2 posts tagged “workforce”
According to the article by in the July 7, 2008 issue of CIO INSIGHT, Mr. Chabrow claims that the IT workforce reached a record high in the second quarter of 2008 with nearly 4 million workers being employed.
At question is the accuracy of the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting.
Conventional wisdom amongst readers who responded is employment in the IT sector is anything but thriving. Overall readers agreed that the jobs posted online don't present genuine opportunities. Additionally the impact of outsourcing and the hiring of those who have an H-1 visa was a frequent cause for concern.
In search of more accurate data, I spent the better part of the evening searching for data to support one position or the other. Nothing I found had contradicted recent reports of rising unemployment figures in the business and professional sectors. Let alone IT.
While you cannot control the job market, you can control how you manage your career. Below are 5 Tips To Survive a Tough Job Market:
- Use social networking sites such as LinkedIn to grow your network and locate past employers, colleagues, classmates, vendors, etc.
- Start your own blog to position yourself as a Subject Matter Expert
- Arrange to have a 360 Degree Assessment conducted to find out what your team, staff, stakeholders and boss really think of you. Use the results to improve your performance.
- Offer to mentor to someone who really needs your help.
- Boost your Optimism Quotient by reading something inspirational or spending time with people whose attitude you admire.
If you have ever tried to call me and reached my voice mail you most likely were greeted with "It's a wonderful day here at First Impression Career Services..." I choose this greeting because every day that allows me to help people to achieve their goals and stretch themselves is a wonderful day. As I thought back on what I accomplished over the past year I concluded that 2007, was a wonderful year, too. Here are some of the highlights of the past year.
- Personal Branding - Companies like Coca Cola and Pepsi stand out in a highly competitive market because they have strong brand awareness. Celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Martha Stewart and Donald Trump have built empires on their personal brand and you can, too! Over the course of 2007, I participated in a number of workshops and seminars to expand my ability to help people like you tap into their personal brand. I am proud to say many of these individuals have moved on to new and better opportunities where their personal brand and talents are valued.
- MBTI Qualified Practitioner - In May I attended a week long training in preparation for the Myers Briggs Qualifying Exam. The class was difficult as it involved an understanding of statistics, not one of my greatest strengths. None the less I persevered and in August I was awarded a certificate. As a MBTI Qualified practitioner I administer and validate the Myers Briggs Personality Assessment, a tool that is instrumental in helping people gain a better understanding of themselves and others. This awareness can be leveraged to assist in making rewarding career choices.
- Professional Speaking - This was the year that I got out from behind the desk and got in front of people. I delivered several presentations to the The Center for Women of New York, The American Association of University Women, Project Management Institute in New York and Westchester County. The most recent one being "What Do You Say After Hello? How to Network Your to Job Search and Professional Success!" In addition, I joined Wendy Enelow and several colleagues who volunteered their time to conduct resume reviews at The New York Times Support Our Troops Job Fair.
- Professional Advancement - In November I enrolled in a Coaching Certificate Program at NYU. The first class Foundations of Coaching I was very enlightening. We explored the underpinnings of coaching which are rooted in the disciplines of learning, change and systems theories, philosophy, positive psychology and contemporary neuroscience. I have already begun to implement what I learned with favorable results. I am looking forward to Foundations of Coaching II, which begins next month, as well as the subsequent classes.
- Job Club Leadership - Last month I joined The Center for Women of New York as a Job Club Leader. Twice a month I am conducting classes in Resume Writing, Job Search Strategies, Interviewing Skills, Salary Negotiations and Career Exploration for underprivileged women returning to the workforce. Currently I am assisting 2 very bright and capable women. It is personally rewarding to make a real difference in the lives of people who don't have readily have access to private services.
- Giving Back - Over the weekend of October 9th, I joined over 2000 women and men who walked 39 miles on behalf of the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade. To participate in the walk I had to raise a minimum of $1800. With the help of my family, friends and congregation I raised over $2100. This event taught me a lot about myself and what I could accomplish when given the right conditions. Without the support of others, proper nourishment, rest, and the drive to succeed I could not have walked through the finish line.
I am proud of what I accomplished over the past year and hope that when we ring in 2009 the above highlights will have paled when compared to what I plan to accomplish this year.
