Online Job Search Guide

This site has an impressive list of resources for research, job search, resumes and the list of previous "hot sites" covers a wide array of topics.

http://www.job-hunt.org/

Career Development EManual

http://www.cdm.uwaterloo.ca/index2.asp

While I have not worked through the entire outline, this looks like a really good tool for assessing personal strengths and identifying careers that might be a good fit. If you work through it please share your feedback with the rest of us:

A web page listing other job search and resume sites

http://www.jobhuntersbible.com/jobsresumes/sec_page.php?sub_item=059

THE INFORMATION BELOW IS A PREVIEW FROM THE WEB PAGE:

Job Boards: Niche/Trade/Specialty
If you told me that there were a million job boards, I would be loathe to argue, since it feels like I've been to every one of them. From such visits, I offer here what amounts to only a sampling of all that is available for various trades, industries, and professions. I have tried not to list the sites that are part of the major job-site "networks", preferring instead to find job boards that were independently operated and well thought of in their particular industry; I have not always been successful.
I have also not attempted to be complete or fair. As the mother goose said to her gosling while pointing out an ostrich egg, I just want you to see the possibilities. If these aren't enough, and you want to find more job boards in your area of expertise or interest, go to a search engine and type in some profession "jobs", of course substituting your area of interest for "some profession". A list will come up of sites for you to try.
Lastly, allow me to point out that you will be wasting resources if you go to these sites only looking for job postings. Some of the niche & trade sites have resources unique to the fields they serve, and many have discussion forums, where you can "meet" people who are interested in the same field as you. Contacts made here could help mightily in current and future job searches.

Retirement Plan Consultant - Gwinnett County Area

Retirement Plan Consultant
North Gwinnett County
Healthcare Network


Talent Connections, LLC (http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=0010etyvQpNWlwureiexoh6Be7uDFvilSBKDNEeZ5FttzV6fJdXXjZRa6levzIEHIkeIvjfPV-yEesnb8poSaDAWmVEVaK512phiP7As5sDsdCJ-okRJ5dogTE4Rr93sUZO) ranked No. 86 on the 2007 Inc. 500 list and 11th among the 50 human resources companies listed nationally, has been asked to identify a permanent Retirement Plan Consultant for an established healthcare network located in North Gwinnett County. We are seeking qualified HR candidates with at least five years of recent benefits experience, with a specialty in defined benefits and defined contribution plans. This position reports to the Benefits Manager of the organization and offers a competitive base salary in the $60K's with a comprehensive benefits plan.

Qualified applicants should immediately submit their resume and permanent salary requirement to Teela Jackson at teelajackson@talentconnections.net. No phone calls or agencies please.

Is this your dream job?
If the next step in your professional career includes becoming a part of a progressive Human Resources team that is aligned with the business objectives of this organization, then this may be the opportunity that you have been waiting for! This organization needs an experienced and detail-oriented Retirement Consultant with benefits and retirement plan administration experience to join their dynamic group.

Job Summary:
As Retirement Plan Consultant, you will be responsible for the day-to-day benefits administration of this organization, working as an internal consultant to their associates and leadership team to ensure that retirement plan benefits policies and practices support key business strategies.

Requirements:
Minimum of 4 years benefits administration experience required, with a minimum of 2 years in-depth retirement plan experience
Bachelor's degree in related field preferred
Must have in-depth knowledge and understanding of defined benefit and defined contribution plans
Working knowledge of health and welfare benefits administration and compensation
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office
Experience with Lawson system preferred
Exceptional written and oral communications skills
Thank you in advance for your time and consideration. Please feel free to forward this opportunity to anyone within your professional network.
Thank you, Teela Jackson Sr. Talent Consultant
Talent Connections, LLC

Contract HR Communications Manager

Contract HR Communications Manager
Atlanta, GA (Inman Park area)
Contract length: 3 months
Hourly Rate: $35-$45

Talent Connections, LLC www.talentconnections.net, ranked No. 86 on the 2007 Inc. 500 list and 11th among the 50 human resources companies listed nationally, is immediately recruiting for a Contract HR Communications Manager for the Atlanta office of an intermodal transportation and logistics company. This is a three month contract and a full-time role at our client's office in the Inman Park area. It has the possibility of being extended or becoming a permanent role.

