Category Archives: Uncategorised

The High Stakes: The Challenge for Sales Professionals in Today’s AI driven Job Market

Posted on
In an era marked by rapid technological advancements and shifting economic currents, sales professionals find themselves navigating a particularly turbulent job market. The quest for high-paying sales roles has become more challenging, with various factors at play. This article explores these challenges, the impact of AI on the sales landscape, and the typical job-hunting duration for sales professionals, grounding its insights in data from labor market research and expert analysis.
Core Challenges in Securing High-Paying Sales Jobs
Economic and Market Dynamics
Economic downturns and the consequent tightening of corporate budgets often lead to reduced spending on sales and marketing efforts. Moreover, certain industries may experience more pronounced shifts than others, with sectors like tech and pharmaceuticals continuing to invest in sales talent, while others, such as retail, face cutbacks. These dynamics affect the availability of high-paying sales roles, making them more competitive and harder to secure.
The Saturation of the Sales Profession
Sales roles are known for their relatively lower barriers to entry in terms of formal education, attracting a wide pool of candidates. This accessibility contributes to a saturated job market, especially for positions that don’t require specialized knowledge or experience. Consequently, sales professionals may find it challenging to distinguish themselves in a crowded field, complicating their search for high-paying opportunities.
Evolving Skill Requirements
The skill set demanded of sales professionals is expanding. Beyond traditional sales acumen, there is a growing need for proficiency in digital tools, data analysis, and strategic thinking. Sales roles are becoming more nuanced, with a premium placed on the ability to integrate technology into sales strategies, manage complex customer relationships, and navigate digital sales platforms.
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence
AI is both complicating and enhancing the job market for sales professionals. On one hand, AI-driven automation of tasks like lead generation and customer segmentation is reducing the demand for sales roles focused on these activities. On the other, AI is creating opportunities for sales professionals who can leverage these technologies to provide value-added services, such as personalized customer experiences and data-driven sales strategies.
Complicating Factors
  • Job Displacement: Automation and AI tools can perform routine sales tasks more efficiently than humans, potentially displacing those in traditional sales roles.
  • Higher Skill Threshold: As AI becomes integral to sales processes, professionals must acquire new skills to remain competitive, including understanding AI and data analytics.
Enhancing Aspects
  • Elevated Roles: AI enables sales professionals to focus on higher-value activities, such as strategic planning and relationship building, by automating routine tasks.
  • New Opportunities: The integration of AI opens new roles and career paths within sales, including positions focused on managing AI tools, data analysis, and technology-driven customer engagement strategies.
Job-Hunting Duration and Strategies
The time it takes for sales professionals to find a new job can vary widely, influenced by factors such as industry, geographic location, experience level, and economic conditions. On average, the job search can span from one to nine months, with those possessing niche skills or experience in high-demand sectors potentially facing shorter search times.
Data Sources and Methodology
This analysis draws upon a range of sources for a comprehensive view of the current sales job market:
  • Labor Market Reports: Publications from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and industry-specific research offer insights into employment trends.
  • Job Board Analytics: Data from platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed provide real-time views of job postings and requirements.
  • Expert Commentary: Interviews and surveys with sales professionals and hiring managers offer nuanced perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in today’s market.
Conclusion
The path to securing high-paying sales roles in today’s market is fraught with challenges, from economic uncertainties to the saturation of the sales profession and evolving skill requirements. The rise of AI further complicates this landscape, demanding adaptability and continuous learning from sales professionals. Yet, AI also offers opportunities for those willing to embrace new technologies and refine their approach to sales. Success in this dynamic environment requires a blend of traditional sales prowess, technological savvy, and strategic job-hunting strategies.
Our next article will elaborate on risks, challenges and opportunities associated with AI in the ever-evolving job market.
By: Alok Kant, advisor to PS&R, and Kathy Orcutt, president of PS&R.
top recruiting firms, recruiting agent, executive recruiter, recruitment manager, best recruiting firm MA

Why Temp to Perm is a Good Idea

Posted on

A temp-to-perm position is a job that starts as an interim role with the potential to become a permanent placement. These jobs are typically filled by a staffing agency, and can be beneficial to both employers and workers, as they provide a flexible situation that allows each party to “test things out”. For employers, this arrangement helps them fill open positions quickly and efficiently. For the employee, it’s often an opportunity to gain experience and see if a long-term position with the company could be an option.

Why temp-to-perm is good for employers:

Reduction of risk:
Hiring a temporary employee gives you the chance to evaluate their skills and ability to do the job before you offer them a permanent position. Therefore, you are much more likely to end up with the right person in the role for the long term.

Save time & money:
Working with a staffing agency takes the lion’s share of recruiting, interviewing, and reference checking off your plate. Outsourcing this lengthy process will save you both money and time, and ultimately land you the perfect candidate to hire.

Flexibility:
There is no requirement for you to take an employee on permanently when you enter into a temp-to-perm agreement, which gives you the ability to reevaluate the position and how you want to move forward with it.

