If you are tasked with recruiting diversity (and if you are not, you should be), you might want to take a look at Social Networks; especially if you are targeting Latin American countries. (The traffic on Social Networks in that region is doubling! Yowza!!) Check out this data from Marketing Charts.
The number of social network users in five major Latin American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico) more than doubled from Jan. ‘07 to to Jan. ‘08 - it was up 103% - according to an Analytics 2.0 analysis, using comScore data.
During the same period, the number of US Hispanic and Puerto Rican social-network users increased 48%.
The main social networks of the five-country LatAm region, by number of users:
Orkut - 12.9 million (up 27% from 10.1 million in ‘07)
Sonico - 7.3 million (Sonico launched during the second half of ‘07)
hi5 - 4.2 million (up 72% from 2.2 million in Jan. ‘07)
MySpace - around 3 million (13 million users in all markets analyzed
Facebook - 2.2 million (up 4,1525 from Jan. ‘07 count of 52,000)
The global phenomenon of social networks is landing in Latin America. Techcrunch recently published an article about Sonico (Sonico.com) describing it as the largest and most unknown social network in the region (Http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/16/sonicothe-biggest-social-networking-site-youveprobably-never-heard-of/).
Social networks are the foundation of the Web 2.0 - would be the equivalent of the traditional Web portals - and consist of sites where users can create a profile and contact other people. These users produce content that can be shared with the other members of the network. Social Networks, the BIG THING on the Latam and US Hispanic internet markets.
However, so far it has not been dimensioned clearly the impact that social networks are taking among Internet users in the region, because the debate is been driven to a purely impressionistic one. With focused on providing conclusive data about this phenomenon we analyzed data from ComScore.
According to comScore - a paid subscription service that audits the Internet audiences - the number of Internet users in the five major countries of the region (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico) approached 46.3 million in January (2008). The internet users from the above mentioned period is 16% higher than the 39.8 million internet users in January 2007.
If we consider also the Puerto Rican and US Hispanics Internet Users the number jumps to 66 millions, with the same growth rate since January 2007. The audience from the main social networks (bebo, facebook, friendster, hi5, mySpace, Orkut and Sonico) is approximately 29.6 million in 5 Latin American, reaching the 64% of the total internet users population, which means that 6 of each 10 internet users in the above mentioned Latin American Countries are using one of the mentioned Social Networks.
The Puerto Rican and US Hispanic audience from the above mentioned social networks is about 15.2 million, or 77% of the Internet Audiences from the mentioned Markets. Since the penetrations of the Puerto Rican and US Hispanic markets are higher we would infer that the penetration from the Latin American markets will tend to reach those levels.
In the UK, many people are being coerced to leave their jobs once they hit a certain age. At least, according to AXA. Check out this recent press release…
One in five UK employees still pressured to retire by their employers
One in five (20 per cent) retirees have been forced out of their job by their employers
Nearly half of Brits (48 per cent) retire before the minimum legal requirement
Employers could face £45m1collective compensation bill for age-related discrimination claims
A study2 by leading insurer AXA has today revealed that, despite the introduction of age discrimination legislation in 2006, ageism is still rife in today’s workplace, with thousands of retirees reporting experiencing pressure to quit their job by their employers. ( Page 14 ). In addition, UK plc could face a collective compensation bill of over £45m1 if employers are taken to tribunal for age-related cases.
Forced into retirement
Research from AXA’s international retirement scope survey reveals that three in five (60 per cent) British retirees retired before the minimum legal age of 65. Whilst most did so through choice (80 per cent), one in five (20 per cent) experienced pressure from their employer (Page 14). However, on the up side the survey does show that age discrimination legislation is beginning to have an effect, albeit a slow one, with the number who have been forced into early retirement by their employer falling since 2006 (28 per cent). (Page 14).
Steve Folkard, head of pensions and savings policy at AXA commented: “Despite legislation making it unlawful to discriminate against workers on the grounds of age, our study clearly shows that some employees are still being coerced into early retirement; meaning employers could be leaving themselves dangerously exposed to litigation.