Qualified applicants should send their resume, hourly salary requirement and tax status (W-2 or Corp.-to-Corp.) to maryreany@talentconnections.net. No calls or agencies please. Only local candidates who are able to interview and start immediately will be considered. Interviews will be scheduled ASAP.

Is this your Dream Job?
In this contract role, you will report to the Chief People Officer and be responsible for internal communications relating to HR policies and procedures. If you enjoy being part of a dynamic and fast growing organization, this might be the opportunity for you.

Job Summary:
The HR Communications Manager is responsible for the roll-out of all HR communications, HR written announcements via paper, email, intranet, etc.

Requirements:
· Bachelors degree in Communications, Human Resources, Marketing or related discipline
· Demonstrated writing/editing experience is preferred
· 3-5 years progressive experience in internal communications, with emphasis on HR and/or Recruiting strategies or programs
· Excellent organizational and project management skills
· Ability to interact with all levels of management
· Demonstrated experience in using technology based communications vehicles and channels, such as email, intranet, etc.
· Knowledge of web conferences, webinars, and webex

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration. Please feel free to forward this opportunity to anyone within your professional network.


All the best,

Mary Reany
Senior Talent Consultant
Talent Connections

Engineering jobs have been the most difficult positions for employers to fill in this country in 2008, according to a survey released Tuesday by Manpower Inc.

They're followed by: machinists/machine operators; skilled trades; technicians; sales representatives; accounting/finance staff; mechanics; laborers; IT staff; and production operators, according to the employment services company.

"From our research it is clear that across the country employers are experiencing a mismatch between the talent their businesses need and the skills and abilities potential employees possess," Jonas Prising, president of Manpower North America, said in a news release.
Engineers weren't even on the Top 10 hard-to-fill list in 2007, but were No. 2 in 2006, the first year of the sampling.

Manpower surveyed 2,000 American employers this year to come up with the findings.

Why do the survey?
"I guess it's two-fold: one is an opportunity to share information with the people we do business with, let them know some of the trends we're seeing," said Manpower spokesman Paul Holley. The aim also is to "communicate with people who are out there in the marketplace looking for work, to let them know what employers are seeking."

Women's Leadership Forum - May 2nd at Cobb Galleria

Women's Leadership ForumRegistration Form

Make your Mark-- at the 10th Annual Women's Leadership Forum!
Please join Atlanta Business Chronicle, and The Robinson College of Business as we host the 10th Annual Women's Leadership Forum presented by AARP, BusinessWise, Georgia Power, and The Hershey Company.
This powerful, half day session will include thought-provoking panel discussions led by top women business professionals on the hottest topics.

The Forum will begin with Opening Keynote Speaker Ann Cramer, IBM Director of Corporate Citizenship and Corporate Affairs; moves into two breakout sessions and concludes with our Luncheon Keynote Speaker Jean Chatzky, Award-Winning Journalist, Best Selling Author and Financial Analyst!
Program Details
7:45-8:30 Registration and Continental Breakfast
8:30-8:45 Welcome
8:45-9:45 Opening Keynote Speaker- Ann Cramer, IBM
9:50-10:05 Break10:10-11:10
Breakout Session I- Choose One:
Taking control of your own development: Becoming a lifelong learner
Smart risk taking: Strategies for success
11:25-12:25 Breakout Session II- Choose One:
Overcoming your biggest challenges
Making your own mark: How to succeed as an entrepreneur
12:30-2:00 Lunch and Keynote Speaker- Jean Chatzky, Award Winning Journalist, Best Selling Author and Financial Analyst

Power up your career and business skills at this stand-out event and truly "make your mark."
To register, please use the link above. Contact Michelle Barriteau at mbarriteau@bizjournals.com or 404.249.1756 for additional details.

*Please note all tickets are nonrefundable.

