Archives 2007

Job trends for the new year

By Matt Ferguson
CEO, CareerBuilder.com
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Editor’s note: CNN.com has a business partnership with CareerBuilder.com, which serves as the exclusive provider of job listings and services to CNN.com.

(CareerBuilder.com) — Is finding a new job on your list of New Year’s resolutions? The market may be in your favor.

Recent reports from the U.S. Labor Department indicate that while the expansion of the U.S. economy is slowing, it is doing so at a reasonable pace, and inflation has steadied.

A moderated, yet stable, job market is expected to carry over into 2007 with gains that will remain strong enough to keep the unemployment rate in check.

University of Michigan economists predict the United States will create 1.5 million jobs in the next 12 months.

According to CareerBuilder.com’s annual job forecast, 40 percent of hiring managers and human resource professionals operating in the private sector report they will increase their number of full-time, permanent employees in 2007, compared to 2006. Eight percent expect to decrease headcount while 40 percent expect no change. Twelve percent are unsure.

Employers are expected to become more competitive in their recruitment and retention efforts in the New Year as the pool of skilled labor shrinks and productivity growth plateaus. Forty percent of employers report they currently have job openings for which they can’t find qualified candidates.

This bodes well for workers who are likely to benefit from more generous job offers, more promotions, more flexible work cultures and other major trends identified for 2007:

No. 1: Bigger Paychecks
To motivate top performers to join or stay with their organizations, employers plan to offer better compensation packages.

Eighty-one percent of employers report their companies will increase salaries for existing employees. Sixty-five percent will raise compensation levels by 3 percent or more while nearly one-in-five will raise compensation levels by 5 percent or more.

Nearly half of employers (49 percent) expect to increase salaries on initial offers to new employees. Thirty-five percent will raise compensation levels by 3 percent or more while 17 percent will raise compensation levels by 5 percent or more.

No. 2: Diversity Recruitment — Hispanics Workers in Demand
Understanding the positive influence workforce diversity has on overall business performance, employers remain committed to expanding the demographics of their staffs.

With the Hispanic population accounting for half of U.S. population growth since 2000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and buying power growing 8 percent annually, one-in-ten employers report they will be targeting Hispanic job candidates most aggressively of all diverse segments.

Nine percent plan to step up diversity recruiting for African American job candidates while 8 percent will target female job candidates. Half of employers recruiting bilingual employees say English/Spanish-speaking candidates are most in demand in their organizations.

No. 3: More Flexible Work Arrangements
Work/life balance is a major buzzword among U.S. employers as employees struggle to balance heavy workloads and long hours with personal commitments.

Nineteen percent of employers say they are very or extremely willing to provide more flexible work arrangements for employees such as job sharing and alternate schedules. Thirty-one percent are fairly willing.

No. 4: Rehiring Retirees
Employers continue to express concern over the loss of intellectual capital as Baby Boomers retire and smaller generations of replacement workers fall short of labor quotas.

One-in-five employers plan to rehire retirees from other companies or provide incentives for workers approaching retirement age to stay on with the company longer.

No. 5: More Promotions
With the perceived lack of upper mobility within an organization being a major driver for employee turnover, employers are carving out clearer career paths.

Thirty-five percent of employers plan to provide more promotions and career advancement opportunities to their existing staff in the New Year.

No. 6: Better Training
In light of the shortage of skilled workers within their own industries, the vast majority of employers — 86 percent — report they are willing to recruit workers who don’t have experience in their particular industry or field, but have transferable skills.

Seventy-eight percent report they are willing to recruit workers who don’t have experience in their particular industry or field and provide training/certifications needed.

No. 7: Hiring Overseas
Companies continue to drive growth by entering or strengthening their presence in global markets. Thirteen percent of employers report they will expand operations and hire employees in other countries in 2007. Nine percent are considering it.

With China’s economy expanding at 10 percent annually and India’s at 8 percent, these two countries are particularly attractive to U.S. companies. Twenty-three percent of employers recruiting overseas report they will hire the most workers in China and 22 percent will hire the most in India.

Survey Methodology

This survey was conducted online by Harris Interactive on behalf of CareerBuilder.com among 2,627 hiring managers and human resource professionals (employed full-time; not self employed; with at least significant involvement in hiring decisions), ages 18 and over within the United States between November 17 and December 11, 2006.

Figures for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, region and household income were weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the population. Propensity score weighting was also used to adjust for respondents’ propensity to be online.

With a pure probability sample of 2,627, one could say with a ninety-five percent probability that the overall results have a sampling error of 2 percentage points. Sampling error for data from sub-samples is higher and varies. However that does not take other sources of error into account.

