Job Purpose vs Job Pay

According to the 2013 Work Stress Survey, 83% of Americans reported being stressed about at least one thing at work, with the number one factor being low pay. With workplace stress on the rise, have you asked yourself – “am I working for the pay or the purpose?”

Working for Pay
Payscale, a research provider on salary and career topics, dove into how meaningful people found their work versus what they get paid. The highest paying and most meaningful rated job is a dermatologist. But what about those jobs that have high pay with low meaning? Business Insider released a summary of the Payscale report focusing on jobs that pay well, but aren’t changing the world. That list included job titles for senior and corporate counsel, fashion designer, credit/collections director, and network architect. This list proves that high pay doesn’t always lead to high job satisfaction.

If pay is the most common factor in workplace stress, can workplace stress be alleviated just with higher pay? The highest earners in the Work Stress Survey cited their number one work stress was unreasonable workload. But if your work was doing something you truly love and find purpose in, more work might really just be more fun, right? It’s something to think about.

Working for Purpose
What about jobs with low pay but high satisfaction? Topping that list are sign language interpreter, worship coordinator, two jobs in the water treatment field – plant operator and plant laboratory technician, and soldier. This article also clarifies that high meaning doesn’t necessarily correlate with job satisfaction. Meaningful and fulfilling work can be hard, but is there a payout in knowing your work is creating a better world?

Another reason people may turn to careers of purpose is to have work that creates something. Generations ago, work resulted in a product, whether it was manufacturing or farming, you could actually see and touch your end product. A recent article inParade stated that Etsy’s (an online craft marketplace) one million sellers will have sales of more than $1 billion this year. Individuals have turned to crafting as a relaxing hobby and have also found a way to make money off it.

The Balance
Finding the perfect balance of pay and purpose might be the definition of a dream job. Simply, what is your goal in finding employment? Your career goal may center on purpose if you are at a point in your life where financial responsibilities are lower. On the other side, if financial responsibilities are your driving motivation, it’s probably more important how much your paycheck is – not necessarily what you did to earn it.

For some individuals, a career of purpose is being noted as a career built for the second act of their business life. The Halftime organization “helps individuals find their passion to help lead a more significant second half,” as explored last month in a story on CBS DFW.

What about you? Are you trying to find your passion early in your career or are you working for a paycheck now with hope that at some point you can chart a new course? Share your thoughts in our comments section below.

Click Here for a list of Jobs in Nashville TN

How to Know if Your 1099 Contract Worker is Really a Misclassified Employee

Nashville, TN – As the business world continues to change, the way employers staff their companies is evolving.  Many are turning to independent contractors to complete projects when their core staff cannot meet demands.  In the US, millions of workers are classified as 1099 contractors and don’t receive the same benefits as employees, such as reduced taxes, employer-paid taxes, insurance, social security or worker’s compensation.  Properly classified 1099 contractors can be a win-win solution for both the utilizing company and the workers, but misclassified contractors can lead to HUGE trouble for the employer.  Incorrectly classifying an employee as a contractor affects the amount of tax funds government agencies receive, so it is not taken lightly by government officials.  If the IRS finds contractors who don’t match up to their two classification tests, employers are faced with paying back taxes, as well as interest and penalties on what they owe.  With the increased attention being placed on the classification of workers, it is the employer’s job to ensure contractors and employees are properly classified to prevent placing their business at risk.

So how do you know if your 1099 contractors are really misclassified employees?  I am providing a great tool to help you determine your worker’s status, and what you can do to pass with flying colors!  You can receive this FREE brochure PDF download at http://ow.ly/d/3r3y

The Great Shift: Where Have All the Workers Gone?

Nashville, TN – Perhaps the most confounding phenomenon of the post-recession recovery is the sharp decline in the labor force participation rate (LFPR), the percentage of Americans who are working or looking for work. The labor force participation rate is currently at a level not seen since the 1970s – 63.4 percent.

While the unemployment rate has steadily decreased from its high of 10.0 percent in October of 2009 to 7.4 percent in July of 2013, the percentage of Americans in the labor force has not risen. It has fallen about 2.7 percentage points since the onset of the latest recession.

