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A New Era For BanyanBrown

Posted on January 22, 2015 by BanyanBrown

Greetings! My name is Dixie. I wanted to take the time to quickly introduce myself, but more importantly, the revamp of the BanyanBrown blog now tailored towards guiding and assisting candidates in becoming highly qualified employees. Bi-weekly, a new post will be available addressing various topics such as choosing a successful career, receiving a higher education, online networking, and resume writing. The blog will be presented as a four part series focusing on the following themes:

How to present yourself to the world of employment

In order to compete in the employment world, you’ll first need to establish knowledge, skills, and experience in your field of work. Learn how to start your career path by considering the right occupation and college program. Explore how to stay current in your profession during and after college through membership of related organizations, attending workshops, and using online tools such as eNewsletters and RSS feeds.

How to present yourself to the world of employment online

What comes up when you Google search your name? Learn how to create a positive online presence using social media and professional affiliations. Consider what content can help or damage your employment representation online (there are certainly do’s and don’ts, but knowing how to be professional and proactive is a skill needed both online and in the real world). I’m here to show you just how beneficial it is to be an active online member and how it can productively impact your job search.

How to present yourself to the world of employment on paper

Before you can begin your job search, you need to have a polished resume that demonstrates your educational background and work experience. Most of the time, resumes make the first impression to employers and can be the deciding factor on whether or not you’ll be called in for an interview. Learn how to market yourself when filling out applications and questionnaires, and explore tips on how to effectively create a resume and cover letter that communicates why you are the best candidate.

How to present yourself to the world of employment in an interview

Job interview anxiety is something all too common, but can be easily erased with a little preparation and a lot of confidence. Learn how to prepare for an office or phone interview by answering general interview questions, researching and becoming familiar with the company of interest, and practicing effective communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal, to look and sound the part.

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There are two additional interactive segments that will be posted on the blog- a Quote and/or Video of the Week, which will provide a quick post for discussion ranging from a fun fact or employment statistic to an informative vodcast related to our series, and – a Q & A from the BB Recruiters, which will provide answers to general questions asked by you, a member of our blogging community, from one of our Banyan Brown recruiters. Please stay tuned, feel free to leave a comment, and welcome!

Dixie

Office Admin/Blog Writer & Editor

admin@banyanbrown.com

Posted in From Dixie, Keeping the Job | Leave a comment

Employment Fashion for Fall

Posted on November 6, 2014 by BanyanBrown

Fall is among us, but South Floridians are the last to know. Normally we wait until we feel that cool evening breeze appear a few days before Halloween to even consider wearing a sweater, but even that is unreliable and bound to change. Although you can’t trust the weather, rest assured that fashion has you covered.

There are numerous trends to discuss this season, but for this post, I want to focus on how to easily transform your current wardrobe from summer to fall without, I dare say, spending too much money or any at all. All you have to do is think accessories. Here are my top five basic must haves for the fall season:

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Pantyhoses & Knee-High Socks– That’s right, ladies. The number one essential item for fall is socks, but these are no ordinary socks. In fact, there are so many styles, textures, and colors to choose from, it’s almost impossible to go wrong. To add a subtle accent to a traditional outfit at work, try pairing a flower patterned sheer black pantyhose with a neutral color stiletto or t-strap shoe. For a more playful look, opt for a bright colored knee-high sock with a wedge bootie or oxfords.

Layering– The best part about layering clothes, especially here in Florida, is the convenience of removing them when it gets warm. My go-to items are cardigan sweaters and jackets. The trending cardigan at the moment is light-weight and long, often with large buttons. I like to pair bright colored cardigans and jackets with neutral color clothes underneath for work. For example, a yellow or red cardigan/jacket looks great with a white buttoned down shirt and a nice pair of gray slacks.