This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no theoretical sampling error can be calculated.

Matt Ferguson is CEO of CareerBuilder.com. He is an expert in recruitment trends and tactics, job seeker behavior and workplace issues.

Foreign trade volume reaches US$500 bln in Guangdong

Chinanews, Guangzhou, Jan. 4 ¨C Statistics show that foreign trade volume of Guangdong Province reached US$500 billion in 2006, compared with $400 billion in 2005.

Private enterprises in Guangdong also developed well last year, and the total number reached 500 thousand. Their industrial value-added had surpassed state-owned enterprises, ranking second among all kinds of enterprises.

Private enterprises also have helped to change the foreign trade style of Guangdong Province. The head of Guangdong Foreign Trade Bureau said that private enterprises have helped to boost the provincial export. Related statistics show that the export volume of private enterprises has reached $41.93 billion from Jan. to Nov. 2006, an increase by 57.7 percent.

Export in Guangdong was dramatic in 2006, with the export volume to Middle East, South America and Africa increasing by 48.9 percent, 59.9 percent and 51.4 percent respectively.

Beijing’s GDP per capita exceeds $6,000

Chinanews, Beijing January 8 ¨C The GDP per capita of permanent residents in Beijing was over $6,000 in 2006, ranking it among intermediate developed cities in the world.

The statistics were revealed by Chai Xiaozhong, vice director of Beijing Municipal Development and Reform Commission, last Friday.

Investment is no longer the major booster of economic growth in Beijing, the great leap of domestic consumption having contributed the most to the boom of local economy. Furthermore, most consumption in Beijing has little to do with subsistence, but with entertainment and personal development.

Junior Industrial Energy Efficiency Consultant

Company Introduction:
The leading advisory, technology transfer and investment firm focused on commercializing cleaner and more efficient energy technologies in China,A Sino/Foreign JV based in Beijing with international and local staff.

Employment Opportunity
As manufacturing industry is responsible for over 60% of China’s energy consumption, improving the energy efficiency of industrial energy use is important to reach a sustainable energy system in China. AXXX/EXXX investigates the possibilities of energy efficiency improvement by sector, explores the economic viability of the various options and evaluates policies directed at energy efficiency improvement. These consultancy activities are carried out for international organizations, companies and the government.

Job responsibilities:
1.Carry out industrial energy policy consulting projects;
2.Analyze Chinese and international energy and investment policies, regulations and trends;
3.Network with government officials and individuals in relevant foreign and domestic organizations;
4.Write reports and presentations in English and Chinese;
5.Develop skills and knowledge in industrial energy efficiency and related areas.

Applicant requirements:
1.University degree in natural sciences, engineering, environmental sciences;
2.Proven interest in the area of energy technology and energy policy, with emphasis on industrial energy efficiency;
3.Strong analytical and consulting skills;
4.Commercial skills and a customer-oriented attitude;
5.Ability to work independently and as a proactive team member;
6.Putonghua is your first (native) language, and you are proficient in English.

What we offer:
1.Competitive salary, based on experience and capabilities;
2.Dynamic and international working environment;
3.Excellent training and travel opportunities.

* Please send us your complete resume (both in Chinese and in English) to: ‘topjob_mn118bj#dacare.com’ (Please replace “#” with “@”)

Junior Renewable Energy Consultant

Company Introduction:
The leading advisory, technology transfer and investment firm focused on commercializing cleaner and more efficient energy technologies in China, A Sino/Foreign JV based in Beijing with international and local staff.

Employment Opportunity:
The Chinese government has formulated ambitious targets for the contribution of renewables to the national energy supply system. Success will depend critically on the right choice of policy incentives. AXXX/EXXX investigate potentials for the use of renewable energy resources, in what way and at what costs these potentials can be harnessed, what barriers exist and what policies are effective to realize these potentials.

Job responsibilities:
1.Carry out renewable energy policy consulting projects;
2.Analyze Chinese and international energy and investment policies, regulations and trends;
3.Network with government officials and individuals in relevant foreign and domestic organizations;
4.Write reports and presentations in English and Chinese;
5.Develop skills and knowledge in renewable energy policies and related areas.

Applicant requirements:
1.University degree in natural sciences, engineering, environmental sciences;
2.Proven interest in the area of energy technology and energy policy, with emphasis on renewable energy policies;
3.Strong analytical and consulting skills;
4.Commercial skills and a customer-oriented attitude;
5.Ability to work independently and as a proactive team member;
6.Putonghua is your first (native) language, and you are proficient in English.

