6 Ways to Encourage Your Top Talent to Apply for Leadership Roles

If you want to create a solid team of your best workers, it helps to get your best into leadership roles. However, some may need encouragement to take that next step – they may not think they have the aptitude to do the job or may not even consider the possibility. So, if you can encourage them from a supervisor perspective to work on these skills, that may be just what they need.

1. Strategic orientation.

A good leader knows how to improve overall strategy for success using application of strategies and business insights. By looking at trends, customers, employees, and stakeholders and applying strategy, they create value for the company through collaboration within the company.

2. Customer focus.

Rather than focusing on operations, leaders should understand that they need to center their businesses around customers. Encourage your best employees to show they understand customer perspective and they will create and deliver value from it. Satisfied customers mean successful business – and a savvy leader knows how to parlay one into the other.

3. Emotional intelligence.

Can you read yourself and others well, and can you use that skill effectively in your business? EI matters just as much as intellectual ability – it affects how you manage groups (power dynamics) and adjust to change. A potential leader can enhance EI by learning how to interpret nonverbal cues and reducing stress quickly.

4. Innovative mindset.

Obviously, innovation helps one compete against the competition but more importantly, a great leader encourages innovation throughout the organization in terms of creative thinking. Know how to foster that creativity through appropriate tools, sufficient resources to help encourage ideas, and the ability to make those ideas into reality.

5. Accepting responsibility.

If something goes wrong, a good leader takes responsibility when something doesn’t go as planned rather than avoiding blame or trying to pass it on to someone else. This helps the rest of the staff trust their leader to do the right thing and follow suit when they make mistakes.

6. Active listening.

Communication goes way beyond writing and speaking; the back-and-forth includes listening as well. Active listening means you not only hear what the person says; you understand why they’ve said it. Effective future leaders need to actively listen to everyone around them.

You have the makings of quality leaders in your top talent. Encourage them to build on these six skills to become effective, and visit PrideStaff to find your next great hire.

Avoiding Burnout as a Manager

Burnout as a manager can be devastating. If you feel constantly tired, disengaged or unmotivated on the job, you may be suffering from it.

The good news is: There are ways to reduce or avoid burnout, so you can continue to be your best self at work.

What is Burnout?

Before you can fight burnout, you need to know what you’re up against. Symptoms include:

• A negative or critical attitude at work.
• Dreading going into work – and wanting to leave once you’re there.
• Low energy and little interest in your work.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Absenteeism
• Feelings of emptiness or thoughts that your work doesn’t have meaning.
• Pulling away emotionally from colleagues or clients.
• Blaming others for your mistakes.
• Physical complaints such as headaches, backaches or illnesses.
• Being easily irritated by team members or customers.
• Thinking of changing roles or quitting your job.

Stress vs. Burnout

While stress and burnout share common characteristics, there are distinct differences between the two. Stress is usually short term, spiked by a feeling that your work is out of control for a finite period of time, especially when you’re under pressure to meet a deadline or complete a task. Burnout takes place over a much longer period. You continue to go through the motions of your job, without truly being engaged. This eventually leads to cynicism, exhaustion and in many cases, poor performance.

What Causes Burnout?

Lack of autonomy or recognition are common causes of burnout. You may experience symptoms if you feel you don’t have enough control over your work, or if you feel you never have enough time to finish tasks and projects.

Another common cause is your values failing to align with the actions, behaviors or values of your organization.

If you fear you may be suffering from burnout, take this self-test. From there, you can effectively address the issue.

Make It Go Away!

What can you do if you feel you’re experiencing burnout as a manager?

Short-term solutions like taking a vacation help, but you also need a strategy to permanently eliminate the problem.

• Rediscover your purpose. Your career should mean more than just a paycheck. Look at the deeper reason behind what you do every day. How could you add more meaning to your work – or use it to make life better for others?
• Do a job analysis. Work overload – a common cause of burnout – is highly demoralizing. Perform a job analysis so you can clarify what is expected of you and what isn’t. This way, you can identify what’s most important in your role and delegate the less essential duties. Schedule a meeting with your boss, if necessary, in order to accomplish this.
• Take care of yourself. Eat healthy, limit alcohol use and exercise. If you follow these habits, you’ll sleep and feel better as a result. Try to manage stress by keeping a stress diary and/or practicing yoga, meditation, deep breathing or other relaxation techniques.

