Wireless Industry related job growth still predicted

As more and more consumers switch to smartphones, tablet computers and wireless applications, the U.S. wireless industry is doing well, but hiring was reported as down according to U.S. Labor Department figures released earlier this month. There are about 20,000 fewer jobs than when the recession ended in June 2009 and 2,000 fewer than a year ago.

While that may seem like bleak news, the customer service aspect of the increased sales will lead to a continued need for call center process outsource providers to exist and prosper. With the similarity of electronic devices between carriers, cross training call center employees is something that is already being done.

Back when I worked at a call center several years ago, customer service staff were cross trained to provide technical support for several different cable providers. That can be done in many industries, including wireless.

Call center operations in the U.S. as well as overseas continues to grow. Recent research conducted by IBM shows there are now more call center agents in the Philippines than there are in India.

The Contact Center Association of the Philippines estimates that 350,000 Filipinos work in call centers, compared to 330,000 Indians.

IT employment continues to grow

 Though the rate of growth slowed in May, IT employment continued its pattern of month-over-month growth by adding 1,100 jobs.

According to a monthly index of IT jobs developed and published by TechServe Alliance, a collaboration of IT services firms, clients, consultants and suppliers, the number of IT jobs grew by 0.03 percent in May to 4,008,600 and is up more than 100,000 jobs from May 2010. IT Employment first crossed the 4 million mark in February.

"May marks the 17th consecutive month that the number of IT jobs has increased," observed Mark Roberts, CEO of TechServe Alliance. "While the rate of growth moderated last month, the long-term trajectory of IT employment remains decidedly positive," added Roberts.  

Hard Rock Cafe hit hard ...

The Hard Rock Cafe International (USA), Inc. ("Hard Rock Cafe") was hit with three separate class action lawsuits - one in Miami, one in Hollywood, and one in Key West - for the company's alleged failure to pay servers and bartenders proper minimum wages required underFlorida law as a result of tip sharing practices. Each case was brought under the minimum wage provisions of Florida's Constitution, which was passed by citizen's initiative and became effective as ofMay 2, 2005. Plaintiffs are represented by the law firms of Burr & Smith, LLP (www.burrandsmithlaw.com) and Lichten & Liss-Riordan, P.C. (www.llrlaw.com).

The putative class actions related to tip sharing practices at the Miami, Hollywood, and Key West Hard Rock Cafes were filed respectively in Circuit Court in Miami-Dade County, Broward County, and Monroe County. Each complaint alleges that Hard Rock Cafe servers and bartenders were paid less than minimum wage during the period January 26, 2006 until approximately July 2009. The complaints assert that Hard Rock Cafe attempted to pay the servers and bartenders less than minimum wages while taking a tip credit allowable under Florida and federal law only when the servers and bartenders are allowed to retain all of their tips or where a legal tip pooling arrangement is instituted among employees "who customarily and regularly receive tips." The complaints allege that the servers and bartenders improperly shared their tips with individuals who were employed as expeditors. The complaints assert that the expeditors at each respective restaurant are not customarily and regularly tipped employees, but instead are kitchen employees who are responsible for ensuring food is prepared and garnished properly. The complaints allege that Hard Rock Cafe was not entitled to the tip credit because the servers and bartenders did not retain all their tips and paid a portion of their tips to expeditors.

Job tips from Ron Karr

Unemployed Americans can begin their job searchand find the job of their dreams if they think more like sales professionals.

"Who says you can only apply for a job when a company is looking?" said Ron Karr, author of the CEO bestselling book Lead, Sell, or Get Out of the Way. "You shouldn't wait for a job opening to apply for a position. You may find better luck in applying for a position before it opens."

"Think about it. The moment a job opportunity is posted, you and hundreds if not thousands of people are pouncing on this opportunity. With this kind of stiff competition, how do you separate yourself from the competition?" said Karr, who helps companies create high performance sales cultures.

The trick, according to Karr, is to use the same principle he urges sales professionals to use when selling their products and services. He tells salespeople the best time to sell something is when the customer says there is no need.

"Just because there is no need doesn't mean there is no opportunity. Successful salespeople don't concentrate on selling 'me too' type products. They find out what needs are not being met and then create a compelling reason for the customer to act," said Karr, who is a highly sought after speaker for CEO groups and other sales related meetings. He also facilitates strategic sales sessions on behalf of boards of directors and C-Level executives who want to increase market share and eliminate competition. Unlike other consultants and experts, Ron goes beyond theory. He leverages his 30+ years of experience and helps his clients execute the ideas and generate significant results.

Manpower says, "there's an app for that"

Manpower Inc. (NYSE: MAN), world leader in innovative workforce solutions and a strategic partner of the World Economic Forum (WEF), announced today it has launched the "World of Work Insight" application on Apple's popular iPad. The purpose of the Manpower iPad app is to provide dynamic access to the company's insight and substantial research on the most critical trends and issues affecting today's global economy.

Manpower's World of Work Insight iPad app will feature the company's recent research and platform for future research, including Manpower's quarterly Employment Outlook Survey and Annual Talent Shortage Survey. This thought leadership app will explore the challenges faced by employers navigating the changing world of work and provide in-depth commentary, analysis, insight and advice on strategies for success.

Program aims to hire 500 vets in 2011

lorica Inc. (www.alorica.com), one of the premier providers of outsourced customer contact management services, today announced it has exceeded hiring projections ahead of schedule for its new veterans support initiative, AloriCares. With the success thus far of the pilot, the goal is to employ 500 disabled veterans by year's end, and to engage additional Fortune 500 companies in the initiative to provide work opportunities.

"The AloriCares initiative serves as a creative solution to assist disabled veterans with access and re-entry into the workforce, and reinforces the increased national focus on support of military families being spearheaded by First Lady Michelle Obama," said George Atchison, AloriCares Executive Director.

The First Lady appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show yesterday where she discussed her plans to launch a comprehensive national campaign to recognize, honor and provide ways for everyone to step up and answer the call to support military families.

7 Skills Required for the "New Reality" of Corporate Leadership in 2011

 "As companies move from a 'survival' mentality to focus on growth and longer-term investment, many are finding that they need to revaluate their CEO," says Stephen A. Miles, Vice Chairman of Heidrick & Struggles and head of the firm's Leadership Advisory Services. "The new reality of post-crisis leadership – driven by a greater understanding of risk and the interconnectedness of the global economy – requires an evolving set of skills.

"Boards of directors are demanding that their CEO possess particular qualities to help lead their companies into the new era. Our experience coaching CEOs and advising boards around the globe shows that companies are willing to make a bold change at the top, even if that means having to go to the external market and search for a new chief executive. We anticipate this trend will continue through 2011 and into 2012, unless there is another catastrophic event to send companies back into survival mode."

"Shared Norms for the New Reality" is the theme of this year's World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, which begins next week in Davos, Switzerland.

7 CEO Skills Needed for the "New Reality"

"To arm themselves for growth, boards are looking for seven specific criteria in their potential CEOs," says Mr. Miles. Those criteria are:

Manpower exec to argue education industry is failing

Manpower Inc. (NYSE: MAN), world leader in innovative workforce solutions, will on Wednesday, 26 January, participate in the CNBC live debate at the 2011 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos titled "The West Isn't Working," where high-profile thought leaders will suggest actions to stem the tide of jobs losses in advanced economies in the face of a growing talent mismatch, global power shifts and the threat of a lost generation of workers.

Jeffrey A. Joerres, Manpower Inc. Chairman and CEO, will argue in favor of the motion "Education is Failing Industry," in part two of the debate and will be challenged by Amy Gutmann, President of the University of Pennsylvania. Joerres will warn that, despite continuing high unemployment, the disparity between the skills taught by education institutions and those needed by business means western countries will find it increasingly difficult to source the critical talent they need.

"The world is experiencing an era of volatile and rapid transformation. This is exacerbating the disconnect between learning and industry as education cannot keep up," said Joerres. "The entire system needs to be revaluated. Changes would be significant, but are necessary to ensure industry, governments and educators are to effectively align education and training with business needs."

The Global Nursing Shortage

Shawn Mathis releases "Republic of Nurses," focusing on solving the Global Nurse Shortage. The Nurse Company project All Things Nurses.com opens to empower nurses by providing online communication and focus to the global nurse shortage.

In the global struggle for educating, retaining, and empowering enough nurses to support heath care systems, there's a strong new force arriving with solid answers.

Shawn Mathis , founder and Chairman of the Board of Governors of The Nurse Company, has released Republic of Nurses, a book outlining the history and the present state of the global nurse shortage worldwide. In his book, the second on this topic, Mr. Mathis continues the conversation of the need for a new system of communication to deal with the global nurse shortage. His company, The Nurse Company, has taken the book from thoughtful concept to reality.

Hard Rock Cafe employees file suit

Two Hard Rock Cafe International (Orlando), Inc. ("Hard Rock") employees, who worked in the Hard Rock Cafe at Universal Studios in Orlando, today filed a class action lawsuit against Hard Rock for the company's alleged failure to pay minimum wages that were required under Florida law. The Orlando Hard Rock Cafe is the largest Hard Rock Cafe in the world. The case was brought under the minimum wage provisions of Florida's Constitution, which was passed by citizen's initiative and became effective as of May 2, 2005.

The putative class action was filed in Circuit Court in Orange County, Florida. The complaint alleges that Hard Rock's servers and bartenders were paid less than minimum wage during the period January 14, 2006 until approximately July 2009. The complaint asserts that Hard Rock attempted to pay the servers and bartenders less than minimum wages while taking a tip credit allowable under Florida and federal law only when the servers and bartenders are allowed to retain all of their tips or where a legal tip pooling arrangement is instituted among employees "who customarily and regularly receive tips." The complaint alleges that servers and bartenders improperly shared their tips with individuals who were employed as expediters. The complaint asserts that the expediters at the Orlando Hard Rock Cafe are not customarily and regularly tipped employees; instead, they are kitchen employees who are responsible for ensuring food is prepared and garnished properly. The Complaint alleges that Hard Rock was not entitled to the tip credit because servers and bartenders did not retain all their tips and paid a portion of their tips to expediters.

11 promising careers for 2011

As people look to the coming year with hopes of continued economic recovery and increased job creation, new research may hold clues as to what the most promising positions will be in 2011. According to the Salary Guides released from Robert Half, 11 roles representing several fields -- including accounting and finance, technology, creative, legal and administrative services -- show increases in starting salaries and growing demand among employers.

"The common thread among the jobs highlighted in our research is that they help businesses improve efficiency and profits, and foster a more positive customer experience," said Max Messmer, chairman and CEO of Robert Half International. "The most successful job candidates bring multiple skill sets, a track record of success and a strong sense of accountability to their roles."

Women-Owned Firms Numbered 7.8 Million in 2007

In 2007, women owned 7.8 million businesses and accounted for 28.7 percent of all businesses nationwide, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's Survey of Business Owners. These firms generated $1.2 trillion in receipts, about 3.9 percent of all business receipts nationwide. (See Table 1.)

Businesses owned equally by men and women numbered 4.6 million firms (17.0 percent of all businesses) and generated $1.3 trillion in receipts (4.2 percent of all receipts).

"As business owners, women in 2007 had a major impact on the nation's economy, employing more than 7.6 million workers," said Census Bureau Deputy Director Thomas Mesenbourg. "In addition, the businesses they owned equally with men added another 8.1 million workers. Furthermore, businesses where women were owners or half-owners numbered 12.4 million firms, representing 45.7 percent of all firms."

The percentage of women-owned businesses was fairly constant from state to state. In every state, women owned at least a fifth of the businesses and the percentage exceeded 30 percent in several states. (See map.)

In some industries, women controlled a significant share of the businesses. For example, women-owned businesses accounted for 52.0 percent of all businesses operating in the health care and social assistance sector.

Nearly half of all women-owned businesses (45.9 percent) operated in repair and maintenance; personal and laundry services; health care and social assistance; and professional, scientific and technical services.

Statement of Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis on November employment numbers

Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis issued the following statement on the November 2010 Employment Situation report released Dec. 3:

"This past November, nonfarm payroll employment increased by 39,000 jobs, and the unemployment rate increased to 9.8 percent. Furthermore, the job numbers for the months of September and October were revised upward 38,000. This year, we've seen the creation of 1.2 million private sector jobs – steady growth averaging 106,000 new private sector jobs each month.

Employee Confidence Index on the Rise

The SFN Group Employee Confidence Index edged up 0.6 points to 50.7 in November. The index, which measures workers' confidence in their personal employment situation and optimism in the economic environment, shows that although less than a quarter (22 percent) of workers believe the economy is getting stronger, nearly three-fourths (73 percent) believe it is unlikely they will lose their jobs in the next 12 months.