“Employees coming up for retirement need to be aware of their legal rights and exercise these if necessary. Employers should also review their retirement policies and decision making processes to make sure they are protected against both future and retrospective claims. The cost of a successful claim can be significant and will be even higher when legal costs and damage to reputation are taken into account.”
Brits’ attitude to retirement
The research also shows that Brits are more likely to retire early through choice (48 per cent) compared to the international average (36 per cent). This is almost double the numbers that retired early in both France (23 per cent) and India (25 per cent). Workers in Canada (73 per cent) and America (56 per cent) were the most likely to have retired early. (Page 15)
In addition, around half of those still working (47 per cent) and those retired (49 per cent) do not approve of raising the minimum age of retirement. However, since the study was last conducted in 2006, there has been an increase from 19 per cent to 27 per cent amongst retirees in favour of increasing the minimum age of retirement. This compares starkly with Japan and Hong Kong, where 70 per cent and 71 per cent of workers respectively approve of raising the retirement age. (Page 18 – 19)
British attitudes towards working post-retirement were mixed, with over half (51 per cent) of all workers expecting to work in retirement. However, the study shows that only one in ten (11per cent) take up a second job in retirement. (Pages 16 – 17).
Steve Folkard continued: “The results suggest that Brits are reluctant to see the age of retirement raised, and a significant number have already retired early. It is interesting to note how many people think they will continue to work but subsequently do not; perhaps once they hit retirement they decide they want to make the most of their “golden years”.
Notes
The now defunct DTI has predicted there will be around 5,250 age-related discrimination claims in 2007-08. The average claim awarded per claimant is £8,679, giving a total of £45,564,750.
The research was conducted among a sample of 305 working people aged 25 and over and 301 retired or in early retirement aged under 75 across a sample of 26 countries. The telephone interviews were carried out between July 12 2007 and August 8 2007.
About AXA
AXA UK is a part of the AXA Group. AXA Group is a worldwide leader in Financial Protection. AXA’s operations are diverse geographically, with major operations in Western Europe, North America and the Asia/Pacific area. For full year 2006, IFRS revenues amounted to €79 billion and IFRS underlying earnings amounted to €4,010 million.
The AXA ordinary share is listed and trades under the symbol AXA on the Paris Stock Exchange. The AXA American Depository Share is also listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol AXA.
Our previous company performance is not a guide to how we may perform in the future.The value of the funds can fall as well as rise, possibly due solely to excahnge rate fluctuations, and is not guaranteed. The value of property is a matter of valuer’s opinion not fact.
Any opinions expressed in this media communication are made as at the date of this publication but are subject to change without notice.
2. Type in “Software Developer” (With or without quotes, you get the same results)
3. Get results like below. What you are looking at are people who signed up for Twitter and added their job title in their profiles.
See how easy that was? Well, suppose you are looking for more than Software Developers? Are there other types of passive candidates I can target on Twitter? Sure! Here is a list I put together as food for thought.
A search on “Software Developers” brought back 485 results.
A search on “Software Engineer” brought back 485 results.
A search on “Nurse” brought back 157 results.
A search on “VP of Marketing” brought back 23 results.
A search on “VP of Sales” brought back 5 results.
A search on “CEO” brought back 9 results.
A search on “chemist” brought back 29 results.
A search on “Electrical Engineer” brought back 40 results.
A search on “CTO” brought back 485 results.
A search on “Programmer” brought back 980 results.
If you like this type of thing, be sure to subscribe to my blog. More big news is coming soon.
New Rules For US Employer Sponsored Visa (H-1B)
Written by Thabang Motsei
The United States U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has proposed a provisional rule that prohibits US employers from making multiple application for potential employees under the employer sponsored visa which is also known as the H-1B visa.
This year Congress has set a limit of 65,000 for most H-1B workers for the fiscal 2009. Last year more than 123,000 petitions for the 65,000 visas available were received. USCIS said that they expect this time the demand for the H-1B will be high and exceed the 2009 cap and there were concerns that some may try and manipulate the system.