This is a tragedy in the making, and its impact on the country has been underestimated. When Americans quit looking for work because they conclude not working beats working, America faces a significant problem. We view this change in behavior as a “Great Shift,” worthy of focus and attention, because its implications for the economy, the social safety net, the deficit and America’s quality of life are profound, especially for Millennials and older workers who have quit looking for jobs.

The sad reality is that the falling labor force participation rate is actually driving much of the decline in America’s unemployment rate. Millions of Americans have just stopped looking for work, and to be counted among the unemployed, you have to be searching for a job. So why is America’s labor force shrinking, relative to its population size?

I have put together for you a FREE report that details what our economy faces with this “Great Shift” in the workforce, and it is yours by going to http://ow.ly/d/3rG7

Cyberprowlers: How Companies use Social Media to Steal Your TOP Talent

Today’s economy is requiring more from businesses than ever before, and innovation is one of those requirements.  But innovation isn’t something you can purchase, download or install.  It only comes from one place…YOUR employees!

Your top performers are the one’s who drive innovation.  Without them, your business cannot be the best in your market or industry.  They are your key to survival, profitability and success.

The problem is, you aren’t the only one who knows that.  Other business leaders, including your competitors, understand this truth as well.  So it’s up to you to continue the daily fight to protect your workforce and retain your employees, especially from Cyber Prowlers.  To help you combat this in your business, I have prepared a FREE guide you can download at http://ow.ly/d/3sgJ

The Affordable Care Act is Getting WORSE for Business

New Survey: ACA Getting Worse For Business

62% of Businesses Say ACA Leads to Less Job Creation

More Businesses Expecting Negative Impact, Up From 2014

25% Will Try To Remain Under 50 Employees

_____________________

OKLAHOMA CITY – Express Employment Professionals released a new study on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) impact on job creation.

In March 2015, Express Employment Professionals surveyed 692 business owners, decision makers and human resource professionals about the ACA’s effect on their companies.

Of those surveyed, 63 percent believe the ACA will negatively affect their business in the future, up from 53 percent in 2014. Similarly, 62 percent believe the ACA will lead to less job creation, up slightly from 2014

When asked whether the ACA will cause them to remain under 50 full-time employees, the threshold for the requirement to provide health insurance, 25 percent said it would. But the percentage was higher for businesses with workers currently numbering in the 40s. Among those businesses with 45-49 employees, 33 percent said they would try to remain under 50 workers, while 67 percent of businesses with 40-44 employees said the same

“Almost two-thirds of business leaders are telling us that the Affordable Care Act is hurting them, and they’re saying things are getting worse, not better. That fact should make anyone sit up and take notice. What they’re telling us is that the law isn’t just affecting their bottom line. It’s limiting their desire to hire new workers,” said Bob Funk, CEO of Express, and a former chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.

“These survey results are especially troubling at a time when so many Americans are unemployed or out of the labor force altogether.”

 About the survey: In March 2015, Express Employment Professionals surveyed 692 business owners, decision makers, and human resource professionals about the Affordable Care Act and its impact on their business, as they currently understand the law.

If you are looking for a job, please check out our current openings athttp://www.expresspros.com/nnashvilletn

Break FREE from Your Job Search!

As our Canadian friends celebrate Canada Day, Independence Day is just around the corner in the U.S. While both of these holidays are a great time to get together with family and friends, enjoy a picnic, watch a firework show, and celebrate freedom, it’s also an opportunity to declare independence from your job search. If you’ve been looking for work for an extended period of time, you are probably well aware of the struggles a difficult job search can bring. In honor of the July 4th holiday, we want to share some tips that may help you break free from your search and land a job.

Re-evaluate and consider your goals.When it comes to your job search, there may be a specific job or company you have in mind. While it’s beneficial to have an idea of where you’d like to work or what you’d like to do, it’s possible that too much focus on a specific position may cause you to have tunnel vision. If you’ve submitted resumes and applications for the same type of job over and over, but haven’t landed an interview yet, take some time to step back and evaluate whether or not you’re on the right path. It’s possible that you don’t possess the skills or experience needed for a certain job, and you’re only wasting time pursuing it.

