Leadership Lessons from Veterans: Building Stronger Teams

About 200,000 U.S. military members transition back to civilian life every year. Hiring vets is a great way to thank them for their service while helping them ease this re-entry. Moreover, your company can benefit greatly from the knowledge and skillsets that former military personnel often offer, as well as IRS and Veterans Administration (VA) tax breaks and salary subsidies.

Financial Incentives for Hiring Veterans

As an employer, you can save money while hiring veterans through these government programs:

• The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC): a deduction you can get from hiring certain groups including vets. Depending on your number of veteran hires, your WOTC tax credit can add up to significant tax savings.
• The Veteran Readiness and Employment program: This program reimburses up to half of a veteran employee’s salary, plus certain related costs such as training, supplies and equipment, for up to six months. Eligibility is on a case-by-case basis.
• The Department of Defense SkillBridge program: Through internships during their final days of service, veterans gain civilian career experience while the government pays their salaries and benefits.

Top Veteran Skills and Attributes

Here are some of the many valuable capabilities and traits that veterans tend to bring to their new workplace:

• A strong work ethic: Military training and experience emphasizes commitment, punctuality, determination and professionalism. Veterans are accustomed to working long hours and in high-pressure situations.
• Organizational skills: The regimented structure of the military helps people develop impressive organizational abilities and adeptness at prioritizing tasks.
• Accountability: In the military, making a mistake can have serious – even life threatening – consequences. So veterans take assignments seriously and have high levels of personal accountability.
• Leadership skills: Veterans typically learn to delegate, give clear instructions, provide actionable feedback, and lead by example.
• Ability to learn quickly: Because they are accustomed to completing rigorous training, veterans tend to be fast learners who are comfortable following directions as well as taking on new challenges.
• Teamwork: Veterans have experience working with diverse individuals and effective cooperation to achieve mutual goals. They understand the importance of listening, communication, trust and empathy.
• Stress management strength: Service members must work calmly and carefully, even in the most high-stress situations. They often have strongly developed coping mechanisms and tend to be less overwhelmed by the stressors of most jobs, such as deadlines, quick decisions, or difficult colleagues.
• A solid moral compass: Veterans are known for adhering to values such as integrity, loyalty and respect. These traits make them highly trustworthy employees who prioritize honesty and ethical decision-making. This is one of many ways vets can contribute to a healthy culture throughout your organization.
• Dedication to continuous improvement: Veteran job candidates know the importance of continuous training, development, and operational improvement. They’re accustomed to mastering new skills, adapting to emerging technologies, and staying current on industry and workplace trends.

Hire Top Talent in Modesto Today!

Celebrate Veterans Day this month by hiring a vet. PrideStaff Modesto can help with the temporary/contract, temp-to-hire, and direct-hire personnel you need to round out your winning team. Contact us today to learn more.

Stand Out in the Job Market: How to Shine in Call Center Interviews This Winter

Call centers generally have a high demand for workers and often don’t require specific experience, making it a relatively low barrier to entry. However, if you want to stand out against the competition and land the job, you have to make a lasting positive impression during your interview and give the hiring manager confidence in you being a company representative with customers. Stand out in the job market with these tips on how to shine in call center interviews this winter:

Do Your Research

Before your interview, take some time to do your research so you can tailor your interview responses to be more specific to the company. Carefully review the job description so you know what key skills the employer is looking for in the position. In addition, look up the company’s website, social media, or recent press releases to get a thorough understanding of its products/services, mission, culture, and any other relevant information.

Highlight Your Qualifications

Prepare ahead of time to highlight your qualifications in a persuasive manner to the hiring manager. Consider what experience you have that aligns with the job description’s requirements, and think of specific examples you could communicate during the interview. For example, think of times in which you successfully dealt with upset customers or instances of having to troubleshoot complicated problems, and be ready to give concise explanations that will be more memorable than broad responses others may give.

Emphasize Soft Skills

Working in a call center requires particular traits to be successful in the role, so it’s important to emphasize soft skills to make the hiring manager more likely to consider you. Soft skills that call center managers tend to look for in employees include communication, problem-solving, organization, ability to withstand pressure, conflict resolution, and time management. Think about the proficiencies needed to handle the day-to-day environment in a call center and include examples of your strengths in these areas in your interview answers.

Focus on Nonverbal Communication

Performing well in an interview isn’t just about what you say, but your overall demeanor, so focus on nonverbal communication to convey a professional and likable impression. When you speak, pay attention to your body language and make it a point to smile, make eye contact, nod, and sit up straight. This will help to demonstrate confidence and come across as engaged during the interview, which can help you stand out to the hiring manager.