The New Rules Affecting H-1B Visa
“These changes will ensure that companies filing H-1B petitions subject to congressionally mandated numerical limits have an equal chance to employ an H-1B worker”, the immigration and citizenship agency said.
The USCIS also stated that should employers not adhere to the new rules they risk having their application revoked or even denied. However there is an exemption to the rule, it does not prevent related employers, such as a parent company and its subsidiary, from filing applications on behalf of the same worker “for different positions, based on a legitimate need.”
This rule also points out that if USCIS receives the specific cap number of H-1B applications within the first five business days of accepting applications for the coming fiscal year, the immigration agency will run a lotto type, random selection process among all H-1B application received during this time period.
“The rule further clarifies that USCIS will deny petitions that incorrectly claim an exemption from any H-1B numerical limits and those filing fees will not be returned.”
The USCIS said President George W Bush announced that the Administration would be undertaking a series of immigration and border security reforms and changes to the H-1B filing process under this rule are an important part of that initiative. This announcement was made in August last year.
The US H-1B controversy
This decision comes weeks after technology companies like Microsoft and its Chairman Bill Gates spoke to the US Congress to loosen up the already tough immigration laws for global labour mobility stating that by bringing in more skilled migrants in need skilled industry, they in return will also be creating jobs.
Bill Gates’ recent testimony before a congressional committee stated that the US immigration and visa laws should “allow more highly-skilled workers to remain in the U.S.” is to grant H-1b visas on the basis of skill rather than by a lottery… The best proxy for “skill” is “wage.” He proposed that skilled migrants should not be forced to enter a lotto type scenario but infact should be paid for what they are worth.
The H-1B visa is popular amongst Indian IT and technology specialists of which Microsoft and other techno companies desire to bring more qualified technicians from India. The road to H-1B last year was filed with a few mishaps from the US Embassy in Indian, with authorities clamping down on corruption. (www.globalvisas.com ran an article on 14/03/2008 “Business Rallies Against Tight H-1B Visa“)
The H-1B Visa
The US H1-B visa basically allows a US employer to employ a foreign skilled worker for a period of up to six years. This visa cannot be used as a route to permanent residency. However candidates may start their application for the USA Green Card whilst in the country on an H1B visa, the process can be undertaken whilst already living and working in the USTo be eligible for an H-1B visa an applicant has to find a suitable job according to their qualifications in the US. Once the applicant has qualified and received a job offer, the US employer files an H1 petition (work permit). The sponsoring employer files the H1 petition with USCIS (Department of Immigration of the United States) upon approval of this petition you will be permitted to work for that employer in the United States.
How Global Visas Can Help
www.globalvisas.co.in is an Indian affiliate of Global Visas UK. Ajay Hasija their India branch Director said “many Indian skilled workers want to gain experience overseas and as an immigration and visa agency we want to give them a reliable service that will enable them to do that. Because we understand immigration and visa laws with the help of our expect lawyers and consultants we can advice our clients thoroughly. At the moment the world is looking at India for skills particularly in the US and we work with candidates, employers and government to ensure that the procedures are followed. There really is no need to start panicking under the new rules for many Indian applicants or their future employers.”
www.globalvisas.com understands the immigration and visa law for the United States and is in a position to help both employer and candidate in their application process. Global Visas can help to simplify the process for you by helping you to identify which American immigration route is the most appropriate for your needs. To find out how we can help you, contact us at www.globalvisas.com and fill out one of our assessment form and a US consultant will be in touch with you.
I get this question a LOT from people from my friends in India, “How will the US recession affect here in India when my business is centered around recruiting?” I try to be optimistic, but to say that I would be concerned would be an understatement. However, I can offer some cautious optimism based on the article below from Silicon India. Check it out…
Silicon India says:
Though India’s IT industry will feel the heat of the U.S. economy in recession, the outlook to the current situation should be one of cautious optimism, according to offshore advisory firm Tholons.
“Unlike the last U.S. recession, the industry today is robust enough to sail through expected turbulence,” the advisory firm said in its recent paper on the Indian IT industry, which generates over 50 percent of revenues from U.S.
