Strategy On!, suggested to CBS MoneyWatch: “At the end of each day, email your supervisor a summary of what you did that day and a plan of action for tomorrow.” It’s All About Who You Know At every rung of the career ladder relationships are important, and that’s equally true of your first steps into the world of work.
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Congratulations to our 2013 Best Admin Lunch Contest winner!

Adecco — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 19:08:03 +0000

We are excited to announce that the winner of our 2013 Best Admin Lunch Contest is (drum roll please)… Lou Labelle, a Human Resources Project Coordinator at Herman Miller in Spring Lake, Michigan! Lou is so appreciated by her team at Herman Miller that her manager took the time to nominate her with some high praise for all her hard work: “As an HR team we rely so much on [Lou] that I know we could not be successful without her! She also has the drive, energy, and passion to move mountains, and often that’s just what she does. Her enthusiasm for making a difference in people’s lives inspires us all. Not a week goes by that I don’t get feedback about how extraordinary Lou’s contributions were to their team’s success or an individual’s need. She goes above and beyond in everything she does, inside and outside of work.” Much-deserved congratulations go out to Lou and her team! Enjoy your team lunch! How else are we celebrating this week? Don’t forget to join us tomorrow at 2:00pm EDT for our FREE webinar, Innovative Strategies for Administrative Professionals. Check it out and don’t forget to take a look at how Adecco is celebrating this week!

How to attract top Millennal talent

Adecco — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 16:52:42 +0000

By Scott Westcott What’s it take to attract millennial talent? More and more employers are asking that question as the 18-to-33 year-old age group fast becomes the largest percentage of the U.S. workforce. Yet employers are finding that it takes more than simply posting open jobs to attract talented Millennials, who bring with them unique working styles and expectations that are considerably different than those of the baby boomer generation. Progressive companies are focused on developing a culture and working environment that allows Millennials to flourish and encourages them to stick around. Here are some steps that smart employers are taking to attract workers from Generation Y. Talk their language To many millennials, e-mail is already old school. Talking on the telephone? Only when absolutely necessary. To attract the Gen Y generation, you need to talk their language, and communicate on the same platforms that they do — in short, social media, smart phones, text, instant messaging and just about any technology that allows them to communicate quickly and stay connected. Yet millennials still value face-to-face communication and the opportunity to interact and share ideas. Schnake Turnbo Frank Public Relations in Tulsa, OK, recently published a post highlighting ways to recruit millennials and emphasized the importance of communicating in ways they are familiar with. “Millennials want to feel connected online and in real life. To not leverage technology puts any business at an immediate disadvantage for recruitment,” says Bill Handy, vice president of digital engagement and past visiting professor at Oklahoma State University. Offer flexibility For many millennials, few working scenarios are as unappealing as being stuck in a office cube working 9-to-whenever every day. Millennials watched some of their parents burn out in that environment, and want no part of it. Studies have consistently shown that millennials are hard workers that will put in long hours if necessary. Yet they don’t want to log all of those hours chained to the same desk. Smart companies are offering flexible working arrangement and hours focusing on results and productivity rather than simply watching the clock. Generational expert Sherri Elliott-Yeary says millennials seek flexible leaders that advocate flexible policies “Millennials understand the importance of balancing hobbies, sports, and volunteer activities with work,” Elliot-Yeary says. “So offering the ability to telecommute, for example, is one great way to attract top millennial talent.” Challenge them Millennials will only endure boredom for so long. They have grown
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Celebrating the #awesomeadmin

Adecco — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:22:57 +0000

Administrative professionals may just be the most essential people in the office. After all, they help keep their bosses – and their businesses – running smoothly and productively. Our new infographic explores just how important administrative professionals really are, and breaks down the essential things you need to know about the profession today. How else are we celebrating this week? We want to offer you the resources you need to become the best admin you can be. How about a FREE webinar just for you? Join us on Thursday, April 25, 2:00pm EDT as we share strategies you can use to bring innovation to your workplace and to your career. Check it out and don’t forget to take a look at how Adecco is celebrating this week! Are you job hunting? Check out our office and administrative job opportunities – we’ve got temporary, temporary-to-permanent and permanent positions available. Find some places where you think you can contribute and grow. Then apply. It’s pretty simple. You’ve got the skills. Now get the job you want. Apply now! Embed this infographic on your site <a href=”http://blog.adeccousa.com/celebrating-the-awesomeadmin/” title=”Celebrating the #awesomeadmin”><img src=”http://blog.adeccousa.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/admin-week-infographic.jpg” alt=”Celebrating the #awesomeadmin” width=”600″ height=”3907″ /> </a>

