Spring Training Hiring for Real

Posted by boblarson on

Baseball spring training always brings optimism to every team & fan with dreams of a playoff berth or at least a better season than last. As I talk to many corporate staffing departments the overall sentiment is one of optimism for spring hiring. And I am pretty sure this is not fan propaganda or false optimism.

What I am hearing repeatedly are phases like:

“Our firm is doing so much better and hiring new talent is in our immediate future”
“New budgets will be release shortly and I anticipate hiring to be increased for the next few quarters”
“ We are more profitable & our current staff is stretched to their limits so hiring should resume soon”
“We are in the process of organizing job specifications and will begin the hiring shortly”
“Good I.T. talent appears in short supply from our lack of ad responses”
“ As we determine our volume of hiring I will let you know if hiring a contract recruiter makes sense”
“I am attempting to see posting responses prior to bringing in BLK to assist”
“ We are looking to add additional staff via temp to hire programs”

Well from my perspective here at Berman Larson Kane this is music to our staffing businesses’ ears. The birds are chirping and opening day is just a month away. I don’t think this is wishful thinking but a real changing point in the market place. I have not heard HR departments this positive in several years.

I can’t wait for the umpire of yeah “Play Hiring” and let the competition for talent begin 🙂

Hope I am Right “2 Million New Jobs”

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Unemployment claims decreased this week by over 50,000 with the more accurate moving averages bringing the weekly claims below 380,000.   Is this a sign that the economy is creating enough jobs to begin putting a dent in the unemployment rate? 

We at Berman Larson Kane continue to see an improvement in job orders and hiring,  although not at the robust rate we were anticipating after such a strong close to 2011.  I realize that we are just a little pass the mid-month mark for January but I am hoping that our slow start is not indicative of the larger economy. All the signs outside of our four walls predict we are wrong and just maybe experiencing a statistical fluke.

However, remember discourage workers, job-seeker dropouts and those that have not looked for work are not factored into the unemployment rate.  So the question remains:  what percentage of the unemployment rate reduction is caused by these workforce dropouts?  This remains the wild card of what is the real unemployment rate.

The good news going forward is that the job creation numbers will continue to increase at rates similar or larger than December 2011. If this happens will could add over 2 million additional new jobs over the next 12 months.

Our organization continues to hire additional recruiters and researchers to support the anticipated increased hiring needs of our clients.  I do believe that better times are on the horizon for business, job-seekers and our economy…..I really really hope I am right… stay well…Bob

2012 New Year Employment Wish & Predictions:

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The CHASM between Employed and Unemployed

Well another year is coming to a close with the unemployment rate remaining high. Good hard-working educated folks continue to aggressively seek work, but are unable to land a new position. The news media remains flooded with heart-breaking stories of lost homes, families, egos, confidence, health and benefits. We at Berman Larson Kane have witness many a gut wrenching hardship story and remain deeply moved from innocent suffering caused by our sluggist economy.

As a disconnect; we have recently experienced a strong difference between hardship and prosperity. Q4 2011 was a good quarter here at BLK for job-orders, placements with the emerging of new clients adding to staff. How could our little microcosm begin to see growth while so many suffer? Firms are adding to headcount while the unemployment rate remains above 8.5% and job creation numbers are dismal? Could the government reports be incorrect? And even though our small company is experiencing growth , we still do not have one client that is in full steam ahead aggressive hiring mode. It seems the 99% majority are living in two worlds. Those who remained employed for the past three years and those “not” employed are living two very different experiences.

For those of us employed. We have not seen major salary increases but have not lost buying power. With such low inflation, along with our worries about the economy, we have increased our saving rates and decreased our discretionary purchasing habits. This seemingly logical good behavior has caused each of us to feel richer while assisting the anemic consumer economic growth. FEAR of job lost seems to override logic. This is not a complaint but a observation of those who have kept their employment status for the past 3 years. We are the lucky ones, the ones with uninterrupted pay checks. Struggling but not in desperate straights.

As for those that are unemployed. We all know the hardships, the lost and the feelings of desperation. Everyday, I must tell someone that I do not have even a interview within their skill set. Ouch OUCH!….and those employed fear that one day in the near future they will be joining the ranks of living without a paycheck. Or working as greeter “Welcome to _____ may I have your zip-code”

Well if our BLK barometer is correct hiring will return to a faster pace beginning Q1 2012. This expansion will restore confidence to those with jobs and hopefully accelerate spending. Jobs for the unemployed, spending for those with jobs will hopefully lead our economy into an expansion period and put this “Great Recession” behind us. Happy New Year! New job creation will make for a GREAT year for all.

Thanksgiving Job-Seekers Assistance

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Although we at Berman Larson Kane continue to witness an increase in hiring by our clients. During this Thanksgiving Holiday let us remember the 15 million good folks who continue to be adversely affected by our high unemployment numbers.

Over the past several years the personal painful histories that I have witnessed, due to no job or meaningful work, continues to be heart wrenching for all of us in the employment profession.