The firm said that the industry players should mix optimism with caution and put differentiated strategies in place, based on evolving market dynamics, to ride through the turbulence. The current industry comprises of players, which are multibillion dollar organizations with presence in multiple geographies supported by robust business systems which has the capability to undertake strains in the short and medium term.
Meanwhile, the industry, reeling under severe pressure of an appreciating rupee is expected to use the same strategies in negating any impact of the recession. “We will definitely witness a ‘tightening of the belt’ to bring in further operational economics.” The turbulence in the U.S. economy is expected to make it a difficult market for IT companies.
So I suppose the next logical question is how long will it last? Some people (a lot smarter than me) suggest the US recession will rebound by mid 2009. For me, I just don’t know. If I were an IT Staffing Firm in India relying on US Dollars to keep me viable and you were to ask me what I would do… Hmm… Probably, one (or all) of the following:
Set up a 24-hour Tech Support Service and reach out to other countries with my services.
Take advantage of sites like Elance, so I can find clients among the American consumers.
Use the IT talent I have to create products and transform myself from a staffing company into a software company. Make my consultants into share holders and vote on the best ideas on what direction the company should take.
I become a SAAS (Software As A Service) company and charge a monthly subscription fee to keep the revenue flowing.
Maybe I would consider an avenue in Quality Assurance/ Security where I would look at products and websites and tell companies where there products are defective and offer my company as a solution to fixing the issues.
Find countries where IT Consultants work cheaper than they do in India (its possible) and outsource work to them, but acting as a middle man. (Oh, the irony.)
Maybe even pursue the “idea” market. What’s that? Everyone has an idea on the perfect product or website, perhaps pitching my company as a site where we make technical dreams a reality for a reduced cost.
I think that if I were an IT firm stuck in the mode of thinking that I can only make money with US firms outsourcing their projects to me, then I would have many sleepless nights right now. However, if I see this situation as an opportunity to do something different, then I would be content in knowing that this would the time to be daring. After all, what do you have to lose at this point? And if that is the case, I would not need to worry about the US recession.
These are just a few suggestions. I would love to hear what others think. Leave me a comment?
Hat tip to Frank Noche over at KnowHr for sharing this one with the blogosphere. I tend to agree with his sentiments. Like him, I felt like I was listening to a Broadway Show and that the good employees of Ernst and Young (which I understand is a great company) were forced to look happy. I would also add the following:
I did not feel (at all) like applying for a gig there. Why? I learned nothing new about the company prior to watching the video.
The video was too long.
The choreography was too forced.
No testimonials from people who work there, so I know I was not getting the “real deal.”
They were trying too hard to sell me, so it turned me off.
Did I mention that it was too long? (It was)I even fast forwarded to the end.
I almost do not want to show you this, but as I want you to learn from it, I feel compelled to do so. And again, this is not a slam against the good people at E & Y. Speaking of which, if you decide to do another one, let me know and I’ll give you my two cents worth of advice then too. (Open invitation)
By the way, does the singer have a channel on YouTube? She might have a brilliant career waiting for her on Broadway. (Smile)
I read in InfoWorld about a new bill that would increase visas over the next few years and thought you might want to know.
**
A bill introduced in the U.S. Congress would double the number of immigrant worker visas available each year under the H-1B program, earning the legislation praise from Microsoft.
The Innovation Employment Act, introduced by Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, an Arizona Democrat, late Thursday, would increase the cap in H-1B visas from 65,000 a year to 130,000 a year. In addition, there would be no cap on H-1B applications for foreign graduate students attending U.S. colleges and studying science, technology, and related fields. Currently, there’s a 20,000-a-year cap on visas for graduate students in all fields.
The legislation would increase the H-1B cap to 180,000 in 2010 to 2015 if the 130,000 cap is reached the year before.
Microsoft chairman Bill Gates called for an increase in the H-1B visa cap while testifying before the House of Representatives Science and Technology Committee Wednesday. In recent years, the H-1B cap has been filled days — or even the same day — after the government opened the application period.