Job Search Challenges

Are You Unemployable?
Anthony Balderrama, CareerBuilder.com writer

http://www.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/careerbytes/CBArticle.aspx?articleID=833&lr=cbbell&siteid=bell06&cbRecursionCnt=2&cbsid=f357e2da018b4c0ab3a0708dfe63d852-262216277-RD-4

For some people, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" is a guiding principle. During a job search, however, it's hard to tell just what ain't broke and what needs fixing. Looking for work is a time-consuming process that can move – or at least feel like it's moving – at a snail's pace.

So how can you tell the difference between a regular, patience-trying job search and an unsuccessful one?

The first sign: No one's calling you for interviews. Not every résumé you send will result in an interview, but some of them should. Another clue is if you are getting called for interviews but you never get called back for a second round or receive an offer.

If you find your job hunt isn't giving you anything but a stress headache, ask yourself the following questions:

Is my résumé targeted?Just because you're applying for multiple jobs, don't assume the same résumé works for every position. Each job posting will stress different qualities over others, so rework each résumé to highlight the experience and skills that correspond to that particular employer. Your résumé will prove not only that you're qualified for the job but that you also have an attention to detail.

Am I networking?
Think about this: There is only one of you and there are thousands of job openings. The more people know you're looking for a job, the better your chances of finding one are. You can never be sure who will know of an available position.

Networking can also give you a connection to a hiring manager or somebody at a company that puts you ahead of other applicants, says Matthew Grant of Aquent, a marketing staffing firm. With so many job seekers competing for the same position, you have an edge if you are referred by a friend or colleague of the hiring manager.

Do I know something about the companies I'm applying to?
"Tell me what you know about the company" or "Why would you fit in well here?" have become staple interview questions, so don't be caught off guard. Shrugging your shoulders and saying, "I don't know" isn't going to score you points. Look at the company's Web site and read press releases and newspaper articles to see what's going on with your prospective future boss. In addition to preparing for the interview, you'll also learn whether or not the company and its culture are a right fit for you.

Am I targeting my job search?
Sending out several applications is key to finding a job, but you also need to be selective about the jobs to which you're applying.

"We see job seekers apply for every job posted – a real red flag that they do not know what it is they are good at," says Eliot Burdett of Peak Sales Recruiting. While you don't need to possess every single skill listed on a posting, you should at least be qualified for the position and prove that you have transferrable skills. Your targeted résumé will help prove you're a serious candidate if you have some qualifications for the position.

If you're spending time applying for jobs you're not qualified for, you're wasting valuable time you could be devoting to a position that's a better fit. If you recognize where your strengths lie and what transferrable skills you possess, you'll see better results than if you apply to any posting you come across.

Has someone else looked over my résumé and interview technique?
Feedback is critical to job hunting. Ask someone else to read your résumé and provide feedback, suggests Kevin Donlin of TheSimpleJobSearch.com. "Ask them three questions: Does this résumé clearly tell you what I can do? Does it prove I can do it? Does it make you want to call to find out more?" Friends or colleagues can provide objective points of view that help you revise your résumé.

Your interview skills need the same attention. Are your answers succinct or too short? Thorough or rambling? What you think you're saying isn't necessarily what others hear, so find this out now rather than in the interview. If you don't think that a colleague or friend can offer constructive feedback, make an appointment with an interview coach.

How am I presenting myself?
Employers are assessing your presentation before you even show up for an interview. The e-mail address you put on your résumé and other correspondences should be professional, not descriptive. So avoid addresses like BingeDrinker@beerguzzlers.net. Opt for something as simple as your name.

Your e-mails and phone conversations with hiring managers or recruiters should also send a professional message. Don't send e-mails written in all capital letters and/or using three exclamation points – it's bad netiquette in personal correspondence, but it's even worse in business.

Put the same thought into your outgoing voicemail message. Don't try to be funny by playing thirty seconds of your favorite song or talking with a mouthful of food. Hiring managers might hang up instead of asking you to call them back. Give a normal, casual greeting, or use one of the pre-programmed options that come with most accounts.

If a recruiter calls you, don't try to hold a conversation with your TV blaring in the background or your child screaming on your lap. If you're asked whether it's a good time to talk, you can be honest and say you're in the middle of something. Then ask if he or she can call you back in 15 minutes or find another day that's convenient for both of you. You'll be prepared to answer all the recruiter's questions and won't be distracted.

