Summer’s here – finally! – and with it comes some welcome news about our nation’s labor force. In early June, the federal government announced 248,000 new jobs were created in May – the third consecutive strong month for job growth, and another sign that we’re emerging from a sluggish economy.

Another good sign: the job growth generated by America’s staffing companies, which employed an average of 2.3 million temporary and contract workers per day during the first quarter of 2004. That’s nearly 200,000 more than during the first quarter of 2003. But this sustained growth isn’t new; the staffing industry has demonstrated growth for six consecutive quarters, according to the American Staffing Association.

From my vantage point, our local job market reflects some of this activity. We’re seeing increased interest from employers in many sectors. But the news isn’t all good. Even though the U.S. added more that 32,000 manufacturing jobs in May, the York area’s market for manufacturing jobs still seems like it’s stuck in neutral. And Pennsylvania’s Department of Labor and Industry predicts that we’ll continue to lose manufacturing jobs statewide over the next several years.

What lessons can employers take from this? Overall, the improved economy will create opportunities for nearly every business. But with job growth heating up, it may become increasingly difficult to find qualified workers. (Of course, Gdovin can help with that...)

Please feel free to email me with your comments, feedback, or questions. I’d love to hear from you.

Regards, Ann Gdovin-Hake

Articles of interest for May 2004...

Tom Sawyer and the art of delegationMost of us remember the whitewashing episode in the novel, Tom Sawyer. That’s when Tom uses a bit of wit (and a bit of flattery) to convince his friends to paint his fence. Great scene – and also a lesson in delegation. Learn how Mark Twain’s 19th-century boy can provide guidance for 21st-century managers …

Read more ...
http://www.jobfood.com/mwFoodforthought/article.asp
?lngID=398&subid=8

Would you hire Bush or Kerry? - Using public records, a college-focused TV channel built résumés based on the college experiences of the two presidential candidates. After adding fake names and changing the dates so Bush and Kerry appeared to be 2004 graduates, the channel sought feedback from five experts. The results? “In today's job market, the college-era résumés of both President Bush and Sen. John Kerry probably would fail the 10-second rule — as in, employers know within 10 seconds of seeing a résumé whether they will seek an interview.” Read the whole article …

Read more ...
http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2004-05-17
-bush-kerry-job-search_x.htm

See this series of articles and tips on how the “power of positive recognition” can improve morale and boost retention.
http://humanresources.about.com/library/
weekly/aa040702a.htm

Can the One-Question Personality Profile actually tell you what type of manager are you? Or what type of person? Find out …
http://soli.inav.net/~catalyst/Type/mbtione1.htm

• York County's unemployment rate held steady at 4.7 percent in April, compared to the national rate of 5.6 percent.
• In a 2003 study, one background search firm found that more than 50 percent of the people on whom it conducted employment and education checks had intentionally and/or unintentionally submitted false information.
• The temporary help industry is among the fastest-growing segments of the labor market. Employment in the sector has doubled since 1990, ballooning at a rate five times faster than national employment as a whole.
• By 2012, the Labor Department estimates the sector will grow by another 50 percent and add some 1.8 million jobs -- nearly triple the projected increase in computer systems and design services.

Q & A with Margaret Lewis, Practice Manager, Partners in Family Health, PC

Why do you use a personnel agency?
For recruiting purposes, particularly when newspaper advertising is not effective.

Why do you use Gdovin instead of a different agency?
Gdovin caters to healthcare, which I like. Ann, Heather, and their staff are very personable and easy to work with.

Describe your experience working with Gdovin.
Gdovin has helped us with both front office and billing personnel. They fax over resumes. We then interview and meet all applicants. dovin is particularly good with communication -- using phone, fax, and e-mail. Ann and Heather came out to introduce themselves; you don't get that personal care from all agencies. They are very professional office, and their billing is accurate as well. I would also use them for clinical and administrative help, should those needs ever arise.

What trends do you see in the healthcare job market over the next three years or so?
With the HIPAA Security rule going into effect next spring, I think we'll see a closer relationship between healthcare offices and information technology (IT) firms and persons. The very technological requirements of the rule will most likely result in small offices needing assistance from IT to be in compliance. As the medical field, in general, moves to a more electronic environment, staffing needs will change. I think the biggest impact will be on the billing staff. With electronic coding, claims, verification, statements and referrals, fewer patient-accounts staff will be needed for these tasks. I think we'll also see medical records clerks being transitioned to scanning positions.

Is there anything else you would like to add?
For those of us who have been in healthcare for a while, Gdovin is a well-known name and a great resource. Thanks for the opportunity to share.

This professional, well-organized candidate loves to solve problems. Through her past work experience, this candidate has demonstrated an ability to find the most efficient way to complete tasks. She understands process and workflow, so she excels at establishing and managing new systems. If your company needs someone to take over a department or project, she’s your candidate. This candidate is proficient with Word, Excel and the Internet.

Availability: Must give a two-week notice to current employer
Pay scale: $13.00/hour
Type of employment: Direct hire or temp-to-hire
In a nutshell: Problem solver/potential leader with strong organizational skills.

This exceptionally qualified candidate recently retired as full-time manager for a general practice facility, where she managed a staff of nine that supported two doctors. Though this candidate does not wish to take on a similar level of responsibility, she does seek to contribute her experience in a part-time capacity. This candidate possesses a highly professional demeanor, works exceptionally well with patients, and understands the healthcare field. She’s ready to start immediately.

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In a nutshell: Years of medical practice experience; great rapport with patients.

This uniquely qualified individual most recently served as assistant to the president of a $280 million corporate division with 2,400 employees. She was responsible for the president’s day-to-day activities: e-mail, calendar, travel, meetings, etc. In addition, this candidate managed an office of 17 employees at the Virginia-based facility. She was recently laid off as part of a large corporate downsizing and relocated to the York area. This candidate is highly skilled and able to handle an extremely detail-oriented position assisting an executive.

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