May 2008
China's Desirability Waning?
The American Chamber of Commerce released its whitepaper last month, addressing itself to the changes in China's economy that have effected its desirability for US-based manufacturers. "For manufacturers, the seemingly endless supply of low-cost unskilled labour may be approaching its limits," says Norwell Coquillard, chairman of AmCham in Shanghai. On the other hand, rising salaries are making China more attractive as a potential market, drawing in manufacturers for new strategic reasons.
Source: http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gHL4hap5rab8VuD6cP4YOgrSvsvQ
Can Obsessions with a Youthful US Workforce Last?
- With the unemployment rate in the college educated workforce still at only 2.1 percent, companies are already in heavy competition for highly qualified professional talent.
- As Baby Boomers begin to retire, experience and knowledge will be leaving companies with them. How long will companies be able to preference early career candidates in this climate?
- If you're late in your career and struggling to identify the most appropriate next step for yourself, keep in mind that many foreign companies actually prefer late career professionals in leadership and strategic roles.
Supply Chain Crunch
Supply Chain professionals will feel the pinch of economic change first. When COO's demand cost cutting, strategic sourcing babies can get thrown out with the bathwater. The first place executives often look to cut costs is purchase price of direct materials, forgetting long-term relationship building with suppliers and total cost of ownership.
Labor Demand Shifting from Larger to Smaller Companies
According to ADP's National Employment Report on April 30th, while large firms are shrinking, there was an increase of 42,000 jobs in companies with fewer than 50 employees–across all sectors.
Source: http://www.adpemploymentreport.com/PDF/FINAL_Report_Apr_08.pdf
What workplace benefit is most important to you?
MRINetwork™ Poll
Interview Tip of the Month
"Open the interview by asking the hiring authority to tell you, in their own words, what impact they hope this role will have on the organization. This will help you understand which of all the great skills and experiences you bring will be of most important to discuss. Both of you can use it as a reference point to bring focus and direction to your conversation."
Bob Meissner
President of MEI Search Consultants
International Specialist/ Executive Search Consultant
Resume Tip of the Month
You don't know what systems and programs your hiring authority may be using to view your resume, so avoid text boxes, tables and other potentially complex layouts that may not transfer well. As a general rule, if you can copy and paste your resume into Notepad and it comes out readable, you should be in good shape.
Tip for a Weak US Economy
FOCUS ON INTERNATIONAL! A downturn in the US economy can come with layoffs and downsizing domestically, but a weak dollar means many companies find sales growth opportunities overseas.
Quote of the Month
"In the great mass of our people there are plenty individuals of intelligence from among whom leadership can be recruited."
Hebert Hoover