By Inquirer Money/Personal Finance

Thousands of people have lost their jobs as a result of layoffs or non-renewal of contracts. But there is always hope to look forward to. New businesses are opening, and some old ones may be expanding. With this, you can start to believe that there will be a job out there for you.How about a business?

Earning money isn’t always about working for others. Why not work for yourself? A lot of people amazed themselves when they took a leap of faith and started working for themselves. Yes you can earn money by being your own boss!

Here are some tips on how you can make it in the tough job market:

1. Research on the industries that are growing. Worldwide, the health sector, for instance, is continuing to grow. Opportunities also abound in business process outsourcing, which includes call centers. Read the business news and features in newspapers, magazines and websites and sharpen your business radar. Find out what companies and industries are hiring people.

2. Hire a headhunter and post your resume online. Sign up for job websites where you can post your resume on job boards and niche career web sites. This will let employers know about you. For job websites, employers need only to search for job applicants matching their qualifications and they will get in touch with you or the website administration will alert you of the job opening.

3. Make your resume look professionally done. Employers would want to see first your career objective, work history and educational attainment before your personal information. Take time to write your job description and career objective well.

4. Go to job fairs. Wear professional attire, bring several copies of your resume, and visit job fairs being organized in the city. At these fairs, interviews may be done on the spot so be prepared to talk about yourself, your career objective, and your skills. Be confident.

5. Find people to give you good recommendations. For your character reference list, choose people who know you and have worked with you and you know will put in a good word for you. Before you put them on your Resume, however, inform them that you would like to put them on your character reference list.

6. Consider temporary or contractual jobs. A temporary or contractual job may lead to a permanent job if your employer is satisfied with your performance. Put in excellent work and make sure you are found to be reliable.

7. Work part-time while looking for a full-time job. Take stock of your skills and find something you can do and earn from. For instance, you may teach a subject or two in a college nearby, or tutor some kids on their school subjects. You may also be a tour guide on Saturdays or assist a friend in her catering business. You don’t have to be idle when looking for a full-time job. The money you may earn from a part-time job may also go a long way in helping your family make ends meet for now.

How can you go about it? First, take stock of what you are good at. What can you do that makes you stand out from the crowd? If you can bake well, consider starting a home bakeshop business. The capital will not be too much since you will be using your existing kitchen appliances and you won’t have to pay rent. Or maybe you’re good at organizing events. Start an events company and offer your services in planning parties and corporate events. If you are good at buying and selling, start an online shop and sell stuff you think people will need and want.

Remember: Be confident about your skills. If you are confident, your would-be employer or customers will see they can trust you.

 

 

TOP TEMP

 

Congratulations to Marcos Jimenez for being selected Murray Resources’ Top Temp for the month of June.  Marcos has worked with Murray Resources since February of 2007.  He consistently exceeds our customers’ expectations and has constantly demonstrated dedication, a strong work ethic and excellent customer service skills.  Thank you Marcos!  Your hard work has not gone unnoticed!

 

Marcos and all future Top Temps will receive a $25 gift card to Target!

 

 

HOT JOBS

 

A manufacturing industry leader is looking to add a Project/Client Service Manager to act as the first line of contact between its customer and/or sales account manager.  Ideal candidate will have a degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minimum of 5 years in a client services role or similar and must have experience with rotating equipment (turbines, compressors, valves, and seals) repairs.  Fluency in Spanish would be preferred, but not required.  Duties include providing quotes, acting as the primary liaison for correspondence and communicating with customers.  Competitive salary and GREAT benefits!  Please contact Kimberly Shelton (kshelton@murrayresources.com) for more information.

 

 

Bellaire area non-profit organization is looking for a Procurement and Contracts Administrative Assistant to cover for a maternity leave for about 4-5 months.  This position would be the lead administrative contact for departmental activities.

 

Duties include:

• Being the primary contact for copy and fax machine service provider
• Organizing travel and training arrangements
• Handling special procurement projects as required
• Compiling date from Fundware & contract reporting system to assist w/budget analysis
• Processing contract approval forms to ensure review by senior management
• Distribute executed agreement(s) to funding entities and external suppliers
• Review contract status reports to determine accountability for supplier/funding relationships
• Coordinate with vendors to ensure timely/accurate delivery of materials, equipment and services to client locations
• Obtain and complete credit applications
• Obtain required signatures to secure acceptance of purchase orders
• Develop external relationships to expand knowledge of supply marketplace

 

Assist with:

• Office supply management process
• Procurement of general goods and services
• Competitive bidding activities
• Informal and formal competitive bid quotations and proposals

Ideal candidate will have a high school diploma or GED plus 0-3 years of related experience and/or training.  Possess the ability to work individually and within a team.  Be able to positively communicate and interact with all levels of employees and external suppliers.  Knowledge of procurement and contracting principles and activities is desirable.  Please contact Sherri Horn (shorn@murrayresources.com) for more information.

 

 

Largest Office Equipment dealer in Houston is seeking experienced Outside Sales Reps with excellent B2B selling skills!

• Applicants must have a minimum of 3 years of sales experience
• Must have excellent oral + written communication skills
• Must have strong skills in cold calling
• Must have ability to assess the client’s needs + offer the best possible solutions
•  

For more information, contact Linda Cooper (Lcooper@murrayresources.com). 

 

 

Born to sell?  Some people just have a natural sales personality, and if that describes you, you’ll thrive in this west Houston financial products firm that focuses on the fixed annuity, life and long term care industries. You’ll be involved in building new business and in servicing and growing existing accounts via heavy cold calling and telephone follow up. Candidates must have a minimum of 2 years prior sales experience in life insurance.  We are seeking outgoing individuals that are high energy, hungry to succeed, a quick leaner and very computer literate.  Compensation package includes a base salary + commission/bonus potential and excellent benefits.  This is a starting position in the sales department of this company.  Successful individuals will be quickly promoted from this position!  Contact Kimberly Shelton (kshelton@murrayresources.com) for more information.

 

 

Are you a fantastic Administrative Assistant?  Put your skills to work!  We are looking for someone with high energy and the ability to multi-task.  Strong computer skills are absolutely necessary.  Ideal candidates will be bilingual in Spanish and have a minimum of 2 years experience in an administrative role.  Please contact Sherri Horn (shorn@murrayresources.com) or Kimberly Shelton (kshelton@murrayresources.com) for further details.