March/April 2004
As you know we have been periodically sending out a candidate newsletter to keep you abreast of the changes at
Cambridge and the programs and benefits we offer our temporary employees. If you have any suggestions on topics
you would like to see, please e-mail us at jlowe@cambridgeprofessionals.com. It is our constant goal to offer the
best opportunities and the best benefits we can to our temporaries.
The temps of the months are as follows:
March-Audra Freeman, Attorney
April-Chantel Perry Stevens, Paralegal
State of the Job Market in Atlanta
New Temporary Benefits
For the first time in over two years we are happy to
report that the market has turned and hiring, both
temporary and permanent, is on the rise. Speaking on
behalf of just Cambridge, and not all legal staffing
companies in Atlanta, we saw a substantial increase
in temporary hiring in 4th Quarter of 2003 and
permanent hiring increased slightly toward the end of
3rd Quarter 2003 and remained strong through 4th
Quarter 2003.
We are now offering an additional level of health
coverage for our long-term temporary employees.
Until now we have always offered health insurance
reimbursements of $100 per month to our temporary
employees to apply to the insurance carrier of their
choice. In addition, they already receive eligibility in
our 401K, holiday and vacation pay. Our new
coverage will allow long-term temps (on assignment
6 months or longer) to participate in the same Major
Medical coverage full-time employees at Cambridge
enjoy. This level of coverage offers: health, vision,
dental, short-term and long-term disability and life
insurance through Guardian. For more information
contact:
Steve Sullivan
ssullivan@cambridgeprofessionals.com
404.842.2800
First Quarter 2004, has been even better. Permanent
hiring for legal secretaries, paralegals, and attorneys
has increased substantially in law firms of all sizes.
Corporations have increased hiring at all levels, but
continue to hire mainly temporary employees. In any
case, the market is still an employers market with an
abundance of good talent—both temporary and
permanent. Some recent employment facts reported
are:
 The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
reports that in March 2004, 308,000 new
jobs were added to payrolls, the fastest pace
in almost 4 years. This should help push
business confidence higher, leading to
additional permanent, temporary and tempto-perm positions.
 1st Quarter 2004 reported a total of 513,000
new jobs, almost 3 times that of 4th Quarter
2003 (179,000 new jobs). No Quarter last
year was able to show a positive “jobs”
direction!
 Despite an increase in new jobs, the overall
unemployment rate rose from 5.6% to 5.7%.
 While the BLS did not specify why
unemployment increased, it could be due to
the fact that job satisfaction is at an all time
low with 1 out of every 2 employees
currently unhappy and/or looking.
Refer a Friend and Earn $$$$
Refer a friend to Cambridge and receive a referral
fee. If you refer a friend, and we place them on a
temporary assignment, you will earn $50.00. If you
refer a friend, and we place them in a permanent
position, after they work four months (which is our
client guarantee), you will receive $250.00.
Getting Ready to Interview?
Here are a few questions to be
prepared for:
1.
Will you walk me through your
background? Know that movement on a
resume will always be a concern to potential
employers, make sure to have solid answers
for each move you have made. Increase in
salary should never be a reason.
2.
Is there anything you dislike about your
previous employers? Never bad-mouth a
former manager or employer. Simply state,
it was not a fit (you can specify
professional—did not align with your career
goals).
3. Tell me about yourself-The goal of this
question (or request) is to learn more about
you on a personal level. Remember it is still
an interview, so use caution and sound
judgment when answering. Focus on goals
and hobbies, or where you grew up. How
you got to where you are. Stay clear of
politics or religion, even if you are heavily
involved in either.
4. How do you define success? We all have
different definitions of success.
When
describing what success is to you, do not say
money. Financial stability and a strong
investment portfolio, ability to support your
family and also enjoy what you are doing—
are better ways of saying, “money is
important to me and it is part of how I define
success.” Money is expected to be a part of
your definition (why else do we work?), but
it should not be the only one.
5. How have you handled setbacks? The idea is
to evaluate whether or not you can handle
distractions and difficult situations in a
calm, cool and level-headed manner.
6. What motivates you?-Is it money? Titles?
Being number one?
7. Talk to me about specific achievements that
have occurred in your career- Do not be
apprehensive about bragging about your
achievements. You are on an interview and
expected to sell yourself—so do! The goal
is to come off confident, but not arrogant.
8. Why are you interviewing? You should be
interviewing initially to learn more about the
position, company, manager, and culture.
9. Why are you looking to leave your current
firm?- Be careful not to disparage your
current employer or say for more money—
neither of those answers ever go over well.
If you say money they are going to think
what is going to stop them from leaving us
at some point for more money.
10. What type of management style works best
for you?
11. Do you have any further questions?-Every
interviewer asks this question and you better
be prepared to have at least a few. Do not
ask questions about salary, benefits, the size
of your office, but do ask what would be the
next step. Ask questions about the vision of
the company, is the position you are
interviewing for a new position or replacing
someone, is there anything else you can
provide them (writing sample, transcripts,
etc.)?
Make sure you researched the
company, and if possible, the person you are
interviewing with to have some background
and show that you take initiative and are
resourceful.
12. Why should I hire you? This is a difficult
question, but the bold interviewer may
ask—so be prepared with an answer
highlighting your strengths as they relate to
the position.
GOOD LUCK and if you have any
questions regarding this article or want
interview tips in general, feel free to contact
me (Janelle Lowe 404.842.2800 or
jlowe@cambridgeprofessionals.com)
Our Legal Team
Janelle Lowe, Vice President of Legal Services
Chris Fernandes, Director of Paralegal Recruitment
(Temp & Permanent)
Steve Stone, Director of Attorney Recruitment
(Temp & Permanent)
Kasey Binder, Senior Recruiter (Permanent Legal
Secretaries, Legal Administrators, & HR
Professionals)
Amy Brown, Recruiter (Attorneys)
Hallie Pinstein, Recruiter (Temporary Legal
Secretaries, Temporary & Permanent General Office)
Marjorie Alexia Younger, Recruiter (Paralegals)
Jenny Voigt, Recruiter (Clerks)
Cambridge Professional Group
Four Piedmont Center, Suite 200
Atlanta, Georgia 30305
404.842.2800 or 1.800.563.6101 phone
404.842.2805 fax
www.cambridgeprofessionals.com