Work Life Balance and the Millennial Mindset

Adecco — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 16:15:44 +0000

By Scott Westcott The new generation of workers and college grads entering the workforce today are in the group called Millennials. This new workforce was predominately born after 1982 and before 2002. This group is also known as Gen Y, Gen X and is sometimes referred to as Gen Z will be taking over many positions as the Baby Boomer generation starts to retire. So how is the workforce coping with how how to motivate and meet the expectations of this generation? If you want perspective on how millennials view work-life balance, well, it’s probably best to go right to the source. Writing recently in her blog, Memoirs of a Millennial, college senior Sarah D. Simpkins shared her decision to scrap long-held dreams of living and working in New York City for a job opportunity in Tennessee. The balancing act “This is the part where you have to be honest with yourself about what type of life you want outside of work,” Simpkins wrote, adding that an entry level professional job in New York City would likely include long hours in the office. “In all honesty, a 60+ week is not what I wanted,” Simpkins writes. “I want time to meet new people whatever city I’m living in, I want time to write and I want time to travel and read and learn and breathe. If I have to stay late some days, that’s fine, but I took a position where I’ll be able to have a life outside of work.” Simpkins words succinctly capture the commonly held millennial view that places a high priority on work-life balance. That mindset is particularly relevant to employers seeking talent at a time when millennials now make up the largest percentage of active workers. Companies are seeking to balance their needs with the priorities and working styles of Generation X, Y and Z. How do millennials want to work? Writing recently in the Huffington Post, authors Kari Dunn Saratovsky and Derrick Feldmann emphasized that millennials are seeking what they describe as “work-life blending.” The authors say millennials are not adverse to working long hours, but are put off by “the need to be physically present and onsite in order to accomplish the organization’s mission, thus undercutting their highly valued flexibility.” Smart companies are looking for ways to meet millennial needs. As Jeff Gennette, Chief Merchandising Officer at Macy’s said during a recent keynote
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Adecco to host Way to Work careerathons across the country

Adecco — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:27:15 +0000

As of January 2013, the U.S. unemployment rate for 18-29 year olds was 13.1%. When you include the 1.7 million young adults who have stopped looking for a job, it was 16.2% – double the national average. At Adecco, we want to change these numbers, and change the lives of young professionals throughout the country. That’s why, on April 30, every Adecco office will be hosting Adecco Way to Work™ career workshops, where we’ll be offering valuable resources and advice, including: Resume and cover letter writing tips and reviews Interview advice Job search strategies Networking hints Suggestions for job hunting in the digital age And more! Best of all, Way To Work career workshops are completely free! So if you or someone you know is struggling to start their career, or could use a little help moving ahead in the one they have, join us on April 30. Click here to register and get ready to get on the Way to Work! Sign up today for free! Join one of our Way to Work careerathons on April 30. Plus, more Way to Work events are happening all over the country! Contact your local branch for more details and to RSVP to an event near you today! As of January, the unemployment rate for 18-29 year olds was 13.1%. When you include the 1.7 million young adults who stopped looking for work, it was 16.2% – double the national average. We want to change these numbers, and change the lives of young professionals throughout America. That’s why, on April 30, every Adecco office will be hosting Adecco Way to Work™ careerathons where we’ll be offering valuable resources about resume writing, interviewing, networking, your digital footprint and other critical topics. To sign up and learn more, go here.

Workplace Skills You Didn’t Learn in School

Adecco — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:46:16 +0000

What you learned in school is invaluable, but it's only the beginning of your professional journey. Your education may have given you the foundation for a great career, but when it comes to your first real job, you're a freshman all over again.