Maybe it’s time for a change – either a realignment of your current role or a transition to a new one. Either way, you could benefit from working with a career planning expert from PrideStaff Modesto. Read our related posts or contact us today to learn more.

Looking for a New Job? Make Sure You’re a Good Fit With the Company Culture

If you’re searching for employment in the City of Las Vegas, you need to examine more than just the words in a job description. A job might seem like a dream come true on paper, but exactly the opposite when the work environment is factored in.

Employers also realize the importance of cultural fit. With 88% of the vote, cultural fit was identified as the most important factor to recruiters surveyed in the 2015 Jobvite Recruiter Nation Survey.

Many employers have a page or a few paragraphs on their website dedicated to company culture, but this language is often vague. It’s difficult to understand the specifics of a work environment until you start asking questions. Dig deep to gather as much information as you possible, so you can make a well-informed decision about your fit at the company.

7 Questions to Assess Company Culture

At the end of the interview, you’ll be given the floor to ask questions. Add the following inquiries to your list to learn important details about the company culture.

• How does senior management interact with employees?
• What kind of career development is available?
• How does the company define success?
• Are team-building events held often? If so, what are they?
• How often is feedback given and in what form?
• Do most employees spend time together outside the office?
• Does the company participate in philanthropic activities?

Until you’re fully immersed in it, getting an exact read on a potential employer’s culture is impossible. However, asking the questions above can give you a very good idea of what you’re stepping into. Reviews from current and former employees on sites like Glassdoor can also offer valuable insights. The last thing you want is to start a new job and promptly realize the culture isn’t your style, so do your homework prior to accepting an offer.

Find Your Best-Fit Job

Cultural fit can easily make or break your level of job satisfaction, so let PrideStaff Las Vegas help you find a company that checks all your boxes. Whether you want a temporary, temp-to-hire or direct hire role, choosing a work environment where you feel comfortable is a must. Contact us to get started today!

Resume Objectives: Do You Still Need Them?

For many years, the objective was a standard part of the resume. Listed front and center, it communicated to a potential employer why a candidate was applying.

Fast forward to today and objectives aren’t always necessary. Here’s why:

• Hiring managers know why you’re applying for the job – because you want it.
• Objectives also waste a lot of prime space on your resume.
• Stating that you want to “obtain a full-time opportunity that utilizes my experience and strengths” says nothing about who you are as a candidate and what you can offer.
• Nor does it help you stand out in any way among a sea of other candidates with similar objectives at the tops of their resumes.

Instead, most experts recommend using a summary of qualifications. So what should yours look like? It should be around five to six bullets and focus on your most impressive achievements and relevant strengths.

Before you write your summary, it’s important to keep in mind it should be customized to each employer you’re applying to. That’s why it’s important to review the job description and think through how your background matches it. If you’re having a hard time coming up with a good list, here are a few idea starters:

• Talk about the number of years of experience you have and any major skill sets.
• Offer an example of a project or initiative you spearheaded, or a problem you solved for a past employer.
• Demonstrate how you’ve made a bottom line impact in past roles, whether you made money, saved money, or made a process more efficient.
• Showcase any important awards or career accomplishments you’re especially proud of.
• Discuss your communication skills and ability to successfully interact with, manage or persuade others.

So when should you use a resume objective?

One scenario in which it can be helpful is if you’re changing careers and don’t have any or a lot of experience. Without an objective, a hiring manager might wonder why you’re applying for the job after scanning your resume. But an objective statement can make it clear to potential employers that you’re making a change and also point out any important transferable skills.

For instance, you can write something like:

“Accomplished office manager seeking to leverage 10 years of recruiting, vendor relations, and customer service experience into an entry-level marketing position. Motivated career changer, eager to contribute to the company’s bottom line.”

Hiring managers only take a few seconds to review resumes that come across your desk. That’s why you can’t just send them a boilerplate one. Follow the tips above for creating a stand-out summary of qualifications or objective statement – and get noticed by the hiring manager.

