Edwards could always call Andrea Kay.
Jobless recovery? Don't Believe the Hype
By Andrea Kay
Gannett News Service
January 17th, 2004
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Whoever first uttered the phrase "jobless recovery" should be run out of town.
Granted, the latest disappointing employment figures show that the estimate that 150,000 jobs would be created in December was way off. That was just one month, and according to an article in The New York Times, one of the main reasons for the lack of growth was the lower-than-expected (temporary) holiday hiring.
Overall, though, in the past year, the number of jobs you’ve been hoping would materialize are fewer and the types different than you wanted. But no jobs?
If there are no jobs, then explain why three Cincinnati companies have openings for a marketing director and a Dayton-based firm has 10 sales positions they need to fill. How is it that my client in Atlanta e-mailed, asking if I knew anyone for two new brand manager jobs at his company? Why did a manager in a hospital just call to ask if I knew of anyone to fill an administrative role pronto?
Why has my information technology client had three interviews across the country in the last month? Why am I helping my Boston-based client prepare for an interview this week?
And whoever said there are no good companies is also off base. To see what good companies are hiring, start with a look at the recent Fortune magazine, which lists the 100 Best Companies to Work For. More than half added jobs this past year.
CDW, a computer products provider in Vernon Hills, Ill., increased jobs 27 percent, adding 778 jobs. Quicken Loans of Livonia, Mich., had 96 percent job growth, adding 812 jobs. Biotechnology firm Amgen in Thousand Oaks, with offices around the world, had a 49 percent job growth adding 3,046 jobs. Information technology company SRA International in Fairfax, Va., showed 23 percent job growth with 450 new positions. Whole Foods Market in Austin, Texas, added 2,090 jobs.
J.M. Smuckers in Orrville, Ohio -- the No. 1 company on the list -- has the basics you constantly tell me you want. The head honchos say they adhere to a simple code of conduct: "Listen with your full attention, look for the good in others, have a sense of humor and say thank you for a job well done."
Two other key ingredients you say you want are continuous learning and the opportunity to move up in the company. Learning is a big thing at American Fidelity Assurance, which had 16 percent job growth and is No. 31 on the list, offering free courses from time management to Spanish. And, says the article, 95 percent of management is promoted from within.
At HomeBank Mortgage, No. 39 on the list, you can take classes through the company or get $10,000 tuition to study somewhere else.
And if you want to work where you’re clear on company goals and feel like an owner, there’s Scooter Store, No. 58 on the list. Managers at this manufacturer of medical scooters and power wheelchairs assemble workers every morning for a 14-minute huddle to discuss the day’s goals, says the article. Plus, employees own 40 percent of the company.
This is just some evidence to negate this so-called jobless recovery with no good companies to work for -- discouraging descriptions that contribute to the large number of people who stopped looking for work.
A better approach? Turn a deaf ear to labels that oversimplify a complex situation and lead to doom and gloom. Due to many factors -- including some permanent job losses and jobs that moved overseas -- this is a market like we’ve never seen before. You may need to look at new ways to apply your skills. Or totally switch gears. But giving up is not an option.
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Career consultant Andrea Kay is the author of Greener Pastures: How To Find a Job In Another Place. E-mail Andrea or send questions to her at 2692 Madison Rd., #133 Cincinnati, OH 45208; fax: (859) 781-2228. Check out her Web site at www.andrea.kay.com |