National Stress Awareness Day – April 16 – How to Cope

Adecco — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:45:38 +0000

You’re short staffed at work. The boss just asked you to work late on Friday. That looming deadline is fast approaching. You’re late to the office … again. All these scenarios feed the vicious beast that is workplace stress. Job-related stress is a growing epidemic in the U.S. According to a survey by the American Psychology Association, 52 percent of workers consider their work life more stressful than their home life, and 62 percent of American adults suffer from stress-induced chronic health problems. Given the alarming statistics, it’s no wonder that our country needs a National Stress Awareness Day. This national awareness day, which falls on April 16 this year, serves as a reminder to take a deep breath and relax. Easier said than done for many professionals. Yet it’s advice worth heading since prolonged, high stress at work – and home – can lead to serious health problems and even a shorter lifespan. If deep breathes aren’t going to cut it, give some or all of these stress-reducers a try. Tips to Cope with Stress Learn better time management. Properly managing your time in the office can go a long way in lowering your stress level. Take time to plan out each day and make a to-do list of the tasks that need to be completed. Put up a “Do not disturb sign” up when you’re really busy. Avoid distractions such as social media and non-urgent emails and calls. Instead, delegate time to responding to emails, return calls, and engaging with social media (if it’s required for your job). Eat well. Many people seek comfort in food when their stress level increases. However, unhealthy foods and beverages high in sugar, fat, and caffeine increase the stress hormone cortisol. Instead of a candy bar, nibble a piece of dark chocolate — one of the most potent endorphin-boosting foods on the planet. Eat a handful of nuts, which are packed with cortisol-busting magnesium. Reach for foods rich in complex carbohydrates to increase serotonin levels. Schedule a massage. A deep tissue massage can reduce blood pressure by up to seven points, and decreasing your blood pressure can add six years to your life. It also helps to relax muscles, lower your heart rate, increase endorphins, and slow breathing – all of which help decrease symptoms of stress. Get active. Go for a run,
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Has Google Replaced the Resume?

Adecco — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 14:26:26 +0000

Is the resume headed for extinction? And if so, could Google kill it off? The short answer – probably, but don’t write the obituary for the traditional resume just yet. Career experts generally agree that the resume remains a requirement in a job seeker’s toolkit. That being said, the rise of the Internet, social networks, and all-things-digital has undoubtedly marginalized the once-mighty resume, which not so long ago was the only ticket to a job interview. These days, a job seeker’s online presence accessed through a Google search or social networks will likely be the key to finding and landing a job. Today that makes so much sense as the fastest way to find job postings or opportunities is a Google Search that can reveal a dizzying array of job boards and online job postings. Millennial career expert and Forbes Magazine contributor, Dan Schawbel gave the resume a life-expectancy of decade before the Google-ized world makes it all but obsolete. The article, 5 Reasons Why Your Online Presence Will Replace Your Resume in 10 Years, emphasizes the importance of creating and maintaining a digital profile that makes you attractive to employers. “By building your online presence, employers can find you and thus you have more opportunities,” writes Schawbel, author of the soon-to-be released book, Promote Yourself: The New Rules For Career Success. “If you don’t have an online presence, you won’t appear to be relevant and you will be passed over for more savvy applicants that have visibility.” Developing that online presence starts with social networking sites – particularly LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook, all of which are playing significant roles of connecting job seekers with employment opportunities in both formal and organic ways. LinkedIn, the preferred social network for business executives, in many ways has become the online “resume 2.0” of sorts, offering the ability to create a dynamic profile that helps you tell your story and sell your strengths. Meanwhile Facebook, Twitter and other social media are fertile ground for networking, finding job opportunities, and promoting your skills, experience and personality. That being said, social media can also haunt job seekers that have posted questionable photos, content, or comments. Assume that a would-be employer is going to check you out – surveys reveal up to 69 percent of them do and an inappropriate posting could cost you the job. Advanced online video capabilities are also altering the job search landscape.
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Metropolitan unemployment continues to steadily decline

