6 Strategies for Building a Stronger Workforce in 2019

Great companies have one common denominator: top employees. And the start of a New Year is an ideal time to take stock of how you manage yours and make adjustments, all so you can build the most productive workforce possible in 2019. To do that, here are 6 strategies to incorporate:

#1: Make expectations clear.

It sounds simple enough. And yet, as Phoenix recruiters, PrideStaff knows that lack of clear goals and expectations is one of the primary reasons employees leave. That’s why it’s important to work with each of your staff members individually and as a group to ensure everyone is on the same page. In addition, conduct regular, informal check-ins to keep morale up and goals on track.

#2: Start delegating.

If you’re known as a micro-manager, it’s time to break the habit and free up more space in your day. You can do that by delegating. Not only will this get your people more involved and engaged, but it will show them you trust them with vital responsibilities. This goes a long way in increasing their loyalty to your team.

#3: Aim to listen more.

As the leader, it’s easy to take the reins in meetings and conversations. Instead, this year, try to listen more. Be open to the opinions of your staff, encourage them to come to you with questions and concerns, and give them the space and time to share their ideas, even if they’re not in line with your own. Be a patient and active listener and your team will respect you more for it.

#4: Ask for feedback.

You might be used to giving feedback. But it’s important to ask for it, as well. When you do, you can ensure your people have the support and resources they need to perform successfully in their roles  Likewise, you can get a handle on developing issues or problems before they escalate.

#5: Be an example.

Whether they realize it or not, your staff looks to you as an example to emulate. If you have certain expectations for them, but don’t hold yourself to the same standard, they’re going to notice. So show up on time, take responsibility for your actions, and demonstrate respect and integrity in all you do.

#6: Show an interest.

Show a genuine interest in your employees both as staff members and simply as people. When it comes to work, check in with them regularly and ask about projects, what’s causing any problems and ways you can help. In addition, while you don’t have to be close friends, try to get to know them on a personal basis. You’ll understand what motivates them better and be able to lead and inspire them more effectively as a result.

Need more help building a strong team in 2019?

PrideStaff can help. As leading Phoenix recruiters, we know where to look to find the top talent you need, faster, whether it’s on a full-time, part-time or temporary basis. We can source, screen, interview, evaluate and vet, all while you focus on other business priorities. Contact us today to learn more or get started.

 

 

How to Hire Your Next Biotech Project Manager

In an industry like biotech, a high level of technical skill is required to see a project through to a successful conclusion. However, unassailable technical knowledge isn’t enough. Plenty of highly trained wonks end up as terrible project managers.

That’s because a good PM needs more than technical chops. Leadership is a separate skill. Actually, leadership consists of a collection of skills; a web of competencies that allows a manager to get the most out of their team and deliver the best possible outcome with the resources allotted.

So, when choosing a project manager, don’t go into the process with blinders on. Don’t just promote the top performer on the team or bring in the applicant with the most impressive CV. Little things matter.

With that in mind, here are five nontechnical skills to keep in mind when choosing a biotech project manager:

Works Toward Concrete Goals

Unfocused objectives can signal an impending boondoggle, especially in a capital-intensive field like biotech. A good project manager will know exactly what a program is supposed to accomplish. They will define the goals in concrete terms, and outline a clear measure of success for the final outcome.

Moreover, a good PM will be able to set workable intermediate goals. This will allow you to track their progress and let the team evaluate their progression toward the ultimate outcome.

Solves the Little Things

People hate micromanagers. However, many of these same people unconsciously invite micromanagement by not focusing enough on solving the small problems on their own.

You don’t want to get involved in the minutiae of every project. That’s the point of having someone else leading the team. Look for people who can operate without supervision, people with the appropriate level of creativity and confidence to figure out how to work around the smaller roadblocks without getting you involved.

Keeps in Touch

You don’t want to solve every little thing. But you don’t want complete radio silence either.

See if this is familiar: A project gets weeks into development when you discover that the PM has completely misunderstood the goals, or gone a long distance down a road that won’t fit in with what other teams are doing.

Avoid this issue by hiring a project manager who will provide appropriate updates and keep you in the loop.

Energizes and Inspires

Seeing a project from concept to completion can require a long slog. People get tired. They get frustrated. They get on each other’s nerves. A PM needs to be able to keep everyone upbeat and on the same page.

Getting the most out of team members can mean the difference between a mediocre result and a result that truly elevates the company’s performance. Look for a project manager who inspires and energizes, who builds real team spirit.