Scarves & Gloves– These two items truly transform a work outfit instantly and effortlessly. One of the perks of living in tropical Florida during the fall is that you can continue to wear your summer scarfs, since they’re light and breathable. The best part about wearing a scarf is the endless choices on how to wear it, which can only add more pizazz to your outfit. And nothing looks more chic and season appropriate than a nice pair of leather gloves. For work, stick to neutral colors, such as black, brown, tan or burgundy, then color match your gloves with your work shoes and handbag to complete the look.

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Shoes– Of course, we can’t discuss fall fashion (or any fashion for that matter) without mentioning shoes. Naturally, we think of boots and booties when we’re thinking about shoes for fall; and we’re right, but again, there are endless possibilities! To keep things polished and professional, stick to wearing neutral colors, and shoes that are sleek and traditional. Avoid overly embellished boots that tend to have too many straps, fur, zippers, or buttons. Stilettos and wedge shoes are always in, so there’s no need to stop wearing them. To add more of a winter look, wear closed shoes with laces, such as oxford booties; they’re cute and they go with everything!

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Lipstick– I know what you’re thinking, “huh?” But trust me, when it comes to fall fashion, it’s all about color, ladies. A beautiful fall color lipstick can make any girl look FABOLOUS! Dark tones are very much in season; think deep reds and rich purples, or matte oranges and bright pinks if you’re going for an edgier look. Depending on the intensity of your color choice, pair your lipstick with neutral color work clothes to allow the lipstick to be the focal point of your outfit. This rule also applies to the rest of your make-up, which should also be light and minimal. For a complete look, paint your nails the same color tone.

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Median Weekly Earnings for the Third Quarter of 2014

Posted on October 30, 2014 by BanyanBrown

The Current Population Survey collects data on usual weekly earnings from households nationwide. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median weekly earnings for full-time wage and salary workers for the third quarter of 2014 were $790, not seasonally adjusted*. This is a 2.5% increase compared to last year’s report. Here are some of the highlights:

Sex Comparison

Women who worked full-time had median weekly earnings of $715, compared to the $870 median for men.

Race & Ethnicity Comparison

White women earned 81.8% as much as their male counterparts, compared with Black (89.5%), Asian (73.1%), and Hispanic women (89.6%).
Median weekly earnings for black men working at full-time jobs were $679 per week, or 75.8 percent of the median for white men ($896).
Black women’s median earnings were $608, 82.9% of those for white women ($733).
Median earnings of Hispanics who worked full time ($598) were lower than those of Blacks ($638), Whites ($816), and Asians ($945).

Age Comparison

Among men, those age 55 to 64 had the highest median weekly earnings, at $1,053.
Usual weekly earnings were highest for women age 35 to 64.
Weekly earnings were $784 for women age 35 to 44, $772 for women age 45 to 54, and $787 for women age 55 to 64.
Workers age 16 to 24 had the lowest median weekly earnings, at $480.

Occupation Comparison

Among the major occupational groups, persons employed full time in management, professional, and related occupations had the highest median weekly earnings– $1,326 for men and $980 for women.
Men and women employed in service jobs had much lower earnings, $585 and $467, respectively.

Education Comparison

By educational attainment, full-time workers age 25 and over without a high school diploma had median weekly earnings of $488, compared with $681 for high school graduates (no college) and $1,170 for those holding at least a bachelor’s degree.
Among college graduates with advanced degrees (professional or master’s degree and above), the highest earning 10 percent of male workers made $3,439 or more per week, compared with $2,293 or more for their female counterparts.

*Seasonally adjusted median weekly earnings were $797 in the third quarter of 2014, up from the previous quarter ($782).

