Recruitment Solutions

Here’s Why Unemployment Is Better Than Poor Employment

EmploycoUSA

Employment expert explains why job-seekers should avoid ‘stopgap’ positions

When looking for work, many job-seekers often assume that any job is better than no job. Hence, they take any employment offers that come their way, even if the duties are below their experience level or the pay is not ideal. However, new research shows that this could be a very bad idea.

Rob Wilson, President of Employco USA and employment trends expert, says, “A new study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology found that low-paying, poor-quality jobs have more of a devastating impact on a person’s physical health and emotional well-being than having no job at all.”

Other studies have also shown that ‘stopgap’ jobs are also a bad idea for your career success as well. “A study published in the National Bureau of Economic Research found that employers were much more likely to offer a position to a person who was unemployed, but had experience in the field, as opposed to a person who was employed in a lesser position that required less experience and expertise,” explains Wilson.

However, while taking a poor-quality, “stopgap” job can have a negative impact on your health and your job hunting prospects, Wilson cautions that this does not mean that applicants should refuse to consider any temporary work.

“This study illustrates that employers are looking for one thing: experience that is relative to the job. Hence, if you want to achieve your dream career, you should not accept jobs that aren’t going to offer you that valuable experience,” says Wilson. “That is why temporary work and staffing agencies can be invaluable. They can cater your job search to your very specific career goals, which means you won’t have to worry about making a misstep which can haunt you for years to come.”

For more on this topic, please contact Rob Wilson at rwilson@thewilsoncompanies.com.

The Fearful Cost of Going Freelance

EmploycoUSA

Employment expert reveals the hidden dangers of the gig economy

RideshareOver 25 percent of Americans are now participating in the new “gig economy,” in which they work part-time or contracted positions, instead of dedicated full-time positions. However, a new study warns that the gig economy could be destructive for Americans’ health and well-being.

Rob Wilson, employment trends expert and President of Employco USA, says, “The research shows that a gig economy leaves most part-time workers without health care, retirement funding, dental care, or disability benefits. Meanwhile, many of these ‘giggers’ often have to work more than one job in order to make ends meet, and this is particularly increasing among female workers.”

In fact, Wilson says that holding multiple part-time jobs can actually be destructive to a woman’s earning potential, saying, “One study showed that women who held a number of part-time jobs in their 20s saw absolutely no increase in earnings in their 30s, meaning that even as their experience and their families’ needs grow, they do not earn a dollar more.”

The gig economy can also be destructive to a worker’s physical health. “An Italian study found that contract workers are more likely to suffer from depression and require prescription anti-depressants,” says Wilson. “Which is ironic considering these workers often don’t have health insurance which makes this medication extremely cost-prohibitive.”

Furthermore, Wilson says that these workers are offered very little protection under the law, which has led to many gig employees complaining about inhumane work environments and harassment. “Those who work for companies like Uber don’t have much in the way of legal protection, nor do they have any certainty of their earning potential even a few months into the future. It’s clear that the gig economy is not kind to workers on many levels, which is why the focus right now needs to be on creating permanent full-time positions for employees of all ages. While it is possible to make a lucrative living solely off freelance work, the reality is that it comes at a cost, and not many Americans are prepared to pay the price.”

For more on this topic, please contact Rob Wilson at rwilson@thewilsoncompanies.com.

Why More People Are Lying on Their Resumes

EmploycoUSA

H.R. expert explains the uptick in falsified resumes…and what to do about it

A recent survey found that over 85 percent of people lie or embellish on their resumes…and deception is on the rise.

Rob Wilson, human resources expert and President of Employco USA, says, “In today’s competitive job market, many people are ‘padding’ their resume to help them get in the door. Many people don’t even consider it to be a dishonest thing to do. They figure it is like taking the shampoo bottles from a hotel room, something that is expected and allowed.”