Need more help with your resume, so you can put your best foot forward?

Call PrideStaff. As one of Tempe’s top employment agencies, we can help you craft the perfect cover letter and resume, as well as connect you with rewarding jobs and leading employers in and around the city. Just contact us today to learn more.

Why Multitasking Might Be Causing You to Reduce Your Productivity

You’re a very busy person with an extremely full agenda. Multitasking is the only way to accomplish everything on your task list — or so you think. In theory, doing multiple things at once allows you to achieve more, but it’s not that simple. Whether you’re searching for City of Las Vegas employment opportunities or not, follow this advice from PrideStaff Las Vegas on why multitasking is the ultimate productivity killer.

It’s Easy to Forget What You’re Doing

Switching back and forth between assignments is more challenging than it sounds. It’s hard not to forget where you left off, goals for the project and even deadlines when your mind is scattered. The human brain is pretty amazing, but it does have its limits.

Mistakes are Inevitable

When you’re not giving an assignment 100% effort, your work is bound to get sloppy. Moving back and forth between projects will inevitably cause spelling mistakes, calculation errors and other highly avoidable blunders that will make you look bad. Explaining the mistakes were caused by multitasking won’t help your case.

Lack of Focus Creates Poor Quality of Work

Beyond glaringly obvious mistakes, multitasking zaps the creativity from your brain. Constantly shifting between assignments is more of a race to the finish line than a process to create something truly outstanding. When a project is an afterthought, you can’t expect to impress anyone with the outcome.

You’ll Likely Have to Re-Do Assignments

The point of multitasking is to save time, but when you submit error-laden assignments of subpar quality, they’re going to be sent back. Making extensive edits or starting over from scratch will take longer than just doing it right the first time. Do your team and your reputation a favor and make a habit of completing one thing at a time.

Get the Job You Really Want

Stop wasting time at job that doesn’t excite you and let PrideStaff Las Vegas help you find career fulfillment. Whether you’re searching for temporary, temp-to-hire or direct hire opportunities, you can count on us to connect you with the area’s top employers. Contact us today to get started!

5 Tips to Build Yourself a Good Reputation at Work

As a new hire, you want to make a great first impression and then keep that going. In this situation, as with many others, your actions speak louder than your words. You’ll earn a reputation as a quality employee by what you do (and don’t do) to make a favorable impression on your manager, co-workers, and clients.

1. Don’t wait to be asked.

Employers want team members who show initiative rather than those who do their work only when asked or told to do so. You may not get an exact blueprint of what your manager wants you to do each day, so ask questions, particularly, “How can I help?”. If you have the time, look at tasks that others have avoided but that need doing, such as updating a database or clearing out that cluttered extra cubicle. Taking a few minutes each day so it doesn’t interfere with the rest of your work, you’ll gain the gratitude of your boss and co-workers and avoid the “it’s not my job” stigma.

2. Find a question balance.

In line with taking initiative, while you should feel comfortable asking questions when you begin a job, you don’t have to ask about every little thing. This indicates to a manager that you can’t or won’t do things by yourself and that you need your hand held, which doesn’t do you any favors as an employee. Reach out to others in your department to find your answers — this takes the onus off your direct supervisor and helps you build relationships.

3. Earn your flexibility.

Too often the generation coming into the workforce expects to have the ability to make special requests and change their schedules right off the bat; it doesn’t usually work that way. You need to first demonstrate that you get your work done in the time given to you, prove yourself as a focused and dedicated producer, and then, down the line, you’ll have earned the respect of your employer enough to make special requests.

4. Give your opinion thoughtfully.

You got the job because you obviously have experience and background in your industry. However, the new employee who constantly questions the way the company does things and throws in his two cents on how it could be done better comes off as a know-it-all and certainly not a team player. Err on the side of suggesting a new way to do something rather than questioning a boss’ approach.

5. Keep The Godfather in mind.

To paraphrase, it’s not personal, it’s business. By all means become friendly with your work colleagues but always bear in mind that your professional relationship comes first. Make sure to always act that way, even when going out to happy hour after work. Avoid over-indulging in either alcohol or personal narratives and you’ll always maintain a reputation of professionalism.