Acts as Jargon Translator

Highly technical pursuits, like biotech, come with a lot of specialized knowledge. That means a lot jargon. When talking to other people in the company, or with potential clients or investors, this shoptalk can create a barrier to effective communication.

Your project manager will act as point person for their team. They need to be able to describe what they’ve accomplished and what they plan to achieve in terms everyone can understand. Look for people who can break down esoteric information into terms everyone can appreciate.

Finding well-rounded talent makes the difference between an average PM and one who will truly add value to a team. By partnering with a recruiter, you increase your chances of finding the perfect fit for what you’re trying to accomplish. Contact our PrideStaff Bend recruiters today to learn what our staffing services can do for you.

How to Find Top Talent in Akron When Unemployment is at 4.3%

While it wasn’t that long ago that hiring managers were dealing with the “problem” of having an excessive amount of qualified (or even overqualified) candidates apply for their job postings, the job market has changed. The national unemployment rate has reached a 17-year low, and Akron’s unemployment rate is holding steady at approximately 4.3%, according to October 2018 statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With fewer active job seekers, recruitment and hiring strategies need to be adjusted – here’s how to find top talent in Akron, even during this time of low unemployment:

  • Build a Compelling Brand

Focus on showing what makes your company different and why candidates should want to work there. Determine what your employer brand consists of, such as supportive culture, opportunities for advancement, or great benefits. Utilize every opportunity to convey your brand, such as on your website, social media profiles, and job postings.

  • Clarify Your Needs

When dealing with low unemployment rates, you have to be strategic in order to attract a sufficient number of qualified candidates. To increase your chances of success, clarify your needs so you can develop a well-informed plan. Determine what qualifications and traits are most important for candidates in the specific role. This will give you criteria on which to focus your recruitment and evaluation process.

  • Extend Your Reach

In a low unemployment job market, attracting candidates isn’t as simple as posting an opening on your website or a general job board. Extend your reach in order to find qualified candidates, both active and passive. Try different recruitment methods, such as niche industry boards, working with a staffing firm, referrals from current employees, and social media.

  • Focus on Applicant Experience

Take a look at the applicant experience – is your application easy to fill out and not too long? Do you require a lot of upfront supplemental work, such as a special assignment or test? Once you’ve attracted candidates enough to get them to apply, don’t risk losing them because of a tedious application process.

  • Offer Compelling Benefits

Top talent will likely have their pick of offers from competitors, so avoid losing them in the final stages by offering a compelling benefits package. Market value salary is obviously essential, but it’s not necessarily a lost cause if you have a limited budget. Candidates find value in other non-monetary perks, such as flexibility, options for remote work, and generous time off.

Ready to Expand Your Team?

Attract top talent by partnering with PrideStaff Akron. Whether you need candidates for direct recruiting, temp-to-hire, or temporary staffing, our experienced team of specialists will match you with the quality candidates that best fit your needs. Contact us today to learn more about our staffing solutions.

 

How to Set Your Career Goals for the New Year

You have big plans for your career in 2019. Achieving them means creating a set of ambitious goals, but you’re not quite sure how to go about doing that. As one of the best staffing agencies in Las Vegas, Nevada, PrideStaff Las Vegas has plenty of advice to help.

The goals guiding your actions can make or break your success, so you need to put a lot of thought into the process. Here are a few tips to help you accomplish everything on your agenda during the next 12 months.

Three Ways to Set Your Career Goals for the New Year

Create S.M.A.R.T. Objectives

Set yourself up for success by making every goal on your list S.M.A.R.T. — specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound. Ensuring each objective checks all these boxes increases your chances of attaining them.

Goals that are vague, unrealistic or irrelevant to your career aspirations are essentially useless because they won’t help you move forward. S.M.A.R.T. objectives get you on the right track while holding you accountable for your actions.

Revisit Them Often

You won’t achieve your goals by pushing them to the side and forgetting about them. Schedule time on your calendar each month to review the progress made toward your goals. This will allow you to make sure you’re on track and celebrate how far you’ve come. Seeing your progress will motivate you to keep up the hard work.

Don’t Be Afraid to Amend

In life and business, priorities shift, so your goals should never be set in stone. If you realize some of your goals no longer align with your future career plans, there’s nothing wrong with changing them. In fact, it’s unlikely you’ll get through the year without modifying at least one, so don’t let this throw you off course.