What we offer:
1.Competitive salary, based on experience and capabilities;
2.Dynamic and international working environment;
3.Excellent training and travel opportunities.

* Please send us your complete resume (both in Chinese and in English) to: ‘topjob_mn119bj#dacare.com’ ((Please replace “#” with “@”) )
* In the email subject MUST you plus the position name in either En or Ch.

Senior Industrial Energy Efficiency Consultant

Company Introduction:
The leading advisory, technology transfer and investment firm focused on commercializing cleaner and more efficient energy technologies in China, A Sino/Foreign JV based in Beijing with international and local staff.

Employment Opportunity:
As manufacturing industry is responsible for over 60% of China’s energy consumption, improving the energy efficiency of industrial energy use is important to reach a sustainable energy system in China. AXXX/EXXX investigates the possibilities of energy efficiency improvement by sector, explores the economic viability of the various options and evaluates policies directed at energy efficiency improvement. These consultancy activities are carried out for international organizations, companies and the government.

Job responsibilities:
1.Acquire and lead industrial energy policy consulting projects;
2.Analyze Chinese and international energy and investment policies, regulations and trends;
3.Network with government officials and individuals in relevant foreign and domestic organizations;
4.Write reports and presentations in English and Chinese;
5.Supervise junior staff.

Applicant requirements:
1.University degree in natural sciences, engineering, environmental sciences;
2.At least 5 years of consultancy experience in the area of energy technology and energy policy, with emphasis on industrial energy efficiency;
3.Strong analytical and consulting skills;
4.Strong commercial skills and a customer-oriented attitude;
5.Ability to work independently and as a proactive team member;
6.Putonghua is your first (native) language, and you are proficient in English.

What we offer:
1.Competitive salary, based on experience and capabilities;
2.Dynamic and international working environment;
3.Excellent training and travel opportunities.

* Please send us your complete resume (both in Chinese and in English) to: ‘topjob_mn120bj#dacare.com’ (Please replace “#” with “@”)
* In the email subject MUST you plus the position name in either En or Ch.

Senior Renewable Energy Consultant

Company Introduction:
The leading advisory, technology transfer and investment firm focused on commercializing cleaner and more efficient energy technologies in China,A Sino/Foreign JV based in Beijing with international and local staff.

Employment Opportunity:
The Chinese government has formulated ambitious targets for the contribution of renewables to the national energy supply system. Success will depend critically on the right choice of policy incentives. Azure/Ecofys investigate potentials for the use of renewable energy resources, in what way and at what costs these potentials can be harnessed, what barriers exist and what policies are effective to realize these potentials.

Job responsibilities:
1.Acquire and lead renewable energy policy consulting projects;
2.Analyze Chinese and international energy and investment policies, regulations and trends;
3.Lead network of government officials and individuals in relevant foreign and domestic organizations;
4.Write reports and presentations in English and Chinese;
5.Supervise junior staff.

Applicant requirements:
1.University degree in natural sciences, engineering, environmental sciences;
2.At least 5 years of consultancy experience in the area of energy technology and energy policy, with emphasis on renewable energy policies;
3.Strong analytical and consulting skills;
4.Strong commercial skills and a customer-oriented attitude;
5.Ability to work independently and as a proactive team member;
6.Putonghua is your first (native) language, and you are proficient in English.

What we offer:
1.Competitive salary, based on experience and capabilities;
2.Dynamic and international working environment;
3.Excellent training and travel opportunities.

* Please send us your complete resume (both in Chinese and in English) to: ‘topjob_mn121bj#dacare.com’ (Please replace “#” with “@”)
* In the email subject MUST you plus the position name in either En or Ch.

Trainer

Company: a leading business services provider to organizations worldwide

Company introduction:
The Group has over 2,000 employees in 86 countries, providing:
1.independent certification of management systems and products;
2.product testing services;
3.the development of private, national and international standards;
4.management systems training and
5.information on standards and international trade.

JOB PURPOSE
To modify, deliver and evaluate training products and services to a defined business standard that meet or exceed customer expectations.

