Back to Work
Leveraging Connections to Your Next Job!
September, 2010
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| From the Desk of Julie Laufer |
Dear Friends:
There's a crisp feel in the air, and a renewed sense of vigor in the job market as fall approaches. Indicators from the Dept. of Unemployment show that our unemployment rate has dropped for the first time in six months to 8.8% and that the rest of the country trails us by a half a percent higher, on average. Massachusetts is indeed a good place to build your resume for the long haul. Although we're not out of this yet, there's a sense of optimism I have not seen in quite some time. If you've been looking for a while, hang in there, the end of the duldrums may be near.
All my best,
Julie
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| Jennifer Kemna – "I just got my Dream Job"Success Story |
 I can't thank Laufer and Associates and especially Jessica Radford, enough for everything they've done for me over the past few months.
When I left my job in March I never thought I would have found such a great opportunity at an amazing company, and I owe a huge thanks to Jess!
From my very first meeting at Laufer and Associates, I knew the firm was different and I commend everyone there for their professional and compassionate approach.
They took the time to not only interview me, but they got to know me on both a personal and professional level. And because of this I just got my dream job. I am so excited for this next step in my life and I truly believe this is going to be the perfect fit for me! I could not have done this without them.
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| Featured Temp – Beth Berg |
| As a transplant to Boston from Chicago, I was looking for a well established employment agency that would work hard to find the best employment opportunities that met my requirements in a position. Jessica Radford at Laufer and Associates worked diligently, never misleading or over promising, one lead after another until results were achieved. After a few short-term positions, and what seemed to be endless interviews due to the competitive nature of the Boston area and the economy, she successfully secured a contract position at a very competitive rate and terms with a global biotech company. None of this would have happened without Jessica.
Having had over 20 years experience in the corporate world and lived in the mid-west, west coast and now the east coast, I cannot say enough about the integrity and professionalism at Laufer and especially, my rep Jessica. You get a personable feel from the first moment you speak with Jessica Radford. I highly recommend her if you are looking for the best representation as a business or candidate.
I had registered with over 14 agencies within the Boston area, and with the most confidence and security, I can say that Laufer and Associates is the ONLY representation where I found successful results. Ellinor, Jessica, Ryan and Julie will work for the collective good to always provide a positive experience and meet the needs of their candidates/clients with professionalism, efficiency and congeniality.
I have already recommended their services to others colleagues and friends. I'm proud to be a candidate of Laufer's and feel blessed to find such a great company for the right representation which has made ALL the difference in my professional and personal happiness! |
| Are you LinkedIn? |
LinkedIn is a social networking website that's aimed at creating and online "professional" profile. It's your FaceBook page, dressed up in a suit and tie and at work. Status updates don't read "Gearing up for Friday night!" rather, "URGENT: Seeking recent Ivy League graduates in Boston!"
Sometimes called an online resume, LinkedIn displays your work history, but it can do so much more. It can connect you to past employers and colleagues, act as letters of recommendation, and provide you with an invaluable research tool when g
ing on an interview.
If you've lost contact with previous employers, but you're certain they would give you a great recommendation. Look them up on LinkedIn and ask for the recommendation. This way you can have a bank of not only your work experience, but of recommendations for that work. There's also no need to limit it to just supervisors and co-workers, this is also a great place to have clients and customers recommend your work as well.
Can't find the person who you are interviewing with on a company's website? Check LinkedIn. There you can learn what the interviewer's specific title is, where he or she worked before, and what his/her education background is. This can give you some very excellent talking points in an interview and show your interviewer that you are not only prepared and interested in the interview, but that you are also resourceful.
So should you have a Linked In account? In a word, yes. If used correctly it can be an invaluable resource and can be used to land you your dream job.
Caveat: Treat your Linked In profile as a professional resource. Don't post about that awesome party Friday night. Post a new job you are working on. Don't post pictures of you partying. Post a profile picture of you at work, dressed professionally and acting professionally.
Check out Jessica's Linked In profile here, Bonnie's here, and Julie Laufer's profile here.
Don't have a LinkedIn profile? Why no sign up now? It's a great job searching tool and even better, it's free. Click here and get started.
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| Networking Your Six Degrees of Separation |
| Networking can be instrumental in landing you your dream position. No matter how perfectly crafted your resume and cover letter are, a recommendation or referral from a trusted industry professional or employee already working at your dream company will work harder and more effectively. Working with a recruiter you trust who really gets to know you and really knows their clients is one of the easiest ways you can begin networking.
Below are just a few other tips on how to begin networking for your dream job.
- Start by creating a LinkedIn profile to search and reconnect with old colleagues. No one will be able to recommend your work better than people who've worked with you.
- Now that you have a profile, join some groups that interest you, but remember to participate. Being a passive member isn't enough. Become known as a resource for others. When you are known as a strong resource, people remember to turn to you for suggestions, ideas, names of other people, etc., which keeps you visible to them.
- Keep in mind that networking is about being genuine and authentic, building trust and relationships, and seeing how you can help others
- The internet is an invaluable tool, but nothing beats face-to-face interaction. Remember to reach out to your family and friends. Hold volunteer positions in organizations that you have an affiliation with and passion for – alma maters, non-profits of interest, etc. Consider attending formal networking meetings.
- Be able to articulate what you are looking for and how others may help you. Too often people in conversations ask, "How may I help you?" and no immediate answer comes to mind
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| Don't Forget About Our 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.
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We love hearing feedback and stories from past and present candidates; please email them to [email protected]
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.
Sincerely,
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