Adecco — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 14:06:30 +0000

After a near two-month hiatus, the BLS released its latest “Metropolitan Area Employment and Unemployment” report on March 22nd – the first report of the year to focus on 2013 employment data. As usual, the report was encouraging, as a majority of the United States’ metro areas recorded lower unemployment rates in January 2013 than in January 2012. However, last month’s report findings were not nearly as positive as in recent months, as only 227 of the nation’s 372 metro areas reported lower unemployment rates in 2013 than in 2012. To compare, from December 2011 to December 2012, joblessness declined in 290 of the country’s 372 metro areas; from November 2011 to November 2012, unemployment contracted in even more metro areas – 322 to be exact. Nonetheless, joblessness is still declining at a steady pace. Back in January 2012, 81 areas’ unemployment rates were lower than seven percent; this January, that figure rose to 99, as 13 areas had unemployment rates of less than five percent, while only 12 areas’ jobless rates were 15 percent or higher. As a further sign of deteriorating unemployment, Midland, Texas, recorded the nation’s lowest unemployment rate, 3.4 percent, in January. Another Texas city, Odessa, also documented a low rate, 4.1 percent, as did Bismarck, N.D., the second lowest rates of the month. Unfortunately, joblessness was not nearly as low in some cities out west, as Yuma, Ariz., and El Centro, Calif., reported rates well above 15 percent, at 26.5 and 25.8 percent, respectively. In the meantime, the BLS also released the following statistics regarding individual cities’ unemployment rates and Consumer Price Indexes. Source: BLS Mid–Atlantic: For the second consecutive month, Dover, Del.’s unemployment rate increased substantially, rising from 7.3 percent in December 2012 to 8.5 percent in January. Although the total number of employed residents rose to 69,300, the uptick in joblessness was noticeable, as 6,400 residents were without work, the highest monthly total since February 2010. (Link: http://www.bls.gov/eag/eag.de_dover_msa.htm) Midwest: On a year-to-year basis, hiring rose within a majority of the greater Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn., area’s public and private sectors in January, as has been the case in recent months. The most considerable upsurge in employment occurred in education and health services, as well as government, rising by four and 2.6 percent, respectively. (Link: http://www.bls.gov/eag/eag.mn_minneapolis_msa.htm) Mountain-Plains: Although Topeka, Kan.’s total civilian labor force rose by 1,600 in January, the city’s unemployment rate also increased,
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Why You’re Getting Nowhere In Your Attempt to Change Careers – and 5 Tips to Make Progress

Jenni Chelenyak — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 14:00:41 +0000

If you are looking to make a complete career change, applying for jobs online and waiting for a response is rarely going to work. Why? In most cases, when a recruiter is evaluating an applicant for a position, they are comparing their prior education and work experience to the requirements of a job requisition. If they match, they will be considered a good fit. If they don’t, the recruiter moves on to the next resume. Even if the job is entry level, if you have several years of experience in another field, the recruiter may not consider you a fit. They may think you applied to the wrong job; that you would require a much higher salary than an entry level candidate; or that you would be bored in an entry level role. If the role is not entry level and you don’t meet the stated qualifications, you’re better off not applying. You may think that the skills you learned in your previous industry or job are transferable. Although this may be true, it’s rare that a hiring manager will agree – they prefer a candidate with prior experience to taking a gamble on someone who may or may not be able to catch on. Although it’s a problem with a skills shortage, many managers simply don’t have the time to train. Consistently applying for jobs you aren’t qualified for will only get you blacklisted. Sending a cover letter with your resume may increase your odds of being considered; but only marginally. Many applicant tracking systems weed out resumes electronically. In other cases, recruiters (who on average spend only six seconds reviewing each resume) are too busy to read the cover letter, or look at your resume first and reject you. So what do you do? 1. Reach out and make connections. Do what you can to make connections in the new industry – join networking groups and try to find a mentor. If you’ve gone back to school, use the college’s career center. Find out who is behind the job posting and pick up the phone and talk to that person. Don’t blindly apply to jobs and expect recruiters to read your mind. 2. Be prepared to take a pay cut. If you’ve been working in purchasing for 20 years, chances are you have worked your way up to a high salary. Don’t expect to maintain this salary if you
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Most Admired Companies of 2013 by Millennials Age 18-24

Adecco — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 14:25:05 +0000

Fortune magazine's annual report on the World's Most Admired Companies is a veritable Who's Who of the world's biggest and best-loved brands. It's also a great list of companies to target when embarking on your job search.