Consider any progress made toward altered goals a lesson learned and move on. After all, you might not have realized what you really want without trying your hand at an objective that just didn’t fit.

Set Yourself Up for Success

Finding a great new job is hard work, so consider taking on a staffing partner. PrideStaff Las Vegas is here to help you find a rewarding temporary, temp-to-hire or direct hire opportunity with a leading Las Vegas employer. Contact us today to start your search!

5 Career Mistakes That Can Hold You Back in the New Year

The New Year offers a great time to take stock of your career. Even if you’re not planning on making a move, there are still steps you can follow to set yourself up for a future promotion and career advancement. When you do, just make sure you’re avoiding the following common career mistakes:

Mistake #1: Coasting.

You might be in your comfort zone in your job. But staying there will prevent you from learning, growing and offering more value to your employer. So even if you plan to remain in your current role, you should be striving to keep your skills up-to-date, as well as acquire newer, in-demand ones.

Mistake #2: Not asking for feedback.

Do you wait until your annual review each year to get feedback from your boss? If you do, you’re missing out on important opportunities throughout the year to learn about your performance. While it might not be your favorite conversation to have, asking for feedback from your boss on a regular basis is a sure-fire way to learn about problem areas that need addressing, as well as key strengths.

Mistake #3: Being afraid of change.

Whether you’re not happy in your job or with your employer, or you want to move up the career ladder, it’s up to you to take action. Don’t let fear of change stop you. Instead, assess where you are and where you want to go. Then develop a plan of action for achieving your goals. If you’re not sure where to start, connect with a one of Tempe’s top employment agencies, like PrideStaff, to get expert help and advice.

Mistake #4: Neglecting to network.

Whether you want a new job, are interested in switching fields, or are simply looking to expand your knowledge base, your connections play a key role. A good network can offer the support, feedback, and tips you need for shaping a more successful career. That’s why investing time and energy into nurturing existing relationships, as well as engaging in new ones is so important.

Mistake #5: Working too much.

It sounds counter-intuitive, but the more you work doesn’t necessarily mean the more productive you’ll be. In fact, you can sabotage your performance by overworking and taking on too much in the office. Instead, in the New Year, aim for a more balanced approach that includes setting boundaries, delegating tasks, and unplugging when you can during the evenings and weekends. You’ll perform better when you do.

Looking for a new job in the New Year?

Connect with the experts at PrideStaff. As one of Tempe’s top employment agencies, we can help you with your entire job search in 2019, from writing a resume that gets results to connecting you with rewarding opportunities that aren’t always advertised. Contact us today to learn more or get started.

3 Social Media Red Flags That Could Cost Your Job

More and more, people think of themselves as brands. What in the long-ago past used to concern only large corporations, has trickled down, through athletes and celebrities and influencers, to become a day-to-day consideration of everyday folk. The rise of social media has given everyone their own internal PR shops.

Not that everyone uses it wisely. Sure, some people find jobs on social media and promote themselves on social media and drive their career goals through the savvy application of social media content. Other people find they’ve committed career suicide with an ill-advised tweet.

Don’t fall into that second category. Leverage social media to your benefit, rather than play career chicken with a joke about immigration policy.

With that in mind, here are three potential job-killing things you can do on social media:

Rant About Work

Everyone needs to let off steam. Work is full of frustrations, annoyances and petty irritations. Even jobs that are usually exciting and fulfilling come with aggravating downsides. But social media isn’t the appropriate place to air those grievances.

Even if your posts don’t directly lead to action at work, they can poison the atmosphere in the office. Co-workers and managers can internalize resentment. Then, a long way down the road, that joke you made about Carol’s homemade cookies ends up blocking your career in ways you don’t even realize.

Complain to your family at dinner. Rant to trusted co-workers at happy hour. Vent to your friends on the weekends. But leave any complaints about work off public forums like social media.

Too Much Party Time

For the most part, your free time is your own. Your employer gets you for 40 or so hours a week, and you get the rest of the time to do what you want. So, it might seem unfair that anything you do in your off-hours would impact your job. Unfortunately, life can be unfair sometimes.

Say you report an injury at work. Then, during the subsequent investigation, they discover videos on your timeline showing you belly flopping through a burning card table during a tailgate party. It will jeopardize your workers’ comp.

Less dramatically, say you call in sick. Then, someone at work notices your posts from the night before, bragging about the tequila-drinking contest you won. The posts likely won’t lead to direct action, but they could tarnish your reputation.

