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| From the Desk of Julie Laufer |
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Relocating? Land a New Job in Boston
Many report struggling with the prospect of a challenging job search in the Boston area. For local candidates as well as for those who hail from afar, I concur that the job market is not only difficult, but can be very costly and confusing.
Employers often see long-distance candidates as a longer interview process, fraught with risks and concerns. Even though it may appear challenging at first, with a little extra work and planning ahead, you can find the job in your desired city.
Here are a few tips for the new kid on the block:
- Be sure to include in your cover letter exactly what and when your intentions are to move – and why you're interested in living in Boston. Eliminate those questions up front;
- If you have family here, use a local address for more initial receptivity;
- LinkIn and add a professional photograph along with your complete profile;
- Create a strong relationship with a trusted local recruiter (Laufer and Associates can help you!);
- Visit your new town and familiarize yourself with target neighborhoods, restaurants, alumni chapters and of course, friends and relatives who can refer you to other friends and colleagues;
- Budget accordingly: your move is going to cost you a pretty penny, and that's not including your flight/train/gas/meal costs for each trip (count: minimum four visits, if you are the typical job searcher), but also your rental and security deposit costs;
- Consider a contract position (see our article in this month's issue) to get settled immediately in order to take your time to find the right job. We can offer assignments varying in length from one day to one year!
Boston is one of the best cities in the country to live, with abundant opportunities for the motivated individual. As the summer starts to draw to an end, consider the other hot season: fall job searching. We're here for you when you are ready!
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| Success Story: Heather Birkett |
 "I cannot even begin to tell you how appreciative I am in working with Laufer and Associates, as they found me such a wonderful position in such a great company.
After graduating from college in 2006, I worked for two major corporations, in two completely different industries. A few months ago, I started to think about where I would like my career path to be aimed, which competencies I value most, and what I enjoy doing in my day-to-day work. The answers to these questions were not easy.
That is when I decided to meet with Laufer and Associates. Suddenly, my thoughts became organized. With their help, I was able to build an outstanding resume and lock down a job interview in a company and position I never would have considered before meeting with them. Laufer and Associates were able to help me organize my thoughts and help me understand my struggles. The position they found me was a truly a collaboration of my skill sets from both my first and second jobs that I worked in right out of college. Thank you!"
– Heather Birkett
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| Temp of the Month: Stephen An |
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 "I recently moved from Oklahoma to Boston. I thought it was going to be a long and arduous task to look for a job, having just moved here. As a recent graduate from the University of Oklahoma, I was worried I wouldn't be able to find a job, let alone, one half way across the country.
Like many others, I started applying to anything and everything I felt I was qualified for. I consider myself very lucky that my resume came across Cristin's desk at Laufer and Associates. It literally took two whole business days to get a job offer.
Cristin was very accommodating to my situation and my move to Boston. I would recommend anyone who is looking for a job to get in touch with Laufer and Associates. Thanks Cristin!"
– Stephen An
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| Bumps in the Job Search Road |
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In the words of author, Paul Sweeney, "True success is overcoming the fear of being unsuccessful." Whatever metaphorical roadblocks are getting in your way, you need to overcome them. Whether you have been laid off or worry about your level of experience, there are ways to get around the difficulties in your career search. The following are four common types of job search troubles, and ways to better your chances of receiving a job offer:
 Lack of Experience
Examine your transferable strengths. Regardless of your "work history," you have transferable skills. What did you learn in school? Have you volunteered for nonprofit groups? Did you coordinate a large family reunion? Teamwork, communication skills, organizational skills and motivational abilities are difficult to teach and valuable resources in any workplace. You need to be able to sell yourself on paper (resume) and in-person (interviews) based on your skills, regardless of your work experience.
A Resume Gap
The best way to answer questions about gaps in your resume is to be prepared. You should go into your interview knowing what your answer is going to be. Whether you were laid off, in school, taking time to travel, or had a family member in need, it is important to be honest. However, you should always put a positive spin on your answer. If you chose to leave your previous job, you can then say that you were fortunate enough to take time off to figure out your career goals. If you were laid off or fired, you and your interviewer need to understand that unemployment happens. Being honest gives the interviewer a sense of your confidence and veracity. If you took a class or traveled, share your findings and how it gives a more global and well-rounded depth to your experience.
 A Layoff
Further looking into how to explain a layoff, aside from being honest, how should you go about explaining it? Do not avoid telling the interviewer you were laid off. Be upfront and open about it, without going into complex detail. You may feel wounded or upset about your layoff or termination, but the last thing you want to do is have a pity party with your interviewer. Keep it simple, "Unfortunately, the company I worked for eliminated the department I worked in. However, the layoff has driven me to find an even better opportunity." Take notice to the positive turn in the second sentence. Additionally, be sure to avoid speaking poorly about your previous employer.
Overqualified
"You will be bored in the position," "You'll leave the minute something better comes along," and "The salary will be too low for you," are all prime examples of interviewers labeling you as overqualified. In some cases, you may very well be overqualified, in which case, you should reconsider the types of positions you are looking for. Nevertheless, if you believe you are qualified for the positions you are applying to, you need to formulate your thoughts prior to your interviews. If salary is not an issue, take it off the table. At the appropriate time, make it clear that your salary requirements are flexible. Let them know that it's not the title of the position you are interested in-it is your desire to contribute to a fascinating company. Finally, your commitment is one of the most important things you can express. If you feel comfortable enough, make a commitment of at least two years.
Whatever the hurdle, gap, or bump in the road may be, there are always ways to overcome these obstacles. If you have any trouble figuring out your next step (or leap), we are here for you every step of the way!
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| LauferTrend |
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 Temp, contract or temp to perm positions often elicit negative responses from job seekers. However, more often than not, these positions come with many benefits that you would not find in a permanent role. For starters, the positions are readily available and in demand, which means you can be hired quickly (refer back to Stephen An's story – hired in two days)!
"The number of temps has jumped more than 50 percent since the recession ended four years ago to nearly 2.7 million." – Christopher S. Rugaber, AP Economics Writer.
In addition, temp positions are a great opportunity to try out different jobs in different industries to see what you like. Being a temp worker also gives you a great foot-in-the-door. It is a chance to prove your worth. Finally, you will often find that temp or contract positions pay on a weekly basis. Some agencies, like ourselves, even offer benefits to our long-term temp and contract employees.
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| Referral 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.
$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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