Fortune 500 list for '08 features 12 Georgia companies

Three Georgia companies fell off of the Fortune 500 for 2008, leaving 12 Peach State companies on the list. But Atlanta placed fifth in the nation among cities with the most Fortune 500 headquarters.

Fortune compiles its annual list of the biggest and best businesses based on 2007 fiscal and calendar year financial performance, focusing on revenue. Please use the link below for more details:

http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2008/04/21/daily15.html?f=et50&ana=e_du

Resources for those who are interested in changing careers

Here is a link to pages of information pertaining to career change resources:
http://www.alexa.com/browse/general/?&CategoryID=57067&mode=general&Start=1&SortBy=Popularity

Defense contractor Northrop Grumman will bring 4,200 new jobs to Georgia within five years

Defense contractor Northrop Grumman will bring 4,200 new jobs to Georgia within five years as part of a $20 billion to $50 billion contract with the U.S. Air Force to provide aerial refueling planes, a top official with the company said Thursday.
The jobs will come from the company's work to build KC-45 Tanker planes as part of the modernization of the Air Force's aerial refueling fleet, said Philip Teel, corporate vice president and president of Northrop Grumman's Mission Systems Sector. The Airbus planes will be constructed and converted to refueling planes in Mobile, Ala., but much of the work will be done in Georgia, said Teel, who spoke to the Atlanta Press Club.
"That program will be the cornerstone for a very, very significant aerospace corridor in the Southeast," Teel said. "It's the linchpin for that aerospace corridor."
Teel said that corridor would include Florida, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi.
The program will "triple our footprint" in Georgia, Teel said, and the aerospace corridor will "grow around" the tanker project.
He was not able to provide details as to where the jobs would be located or what they would involve.
Teel also announced that, on Oct. 7, Northrop Grumman will bring to Atlanta its zero gravity "Weightless Flight of Discovery," which are aimed at helping teachers get their students excited about math, science and engineering. During these flights, teachers float in zero gravity conditions, then share the experience with their students.
In addition to its defense work, Northrop is also a major information systems provider to the U.S. government. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is one of its largest clients.
Northrop Grumman is one of four companies bidding to overhaul Georgia's technology systems, a $1.4 billion contract. The others are IBM Corp., AT&T Inc., and Electronic Data Systems Corp. (EDS). Atlanta Business Chronicle reported that on April 11.

Tax Deductions for Job Search

Here is some information regarding tax deductions for job search expenses.