The ins and outs of any new job require some navigation, and you have control over how you present yourself to those you work with. For advice on how to succeed at your next job, visit PrideStaff.

Getting Over Job Interview Nerves

You’re experienced, capable and confident…that is, until you go to a job interview. Then you simply become a bundle of nerves. As one of Tempe’s top recruiting agencies, PrideStaff knows this can happen to even the best candidates. The question is: What can you do about it – so your butterflies don’t get the best of you during your next interview? Here are some tips to follow:

Before Your Interview: 

• Change your mindset. When you approach a job interview like an interview – and constantly think about everything that’s at stake – it’s no wonder your nerves are causing a problem. Instead, try to reframe the situation as a conversation between two professionals.
• Practice common interview questions and answers ahead of time. If you can, ask someone to role play with you as the interviewer. This will help boost your confidence level.
• If someone in your network already works at the company, ask for any information or guidance on interviewing and getting hired.
• Exercise in the days leading up to your interview. This will help you feel better and take the edge off your nerves.
• Make sure you get a good night’s sleep the night before the interview.
• Have a healthy breakfast the morning of your interview. You don’t want to eat so much that you feel sick. At the same time, you don’t want your stomach grumbling halfway through the interview.

During the Interview:

Be aware of your body language.

You’re saying all the right things. But if you’re biting your nails, twirling your hair, or jittering, it’s going to send a different, weaker message. So, stay calm and cool. Make eye contact. Offer a firm handshake. And smile often.

Don’t talk too quickly.

When you’re nervous, it’s easy to start talking too fast, which makes it hard to understand you. Don’t be afraid to pause for a minute before you answer a question. Your interview isn’t a race and you should take your time to answer each question carefully.

Listen and ask questions.

When you’re nervous, you’re totally focused on yourself and how you’re feeling. As a result, you might not hear what the interviewer is asking or telling you. That’s why it’s important to really listen to what’s being said and ask questions any time you need a clarification.

Be yourself.

Don’t practice so much that you come across as a robot. Employers want to hire real people with real answers. So it’s important that you are calm and confident, but also yourself.

Need more help preparing for interviews or finding job leads?

Call the employment experts at PrideStaff. As one of Tempe’s top recruiting agencies, we’re all about your job search success. We’ll take the time to get to know you and your career goals, so we can connect you with top employers and top jobs in Tempe. Contact PrideStaff today to learn more.

Workplace Skills All College Grads Need When They Start Their Real Jobs

As a college graduate heading into the working world, you really need to have a certain set of skills that will have you ready to take on your first “real” job in the best way possible. Consider these skills essential no matter what field you’re in.

• Teamwork.

While you likely know how to work effectively with others, teamwork goes beyond simply deciding who does what on a major work project. It also involves picking up the slack when one person needs a little extra help, and staying late to make a deadline from time to time. As a team member, you need to find a way to work professionally with all co-workers, regardless of whether you get along. Most of all, avoid the phrase “It’s not my job” whenever possible.

• Independence and Leadership.

This may seem like the opposite of working in a team, but employers also want someone who can do their work without requiring constant guidance – you may well have to “do more with less.” To that end, as companies have cut managers, they want employees who can take the lead, either for others or for doing their own work. This doesn’t mean you should avoid asking questions when you need help, but you should be able to self direct and take charge as necessary.

• Communication.

Writing a memo or even an email needs to go beyond texting-level writing. Anything you write and share needs to have correct grammar and spelling, and sound clear and concise. You also need to have good oral communication skills, meaning you need the ability to have a face-to-face conversation. Sadly, texting and social media has made this skill one less practiced by those entering the workforce, and it’s a key one that can make or break you in a job.

• Flexibility.

As stated above, be a team player but have the ability to work independently. Know how to fluently have a conversation, write an email, and send an instant message. Know that bosses come and go and priorities change, and you need to be able to respond accordingly. It will make your working life much more successful if you can say to someone, “Yes, I can make that adjustment.”

Make sure you nurture your skills through any part-time jobs and internships – they’ll help add depth to your resume. For help finding that first job, make sure to visit PrideStaff.

