Word on RealStreet!

 

For many in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry, this is an exciting time of year. As the weather begins warm, projects begin and opportunities grow. It's the perfect time to start something new! Whether you're actively seeking new opportunities or simply interested in learning a little more about what's available in the job market, we can help you get the process started. Contact us  today to get started! 

Best wishes from everyone here at RealStreet! 

Sincerely,
  
Katy Cook, CSP
Marketing Coordinator
 

What's Happened at RealStreet?
March Madness!
Feeling lucky? Participate in RealStreet's March Madness bracket contest for a chance to win 3 awesome prizes!  

The RealStreet March Madness Bracket: 
  • URL: http://realstreet.mayhem.cbssports.com
  • Group password: realstreet
  • The bracket will become available on Sunday, March 11, 2018
  • Bracket Submission Deadline: 11:00 a.m. EST on Thursday, March 15, 2018
  • Prizes: tune in next week to find out!
Prize specifics and additional contest details will be provided early next week. Keep an eye on your inbox (or on our social media pages) to get in on the action!


CELEBRATIONS!

Congratulations Kristin for obtaining the American Staffing Association's designation of Certified Staffing Professional (CSP)! Visit the RealStreet website to  learn more  about Kristin Stolzenbach, CSP, Recruiter. 
RealStreet wishes you a very 
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
  • Mark M. 03/06 
  • Felix A. 03/07 
  • Michael C. 03/10 
  • Chenee B. 03/24 
  • Chadwick F. 03/28
  • Bruce K. 03/30
white_pink_birthday_cake.jpg
Interesting Industry Information
How Does the Job Market Look?
For another look at the information, check out the BLS' interactive graphs.
The U.S. Department of Labor - Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes a "M onthly Jobs Report"  soon after the beginning of each month. Each report describes the previous month's employment situation, based on data such as the number of jobs that were added to the economy and the unemployment rate. According to t he  January Jobs Report,  t he US economy saw an increase of 148,000 jobs last month and the unemployment rate remained at 4.1%. 
 
January's job market benefited from more than just an increase in hiring, it saw a drastic increase in earnings. At 2.9%, it was the greatest rate of growth in the past eight years! Many contribute the boost to the recently passed tax plan and how it has led many companies to increase employee pay. With such a tight labor market, it should be an ongoing trend. 

Architecture, Engineering & Construction (AEC)  Industry 

The BLS showed an increase of 30,000 within the construction industry. As stated in a recent Architect Magazine article, which features the image to the right, the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry as a whole is trending upward. For example: 
  • Architectural and engineering services added 3,900 jobs  
  • Residential building construction increased by 5,100 jobs
  • Nonresidential building construction jobs decreased by 2,300
  • Heavy and civil engineering construction increased by 6,300 jobs
Ken Simonson, Associated General Contractors of America Chief Economist, stated  in a recent ENR article , that "t he outlook remains positive for further growth in the industry" but warned that "finding workers to complete all projects will be a challenge".

The Dodge Momentum Index tracks and measures the initial reporting of non-residential building projects. With the increase in non-residential construction projects, the Dodge Data & Analytics' Momentum Index dropped 5.1% in December to 143.7. Commercial building saw a decrease of 7.8% and the institutional building a drop of .9%. 

Kermit Baker, the American Institute of Architects' (AIA) Chief Economist, said in a recent press release that "the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) and other major leading indicators for the industry also point to an upturn in construction activity over the coming year." The forecasts show a 4% increase in overall nonresidential building in 2018 and 3.9% in 2019.
HOT JOBS!
How many job seekers do you know? Would they be a good fit for one of these positions? 

 To see all of our open positions, check out the  RealStreet Job Board !

