How to separate yourself from the competition in a down market Speaker: Jim Dunn, Senior Executive Recruiter, Ajilon Finance June 15, 2010

2 Introduction: Ajilon Ajilon Finance, a division of Ajilon Professional Staffing, specializes in the temporary and direct-hire placement of premier accounting, financial and bookkeeping professionals. Ajilon is a global leader in recruiting and a leading provider of risk management, business transformation and project resources. Ajilon is renowned for providing best-in-class staff augmentation and project-based consultant resources for critical areas including audit, tax, compliance, ERP implementation, M&A, and interim finance/accounting positions at all levels.

3 A look at the current job market –

4 Southern California is forecast to continue to experience a negative job change of -3.0% for this year, with the local job market stabilizing during the 2nd quarter of 2010 and finally turning positive during the 3rd quarter of that same year. Employment in the region is predicted to return to the same level of jobs (1,271,600) present at the end of the 1st quarter of 2009 during the 3rd quarter of 2011, with greater job creation occurring late in 2011 and continuing into Southern California Job Market

5 Education and health sciences are predicted to remain relatively stable with just a -0.3% job change. Job levels will remain relatively flat through the middle of 2010 and then turn dramatically upward through Financial activities will experience a -2.7% job change and will not begin adding jobs until well into the 3rd quarter of Government jobs will change by -2.0%. There will be an up tick in jobs as the census occurs during the 2nd quarter of 2010, but then will drop until a gradual increase begins during the 1st quarter of Manufacturing is forecast to have a -5.2% job change and will not bottom until the end of 2010 after which it shows small job growth numbers through 2011 and beyond

6 Where is the job market headed? These industry predictions for Southern California, paint a slow recovery for employment with no solid job growth from the 1st quarter of 2009 through the 1st quarter of It appears that local job growth will begin, at best, during the 2nd half of 2010 and not return to 1st quarter 2009 levels until mid way through The impact for the region is continued high unemployment rates for the next nine to twelve months and a very competitive job market for job seekers. The more traditional sectors of education and health services, information, and leisure and hospitality will lead in job growth, providing jobs later this year, while many 9of the other remaining local sectors will not begin generating jobs until the 3rd quarter of 2010.

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8 The Good News Industry Accounting Healthcare Information technology Marketing Engineering Comp/electronics manufacturing Auto manufacturing 18% 16% 12% 11% -12% -14% Forecasted growth by 2016 Bureau of Labor Statistics Data

9 How can I stand out? Research the company Be your own advocate Know where you want to be in 10 years Ask questions Be excited

10 Acing the Interview Know what you want to say Stay on your toes Be proactive Prove you can help their bottom line Stay Positive

11 Follow the Formula Define Examples Results/Accomplishments Work Ethics

12 Sealing the Deal Show them you’re a square peg fitting in a square hole Summarize the value you bring Ask more questions about their interview progress

13 Waiting for the call Send a written follow-up letter immediately Express your interest Highlight what sets you apart Be sure to proof your letter

14 Questions? Jim Dunn, Senior Executive Recruiter Ajilon Finance # 228 Linkedin name: James Dunn