It’s difficult to be optimistic about the bleak job market when , unemployment is stuck at around 9.1 percent but a survey just released by employment services firm ManpowerGroup offers hope for job seekers in many places around the country.

The survey reveals that the metropolitan area with the most optimistic forecast of all for hiring this fall is San Antonio, Texas, and there’s also the good news that employers in 45 states expect the bleak employment picture to perk up. In fact, hiring managers in dozens of metropolitan areas anticipate considerable increases in hiring, while others present a darker forecast.

ManpowerGroup surveyed more than 18,000 employers in 100 metropolitan areas to find out who’s hiring, who’s firing and who plans to maintain their current staff levels in the fourth quarter of 2011, October through December. Of the surveyed employers, 16 percent anticipate an increase in staffing levels in their hiring plans, while 11 percent expect a decrease in payrolls. The difference between those numbers provides what ManpowerGroup calls a net employment outlook of 5 percent–or 7 percent when seasonally adjusted, which is still up from 6 percent for the same period last year, but down slightly from last quarter. Seventy percent of employers expect no change in their staffing, and the final 3 percent of employers are uncertain.

Forbes.com slideshow: The best and worst cities for jobs right now While the outlook is positive overall, the one-point drop from the third quarter is the first decrease in nine quarters. “The numbers are not going in the right direction this quarter, and they are not as robust as we would have liked them to be,” says Melanie Holmes, a vice president at ManpowerGroup. “Employers are hesitant about hiring in this economic climate. They are remaining guarded, and that is reflected in these results.”

Still, “We do see some bright spots in hiring, especially in San Antonio, which has the most promising hiring outlook for the fourth quarter,” says Jonas Prising, president of the Americas at ManpowerGroup. “Employers in other markets in Texas, including El Paso and Austin, are also anticipating strong hiring increases.”

The San Antonio metro area enjoys a 17 percent net employment outlook, the percentage of employers that expect to add employees (25 percent) minus the percentage that expect to reduce their workforce (8 percent). Another 64 percent said they anticipate no change, and 3 percent didn’t know.
Forbes.com: 20 businesses you can start now “San Antonio has continued to see new jobs created, and new jobs brought to the region,” says Richard Perez, president and chief executive of the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. “I would say that San Antonio is well positioned to come out ahead in the future as well because our cost of living remains low, making it a good environment for companies to increase their investment in jobs here, plus we have a very talented labor pool because we graduate more than 30,000 from our colleges and universities each year.”
The industry with the largest economic impact and largest number of employees in San Antonio is health care and biosciences, with more than 142,000 employees, Perez says. “This surprises a lot of people who think we are only a tourism town. One of every five workers is in the health care sector, and it has an estimated $24 billion economic impact here. We also have large manufacturing and financial services sectors. And yes, we have a significant tourism industry in San Antonio, with approximately 106,000 employees.”

The largest employers in the San Antonio area include the Department of Defense, whose workplaces include Fort Sam Houston, Lackland Air Force Base and Randolph Air Force Base. Combined they employ over 70,000 individuals. The largest corporate employer is San Antonio-based financial services firm United Services Automobile Association, with 14,800 employees. H-E-B Grocery Company follows close behind with 14,600 workers. AT&T, Toyota, JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Valero Energy, Harland Clarke and Citibank are some of the area’s other major corporate employers.
Forbes.com: Best business quotes from the silver screen“San Antonio’s list of large employers is long and diverse,” Perez says. “We do not rely heavily on one area and that is by design. San Antonio has many industries that together keep us a resilient economy. We are fortunate to have many strong industries, and many strong companies with large employee bases.”

