Finding work in the current economy

By Fred Burns

Unemployment figures in both Europe and the U.S. are still at all-time highs, even though some reports say the problem is getting better. If you are one of the millions of people out of work, and either anticipating or awaiting unemployment payments, there are a number of ways to make ends meet.

Image: Getty Images/SRBichara; royalty free license

Cash in on skills

When you’re out of a job, you can often suffer from a blow to your sense of self-worth. Just keep in mind that you are just as capable as you ever were. There are other ways to make a living. You have a whole host of skills that will apply to careers other than the one you have specialized in.

 Image: Getty Images/Kolobsek; royalty free license

Look beyond your work history, and consider branching out from that narrower focus. For example, if you have been a supervisor, you have the ability to observe and evaluate the work of others. This is a great skill to have in the industry of security. I’m not talking about a night watchman. There are many jobs available in security that never involve being seen by the public. Surveillance is performed in almost every department store, and you are never expected to approach anyone- only report what you are observing. Other places that need this type of surveillance are hospitals, banks, and resorts. You may be the person in the office watching and evaluating what you see on surveillance cameras.

Personal skills

If you have personal skills, it means you are pretty good at reading other people. This is a perfect skill for a security officer at the door of a convention center. You can get training in threat assessment, and that, in combination with your native instincts, can make you a good living in the security industry.

For example, I know a teacher, with a Master’s degree, who has been priced out of the job market. No one wants to pay for someone with 30 years of experience to teach music, when they can hire a fresh-out-of-college grad for one half the salary. They have been out of a job long enough that they can’t get unemployment any more. But, with over 30 years in education, from pre-school up through university, they have a lot of experience in what the security industry calls “threat assessment”. Sure, they had to learn about the more weapon-oriented side of the field, but they can spot a shoplifter a mile away just from the way they are acting.

On the job training

If you are retired military or public service, you already have on the job training for most of the security jobs out there. Maybe you need extra money for your retirement, or just needed out of the pressure of a high risk job. The different levels of security work can provide you with a good living, and you can choose the stress level. Finding a job in this economy is not impossible. Just beef up your resume, and think outside the box.  

About the author: Fred Burns has worked within the security industry for many years. He enjoys writing articles that help people and point them in the right direction. When he isn't writing you can find him working for Crossdeck, a company that provides a jobsearch and access to CCTV training courses.

IT recruitment companies help people find jobs

How they operate

The first thing you want to know about an IT head hunter firm is in regards to how they operate. In simple terms, an IT head hunter or recruitment firm works to match an employer to a qualified employee that is an IT professional. Most of the time, these firms handle document processing and referrals. However, the skill and the level of expertise are still in the hands of the applicant himself.

 

How they match employees with clients

Most IT head hunters already have a pre-established database of clients and possible employers. Employers range from medium to large scale IT companies that opt to seek help in terms of manpower pooling. Since these IT head hunters have a reputation to provide quality workers, companies know they are passionate in delivering the highest level of service for both employees and employers.

Head hunters obtain a level of satisfaction beyond compare because at the end of the day, they have to accomplish their goal: to give employees the job they deserve, and the employers, the employees they need. So, as an employee seeking lucrative jobs, you might be considering contacting an assistance from an IT head hunter. If doing that, you will need to know about what to look for, which is outlined below.

 

Characteristics of a reliable IT head hunter

 

Vast experience.

The IT industry has been in existence for a long time already. Needless to say, IT head hunting firms must have a broad background, experience and great communication skills as they frequently
collaboration with other IT companies in the industry.

 

Understanding of technology.

IT companies must prove they are technologically savy by focusing on what’s hot and on top of the list in the IT world. A good indicator of whether an IT company is up-to-date with their technological skills can be shown by updates and posts of online job listings.

 

Frequent job postings

This shows the level of exposure that the IT head hunter has had in the world of IT. Be sure to analyze both past and present postings to grasp a better understanding of how well the company is established. 

 

Well-respected

Their database of employers should without a doubt, include high calibre companies. When this is true, it directly represents the high level of respect the IT head hunter firm is receiving from other companies.

 

Consultancy based recruitment services

An IT head hunter firm should also serve as more than a bridge between employers and employees. Recruitment firms should also offer consultancy based recruitment services and take a personal approach and apply it to every application.

This way, the recruitment agency can personally gauge what their candidates are looking for and what they can really do. Searching for the best candidate should include multiple phases such as psychometric testing and assessments, interviews, and other tests as needed. This will also prove to the employer, the quality of the candidate being forwarded to them.

As the applicant, you have the power to explore. You do not have to jump on the bandwagon. The best advice I can give you is to research as much information as you can on a headhunter firm before trusting them to help determine your future path in life. Read blogs, and see what other applicants have said. However, be careful of negative comments because they aren't always true. You want to be aware of things and honestly, use your best judgement regarding whether you are fit for the head hunter and/or job placements they find for you. 

Having had an IT career in the past, author Sarah Smith, provides advice for what to look for when seeking assistance from an IT consulting agency such as PCR.