A colleague recently shared an article with me that I found of interest, and thus wanted to give you an opportunity to chime in and let me know your thoughts!
Obama retools tax credit idea for creating jobs
By STEPHEN OHLEMACHER and CHRISTINE SIMMONS, Associated Press Writers Stephen Ohlemacher And Christine Simmons, Associated Press Writers – Fri Jan 29, 3:30 pm ET
BALTIMORE – President Barack Obama renewed his call for tax incentives to create jobs Friday, saying a greater effort is needed even though his administration has "stopped the flood of job losses."
Obama wants to give companies a $5,000 tax credit for each net new worker they hire in 2010.
Also, businesses that increase wages or hours for their existing workers in 2010 would be reimbursed for the extra Social Security payroll taxes they would pay.
No company could reap more than $500,000 from the combined benefits, one of several features meant to tailor the program more to small businesses than to large corporations.
House Democrats rejected a similar proposal last month after questioning how it would work. On Friday, some GOP lawmakers called the retooled plan too tepid; Rep. Mike Pence of Indiana described it as "a tax credit which was last promoted by President Jimmy Carter."
But Obama urged Congress to enact it, saying economists consider it an effective way to spur job growth.
"It's time to put America back to work," the president told workers after touring the Chesapeake Machine Company in Baltimore. "We've had two very tough years. And while these proposals will create jobs all across America, we've got a long way to go to make up for the millions of jobs that we lost in this recession."
Obama later spoke to a gathering of House Republicans in Baltimore.
"You may not support our overall jobs package, but if you look at the tax credit that we're proposing for small businesses right now, it is consistent with a lot of what you guys have said in the past," Obama told Republicans.
Under Obama's plan, which he mentioned in Wednesday's State of the Union address, companies created in 2010 could receive up to $250,000 in the tax benefits. Existing companies could not close down and then reopen under a new name and receive any benefits, the White House said.
The program would end Dec. 31 and would cost an estimated $33 billion. Obama wants to fund it with money repaid to the government from the 2008-09 bank bailout program. The Social Security system would not lose any revenue under the plan, which officials described Thursday ahead of Obama's Baltimore visit.
Obama said his revised proposal will be less susceptible to abuse from employers trying to game the system. Companies that fire workers and then quickly replace them would not qualify for the tax breaks, he said.
Some tax experts say it is hard to prevent abuse by companies that artificially increase their payrolls. But White House officials said they believed regulators would detect such attempts in the great majority of cases.
Wage increases for high-income employees would not qualify for tax breaks. No one pays Social Security payroll taxes on income above $106,800, so any pay increases above that level would trigger no reimbursement to the employer.
Despite the House's recent rejection of a similar plan, the idea of tax credits for job creation has caught on among Senate Democrats. They plan to include such a credit in a scaled-down jobs bill to be voted on in February.
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office recently analyzed several proposals to create jobs and improve the economy and concluded that a payroll tax credit for companies that increase payroll would be among the most effective. However, the analysis cautioned that it could be difficult to administer.
Congress enacted a similar tax credit in the 1970s and few small businesses took advantage, the CBO report said.
Obama hailed Friday's government report that showed a greater-than-expected economic surge in the last quarter of 2009, but noted many people are still struggling.
Republicans generally embrace almost any tax cut proposal, but Obama got a lukewarm reception for his proposal from GOP leaders in Baltimore.
"From a policy perspective, it's very difficult to make it work," said House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio.
Pence said he understands why a tax break for adding jobs would be popular. But, he said, businesses won't hire new employees until there is increased demand for their products.
___
Associated Press reporter Charles Babington in Washington contributed to this report.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Are You Considering Relocation for a New Job??
Great article on relocating for a new job --- courtesy of cnn.com today!
Will move for work
By Paul Keegan, contributing writer
February 3, 2010
(Money Magazine) -- Ira and Hope Moskowitz, both 44, have lived within a 10-mile radius of Philadelphia their whole lives. City kids, they met in junior high, got married in Philly in 1989, and settled in nearby Cherry Hill, N.J., where Hope manages a hair salon and Ira headed up software administration for a mortgage-servicing firm.
The family -- Josh is 17, Rachel is 14 -- even vacations at the Jersey shore every summer. "If it wasn't for losing my job," says Ira, "we'd be happy to spend the rest of our days in this area."
But as soon as the firm where he worked closed up operations in late 2009, the family realized it may not have the luxury of staying put. The mortgage business has been especially hard hit in the region. So, reluctantly, Ira expanded his job search nationwide, giving particular attention to Texas and North Carolina, where several mortgage-servicing companies are based.