Employers in the Cape Coral-Fort Myers and Baltimore-Towson metro areas also anticipate a significant upswing in hiring for the next quarter.
Nearly a quarter of Cape Coral-Fort Myers employers reported positive forecasts, while 6 percent drew a bleaker picture. Sixty-nine percent said they won’t be changing their employment levels, and the remaining 3 percent are unsure of their hiring plans. With a net employment outlook of 16 percent, the southwest Florida metro area is the second best place for finding a job this fall.
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Baltimore-Towson employers are expressing similar sentiments. Twenty percent of that metro area’s hiring managers anticipate a bright fourth quarter. Meanwhile, 7 percent expect to decrease their payrolls, 71 percent anticipate no change and 2 percent are uncertain. This yields a net employment outlook of 13 percent and positions the Maryland metropolis as the third best place for finding a job this fall. Greensboro-High Point, N.C., St. Louis and Tulsa enjoy the same rank.

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Unfortunately not all cities are as confident about hiring. The net employment outlook in Spokane and Las Vegas is a far weaker -4 percent–and those metropolitan areas aren’t even the worst. The Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, Fla., metro area yields a net employment outlook of -5 percent for the quarter.

The worst area of all for finding a job this fall is Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, Conn.
Only 12 percent of surveyed Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk metro area employers plan to hire between October and December, while 19 percent expect to reduce their staff levels. Sixty-nine percent expect to maintain their current workforce. This yields a net employment outlook of -7 percent for the Connecticut metropolis.

“Although this quarter we are seeing relatively stable hiring compared with last quarter and even the year before, we are way below the double-digit employment outlook numbers we saw prior to the end of 2008,” Prising says. “With daily fluctuations in the market and mixed news reports about housing and consumer sentiment, employers are just plain uncertain about the future. Until they see a sustainable demand for their products and services, employers will not commit to hiring in big numbers.”

The Best Job Interview Questions You Should Ask

Gecko Hospitality President to Lead NAPS Board
Recruitment Industry Leader Promises to Focus on Cutting Edge Education

Downers Grove, IL – Gecko Hospitality President, Robert Krzak, has been appointed Chairman of the Board for the National Association of Personnel Services (NAPS). “It’s a real honor for me to be appointed to this organization, because it represents the foundation of education for the staffing and recruiting industry,” says Robert.

NAPS represents personnel services professionals in the legislative arena, guides the profession on ethics and assists with industry self-regulation. “NAPS also has the mission of increasing awareness of the value of personnel services, educating the industry on best practices and creating high professional standards, so there’s synergy with Gecko’s approach to the industry,” he adds.

The largest restaurant recruiter in the US and a major player in the hotel recruitment sector, Gecko Hospitality has been a member of NAPS for more than seven years. The company is widely recognized for innovation and leadership in the hospitality industry, thanks to its unique approach to hospitality recruitment:

“To us, the hospitality industry is not just a business; we have a real passion for it,” comments Robert, adding: “That’s evident in the way we operate. We partner with industry leading restaurants, hotels, resorts, clubs and casinos to provide them with the management staff they can’t get on their own. We handpick the best and most qualified candidates with the highest integrity because our clients expect no less.”

One of the best ways for personnel services and recruitment professionals to serve their industries is to keep their skills up to date. That’s why the role of NAPS in providing targeted continuing professional education and certification of its members is so crucial, comments Robert. As the new chair of NAPS, he’s committed to fostering this part of the organization’s mission: “Under my leadership, NAPS will continue to provide cutting edge educational materials and share the latest technological resources for our members to better enhance their success.”

About Gecko Hospitality
Based in Downers Grove, Illinois, Gecko Hospitality is the largest hospitality recruiter in the US. The firm partners with top restaurants, hotels and casinos to help them identify the best salaried management personnel for their properties. Gecko has 37 regional offices and a team of more than 80 hospitality recruiters covering all 50 states and Canada. For more information, please visit www.geckohospitality.com

Dr. Henry Cloud on “Necessary Endings”

By Natalie Grigson and Melissa Reese

“…I am not unemployed, I’m on sabbatical.”
“Hey, don’t get religious on me, okay?”

So say Ross and Joey in one of my favorite episodes of Friends. I’m not going to lie, that episode was how I actually learned what the word “sabbatical” means. It’s not that I am sheltered, uneducated, or not a dictionary-reading, word fanatic (because I am), it’s just that words like “sabbatical” weren’t used so often when that episode first aired.