http://www.bankrate.com/brm/itax/tips/20010222a.asp?caret=6i

Purchasing and Facilities Manager Opening

Purchasing and Facilities Manager position - Atlanta GA

The position is a Purchasing and Facilities manager in our Atlanta Ga. We are looking for someone with at least 3 year of experience in purchasing,procurement, or vendor management. They will need to have strong negotiation skills in a fast paced environment. I have attached the job description below.
JOB DESCRIPTION: Purchasing & Facilities Manager
REPORTS TO: Director of Procurement & Facilities
POSITION SUMMARY: Negotiate and administer vendor contracts, agreements and purchase orders.Develop and maintain the Vendor Management Program (including gathering critical supplier information and maintaining data spreadsheet and files for audit). Maintain Great Plains purchasing system and processes, including receiving and logistics. Manage the effectiveness and efficiency of the Office(s) work environment.
PERFORMS A COMBINATION OF THE FOLLOWING DUTIES ACCORDING TO DEPARTMENTALGUIDELINES:
1. Negotiate, administer, and maintain vendor contracts, agreements,and purchase orders. Leverage national account supplier agreements companywide to maximize cost savings and overall value (costs, service,quality) for areas inclusive of, but not limited to computer hardware,software, peripherals, and maintenance agreements; telecom hardware and services; Security systems and low voltage; travel program; leasehold improvements; office supplies, equipment, and furniture; printed forms, stationery, and business cards; marketing agreements; vending and break-room supplies; and any other requested areas of need.
2. Manage the purchase order process in Pivotal in an accurate, timely and efficient manner as required.
3. Manage the effectiveness and efficiency of the Office(s) work environment, including the Reception, Mailroom, and all common areas.
4. Manage relationship with building Property Management according to the real estate lease (utility invoices), facility and employee needs and requirements.
5. Develop and maintain the Vendor Management Program, including gathering critical supplier information and maintaining data spreadsheet and files for audit.
6. Develop and maintain information regarding Supplier Diversity, Buy American Act, and any other Government Contract requirements. Distribute reports and information as required.
7. Maintain Great Plains purchasing system and processes, including shipping logistics, receiving and matching of purchase orders.
8. Manages the implementation, maintenance, and administration of purchasing policies and procedures.
9. Develops and maintains purchasing reports for management perusal.
10. Provides excellent communication, as well as efficient and polite customer service to all SecureWorks, and affiliate personnel and associates.Communicates and maintains knowledge of product pricing and delivery times regarding goods and services.
11. Completes other required tasks and special projects accurately and on-time as needed.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Perform other essential duties as assigned KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
1. Experience required in negotiation and execution of national agreements.
2. Excellent verbal and written communications skills with the ability to converse with all levels within the organization
3. Extremely organized and detail-oriented.
4. Self-directed, self-motivated and capable of working with little direction
5. Excellent prioritizing skills, the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously, as well as problem solving skills and the use of initiative to finalize tasks.
6. Computer literate, especially in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio and the Great Plains financial system.
7. Multi-tasking and project management capabilities are essential.
8. Ability to recognize and support the organization's preferences and priorities.
9. Results and people oriented with sound judgment and the ability to balance other business considerations.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
1. Bachelor's Degree preferred
2. Preferred five years of experience within management & purchasing agent or buyer role
3. Preferred IT Industry experience
4. Proficient in Microsoft suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, & VISIO)
5. Experience in working with Financial systems such as Great Plains,SAP, or Peoplesoft

One of the many advantages of working at SecureWorks is the exceptional benefit program which includes: medical, dental, vision, 401K with company contributions, flexible spending accounts, sick and disability benefits,life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). SecureWorks is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse work culture, M/F/D/V.Listed duties, responsibilities, requirements and functions are not meant tobe all inclusive. Please forward candidates and leads to Leslie Humphries Thanks and Make it a Fantastic day! Leslie Leslie Humphries Human Resources Manager - Generalist & Recruiting SecureWorks 404.638.0632 office 404-327-8835 - fax

HOPE Grant for Certificate and Diploma Programs in GA

HOPE GRANT FOR CERTIFICATE AND DIPLOMA PROGRAMS

All Georgia residents are eligible for the HOPE Grant (a separate program from the HOPE Scholarship) for up to 63 semester or 95 quater hours of study (certificate and diploma) at public institutions. To qualify for HOPE Grant funding, the certificate or diploma program must be approved by the Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education or be a comparable program of study approved by the Board of Regents. The certificate or diploma must be awarded and issued by the institution. Continuing education programs are not eligible for HOPE Grant funding. Much like the HOPE Scholarship, the HOPE Grant provides full tuition, approved mandatory fees, and a $300 per academic year book allowance at public institutions. There is no specific grade requirement to receive the HOPE Grant for non-degree study, but students are encouraged to perform their best especially if they later decide to also seek their first undergraduate degree and earn the HOPE Scholarship.

For more information on degree, certificate, and diploma programs available at Georgia's public and private colleges and universities, and public technical colleges, click here for HOPE-eligible schools in Georgia.

To apply for HOPE on-line, click here or to download a paper application for HOPE, click here. Note you must be granted college admission first before your electronic or paper application for HOPE will be processed by the financial aid office at the Georgia institution you attend or plan to attend. Final determination of HOPE eligibility is made at the financial aid office at each participating Georgia institution.

For the complete HOPE Program regulations, click here.

http://www.gsfc.org/HOPE/dsp_hopoes.cfm#Non-traditional%20Students

Advice from Clark Howard on "Work At Home" Opportunities

Would you like to work from home?Clark gets tons of calls from people who would like to do database or customer service work out of their homes. The problem is that there are many ripoff work-from-home outfits that claim they will find you work for an upfront fee. They are just trying to make a quick buck off you. Below are some sites Clark has checked out and determined to be legitimate. Of course, you should check them out thoroughly yourself before getting involved. Good luck!

