Project Work Attractive Option in Competitive Job Market
KANSAS CITY (PRNewswire-USNewswire), February 2, 2009 - Professionals who are trying to land a job may want to pursue project work. According to specialized staffing service Robert Half International, companies that are unable to add full-time employees during periods of economic uncertainty often bring in professionals on a temporary basis, which can translate into opportunities for those who are looking to earn income, make new contacts and enhance their marketability during an extended job search.
"In the current environment, it can be challenging for businesses to predict their long-term staffing needs," said Max Messmer, chairman and CEO of Robert Half International. "Using project or temporary professionals for high-priority initiatives allows companies to maintain productivity without committing to full-time hires until they are certain those positions are sustainable."
Messmer noted that while many people associate temporary work with the administrative profession, opportunities are available in a variety of specialized fields. "Companies need highly skilled professionals for a wide range of projects that require differing levels of industry expertise and experience," he said. "When looking for opportunities, it can be beneficial for job seekers to work with a staffing firm that specializes in their field."
Following are 10 of the most prevalent project roles in the current economy, according to Robert Half:
1. Credit and collections specialists - Companies are working with these
professionals to help manage credit risk and collect from delinquent
accounts. In particular, firms seek individuals who can identify ways
to reduce inefficiencies and maximize cash flow.
2. Staff and senior accountants - In any economy, businesses need staff
members who can perform core accounting tasks, such as maintaining the
general ledger system and analyzing and preparing financial statements.
3. Mortgage specialists - Fueled by the government's recent Troubled Asset
Relief Program (TARP), many firms within banking and financial services
require skilled loan processors, loan servicing specialists and
mortgage assistants to support the increased activity for loan
modifications and refinancing.
4. Help desk and desktop support professionals - Businesses migrating from
older operating systems, upgrading desktop systems and implementing a
wider range of technologies are recruiting help desk and desktop
support staff. These professionals are needed to answer questions and
troubleshoot problems resulting from changes in IT products and
services.
5. Developer/programmer analysts - Applications development professionals
are being hired to write code, test and debug software applications,
and analyze business application requirements. The most sought after
expertise includes .NET, SharePoint, Java and PHP.
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6. Web developers - Web developers are needed as companies expand their
online presence and focus on Web 2.0 initiatives and interactive web
functionality. The rise of social media also is contributing to growth
in this area.
7. Bankruptcy/foreclosure attorneys - As the number of consumer and
corporate bankruptcies and foreclosures continues to increase, many law
firms are expanding these practices. Attorneys with more than five
years of experience handling complex bankruptcy and foreclosure
matters, including restructuring and litigation, are in demand.
8. Litigation paralegals - To manage an increasingly high volume of cases,
law firms and corporations are forming specialized project teams to
handle key aspects of trial preparation and discovery. Litigation
paralegals are being sought on a project basis to assist with
investigations and pleadings.
9. Customer service representatives - Businesses rely on these
professionals to maintain a high level of customer satisfaction and
loyalty, which are especially important in an uncertain economy. Firms
also look to these individuals to sell additional products or services
to existing customers.
10. Administrative healthcare positions - The healthcare industry
continues to grow, and medical facilities seek administrative
professionals with healthcare experience. Positions in demand include:
medical file clerk/scanner, medical secretary, patient
registration/admissions clerk and credentialing specialist.
According to Messmer, what starts as a project role may turn into a full-time position. "Businesses frequently draw from the ranks of their temporary staff when making new hires, since both parties have had the chance to evaluate whether the position is a fit."
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