Reference:
http://www.bls.gov/news.release/wkyeng.nr0.htm

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Video: Dressed for Success? Tips for Your Job Interview Style from Katie Couric

Posted on November 15, 2013 by BanyanBrown

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The Importance of Having Your Documentation

Posted on September 11, 2013 by BanyanBrown

When you begin a new job in the United States, you are required to provide both proof of identity and employment eligibility. To do this, your employer will have you fill out an Employment Eligibility Verification form (I-9 form) and you will have to present acceptable documentation. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services provide three lists naming the documents that are accepted. List A contains documents that establish both identity and employment authorization, therefore one document from this list will satisfy both requirements. If you do not have a document from List A available, then you have the option to present a combination of one document from List B and one document from List C. List B contains documents that establish identity while List C contains documents that establish employment authorization. In addition, unless it is a certified copy of a birth certificate, all documentation presented must be the original copy. Photocopies are not accepted.

So when you start that new job, don’t forget your documentation.

Here are the lists of acceptable documentation as provided by the USCIS: http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-9.pdf

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Employment Report June 2013

Posted on August 2, 2013 by BanyanBrown

The employment report for June 2013 shows that the unemployment rate remains unchanged. There has actually been very little change since February of this year. Employment did rise in leisure and hospitality, professional and business services, retail trade, health care, and financial activities. The following are statistics for June as provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

The total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 195,000 in June, which was in line with the average monthly gain of 182,000 over the last 12 months.
The unemployment rate went unchanged at 7.6 percent.
The total number of unemployed persons was at 11.8 million.
Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for adult women edged up to 6.8 percent, while the rate for adult men, 7.0 percent, showed little change.
The number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks or more) went relatively unchanged at 4.3 million.
Over the past 12 months, the number of long-term unemployed has declined by 1.0 million.
Leisure and hospitality added 75,000 jobs, professional and business services added 53,000 jobs, retail trade employment increased by 37,000, health care gained 20,000 jobs, and employment in financial activities rose by 17,000.
Employment within the federal government continued to trend down and has declined by approximately 65,000 over the past 12 months.
In June, the average hourly earnings for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls rose by 10 cents to $24.01 and over the year the average hourly earnings has risen by 2.2 percent.

For more information on this employment report, click here.

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August 2012 Jobs Report Results

Posted on September 14, 2012 by BanyanBrown

August jobs report findings have concluded that the number of unemployed Americans has remained mostly unchanged; however there are still many left job hunting. Facts provided by United States Department of Labor:

Total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 96,000 in August, and the unemployment rate edged down to 8.1 percent.
The number of unemployed persons was at 12.5 million.
Employment increased in food services, professional, technical services, and in health care.
In August, the number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks or more) was at 5 million.
Job gains occurred in computer systems design and related services (+11,000) and management and technical consulting services (+9,000).
In August, average hourly earnings for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls edged down by 1 cent to $23.52.
Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates were 7.6 percent for adult men and 7.3 percent for adult women.

Posted in From Erica, Keeping the Job | Leave a comment

Job Seekers Report Highest Confidence in Job Market Prospects since 2008

Posted on July 9, 2012 by BanyanBrown

Facts and Findings in 2012’s 2^nd Quarterly Employment Confidence Survey by Glassdoor:

“The survey shows that of employees who reported cutbacks at their company, fewer employees (38%) reported layoffs or that their employer reported plans for layoffs in the past six months – an all-time low since our survey began in Q4 2008.”
42% of unemployed individuals feel confident that they will be able to find proper job placement – double the percentage recorded in 2011’s second quarter (25%).
There are indications that layoffs may be slowing down.
Currently employed individuals seem to be fretting about their re-hire probabilities.
A shocking 37% of individuals seem to be worried about their ability to acquire positions other than the ones they are currently in; increasing the percent by 7% since last year’s findings.
Men are more worried (23%) about layoffs than women (15%).
“Two in five employees (40%) expect to receive a pay raise or cost-of-living increase in the next 12 months, down three percentage points from last quarter.”
“Employees also note that when it comes to company outlook, 45% expect it to stay the same, 10% expect is to get worse, and 45% expect their companies to improve in the next six months.”
To read the actual report, click here.