Besides sending out a slew of résumés, he's been networking with far-flung friends and former colleagues. Hope, meanwhile, is researching neighborhoods around Dallas, where two of Ira's co-workers found jobs.
With 10% unemployment the norm nationally and some states hit even harder, more Americans are -- like the Moskowitzes -- considering job prospects away from home. Some 66% of executives polled by job site TheLadders.com in October said they'd move if an opportunity arose, up 11 percentage points from 2007.
The decision to uproot your family for work can be a difficult one even in the best of times. This economy, while providing impetus to relocate, also presents added challenges: Will you have to juggle the costs of two residences? Will you lose money on your old house? Will your spouse find work in the new city?
If you're thinking of making a move -- whether because you're unemployed or just seeking better opportunities -- here's the way to go about it.
Finding the job
Families searching for jobs elsewhere often let fantasy determine where they'll look. The Moskowitzes, for example, imagine themselves in a warmer climate. "I'd like Honolulu," Hope says. Rachel -- who, for a teenager, is surprisingly excited to move -- is pushing for a swimming pool; Josh wants to be able to skate-board year-round. Their preferences have kept Ira's search to the South.
But such narrowcasting is detrimental. "In this economy you have to look for jobs wherever they are," says Cathy Goodwin, career consultant and author of "Making the Big Move."
That doesn't mean heading to Bismarck, N.D., simply because it has the lowest unemployment rate. In fact, it's unwise today to move without a job. It does mean casting a wide net rather than focusing on specific areas. Get the offer, says Goodwin -- then you can fantasize.
To make the search manageable, identify the top 20 or so firms in your industry (or fields to which your skills are transferable), no matter where they're located. Then contact hiring managers directly. Ira should also connect with recruiters specializing in his field; he can find some via the Association of Executive Search Consultants.
Evaluating an offer
Assessing a job offer that requires relocation can be overwhelming. But the financial part of the equation boils down to this: Would you be able to afford a life you'd be happy with in the new place?
You can do a lot to investigate this via the Web. Online calculators can give you a rough idea of how far your pay will go. (For example, to live as well as they did on $140,000 near Philly, the Moskowitzes need only $104,000 in Dallas.)
Also look up income, property, and sales tax rates. And check classified ads to get a sense of job prospects for your spouse, if relevant, and yourself in case the new gig doesn't work out. Home in on a few neighborhoods, factoring in schools if you have kids, then visit realtor sites to see what you can afford.
The Internet won't tell the whole story, however, so also plan on visiting in person -- with your whole family -- to get a feel for the area.
After doing all this, list the pros and cons of moving, both financial (such as higher housing costs) and intangible (warmer weather), says Atlanta financial planner Bobbie Munroe. If you're out of work, also consider whether you're likely to get any better offers. The answer may help put your "cons" in perspective.
Making the move
Before accepting a job, ask the prospective employer for help with moving expenses, temporary housing, and travel. But don't hold your breath. New York recruiter Martin Kartin says that two years ago 90% of his corporate clients helped with such costs, but now it's down to 35%. Have a plan for paying for such expenses if the company won't.
Once you say yes, get your house on the market right away -- it'll probably take time to sell. You may be tempted to rent it out until conditions improve, but don't, says Munroe: "You don't want the added stress of becoming a landlord." (The exception: if you're underwater and would have to come up with money to pay off the loan.) Homes in Cherry Hill are averaging five months on the market, so the Moskowitzes will have to budget for those carrying costs.
No matter how low home prices are in the new city, don't buy right away, cautions Concord, Mass., financial planner Katie Birmingham Weigel. It may take longer than you think to get out from under your old place. And with less debt once you sell, you'll also have a better chance at qualifying for the lowest-rate mortgage.
Further, the job may not last, or the area may not be a good fit. Goodwin suggests the Moskowitzes rent for a year wherever they end up.
A self-confessed worrywart, Ira had been the least eager of his family to move. But as he makes progress in his search -- he recently interviewed with a firm near Atlanta -- his wife and kids' excitement is beginning to wear off on him: "I'm starting to look forward to trying something different, especially now that the cold weather is here."
Will move for work
By Paul Keegan, contributing writer
February 3, 2010
(Money Magazine) -- Ira and Hope Moskowitz, both 44, have lived within a 10-mile radius of Philadelphia their whole lives. City kids, they met in junior high, got married in Philly in 1989, and settled in nearby Cherry Hill, N.J., where Hope manages a hair salon and Ira headed up software administration for a mortgage-servicing firm.
The family -- Josh is 17, Rachel is 14 -- even vacations at the Jersey shore every summer. "If it wasn't for losing my job," says Ira, "we'd be happy to spend the rest of our days in this area."