Interviewing in slippers — how to ace a video interview

Adecco — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 10:30:46 +0000

Job hunting these days surely isn’t for the camera shy. More and more employers are turning to the ease, time-savings, and cost-effectiveness of video interviews for potential candidates. A recent article in Business Insider said video interviewing “is reaching a tipping point” and is fast becoming standard practice for many firms. “Until now, neither the technology nor the market has really been ready for it on a widespread scale,” states the article, which offers several specific reasons why video interviewing is gaining popularity. Companies are conducting both two-way interviews in which the candidate and interviewer interact in real time as well as one-way interviews that require candidates to respond to pre-set questions that are later reviewed by a hiring manager. Job seekers need to take steps to make sure they have the right preparation, technology and approach to perform well via video. Here are some tips that should land you rave reviews on your on-screen work. Get tech savvy: Sometimes companies will require you to go to a nearby video studio where you will conduct your interview. More often, however, companies ask that you video-conference with an interviewer from your own home or office. If that is the case, make sure that you have the appropriate computer system, webcam, and other capabilities necessary to provide a clear and audible exchange between you and the interviewer. In some instances interviews can be conducted over Skype or FaceTime using a mobile phone. Hiring managers typically can tell you the systems requirements you need for a video interview. Set the scene: Viewers won’t only be looking at you – they’ll be seeing what’s around you as well. Make sure you set up in a well-lit place with a background that conveys professionalism. An uncluttered office setting is best, perhaps with a bookshelf or some simple artwork in the background. If it’s difficult to create that atmosphere, simply find a place in which a blank wall can be your background – that’s far better than a future employer catching a glimpse of a messy kitchen, a dingy basement, or the aftermath of last night’s party. Limit distractions: An unsightly background could create a distraction to your interviewer, on your end make sure you limit as much external noise and movement as possible. If you have kids, this is the time to get a babysitter or send them out for ice cream with your spouse or a friend. And figure out a way to keep
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HOT JOBS

Adecco — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 14:27:36 +0000

1) We have multiple opportunities for Notaries in Cherry Hill, NJ! If you’re a Notary with a current, unexpired license, we want to hear from you. Apply now! 2) Adecco is currently hiring for Administrative Assistants to work in the northern suburbs of Illinois. Click here to apply! 3) Adecco’s Greenville, South Carolina branch has 100+ immediate opportunities for Mortgage and Loan professionals! Get details here! 4) We’ve got mortgage positions available nationwide. Click here to apply for openings as a mortgage underwriter, loan specialist, foreclosure specialist, plus many more. 5) Adecco is currently working with a large technology giant in Silicon Valley to hire experienced Recruiters, Talent Sourcers, and Recruiting Coordinators for a 1-year temporary assignment in Mountain View, CA. This project will pay between $15-26/hour for Recruiting Coordinators, $26-56/hour for Sourcers, and up to $75/hour for Recruiters, depending on experience. If you or someone you know is interested in this opportunity, please email your resume to paul.neumann@adeccona.com. 6) We have multiple opportunities for Pharmacy Techs in Springdale and Cincinnati, Ohio! Apply here! 7) Adecco Staffing is hiring for experienced machinists and forklift operators as well as entry-level candidates at Cummins Jamestown Engine Plant! Apply here! 8) Adecco has over 30 production and warehouse jobs available in the New Bernand Greenville, NC areas. Click here to learn more! 9) We have multiple opportunities for Food Service Workers in State College, PA! Apply now! 10) Jobs in Ohio: We’re hiring for multiple positions in a variety of industries including warehouse, hospitality, customer service, mortgage and more! Click here to view the jobs.

