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Getting a Job is a Lot Easier, If You Don't Limit Yourself to One Industry ST. LOUIS (PRNewswire-FirstCall), October 25, 2009 - People in healthcare and energy might not be interested in considering other industries, since so many good jobs are being created there. But are they missing something? "And for everyone else, why would you want to limit yourself to just one industry," asks Robert Gerberg Jr., CEO of ITS. "With so many industries in trouble or not hiring, many people searching for a job want or need to find one in a new industry. But even for those who don't, why not uncover all the opportunities out there for you?" Gerberg observed that for people in administration, HR, accounting, finance and legal functions, switching industries is often not a problem. But others face a challenge because they usually have no experience and little knowledge about other industries. Still, he maintains, they can improve their chances dramatically by doing five things. 1. Identify industries similar to yours You'll need to put some time in on search engines, but this is important and worth the effort, Gerberg contends. Search for names of industry trade magazines that interest you. Scan the headlines of articles for key information, he advises, then read the two or three lead articles. It's surprising how informed you can become in just a week or two. "It is so important, we developed software just for this," Gerberg continued. "You increase your chances tenfold if you can identify characteristics of a target industry that are similar to yours -- product lines, distribution channels, the markets they sell to, similar manufacturing processes, types of selling approaches, etc. The more of these you can point to, the stronger your case." 2. Know and sell your transferable skills "This is equally important, which is why we also developed software showing people how they match up on hundreds of transferable skills and personal strengths," Gerberg added. "Ask yourself, What skills do I have that could be put to use in a target industry?" Once you've identified these, it will help your case even more if you cite examples of how you used them to the benefit of past employers. Naturally, if target employers are facing similar challenges, they start to realize you are a good match. 3. Develop your selling proposition This is a brief statement of the major benefits you bring to an employer. The more specific the better. Can you help them open new markets, develop new products, increase sales, cut costs in some area, or develop important new IT capabilities? Make sure this is evident at the beginning of any letter or resume, and like anything else, you'll make a more powerful impact if you give examples of how you've done things in the past that the employer needs done today. 4. Identify enough possibilities in industries of interest You have to contact enough good prospects and the right person. Gerberg made this point when he explained that ITS has invested in expensive, all major world-class databases to develop technology that lets people immediately identify all their best prospects. The way the job market works, you need to make a lot of contacts to find the small percentage where the timing is right. 5. Target growth firms Why are growth firms such good targets if you want to switch industries? They are often in newer industries and can't find enough people with industry experience. So they are forced to look elsewhere for people with the right skills. Here too ITS customers can download information on thousands of growth firms. Nearly One-in-Five Employers Plan to Hire Seasonal Workers This Year ST. LOUIS (PRNewswire-FirstCall), October 25, 2009 - The outlook for seasonal hiring in the fourth quarter of 2009 is projected to be similar to 2008, according to a new CareerBuilder survey. Eighteen percent of hiring managers plan to hire seasonal workers to meet business needs associated with the holidays and end-of-the-year wrap-ups, on par with 17 percent in 2008. At the same time, competition for holiday work is heating up. In addition to unemployed workers pursuing seasonal employment, 12 percent of employed workers plan to take on a seasonal job to help make ends meet. The survey, "Seasonal Hiring 2009," was conducted from August 20 to September 9, 2009 and included over 2,900 hiring managers across all industries nationwide. Popular Seasonal Positions Seasonal positions may prove to be the break job seekers are looking for as three-in-ten (31 percent) hiring managers indicate they are likely to hire a seasonal worker for a full time position. The most popular positions identified for seasonal recruitment include customer service, retail sales, administrative/clerical, hospitality, shipping/delivery, inventory, technology and accounting/finance. Of those hiring seasonal employees in Q4 2009, 41 percent will hire 1 to 10 employees, 17 percent will hire 11 to 20, 17 percent will hire 21 to 50 and 25 percent will hire more than 50.    Advertisements Seasonal Pay While some hiring managers (12 percent) say they plan to increase pay for seasonal workers, 15 percent are planning a decrease. Forty-four percent of hiring managers expect to pay $10 or more per hour and 12 percent expect to pay $16 or more per hour. Thirty-four percent of hiring managers plan to pay between $8 and $10 per hour and 20 percent expect to pay between $6 and $8. "Competition for seasonal positions will be intense as the job market is flooded with qualified candidates vying for a smaller number of open positions," said Brent Rasmussen, President of CareerBuilder North America. "Employers tell us they are accepting the majority of their seasonal applications during October and November, meaning job seekers need to identify and apply for those opportunities now." Rasmussen recommends the following tips for those seeking seasonal employment: Start applying early - Seventy-seven percent of hiring managers do not plan to accept applications for seasonal workers beyond November. Especially in a competitive job market, getting your resume in early will help your chances of securing a position. Do your homework - Nearly a quarter (24 percent) of hiring managers say that having no knowledge of the company or products deterred them from hiring a seasonal candidate in the past. Check out the company's Web site before the interview and familiarize yourself with products, services, press announcements, etc so the hiring manager knows you're serious about the opportunity. Show enthusiasm -- Nearly half (48 percent) of employers say they were turned off by a candidate who lacked enthusiasm during their interview. Convey that you're excited about the opportunity to contribute to the success of the organization and stay away from saying the primary reason you want the position is for the employee discount. Dress the part -- If you are interviewing for a job in a retail clothing store, it's a good idea to show up dressed in an outfit from that store. One-in-ten (11 percent) hiring managers said candidates who interviewed for a job in a competitor's ensemble were ultimately not considered for the open position. Be flexible regarding your schedule - Forty-seven percent of hiring managers said they were turned off by a candidate who refused to work certain hours. Seasonal hours tend to fluctuate; you need to be open and flexible to alternative schedules. Archived Stories: Potential for Green Jobs Grows with Economy Wellness Programs May See Boost Next Year Missouri Receives $2 Million for Jobs from Strengthening Communities Fund Chronological Resumes From Job Seekers Preferred Local Executives Share Strategies for Creating New Jobs Millions of People Are Looking for Jobs, but Over 4 Million Positions Remain Unfilled Employers Are Targeting U.S. Veterans for Hiring College Students Should Create a Brand to Land Job Technology Executives Say Their Industry Will Lead Economic Recovery Four-in-Five Workers Look to Small Businesses for Jobs The Saint Louis Front Page is owned and maintained by the Moore Design Group for the sole purpose of disseminating news and information about the Metropolitan Saint Louis area. Text or graphics may not be copied, rewritten or distributed in any manner whatsoever without written permission. For more information, contact editor@slfp.com All rights reserved world wide © 1996 - 2009 Moore Design Group.