But as soon as the firm where he worked closed up operations in late 2009, the family realized it may not have the luxury of staying put. The mortgage business has been especially hard hit in the region. So, reluctantly, Ira expanded his job search nationwide, giving particular attention to Texas and North Carolina, where several mortgage-servicing companies are based.
Besides sending out a slew of résumés, he's been networking with far-flung friends and former colleagues. Hope, meanwhile, is researching neighborhoods around Dallas, where two of Ira's co-workers found jobs.
With 10% unemployment the norm nationally and some states hit even harder, more Americans are -- like the Moskowitzes -- considering job prospects away from home. Some 66% of executives polled by job site TheLadders.com in October said they'd move if an opportunity arose, up 11 percentage points from 2007.
The decision to uproot your family for work can be a difficult one even in the best of times. This economy, while providing impetus to relocate, also presents added challenges: Will you have to juggle the costs of two residences? Will you lose money on your old house? Will your spouse find work in the new city?
If you're thinking of making a move -- whether because you're unemployed or just seeking better opportunities -- here's the way to go about it.
Finding the job
Families searching for jobs elsewhere often let fantasy determine where they'll look. The Moskowitzes, for example, imagine themselves in a warmer climate. "I'd like Honolulu," Hope says. Rachel -- who, for a teenager, is surprisingly excited to move -- is pushing for a swimming pool; Josh wants to be able to skate-board year-round. Their preferences have kept Ira's search to the South.
But such narrowcasting is detrimental. "In this economy you have to look for jobs wherever they are," says Cathy Goodwin, career consultant and author of "Making the Big Move."
That doesn't mean heading to Bismarck, N.D., simply because it has the lowest unemployment rate. In fact, it's unwise today to move without a job. It does mean casting a wide net rather than focusing on specific areas. Get the offer, says Goodwin -- then you can fantasize.
To make the search manageable, identify the top 20 or so firms in your industry (or fields to which your skills are transferable), no matter where they're located. Then contact hiring managers directly. Ira should also connect with recruiters specializing in his field; he can find some via the Association of Executive Search Consultants.
Evaluating an offer
Assessing a job offer that requires relocation can be overwhelming. But the financial part of the equation boils down to this: Would you be able to afford a life you'd be happy with in the new place?
You can do a lot to investigate this via the Web. Online calculators can give you a rough idea of how far your pay will go. (For example, to live as well as they did on $140,000 near Philly, the Moskowitzes need only $104,000 in Dallas.)
Also look up income, property, and sales tax rates. And check classified ads to get a sense of job prospects for your spouse, if relevant, and yourself in case the new gig doesn't work out. Home in on a few neighborhoods, factoring in schools if you have kids, then visit realtor sites to see what you can afford.
The Internet won't tell the whole story, however, so also plan on visiting in person -- with your whole family -- to get a feel for the area.
After doing all this, list the pros and cons of moving, both financial (such as higher housing costs) and intangible (warmer weather), says Atlanta financial planner Bobbie Munroe. If you're out of work, also consider whether you're likely to get any better offers. The answer may help put your "cons" in perspective.
Making the move
Before accepting a job, ask the prospective employer for help with moving expenses, temporary housing, and travel. But don't hold your breath. New York recruiter Martin Kartin says that two years ago 90% of his corporate clients helped with such costs, but now it's down to 35%. Have a plan for paying for such expenses if the company won't.
Once you say yes, get your house on the market right away -- it'll probably take time to sell. You may be tempted to rent it out until conditions improve, but don't, says Munroe: "You don't want the added stress of becoming a landlord." (The exception: if you're underwater and would have to come up with money to pay off the loan.) Homes in Cherry Hill are averaging five months on the market, so the Moskowitzes will have to budget for those carrying costs.
No matter how low home prices are in the new city, don't buy right away, cautions Concord, Mass., financial planner Katie Birmingham Weigel. It may take longer than you think to get out from under your old place. And with less debt once you sell, you'll also have a better chance at qualifying for the lowest-rate mortgage.
Further, the job may not last, or the area may not be a good fit. Goodwin suggests the Moskowitzes rent for a year wherever they end up.
A self-confessed worrywart, Ira had been the least eager of his family to move. But as he makes progress in his search -- he recently interviewed with a firm near Atlanta -- his wife and kids' excitement is beginning to wear off on him: "I'm starting to look forward to trying something different, especially now that the cold weather is here."
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Where Have I Been????
So my little experiment proved fruitful! I have been wondering for some time, how many people were actually reading my blog.....and if the information I was providing was of some benefit. So my experiment to stop posting and see if I got any feedback as to the lack of posts worked. Many of you sent emails, asking for more information and helpful interview tips, etc.
