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From the Desk of Julie Laufer
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Hello Friends,
The world's most famous groundhog Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow this year. According to tradition, this means that spring is arriving early. Along with the winter thaw, our economy is warming up and we are breaking through the ice!
Recent experience may have made you feel like landing a new job was impossible, but we're as busy as we've ever been. New jobs are being created every day. Let us assure you that there is hope, and there are jobs.
Keep checking in with us for more helpful tips and great new jobs.
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February Success Story: Megan Spitler
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In mid-December of last year I suddenly found myself on the job market again, just 6 months after accepting my former position. I am not the kind of professional who is comfortable with hopping around from job to job, or from company to company. For me, the job search process can be one of the most difficult, stressful processes that, unfortunately, some of us must go through several times throughout our careers.
After the holidays I began meeting with many different staffing agencies in and around the Boston area. My goal was to gain an executive assistant role for a great company, as that is where my experience and expertise is. From my previous experience, I felt that I had a very clear understanding of what kind of role and company I should move on to, and which kinds of roles to stay away from. I would estimate that I met with about 10-15 agencies before coming into contact with Julie Laufer, the President of Laufer and Associates. I applied to a job of hers online, fairly late in the evening. I heard back from Julie right away. She expressed such interest and enthusiasm about my background. Mind you, I had already been through this same process 10-15 times in the past couple of weeks. However, my interaction with Julie was different from the very beginning. I knew that she saw something special in my resume and really felt like she was excited to meet with me. I set up a time to meet with her the next day. Our meeting went very well. Just as I had felt via email, Julie was very interested and excited about my background. I was able to tell her about my work experience, and we were able to discuss the challenges that I might face in my job search. Julie expressed compassion towards me and the situation that I was in, which was so refreshing and to be honest, relieving. Not only did she understand where I was coming from, but where I wanted to go. Going into the meeting I felt that I knew what I wanted. After meeting with Julie we were able to clarify what kind of company and role I'd really be happy in, and what kind of company needed a person like me!
She knew right away which position she wanted to send me in to interview for. We discussed the role and we both knew right away how perfect it would be! I walked away extremely excited knowing that somehow, something would come out of this. I hadn't felt this way with other agencies where I'd often walk away feeling like the experience had been somewhat anti-climactic. I received a call from Julie 20 minutes later and had an interview scheduled with her client two days later. Needless to say, I was offered the position after several interviews, and couldn't be happier in my new job. I met Julie on a Tuesday afternoon and started my first day of work the following Tuesday.
I truly felt that Julie was in my corner the entire time. She was there to prep, encourage, and give me some really great suggestions to "seal the deal." I wish that I knew more friends and colleagues that are currently in the midst of a job search of their own so that I could connect them with Julie. Many thanks! I feel like a different woman!
– Megan Spitler
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Temp of the Month: Dalia Hamzeh
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Laufer and Associates has been amazing from the very beginning. They really take the time to get to know you! They have helped me highlight my strengths and overcome my weaknesses. I was placed at a great company, and to this day I continue to receive the guidance from Laufer and Associates in the workplace. They give such great support, and I couldn't have found the job I have now without them.
-Dalia Hamzeh
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To Cherish a Desire with Anticipation
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On any given night, it is estimated that there are 672,000 people experiencing homelessness. A number so shocking can only lead to worry, discomfort, and speculation. As something many of us frequently witness, the difficulty to imagine how people get to this point continues. What is even harder to fathom is the ability to pull oneself out of such unfortunate circumstances. Earlier this month, Ted Williams, a man with a "God given gift of voice," was literally pulled off the streets in Columbus, Ohio. To his surprise, Williams had offers coming in from several sports teams, radio stations, and news channels simply aching to get his "golden voice" on their segments. And that quickly, Williams went from living on the streets to being offered a position and a house by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Although our stories may not be as heart rendering as Ted Williams', our abilities to make a complete 180 turn often lies in our own hands. Throughout the past few years the word "hope" has been used in as many clichés as one can possibly imagine, but when you think about the actual meaning of the word "hope," your thoughts may change. "To cherish a desire with anticipation," (Merriam-Webster), is the longing, yearning, and faith that your aspirations will one day amount to something. Like Williams, you too can turn your life around. With the current economic climate, keeping hopes up can be difficult, but the times are changing. With time, persistence, and hope you will be able to reach your goals.
To quote the man with the golden voice, "…Now I'm more appreciative of life, I'm not taking it for granted." (Williams). As previously stated, making a dramatic shift in your life may be difficult, but the ability does lie within your own hands. At Laufer and Associates, we want to help you in this journey to make a change in your life. If you are determined, we will do what we can to assist you in reaching your goals. Although it seems like it may have been an instant success story for Williams, we have to realize the persistence he maintained. Sometimes holding on to your glimmer of hope is the best thing you can do.
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Taking the Right Approach
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With the pink elephant in the room, also known as downsizing or layoffs, it can be difficult to avoid the fear of losing your job. Although your position may be stable and the unemployment rate is slowly but surely dropping, there is always the possibility of a layoff. Chances are, someone you know will be let go. How are you expected to react to this? Are you supposed to avoid the obvious and pretend like nothing has happened, or should you be sympathetic? The answer may not always be clear, but the following are some suggestions on how to approach a situation where a friend, coworker, superior, or subordinate has been laid off.
You notice boxes being packed:This is likely to be the most sensitive time. During this period, the person probably feels some pain or anger due to the layoff conversation. They are not going to want to hear advice, questions, or much talking at all. The best option is to empathize and simply be there for them to vent. A hug, handshake, or hand on the shoulder could possibly be all they need. If you have this kind of relationship with the person, you have the shoulder they just might need to cry on.
The person is your superior: The key is emphasizing your desire to stay in touch. While you sit happily at your desk, you do not want to come off as a patronizing, now ex-subordinate. Offering help in any way possible is the best road to take in these conditions.
The person is your subordinate: It is always tempting to hide away in your office to avoid the glares, tears, and feelings of guilt. Unfortunately, taking the easy way out is not going to help you or the people around you. The best option is to keep yourself available for questions and advice. These people need your direction and support, now more than ever. It's the least you can do.
After all that has been said, when a colleague has been laid off, your condolences are much better than disregarding the circumstances.
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Don't Forget About Our Referral Program
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$100 Permanent Bonus — You are eligible for our $100 Referral Bonus if Laufer and Associates place your referral in a permanent position. Referral must stay employed in position for the length of our guarantee period, commonly 90 days.
$100 Temporary Bonus – You are eligible for our $100 Referral Bonus if Laufer and Associates place your referral in a temporary position. Referral must work as a temporary employee for at least 1,000 hours to qualify. There is no limit to the number of employees you may refer.
Our experience has also taught us that great candidates often know other great candidates, so be sure to take advantage of our referral bonus program.
The rules are simple. Tell everyone you know about Laufer and Associates and have them view our website and contact us directly, or provide us with the names of qualified professionals. Once a person whom you have referred works as a temporary employee or gets placed permanently by Laufer and Associates at a client company, you will receive the cash amount listed below.
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We love hearing feedback and stories from past and present candidates; please email them to
[email protected]
Warmest regards,
Cristin |
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