Find New Call Center Opportunities in Akron, OH

Are you ready to explore what call center jobs are out there? Find opportunities that are right for you by working with an experienced staffing agency like PrideStaff Akron. Our team of recruiters can match you with the jobs that are the best fit with employers across industries. Search our database of currently available jobs to get started.

Leveraging Veteran-Owned Staffing Services: A Strategic Advantage for Local Businesses

Veterans possess many of the most in-demand soft skills that employers look for, such as problem-solving, leadership, being calm under pressure, and teamwork. However, since veterans are not the average jobseekers, it can be challenging to recruit them. Working with a veteran-owned staffing agency like PrideStaff Akron can be a valuable asset in achieving your hiring goals. Discover more about how leveraging veteran-owned staffing services can be a strategic advantage for local businesses:

Close Knowledge of Veterans’ Career Perspectives

Veterans are a unique demographic overall, particularly when it comes to their reentry into the workforce after their service. Working with a veteran-owned staffing service means that you can take advantage of our close knowledge of veterans’ career perspectives, such as their strengths, goals, challenges, and needs, and utilize our understanding to develop an action plan to determine how to most effectively attract them.

Expertise in Determining Suitable Matches

Since veterans don’t have a typical work history, it can be difficult for the average hiring manager to assess their fit for roles. PrideStaff Akron has expertise in determining suitable matches for your job openings with veteran candidates due to our company being veteran-owned. We can collaborate with you to clarify your ultimate needs in candidates and evaluate veterans from our network of prospects to find the ones who align best with your opportunities and have the right soft and/or transferable skills to fulfill the job duties.

Assistance in Crafting Appealing Job Descriptions

Veterans often face significant difficulties transitioning back into civilian life, including trying to figure out what types of jobs they would be interested in, have the necessary qualifications, or be considered by hiring managers for. Since veterans don’t have your standard resume, they may not end up applying for jobs if the postings are seemingly too rigid in the desired qualifications. However, a veteran-owned staffing firm can provide assistance in crafting appealing job descriptions that will be informative and encouraging to veteran candidates, such as highlighting the soft skills and character traits necessary for the role versus specific work history.

Land Top Talent in Akron, OH

Recruit qualified veteran candidates to join your team with PrideStaff Akron. Our experienced team of staffing experts will work with you to understand your needs and provide you with qualified candidatewhoat are the best fit for your open positions. Learn more about PrideStaff Akron’s staffing services.

How Much Is Employee Turnover Costing Your Company?

Create a Winning Cover Letter for Customer Service Positions

The importance of one’s resume tends to be well understood, but cover letters often don’t receive the same amount of prioritization. Even if a company doesn’t require a cover letter, opting to not include one is giving up an opportunity to stand out from other candidates and leave a positive impression. This is especially true of a public-facing role in customer service, where a hiring manager needs to have the utmost confidence in your ability to handle the job duties and represent the company well. Create a winning cover letter for customer service positions with these tips:

Highlight Your Qualifications

When hiring managers read cover letters, they want to immediately be able to determine if the applicant can perform the job. Highlight your customer service qualifications as you introduce yourself and discuss your professional background. Focus on the top requirements listed in the job posting, and mention briefly how you have utilized the essential skills in previous roles with short examples.

Customize Each Time

A common mistake to avoid when writing a cover letter is thinking you only have to do it one time, and then you submit for all customer service positions for which you apply. Customize your cover letter every single time you apply for a role and tailor your wording to appeal to the specific company and its industry, mission, customer base, or other relevant factors. It will be more convincing to hiring managers and make them more likely to invite you to an interview  – plus, it demonstrates your attention to detail and level of professionalism.

Convey Soft Skills

The logistics of customer service positions can be taught to employees, so don’t focus solely on your work experience (or think you are out of the running if you haven’t had a relevant former job) – what sets apart top performers in these roles is soft skills. Convey the soft skills you have that would make you an effective customer service professional, such as communication, empathy, conflict resolution, active listening, patience, and working well under pressure.

Demonstrate Enthusiasm

Once you have communicated why you would be a good fit for the role, finish your letter by reiterating your interest. Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the job by closing your cover letter with a clear expression that you hope they will consider you and that you look forward to discussing how you could be an asset to their organization.