This was in 1998, and oh what a difference thirteen years can make. Now it seems like everywhere I turn, someone is talking about how they are going through a “developmental retreat,” or they are “temporarily unemployed,” or, yes, “on sabbatical.” Of course these all are pretty little euphemisms for one thing: being in between jobs.

Whether you’ve recently been laid off or you’ve been “on sabbatical” for several weeks or even months, being in between jobs is nothing to be ashamed of. I mean, everyone is doing it, right? And with these eight simple time and money management tips, being in between jobs is nothing to be afraid of either. In fact, it might even be a good thing.

12 Statistic-Driven Ways To Make Lasting First Impressions
Alyson Krueger | Dec. 16, 2010, 1:02 PM http://www.businessinsider.com

These successful types have a few qualities and skills that are psychologically proven to help them make positive first impressions — and they’re skills that anyone can learn.Before your next Job Interview, business meeting, or networking event, review these proven Interviewing Tips to become a master of first impressions.

1. Dress for success
Psychology studies reveal that first impressions are formed within 7 to 17 seconds of meeting someone; 55% of a person’s opinion is determined by physical appearance. In reality, what you wear is not a shallow consideration; it could make or break your meeting.
It is a good idea to dress conservatively when you meet someone for the first time (even if the office is known as being “funky” and “creative”). Be careful with loud accessories, perfumes, hair-styles and shoes that may be distracting; You don’t want someone to remember what you wore over your business skills.

2. Choose your words with care

Statistics show that first impressions are also determined by the words people use. In fact, 7% of what we think of others is based on what they say.
Before you meet someone for the first time, think about how you want to come across: optimistic, confident, humble, aggressive, innovative?
Then make a list of words you could use to convey these qualities. While you should not get hung up on this list during the meeting, having a selection in the back of your mind will help you choose words wisely.

3. Strike the right tone

Have you ever instantly disliked someone because their voice sounded brash, whiny or cocky? That is because 38% of person’s first impression is determined by tone of voice. Striking the perfect tone of voice is difficult: You want to appear calm but enthusiastic, confident but humble, determined but secure. Start paying attention to your own tone of voice as well others around you, then practice speaking the way you want to be perceived.

4. Readjust your body language

During face to face meetings, 93% of people’s judgments of others are based on non-verbal input like body language. How you stand, sit, and shake hands communicates a lot more than what you say. Good body posture, a nice smile, and eye contact are essential for making good impressions. It is equally important to avoid crossing your arms (which may signify boredom) or sitting too casually (which could indicate a lack of care).
It is easy to unconsciously strike a pose; stop every few minutes to notice how your body is positioned. You may be harming or helping your case without even knowing it.

5. Use someone’s name often

According to a Cal Poly Study, personalizing marketing materials, or addressing potential customers by their name, increases the likelihood that they will respond by 36%. People like it when they are singled out; cater to their ego and call someone by their name. As soon as you learn someone’s name, say it back to them and then repeat it throughout the conversation. When you are finished with the meeting, write them a personal note mentioning all the people you met by full name. While it may seem simple, people are more likely to connect with you if you make the effort to get their name right.

6. Be on time
Always be on time for a job interview. People are busy; one of the worst offenses you can commit is not respecting their time. Even better, arrive 15 minutes early. Spend a few minutes collecting your thoughts and walk into an interview composed. This tactic also leaves time for getting lost.
7. Focus on the other person

Talking to much about yourself will make you appear self-centered and bore your listener. Before your meeting, make a list of all the things you want to know about the other person: How did they get into their line of work? What business partnerships do they already have/are they seeking to cultivate? What are their business aspirations? Without getting too deep during a first meeting, show someone you are interested in establishing a connection with them; they will be more likely to want you on board as a result.