• alpineaccess.com - virtual call center provider using home-based customer service agents
• convergysworkathome.com - be an independent contractor home agent providing customer care, human resources and billing services
• intellicare.com - call center company that provides clinical and non-clinical telephone services to health plans, healthcare providers, and care managers nationwide
• liveops.com - virtual call center using remote and home-based agents. Requires $30 fee for background check
• msvas.com - this company has developed virtual assistant training programs for U.S. military spouses and U.S. Department of State Foreign Service spouses
• workathomeagent.com - be an "at-home-agent" after getting certified
• workingsolutions.com - be a home-based customer service agent

One bit of advice before you take the leap into a work-at-home opportunity: Take an inventory of your talent, add a dash of creativity to your thinking and come up with a plan that suits you. • If you sew well, do alterations for others.
• If you have a good grasp of a particular subject, tutors are always needed.• Good with a computer? Consider teaching others how to use one. You might also want to do computer work for college and graduate students. Try putting up flyers around your area as well as the local colleges and universities.
• Create personal websites for friends and neighbors. Parents might want to purchase one from you as a gift for a child. It can used for photos and 'firsts' as the child is growing. This makes a great gift to the parents of a newborn!
• Are you handy with crafts? Costume jewelery making and selling can be aimed at school-aged girls or adults, and all well-priced gift items sell well especially before the holiday season.

The list can go on as long as you align your talents with services or products others need. Be imaginative and create a job! If you choose to go the standard work-at-home route, heed these warnings from the Federal Trade Commission and the Better Business Bureau

http://clarkhoward.com/topics/workathome_help.html

From Elizabeth: I don't know how long ago this was posted on Clark's website and some of these companies may or may not still be in business. The big message is that there are legitimate opportunities. You should research them and none of them should cost you a lot of money.

Internet Job Boards as ranked by Weddles User Choice Awards

Recruiters & Job Seekers Pick the Top Sites on the Web

Who has the best insight on which employment sites are most helpful? We think the answer to that question is obvious … it’s you, the recruiters and job seekers who have used the sites. And, that’s what the annual WEDDLE’s User’s Choice Awards are all about. They recognize the elite of the online employment according to the most discerning judges around—that would be you!

WEDDLE’s User’s Choice Awards recognize the Web-sites that provide the best level of service and value to their visitors, and help others make the best use of the best employment resources online.

This year’s winners—your selections—are found at the link below:
http://www.weddles.com/awards/index.htm

AJC Jobs hosts a Job Fair in Atlanta

AJC jobs is hosting a job fair on April 28 at the Cobb Galleria Centre. Information on successfully presenting yourself in a job fair environment is available at the following link:

http://www.ajc.com/hotjobs/content/hotjobs/events/index.html

Networking

"Helping yourself and helping others is not mutually exclusive :). Success in life comes as we do something that is counter-intuitive to our nature. It is natural to take care of yourself, think of yourself and focus on your needs. Little children only think of themselves and how they can get what they want. As they grow older, they learn they are not the center of the universe and have to get along with others.

The amazing thing is that the way to get what we want is to do the exact opposite of what comes naturally. It is natural to think of yourself. Hey, after all we all live in our own heads and see the world from our own perspective.

The delightful paradox of life is that we gain more by giving to others more. Zig Ziglar said, 'You can get anything you want in life, if you help enough other people get what they want.' The Zig man was right on target with that!"

http://www.bizjournals.com/extraedge/consultants/succeeding_today/2008/02/04/column503.html

This article on social networking has some interesting information for job seekers:
http://www.boxesandarrows.com/view/social-networks


Specifically:
Social networks were first researched in the late 1940s. With the advent of the Internet, online communities and social networking websites, their significance has only increased. Any review hoping to be meaningful must begin with the normative contributions of the sociologist Mark Granovetter and the mathematician Linton C. Freeman who both wrote influential articles well before the Internet was popularized.

