Everything's different now

We're hearing from our clients that the volume of work is bouncing back, and they're also hiring more temporary workers. This is good news for us at LandaJob, and also good for our associates whom we can unite with project work. But, it's confusing and hard-to-adjust-to for many displaced workers. And even some employers don't realize how easy it is to use temporary workers for project purposes; they mistakenly believe there's an extra layer of complication for them, but in reality it's easier (no 1099 hassles, easier administration).

In fact, "contingent staffing" (that's the buzzword which encompasses all temporary, freelance, and project work) has been an enormous part of California's mode of work for years, and now it is rapidly growing in other parts of the country, including the Midwest. Some estimate that by 2019, 40% of the U.S. workforce may be independent contractors (source: Time, May 2009). Workforce Management recently reported that 73% of employers expect an increase in their contingent workforce in 2010, with nearly 35% planning increases of 50% or more.

It's different from the way many employers and workers have operated. But this mode of just-in-time solutions is the way we will get people back to work and maintain the productivity and even the innovation of American businesses. Many companies will keep their full-time employed workforce in their core competencies and outsource other necessary functions plus added capacity. This will create a need to adapt, but also outstanding opportunities for many workers who want to expand their flexibility and work longer before retirement.

What might this mean for your company or your career?

Giving Thanks

Just a quick note to say thanks to all the businesses, hiring managers, human resource pros, and job-seekers who have entrusted us to help them find great people and great jobs over the years.

As 4th Qtr. begins wrapping up, give us a call if you need temporary help in any marketing communications area (direct or database marketing, creative, interactive, production, etc.). Using a temporary agency can help you avoid this:

http://www.businessbrief.com/feds-plan-6000-biz-audits-what-theyre-looking-for/

How I got the job | Jennifer Foster, 33 - Kansas City Star

How I got the job | Jennifer Foster, 33 - Kansas City Star

What's that about?

I heard it this morning on The Today Show: "men don't apologize." It should have answered my question about the last two men who were in our office to interview for upcoming jobs with our clients. But it really didn't.

One candidate was a stellar, experienced designer with a great track record working for large corporations; the other was more of a beginner with real potential for front-end web design and programming. They were both 15 minutes late and, given the opportunity ("Did you have trouble finding our office?"), neither mentioned their tardiness (or regret).

What's up with this?

"...just got a new job!"

We're hearing that more & more as we call our temporary associates to tell them about new opportunities. It's music to our ears!

Here's a note from one of our long-time temporary associates who has just transitioned to a full-time senior graphic design job at our client:

"Thank you for the kind words, Elisa. It's really exciting for me considering
> where I was before talking with you that very first time. I had been with the
> same company for 11 years and had just started looking for a new job in an
> already depressed economy. Thanks to YOU and a wee bit of 'perfect timing',
> here I am, one year later with the best opportunity I could have imagined! I'm almost giddy. It's been a wonderful transition and I feel that I
> owe you SO MUCH for referring me in the first place. I know I've worked really
> hard but it's more than that. I feel like it was a perfect fit - for me and for my new employer!"

Thank you, Tami! We're thrilled for you!