Hello Magellan Bloggers!

 With 2012 fast approaching the recruiters and administrative support staff at Magellan Search Group would like to take a minute to reflect back on the changes we have had through 2011; and what a great year it has been!  We have been selected as one of the regions Best Places to Work by the Philadelphia Business Journal along with ranking as one of the 2011 fastest-growing, privately-held businesses in the Philadelphia region by the Philadelphia 100, Wharton Small Business Development Center, the Entrepreneurs Forum of Greater Philadelphia, and the Philadelphia Business Journal! (Check out our news feeds for more information on those!)  These first two accolades can be attributed to our great staff of recruiters who prove their value every day, "smiling and dialing" as our fearless leader, Matt Kenefic always says!

 Along with those two regionally recognized awards we have hit many of our internal goals as well.  We are not only growing revenue wise, but also our staff is expanding as well.  We have welcomed 8 new recruiters since 2011 began and they have flourished under the expert guidance of our more seasoned recruiters; learning all about how Magellan Search Group thrives using a team based approach.  In 2012 we look forward to moving into new office space, just a hop skip and a jump away from our existing office in Plymouth Meeting, all while continuing to occupy our office space in Philadelphia.

 It is our hope here at Magellan Search Group to continue to be successful, allowing us to expand and reach out to even more industries!  For introductions to our staff please stay tuned for our next blog where we offer a little insight into who makes up the team of recruiters here at Magellan Search Group.  Also continue to check our website for upcoming contests to win great prizes!

Best Regards,
Magellan Search Group

It's naive to think economic hard times are over, but logical to say the worst is behind us. If there is one lesson everyone learned over the past 3 years, it's to be cautious and informed when making a big decision (like buying a house or accepting a new job). Warren Buffet, when asked if right now is a good time for Berkshire to invest responded, "Our elephant gun has been loaded, and my trigger finger is itchy." Basically, what the greatest value investor of all time is saying, 'yes there is opportunity out there.'
 
TD Bank, headquartered in Cherry Hill, earned $5.2 billion in operating income last year (a nice $1.5 billion bump from the previous year). Campbell's Soup, headquartered in Camden, saw an increase in operating income of $100 million in 2010. In 2010, Comcast, the guys who built the largest building in Philly, boosted revenue just short the $8 billion mark; couple that with a bump in earnings of $800 million.

Companies laid off a ton of people in 2008 and 2009, a decision driven by plummeting sales and earnings; converse, companies are currently hiring due to soaring sales, high profits and a very bright outlook.

The three Philly based companies I cite are a strong barometers for what's in store for business in our region. Although they are the biggest and strongest in a vast sea of local companies, historically the juggernauts lead the charge and all others follow and benefit. Companies, big and small, are making money, and they are making lots. Growing sales and expanding customer base can be cited as two of the main reasons. To support these fiscal successes companies are reinvesting in themselves, adding talent from CFO to staff. The dynamics of the hiring market changed in January and February; professional hiring spiked and I can only reason it's because companies are making more and more money. The worst of these economic hard times are behind us and business is on the upswing.

Do you agree or disagree?

Patrick Dougherty is an Associate Recruiter at Magellan Search Group. Patrick welcomes your thoughts; he can be reached at pdougherty@magellangroup.com

Well the job market is changing, and its proving to be a good thing for many job seekers, especially in the Renewable Energy and Energy Service industries. Much like the summer months ahead of us, things will be heating up and there is much to look forward to. As your quest for a new job begins there is a lot to consider, but some things may not be so obvious. With five years of recruiting experience, that is where I come in. I've seen every market, from multiple offers for candidates through recessions. As someone who has helped a great number of people advance their careers I would like to share with you my perspective on job seeking.

Should I stay or should I go...before you can make that decision, think about what it is you're looking for in your move. As I see it, at the end of the day, people move for three reasons, more money, career growth or a combination of the two. It is here that some job seekers maketremendous mistakes. Thanks to my experience as seasoned recruiter with the Magellan Search Group I can shed some light on the matter and hopefully prevent a misstep in your career.

There is an old saying that holds a great deal of truth, "do what you enjoy for a career and the money will follow." I have seen this motto proved time and again, enter my advice. If you're one of those job seekers chasing money, my advice is to, STOP. Some people will get my philosophy, others will shrug it off, the choice is yours obviously, however, I assure you my recommendations are time proven with real life examples.

There is little gained in the money chasing approach and a high probability that your career will suffer. I want to address the folks out there that want job security, job satisfaction, career growth, and an overall good quality of life. Don't just look for a job or position title, dig deeper. Explore companies and industries you would like to work for. Work life is a lot better when you can brag about what you do at your company. You might ask, how do I get to such an employment utopia? The answer is simple, don't chase money, plan your career.

There is a lot to consider in planning your career, so much so, I can't fit it in just one article. So check back regularly or subscribe to my blog for updates.

In my next article, I will discuss the most asked question I have encountered. Should I take a lateral move, possibly a step back, is it worth it? The answer will surprise most job seekers.

Brought to you by Energy Recruiter. We provide full level service from Contingent to Retained searches as well as contract employment.

Do we finally see the end of the recession that has lasted close to 3 years and devastated the American economy?

After years of having news of the economic crisis fed to us daily, we can finally walk out the door with a smile and go on our way to work. This month, Pennsylvania employers single handedly added 34,000 jobs to the economy, the most jobs added in almost 15 years, way before any talk of a recession!

After hearing this good news, we at Magellan are confident in saying an end to the economic hardships so many people have had to endure, are in the near future. People can begin their search again for the perfect career, with many new opportunities being created that haven't been available for years.

The state Labor and Industry Department said that many of the jobs added were in professional and business services, tourism, manufacturing and the trade, transportation and utilities category. Governor Ed Rendell calls it "really good news for Pennsylvania."

However, despite this excellent news, we are not completely in the clear yet. PA unemployment rates still remain at their highest in more than a quarter century at 9%. Nonetheless, we are below the national average of 9.9%, and the rate has been steadily decreasing since the start of 2010.

Yet we cannot lose sight of this encouraging news that better times are coming, as many people begin to seek new and better employment opportunities, and the unemployed are finding their places back in the American Workforce.

Blog written by:
Matt Kenefic, President
Magellan Search Group
www.magellangroup.com