KEY RESULT AREAS AND PRINCIPLE REPONSIBILITIES
1.To deliver internal and external training to an agreed service level
2.To support the sales process on an ad-hoc basis by answering training related queries and generating leads, feeding back the later to Sales as required
3.To assist in the modification, up-dating and maintenance of training products
4.To provide support to the Training Manager, and other training staff as required
5.To provide constructive feedback on training products offered
6.To operate in accordance with training process and/or any plans, projects
7.To complete tutor training as required by the Training Manager to deliver new training products and services
8.To maintain knowledge of specialist areas and identify self development needs on an on-going basis
9.To maintain training and development competencies across a range of products and services.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES:
1.The job holder needs to have at least 4 years experience in the specialist area of training. This knowledge needs to be current and regularly up dated to ensure that the training is to the required standard.
2.Although not necessarily a professional trainer on entering the job, the job holder will have demonstrated the importance training plays in developing people to meet and exceed business objectives. This may have included coaching and mentoring individuals and/or groups as well as the formulation of training plans.
3.Preferably the job holder will have undertaken trainer training and have experience of delivering and facilitating formal training events. Where this is not the case the job holder must have shown an aptitude for facilitation / training and demonstrate a commitment to the development of the skills required, for example facilitating group meetings, undertaking briefings, making presentations etc.
4.PC skills are required which include word processing and the creation of presentations.

* Please send us your complete resume (both in Chinese and in English) to: ‘topjob_eo071sh#dacare.com’ (Please replace “#” with “@”)
* In the email subject MUST you plus the position name in either En or Ch.

GM/Chief Representative

Company Introduction:
Our client is a full service international trading and solutions company of choice, providing to clients on a worldwide basis. The company has been exporting US consumer and food service products to markets all over the world since nearly 50 years ago, whose business from export service, import service and globe trading service.

Job Description:
The jobholder should with strong leadership abilities within the supermarket or related industry to handle all aspects and development of China Office both Export and Import.

Import to China:
1.US supermarket sales;
2.US and Global manufacturers;
3.Current developments within the supermarket industry in China;
4.Skilled in marketing, sales, pricing, merchandising, and logistics;
5.Build consistent source of supply.

Export from China:
1.Experience with manufacturing sector in China;
2.Strong denotation skills;
3.Ability to develop and broaden sourcing partners.

Qualifications:
1.Have experienced in managing 60+ employee;
2.+4 years general management experience in senior management level, such as GM, President, Chief Rep.;
3.Previous Sales or Marketing management in FMCG is prefer;
4.Fluent in Mandarin and English;
5.Be will travel to the US to meeting sourcing partners/manufacturers;
6.MBA preferred;
7.Not only maintain but to expand distribution channels;
8.Be cost/expense conscious.

Hiring Authority:
* Please send us your complete resume (both in Chinese and in English) to: ‘topjob_eo072sh@dacare.com’
* In the email subject MUST you plus the position name £¨in either En or Ch £©

17 firms are targeted in fund misuse probe

CHINA’S securities watchdog has begun an investigation into 17 mainland-listed companies that allegedly misappropriated 9.2 billion yuan (US$1.15 billion) in corporate funds and failed to return the money, officials said yesterday.

China’s Securities Regulatory Commission had given the firms until the end of 2006 to make good on their debts.

The targeted companies include the Sanjiu Medical & Pharmaceutical Co, China Textile Machinery Co and Hebei Baoshuo Co.

Executives who misappropriated funds in these companies for their own benefit will be prosecuted, a CSRC spokesman said.

Officials working for at least nine of the 17 companies face criminal investigation, the commission said, without identifying the firms.

In all, 36 companies failed to meet the deadline to repay a total 14.6 billion yuan in misappropriated funds. But the other 19 companies have developed plans to recover the money and won’t face further sanctions.

Last year, 402 companies listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges recovered 33.57 billion yuan that had been misappropriated by their controlling shareholders, authorities said.

The recovery campaign was aimed at improving the quality of the country’s 1,400 listed companies and safeguarding the interests of shareholders.

The misappropriation of large sums by controlling shareholders has long been a major problem afflicting China’s stock markets, officials acknowledged.

“It is a huge obstacle to the sound development of a listed company,” a commission spokesperson said.

As a result, some companies that should have enjoyed good earnings were hampered by cash-flow problems after their funds were siphoned off, the watchdog said.

On October 19, 2005, the State Council approved guidelines drafted by the regulatory commission that required controlling shareholders to return all the money they had misappropriated by the end of 2006.

In October last year, the commission also reiterated that corporate executives who misused funds must make a choice between returning the money or facing legal action.

In a related move, China’s prosecutors on Saturday vowed to intensify their crackdown on corruption, dereliction of duty and major economic crimes, Xinhua news agency reported.

“The prosecutorial organs are improving their efficiency in dealing with major corruption cases and have punished a large number of government officials,” said Jia Chunwang, procurator-general of the Supreme People’s Procuratorate.

In the last two months of the year, China’s prosecutors investigated 32,369 cases involving 38,457 officials who were accused of taking bribes or dereliction of duty. More than 17,440 cases involved large amounts of money, and 2,632 officials above the county-chief level were prosecuted or otherwise punished.