RECENT PLACEMENTS
RealStreet has recently filled the following positions!
  • Administrative Assistants
  • Public Assistance Trainer
  • Estimators
  • Construction Managers
  • Program Delivery Managers
  • Program Coordinator
  • Estimating Manager
  • Track Engineer
IT & Cyber Security
Tax Season Security Risks
This tax season comes in the wake of a multitude of data breaches, something that has many people more concerned than normal about the privacy and security of the process. Unfortunately, it is a process that must be completed fully, accurately and in a timely manner, no matter what. According to the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) the IRS has a seen a surge in cybercriminal swindles directed at consumers. According to the NCSA / ITRC Tip Sheet, some of the most prevalent scams targeting taxpayers include: 
  • IRS Impersonation Phone Scams
  • Phishing, E-Mail and Malware Schemes
  • Fraudulent Tax Returns
  • Tax Preparer Fraud 
The NCSA suggests the following tax tips to stay safe:
  • Keep all machines clean
  • Get savvy about Wi-Fi Hotspots
  • Lock down your login
  • When in doubt, throw it out
  • Think before you act
  • Make better passwords
  • File your tax forms on secure HTTPS sites only
  • Ask if your tax preparation service has checked for malware issues
The IRS has released consumer alerts to aid in the process as well. The site provides examples of scams, resources and reminders of what the IRS will and WILL NOT do. For example, the IRS does not:
  • Initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages or social media channels to request personal or financial information
  • Call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. Generally, the IRS will first mail you a bill if you owe any taxes
  • Threaten to bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have you arrested for not paying
  • Demand payment without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe
  • Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone
Featured News Post
Incorporating Details from 
Volunteer Work into Your Resume
Many architecture, engineering and construction professionals question when they should add specific details regarding  volunteer work to their resume . As with many resume-related topics, there is not a hard and fast rule for job seekers to follow. Volunteering can  help throughout the job search process ; e.g. it enables networking, provides learning opportunities and can serve as a great resume-booster. However, to be as effective as possible, resumes should be  tailored to the job . Adding too many details about the volunteer work risks detracting from the overall message. The key is often understanding when to be concise and when it makes sense to elaborate.

Read the  full article to learn more about when it makes the most sense to incorporate details from volunteer experience into your resume. 


Financial Advice From Your Future Self 
What are the Benefits of a Retirement Plan?
Retirement plans, such as RealStreet's 401(k) Plan with John Hancock, are tools to help you build your financial future. Some of the benefits to participating are:

1. Tax Advantages
Contributing to a retirement plan may help your tax situation. Since your contributions are taken out of your paycheck before federal income taxes, you may be able to lower your taxable income and possibly find yourself in a lower tax bracket.

2. Personal Control
You contribute as much or as little as you want (subject to plan and IRS limits) to your account. Plus, you have the flexibility to change your contributions levels at any time (subject to plan limits).

3. Time on Your Side
When it comes to investing, time is a powerful ally. Compound earnings are the growth on your original contributions as well as the previous growth earned on those assets.

4. You Can Take it with You
Even if you change jobs, your contributions and earning belong to you. There are several options to help you keep your retirement plan account invested and growing on a tax-deferred basis.

5. Easy Payroll Deductions
Contributing consistently is essential to preparing for your retirement. You control your payroll deductions directly from your paycheck, helping make this a simple and effortless process. And since it comes off before you get paid, you may not notice the change.

Need to register?

Go online to  www.jhpensions.com  and click on "Register"
1. Enter your contract number, last name, social security number and date of birth
2. Enter your email address, and create your username and password
3. Choose challenge questions and answers

Track your progress towards retirement at any time!

Seasonal Safety
Safe Driving
When you are behind the wheel of a car, whether alone or with passengers, driving safely should always be your top concern. While it is crucial to know and practice safe driving tactics every time you're on the road, it's also important to know what to do if an incident occurs. 