Find New Opportunities

Are you ready to start pursuing customer service jobs? Team  up with PrideStaff Akron to explore the possibilities. We work with employers in the Akron area for their hiring needs, and can match you with the job opportunities that are the best fit for you. Search our database of current available jobs.

Mastering the Holiday Job Hunt

You may think the phrases “job hunt” and “holiday season” couldn’t possibly be in the same sentence – or mindset. But in fact, the opposite is true. There are some solid reasons to move ahead with your search with November & December right around the corner. Whether you are searching for a seasonal position during the busy months for certain industries, or full-time work, below are some tips to help you become a master of your holiday job search!

Beat the Odds

By staying on track with your job hunt during the holidays, you can:

• Encounter less competition: In fact, many people do take a break from their job search to celebrate the holidays. Hint: Their loss could be your gain, as you face less competition and thus, a greater chance of a hiring manager considering you for a position.
• Take advantage of seasonal networking opportunities: The holiday season tends to be chock full of parties and events. Look at every one of them as a chance to meet other professionals in your field, as well as additional valuable contacts.
• Beat the January rush: Other job hunters are not the only ones who may postpone plans until the start of the New Year: many companies ramp up hiring in January due to new budgets and a renewed focus on business goals. If you apply for a job during the the last quarter of the year, it allows you to be in contact with these decision-makers and in the queue as soon as 2025 gets underway.

Seasonal Job Search Tips

Optimize your strategy for job hunting during the holiday season by:

• Updating your resume: Focus on crafting a memorable document highlighting your strongest qualities and most valuable transferable skills. Make sure you tailor both your resume and cover letter to each job you’re seeking.
• Creating a realistic schedule: A job search schedule can be an invaluable tool at any time, but especially during the business holiday season. It can help you to not only establish a realistic career timetable but also to build a healthy balance between your search and enjoying seasonal festivities. And even if you devote only 30 minutes a day to your professional goal, your schedule will keep you accountable and feeling good about the progress you’re making.
• Ramping up that networking: When you attend events during the holidays, play it tactfully but take advantage of every networking opportunity that crops up – whether it’s via a work-related contact or a personal friend, neighbor, or community or family member. Have your elevator speech ready for the appropriate point in a social conversation.

Last but not least, consider the potential for a temp-to-hire job this holiday season. Often, these positions can be the gateway to the direct hire position you’ve been waiting for.

The career experts at PrideStaff Modesto are here to help you find your next position, and help you with whatever we can in order to find the right fit for you. Reach out to us today to learn more about best practices, and get help finding your next position!

The Impact of Las Vegas’ Growing Economy on Local Businesses

Las Vegas is no longer just a hub for entertainment and tourism — it’s emerging as an economic powerhouse. With major investments in infrastructure, technology, and real estate, the city is experiencing unprecedented growth. As industries like healthcare, tech, and construction expand, Las Vegas’ economy is diversifying, creating a ripple effect that benefits local businesses. The result? More job opportunities, a rising population, and increased consumer spending, transforming the local business landscape into a vibrant marketplace full of potential.

This economic surge presents numerous opportunities for businesses to innovate and expand. Companies are leveraging the city’s growth to enhance their operations, attract new customers, and drive economic success. Let’s explore how these opportunities are shaping the future of Las Vegas and contributing to its dynamic business environment.

All In – Small Businesses Betting on New Opportunities

For local entrepreneurs, the economic upswing presents a golden opportunity to expand and innovate. As more people relocate to the city, there’s a growing demand for new services and products, ranging from gourmet coffee shops to niche boutiques. Small businesses are capitalizing on this trend by offering personalized, high-quality experiences that cater to the diverse and affluent new residents. Many are adopting creative marketing strategies, like pop-up shops and social media campaigns, to attract attention in this competitive environment. The result? Small enterprises are no longer just surviving — they’re thriving.

The Strip’s Ripple Effect: Tourism Boosts Local Demand

Las Vegas’ economy is still heavily influenced by its tourism industry, and as visitor numbers climb, the impact extends far beyond the Strip. Local businesses in hospitality, transportation, and food services are seeing an influx of customers, spurred by record-breaking convention attendance and special events. With major developments like the MSG Sphere and Resorts World Las Vegas opening their doors, the city is attracting a new wave of tourists eager to experience the latest in entertainment and luxury. This means more foot traffic, higher revenues, and a rising tide that lifts not just the casinos, but also the businesses tucked away in neighborhoods and downtown districts.