If that’s the case, assess what education or experience you may need to meet the position’s requirements and consider receiving the appropriate training before you apply for similar jobs.

Network both online and offline.LinkedIn is a great way to make connections with people in the industry or company where you want to work. Making sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date with all of your skills, experience, and educational information to help you stand out to potential employers who find you online. Likewise, your other social media accounts may be visible to recruiters and interviewers as well, so make sure you keep your Facebook, Twitter, and other accounts professional at all times. You never know who is looking at them!

In addition to online networking through social media, it’s just as important to network offline. Consider going to industry events, joining a professional organization, attending local functions, or volunteering in your community. These gatherings give you the opportunity to meet new people face-to-face and network on a personal level. Often, employers don’t post their jobs online. They rely instead on employees or personal networking, so you don’t want to miss out on this unspoken opportunity.

Show excitement during your interview.If you are asked to visit a company for an interview, there’s no doubt you’ll be excited. But, a recent survey from OI Global Partners reveals that 56% of interviewers think their interviewees don’t show enough excitement or interest during the conversation. While it’s natural to feel nervous during an interview, it’s important that you don’t let those nerves get the best of you. Make sure you show your interest in the job by researching the company before the interview.

When you research, look for something about the company that stands out or relates to you so you can share a personal story about it with your interviewer. This shows that you put effort into learning more about the job and that you’re excited about its purpose. And of course, go to your interview. A recent survey from Express Employment Professionals revealed that an alarming number of job candidates don’t even show up to their interviews. Remember, you can’t get the job if you don’t make the effort. If you’re going to be late, call ahead and let the interviewer know that you’re running behind, but don’t avoid going just because you’re late.

Consider short-term employment.Even if your end goal is to find a long-term position at a company, you shouldn’t turn down any temporary roles that come your way in the meantime. There are a number of benefits to taking on temporary work while you’re looking for your dream job, including the ability to test out industries you haven’t worked in before. You may be able to find a job in an environment you’re interested in, but don’t have the experience necessary to land permanent work yet. Additionally, many temporary jobs can turn into permanent ones if they’re the right fit for you. If you decide to pursue temporary work during your job search, remember to showcase your work ethic, skills, and dedication every day. You don’t always know when the employer is looking to hire someone full time!

How did you break free from your job search and land the job? Share your stories in the comments section below!  If you are looking for a job, please check out our current openings at http://www.expresspros.com/nnashvilletn

How to Follow Up After an Interview

Navigating the job search, acing interviews, and creating resumes can be challenging. We know there’s a lot to learn about these processes, and I want to help you by answering your questions.

Question:

“I always feel like I’m being too pushy when I follow up after an interview. When is the appropriate time frame for a follow-up, and what are the best methods for doing so?”

Answer:Unfortunately, there isn’t one single strategy that will work for all instances. Some recruiters might find your follow-up instincts pushy, while others may be thankful that you’re staying in contact. That being said, setting appropriate expectations during the initial conversation is the key!

One good practice for establishing these expectations is to discuss the next steps with the interviewer before leaving the interview. By doing this, your call or email won’t come as a surprise. Instead, it will be clear that you’re simply following up as the two of you discussed. Ask the interviewer what their preferred method of communication might be, and what their timeline for filling this position looks like. You should also relay to them what your expectations for feedback might be, and discuss your communication plan should the process exceed that timeline.

If your expectations aren’t the same as the interviewer’s, this is the place where they can help re-align what will happen next, and when. Get their permission to follow up at a certain date and time, and then reference that permission when you speak to them again, or on any voicemail or email you send.

Another issue that can arise when proper expectations haven’t been set is that one party ends up doing all of the communicating. This is where that “pushy” feeling comes into play. Have you ever found yourself doing this? You call, leave a message, call back again, leave another message, send a couple of emails, and still don’t hear anything back from the recruiter. How frustrating!  I’m a firm believer that the squeaky wheel gets the oil, but it’s also very easy to overdue your follow up. If you leave a voice or email message, give that recruiter time to follow up with you. If you try to reach out to them again, say within 24 hours, try not to leave a second voicemail. Recruiters often have many job orders they are working on at one time in addition to a very wide assortment of other tasks they must accomplish each day. If you’ve set expectations correctly, and followed up as you said you would, you’ll hear from them as soon as they’ve got news to communicate!