As president of our organization I assure you that we will continue our free community out-reach programs to assist all “job-seekers” with their efforts to gain solid employment. Since beginning this program 30 months ago over 42,000 individuals have participated. My wish is by Thanksgiving 2012 our webinar attendance will decrease to zero. And this service will no longer be needed because all those who want to work can find work.

During this week of thanks, I encourage each of you as professionals to lend a hand, take a phone call, share a linked-In invitation, review a resume, coach an interview or pass on some advice to a challenged “job-seeker. It is the giving help to a job-seeker that will be remember for a life time.

We at Berman Larson Kane continue to thank each of you for your business support during our thirty-one year history. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and take a moment to please be thankful for your job and remember those who continue to seek employment.

Sincerely,,

Bob Larson, CPC

Snow Storm in October

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Our Berman Larson Kane (www.jobsbl.com) office has been without power for the past 3 days. Public service estimates a power return in another 2-3 days. If these estimates are correct that would be the longest phone and internet outage in our 31 year history. The lesson, look out for snow storms while the trees still have their leaves and the weather makes for wet heavy snow flakes. Today is Halloween and mother nature has played her “trick” with no visible “treat” for our services.

As for the job market and creation of new jobs October was full of surprises. We at Berman Larson Kane witnessed a steady increase in both contract and direct hire assignments. From the “treat” side we were given several new assignments for new clients, a very welcomed surprise. The IT/Software sales requirements lead the pack in volume and should be a leading indicator for increase technical hiring in the succeeding months. A few HR spots materialized in the benefits and compensation area, also an indicator of the beginning of HR hiring across skill sets.

As we enter the final two months of the year and the holiday season we are hopeful that these early indicators are a sign that the real beginning of job creation is at our door steps. It has been a long long time since all those that wanted to work could find work. I know we are still years away from achieving this lofty goal, but knowing with confidence that full employment is on the horizon would make for a wonderful holiday season.

Fourth Quarter Job Creation Trends

Posted by boblarson on

I know the world financial markets continue to gyrate in wild patterns. I know emerging markets are suffering with inflation and slower growth rates. I know the US treasury bonds is a safe haven for the world (lucky for us). I know everyone is predicting at best moderate job growth over the next two years with unemployment remaining high. Fears of a double dip recession becoming a reality is mentioned in every media report.

But, I will stick my neck out and predict that job growth will begin to accelerate during Q4. We at Berman Larson Kane are seeing a swell of activity from many clients, and increase in new business and a upward trend in talent competition for key skill sets. I hope that our tiny microcosm is an accurate predictor for the rest of the economy.

Another positive sign I witness last week while attending the National Association of Personnel Services (NAPS) 50th anniversary staffing conference in Las Vegas, NV. The consensus of the 350 recruiters in attendance was that they are seeing a pick-up in interviewing activity that will lead to a increase in hiring over the next few weeks. One international staffing leader informed me that he is planing on 2011 being a record year, with a strong Q4 and looking for steady growth through 2012.

Berman Larson Kane continues to see increased demand for technical sales staffing, IT staffing for both developers and support, a increase in contract pharma hiring, support and IT. Our HR division remains soft but experiencing a small increase.

Going forward I am optimistic that hiring will continue through 2012 and build momentum well into 2015. I would like to see us return to under 5% unemployment even if the main driving force is the aging of our workforce. Bottom line good things are on the horizon.

I thank all our clients for their continuous support and having the confidence to allow Berman Larson Kane the opportunity to assist with their talent acquisition challenges. Can’t wait to celebrate 2012 and beyond and that all that want to work can.

Jobs & Markets Turmoil

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The world markets are gyrating in wild patterns. The banks are announcing layoffs around the world. The confidence in the United States is degraded by S&P and the world continues to use our treasuries as a safe haven. The unemployment rate remains high and job creation numbers are moving sideways. The tenure and security of government workers is questionable and their pensions are underfunded.

So what is the bottom line for job-seekers in these periods of turmoil. I am not sure that anyone, any leader or “think tank” knows the answers.

From our little world at Berman Larson Kane we are witnessing a sideways momentum in job creation. A few pockets continue to compete for top talent, software development, software/ technical sales and general sales. Business support functions continue to generate a few additional jobs but nothing to effect the unemployment rate. Our clients remain cautious and with the exception of confidential searches & replacement slots are reluctant to push of significant increases in headcount.

So our recommendation is for those who have managed to hold onto their jobs for the past three years to count their good fortune. As for employers this is a great opportunity to upgrade talent pools with the wonderful talent available.

As for us here at Berman Larson Kane we thank our loyal clients for their business. We will continue to add value by finding the best talent at the most reasonable cost. Business opportunities abound in this market and those with strategies to win market-share will continue to prosper. I am thankful that we are on path to a record year as we add value to our many clients, assisting them with growing sales and services through creative talent acquisition.