Generally, gaining a reputation as a party animal can’t help your overall position in the corporate hierarchy. As unfair as it seems, managers will take that kind of thing into consideration, even if just in an informal way, when making decisions related to promotions or increased responsibility.

Offensive Posts

This is the one that can truly derail your position at a company. We use “derail” pointedly, in that the consequences can come suddenly and send your career violently off its path, leaving you to pick through the wreckage.

Yes, freedom of speech is a thing. But your employer isn’t interested in that. They are interested in keeping their clients happy and fostering a positive environment for all their employees. They aren’t going to the barricades for your first amendment rights. They are more likely to head down to HR to figure out the best way to ease you out.

And yes, maybe you were joking. But maybe getting a potential laugh from some remote reader you can’t even see isn’t worth your livelihood. Stay away from controversial subjects. It’s just safer.

Navigating a career path in the current world of social media and technological advancement can induce significant anxiety. Better to have a partner to help you steer through the murky waters of the current job market. By teaming with a first-rate recruiter like PrideStaff, you get the advice you need to maximize your career outcomes. Contact our top recruiters today to learn more.

Interview Itinerary (Part 1): What to Wear to Your Big Interview

When interviewing for a job, every last detail counts. Ordinarily, you might not put a ton of thought into your clothing choice, but this is one occasion where you really need to take pride in your appearance. Looking neat and polished is a sign of respect and it emphasizes your enthusiasm for the position.

As a top temp agency in Las Vegas, PrideStaff Las Vegas knows a thing or two about interview attire. Here’s some advice to make sure you look your best for the hiring manager.

Three Tips to Dress for Interview Success

Research the Company Dress Code

As a general rule, it’s best to choose attire that’s one level above the standard company dress code. For example, if employees are required to wear business casual clothing, you should wear a suit to the interview.

Conduct research to learn about the company dress code in advance of your interview. Dressing appropriately shows the hiring manager you’re a match for the company culture, so you don’t want to get this wrong. Showing up in an outfit that’s way off base — i.e., a suit in a work environment where employees wear jeans and t-shirts — could make you seem like a poor fit.

Choose Your Outfit in Advance

You might not typically decide what you’re going to wear until you walk over to your closet in the morning, but that approach won’t cut it on job interview day. Select your attire several days in advance to make sure everything fits and you don’t need to get any items dry-cleaned. The last thing you want is to realize on the big day that the clothes you were planning to wear won’t cut it.

Make Sure You’re Comfortable

An interview outfit might look amazing on you, but if you don’t feel good in it, this could impact your performance. Uncomfortable material, tight-fitting clothing or an outfit you just plain hate should never be worn. When trying the outfit on, sit down in it, walk a few paces around the room and check yourself out in the mirror to make sure you’re wearing something that boosts your confidence.

Bring Your Career Ambitions to Life

Ready to take the next step in your career? PrideStaff Las Vegas wants to help you find a temporary, temp-to-hire or direct hire position that checks all your boxes. Contact us today to learn more!

These Are the Top Leadership Skills You Should Have

What skills and qualities do you need to stay on top of your team – and your company’s – performance, while at the same time keeping your own career on the growth track?

Being a true leader is all about adding value, embracing change, driving innovation and positioning your organization as a competitive frontrunner.

A Leadership Checklist

Here’s a synopsis of traits to master as you make leadership development the driving force in your future:

  • Be an organizational champion. Let your decisions and behaviors be driven by your own personal values and your company’s mission. No matter how busy you are, take time to reflect on how your actions ripple through your team members and your business – and how co-workers and customers will be impacted by them.
  • Be a lifelong learner. Continuously develop a broad base of knowledge, so you’re well-equipped to anticipate and lead change. Develop your outside interests as well as professional ones. This allows you to recharge and be resilient, even under the most demanding circumstances.
  • Seek feedback and build collaboration. Listen to and acknowledge different points of view. The only way to build a successful organization is to create an environment where everyone works well together.
  • Be emotionally intelligent. A good leader recognizes that things don’t always go their way. Take responsibility, take the bad with the good, and learn from your mistakes. Emotionally fit leaders are able to manage their stress levels. They don’t take their emotions or frustrations out on their team. Moreover, they are empathetic, understanding what makes their employees tick. This enables them to motivate and inspire people more effectively.
  • Be a communicator. Ensure that everyone not only knows what their role is, but also understands all the expectations that accompany that role. Ask people what they need to succeed – and actively listen to their answers. Listening lets employees know they are valued, and encourages them to participate and contribute.
  • Lead by example. Walk the talk. The best leaders not only do the right thing, but are seen doing the right thing. As noted by Dropbox CEO, Drew Houston, “We can write down all the pretty words about our culture and our values that we want, but people pay a thousand times more attention to what you do as a leader.”