Do you have a question about the job search, hiring, or recruiting process? Now’s your chance to have your question answered by me, as I work with folks hiring and looking for talent every day.  Ask your question in the comments section below and check back soon to read what I have to say!  If you are looking for a job, please check out our current openings at http://www.expresspros.com/nnashvilletn

The New Look of Temporary Work

There’s been a fundamental shift in the way companies do business today as staffing services have become a more vital part of business and hiring strategies. Since the great recession, U.S. staffing firms have created more jobs than any other industry and are expected to grow faster and add more new jobs in the next decade, according to American Staffing Association (ASA). Business owners are increasingly using temporary and contract staffing as a means to help them quickly react to changing market conditions.

This change in hiring preference can be seen in recent data from Express Employment Professionals, who recently conducted a survey of 665 employers throughout the U.S. and Canada and found that many planned on adding temporary workers in the third quarter, especially in the commercial and light industrial sectors.

Staffing agencies are allowing businesses the flexibility to expand and decrease their workforces to meet demand. Like employers, workers are also seeing the benefits of flexible employment. According to a recent story by National Public Radio, temporary employment is a good way to get a foot in the door with a company in a down economy. Contingent workers also have the freedom to travel and work in different fields. Working on a temporary basis for different employers allows individuals an opportunity to increase their skill sets, widen networking circles, and have flexibility in their work life. Because of this freedom, more workers are using temporary work to stay effective in their specific fields. By working in different environments, social settings and businesses, workers have to adapt their specific skills and training to fit in the ever-changing company cultures. This is one reason contingent workers are becoming more effective and experienced in the workplace.

Another trend in this industry is that staffing employees are working for firms longer than ever before. The staffing industry has lately seen an increase in tenure compared to previous years. While employers cautiously wait to see if the economic growth will be sustained, they are keeping contract workers for extended periods. Workers are seeing this as a great way to potentially be hired on full time with companies later. A recent study by ASA found that when the economy is growing at a normal rate, 53% of staffing employees who remain in the workforce bridge to full-time employment. This is why temporary work is becoming so attractive to top talent. It provides them more opportunities while giving employers a first-hand look at their potential to thrive in a company.

In the next 10 years, the U.S. staffing industry is expected to grow faster and add more new jobs than nearly any other industry, according to ASA. And to solidify its proper place, the BLS believes the demand for temporary help will generate a significant amount of employment growth during this next decade. The staffing industry is growing and becoming a more vital aspect of the business environment, and temporary workers are on the front end leading the change.  If you are looking for a job, please check out our current openings at http://www.expresspros.com/nnashvilletn

Holiday Weekends are a Great Time to Network!

With the Fourth of July holiday right around the corner, many Americans will find themselves traveling, camping, enjoying cook-outs, and gathering with family and friends. While it’s a great time to make memories and enjoy a firework show, it’s also a prime time to make sure you’re thinking about your career.

How can a holiday weekend make an impact on your job search? It’s all about networking. Whether you’re planning to attend a neighborhood pool party, barbeque with friends, or participate in a community event, there’s always an opportunity to network and make connections that could help you on your career path. Take a look at these tips for enhancing your summer holiday through the power of networking.

Be friendly.You never know who you may run into at a social gathering, so it’s always important to put your best foot forward. In fact, it’s a commonly held belief that people will form an impression of you in the first seven seconds. When you meet someone new, consider it an informal job interview. Be friendly and positive and don’t be afraid to talk about your hobbies, what you enjoy doing for work, or your career goals. Even if the person you’re meeting doesn’t seem to possess any direct connections to a new job or company you want to work for, they may know someone who does. And, the first impression you give them could make or break your chance at that relationship.

Give yourself value.When you meet someone for the first time, it may be easy to talk about yourself and share your career goals with the other person. While it’s important to introduce yourself, make sure you also allow your new connection time to speak. And don’t forget to give yourself value by explaining what you can do for the relationship. If you have experience, certain skills, or training that could benefit the other person, make it known. For example, if you’re an experienced welder and you find out your cousin’s friend owns a machine shop that’s looking for welders, be sure to introduce yourself and make your skills known.