A closer look at the jobs report

Adecco — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 14:25:48 +0000

This morning’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) employment report for the month of March showed an addition of 88,000 jobs and a slightly lowered unemployment rate of 7.6%. Positive revisions to the January and February reports added an additional 61,000 jobs to the economy than previously thought. There were a number of sectors with gains including construction (+18,000), professional and business services (+51,000), healthcare (+23,400) and leisure and hospitality (+17,000). Temporary help services also saw an increase (+20,300), a sign that employers may be opting to continue hiring temporary, or temporary to hire employees rather than making immediate permanent hires. The report was a bit of a mixed bag, with many economists anticipating job growth closer to the 195,000 range. The private sector gained 95,000 jobs last month, but overall increases were tempered by losses in the public sector—particularly within the U.S. Postal Service, retail and trade, transportation and utilities. The slightly downward unemployment rate came from Americans who either put their job search on hold, or stopped looking for work in March. In the last year, hiring growth has averaged 169,000 jobs per month. This report is certainly a sign that while progress is being made in the jobs landscape, there will continue to be bumps in the road. It’s now more apparent than ever that growth will be a long incline rather than quick spurts towards total recovery. At Adecco, we’re seeing an ongoing demand for temporary help with an increasing amount of our temporary positions becoming permanent ones. Additionally, we continue to see a demand for skilled labor in areas such as business and professional services, IT and engineering.

Your Best Ally for Job Searches and Promotions: A Professional Portfolio

Julie Perrine — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 10:30:26 +0000

Fact: a resume and cover letter aren’t going to cut it anymore if you’re in the market for a new job or promotion. Today, you need a lot more than just a few sheets of paper (or digital files) to affirm the skills and value you bring to the table. You need something that will resonate with prospective employers and demonstrate your initiative. You need a professional portfolio. Decent jobs are still hard to come by given the recovering economy — and dream jobs, well, they’re still about as common as four-leaf clovers in most industries. With so much competition in the workforce, you have to set yourself apart from the masses if want to have any shot at a position. A professional portfolio does just that by showcasing your experience, skills, and talents in one cohesive, easy-to-read file. What the heck is a professional portfolio? Basically, a professional portfolio is a compilation of materials that explain your career path, professional achievements, skills, and ambitions. Most portfolios include a resume, documentation of education (such as copies of diplomas and certificates), work samples, documentation of your skills, and letters of recommendation. The package of materials can be complied in paper format or, if you’re digitally inclined, in an online portfolio. Either way, a professional portfolio should paint a complete and accurate picture of you and your career. How do I create a professional portfolio? Assembling your professional portfolio is fairly easy, but you need to ensure you can customize it for multiple uses. For instance, you might organize your portfolio differently when looking for a new job than you would when applying for a promotion. If you’re going the paper route, a standard three-ring binder is perfect for organizing your materials and rearranging them for different portfolio uses. Create a cover and spine for your portfolio, use sheet protectors to store the various documents, and insert tabbed dividers between sections for easy navigation. It’s that simple! If you choose to go digital, make sure all the files in your portfolio are reviewable across all types of computers. For instance, a Word file may not open on a Mac user’s machine. Conversely, a Pages file might not be viewable if the person is using Windows. A good way to avoid this problem is to save files in PDF format or as images. You can also create a website, using WordPress or About.Me,
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The 40-year-old intern revisited

Adecco — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 13:49:24 +0000

Internships have become something of a rite of passage in the hyper-competitive job market — and not just for those fresh out of school. Older workers returning to the workforce or making significant career changes are increasingly exploring internships as a way to gain experience, sharpen skills, or get a foothold in an organization. Internship opportunities may be particularly compelling for women, with more than a third of highly qualified women taking an extended break from careers to raise children. A Center for Work Life Policy study found 73% percent of those women trying to return to the workforce have trouble finding a job and become frustrated with their job searches. The internship trend was highlighted recently in a much-talked-about Harvard Business Review article titled “The 40-Year-Old Intern” which touted the benefits of “returnships,” or internship-like temporary stints for older workers. Returnship is a term that was trademarked by Goldman Sachs, a leading global investment banking, securities and investment management firm. Returnships have sparked some heated debate with proponents saying the option offers a sensible path to acquire new skills and experience that can lead to full-time employment. Critics meanwhile, caution that internships for older workers are a way for some companies to get some free or inexpensive help without having to offer benefits – or a job when an internship ends. Yet, controversy aside, internships may be a wise way – or the only viable option — to re-enter the workforce or carve out a new career. Marci Alboher, author of One Person/Multiple Careers: A New Model for Work/Life Success was quoted in an article in The Fiscal Times touting internships as the best way to make a career transition, no matter what your age. Meanwhile, an AARP article also highlighted the benefits of returnships, and offered some tips to landing one of these gigs. Among the suggestions: research existing employers that offer returnship programs tap your network to unearth any internship opportunities mine job boards for internships — “Search under the terms temp work, contract work, special projects, externships and fellowships. Some specialized boards search for and serve re-launching workers whose circumstances match yours,” the article states. As the job market becomes increasingly competitive and the need to learn and update skills intensifies, internship-like options are expected to rise. Writing in the New York Times, Pamela Mitchell, founder of the Reinvention Institute and author of “The 10 Laws of Career Reinvention: Essential Survival Skills
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HOT JOBS

