Soni Q2 Newsletter

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported an increase of 303,000 in nonfarm payroll employment in March. This significant increase was accompanied by a marginal change in the unemployment rate, which remained steady at 3.8 percent. Job gains are primarily noted in the healthcare, government, and construction sectors, and the leisure and hospitality industries have rebounded to pre-pandemic levels.??

In March 2024, the labor force participation rate in the United States rose to 62.7%, marking the only increase in nearly a year. Overall, the report reflects positive momentum in the labor market, emphasizing the importance of continued efforts to support economic recovery and job creation amidst ongoing challenges.

Tips on Working with a Recruiter

By Soni’s Marguerite Easterbrook

Anyone who's ever looked for a job can probably agree that it feels like a full-time job in itself. A job search can be a challenging and time-consuming process, but this is where recruiters come in!?Recruiters are a great resource for both helping job seekers navigate the market and sharing various employment opportunities. If you're considering teaming up with a recruiter for your job search, here are three essential focal points to keep in mind:

COMMUNICATION?

Throughout this journey, you should have open and honest dialogue with any recruiter you are working with. Upon initial communications, be upfront with your recruiter about the kinds of work you’re interested in.

It’s crucial to keep the lines of communication open throughout your search, as well. Don’t hesitate to follow up with your recruiter or check in with them. If you decide to pivot in your job search, or expand your job search criteria, be sure to make your recruiter aware so they can present additional roles that might be of interest.

TRANSPARENCY?& TRUST

When working with a recruiter, you can, and should be, transparent about your job search – the kinds of positions you’re applying to on your own, the companies you’re targeting, if you're in interview stages or expecting an offer, and if you've turned down an offer and why you turned it down.

Don’t be caught off guard if a recruiter asks you about those, or other questions, such as why you left your last job – recruiters ask these questions to better understand what types of roles you’re excited about. Knowing this information also helps a recruiter represent you effectively and position you in the best possible way to potential employers.

Finally, if a recruiter presents an opportunity and it's not a fit for you, that's ok! Be honest about it and let them know why not - this will help them as they present future opportunities to you.

FLEXIBILITY?

You should approach conversations with recruiters with an open mind and flexibility on the parameters surrounding your search. Have an understanding of what your “must haves” and "nice to haves" are, as well as where you can be flexible, including areas like compensation or on-site work expectations. Be open-minded to hearing about different opportunities; recruiters may present roles that you haven't thought about considering.

When you set out on your job hunt, you might be looking for a permanent position. However, if you're not currently working, think twice before you dismiss the idea of temporary or contract work. Temporary or contract roles offer valuable opportunities for job seekers to keep their skills sharp, expand their network, and generate income, while pursuing permanent positions. You never know when a temporary opportunity can turn into a permanent position!?

If you keep an open mind and an open line of communication, you and your recruiter can work together to find your dream job.

Looking for new opportunities? Check out the Soni Career Page .

Administrative professionals are the backbone of any organization, and though their work often goes unseen, we would be lost without them. This April 24th is Administrative Professionals Day, so be sure to celebrate the admins in your office. And now, meet the fabulous members of the Soni Administrative and Operations teams!??

Alicia Riggio joined the Soni team nearly three years ago, and supports our New York teams and corporate functions; thanks to her constant hard work and dedication, Alicia earned a spot as a member of Soni's inaugural President's Club. Outside of work, Alicia loves spending time with her new nephew, and is an excellent cook who enjoys learning new recipes!?

Kristen Farley has been part of the Soni team for nearly a year, and she supports our Tennessee and Austin teams. Kris is a great culture ambassador, and loves organizing team outings and fun office events, including Tennessee's annual chili cook-off. She is Soni's guru when it comes to booking travel, and she loves to travel personally as well - fun fact, she has walked the Great Wall of China!??

