Human Resources: Projected Weak Hiring Outlook for Q4 2009 Forces Job Seekers to Pursue Varied Career Paths

Philadelphia, PA – September 22, 2009 – US job seekers continue to face a tough employment market, based on the latest findings from the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey, which predicts a weak hiring pace for the fourth quarter of 2009. Candidates working with Right Management in outplacement programs are pursuing varied and flexible career moves to seize the limited employment opportunities that exist in today’s market. Right Management is the talent and career management expert within Manpower, the global leader in employment services.

Manpower’s Employment Outlook Survey found that 69% of the 28,000 employers surveyed expect no change in their October to December hiring plans. Twelve percent anticipate an increase in staff levels, while 14% expect a decrease in payrolls, resulting in a Net Employment Outlook of -2%.

“Naturally, many candidates are feeling challenged and discouraged in such a competitive market. But the good news is there are opportunities out there. However, they may not be the same opportunities that existed in previous cycles or when individuals were last searching for a job,” said Douglas J. Matthews, President and Chief Operating Officer of Right Management.

Matthews has observed that outplacement candidates are finding employment more often in roles that might be time-limited projects or completely new ventures. “Some candidates are being rehired by their past employer to fulfill critical projects. The specialized skills required to complete the project were cut out of the organization during earlier rounds of layoffs. Others are securing contract-based work or temporary consulting assignments, or even starting their own ventures and moving into self-employment.”

“Yes, the market is tough. But successful job seekers have a positive and agile approach, demonstrating their ability to respond to changing market dynamics,” advised Matthews.

Matthews recommends five tips for job seekers to sharpen their career plan:

1. Reassess Objectives. Step back and evaluate whether your objectives are realistic and in line with current job market prospects for your industry and/or function. Take inventory of your skills, strengths, interests, and values. Analyze gaps and opportunities. Tap your network to better understand the needs of the marketplace.

2. Get active with professional online networks. Our research shows that 45% of outplacement candidates landed new positions through their networks. In a recent survey conducted by Right Management via LinkedIn, 72% of hiring manages reported finding online professional networking sites to be an effective recruitment tool, and 99% of human resource professionals use them to source new talent. Use the sites to increase visibility, build relationships, make connections, share information, collaborate with peers, and uncover job opportunities. But don’t neglect your traditional network. It is still just as important to connect with colleagues in person via professional associations or trade group meetings, informal lunches, or telephone calls.

3. Stay relevant. Proactively manage your career by conducting industry and functional research, enrolling in new training or education courses, and staying actively involved in professional organizations to keep up-to-date on current trends and best practices. This is essential to keep your competitive edge.

4. Practice communication skills. Our research shows that five critical communication skills made the difference between job candidates who performed well in interviews and those who did not. Top skills include (1) concise responses, (2) structured approach, (3) logical flow of information, (4) eye contact, and (5) clarity of speech. Many job seekers do not know how to effectively interview for a new position and derail themselves far more than experience does. Be prepared to talk about how your strengths and accomplishments match the job opening and the needs of the organization.

5. Project a positive, confident and enthusiastic attitude. Avoid sending negative messages about losing your previous job and your feelings about the current state of the job market. Be sure to speak confidently about your ability to contribute to the organization’s success.

The complete results for the US Manpower Employment Outlook Survey are available for download at http://www.us.manpower.com/meos.

About Right Management
Right Management (www.right.com) is the talent and career management expert within Manpower, the global leader in employment services. Right Management helps clients win in the changing world of work by designing and executing workforce solutions that align talent strategy with business strategy. Our expertise spans Talent Assessment, Leader Development, Organizational Effectiveness, Employee Engagement, and Workforce Transition and Outplacement. With offices in over 50 countries, Right Management partners with companies of all sizes. More than 80% of Fortune 500 companies are currently working with us to help them grow talent, reduce costs and accelerate performance.

About Manpower
Manpower is a leader in the employment services industry; creating and delivering services that enable its clients to win in the changing world of work. The company offers employers a range of services for the entire employment and business cycle including permanent, temporary and contract recruitment; employee assessment and selection; training; outplacement; outsourcing and consulting. The focus of Manpower's work is on raising productivity through improved quality, efficiency and cost-reduction across their total workforce, enabling clients to concentrate on their core business activities. Manpower Inc. operates under four major brands in the U.S.: Manpower, Manpower Professional, Jefferson Wells and Right Management. More information is available at http://www.us.manpower.com.