Adecco — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 18:47:26 +0000

1) Adecco’s Greenville, South Carolina branch has 100+ immediate opportunities for Mortgage and Loan professionals! Get details here! 2) We have multiple opportunities for Pharmacy Techs in Springdale and Cincinnati, Ohio! Apply here! 3) We are currently recruiting for temporary and contract-to-hire Part-time Customer Service – Call Center Specialists in Moonachie, NJ. These positions offer growth opportunity! Apply now! 4) We’ve got mortgage positions available nationwide. Click here to apply for openings as a mortgage underwriter, loan specialist, foreclosure specialist, plus many more. 5) Adecco is currently working with a large technology giant in Silicon Valley to hire experienced Recruiters, Talent Sourcers, and Recruiting Coordinators for a 1-year temporary assignment in Mountain View, CA. This project will pay between $15-26/hour for Recruiting Coordinators, $26-56/hour for Sourcers, and up to $75/hour for Recruiters, depending on experience. If you or someone you know is interested in this opportunity, please email your resume to paul.neumann@adeccona.com. 6) Adecco Staffing is hiring for experienced machinists and forklift operators as well as entry-level candidates at Cummins Jamestown Engine Plant! Apply here! 7) Adecco has over 30 production and warehouse jobs available in the New Bern and Greenville, NC areas. Click here to learn more! 8) We have multiple opportunities for Food Service Workers in State College, PA! Apply now! 9) Jobs in Ohio: We’re hiring for multiple positions in a variety of industries including warehouse, hospitality, customer service, mortgage and more! Click here to view the jobs.

Learn about FESCO Adecco’s Shanghai Project

Joyce Barron — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 17:05:57 +0000

Last September, an opportunity to work with Adecco in China on an 18-month assignment caught my attention. It was an opportunity to work alongside other colleagues from Europe to develop sales in China. This sounded like the challenge I was looking for; to learn how to work with one of the largest economic forces in our time, China. I believe this is critical in order to build a prosperous future worldwide. I am fortunate to work with Adecco account executives from France, Italy, Germany, UK, Netherlands and Japan. We collaborate with our Chinese business development account executives to learn the Chinese labor laws while we help build relations with our respective country businessmen doing business here in China. It is a dynamic partnership benefiting everyone: FESCO, Adecco, and our clients. One of the services we offer is processing the paperwork needed for relocating Americans to work here as ExPats. This has been fascinating for me as I have met up with friends who work with some of America’s Fortune 500 firms already doing business here or for companies that are just starting to establish themselves. Their visas and expat services were processed by FESCO Adecco. One thing that has surprised me is the scarcity of good talent. This is the same in the United States. Clients have presumed that there are plenty of workers to choose from. Actually, this is not the case. There is a scarcity of talent with the bi-lingual skills and work experience needed to fulfill the job descriptions. As a result our solutions are different in order to meet the client’s expectations. This summer the labor laws are changing. We are awaiting the final decisions. The one thing I know is that all companies will need to be flexible. You can learn more about FESCO Adecco and its HR services in China in the newspaper China Daily, where FESCO Adecco has a monthly article with HR staffing updates. Future blogs will include the upcoming changes to China’s labor laws, places were American Expats meet to network, and other points of interest. Feel free to comment with questions and ideas of what you would like for me to share about what it is like to live, travel or to conduct business here in Shanghai.

