February 2009 - Cameron Recruitment Newsletter

Welcome to 2009

We trust that you had a relaxing festive season and are re-energised for the New Year.

Everyone, it seems, has entered the year with a serious reality check caused by uncertain economic times. Though given the events in Victoria over the weekend, we should put those concerns into perspective. After their experience of severe drought and now devastating fires - it drives home the fact that the health and safety of family and friends is still the number one priority, even above hard economic times.

As the Chinese New Year and the year of the Ox has just been celebrated, it is prudent to remember that in Chinese parlance, crisis = opportunity. The Chinese year of the Ox represents prosperity through hard work.

In 2009 it’s a concept that we should all try to take on board. There is the opportunity for prosperity out there – though it may not come as swiftly or as easily as we have enjoyed before.

Here are some predictions for what its good to do in the year of the Ox:

Gain market share
Negotiate
Start a company
Hire people
Rent or lease new space
Buy a company

It is a bad year to:

Get credit
Sell your company
Raise money
Go public or be acquired.

Yes times are looking tough but as we all buckle down there will be a light at the end of the tunnel and we at Cameron Recruitment will be here to help show you the way.

Kindest regards,
Diane Humphries, CPA
Director | Cameron Recruitment

How will the stimulus package affect you & will it effect the industry you work in or plan to work in?

The Rudd Government’s $42 billion stimulus package launched this week is aimed at giving the business sector and the economy an infusion of help, yet some sectors have faired better than others.

Here is a snap shot of which sectors are getting a special boost.

Agribusiness: Those on the land will get a $20.4 million cash injection.

Construction and Engineering: A big winner with over $21 billion devoted to school buildings and public housing. This should assist a myriad of small struggling construction firms to get a kick start for the year.

IT/Internet: Nothing specific, however an additional 30% tax deduction for eligible assets should help to stimulate spending on IT hardware.

Property: $6.6 billion for public housing and defence housing.

Retail: $12.7 billion in cash handouts for low and middle income earners should translate well for the retail sector.

Transport: This sector will be pleased with $890 million to spend on roads, railways and local infrastructure, which means more employment and demand.

Presenting yourself well in tricky times

A season of increased job seekers presents a whole new ball game of challenges to tackle. The game appears to be already won by the potential employer. But while the pool of talent has grown, standing out from the crowd is not difficult but rising above the crowd is.

Here are some basic tips to keep you on top form:

Be armed with your current, accurate and succinct resume
Complete all your contact information on your resume (name, mobile, address (optional), email address)
Prepare an honest explanation of any employment gap of over 3 months.
Always be prepared for an interview. It could happen at any time- particularly when networking.
Resist the urge to criticise your previous employer- it makes you look bad, not them.
If you have been job hopping, have valid, succinct reasons.
Don’t lie. Interviewers will usually catch it and it’s good bye. Also their knowledge and net of contacts is spread wide.
Make your resume represent you well. Make it neat, complete and an advertisement for you.
Have a long term employment goal. Make this a real goal, something you really want to accomplish.
Dress to dazzle.

Is it time to re-invent yourself online?

The use of social networks such as LinkedIn and Facebook to keep your professional profile active is becoming necessary in this digital age.

In an economic downturn, more than any other time, it is essential to use the power of these networks as your tools for getting ahead, getting that next job, expanding your contact base and your sphere of influence.

In doing so, it is important to never underestimate the potentially disruptive force social networks can wield. One inappropriate picture, can un-do a lifetime of resume building. So be mindful of who is watching and might see your profile: your boss, your colleagues, your clients, your friends, even your mother!

Some tips:

Be clear when creating or updating your social networking profile on whether it’s for personal or business use. Don’t mix the two, make a choice and stick to it. Ie Use Facebook for social avenues and LinkedIn for your professional profile.
If you have a personal profile and want to keep it personal, use the built in security settings to make sure only people you choose and know can see the content.
Be selective with your friends. Don't ask for or accept a friends request from someone who is not really a "friend"- they can access personal details of yours and you can’t be sure of their identity. Social networking is not a popularity contest - less is sometimes more. Your social network is only as strong as your ties to the people in it. The value of social networking is to leverage your contacts for referrals, business leads, new opportunities etc.
Pause before you post. Always review and consider what you are about to put online and if it's appropriate for others to see. A good rule is not to put anything up that you wouldn't want your family or boss to see.
Recruiters are now rampant on searching profiles of applicants on social networks. What you have on your profile could make the difference in getting the job or not. Recent studies confirm that one in five employers search social networking sites to help them with their hiring decisions. A staggering one third of those said they didn't hire someone because of what they had seen on a candidate's profile.

Have fun with your profile. Being discerning doesn’t mean you can’t let your unique personality shine through. Prospective employers also like looking at online profiles because it gives them a better sense of who you are as a complete package.