“We provide the world’s best universities … and the students are not allowed to stay and work in the country,” Gates said Wednesday. “The fact is, [other countries’] smartest people want to come here, and that’s a huge advantage to us, and in a sense, we’re turning them away.”
Microsoft praised Giffords’ bill. The legislation “would boost America’s competitiveness by giving U.S. employers the flexibility they need to hire the best talent available to fill a severe shortage of qualified U.S. high-skilled workers,” Jack Krumholtz, management director of federal government affairs for Microsoft, said in a statement. The bill would also increase U.S. jobs; Microsoft hires an additional four people to support each H-1B worker, Krumholtz said.
Well, this article from InfoWorld goes against the conventional wisdom of what I tend to hear around the proverbial water cooler these days.
Check it out…
U.S. companies that apply for controversial H-1B visas create additional jobs beyond the positions filled by foreign workers, according to a study released Monday by a pro-immigration think tank.
For every H-1B position requested, tech companies listed on the S&P 500 stock index increased their employment by five workers in an analysis of 2002 to 2005, according to a study by the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP). For tech firms with fewer than 5,000 employees, each H-1B request corresponded with an average increase of 7.5 workers, the group said.
For technology firms with fewer than 5,000 employees, each H-1B position requested in labor condition applications was associated with an increase of employment of 7.5 workers. This is particularly remarkable since the actual number of individuals hired on H-1B visas is likely to be much lower than the total number of applications filed with the Department of Labor.
The research found that even if increased hiring of both H-1Bs and other workers are both influenced primarily by business opportunities specific to the firm it would still mean new H-1B professionals are complementing other U.S. hires, rather than displacing them, as critics allege.
If the proposition was true that companies hire H-1B professionals because they’re cheaper, then when businesses hit hard times they should hire more H-1Bs to save money. However, the analysis shows that, overall, H-1B filings at U.S. technologies declined when companies hit hard times, undermining the perennial assertion that H-1Bs are hired as “cheap labor.”
Have you guys heard the latest controversy over H-1B visas? BusinessWeek did a story on how Indian Outsourcers topped the list of companies bringing foreign workers to the US on the H-1B program. Hmm… I bet somebody is getting a healthy markup on those contract rates.
Here is a snippet from the article…
The controversy over visas for high-skilled workers from abroad looks like it’s about to get even hotter.
The program for what are known as H-1B visas was originally set up to allow companies in the U.S. to import the best and brightest in technology, engineering, and other fields when such workers are in short supply in America. But data just released by the federal government show that offshore outsourcing firms, particularly from India, dominate the list of companies awarded H-1B visas in 2007. Indian outsourcers accounted for nearly 80% of the visas approved last year for the top 10 participants in the program. The new data are sure to fuel criticism of the visa program from detractors such as Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.). “These numbers should send a red flag to every lawmaker that the H-1B visa program is not working as it was intended,” said Grassley in an e-mail.
Infosys Technologies (INFY) and Wipro (WIT), both based in Bangalore, top the list of visa recipients in 2007, with 4,559 and 2,567 approved visa petitions, respectively, according to data from the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services. Each visa allows the companies to bring one worker to the U.S., where they have substantial operations providing tech support and other services to corporations, complementing services provided from India. Overall, six of the top 10 visa recipients in 2007 are based in India; two others among the top 10, Cognizant Technology Solutions (CTSH) and UST Global, are headquartered in the U.S. but have most of their operations in India.
Microsoft (MSFT) and Intel (INTC) are the only two traditional U.S. tech companies among the top 10. Microsoft received 959 visa approvals, or one fifth as many as Infosys, while Intel got 369.
And just in case you are interested, BusinessWeek has put together a lovely chart on the top 200 companies who received the most visa approvals in 2007. Just click the chart below for a closer look. (Interesting reading…)
The Recruiters Lounge is a blog that explores the wacky world of employment with articles, podcasts, comics, videos and more. It is written by Jim Stroud (and friends). Click here for more information
