A lot of companies plan on giving out raises by end of year!

A lot of companies plan on giving out raises by end of yearA lot of companies plan on giving out raises by end of yearRight now, its a job seekers market. With a strong labor market, there are more job vacancies than employees needing to fill those vacancies, and U.S. employees can afford to be choosy about their next job.Recognizing their advantage, employers are offering more palatable packages to get them to stay, a trend documented in a new report released by CareerBuilder.More pay raises and full-time work on the horizonTired of going from gig to gig? Good news, there are likely to be more full-time jobs. Sixty-three percent of U.S. employers are planning to hire full-time hires in the second half of 2018, up from 60% last year, according to the CareerBuilders survey of over 1,000 hiring managers and full-time U.S. workers.The forecast is also predicting higher salaries and more perks for workers. Employers hiring for the second half of 2018 said they would be highlighting a cas ual dress code, employee discounts, and the ability to work remotely to attract more job talent.To remain competitive in this strong economy, employers recognize that their job offers are going to need more dollar signs. Everyone is going to see a salary bump, even roles that do not require much experience. Seventy-one percent of hiring managers said they have to pay entry-level roles more money due to a tight talent pool. They also are likely to reward employees who are staying at their jobs. More than half - 58% of employers - plan to give out raises by the end of 2018.

Here are the big hiring trends to be aware of in 2019

Here are the big hiring trends to be aware of in 2019Here are the big hiring trends to be aware of in 2019Were a month into the new year- and many job seekers are already deep into their hunt for a new job. But not all are aware ofwhat hiring trends are on the horizon. From increased remote work opportunities to rethinking the importance of having a college degree, learn about unterstellunghiring trends for 2019, according toFast Company.Job seekers may be tested before an interviewImagine that you apply for a job, and after a few interviews, are asked to take a series of tests. Typical, right? Well, in 2019, more job candidates might be asked to take tests- such aspersonality, functional, or writing exams- before they get to interview with a vermgen employer. That way, it saves both employers and candidates time, energy, and frustration to go through the entire job interview process only to find out that theylack the skills in order to do the job.Want to test out your skills?Check o ut free skill tests from FlexJobs.More candidates might be vetted virtuallyForget about multiple in-office interviews to meet with a prospective boss. Qualified candidates might beinvited to interview with companies virtually to start. For remote positions, this makes sense, but this hiring trend will also apply to in-office positions, too. This is a win-win situation for both you as a job seeker and employers as well, since it will save you time (and money) commuting in for interviews. Plus, having avirtual interviewcan help you determine if you really want to work for the company without investing too much emotionally in a job that might not be right for you.Social media may become the new way to recruitBy now, you probably know that your LinkedIn profile can be a key contributor to helping you attract the eye of a hiring manager. But what about your other social media profiles? The vast majority of employers research potential candidates by perusing their online profiles, so its important to make sure that yours are as professional as possible. In 2019, though, more employers will actually beusing social media as a way to attract new talent- and not just a way to dig for some dirt on a would-be new hire. So be on the lookout for employers whouse social media as a method in which to find their next new hire.Competition will likely increaseWhile low unemployment rates are a sign of a healthy economy, it also means that therecould be greater competition in the workplace. That can be a good thing, though, as increased competition means that employers will have to think outside the box to find the best talent possible. Theyll most likely turn to the usual suspects that many job seekers are looking for, such as offering a competitive salary, great benefits, and flexible work options to attract fresh talent. A new trend for 2019 will be to also offer the non-financial factors that job candidates want, such as a strong company culture, mentorship, skills developmen t, and other certifications that can make them more marketable in the future.Take up the techIf you thought that you didnt have to worry about tech because your job isnt technically a tech job, think again. Almost every job has some component of tech involved in it, andthose who learn how to handle tech might fare better than others. According to a CareerBuilder survey,69% of employers said that every job is a tech job. So being adept in a wide variety of tech skills will allow candidates to be more competitive and be able to apply for many different types of jobs.Companies might begin to care more about potential than degreesSure, having a sweet degree might make your resume seem a little shinier, but according to experts, it might not help you snag a job. In fact, its predicted that employers will care more aboutwhat a potential candidatecoulddo rather than what school they graduated from(if they did at all). With a push towards competency-based training, employers will invest in employees byoffering opportunities to improve skillsand mentor them to bring out their best right away, rather than waiting months or years after theyve been hired.This article originally appeared on FlexJobs.

Hiring a Music Lawyer

Hiring a Music LawyerHiring a Music LawyerIf youre entering into any kind of deal in the music industry where money and contracts are involved, you should probably hire an entertainment or music lawyer. Youre looking for someone who specializes in things like record labelcontracts, and who knows the industry. Finding an entertainment lawyer for the first time can be a little overwhelming, but it is possible to find one who understands your needs and your budget. Dont wait to hire a lawyer if you think you need one (or even if youre not totally sure). Here are some steps to take when you want to hire a music lawyer. Determine Your Needs Music lawyers are under the umbrella of entertainment law, and many specialize in a certain part of the music industry. Understanding what you need legal help with will make it easier for you to find a lawyer who is up to the task. Knowing whether you are looking to build a long-term relationship with a lawyer is also something to consider. Do you need an entertainment lawyer on a one-time basis, or do you need to keep a lawyer on retainer? If youre new to the business and this is your first contract, you probably dont need to put a lawyer on a (costly) retainer. That kind of arrangement is mora appropriate for a label managing multiple artists, or someone negotiating numerous contracts with different parties. Maybe you need help with contract negotiation or dealing with intellectual property issues. If youre not sure, better to get a lawyer to find out. If possible, your lawyer should be present with you during any negotiations with the other party. At the very least, your lawyer needs to read over and approve any contracts or other documents before you sign them. How to Find a Lawyer Once you know what you need from a lawyer, start asking those in your music industry circles. You are almost certain to know someone who has had to visit a lawyer for a music industry issue before. There is no substitute for a recommendatio n from someone who has had a good experience with a music lawyer, or a warning from someone who has been burned. Your contacts contacts are your best pool of information. But its also smart to do some independent research. Start by doing a Google search for entertainment lawyers in your area. Who do they represent? Have they ever been sued or had any legal issues of their own? These are the questions youll want to have answered before you hire anyone. Recommendations are the best way to find a lawyer. But obviously, you should decline any advice from the party on the other side of your legal issue. They may have good intentions, but you cant be too sure. You want someone who is representing your interests without any conflicts. If you live in a town without any music- or entertainment-focused attorneys, expand your search. Read reviews from old clients and check out websites to figure out who specializes in what part of the music industry. While you are doing your research, be sure to check for any complaints about your short list of lawyer names with the bar association. Avvo.com can also help. Meet With Your Short List Whether you do it by phone or in person, have a brief question and answer session with your short list of lawyers. Find out what they specialize in, how soon they can work on your case, how much they dienstgrad and what their payment terms are. If you get a bad feeling or just dont hit it off with a candidate, dont feel any obligation to hire them. After you have had your initial meetings with your short list, choose the lawyer that has the skills for your particular case at a price you can afford. It is also important that you feel comfortable with your lawyer. You need someone who listens to you and wants to get you the best possible deal.