Granovetter (1973) argued that within a social network, weak ties are more powerful than strong ties. He explained that this was because information was far more likely to be “diffused” through weaker ties. He concluded that weak ties are “indispensable to individuals’ opportunities and to their incorporation into communities while strong ties breed local cohesion.”

Granovetter’s doctoral thesis demonstrated that most people landed jobs thanks to their weak ties and not their strong ones. It was the people that they did not know well, the ones with whom they did not have shared histories and did not see on a regular basis who were of most help. This is because people with strong ties generally share the same pieces of information and resources. Therefore they are of less help to one another.

If don't believe one piece of information or one contact can matter, then please take a look at this social networking diagram:


The Value of Networking


75 to 80% of all job seekers find a job through people they know

Brighter Employment News from Clark Howard

There's bad news on the job front with the unemployment rate rising from 4.8% to 5.1% and employers reporting 3 consecutive months of job losses. We may be at the beginning of more trouble. But the irony is that we're starting from a good spot. Economists never even thought we could get an unemployment rate as low as 5% without overheating the economy.

Instead of focusing on the bad news, Clark wants to let you know about companies that are planning on doing some big-time hiring. Forbes recently reported that Accenture -- an international consulting, technology and outsourcing company -- plans to hire 60,000 new employees in 2008. And that's just one example. This is not a doom and gloom economy where there are no jobs to be had.

Kiplinger.com recently ran a feature about recession-proof careers. These fields include healthcare, education, security, environmental science and government. In one example, The Washington Post reports that a Maryland county is pursing paramedics like they're star athletes. The starting salary is $57K.

Keep in mind that 70% of the jobs that will exist in 20 years don't exist today. Think back to 1988. At that point there was no Internet and no e-mail. You've got be willing to continually reinvent yourself. The typical American will have 5 careers and at least 15 jobs. Be ready to go back to school if necessary. As our economy changes, you've got to move with it.

http://www.clarkhoward.com

Job Postings

Here are some job postings that have been submitted by Sharon Brown. These are terrific, very specific and detailed. We also welcome less specific tips, such as, "I work at Accenture and we are hiring for a variety of skill sets, and then provide a website for jobseekers to reference. "

If you have worked with a recruiter or a recruiting company, who provided exceptional service to you or someone you know, please refer them along. Our jobseekers and others who are interested in changing careers or beginning careers are interested in a wide variety of opportunities, from entry level to experienced, full time to part-time and in different areas of town. No lead is too small :)

Here are the Postings:

Senior Manager, Organizational Development
Conyers, GA

Is this your dream job? If the next step in your career includes working closely with executive leaders and senior management to help develop and implement key strategies to create and sustain a high performance organization, then this might be the right opportunity for you.

Responsibilities:
Provide leadership and guidance to management and HR on flawless execution of enterprise-wide organizational development initiatives
Work with management and HR to develop change leadership processes and tools
Customize and deliver client-centered talent development processes
Work with talent acquisition group and HR to implement cutting edge talent selection processes
Engage in competency model development and validation
Administer multi-rater feedback instruments to provide coaching, counseling and/or training to management and other professional level employees
Perform descriptive and advanced multivariate statistics to determine the effectiveness of OD initiatives and business priorities
Lead organization-wide employee survey design, administration, reporting, and action planning
Facilitate and drive organizational capability through the organization and talent review/assessment process
Assist in business integration activity specifically related to merging business cultures and organizational design
Play a key role in the driving performance excellence through working with HR and management
Manage early talent development programs including their rotations, training, coaching, and feedback
Engage in university relations and college recruiting strategy for identifying and selecting top talent
Experience in the life cycle of project implementation from communication planning, change management, measuring impact, evaluation, and post review for continuous improvement and sustainability
Facilitate leadership and management training programs as well as strategic management meetings as required
Education/Skills Required:
Master's or Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Organizational Development/Behavior, Business, Human Resources Development or an MBA
5-7 years experience in a global multi-functional manufacturing environment that includes significant organizational development, human resources, and leadership experience
Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or high performance manufacturing background
Ability to execute HR development processes linked to the business (organization design, leadership and succession planning, performance management, training and development and human resources technology)
Experience working with processes, metrics, root-cause analysis and countermeasures
An approachable, hands-on management style and an attention for details. Keen business judgment combined with the ability to provide fresh, proactive insight. The ability to make decisions and solve problems, based on analysis and facts.
A creative and progressive approach to business balanced with the interpersonal skills and savvy to play a key leadership role in establishing and driving the company's developing high performance/high expectation culture
Ability to prioritize and deploy resources to the right opportunities

