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Posts Tagged ‘chicago’
Less Obvious Ways a Top Chicago Staffing Agency Can Help You
10/13/2011 4:58 PM By William Pirraglia
Assume you’re a graphic designer seeking freelance assignments in the Chicago-metro area. You have some contacts that occasionally advise you of potential client opportunities. You’re ready to expand your horizons and wonder how a Chicago staffing agency could help you.
Some answers are obvious. The best freelance job agencies, like Artisan, list new opportunities, often with daily personal updates. These agencies have more contacts in a number of different industries than one individual probably could ever have. If smart creative recruiters see something they like in you, chances are they will want to place you again and again.
Other creative staffing agency benefits may be lesser known. Here are a few additional benefits of which you may be unaware.
- Some of their employer clients have been partners for long periods, becoming regular and consistent sources of new jobs. Is there ever enough “marketing time?” Not likely. When you’re marketing, you’re not producing. When you’re producing, you cannot market. A good staffing agency can become a consistent source of interesting jobs because of their reputation with many active clients.
- Top freelance job agencies are a valuable resource and dispenser of knowledge that makes you a better performer. Many of the best creative employment firms offer articles, blogs and other reference information that help you become a more polished and knowledgeable freelancer. These resources help make you a more effective—and busier—freelancer.
- The best creative agencies handle many administrative duties for you. This can include providing direct deposit, collecting out-of-pocket expenses on your behalf, keeping a record of your assignments, etc. While money is like time—there is never enough—creative staffing agencies can negotiate rates for you and help manage your assignments more efficiently.
- Freelance job agencies help you become a more confident and effective marketer of your skills and professionalism. As you complete more assignments successfully, your agency will better understand your ability and, when possible, may recommend you, should clients ask for their opinion. Consistently working for new and repeated clients builds your confidence, which further develops your personal marketing ability to sell your talent better to future clients.
These advantages, beyond simple job board listings, can generate upgrades in both short- and long-term lifestyle and professional success for freelancers, whether in major cities like Chicago or smaller markets. Let superior freelance job agencies expand your influence and your bank account.
Amid Layoffs in Chicago, Hope for Employment Remains Strong
9/26/2011 12:28 PM By Vince Font
If you’re a creative Chicago freelancer looking for work in the Windy City, you may have been a bit shaken up – or even frightened into a near panic – over the news that the Chicago branch of the advertising agency DraftFCB had let go of over 100 employees at the end of July. This comes as the result of DraftFCB losing a lucrative, longtime partnership with S.C. Johnson. According to reports, the shakeup will result in a total of 250 lost jobs worldwide for the agency.
Despite this distressing piece of news, the market remains wide open for Chicago freelance workers, especially those operating in the area of marketing who are willing to expand the scope of their job search to include Chicago staffing companies. But don’t staffing agencies typically focus on temporary employment for clerical jobs and not higher level marketing positions? The answer to that question is yes and no.
There are staffing agencies that specialize in placing workers into creative jobs that can’t simply be filled by anyone looking for work. They differ from typical staffing agencies in that individuals are required to have a specific skill set developed through prior work experience or education.
The types of jobs you’ll find advertised by a Chicago creative talent agency lean more towards marketing, advertising and web, but also include specialty areas like social media marketing and content development for websites. Chicago freelance workers seeking new employment opportunities are encouraged to turn their attention to these types of agencies which can dramatically improve their chances of finding gainful employment.
How to Hire and Get Hired in Chicago
8/24/2011 4:37 PM By William PirragliaAs Chicago freelance work opportunities increase in the post-recession economy, entrepreneurs and small businesses often face challenges in finding the employees they want. Likewise, many newer freelancers are unsure of the best strategy to get the jobs they desire.
Technori.com writer Adam Robinson wrote an article “How to Hire in Chicago” that has suggestions for employers to find the best talent. Among the tips for entrepreneurs, the simplest tend to be most effective. For example, consider the following suggestions:
- Allocate what’s necessary to your freelancer search. Do not get distracted by other issues at the expense of spending quality time finding your best candidate. Invest around 30 to 50 percent of your time evaluating resumes, interviewing, and selecting your preferred candidates.
- Create a standardized hiring process. This strategy helps you avoid wasting time recreating the process for every candidate. It also allows you to establish consistent evaluation standards, leading to more effective hires.
- Start recruiting early. Hopefully, you can begin your search 60 days before you need a candidate to be on the job. This strategy should minimize wrong hiring decisions and the high cost that accompanies bad hires. Installing new employees on the job without painful gaps improves your operational efficiency.
Freelancers must do their part to find the best jobs and terms available. For example, assume you’re looking for a Chicago web designer position, quite popular in this market. With expanding job opportunities in Chicago, consider taking some or all of the following steps.
- Prepare a clear resume of your specific talents and achievements. This is a good recommendation for all candidates but is particularly important for creative freelancers. Save yourself and potential employer time by clearly stating your expertise. Little is gained by confusing employers, leading to missed opportunities or fruitless interviews.