6 Tips to Stay Safe When Driving 

1. Focus on driving
  • Keep 100% of your attention on driving at all times - no multi-tasking.
  • Don't use your phone or any other electronic device while driving.
  • Slow down. Speeding gives you less time to react and increases the severity of an accident. 
  • Don't allow children to fight or climb around in your car - they should be buckled in their seats at all times. Too much noise can easily distract you from focus on the road.
 2. Drive "defensively"  
  • Be aware of what other drivers around you are doing and expect the unexpected. 
  • Assume other motorists will do something crazy and always be prepared to avoid it. 
  • Keep a 2-second cushion between you and the car in front of you. Increase the distance to 4 seconds if the weather is bad. 
3. Plan ahead  
  • Build time into your trip schedule to stop for food, rest breaks, phone calls or other business. 
  • Adjust your seat, mirrors and climate controls before putting the car in gear. 
  • Pull over to eat or drink. It takes only a few minutes. 
4. Practice general safety  
  • Secure cargo that may move around while the vehicle is in motion. 
  • Don't attempt to retrieve items that fall to the floor. 
  • Have items needed within easy reach - such as toll fees, toll cards and garage passes. 
  • Buckle up. Basic car safety encourages the use of seat belts and car seats at all times. Not only is wearing a seat belt is one of your best defenses in a crash, it's also the law. 
  • Always use caution when changing lanes. Cutting in front of someone, changing lanes too fast or not using your signals may cause an accident or upset other drivers. 
  • Be extra careful while driving during deer season.  
  • Avoid driving when you're tired. Be aware that some medications cause drowsiness and make operating a vehicle very dangerous. Learn more about drowsy driving.
  • Always drive sober and drug-free. 
5. Follow the law
  • Obey the posted speed limit at all times. Speeding tickets are costly, and penalties for speeding can include fines, court appearances and loss or suspension of your driving privileges. Depending on your insurance policy, speeding tickets can raise your rates. 
  • Never pass a stopped bus displaying a stop sign to its left. That means children are crossing the street. 
  • If you hear a siren coming behind you, pull to the side if you can, stop and wait until the police car or fire truck goes by. 
  • Completely stop at stop signs and look for other drivers and pedestrians before you proceed. 
  • When parking your vehicle, always be mindful of handicapped signs, fire hydrants, bus stop zones, parking restrictions for certain times of day, and parking spots that require permits. Just remember to heed all of the signs. Even if you have to circle the block a couple times, it sure beats getting fined or having your car towed. 
6. Use seasonal safety - winter tips include:
  • Use extra caution in areas that ice up quickly, especially intersections, shaded areas, bridges and overpasses. 
  • Get in the habit of regularly checking weather reports on TV or online so you can prepare for bad weather. On severe weather days, schools and workplaces might close or delay opening. Consider staying at home if you don't need to be on the road. 
  • Keep an emergency kit in the trunk of your car - including blankets, a first aid kit and jumper cables. Check out our full list of items for your emergency car kit. 
  • Make sure your cell phone is fully charged and that your car always has a full tank of gas.
What to do if Pulled Over
  • Pull over to the side of the road safely and quickly. 
  • Wait inside your car for the officer to approach
  • Turn on your interior light at night and keep your hands where the officer can see them, preferably on the steering wheel.
  • Don't reach under your seat or into your glove box. This may cause the officer to think you're reaching for a weapon or hiding something.
  • Give your license and proof of insurance to the officer if asked. If the officer asks you to step out of your car, do so without sudden or threatening movements.
  • Stay calm − don't become argumentative, disorderly or abusive − and never attempt to bribe the officer.
  • If a citation is issued, present your story in traffic court if you feel you've been unfairly treated. You may be represented by a lawyer and, if necessary, you'll be heard by a judge or magistrate. 
What to do After an Accident
 
  • Make sure no one in the vehicle is injured. If it can be done safely, check on the status of the passengers of any other vehicles involved as well as any pedestrians nearby. 
  • Call 911 or the local police immediately. They'll dispatch an officer and medical personnel to the scene of the accident. Once the police arrive, wait for them to complete an accident report. 
  • Stay at the scene. Leaving can result in legal consequences, like fines or additional violations.
  • If you're on a busy highway, stay inside the car and wait for the police or an ambulance. It's dangerous for passengers to stand along any road, but especially highly trafficked ones, such as highways and freeways.
  • Don't get into an argument or a fight with the other driver. Simply exchange contact and insurance information. If possible, also get the name and phone numbers of witnesses.
  • Call your insurance provider to report the claim. Your agent will ask you for any paperwork you receive about the accident, and will give you important information on getting your car fixed. 
  • Find out more about what to do after an accident or a hit-and-run
The aforementioned tips are courtesy of Nationwide.
Keep in Touch!
Feedback Wanted! 
We Value Referrals!
Would you mind taking a moment to  write a few sentences  about your experience working with RealStreet?
Thank you!
Who in your network is looking for a new opportunity? 

Check our  open positions to see if any are a match to the job seekers that you know. At RealStreet we value great candidates and when it comes down to it, we know you're the Real Deal! We have a great referral program that compensates you for every qualified referral you provide us.