Vinny Gonzales has been part of the Soni team for over two years, and has supported multiple teams during his time with the company. Currently he supports our Denver, Houston, and New York teams, and also uses his creative skills to support Soni's marketing team. As an identical twin, Vinny has a built-in travel partner and roommate, and he even followed in his brother's footsteps and recently made the move to Denver!

Cameron Gagnon is the newest member of Soni's Administrative team, and she supports all the Soni teams in the Philadelphia market. Originally from Connecticut, Cameron made the move to Philadelphia a year ago, where she lives with her sister, which is a good thing because one of her favorite?hobbies is singing along to 'Frozen', but in French!?

Gianna Sausto is Soni's Operations Associate, and she supports all of the company's operational functions; she is also the go-to person for Soni's contract employees. During her two years with Soni, she has also supported the HR department, and is always up for a new challenge. Outside of work, you can find Gianna on her family's boat, enjoying the sunshine and exploring the ocean!

We are now in Houston, TX! ?

Soni is thrilled to announce the launch of Soni Tech in the bustling Houston, TX market!?

Leading the Soni Tech Houston team is Market Vice President, Steven Robinson . With nearly 20 years of experience, Steven has built his career by successfully producing, leading, and scaling top performing sales operations in the staffing industry. As a leader in the business, Steven has created a blueprint for employee engagement, performance accountability, creating an exceptional customer experience by providing leadership that empowers people, and tactical guidance that enables performance and promotes success.??

Expressing his enthusiasm about joining Soni, Steven says, “I am extremely excited to be joining such an ambitious organization that focuses on what matters most - success for our clients, our candidates, and our internal Soni team members.”?

Outside of work, Steven is husband to his wife Jasmine, and a father of four incredible kids - Steven Jr., Stella, Cameron, and Callen. Steven can often be found at various sporting events cheering on his kids!?

Networking Events

On March 26th, Soni had the opportunity to present at Columbia University 's annual Career Exposition! JP Giugliano , Marc Wilder, and Marguerite Easterbrook covered all things recruiting, and discussed the impact staffing agencies have in the job market. ?

After the presentation, they joined Devon Maguire and Gabriella Thalassites in introducing Soni to attendees passing by. This was a special opportunity for Soni team members to engage with candidates and provide valuable information to job seekers in the New York market.?

Join Soni for a special evening filled with inspiration and wisdom! Dave Birdwell and our friends from Prelude Solutions are proud to present this event on May 5th, when technology leaders from the Philadelphia area will gather to support Tammy Klotz , Chief Information & Security Officer of Trinseo , and celebrate her latest book, "Leading with Empathy and Grace". ?

In her compelling new work, Tammy offers insights into leadership, cybersecurity, and the profound impact the power of compassionate leadership has in today's dynamic world. Drawing from her extensive experience, she shares invaluable guidance and practical wisdom on fostering meaningful connections, cultivating inclusive environments, and navigating the complexities of leadership with empathy and grace.

Don't miss the chance to be part of this exciting event, and gain insights from Tammy's wealth of leadership experience!

Sign up for free tickets here - spots are limited!

Prepare to be inspired as TITAN 100 unveils its roster of outstanding leaders. This year, Soni team members in the Philadelphia market served on the nomination committee and on the judges’ panel. Dave Birdwell 's experience in identifying top talent uniquely qualifies him to serve on the panel of judges, and ensures that the most exceptional individuals will receive this honor. Soni's partnership with The Titan100 is a testament to the company's commitment to recognizing and celebrating leadership excellence.?

Join Soni in applauding The Titan 100 and honoring the remarkable leaders who are shaping the future of business. With Soni on board, this celebration of leadership promises to be nothing short of extraordinary.

Soni has five specialized brands that work across industries and functional areas to provide strategic staffing solutions.

We are here to support you and your department with any direct hire, project-based, or temporary staffing needs. If you or someone in your department is looking to hire, please contact Alicia Riggio at [email protected] or (646) 688-3020.

If you are interested in exploring your next career opportunity, visit the Soni Career Page .