- Use top freelance job agencies. These firms have the most up-to-date lucrative jobs, expertise and experience in matching creative talent with the right employers, and credibility with their client companies.
- Concentrate on discussing employer expectations at interviews. Many problems arise from simple misunderstandings about the specific results employers want. Successful freelancers must understand their employer’s desired outcome or result and how it will be measured.
- Stress your commitment to meeting goals and deadlines. Although important in full time hiring situations, this issue is critical in freelance and project assignments. By taking the initiative at interviews, freelancers can strongly impress employers with their professionalism and dedication.
The Chicago freelance work environment is experiencing a renaissance in new opportunities. Area employers and freelancers must work together to save time (which, of course, means money) by establishing effective hiring practices (employers) and maintaining clear and precise dialogue (freelancers) to forge the best matches.
Chicago Creative Staffing Agencies Save Time and Energy for Both Parties
7/29/2011 2:21 PM By William Pirraglia
Entrepreneurs and businesses emerging from the recession are gaining confidence in the coming economic rebound in the Chicago market. With their professional plates full with startup requirements, marketing strategies and new (often conservative) growth plans, finding Chicago freelance talent poses some interesting challenges for area employers.
Enter the top creative employment search firms, like Artisan. The depth of the recession and slow moving recovery has generated even more risk to employers during the hiring process. However Chicago freelance talent firms are bridging this gap for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Understanding that employers can ill afford the risk of making unsatisfactory hires, the best creative talent organizations are better qualifying and preparing their candidates.
However, Windy City employers are also aware that proper candidate preparation directly benefits them just as much. For example, prepping candidates with pertinent job interview questions delivers more complete answers to employer interviewers, saving them time and money. Terminally overworked entrepreneurs and hiring managers are better able to conserve their precious time and make better quality hiring decisions.
Meanwhile, talented candidates, freelancers or fulltime job seekers deliver better to-the-point presentations, making their interviews more meaningful and successful. This becomes a classic win-win result which pleases both parties, as it should.
Author Adam Robinson, in his recent article “How to Hire in Chicago” published in Technori (January 2011), offers some keys for employers to hire the best candidates and maximize the benefits of a top creative talent firm. Mr. Robinson recommends that Chicago-area employers do the following.
- Be prepared to invest 30 to 50 percent of their available time to complete interviewing, evaluation and selection of the best candidate.
- Establish a standardized interview and evaluation process to make fair and equal hiring decisions.
- If possible, begin the recruiting at least 60 days before they must fill the given position(s).
Using a top creative talent search firm should ease the time investment and recruiting period, as these professionals pre-screen candidates for you and typically have an up-to-date group of qualified candidates, many of whom will meet your preferences. Their experience streamlines the process and lowers the hiring risk for both parties.
Artisan & AIGA Chicago Support City’s Vibrant Design Community
6/10/2011 1:38 PM By Julia ShiplettAs proud sponsors of AIGA Chicago’s Design Week, Artisan had a wonderful time mixing and mingling with Chicago’s design community during last night’s Annual Members Meeting at Park West. With hundreds of talented creatives and industry leaders in attendance, the evening was an overall celebration of design and collaboration within the city. Below are photos and highlights!
Keynote speaker Liz Danzico, a top design consultant, educator and co-founder of the MFA in Interaction Design Program at the School of Visual Arts, explains the fascinating way communication has evolved over the past centuries. Whether it’s writing in the margins of books or commenting on a friend’s Facebook status, people have always felt the need to express themselves and share it with others. Learn more about Liz’s work at bobulate.com.
Our talent Ezekiel Binion was the lucky recipient of Creative Suite 5.5.
Former AIGA President Marcia Lausen is celebrated for her long-time achievements within the design community, including leading the election design initiative of AIGA Design for Democracy. Learn more about Marcia’s work at Studio/lab.
Our very own Kristin Rupert introduces Artisan to the crowd.
Chicago’s Job Market: The New Solopreneur
6/8/2011 4:11 PM By William Pirraglia
However exhausted we are of a turbulent economy, there are many new opportunities for freelancers, and as usual Chicago is a hub of activity. Freelance agencies in the city like Artisan are currently offering expanded opportunities.
As a direct result of the recession and our new fiscal environment, people should also realize that along with more design jobs in Chicago, there will also be additional competition. During the bleak recession, many talented professionals were downsized from their full-time jobs.
Numerous skilled professionals chose to begin Chicago freelancing careers as solopreneurs. While it’s true many decided to work alone not because of a strong entrepreneurial spirit but simply to maintain some cash flow, it appears that a significant number of these new independent workers found that they liked the environment.
Premier freelance companies offer resources to help these newer freelancers reinvent themselves. Moving from a corporate to an entrepreneur mentality manifests various challenges to newcomers. These recruitment firms, informative blogs, news updates and valuable links can all assist those moving from salaried to Chicago freelancing careers.
For example, former full-time graphic and web designers may be unsure of how to prepare an effective freelance resume, set up a simple business bookkeeping system or use their own websites and social media to market themselves. Another area of common concern involves the pros and cons of freelancing. While someone may lose those precious three-week paid vacations, he or she also need not miss achild’s little league or softball games in the future.
