Spring's new crop

We had the opportunity to visit with JoCo Community College design graduates this week and were reminded that it's daunting to begin the process of searching for a job. There are tips and tools on our website (landajobnow.com)and, soon to appear, our new website with everything you need for your search, in one spot.

For new grads, take a look at http://www.succeedafterschool.com/ This day-long seminar is given by two advertising/marketing pros who started their own careers in the industry and have since spent years (some would say dog-years) in recruiting and human resources. This seminar will put you way ahead of the others in the pack (seem to have an animal theme going here, eh?).

W-o-r-k

Many of us have tired arms from all this rowing to shore, but our clients and our job-seeking candidates are telling us about more hiring every day:

http://economy.kansascity.com/?q=node/5779

And if you're still seeking a job in the KC metro area, please take a look at this list:

http://www.jccc.edu/home/depts.php/S00011/site/JobClubs

Get off the computer, get dressed and attend more than one of these job clubs to find the right fit for you and your skill set. The best clubs are informational, supportive and time-savers.

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