So I am back with a vengeance! More posts, more tips, more job listings....MORE!
So to start, please find below our New Business Development Sales Rep job description, a position we have available in San Diego, CA; Southern Orange County, CA; Richmond, VA; and Austin, TX. If you are interested in applying, please shoot me an email with your resume to trip.young@servicemaster.com
All The Best!
Business Development Sales Rep
This job will focus on selling commercial landscape services to businesses and industrial establishments and provide excellent client satisfaction.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Researches, identifies and delivers profitable business opportunities with new and existing clients through customer relationships, cold calling, client presentations, referral generation, cross selling and networking.
Develops close customer relationships and thorough understanding of client needs; trouble-shoots customer issues.
Evaluates all revenue generating opportunities within a customer or prospect and designing proposals based on finds.
Meets regularly with prospects to continue to build and enhance potential business opportunities throughout business sales cycle.
Increases market share by achieving sales and revenue production goals.
Travels through local assigned territory to call on regular and prospective customers to solicit sales.
Serves as mentor for less tenured or experienced sales representatives.
Develops and executes sales and business development plans.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have current state driver's license in good standing.
Education and/or Experience
Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university with four to five years’ related business-to-business sales experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred experience with business-to-business transactions involving mid-to-long sales cycles.
At TruGreen LandCare, you’ll enjoy a competitive compensation and benefits package, as well as the opportunity for professional growth and respect that comes from working for the industry leader. Qualified candidates must be able to successfully pass a criminal background check and drug screen. Come grow with us.
AA/EOE M/F/V/D
So I am back with a vengeance! More posts, more tips, more job listings....MORE!
So to start, please find below our New Business Development Sales Rep job description, a position we have available in San Diego, CA; Southern Orange County, CA; Richmond, VA; and Austin, TX. If you are interested in applying, please shoot me an email with your resume to trip.young@servicemaster.com
All The Best!
Business Development Sales Rep
This job will focus on selling commercial landscape services to businesses and industrial establishments and provide excellent client satisfaction.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Researches, identifies and delivers profitable business opportunities with new and existing clients through customer relationships, cold calling, client presentations, referral generation, cross selling and networking.
Develops close customer relationships and thorough understanding of client needs; trouble-shoots customer issues.
Evaluates all revenue generating opportunities within a customer or prospect and designing proposals based on finds.
Meets regularly with prospects to continue to build and enhance potential business opportunities throughout business sales cycle.
Increases market share by achieving sales and revenue production goals.
Travels through local assigned territory to call on regular and prospective customers to solicit sales.
Serves as mentor for less tenured or experienced sales representatives.
Develops and executes sales and business development plans.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have current state driver's license in good standing.
Education and/or Experience
Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university with four to five years’ related business-to-business sales experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred experience with business-to-business transactions involving mid-to-long sales cycles.
At TruGreen LandCare, you’ll enjoy a competitive compensation and benefits package, as well as the opportunity for professional growth and respect that comes from working for the industry leader. Qualified candidates must be able to successfully pass a criminal background check and drug screen. Come grow with us.
AA/EOE M/F/V/D
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Recruiter Ramblings
Today's rambling: Firing your resume like you are practicing HALO with a M16 Assault Rifle.
I have recently interviewed a number of candidates who have openly admitted to blindly sending off their resume to online job postings, with little tracking or research on what job opportunity they might be applying.
Now I will be one of the first to admit that my 401K that became a 101K over the last year is a telling sign of how bad our economy has been and still might be....
However, I do not encourage open fire on the job boards!
Our current economy is providing a platform for new beginnings! Use this opportunity to hone a new skill; learn a new trade; reinvent oneself! Perhaps even go back to school to finish your degree or go after that MBA you have been threatening about for the last few years.
2010 is around the corner and it looks promising! So take this opportunity to fine tune your resume and prepare to take the job market by storm.
The next few postings to come, will highlight job searching tricks and resume pointers to assist you in identifying your next CAREER.
I have recently interviewed a number of candidates who have openly admitted to blindly sending off their resume to online job postings, with little tracking or research on what job opportunity they might be applying.
Now I will be one of the first to admit that my 401K that became a 101K over the last year is a telling sign of how bad our economy has been and still might be....
However, I do not encourage open fire on the job boards!
Our current economy is providing a platform for new beginnings! Use this opportunity to hone a new skill; learn a new trade; reinvent oneself! Perhaps even go back to school to finish your degree or go after that MBA you have been threatening about for the last few years.
2010 is around the corner and it looks promising! So take this opportunity to fine tune your resume and prepare to take the job market by storm.
The next few postings to come, will highlight job searching tricks and resume pointers to assist you in identifying your next CAREER.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