So what are these applicants lying about, and what should employers do about it? Wilson says:

  1. Education. “Applicants tend to falsify their education histories. While most don’t outright lie about their B.A., they might pretend to have certifications or training that they actually don’t have. If an employer sees certificates on a employees’ resume, it would behoove them to inquire about it during the interview. Whether it’s a proficiency in Excel or knowing a second language, applicants tend to fudge their expertise in order to sound more impressive.”
  2. Length of employment at past jobs. “Many applicants try to hide a period of past unemployment by making it seem as though they worked longer at past jobs than they actually did. It’s one of the most important things to check up on when calling references.”
  3. References. “Speaking about references, many people use past coworkers as references, rather than actual managers. It’s an easy thing to fudge on a resume, which is why H.R. personnel need to actually look up the company’s director and find the actual executive in charge. Otherwise, you could be speaking with someone who knew your applicant as a Happy Hour buddy rather than an employee.”
  4. Job duties. “Applicants may pad their past job duties in order to sound more experienced. For example, an applicant may say that they had direct supervision over other employees or that they spearheaded certain initiatives at their past company. These are all things that need to be addressed both during the interview and when speaking with the applicant’s references.”
  5. Salary history. “People may lie about their salary history in order to help them gain an upper hand during salary negotiations at their next job. In fact, many people are now saying that employers should not even inquire about salary history due to wage inequality issues, and in fact New York City just passed a measure to ban employers from asking job applicants about their salary history.”

For more on this topic, please contact Rob Wilson at rwilson@thewilsoncompanies.com.

Why 74% of People Want to Leave Their Current Job

EmploycoUSA

Employment expert reveals the reasons behind why people leave their jobs

A recent survey found that 74 percent of people say that they are looking for a new job. Although that number might sound high, employment expert Rob Wilson says that the number is accurate. And here’s something else: Hating your job now can equal poorer health even years in the future.

“Many people are dissatisfied at their current place of employment, so even if they aren’t actively searching for new employment each day, they are passively keeping an eye out and networking when possible,” he says. “And now a new study shows that poor job satisfaction in your late 20s and 30s can have a huge negative impact on your physical and emotional health even decades in the future.”

So what is the reason why so many Americans aren’t happy with their jobs?

“The number one reason that people say they leave their jobs is because they aren’t happy with the possibilities for advancement,” says Wilson, CEO of Employco USA. “No one likes to feel like they are spinning their wheels. And the corporate culture itself is changing. Staying at a job for decades used to be a mark of accomplishment and loyalty. Now, today’s generation view that as stagnation—they are always looking for the next best thing.”

What are the other reasons people give for why they want out of their current jobs?

“The other two reasons are that people are unsatisfied with their management and/or their office climate,” he says, “Overly restrictive bosses or unfair management practices can make people feel like their work isn’t appreciated or as though they are being treated like children, rather than as valued employees.”

For more on this topic, please contact Rob Wilson at rwilson@thewilsoncompanies.com.

New Study Shows Job-Seekers Spend $150 on Each Interview

EmploycoUSA

Employment expert discusses study findings

Looking for a job is a costly endeavor.  A new study from Totaljobs has found that the average job-seeker spends $150 per interview. Expenditures include new clothing, makeup, transportation, as well as assistance writing their resume.

Rob Wilson, employment trends expert and President of Employco USA, says, “As this study shows, job-seeking requires a serious investment of both time and money. Unfortunately, this can be a heavy burden to carry, especially if you have no incoming salary.”

Here, Wilson offers his top interview tips, as well as his opinion of where interviewees should save and where they should splurge:

  1. A tailored suit is a must. “You don’t need to break the bank by buying a suit that costs thousands of dollars. But even an affordably-priced suit will likely require tailoring in order to fit you properly. This is true for both men and women. Invest in a tailored piece that you can wear again and again.”
  2. Avoid resume-writing services. “These companies are a dime-a-dozen on the Internet, and many of these places are using writers with very little professional experience. Certainly, they will not have comprehensive knowledge of your skills or the market you work in. Not to mention, they are costly. Instead, take a resume-writing course at a local college or look up free templates online. Then, have friends or family review for any errors.”
  3. Establish a website. “If you have money to invest in your job search, a personal domain will be more beneficial to you than a new handbag or pair of shoes. With simple web sites like SquareSpace or Wix, you can make a personal website that will feature your CV, your experience, your portfolio, your references, and perhaps even a short personal bio about your interests or volunteer work.”
  4. Skip expensive makeup. “Studies have shown that women who wear makeup come across more favorably than women who do not, so it is understandable why many women break the bank when it comes to cosmetics for job interviews. However, this can actually backfire—an overdone face or excessive perfume will be off-putting. A basic, clean, fresh look with minimal makeup is both approachable and inexpensive.”
  5. Rent interview clothing. “Many fashion companies now ‘rent’ clothing for special occasions, such as the popular website Rent the Runway. These services allow you to wear designer clothing for a negligible price. Then, you just return the item when your ‘lease’ is up!”