8. Be a good listener

35 Business studies analyzed by the International Listening Center indicated that listening is a top skill needed for success in business. Unfortunately, most people only retain about 50% of what they hear. Make an excellent impression by beating this statistic and demonstrating you are an exceptional listener right off the bat. Exchanges are always better if two people work together to keep the conversation going. React to comments with phrases such as “interesting,” “that makes sense,” and “could you tell me more about that?” Ask follow up questions; it will show you are engaged in the conversation and care about the subject matter.

9. Be careful with humor

Jokes are very hit or miss. One taken the wrong way can send you to social Siberia. While there is nothing wrong with a little banter, avoid controversial jokes or sarcasm that could be misinterpreted. Everyone is different; before you know someone’s sensitivities, it is best to play it safe and tone down the joke attempts.

10. Bring printed materials with you

Bringing materials to a first meeting automatically makes you look like a responsible, organized person. When appropriate, print out relevant documents such as resumes, business proposals, relevant statistics, transcripts, business cards and case studies. Carry them in an organized briefcase so you can find them easily once you sit down.The process will make the meeting run smoother and it should impress the person you are meeting. With that said, don’t go overboard; they’ll think you’re a know it all or that you’re trying too hard.

11. Do your research

Know as much as possible about the person you are meeting before you’re introduced. You will impress someone immediately if you can ask informed questions about their background and signify that you understand their interests/achievements. With an abundance of social media tools at your disposal, it should not be difficult to dig up some professional information. You might stumble upon a mutual interest or friend that you can drop into conversation for automatic chemistry.
12. Relax and be yourself

Everyone is nervous before a first meeting; there is a lot at stake and the stress can get pretty intense. The more at ease you are, the more the other person can get to know the real you. Before your meeting, do something that makes you happy: go to the gym, take a bath, listen to music. Instead of focusing on what’s at stake, concentrate on pumping yourself up. Make a list of your best qualities, give yourself a pep talk in the mirror, or call a family member or friend who can give you a boost.
During the job interview, pretend you are having a casual cup of coffee with a friend. If you get flustered, don’t panic; take a deep breath and keep going. Never assume you are making a bad impression; you never know what the other person is thinking!

Read more: Interviewing Tips-Job Interview

When it comes to money and of the Hospitality managers surveyed, 22% were offered an increase in salary with their new organization. As our earlier survey statistics demonstrate, money was not a motivating factor but was still offered, possibly, as an incentive to ensure there would be little chance of losing their prospect to a counter offer. Smart Move! Surprisingly, 18% of the managers surveyed had reluctantly taken a decrease in salary due in part that they were unemployed at the time the interview process had begun. While the experience and salary ranges varied, a majority of the managers having to accept a decrease in salary were senior level General Manager and Multi-Unit operators. While money may not be the deciding factor in luring a candidate from one company to another, it’s clear that Hospitality managers are hungry for opportunity and growth. The scares, left by the recession, in which hospitality managers had to endure are beginning to heal and heal quickly. Organizations need to understand that it will soon become a “candidates market” and the goal of Keeping Good People will come at a price.

To listen to the interview via podcast, please click on player below:

Not getting calls on your resume quicker than you expected?

Are you finding that recruiters tell you they’ll  call you right back only to never receive a call?

Don’t think there’s a blacklist floating around within the restaurant industry? Think Again!

Getting your resume blacklisted is easier than tying your shoes however getting removed is just the opposite. This can be devestating if you are hunting for restaurant jobs, and trying to build a management restaurant career. You have a better chance of having 8-track tapes coming back and becoming “cool” before getting back the respect you rightfully deserve. Will anyone divulge the names contained within this “so-called” blacklist and why? Of course not!  But remember that recruiters within the hospitality industry have feelings accompanied with big egos.