Checking in on Your 2017 Goals — 1/4 Down 3/4 to Go

In January, you set some pretty lofty career goals for the year. As a talented, driven professional, you’re absolutely capable of achieving every item of your list, but results won’t happen overnight. Now that the first quarter of the year has come to an end, it’s time circle back and see where you’re at.

Whether you’re trying to gain experience working as a temp in Vegas or seeking career advancement at a company you’ve been with for years, moving up the latter rarely happens by accident. Use these tips to gauge how far you’ve come this year to see if you’re on the right track.

Three Ways to Get the Most From Your First Quarter Goal Check-In 

Measure Your Progress

You’re well-aware of the need to set S.M.A.R.T. — specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, time-bound — goals, so this should make it easy to see if you’re where you should be at this point in the year. If for some reason your goals aren’t S.M.A.R.T., update each one to reflect this format, because ambiguous objectives will get you nowhere.

Reassess Your Goals

It’s only been a few months, but some of your goals may no longer be applicable — and that’s okay. If you’ve changed course, decide which — if any — of your objectives still make sense and cross the others off the list. Create new goals that support the direction you’ve decided to head instead. Readjusting may be in order even if you’re not changing any goals. If you haven’t made as much progress as you’d hoped, make your second quarter targets a little more aggressive to get caught up.

Examine Road Blocks

If you’re having trouble moving forward with your goals, take the time to figure out what’s hindering your progress. When you’ve identified the problem(s) create a strategy to overcome anything getting in your way of success. This might mean you have to get up an hour earlier in the morning to make more time in your day or realign your priorities, but it will be worth the extra effort when you end the year with every goal checked off your list.

Make Your 2017 Career Goals Happen

If getting a new job is part of your plan for the year, allow PrideStaff Las Vegas to take the lead. Whether you’re searching for a temporary, temp-to-hire or direct hire role, we’ll connect you with a career-boosting opportunity at a top Clark company. Contact us to get started today!

PrideStaff Bend Honored with PrideStaff’s Distinguished “5 Star Award”

Matt Ertle, Owner and Strategic-Partner of PrideStaff’s Bend office, is proud to announce that his office is one of only three in the nation to receive the 5 Star Award for performance in 2016 from PrideStaff, Inc., a national, franchised staffing organization.

This distinguished award, presented at the PrideStaff Annual Conference in Tampa, FL recognizes new PrideStaff offices that created outstanding revenue growth during their first six months of operation. During the conference, PrideStaff Strategic-Partners from across the country met to share best practices, celebrate successes, learn from world-renowned speakers, and become more effective at owning and operating a full-service staffing firm.

“It takes a strong brand and proven processes to launch a new business,” said PrideStaff COO Tammi Heaton. “Our goal is to provide Strategic-Partners with proven processes, tools and support to lay a solid foundation for success in the staffing industry.

“By combining those national resources with hands-on, personal service, Matt and his team have consistently created positive experiences for area employers and job seekers,” continued Heaton. “The PrideStaff Bend office has quickly gained momentum in their market as a result, and we are thrilled to present this award in recognition of their efforts.”

A Bend native, Matt spent the first part of his career managing global supply chain, procurement and inventory replenishment programs, and then running a facility for a wood and steel product manufacturer. Now, as a PrideStaff Owner/Strategic-Partner, he combines that experience with the national resources PrideStaff offers to create exceptional service experiences for employers and job seekers in the Bend area.

For more information about PrideStaff and its services, go to www.pridestaff.com.

About PrideStaff

PrideStaff was founded in the 1970s as 100 percent company-owned units and began staffing franchising in 1995. They operate over 74 offices in North America to serve over 5,000 clients. With over 40 years in the staffing business, headquartered in Fresno, CA, PrideStaff offers the resources and expertise of a national firm with the spirit, dedication and personal service of smaller, entrepreneurial firms. PrideStaff is the only nationwide, commercial staffing firm in the U.S. and Canada with over $100 million in annual revenue to earn Inavero’s prestigious Best of Staffing Diamond Award four years in a row highlighting exceptional client and talent service quality.

For more information on our services or for staffing franchise information, visit www.pridestaff.com.