Soni Q4 Newsletter
September Surge was in full effect as job gains picked up after slightly slower summer months. In September, U.S. job growth exceeded expectations, with 254,000 jobs added, up from 159,000 in August, surpassing the 150,000 forecast. The unemployment rate dropped from 4.2% to 4.1%, and the household employment survey showed an even stronger increase of 430,000 jobs. Average hourly wages rose 0.4% month-over-month and 4% year-over-year, both above estimates. Key sectors driving job growth included hospitality, healthcare, and government. Revisions to previous months’ figures further improved the outlook, leading to a positive view of the labor market’s health. These positive trends set a strong foundation for continued growth as the labor market heads into the final quarter of the year.
In today’s competitive job landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming not only how we work but also how we seek employment. AI tools, from resume enhancement to interview coaching, can provide a substantial advantage in your job search. However, it's important to recognize AI's limitations; it should be viewed as an assistive tool, not a replacement for the entire process. Be sure to let your individuality and personal touch shine through in your application materials and during interviews.
Below are some ways you can utilize AI to enhance your job search:
Career Suggestions
By inputting your credentials, skills, and experience into AI engines, you can be matched with potential job opportunities. For example, LinkedIn utilizes AI tools to provide job recommendations based on personal preferences and details.
Resume Optimization
Your resume is often your first impression during the hiring process, and AI can streamline the process of tailoring your materials for the roles you apply to. By using the following prompts, you can receive tailored recommendations to improve your resume for employers:
Interview Preparation
By inputting job descriptions into AI engines, you can prompt AI to provide potential questions to ask an employer during an interview, as well as questions that may arise regarding your skills and job history. There are also AI platforms that allow you to practice discussing your qualifications. Google’s service, Interview Warmup, is a free vocal interview prep tool that provides you with transcripts and insights into patterns in your answers.
Communication with Employers
Leveraging AI to communicate with employers and hiring managers can boost your outreach and increase your chances of making a positive impression. Tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini can assist you in crafting personalized emails or messages that match specific job requirements and reflect the company culture. Below are different types of prompts you can input into an AI engine for employer communication:
By combining your unique skills with AI tools for career suggestions, resume formatting, interview preparation, and employer engagement, you can significantly enhance your efficiency and effectiveness, increasing your chances of landing your desired role.
Titan 100
The Soni Philadelphia team had the opportunity to sponsor and attend the 2024 Titan Awards at Philadelphia's 2300 Arena, where 550 attendees gathered to honor this year's achievements, including Hall of Fame winners. The event celebrated the top 100 CEOs and C-level executives through the prestigious TITAN 100 , which recognizes exceptional leadership, vision, and passion across industries. Representing sectors like technology, healthcare, education, real estate, and nonprofit, the Titan 100 showcases the diversity and strength of the Philadelphia business landscape. The night highlighted the continued growth and impact of the Titan community.
AI Roundtable
Soni Strategic Tech recently hosted a national, dynamic virtual AI roundtable, gathering industry experts to explore AI's evolving impact on the workforce. The discussion delved into critical topics such as the legal implications, transparency, and challenges surrounding AI integration. Panelists highlighted the importance of maintaining transparency, especially as AI becomes more prevalent in managing sensitive data. They emphasized that while concerns about AI replacing jobs remain, the key to success lies in harnessing AI effectively as a tool to complement human expertise.
RecFest
The Soni Nashville team attended RecFest USA , an innovative Talent Acquisition trade show that originated in London over a decade ago and expanded to Nashville in 2023. At the event, the Soni team gained valuable insights from experts on topics such as strengthening client relationships, managing temp labor, collaborating with talent acquisition, and the impact of DEI, positioning them to better serve their clients and enhance their recruiting expertise.
Growth in NJ
We are thrilled to announce the opening of our new office space in Holmdel, NJ! Our new office space is within the Bell Works building and we couldn't be more excited! This modern facility will enhance our collaboration and innovation efforts, providing an environment for our team to thrive.
Growth in Boston
We’re thrilled to announce our expansion with an additional office in the Boston market! Nestled in the Innovation District, this space offers a vibrant environment for collaboration and creativity.
We look forward to sharing the stunning waterfront view with other entrepreneurs and established businesses alike.
This Girl Can
Jenni Ippolito, MBA - Recruiting Associate
In life, some lessons are learned not from textbooks or classrooms but through the people who inspire us. For Jenni, that person was her grandmother, Beth. She often recalls Beth’s determination and grit—qualities she has carried into every facet of her own life. "My grandma was the most hardworking and driven person I have ever met," she shared, reminiscing about how Beth balanced being a single mom of four, going to school full-time, and working seven days a week as a waitress to make ends meet. It’s from her that she inherited her strong work ethic—one of her favorite personal qualities.
Though she is no stranger to adversity, it was during the COVID-19 pandemic that her resilience truly shined. After losing her job while living far from home, she spent nearly a year applying for jobs and editing resumes, tirelessly sourcing and networking. "I would spend all day applying and calling companies," she said, determined to find her next opportunity. Moving back to Cleveland and door-dashing to make ends meet, she received a life-changing call from a staffing agency. Impressed by her drive, they offered her an internal position. And from there, her career in staffing began to take shape.
Though her professional path is rooted in drive and ambition, her approach to recruiting is all heart. She doesn’t view herself as a salesperson but as someone genuinely committed to helping others. "I’m not here to convince anyone to do something they don’t want to do. My role is to be a resource and add value to their life," she says, her eyes lighting up at the thought of supporting her candidates.
And, if ever there’s a moment of doubt, she only has to look at the sign on her desk that says it all: "This Girl Can." Every day, it serves as a reminder of her strength, her hard work, and her ability to conquer the world.
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 [email protected] or (646) 688-3020.
If you are interested in exploring your next career opportunity, visit the Soni Career Page.