Winning the Talent Jackpot: Attracting a Skilled Workforce

A thriving economy demands a skilled workforce, and Las Vegas is stepping up to the challenge. The city’s booming job market is drawing talent from across the country, particularly in emerging sectors like tech, healthcare, and logistics. This influx of skilled workers is a boon for local businesses, creating a larger talent pool and fostering a more competitive, dynamic labor market. Companies are leveraging this by recruiting top-tier employees and expanding their operations. Additionally, the demand for housing, dining, and lifestyle amenities is surging, giving local entrepreneurs fresh opportunities to cater to the tastes and needs of this new demographic.

Doubling Down on Real Estate: A Market on the Rise

The surging economy has also driven a spike in real estate development. As more businesses and individuals flock to the city, the demand for both commercial and residential properties is skyrocketing. For local real estate agents, developers, and contractors, this translates to a bustling market with high returns on investment. Neighborhoods that were once overlooked are now hot spots for development, and the construction boom is fueling the growth of supporting industries such as architecture, interior design, and landscaping. This building frenzy is reshaping the city’s skyline and providing new opportunities for local firms to flourish.

Cashing In: The Challenges of Rapid Expansion

Despite the many benefits, the city’s rapid economic growth comes with its own set of challenges. Rising costs of living and increased competition can put pressure on smaller
businesses, making it harder for them to retain talent and maintain profitability. Additionally, the surge in development has led to concerns about sustainability and infrastructure strain. Local businesses must stay nimble, adapting to these shifts while finding ways to stand out in an increasingly crowded market. Those who succeed will not only benefit from the city’s growth but also help shape Las Vegas’ future as a thriving, dynamic metropolis.

The economic expansion of Las Vegas is proving to be a game-changer for local businesses, creating a wealth of new opportunities across sectors. As the city continues to evolve, those who can anticipate the changes and adapt quickly will find themselves well-positioned to cash in on the new era of prosperity.

To navigate this growth effectively, having the right team in place is crucial. Partnering with a trusted staffing agency like PrideStaff Las Vegas can help you meet your expanding business needs with ease. Contact PrideStaff Las Vegas today to find the perfect candidates for your business. Let us help you build a workforce that drives success and supports your growth!

Nurturing Production Workers for Sustained Performance and Retention

An engaged team is crucial for any industry, but in a field like manufacturing where it can be especially challenging to fill roles, it is essential to prioritize supporting your workers. Putting in the effort to consider your staff’s well-being and satisfaction can boost productivity and morale and prevent turnover. Find out more with these best practices for nurturing production workers for sustained performance and retention:

Build a Collaborative Culture

A common barrier to employee engagement is their perception of leadership and a lack of trust in their motives. Build a collaborative culture, so there is transparent communication between employees of all levels. Give detailed updates, have an open door policy for your team to reach out, and welcome the sharing of ideas.

Recognize Employee Contributions

When there is a noticeable decline in productivity and morale among normally top performers, it can often be traced to them not feeling as if their hard work is appreciated. Recognize employee contributions on an ongoing basis, in a timely manner. Thank your team and individuals for their effort and acknowledge sincerely when they go above and beyond.

Offer Professional Development

Production work can get monotonous and employees can risk becoming complacent and bored if they no longer feel challenged, which can lead them to seeking jobs elsewhere. Offer professional development to help your team gain new skills that will both revitalize their motivation and further improve their performances.

Provide Advancement Opportunities

Both performance and retention will struggle if employees feel like they are stuck in a dead end job with no potential for growth. Provide advancement opportunities to make it clear that they have a professional future with your company, such as prioritizing promoting from within and working with employees to set growth goals and get them on the right track to achieve them.

Solicit Ongoing Feedback

Unfortunately, there are often not clear signs top production workers are unhappy until they are resigning and it’s too late for you to fix.  Solicit ongoing feedback to allow them to have their voices heard and give yourself an opportunity to address challenges and provide solutions to improve their job satisfaction and retention.

Land Qualified Candidates

Build a team of top production workers with the help of PrideStaff Akron. Our recruiting experts will collaborate with you to determine your strategy and find the prospective candidates who align with your overall goals. Contact us for more information.

Can’t Pay Top Dollar? Here’s How to Still Get Great Candidates

The employment market is competitive and the best candidates expect to earn top dollar. But what if you can’t pay it? It’s certainly a tricky spot to be in; however, there are steps you can take to offer candidates the rewarding opportunity they want. Here’s what to do and ways to attract the best people even when you can’t offer the highest salary.