Share your contact information.If you happen to meet someone with connections or a job they’re trying to fill, make sure you get their contact information so you can follow up with them after the holiday weekend. You may want to consider carrying around business cards with your name and contact information for networking purposes. Keep a pen handy so you can write a note on the back of the card, like “Jim’s BBQ” or “Sarah’s Firework Stand” so they will remember where you met when they find your card after the holiday weekend. You may also consider sharing your LinkedIn profile with any new connections. If you have a smart phone or tablet handy, you can even look up the profile of those you network with and add them as a connection before you forget.

Don’t forget to follow up.After the holiday weekend has ended, consider sending your new contact a handwritten note thanking them for their time or interest and asking if there’s a convenient time for you to meet and further discuss the open position or your career goals. Sending a quick note through email is another way to make a memorable impression and keep your name at the forefront of your new connection’s mind.

How do you plan to network during the holiday weekend? Have you made a job connection through a social event? Share your tips in the comments section below!  If you are looking for a job, please check out our current openings at http://www.expresspros.com/nnashvilletn

Moving on After a Job Breakup

Getting fired, laid off, or quitting a job can be a very rough time. If this happens to you, chances are you’ll be faced with some negative emotions and anxiety about your future. Starting a new job search while you’re under so much stress can be difficult, but there are steps you can take to lessen the blow. Check out these tips to help you move on after a job break up.

Give yourself time to let it sink in.Often, leaving a job comes with negative emotions. These emotions are normal, but you can’t bounce back and find a new job if you’re still focusing on negative thoughts and memories. You need to be positive and enthusiastic about new opportunities in order to land your next job, so make sure you allow yourself time to work through the feelings that come with being let go. Go for a walk, take up a new hobby, or lean on family or friends to help you cope before you take the next step.

Learn from your mistakes.If you were let go from a job because of something you did – or didn’t do – take some time to think about what went wrong and how you can stop it from happening again. Try to find lessons you can learn from the situation. If you were let go because of company problems, like financial troubles or a change in management, those lessons can be harder to find. But, there are always things you can do to improve your future employability. Remember to think of the positives this change may bring. Perhaps now you can explore a new career path, reassess your strengths and weaknesses, go back to school, or find a company that will allow you to move up in your career.

Start planning.Starting a new job search can be intimidating, and you may not be sure where to begin. According to Amy Shouse from LearnVest, a financial planning company, start by writing down every place you’d like to work. Regardless of where these companies are located or if you have the education or experience to work there, put them on your list of dream jobs. Then, do at least five things every day that will work toward landing one of those dream jobs. Research companies, make calls, submit applications, and find places to network.

Be ready to talk about the job in interviews.Although it’s not always easy to talk about former employers, you need to be prepared when an interviewer asks the inevitable question: “Why did you leave your last job?” Remember to avoid badmouthing your previous boss, always remain honest and open with your answer, and try to show your strengths to the interviewer.

Remain professional.Regardless of why you are leaving the company, remember to exit gracefully. Since networking and references are an important part of the workplace, you don’t want to burn any bridges you may need down the road. And don’t broadcast your feelings on social media either. While it may be tempting to let your Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn friends know how upset you are, it’s best to avoid saying anything negative about your previous job. These social accounts are easily searchable by potential employers, and you don’t want to air any dirty laundry that could prevent you from landing an interview. If you have to get all of your negative emotions out, rely on a friend you can trust instead of social media.

Consider volunteering.Looking for your next job may take longer than you expected. Since you don’t want long gaps on your resume that show you were out of work, consider volunteering to an organization in your community during your job search. In addition to giving back and feeling good about your part in the community, volunteering also offers many benefits to your job search. When you volunteer, you have the opportunity to network and meet new people, learn new skills, and gain experience to add to your resume.

Although moving on from a job break up can be tough, it doesn’t have to be. How have you bounced back from losing a job? Let me know in the comments section below!  If you are looking for a job, please check out our current openings at http://www.expresspros.com/nnashvilletn