In case you missed it: Sept. 28

Posted by: Matt Rivera

We’re nearing the end of another month, and believe it or not, the close of the third quarter. So for those of you who have been preoccupied with fourth quarter planning, here’s a recap of some of the employment and workplace news that you might have missed.

Chicago Tribune: Permalancers: Why professionals go freelance

According to our workforce planning study earlier this year, 81 percent of executives expect staffing levels to remain the same or increase over the next 12 months. And due to tight budgets, companies are looking to so-called permalancers to fill these positions. I shared my thoughts on career freelancers with reporter Kristyn Schiavone earlier this week. Check out the link to read up on the trend.

The Wall Street Journal: Meet the New Boss: Big Data

At an increasing number of companies, the hiring process for rank-and-file jobs no longer depends on interviews, but on algorithms. These algorithms test for certain personality traits and can even screen for variables such as attitudes toward alcohol use. In 2011, talent management software spending rose to $3.8 billion, up 15 percent from 2010. The trend is on the rise, but Laszlo Bock, Senior Vice President at Google Inc., said it best in the article: “software will supplement, if not supplant, many of the personnel decisions long made by instinct and intuition.”

TIME Moneyland: How Different Generations of Americans Try to Find Work

In many ways, the job hunt is the same no matter what your age is. According to a new study called “The Multi-Generational Job Search,” job candidates of all generations largely focus their search online. The study uncovered noticeable differences, however, in how each age bracket tries to find work. Interestingly enough, Baby Boomers are using social networks, especially LinkedIn, more than other generations for their job search.