For more on this topic, please contact Rob Wilson at rwilson@thewilsoncompanies.com.

5 Tips for Using Social Media Effectively in Recruiting 

EmploycoUSA

Employment expert Rob Wilson shares best practices for hiring employees through social media

A recent Society of Human Resources (SHRM) study found that 84 percent of organizations are now recruiting on social media, up from 34 percent in 2008. “Clearly, using social media as a recruiting tool is here to stay,” said Rob Wilson, President of Employco USA. “Knowing when and how to use social media effectively, and correctly, to recruit candidates can help hiring managers not only find and vet talent but also reduce costs.”

Here are Wilson’s five best practices for recruiting using social media.

  1. Build your reputation as a great place to work

More and more, candidates look for companies that offer a great culture.  With talent shortages in key industries, nurturing and showcasing your company’s culture and how employees feel about working for you could be the difference in meeting your hiring objectives. “Workplace branding can help reduce a business’s cost to hire and its ability to attract quality candidates,” says Wilson. “Most job seekers today expect to be able to learn about a company’s culture not only through its website and social media profiles but also through third party sites like Glassdoor.”

  1. Use your company’s social media profiles strategically

In addition to having a careers section on your website listing openings, companies should also create profiles on popular social media sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. Beyond posting jobs, companies should build relationships and engage with potential candidates by sharing interesting information about the company, its culture, events, news and photos. Wilson suggests companies build their network by connecting to current and former co-workers to start.

  1. Leverage your employees

Ask employees to share job openings through their social media. “While they many not have a candidate to refer, someone in their network might,” says Wilson. “Referrals are still one of the best ways to source talent.” In addition, create a culture where employees are encouraged to share why the company is a great place to work. Empower them to post photos on Facebook, Tweet or share insights on LinkedIn about the culture. According to a 2014 survey from Monster, 65 percent of respondents would consider an opportunity for a new job if they learned about it from a personal connection.

  1. Track results

Track and measure your results against your efforts.  Experiment with your postings by changing words and images.  Evaluate what is or isn’t working and why. Replicate your successful strategies and tactics.

  1. Minimize legal risk

In addition to attracting candidates, social media can be a great tool for vetting candidates.  However, recruiting managers should be wary of potential legal risks when using social media for this purpose, warns Wilson. “You can learn a lot about a candidate from looking through their social media profiles, including things you wouldn’t be able to garner from an interview, such as age, marital status and other protected characteristics.”  Wilson recommends that HR professionals and hiring managers are trained and knowledgeable about recruiting laws and what’s appropriate when using social media to vet a candidate.

“Social media is only one tool in the recruiting arsenal, and it may not be right for every business, but when it is used effectively as part of a broader recruiting strategy, it can help companies attract and hire candidates at a lower cost,” says Wilson.

For more on this topic, please contact Rob Wilson at rwilson@thewilsoncompanies.com.

Why So Many Americans are Working Multiple Jobs

EmploycoUSA

New research from the Labor Department reveals that 1 in 20 Americans work multiple jobs. While that is the national average, several states have higher numbers than that. 8.7 percent of job holders in South Dakota work two jobs, followed by 8.5 percent of job holders in Vermont, and 8.4 percent in Nebraska.

“Currently, it is difficult to say whether or not these numbers point to a troubling economy or a solid economy,” says Rob Wilson, employment expert and CEO of Employco USA, “On the one hand, it illustrates that many Americans have to work two jobs in order to make ends meet, but on the other hand it also illustrates that people are able to find work.”

Still, Wilson believes it could be a troubling trend. “I believe that Obamacare could be partially behind American’s need to have multiple jobs,” he says, “Many employers balked at the idea of providing insurance to their full-time staff, so in order to skirt around the new rulings, they simply shaved hours off their employees’ schedules.”

Not only did this allow employers to avoid providing health insurance (as only firms with 50 or more full-time staff are required to provide insurance), but it also will allow them to navigate around other potential financial landmines.

“If the new overtime law goes into effect, shaving hours off employees’ schedules might become a must for companies who simply cannot afford to pay their staff these increased wages. Sadly, the people who suffer here are the average Americans—because they now have to find supplemental work just to make ends meet.”