Thank you,
Ginger Wallis
Senior Talent Consultant
Talent Connections, LLC
GingerWallis@TalentConnections.net
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Contract Compensation Analyst
Atlanta, GA (Perimeter Mall area)
Contract length: 3 months

Talent Connections, is immediately recruiting for a Contract Compensation Analyst for a large corporation in Atlanta, GA. This is a three month contract and a full-time role at our client's headquarters in the Perimeter area. It has the possibility of being extended or becoming a permanent role.

Qualified applicants should send their resume, hourly salary requirement and tax status (W-2 or Corp.-to-Corp.) to jennydevaughn@talentconnections.net. No calls or agencies please. Only local candidates who are able to interview and start immediately will be considered. Interviews will be scheduled ASAP.

Is this your Dream Job?
In this contract role, you will interact with a dynamic and experienced compensation and benefits team. You will handle the daily compensation functions in a staff-friendly environment.

Job Summary:
The Compensation Analyst is responsible for: market pricing and maintenance of compensation market survey data, compensation program design, compliance with applicable regulations and guidelines, executing the annual compensation during which base salary increases and short term incentives are determined, stock plan administration, and general compensation administration.

Requirements:
· 2+ years of recent and significant experience in Compensation Administration, Analysis and Program Design
· Expert skills in Microsoft Excel, experience with PRISM or Transcentive is highly preferred
· Bachelor's Degree
· Proven ability to balance multiple priorities and deliver effective results in a fast paced, changing environment
· Strong and effective communication skills, including preparing materials for all levels of employees

Jenny DeVaughnSenior Talent ConsultantTalent Connectionsmailto:Connectionsjennydevaughn@talentconnections.net

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Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) Analyst
Atlanta, GA (Midtown)
Legal

Talent Connections, LLC (http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001gbeRvlyyCDx9ychKrMgDX_toLdj2VH0uDD6au4TmwtKZL5dDsfAH26KuXvea9nAqjkwaoohrjGM9YqcmnG4_CG4T-9hb1nIvF6H_JFZHMnORLcxNO9eGH1b6ODganKzD), ranked No. 86 on the 2007 Inc. 500 list and 11th among the 50 human resources companies listed nationally, is immediately seeking a permanent Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) Analyst for a law firm located in midtown Atlanta, GA. This is a highly visible role that will act as a liaison between all of the departments and be responsible for the firm's HR technology, including operational planning and reporting. This position is a significant part of a professional HR team and reports to the Senior Benefits Director. This firm provides exceptional benefits, diverse work environment and a positive work/life balance. The targeted salary for this position is an annual base salary of $65K+.

Qualified applicants with 4+ years of significant HRIS experience should email their resume and annual salary requirement to Jenny DeVaughn at jennydevaughn@TalentConnections.net for immediate consideration. No phone calls or agencies, please.

Job Summary:The HRIS Analyst is an important role for this firm. This position will work directly with technical vendors, create special reports for management, develop and document coding structures, act as a technical consultant to the HR team and work closely with the HR leadership team to outline and improve all HR processes.

Requirements:
· 4 years of significant HRIS experience
· Expert-level Microsoft Office and HRIS aptitude, including ad hoc and custom reporting
· Polished written and verbal communication skills
· Ability to work well and interface with all levels of staff
· Bachelor's Degree is preferred, not required

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration. Please feel free to forward this opportunity to anyone within your professional network.

All the best, Jenny DeVaughnSenior Talent ConsultantTalent Connectionsjennydevaughn@talentconnections.net

Advice from Michael Irwin from Careerbuilder

This is an interview with Micheal Irwin of Careerbuilder with job search advice: