Job Seeker – Catalyst Career Group

Is Summer A Good Time To Begin A Job Search?

Posted by catalystcareergroupon June 23, 2023June 23, 2023in Hiring Trends, Job Seeker

Summer is often seen as a time to rest and take a break from busy schedules, but it can also be a great time to start a job search! In fact, there are several reasons why summer can be a good time to look for a job, here are a few you should consider this summer:

There are more job openings.

Many businesses hire seasonal workers during the summer months. This means that there are often more job openings available in the summer than there are during other times of the year.

Employers are likely trying to fill seasonal positions.

Employers are often more likely to be hiring in the summer because they need to fill seasonal positions. This means that you are more likely to get an interview if you start your job search in the summer! According to a survey by CareerBuilder, 57% of employers plan to hire seasonal workers in 2023.

You can negotiate a higher salary.

Because there is more competition for summer jobs, you may be able to negotiate a higher salary than you would if you were looking for a job during other times of the year.

Still, there are also some challenges to consider when starting a job search in the summer.

Some employers are on vacation.

During the summer, some employers may be on vacation. This can make it difficult to get in touch with them and schedule interviews. This doesn’t mean that you can’t secure a job, just keep in mind that this might make the process a little longer.

You may have to take on a temporary job.

If you are unable to find a permanent job in the summer, you may have to take on a temporary job. This can be a good way to gain experience and build your resume, but it is not a long-term solution. Consider the possibility that a successful summer job search can still leave you beginning a new job search in the fall.

Overall, summer can be a good time to start a job search. However, it is important to do your research and be prepared to work hard. With a little effort, you can find a great summer job that will help you advance your career!

Catalyst Career Group is committed to matching quality candidates with great companies all over the nation. We make it easy for job seekers with our friendly welcome orientation, informative event guides, and seminars specifically designed to help you advance your career at in-person and virtual job fairs.

And Private Recruiting Events allow you to meet with employers at their office, conference room, or virtually (over phone or video interview). While multi-company job fairs work well to meet many candidates for a broad range of positions, we’ll bring you directly to the door of the person who is hiring today.

Contact Catalyst Career Group to get connected with our job fairs where we connect job seekers with hiring managers.

How To Improve Your Company’s Hiring Process.

Posted by catalystcareergroupon April 26, 2023May 31, 2023in Hiring Trends, Job Descriptions, Job Seeker

As with many job searches, the hiring process can be difficult and time consuming. In the process of searching for the perfect candidate, attracting the right people for your brand will help to improve the quality and retention of your employees. A good hiring process sets the tone for prospective employees, so here are a few way to improve yours:

Make your job descriptions clear and specific.

For a job seeker, their first interaction with your brand will likely be through your job description. Take some time to include a detailed explanation of all responsibilities and benefits for the applicant. This will help to ensure that when you do receive an application, they are from those who are genuinely interested and a good fit for the position. This can also give applicants a taste of your company’s brand, values, and culture which are all significant parts of any job search.

Communicate Effectively.

When sorting through applications and moving towards the interview process, there are so many things to discuss with your job candidates. Deciding in advance what kinds of interview questions you will ask and onboarding information you require will make this process much more effective. This will also allow you and your recruitment team to be on the same page, allowing for all communications with applicants to run more smoothly throughout the hiring process.

Don’t make the hiring process longer than necessary.

The job search and hiring process can be stressful. There are many factors to consider on both ends, so it is wise to gather as much information as possible. But once you’ve got an adequate

understanding of your candidate and what they have to offer, don’t be afraid to move forward in making a decision. If they have not heard back from the employer just 1 week after an interview, 70% of job seekers will lose interest in the position. An article published by JDI Search says that the best job candidates are off the market within 10 days! Always make informed decisions, but be sure to keep timing in mind.

Catalyst Career Group is committed to matching quality candidates with great companies all over the nation. We make it easy for job seekers with our friendly welcome orientation, informative event guides, and seminars specifically designed to help you advance your career at in-person and virtual job fairs.

And Private Recruiting Events allow you to meet with employers at their office, conference room, or virtually (over phone or video interview). While multi-company job fairs work well to meet many candidates for a broad range of positions, we’ll bring you directly to the door of the person who is hiring today.

Is Spring the Best Time to Kickstart Your Job Search? Exploring the Pros and Cons.

Posted by catalystcareergroupon March 29, 2023March 29, 2023in Hiring Trends, Job Seeker

If you have had any experience searching for a job, you know that it can be a long and time-consuming process. As many begin looking for new positions, it can be difficult to know where to start and how to increase your chances of success. As the first quarter of the year comes to a close and the excitement of the new year calms, job seekers are beginning to wonder: is now the right time to begin my job search?

While it is true that many companies begin the year with fresh budgets and the need for new hires, the spring is still blooming with possibility! Understanding recruitment cycles and what exactly companies are looking for during the spring quarter may give you a better chance of being seen and securing that interview.

Let’s explore if spring is the best time to kickstart your job search!

Job shortage gives spring job searchers an advantage

Though the January/February hiring surge has passed, many companies are still searching for candidates. Jobs should remain available through the end of spring, even amidst an uncertain economic client.

Right now, there is a massive labor shortage in the U.S. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, there are currently 10 million open jobs and only 5.7 million unemployed workers. Job seekers can leverage this gap by maintaining their engagement with open job postings throughout the year.

Summer schedules may impact timing

With summer comes vacations, shorter work hours, and other out-of-office periods for many hiring managers. Because of these schedule discrepancies, interview processes could extend longer than usual or face a few start-stop disruptions.

Alternatively, if you begin your job search in the spring you may notice the interview process will be accelerated. Rather than prolonging the hiring process into summer, some companies will want to quicken their pace in order to place candidates before their vacations begin. This could work to your advantage and help to complete your spring job search faster. Not all companies follow this pace, so you’ll need to adjust your expectations from application to application and remember to be flexible.

Be prepared for competition in your spring job search

Because of the advantageous job market, many people are beginning their job search this spring. With so many candidates competition is high, so you have to do your best to stand out. Spending a bit of time every day working on your resume and building your interviewing skills could be what scores you your dream job.

Catalyst Career Group is committed to matching quality candidates with great companies all over the nation. We make it easy for job seekers with our friendly welcome orientation, informative event guides, and seminars specifically designed to help you advance your career at in-person and virtual job fairs.

And Private Recruiting Events allow you to meet with employers at their office, conference room, or virtually (over phone or video interview). While multi-company job fairs work well to meet many candidates for a broad range of positions, we’ll bring you directly to the door of the person who is hiring today.

CANDIDATE SEARCH AND PLACEMENT

Your company may be at risk of lost productivity if the right people aren’t found now. We’ll find the right hire for your business with candidate search and placement.
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VIRTUAL JOB FAIRS (Diversity)

Consider joining the upcoming area Job Fair. These are multi-profession, multi-industry VIRTUAL EVENTS where recruiters can safely connect live with area talent and maximize their recruiting efforts from the comfort of their own office.
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+ View the Chicago Virtual Diversity Job Fairs here.

PRIVATE RECRUITING EVENTS

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How To Make The Most Of A Spring Job Search

Posted by catalystcareergroupon February 27, 2023February 27, 2023in Hiring Trends, Job Seeker

At the start of a new year, many people are beginning their job search, with new goals for their career in mind. Many employers anticipate this and present job seekers with new positions and job openings. But if job seekers are not prepared to navigate this saturated market and stay consistent in searching throughout the beginning of spring, it can still be quite difficult to hear back from hiring managers. Keep reading to learn a few ways that you can make your spring job search more productive!

A spring job search can last 5 months on average

It’s easy to get impatient when searching for a new job. Between interviews and follow-up calls, a position in your dream company can feel far away. That is why it’s important to remember that from application to hire, a job search takes 5 months on average. Shifting your focus to being as prepared as possible from the very start is the best thing any job seeker can do.

Target your most desired companies for your spring job search

Just like everyone else, employees at top-earning companies are likely searching for jobs themselves. If there are specific companies you have in mind, beginning your job search in the start spring could be your best bet. Along with their existing employees moving into new jobs, business owners are likely setting new goals of their own, often resulting in more jobs.

If you need help creating a list of targets, many organizations create “Best Place to Work” lists. Start with your local media outlets for desirable companies in your area. You should be able to find these via a search for “best places to work in {your city}.” Other outlets, like LinkedIn, Fortune magazine, job listing website Glassdoor, Forbes, and other media companies release their top lists each year, as well.

Network intentionally to make the most of your spring job search

As you spend time networking, be mindful that it can be beneficial to connect with people who are not directly related to the company you are seeking out. When you begin securing contacts and interviews, make a plan to follow up with your contacts. It is important to maintain relationships with people, even if no job comes from the connection. Investing in your professional relationships keeps the door open for future connections and opportunities.

Make your job search more fruitful by following these tips and staying up to date with other Catalyst Career Group hiring resources!

Catalyst Career Group is committed to matching quality candidates with great companies all over the nation. We make it easy for job seekers with our friendly welcome orientation, informative event guides, and seminars specifically designed to help you advance your career at in-person and virtual job fairs.

And Private Recruiting Events allow you to meet with employers at their office, conference room, or virtually (over phone or video interview). While multi-company job fairs work well to meet many candidates for a broad range of positions, we’ll bring you directly to the door of the person who is hiring today.

It’s 2023. When Is The Best Timing To Look For A Job?

Posted by catalystcareergroupon December 30, 2022in Hiring Trends, Job Seeker

Welcome to 2023! As the year begins, we continue to deal with the impact of inflation on the economy (and the job market). Job seekers may find it helpful to know when the best times to look for jobs is as the new year begins. As many organizations start a new fiscal year in January, you may find more openings are available in the comings months.

Let’s take a look at the best timing as 2023 approaches for job seekers as well as some insider job search tips.

Always be open to looking for a job

For the best chances at securing a job offer, it is always best to consistently seek out and apply for jobs that fit your preferences, location, background, and skills. Knowing the best times to look for a job may help you expect a boost in openings and aid in your job search.

The best time of year to find a job

Did you know that companies tend to hire most in January and February? This is mainly because of new hiring budgets that go into effect at the beginning of a new year. This is also the time of year that many corporate employees, including hiring managers, return from their holiday vacations. As work slows down during the winter months, more space is created for time-consuming projects like writing and posting job openings.

A seasonal guide to job searching

Every month has unique advantages and disadvantages for hiring. And here is what you can expect during the next quarter:

Winter

Historically, December is the slowest month for hiring. People tend to use the bulk of their vacation time during this month. This is because many travel out of state and make plans for the holidays. The office environment feels more relaxed and it is common for departments to notice employees working at a slower pace as they become involved in holiday activities.

Although January and February are known as the top months to get hired, you may experience slower than usual responses the first two weeks of January as employees return from vacations. However, if you’re looking to get hired, these are still the best months to go after job openings. The new year pushes hiring managers to accomplish the tasks they’ve been putting off due to updated budgets that allow managers to make important decisions, like hiring additional staff members.

These winter months are some of the best times to search for a job especially because workers are back in the office and working at their usual pace. Job listings posted in January produce a great number of candidates by February, which motivates employers to start scheduling interviews, and ultimately, hire new people.

Spring

The months of March, April and May are the next best time for getting hired. Management positions feel pressure to train new hires before the summer before vacations kick off as well.

Pro Tip: One thing to keep in mind when applying for jobs during spring is that the competition may increase, especially if a listing has been up since January. That’s why it’s important to update your resume and highlight any valuable experiences you’ve had that show you’re the best fit for the position.

How to Increase Your Ties When You Have Small Networks

If you have limited connections, networking with new contacts and decision-makers will increase your chances of leveraging new opportunities. Job fairs and private recruiting events give a candidate a leg-up, as they provide easier access to hiring managers, in-person and in one place. This is true whether you’re looking for a new job or considering a career change.

Pro-Tip: job fairs or private recruiting events can act as a shortcut to meeting the decision maker right away.

Catalyst Career Group is committed to matching quality candidates with great companies all over the nation. We make it easy for jobseekers with our friendly welcome orientation, informative event guides, and seminars specifically designed to help you advance your career at in-person and virtual job fairs.

And Private Recruiting Events allow you to meet with employers at their office, conference room, or virtually (over phone or video interview). While multi-company job fairs work well to meet many candidates for a broad range of positions, we’ll bring you directly to the door of the person who is hiring today.