New Research Reveals Americans’ Opinion of Employment 

EmploycoUSA

A recent survey from the American Staffing Association found that most Americans have little faith that they can find a better job than the one they currently have. As for unemployed Americans, hope is equally dim as 38 percent of able-bodied workers say that they do not believe they can find a job in the coming year.

CEO of Employco USA and employment expert Rob Wilson says, “According to the old adage, there is no job harder than trying to find a job, and that can be true even if you are already gainfully employed. Many Americans are miserable in their current positions, but they don’t want to waste their precious time off looking for another job if they have little hope their hard work will pay off.”

Wilson believes part of the problem is that the job search is so terrifying to many people. “Looking for a job can make you incredibly vulnerable,” he says, “Even a confident person can become depleted after a slew of unsuccessful interviews.”

His advice? Work smarter, not harder.

“If you use an employment agency, you can immediately tap into a world of connections and possibilities that would not otherwise be available to you,” says Wilson, “And these experts can be invaluable in helping you improve your resume and interview skills.”

Wilson also believes a shotgun approach isn’t the best way to go. “Don’t waste your time applying to 50 jobs just so you can feel accomplished,” he says, “Chances are most of those jobs aren’t a good fit for you, so all you have done is waste your time and the employer’s time. Instead, hone in on jobs that are specific to your skills and interests. It’s better to apply to one job a week rather than 50, if that one job could actually open doors for you.”

Lastly, Wilson thinks practice makes perfect. “There is no such thing as a wasted interview. Every interaction gives you a chance to fine-tune your skills and improve your communication.”

For more on Wilson’s job hunting tips or to speak to him further, please contact me.

What College Kids Need to Know about Part-time Jobs

EmploycoUSA

Nearly 4 out of 5 college students have a job, with most spending almost 20 hours a week working along with attending classes. However, being a student and an employee can certainly be a strain, not to mention, competition for jobs on campuses can be fierce.

Rob Wilson, CEO of Employco USA, says, “Most college kids need to work in order to help pay the bills. However, it’s a shame that so many get jobs that won’t be helpful to their careers in the long run, or jobs that don’t pay them fairly for their time.”

Here are Wilson’s top tips for how college students can make the most of part-time work:

1)   Think outside the quad. “A job on campus might seem ideal,” says Wilson, “You can be close to classes and see your friends. However, campus jobs don’t generally pay well, and you will be competing with thousands of others kids. If you have transportation options, I suggest looking off campus.”

2)   Don’t just look for “fun” places to work. “Yes, being a barback at your favorite bar would be cool,” says Wilson. “But it’s not exactly going to impress any future employers down the road. Look for jobs that have cache in the field you want to break into, even if you have to start at the bottom, such as working in the mail room at your city newspaper if you want to be a journalist.”

3)   Don’t stop at the Campus Career Center. “Your career center probably has some options for students looking for work,” says Wilson, “But I think students should go even one step further. Find a temp agency that can help you look for part-time work. Not only will they help you find jobs, they can help you work on your resume and perfect your interview skills.”

4)   Be professional. “People sometimes hesitate to hire college students because they picture an Animal House personality,” says Wilson. “Make sure that you dress professionally (ditch the college uniform of jeans and pjs), and that your social media doesn’t reflect poorly on you.  Look at your TA’s and grad students in your field. They dress the part and hence come off as more confident and capable.”

5)   Don’t be afraid to intern. “Taking a job for little or no pay can seem crazy,” says Wilson, “But, trust me, it might be the smartest thing you can do for your future. Gaining real world experience and collecting valuable contacts will make a world of difference when you finally graduate.”

What the New Minimum Wage Requirement Could Mean for Companies

EmploycoUSA
As of last Wednesday, the new minimum wage in Chicago bumped from $8.25 to $10. By 2019, the new minimum wage requirement will be set at $13. However, employment expert Rob Wilson says that there are loopholes which people should look out for.
He says, “There are a few ways that people can possibly work around the minimum wage requirement. The main way is by keeping their company located outside of the city. For example, a company could be located in Deerfield, but still do business in the city, whether it is window-washing or tent rentals. In doing so, they can avoid paying their employees the new legal wage set by the city.”
Wilson, who is the CEO of Employco USA, an employment solutions firm, continues, “Virtual companies could also be confronted with new issues due to this law. For example, virtual companies in Chicago might have to leave if they have minimum wage workers elsewhere. All in all, this new wage ruling will have unexpected consequences as well as potential loopholes.”