Make the best possible investment in your development as a leader by partnering with the recruitment and career advancement team at PrideStaff Modesto. Read our related posts or contact us today to learn more.

How to Reset Your Professional Goals for a Successful 2019

Achieving the professional picture you have in mind requires intention. The most successful people don’t “go with the flow” – they develop strategic plans to get them to where they want to be. If you don’t prioritize your goals, the risk of complacency or getting caught up in the short term day-to-day can halt your progress. Reset your professional goals for a successful 2019 with these tips:

Be Specific and Detailed

Clarity is crucial if you want to make any progress on your goals. As you reset your professional goals for 2019, be as specific and detailed as possible about what you want to accomplish. Vague or open-ended goals can make it difficult to get started or stay motivated.

Break Them Down

Remind yourself: all large goals are just a series of smaller ones. Make your goals for 2019 more achievable by breaking each of your main goals down into the smaller steps needed to fulfill them. By breaking down your goals into sub-goals, you’ve practically developed a step-by-step plan to follow.

Establish Time Frames

Without deadlines, it can be unfortunately too easy to push your goals aside. Maintain your momentum and keep yourself accountable by establishing time frames for each of your goals. This will help to better keep you on task and prevent procrastination than if you left everything open-ended.

Document Your Goals

Once you have solidified your goal planning, make it official by recording it. Whether a simple word processor document, notepad, or vision board, having your goals physically recorded and documented makes them seem more real. You’ll have it to use as reference, plus it can reinvigorate your motivation by re-reading it when you’re struggling.

Develop a Routine

Successful people don’t rely on motivation to work toward their goals because they know if they only do it when they “feel like it”, they’ll lose valuable time and progress. Stay consistent with your goals by developing a routine, such as certain tasks on specific days of the week or setting aside an hour a day for goal-related action.

Ready to Find a New Job?

If one of your professional goals is to find a new job, set yourself up for success by working with PrideStaff Akron. Our team of recruiters can match you with the ideal career opportunities from our clients across a variety of industries, saving you time and increasing the quality of your leads. Search our database of current available jobs to get started.

 

5 Keys to Choosing the Right Job References

When you’ve passed the phone screen, aced the interview, and received the job offer, it can feel like a home run. However, many offers are contingent upon a reference check.

So how can you ensure the contacts you give to a potential employer will sing your praises and help you to secure the position? The Tempe recruiting team at PrideStaff has some tips to help you:

Choose primarily supervisors.

If you’re employed at the moment, it’s ok to leave off your current boss. Employers understand that. However, don’t submit a reference list with all past colleagues or character references. That will be a big red flag.

Instead, it’s important that the majority of your references (two out of three, or three out of five, depending on how many are required) are past managers. These are the people who can speak to your skill level, interpersonal abilities and value to the team.

Think about colleagues too.

When it comes to speaking about what you’re like to work with day in and out, a co-worker is often the best person to ask. However, be sure to choose wisely.

For instance, just because a colleague will speak highly of you doesn’t mean they’re the right person to use as a reference if they can’t offer any relevant information about your qualifications. The best co-workers to choose as references are those who can connect your abilities and background with the job in a positive way.

Consider those with a company connection.

Hiring managers are more likely to trust information that comes from someone they know. If you therefore have a potential reference that actually works for the company, that person can go a long way in helping you secure the job.

Use those from outside of paid positions.

If you’re on the board of a local non-profit or regularly volunteer at a community charity, you can use people from that experience as a reference too. Just don’t list people like friends, family or neighbors, unless you’re specifically asked for character references from those in your personal life.

Ask them first.

Never offer a contact as a reference without first asking their permission. If you do, then they could be blindsided by a phone call from an employer and unable to speak in a way that best articulates why you’re a great hire.

Need more help with your job search?

Call the Tempe recruiting team at PrideStaff. We can assist you with all aspects of your search, from start to finish, all so you secure a position that’s an excellent match for you. Contact us today to learn more or get started.