They’re alive! The new profiles on the Cleared Network, that is. Job seekers can now offer a more full picture of their personality and preferences, meaning hiring managers have more intel about how they’ll fit into company culture. Companies can now update with more information – update your profile now!
When’s the best time to look for a new job? When you already have a job, especially in this economy. A recent survey found that 73% of workers do not have an issue with job-hunting before departing the old job. It never hurts to keep a constant eye on what jobs or companies are trending, but beware of the 48% who search for work while physically at their current job site.
A recent article identifies just how critical it is to be looking for work before leaving the old job. Many companies report a bias against workers who have been unemployed – especially towards workers unemployed for more than six months. It’s always been known that passive candidates are most in-demand, but the current culture of outright bias could be concerning for those facing unexpected layoffs.
Here’s hoping that the Pentagon actually found $900 million in savings. DOD civilian employees would certainly appreciate the number of furlough days being cut from 11 days to 6 days. Less time with a 25% pay reduction is certainly better for employees, and would also mean greater productivity for the department.
Who’s Hiring
Unless something changes, the Air Force is estimating that its current fighter pilot shortfall of 200 will increase to 700 in the coming years. Military pilots make significantly less money than commercial pilots, meaning its not uncommon for Air Force pilots to take their military training and launch into a higher-paying civilian career. The Air Force is trying to retain current pilots by offering them a $225,000 bonus for signing an additional 9 years. Money might make a dent in this problem, but with more jets on the ground and less flying time and training for pilots, it remains to be seen how big the dent will be.
August and September may be good months to reconsider looking for work with defense contractors. With the end of FY2013 in sight, contractors are hoping for a government-spending spree that could bring in the necessary projects to re-boost their workforce.
The Air Force just selected Lockheed Martin, Harris IT Services, SRA International, Raytheon, L-3, and TYBRIN as the six vendors to compete for work on a $960 million contract. Work will focus on network-centric and information technology products and services. New contract work could signal new job openings.
Who’s Moving
The ribbon has been cut, and the new U.S. Coast Guard headquarters in Southeast Washington is now open for business. Starting August 1st, more than 3,700 Coast Guard employees will begin the move to the new building. This is the first time, in the Coast Guards 223-year history, that it has had a permanent location. Along with the completion of the Coast Guard headquarters, officials vowed to complete the Department of Homeland Security headquarters.