7 Free Apps to Make Your Life Easier: Productivity, Travel and Notes

Jenni Chelenyak — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 14:00:36 +0000

Continuing the theme of my last post, where I shared with you 7 Free Apps to Make Your Life Easier: Commute, Inspiration, Social, News and Job Search, I wanted to share some additional free apps that have made my life easier. These apps focus on productivity, travel and notes. Do you have any favorite apps? Share your thoughts in the comments! Productivity: The 30/30 Time Management app allows you to set up tasks and assign a time frame to spend on each task. Tasks appear in a color coded list. When you start the first task, you start the timer, which can be paused at any time. When the time is up for a task, the alarm sounds to alert you to move on to the next task. Availability: iPhone, iPad, iPod touch Travel: DuoLingo allows you to learn Spanish, German, English, Portguese, Italian or French – absolutely free and with no ads. The app is set up like a game, so learning doesn’t feel like work, and has been rated as better than college courses. Availability: iPhone, iPad, iPod touch Translator with Speech Free allows you to type in text, which it translates and speaks back to you. Translations can be done in 32 languages, and the app interface can be customized to 10 different languages. Availability: iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch TripIt allows you to keep all of your travel plans in a central location. Simply forward your confirmation e-mail to the TripIt e-mail address stored in your contacts to import a new itinerary; or turn on auto-import to automatically import travel plans sent to your e-mail address. Once imported, you can sync TripIt itineraries with your Outlook, iPhone, Google or Lotus Notes calendar. You can share your plans through e-mail or social media; and even create an “inner circle” to automatically share your plans with a select few people. Availability: iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Windows Mobile, Blackberry, Tablet Notes: Evernote can organize notes, files, images, photos you take and web content. You can search notes by keyword, tag or text contained in images. Notes are synced across all of your mobile devices and computers, and can be shared with friends. Availability: iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Android, Windows Mobile, HP WebOS, Blackberry, Web Once you have Evernote, the Evernote Trunk contains a number of useful apps, including: SignEasy allows you to import various types of documents from your e-mail, Evernote
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Show don’t tell: Challenged-based interviewing

Adecco — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 14:48:43 +0000

If you’re heading to a job interview these days you better be up for the challenge. Literally. One of the hottest trends among employers is what’s being called “challenge-based interviewing.” A recent Forbes magazine article claimed that the challenge-based approach could “change the job application process on both sides of the interview table forever.” The article went on to describe challenge-based interviews as “a process by which candidates, show rather than tell prospective employers their skill-sets.” For instance, prospective engineers are asked to complete game-like coding challenges that allow employers to gauge their skills and rank them compared to other applicants. While testing job candidates for certain skills and behaviors has occurred for decades, challenge-based interviews differ in that they often occur very early in the vetting process — usually before a candidate ever even talks to an actual person for a screening interview. In fact, many companies are incorporating Web-based challenges to eliminate or streamline the time-consuming screening process. In addition to assessing a candidate’s skills levels, some challenges provide employers with insights into how a candidate approaches a problem or would deal with a difficult situation on the job. For example, a retailer might challenge candidates by asking them to write, or explain on video, how they would deal with an angry customer. So how does one prepare to ace a challenge based interview? Here are a few tips. · Review your resume: With more organizations expected to rely on the challenge-based approach early in the hiring process, it’s more important than ever to not overpromise or overstate your skills on your resume. Make sure you can deliver on the skills and expertise you highlight as you may be asked to prove it through a challenge. · Don’t overreach: Along the same lines, think twice about applying for a job for which you may lack the required skills listed in the job description. For instance, if a good working knowledge of Excel is necessary, you could be asked to complete a challenge in which you are required to do several basic Excel functions. Writing in U.S. News Money, Miriam Salpeter, a job search and social media consultant, suggests closely reviewing the job description for clues to what types of skills or expertise you might be asked to display through a challenge. · Do your research: A good look at the Web site of the company you are applying to will give you a deeper understanding of what they do and how
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