As president for the past 31 years, I can assure you we will continue to learn, adjust and help our clients’ talent acquisition make them stronger and stronger. This is a great time to be in business as we listen closely to the soft opportunity knocks.

Job Market Reality

Posted by boblarson on

Jobs are being created. Jobs are being eliminated. New folks are entering the job hunt. Older workers are retiring. And we continue to go sideways in over all job creation. Ouch, and a recent Mckinsey study predicts we will not reach 5% unemployment until 2020, ouch. You can read this analysis here: (http://www.bnet.com/blog/financial-business/mckinsey-us-job-market-won-8217t-rebound-for-years/14326).

So as an employer, with the exception of a few demand skill sets, you have a lot of talent to fill your limited positions. I have witness top grading of human resources while lowing costs. This is a new experience in my thirty-five years in staffing industry. I believe we are still experiencing limited wage deflation and will continue this trend for the foreseeable future. Just look at the news headlines dominated by state governments legislating employee benefit givebacks and future pension adjustments.

Talent and wage wars are now conducted on international battlefields. Jobs are in-sourced, out-sourced and off-shored across continents. Does anyone really know with a 100% confidence the source of their groceries; help lines, clothing, electronics, pharmacies and their data storage? And the origin of the workforce that designed, manufactured, marketed and supported your purchases. As international borders blur our workforce is no longer located exclusively within our borders and any job that can be done using a computer has the option of migrating to location “anywhere”.

What is the answer to creating enough jobs so that all that want to can work for livable wages. We here in our great country need to take everything we do up a few notches. Using our creative skills, know-how, and work ethic to compete for jobs on our shores with the same spirit that we used to put the first man on the moon. This is a tall order but nothing less will return our job base to prosperous top-notches we so strive to achieve. It’s the new world workforce order making us all better and better.

And we at Berman Larson Kane (www.jobsbl.com) thank all of our clients and candidates for your support over the years.  We will continue to wage the war for bringing good jobs to good people, offering the best staffing options.

May Graduation Season/ Jobs Needed Soon

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May is the month of college graduations and the “long long” ceremony that accompanies the awarding of the diplomas.  Students, parents and family are filled with pride before, during and after these events.

 

I was honored with being a commencement speaker and addressing the 1650 graduates of  New Jersey City University (NJCU)  and their families at the Izod Center on May 11, 2011.  What a great event excitement everywhere, parents beaming and the electricity flying around the arena. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeJUaQkFpjI

 

Having earned my living in the employment field for over 35 years and interviewing prospective hires, my assessment was that the majority of the students were of exceptional talent and ambition.  Any employer would be proud to add these talented students to their staff.

 

However, as I walk around and introduced myself to several students most seem to be lacking in work within their chosen field of study.  This economy has challenged even some of the brightest students and many will continue with their part-time or full time current employment.  The jobs that help pay their tuition while they studied to upgrade to a better career at least most will still have some source of income.

 

What is going on?  I know college recruiting was better this year than last.  But why are private and public corporations not capitalizing our young talent.  Why as a county are we not creating the jobs that these students so deserve?

 As the economy continues to improve and the job creation numbers continue to accelerate these talent young individuals will hopefully land meaningful jobs in the not too distant future.  If we want to move forward in this competitive global economy we must begin to create meaningful and productive work for all

April 2011 “31st Anniversary of Berman Larson Kane”

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Our first year in business 1980 a major monthly expense “bicycle messenger services” . Yes, in 1980 fax machine were cost prohibitive, email was non-existent (unless you had a mainframe computer at your personal disposal) and always sitting at our receptionist desk was a ready “bike messenger” on call to deliver resumes between downtown and midtown Manhattan.”

Today, 31 years later, the staffing business moves at the speed of light. Resumes reside in clouds for instant access. Subscribers and the recruiters reviewing resumes are scattered around the globe. Work chores migrate to the “perceived” most cost effective and efficient markets. And we at Berman Larson Kane (www.jobsbl.com) struggle to remain on the bleeding edge to best service our clients’ staffing challenges.

Adopting to these changing challenges remain the core of our business keeping us focused on supplying the “Best Staffing Options” for job-seekers and job-creators. This core value continues unchanged as the foundation of our 31 years’ staffing mission?

Looking on the horizon, the competition for the best talent will remain extremely competitive and probably heat up over the next 4-5 years. Finding, isolating, compensating and recruiting this talent will continue to increase in complexity over widening global markets. In addition, retaining your current top talent will also become more competitive as information access brings all into the public domains allowing for aggressive recruiting efforts by competitors.

As president of Berman Larson Kane, I am very energized by these challenges and changes. Promising that our organization will continue to learn and adapt to the most efficient operation model. Offering the best and most cost effective service is our mission. The only guarantee is that “change is a constant” and today’s business practices will become tomorrow’s “bike messengers”.

Thank you to all for your support and business. We look forward to continuing this staffing journey for the next 31 plus years. “Beam me up Scotty” to my future interviews.