Reinvention often takes time and effort to become comfortable. However, the expanding job market in Chicago is a cash flow resource not to be overlooked. Newer freelancers must learn how to market themselves properly to take advantage of these exciting opportunities. Top freelance recruiters can help keep the process as painless as possible.
Our Talent Gives Back to Local Non-Profit Working Bikes
5/18/2011 8:03 PM By Julia Shiplett
We at Artisan feel very fortunate to do what we love with passionate people every day. That’s why we value opportunities to give back to organizations that improve the world we live in and proudly represent talent that share this sentiment.
As the brainchild of Designer Atom Groom, Our Digital Gift has evolved into an annual collaborative donation that grants a worthy not-for-profit organization in Chicago or Northwest Indiana with professional design and development services. Although often the most deserving of marketing efforts to raise awareness and leverage opportunities, non-profit organizations usually do not have the means for investment. However, we are pleased to announce this year’s grant recipient is Working Bikes, a cooperative that restores used and discarded bicycles to be sold and donated locally in order to raise money for international distribution.
Our very own Talent Representative Suzanne Shannon has actively volunteered with Working Bikes for a number of years now to help provide transportation to people from Guatemala all the way to Ghana. Atom and his team were inspired by the organization’s humble resources and big commitment – out of a small storefront on Western Avenue, Working Bikes makes a global impact by shipping bikes to second and third-world countries so others can become independently mobile. This can make the difference between having a job and providing food and clean water for your family.
As a tribute to their hard work, Our Digital Gift will be providing professional identity package such as a new logo, business cards and letterhead in addition to a new website with valuable content management tools installed. Written content and a social media presence will also empower Working Bikes by leveraging a stronger platform for communication and participation.
As Atom put it, if his team can offer Working Bikes more recognition to continue their work, then the organization can provide even more bicycles in more countries. “If that doesn’t make your neck tingle and your heart glow, I don’t know what would.… Just knowing in our hearts and minds that we are making a difference through our talents in this world is amazing.”
If you would like to learn more about opportunities with Working Bikes, please check here for volunteer and donation opportunities.
If you would like to contribute your design and/or development skills to Our Digital Gift, please check here for ways to get involved.
Win a Spot in the Artisan VIP Section at CISC’s 1st Anniversary Party!
4/5/2011 12:10 PM By Artisan
Calling all Chicagoland techies, creatives, agency types and social media experts:
Join us Thursday, April 21st, for the Chicago Interactive Social Club’s One Year Anniversary Party at the Underground! Artisan is a sponsor of CISC, an organization that has successfully brought industry professionals in the city together to socialize and network. This event will be their biggest to date; 600+ guests already signed up for one great night. For premier entry into the event and a seat at our exclusive table, be one of the first 20 people to retweet this post from the Artisan Twitter handle to win a spot in our VIP section!
As drinks and appetizers are passed around, CISC After Dark will also include a VIP fashion show, goodie bags, prize giveaways and more. Oh, and did we mention it’s free? If you missed us on Twitter, remember to RSVP here – registration is on a first come, first served basis so do it to it!
Place: The Underground
Date: April 21st
Time: 8 – 10 p.m.
Artisan is the proud sponsor of CISC’s Job Board.
CISC Event: Social Interactives
3/11/2011 1:59 PM By Artisan
Thank you to Chicago Interactive Social Club for hosting an excellent 2011 kick-off last night at Citizen Bar! Interactive professionals in tech, agencies, design and sales made it out to mix and mingle with others in their industries, and we can safely say we met some great people.
If you missed it, make sure to check back with CISC’s website for details on their upcoming One-Year Anniversary event in April. And remember to check their job board sponsored by Artisan for the latest, most exciting work opportunities around Chicago.
Special thanks to: Andrew Landan, Citizen Bar, Pop Chips & Absolut Vodka
Unemployed in Chicago
1/25/2010 9:39 PM By Sharon PotschYou got laid off and what did you do?
Getting laid off can feel like a death sentence. It doesn't matter if you know another job is inevitable or just around the corner, you feel like you're done and things will never be the same. But what if getting laid off meant starting a new beginning?
We've all heard the saying of turning lemons in lemonade but check out a website for a film that documents ex-agency folks who've done just that. "Lemonade" is a film that documents the paths of those who were products of advertising agency staff slayings caused by the recent economic downtown that we're all too familiar with. Instead of grousing around and applying for the same ol' creative director jobs, the people featured in this film dusted off their boots and walked a path destined by their dreams. Intrigued? Check out this trailer. You can even upload your own war story.
Maybe it's not possible to chuck your resume out the window and open a yoga studio, but this film certainly will get your wheels turning. "Lemonade" is on tour with screenings across the country including Chicago on Tuesday, February 9, at 6:00 and 8:00 PM at the Chopin Theater in Wicker Park. We hope to see you at one of these free screenings. If anything it certainly is nice to relate to a film. Admission is free but you need to RSVP here for the 6:00 show and here for the 8:00 show. See you there!