Posted in Career Change, From Erica | Leave a comment

Change vs. Stability: The Narrative

Posted on September 13, 2011 by BanyanBrown

Stability in the workplace is a luxury hidden deep in the trenches of employment commodities. No less than two years ago, to have career stability was nearly unheard of. In fact, seldom did one even think of encouraging a friend to change jobs just because another opportunity seemed better or more profitable than the current position held. However, many did challenge the status quo and sought change in the workplace. Who came out a winner?

Here are some views from our top recruiters. Their experience in the field can help you choose if it’s time to move on or hold on tight.

“If you have stability in your current employment, it is a bad idea to leave your job before you have another job lined up. However, it is always a good idea to know your options and it doesn’t hurt to investigate new opportunities while you are currently working, just be careful not to jeopardize the stability you have in your current job.

Every new position has a learning curve, and depending on the transition you would like to make, learning a new job can be extremely challenging. Therefore, sacrificing your current job stability for a new job (or new career) is worthwhile only when you know with certainty that you need to leave your current position.

If you know you need to make a change for career advancement, change of work environment, to get away from personality conflicts, etc… carefully investigate your options and only make your final decision once you have taken all factors into consideration.

When you do take on your new challenge, do it with commitment and certainty. Look forward as you move into your new career, and do not wonder about what you left behind. Be confident and do your best as you learn your new job responsibilities!”

Michael B. (Director of Recruiting)

Employers typically look to hire people that will stay at their company for a while. It is expensive and challenging to fill open positions. When evaluating candidates, career history is the best source they have to try to predict how long you might work for them. HOWEVER, if you have a history of short tenures because you got recruited away for bigger jobs, they might be impressed. In the end, the most important factor to a prospective employer is if you will be successful when working them. That being said, stability can be important, but it is no more important than gaining valuable experience and furthering your career.

Zach P. (Account Executive)

Change is completely different from “job hopping” and necessary in today’s marketplace. By changing jobs regularly you build on your skill set and enhance your value to your current and future employer. Not only does change allow variety in your life at work but it broadens your base in your personal life. I think an employee can have consistent change in jobs, expanding skills and creativity levels but still bring a high level of stability that employers want.

Meghan H. (Account Executive)

Written by Jessie Carcamo with the help of Michael Brown, Zach Price, and Meghan Harlem

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Making Your Education Count

Posted on May 25, 2011 by BanyanBrown

Here are a few tips for the Class of 2011 from one of our experienced recruiters. We wish the best to the graduates and we hope that each one soon finds their place in today’s job market. Congrats!

What to understand:

A young professional looking for summer work or an entry-level position needs to identify an industry, business or organization aligned with a potential career they can be excited about. Summer work, internships, and entry-level positions typically pay significantly less than more senior or permanent positions. It is important that young professionals understand that these types of jobs are an investment in their future. A summer job can be a foot in the door, a way to explore a potential career, a networking opportunity that could change their life, and a means to gain familiarity with a specific profession.

Every parent says “you can be anything you want to be when you grow up.” This is true, but you need to start somewhere. Make it count.

How to pursue:

Pursue every lead you get until one becomes a reality. Do not wait to pursue other opportunities until you hear back from your first choice. In this employment market it is important to understand that applying to 50 potential employers before being offered a position is normal.

Who you know is always important. Network with individuals in the right places. Talk with professionals who are involved in the career you are excited about. Talk with people. If you send a resume to someone, call them, make sure they received it, and offer to answer any questions they may have. Make sure the right people know you are excited about this career. Just as important, make sure the right people are aware of your employment goals.

Research the organizations and companies you picture having a career with. Tailor your cover letter and resume to that organization specifically. Your “Objective” on your resume can even read: “_ (position) __ career with __ (company) _.” Highlight experience that is most relevant to the job you are applying for and leave off information that is not pertinent.

Talk with career counselors and education professionals to gain industry contacts and direction. Your professor might very well be friends with your future boss or know the HR Director at the company you have been dying to work for. Ask for these introductions and most importantly, ask for advice.

Contributor: Michael Brown, Account Executive

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