Why temp-to-perm is good for workers:

Build your skillset and your resume:
If this role is just a place filler while you continue to look for a permanent opportunity, then this is a wonderful chance to learn some new skills and avoid a gap in your resume. Just make sure what you’re doing is in line with your long-term goals.

Chance to prove your value:
Maybe this is the role of your dreams? As a temporary employee you have the chance to show the company that you are an asset. They will know your full worth and potential if and when they are ready to offer you a package.

If you are looking to fill a temp-to-perm position in your office, PS&R can provide help!Call us at 617.723.1919 or visit us at www.psandr.com.

recruiter, engineering, sales engineers, application engineers, mechanical engineers, Boston recruiter, staffing agency

Why Work With PS&R?

Posted on

There are so many staffing and recruiting agencies in the Boston area, so why work with PS&R? Three major themes set Preferred Staffing & Recruiting apart from other recruitment agencies to make us the obvious choice: Trust, Experience and Action.

Trust
Kathy Orcutt, founder and president of PS&R, is hands on with each and every client and candidate. Her professionalism coupled with her phenomenal listening skills put people at ease, confident in the knowledge that she is truly working for them.

Experience
PS&R was originally established in 1984. Now, with over thirty years of experience, we continue to provide top quality staffing services to companies and institutions in the Greater Boston area and beyond. Kathy’s team has placed temporary and direct hire candidates across all industries. Here is a sample of the job placements we specialize in:

Executive Placements
• Director of Operations
• CEO’s
• VP of Business and Strategic Partnerships
• SVP of Product
• VP of Product
• Director of Facilities

Engineering Placements
• Application Engineers
• Sales Engineers
• Manufacturing Engineers
• Director of Manufacturing
• Electrical Engineers
• Senior Process Engineers
• Engineering Managers
• Manufacturing Technicians

Finance/Accounting Placements
• Controllers
• Senior Accountants
• Staff Accountants
• Bookkeepers
• Payroll Managers
• Accounting Assistants

Office Support
• Executive Administrative Assistants
• Personal Assistants
• Administrative Assistants
• Office Managers
• Receptionists

Action
It’s one thing to say you can place the right candidate but executing it is a whole different story! Our PS&R team succeeds because we treat every job opening as a new challenge, and we work tirelessly until the perfect match is found. We get back to our clients and candidates promptly with communication, so you know we are always at work helping you in your employment search.

Come and learn why Preferred Staffing & Recruiting’s collaborative and consultative approach makes us the best staffing agency in the greater Boston area and the perfect fit for you. Visit us at www.psandr.com or call Kathy today at 617.723.1919.

Three Qualities of a Great Leader

Posted on

On average, we spend thirty percent of our lives at work, so creating a workplace environment that is encouraging and productive is essential. We’ve all heard the tales of horrible bosses and temper-tantrum throwing executives. But there are many managers who boost morale and create a culture of collaboration and growth mindset. These are the leaders who motivate and inspire. These are the leaders we should all strive to become. PS&R has curated some traits that we believe distinguish a good boss from a great one.

  1. You’re Available.

A great manager is accessible and approachable. Having an open-door policy makes employees feel comfortable and trusting. When workers come to you, make sure you are a good listener and give their ideas credit. Provide feedback when appropriate and coaching when needed. Afterall, it’s a team you are trying to build so make sure your employees know you are working together.

  1. You Care.

There are many ways to care for the people who work for you. One impactful way of doing this is to provide a work culture that focuses on work-life balance. You can show that you value employees’ time by skipping unnecessary meetings and being open to a hybrid work schedule. Other ways to value your employees include providing a safe and comfortable work environment and offering competitive salaries and benefits.

  1. You’re Real.

Sharing details of your personal life will help employees get to know you better, make you seem more human, and give you more ways to connect. When you give someone a lens into your real-life struggles and how you cope with them, it opens the door to becoming a mentor.

If you are looking to hire an excellent leader, PS&R would love to help. Contact us at 617.723.1919.

career blogs

PS&R’s Top Blogs for Job Seekers

Posted on

Summer is a great time to do more reading, for work and for pleasure. We at Preferred Staffing & Recruiting love discovering new blogs and broadening our knowledge of all things job search related. Here are some of our favorite career related blogs that we’re reading right now:

Career Sherpa

Career Sherpa is full of helpful tips, tricks, and motivation for job seekers. We love the author’s positivity and focus on taking control of your job search. The site offers checklists and sample resume-related documents, as well as affordable virtual workshops. The Career Sherpa has been featured in many major publications, including USA Today and Forbes.

 

Ms. Career Girl

Our favorite part of this site is the Resume Optimization Tool that allows you to upload your resume and the job description of the position you are applying for. The tool then gives you a match rating and helps you optimize your resume so you can make it a better fit for that job. Ms. Career Girl also offers relationship advice, tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and help with planning your next vacation.  This blog hits the perfect balance of work and play!

 

Career Contessa

The founder of Career Contessa was a recruiter with the goal of helping women build successful and fulfilling careers. Her team has succeeded by offering articles on everything from cover letter advice to cultivating confidence to salary negotiation.

