Archive 2008

May 2008

Spring into Sucess!

All market indicators show that we're in for a bumpy ride this spring. One of the smartest things you can do now is begin to evaluate how secure you are in your position. Are you in a stable industry? Did you get the bonus that was promised to you? Is your boss still talking about developing your position on an upward trajectory, or is your company doing some minor contraction or, even freezing promotions? If you respond with a nervous 'yes' to any of these questions, perhaps it may be time to reevaluate what is best for you for the long term.

Kind regards,

Julie Laufer

July 2008

Changing Commuting Habits

A new survey states that 44% of workers said higher gas prices are forcing them to change their commuting habits, up from 34% a year ago. Among those who said they have altered their work arrangements, the most common changes they reported include:

· increased carpooling or ridesharing (46%);

· driving a more fuel-efficient vehicle (33%);

· telecommuting more frequently (33%).

Other changes:

· three in 10 said they are looking for a new job closer to home;

· working from office locations closer to home (29%);

· working fewer days of the week (26%);

· asking for increased compensation (25%);

· taking public transportation more frequently (23%);

· walking or biking to work (18%);

· driving more conscientiously (e.g., slower) (5%);

· cutting back on spending (2%).

Respondents who said their commutes have not been affected by rising gas prices were asked how much more per-gallon gas prices would have to rise before impacting their work arrangements. The mean response was $1.14. Are employers helping out at all? Though 59% of workers said no, those whose bosses are lending a hand say they're doing so with "mileage reimbursement for travel, ridesharing or vanpooling programs and subsidized transportation."

Have higher gas prices changed your commute? We're here to help if you have not decided what your next move may be.

September 2008

Change is in the Air

Change is in the air... can't you feel it? It's not just because the weather is cooling and the kids are back in school. Not only are our presidential candidates talking about new reforms but it seems everyone is considering novel and fresh solutions to old problems - whether it's considering alternative energy sources and going green or changing your career. We've taken a minute to consider some of the factors that go into making your career what you'd like it to be. In this newsletter, you'll find some helpful tips as well as a quick quiz to better understand what choices you may need to take down the road to find that next great job.

Decmber 2008

Meet Kelly Shalk: Manager of Temporary Staffing Services

Interview between Emily Feinberg and Kelly Shalk

Kelly Shalk joins us from sunny northern California. She moved here in September of last year after finishing her double major of International Relations and Spanish at Chico State (northern California). As our Temporary Staffing Manager, her position encompasses overseeing and managing our Temporary employees as well as our client accounts. I sat down to ask Kelly a few questions so that you could get to know more about her:

What brought you to Laufer?
--I was in San Francisco, researching employment agencies in Boston and came across Laufer and Associates. I called and spoke to Emily about my situation and we hit it off - she made me feel really comfortable and told me she was from California as well. When I got here, Laufer was the first place I interviewed, and I fell in love with the atmosphere and the warmth, as well as the recruiter's sincere interest in really finding out where my passions lie - not only as to what company would be the best fit for me, but where I would feel most comfortable. After describing in detail what I was looking for in a company, it turned out my ideal company was right in front of me - Laufer and Associates.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?
--I think what I enjoy most is the feeling you get when you place someone in their ideal job. I love to help people in general, and this job allows me to use my passion for helping people. I also love to meet new people and I get to do that a lot in my role. The people I get to know, clients and candidates alike, energize me and encourage me to work hard in my position, but more than that, to really care about their futures.

Outside of work, of what accomplishment are you most proud?
--I would have to say my biggest accomplishment thus far was spearheading a Girl Scout program for teenagers in northern California. It was called Challenge Yourself, Change the World and was funded by the Department of Agriculture. This program enables young women to start up sustainable projects which then give back to their communities. Last year, I helped two teenagers open up the first youth center in their small town of 2000 citizens. This was the first time they had a place to go for positive activity in a town filled with gang violence. The challenges I faced helped prepare me for the job I have now.

Who is your biggest influence/role model?

--I would say Ghandi. Every day I try to change the world in a positive way. I think it's important to "be the change you wish to see in the world." Another person would be Sally Lind, who was like a second mother to me growing up. She was extremely wise, a quality that I respect so much. She was the most well-read person I knew, and motivated me to live abroad and stretch myself and my limits past where I thought I was capable of going. She taught me the true definition of tenacity. Sally was my cheerleader growing up.

Would you rather meet Thomas Jefferson or Kathryn Hepburn?
--Thomas Jefferson because I believe he is more of a mover and a shaker of our history. Thomas Jefferson was the ultimate renaissance man- not only was he the author of the Declaration of Independence but he was also an architect, linguist... etc.
I love history and (not that Kathryn Hepburn doesn't give us plenty of that) I studied political science in college.

What is your favorite Laufer moment?
--I think it would have to be the young woman who was my first placement. Her background was completely unrelated to what she aspires to do now so it was a position we really had to rally for on her behalf. She was wonderful to work with and I was very pleased that we could place her into such a wonderful position. An hour after we placed her, a sweet gift showed up at our office to celebrate the occasion and we were so happy for her!