Focus on the Unique Benefits and Perks You Can Offer

While salary is important, it’s not the only factor candidates consider. Many job seekers are looking for a well-rounded compensation package that includes benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. So, if you offer great benefits, be sure to highlight them, as well as any other perks you can provide, such as:

• Flexible work schedules
• Remote work options or hybrid schedules
• Paid professional development opportunities
• Wellness programs
• Internal promotions
• Tuition reimbursement
• More vacation time than competitors

Many candidates value flexibility and work-life balance just as much as a high salary. As a result, when you focus on these offerings, you can take a big step to help you stand out from the competition.

Offer Career Development Opportunities

One of the most best ways to attract talent without competing on salary is to offer meaningful career development opportunities. Many candidates, especially younger ones, prioritize personal and professional growth. If you can provide mentorship, training programs, or clear paths to advancement, you’ll attract candidates who are looking for more than just a paycheck – but a rewarding career.

Focus on Company Culture

Culture plays a huge role in employee satisfaction. In fact, many candidates are willing to accept a lower salary if they feel they’re joining a company with a positive, inclusive, and supportive work environment. In your job postings and during interviews, discuss the unique aspects of your company’s culture. Share stories that illustrate your company’s values and how they are lived out each day.

Emphasize Job Security and Stability

Job security is another benefit that can be as valuable as a high salary for some candidates. If your company has a strong track record of weathering economic downturns and staying ahead of the competition in good times, be sure to focus on these achievements during the hiring process. Candidates want to know that they’re joining a company where they can build a future.

Get Help Finding Great-Fit Candidates

If competing on salary is a challenge, let PrideStaff help. As a top recruitment firm serving companies across Tempe and Phoenix, AZ, we know how to develop compelling job postings and promote all your benefits, perks, and company culture in interviews to the best candidates. You’ll be on your road to hiring top talent before you know it, even if you can’t offer the highest salary. Let us help! Contact our recruitment firm today.

The Benefits of Cross-Training: Adaptability in Modesto Workplaces

There are many benefits of cross-training your employees across different departments and positions. Trained employees win because they feel valued and get to grow, the trainers win because they have an opportunity to share their expertise, and the organization wins because employee satisfaction has increased and they have employees that are more knowledgeable in different areas within their organization.

These words from Leslie Gordan, author of Employee Development: Big Company Results on a Small Business Budget, are a solid summary of the benefits of cross-training and how it can help your team and your business.

When you hire a new employee, you typically assign them to one specific role with defined tasks and responsibilities. Cross-training happens when you teach people some of the skills or duties of other roles, in addition to their own. It can be well worth the investment, as it can provide a major boost to engagement, teamwork and productivity.

A Closer Look at the Benefits of Cross-Training

Cross-training helps build people’s skills and in doing so, helps everyone to better understand exactly what it takes to keep business running smoothly and successfully. By implementing cross-training, you can achieve:

• Coverage for absenteeism: Even when your subject matter expert has to step away unexpectedly, a cross-trained employee can seamlessly step in and sustain business as usual. On a larger scale, the same applies when turnover occurs.
• Enhanced teamwork: When individuals are cross-trained, they can collaborate more effectively, share knowledge, understand each other’s responsibilities, and provide needed support.
• Better customer service: If multiple people can handle tasks, it can ensure customer needs are met. For instance, if a salesperson is absent, someone else can step in to avoid costly delays.
• An agile, future-ready business: Employees with diverse skills are better equipped to tackle whatever changing demands may occur, contributing to better overall agility and innovation for your company.

How to Make Cross-Training Work for You

Ready to get started on cross-training? Here are some tips:

• Define your processes. Break down the essential skills and duties of a role. This will help you clearly identify which aspects of a job could be taught to someone else.
• Set – and communicate – your goals. Let employees know that by implementing cross-training, your goal is to strengthen the business and their skillsets. Alleviate any concerns that you might be simply piling on additional responsibilities without compensation. Explain how cross-training will work and what the time commitment will look like, so employees can decide whether they want to participate. Which leads to …
• Keep it voluntary. This ensures that those who take part will take things seriously and make it effective for everyone involved.
• Set things in motion. Give employees opportunities to put their newly-honed skills into practice in a timely manner. You might rotate people between roles and/or departments, or assign relevant side projects. Whatever approach you take, continuously monitor progress and be accessible to answer questions and keep things on track.

The experienced workforce development team at PrideStaff Modesto can help you develop and execute a successful cross-training strategy tailored to the unique needs of your workforce and business. Contact us today to learn more.