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| From the Desk of Julie Laufer |
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 It is time to light up the new year by sending out the old and bringing in the new! Whether you're looking for a career change, hoping to land your dream job, or want to get back into the work force, there is no better time than now. Although the weather may be as cold as ever, the job market is surely heating up. This month we hope you take our advice to heart and truly think about where you aspire to be this year. You might need to polish your resume or you may need to discover your strongest abilities. The answers may not be clear, but we are here every step of the way. Think of us as that extra boost to help you reach the top.
From Laufer and Associates to you, onwards and upwards to a bright and successful 2013!
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| Success Story: Shannon Rose |
"In 2011, I graduated with a Master's degree in Music, with aspirations that included freelancing, singing opera, and teaching music privately. While I enjoy a robust career in music, the realities of the oft-bemoaned economic downturn have impacted the arts to a staggering effect. While the lives of charmingly bohemian starving artists may make for entertaining opera plots, trying to "make it" in a big city doesn't quite work the same way. I was torn; I witnessed classmates enduring heartbreak due to poverty while trying to "live the dream," and I have also seen talented colleagues struggle to perform and hone their craft due to the demands of a full-time work schedule. Neither option was palatable to me, so I contemplated a number of alternative employment choices, including childcare and retail. After some self-examination and evaluation of my skill set, I decided to send my resume to Laufer and Associates. I couldn't have made a better choice!
I met with Julie and was immediately at ease. Her keen perception and ability to understand people, in tandem with her impressive network of connections, makes her an incredible asset to anyone on the job market. Since meeting Julie nearly two years ago, I have been sent on two job interviews and accepted two permanent part-time jobs! Rather than being thrust into every interview that came available, Julie took the time and consideration to hand-pick only the positions that would enable me to work in a supportive environment, with fantastic colleagues, and would allow me to continue pursuing my career in the arts. I am ecstatic to be able to say that I am working for a wonderful company, and am still achieving my goals of singing professionally and teaching. I have since referred two colleagues, also classical musicians, to Laufer and Associates, and both have taken permanent jobs as well! I am brimming with gratitude for the entire team at Laufer and Associates, and would encourage any job-seekers to experience the privilege of working with them!
Thanks so much!"
-Shannon Rose
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| Temp of the Month: Meghan Pagliarini |
"In the current economy, it has been very difficult looking for work. You are applying alongside 100 applicants for one position, and you have to find a way to stand out! I received several calls from various agencies, but every agency visit is another parking expense. (Costly, right?) Most agencies make you feel like a quota they have to fill. You receive no feedback and no follow up! Then, I met Julie at Laufer and Associates.
From the get go, Julie hit the ground running trying to find companies that would be mutually beneficial, playing to my strengths and preferences in a work environment. We talked almost daily. After several interviews, I landed a contract position within a few weeks, which I have been in since late June.
I would strongly recommend Laufer and Associates for their dedication, persistence, and patience to fellow job seekers. Julie is very good at recognizing great fits for companies, as evidence to my continuing contract position. I am very impressed with Laufer and Associates."
– Meghan Pagliarini
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| Ignite Your Job Search in 2013 |
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Although some people find the number 13 to be unlucky, many think quite the opposite. We tend to believe there is luck around that number. In 2013, it is time for you to revamp your job search. New attitude, fresh resume, pressed suit, and a confident smile. What are your goals in this new year? It is time to hit the refresh button and get your job search in to shape!
Resume and cover letter. Your resume may have been perfect when you worked on it six months ago, but it is time to crack open a Word document and take another look. Your resume is the key to getting you in the door. It is difficult to impress on paper, but you have to make it happen to land the interview. Same goes for your cover letter. Your cover letter allows you to express your interest a bit further and prove your worth. It also gives the reader a chance to examine your writing abilities. The role you are applying for may not have anything to do with writing, but almost everyone has to send an email at one time or another. So, it is best to make sure everything about you on a piece of paper is representative and impressive.
Attitude. 2012 may have you in the depths of jobless blues, but not 2013. It is time to shine. It is time to impress. It is time for you to be confident and take charge of your job search! Give companies a reason to want to hire you.
Skills. Yes, there is a section on your resume titled "skills". But, what does this really mean? If you used a computer program in a job you worked at seven years ago, are you still a skilled user? Rather than taking it off of your resume, take a refresher course or brush up on your skills. At Laufer and Associates, we have refreshers and tutorials for hundreds of computer programs. It is completely up to you to maintain your skills.
Connect. Whether you read their website, follow them on Twitter, or are connected with someone on LinkedIn, inform yourself about the companies you are applying to. Connecting yourself with information or people can only help your chances. You will be informed, knowledgeable, and probably more comfortable when the time comes to interview.
You. Who are you? Think of yourself as a brand. How are you going to sell yourself? If you do not know what makes you stand out from the rest, and if you do not know what makes you special, how can you sell your "brand" to someone else? One last question, would you buy your brand? If not, then it is time to figure out what makes you unique. Investing in yourself is one of the most important things you can do in your career search, future positions, and life in general.
Time to refresh. Let's make 2013 a lucky one!
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| LauferTrend |
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 Keeping a budget is very important no matter what your employment status is. Now that the holidays are over, how much of your income did you spend on holiday gifts?
According to financial expert, Gregory Karp, you should spend no more than 1.5% of your annual family gross income on holiday gifts. In a study done by Deloitte Development, the results showed most people spend less than this percentage.
Regardless of how much you spent, these extra expenses can cause financial hardships. As always, we are here to help you land your next job (and earn some much needed post-holiday cash)!
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| Referral Program |
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 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.
$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.
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 We love hearing feedback, stories, and suggestions from past and present candidates. Please email them to me at [email protected]
Cristin Skjegstad
Cristin Skjegstad
Communications & Marketing Manager
Laufer and Associates
109 State Street | Suite 401 | Boston, MA 02109
tel: 617-367-2800 | fax: 617-367-1600
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.lauferandassociates.net
  
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