Believe it or not, restaurant recruiters stay connected in one way shape or form and talk more openly than Howard Stern at a wet t-shirt contest. I’ve been recruiting  for fifteen years and if you want to keep your name off of any blacklist, let me give you some advice on how to keep your name and reputation safely tucked away:

1. Never interview with a company to gain leverage on your current employer for a raise or counter offer. Accepting a counter offer from your current employer is the ultimate sin!
2. Never blow off an interview. If you’re not interested in the company, politely decline via voice or email 24 hours before your scheduled time.
3. Never accept a position with a new employer, determine a start date and fail to show up on your first day of work. Bottom line… you’ve wasted everyone’s time!
4. If you’ve left your current employer, never tell the recruiter that you’re still employed. Tell one lie you might as well tell ten more!
5. 95% of all employers do a background check. If your credit stinks- Be Honest! If you have a DUI- Be Honest! If your driver’s license is suspended- Be Honest! In many circumstances being forthcoming pays dividends.

Remember that job interviewing is a two way street. (This is especially true with restaurant jobs. Anyone building a restaurant career needs to pay attention to this advice.)  Simply put you receive a “Dear John” letter that you’re not a fit for the company  or you withdraw your name and accept a position that offers better opportunities. Bottom line if you’re “pretty” happy where you’re presently at, stay there and find a way to make it work! Interviewing is a serious business and should not be taken for granted. Take my word that recruiters NEVER forget a name and certainly never forgive….Period!

One of the most common mistakes that I come across is also one of the most missed opportunities in an interview. EVERY interviewer undoubtedly wraps up their questioning with this final question “Do you have any questions for me?”.

I ask this same question to every candidate that I speak to and the most replied response is “No, you’ve already answered all of my questions” or “I can’t think of any at this time”. 

In my debriefing of candidates after interviews, I always ask how they answered this question when asked. If they give me one of the above responses, I know the interview did not go as well as they may think. So now I always make sure to prepare candidates for this moment. It is EXTREMELY important that when asked, you have some well thought out questions to ask the interviewer. If not, it shows a lack of preparation for the interview, an apathy for the company or the position, and a general disinterest for the interviewer and the information they have to offer at this stage of the process.

A job interview is a two way street. It gives the company representative a chance to get to know you, but it also gives you a chance to get to know the company to see if it is going to meet your needs both culturally and monetarily. There is no way a person can impart all of the necessary information for making an intelligent decision without being asked questions.

Some of the better examples of good responses to this question that I have heard are “What drew you to this company in the first place?” or “What is it about this company that has kept you here so long and/or makes you happy?”. These questions turn the table onto the interviewer and forces them to open up to you about themselves, plus you gain valuable insight into the culture of the company. You should also ask questions about unit growth and advancement opportunities. These show your desire to be there for the long haul. Any questions that are probing and open ended and reflect your desire to gather important information are worth asking.

At a minimum, you should have at least three to four questions prepared in advance. And you should also be thinking of questions as you go through your interview to ask at the end also. Again make sure your questions are open-ended and well thought out. Remember this is an opportunity for you to gain valuable insight for making a decision further on in the process AND a chance for you to show your desire and enthusiasim towards the company and the position. I’ve seen bad interviews be turned around at this point just by asking the right questions.

So good luck and “Be Prepared”.

Gecko Hospitality is pleased to welcome Billy Gilson as its new Franchise Partner for the states of Oklahoma and New Mexico. 

 Billy joined Gecko Hospitality in April of 2010.  Billy started his career at the age of 14 bussing tables at a family owned establishment.  Throughout Billy’s professional career, he has worked up the ranks at well know restaurant organizations  such as Pappasitos, Texas Roadhouse, la Madeleine’s and most recently held the title of Senior Manager at The Grand Lux Café.  Billy has spent many years developing skills that have allowed him the ability to identify and develop candidates within his restaurant organizations.   Billy is excited about utilizing those human resources and recruiting skills to match the right candidate with the right client.

Gecko Hospitality is excited with the skills Billy Gilson brings to the table and the amount of enthusiasm and passion he has for the hospitality industry.

Billy is married to his wife Melanie who is a first grade teacher.   Billy has two daughters, Taylor and Kami and a son Zachary. Billy’s passions include spending time with his family, wood working, playing golf with his son and brother but most of all loves watching his beloved Dallas Mavericks and Cowboys.