If you searching for a job opportunity OR if you are looking to hire new talent at your organization, PS&R is here to help. Reach us at 617.723.1919 or visit www.psandr.com. Happy reading!

Perfecting Your LinkedIn Profile

Posted on

LinkedIn is a great tool for job seekers and employers alike. While your LinkedIn profile will repeat much of the information provided on your resume, it is a unique place to showcase your story and share additional details. Preferred Staffing & Recruiting gathered some tips to help you manage and get the most out of your LinkedIn profile.

  1. Make sure it’s complete

LinkedIn does you the favor of rating your profile strength. And it’s true that a more completed profile – or “All Star” profile – will get more views. In fact, LinkedIn purports that users who have a completed profile are forty times more likely to find a new opportunity through their site. Start by uploading a recent professional photo as your profile picture. Continue and complete all other sections of your profile. To gain All Star status, filling out each section is not always enough. You will need at least five skills listed and at least fifty connections. Be thorough and provide as much content as you can.

  1. Give a recommendation to get one

A LinkedIn recommendation is just like a reference from a former boss or employer and can carry a lot of weight. If you take the time to give a recommendation to someone, they are likely to return the favor.  Make a goal to have at least one recommendation from every job listed on your profile.

  1. Find ways to stand out

There are a lot of impactful areas on your LinkedIn profile where a little attention can really make you stand out.  For example, everyone uses key words throughout their profile. But focusing your key words in your Summary and Experience sections will really help make your profile shine.  When you’re using key words, it’s important not to sue the same words and phrases that everyone else is using. LinkedIn published the most used “buzzwords” in 2018, you can see that list of words to avoid here.

Customizing your URL is another great way to differentiate your profile.  Linked in automatically generates a random URL web address for your profile, but you have the option to customize this to something more relevant and more concise.  This will also make you easier to find, especially if you have a common name.

Finally, adding a background image is a great way to make your profile stand out. Most people stop at a just a headshot, but adding the narrow background image will help potential employers trigger a memory of your profile. Make sure the photo is attractive, eye catching, and professional. It could be a stock image of something you enjoy, a nature picture, or a photo of you working or doing something you love.

PS&R is a woman-owned business that has been helping job seekers and employers since 1984. Our collaborative and consultive approach makes us stand out from other executive recruiters. For more information and to find out how we can help you, contact Kathy Orcutt at 617.723.1919.

executive recruiters, employee appreciation, hired, boston jobs,

Rethinking Employee Appreciation

Posted on

With some or most of your employees working remotely, it is more important than ever to focus on celebrating wins and expressing appreciation. Working from home can be lonely and isolating, so keeping spirits high during this unusual time will help to instill loyalty from your remote employees. Make sure that those who are performing well hear directly from you that they are a key factor in making your company successful. Here are a few ways to show your gratitude:

Put your praise in writing. While verbal praise is important, putting it in writing is even better. A thank-you note, particularly one written by one of the company’s leaders, can be just the motivation an employee needs and something that he or she can look back on in the future.

Share praise with others. Larger all staff events and meetings are not currently possible, but you can still utilize video conferencing to announce achievements. This can take place in a regularly scheduled meeting, but also consider planning a special online event with the sole purpose of saluting a particular employee’s success.

Consider a monetary gift.  There are few things more motivating than monetary rewards. If possible, recognize the employee with a raise or small bonus. An employee who feels noticed and appreciated will work harder and smarter.

These are just a few ways employers can show appreciation in the absence of normal workplace comradery. If your company is currently looking to hire a motivated and talented new employee, the experienced executive recruiters at PS&R can help! Contact us at 617-723-1919.

boston staffing agency

Three Tips for Welcoming a New Employee to Your Team

Posted on

You’ve made a new hire – congratulations!  Whether an executive search firm made the placement, or an HR department did the hiring, it is now your job as a manager to welcome your new employee. Here are a few things you can do in advance to make sure your new team member feels included and appreciated.

  1. Connect. In the week or weeks before your employees start date, send them a welcome email! This is a good opportunity to let them know how happy you are they will be joining the team, while also confirming important details like start date and time. Your HR department may have done this already, but it will mean even more coming from you. This is also a great time to send an invitation to connect on LinkedIn.  Be sure to include a nice note along with your request.
  2. Set them up for success. Create an onboarding document for your new employee.  This should include items such as colleague information, applicable logins and office information, and a list of job responsibilities. Additionally, do your best to have their new workspace in order.  Make sure it is clean and vacant of past employee’s personal items.  You could involve IT to make sure everything technical is squared away, as this will save your employee valuable time on their first day.
  3. Make time. Set up a welcome lunch with the team for your new employee’s first week. Save time in your schedule for check ins to ensure they are settling in.

These might seem like simple steps, but they are surefire ways for your new employee to start work feeling like part of your team. If you need assistance finding your next talented hire, PS&R is here to help. Our seasoned Boston recruiters have been providing permanent and temporary workforce solutions since 1984.