"We are pleased to see a continuing upward trend in our Employee Confidence Index," said Roy Krause, president and CEO of SFN Group, Inc. "Workers are showing increased optimism in their ability to find new jobs and in the security of their current positions. Although November's job numbers were below expectations, our Report mirrors improvements in several macroeconomic areas, including early indications of healthy retail sales and third quarter productivity revised higher. With the economy adding an average of 86,000 jobs each month since last December and the four-week average of new jobless claims declining to its lowest figure since August 2008, we believe the economy entered the retail holiday shopping season on a reasonably optimistic note. This could indicate a return to healthier hiring activity sooner than anticipated."

You can bank on it

Ever wanted to look at banking careers? There are actually classes you can take that will increase your chances of catching the interest of a bank as far as hiring you as a full time bank employee. Classes that are offered go beyond being a bank teller, they also provide additional learning for those interested in loans or any of the other services that banks offer. Most of the classes don't require a long term educational commitment...

Fed workers over or under paid?

It depends on who you believe and which facts are cited. This Washington Post article presents some of the information from both sides.

Critics cite data that compare all public and private jobs: Federal workers averaged$123,049 in pay and benefits last year, while private workers totaled $61,051.

Because the government workforce is more skilled on the whole than labor used by private companies that include McDonald's and Wal-Mart, comparing all jobs skews private-sector salaries down, government officials say. The government sets pay scales based on what private employers in different regions pay for comparable levels of work and experience.

A government lawyer generally earns less than a corporate one. When the same work levels are compared, private pay comes out ahead 22 percent, government officials say.

Data released by Berry's office do not offer a government average. But the figures show that a novice government nurse earns $46,148, more than a private one at $39,215. More experienced government nurses trail behind the private sector - $84,652 compared with $124,239.

Terms of endearment

While the job market depending on your area of experience, is not rosy, there are still things you need to look at when being offered a position at a company. Beyond what is the salary or hourly range, what type of benefits are offered? Less companies are offering additional fringe benefits such as life insurance. This means if you are switching employers and your current one does provide life insurance? Don't forget to figure in the cost of term life insurance or a whole life insurance policy to be able to make a valid comparison as to what you currently have.

Health insurance premiums, copays and deductibles are also important facts to know and compare.

The good news about unemployment numbers

The good news about the latest unemployment numbers is -- First of all, a good part of the job losses came from the government. If you just look at the private sector, the economy actually added 67,000 positions. People getting off government payrolls and being hired by corporations or small businesses is a good sign. That's the handoff hopefully between the stimulus and economic growth kicking in. But the bigger point may be this: The unemployment rate, probably the most famous of economic gauges, may actually be a very bad indicator of how healthy the economy is.

You can read more here

Over one fourth nations employed faced unemployment...

Just over a quarter of the nation's 139 million currently employed workers endured a bout of unemployment during the Great Recession, according to results of a Pew Research Center survey released Thursday. And they tend to be less satisfied in their current jobs than are other workers.

Re-employed workers were more likely than others to see themselves as overqualified for their jobs, and six in 10 said they either changed careers or seriously considered doing so while they were out of work.

Pew's survey of re-employed workers was taken as the nation endures the longest bout of long-term unemployment since World War II. Almost 45 percent of the nation's 14.6 million jobless Americans have been unemployed for at least six months.

The Pew poll also found that many re-employed workers' new jobs did not last long. More than one-third of those surveyed suffered two of more periods of unemployment during the recession, and one in six was thrown out of work three or more times.

The Pew website does not have this poll listed yet, when they do? I'll update to include a link.

Ensuring companies hire legal workers

While our immigration problems are complex, merely rounding up illegal immigrants and shipping them back over the border doesn't end the problem. They just come back over or more illegals are hired in their place. While the reaction to the recent "silent raids" by the Federal government has been mixed, the reality is the government checking the books and making employers fire everyone who is undocumented, whether they are there on the day of the raid or not could work.

However, for it to really be successful the government has to go over the employers if they continue to hire undocumented workers. That is the only real way to make a substantial drop in hiring illegal workers, reduce the number of jobs, you reduce the motivation to come and you increase the number of available jobs for U.S. citizens.