Prioritizing Experience Over Degrees While Hiring in Akron’s Current Job Market

As the labor market has evolved in recent years, the traditional notion that college degrees are a requirement for hiring managers has started to shift. For industries in Akron facing difficulties with worker shortages, companies are rethinking what is truly a prerequisite versus a preference and focusing on practical application over academics.

Why Prioritize Experience Over Degrees While Hiring in Akron’s Current Job Market:

Active Learning

On-the-job active learning is the most crucial qualification for a new hire’s highest likelihood of success. Even if they don’t have documentation, candidates who have firsthand experience performing the job duties and/or familiarity with the industry will be in a better position to acclimate quickly if hired. It also reduces the risk of turnover because candidates with only theoretical understanding but without practical application may not be prepared for the day-to-day work environment and its challenges.

Transferable Skills

Work history in a specific area is not necessarily indicative of successful performance; therefore, you also have to assess for transferrable skills that make someone a professional and overall valuable contributor, regardless of role. Useful transferrable skills include problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and adaptability. Prospective candidates with applicable transferrable skills from former employment may be worth taking a chance on, even without related experience, because they are more likely to be able to be effectively coached once hired, even if they don’t have background knowledge.

Company Culture Fit

Having a relevant degree and work experience sometimes is not enough for a candidate to be the right choice if they are not also a company culture fit. As you narrow down your candidate selection, it is essential to keep in mind if they have the right traits and characteristics to align with the standards and attitudes of your Akron workplace. For example, a candidate who prefers to work alone and thrives on competition may not be satisfied or perform well if your culture is one that prioritizes teamwork and group results.

Bring Experienced Talent to Your Akron Business

Find qualified employees who will be assets to your team with the help of PrideStaff Akron. Our experienced team of local Akron staffing experts will work with you to understand your needs and provide you with qualified candidates. Contact us for more information.

Is Sales A Good Fit For Me? Unlocking Insights with 5 Essential Tips

It takes a certain type of person to succeed in a sales job. While many aspects of the job can be learned, much of it requires innate personality traits.

Working in sales can be an incredible career move for the right person. This line of work often comes with a lot of flexibility and high earning potential, making it a popular aspiration. However, it’s also a very competitive field, so you need to be sure you’re up to the challenge. Here’s a look at five key signs a sales career could be the right choice for you.

You’re Naturally Personable

To thrive in a sales position, you need to be a people person. Clients want to do business with sales professionals who are easy to talk to, show a genuine interest in them and really listen to their needs. If you’re a charismatic person, this can be a major advantage, because people are organically drawn to you. This strength can allow you to become a high-performing sales professional.

You’re Great at Problem-Solving

Working in sales requires solving a lot of client problems. Essentially, people are willing to spend money for products and services that will resolve an issue in their lives. Sometimes what they need is obvious, other times it requires a bit of investigating. As a salesperson, you can find great success by listening to their concerns and working with them to find a resolution.

You’re Very Goal-Oriented

Sales work is all about setting and achieving goals. While you’ll likely have goals at any job, they’re especially important in sales, because they’re often compensation based — i.e., if you don’t meet your goals, you don’t get paid. Sales professionals are also typically able to earn bonuses for exceeding their goals, so having the ability to constantly push yourself to do your very best work is a must.

Corporate America Isn’t Your Thing

If sitting at a desk from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. working through red tape everyday isn’t your thing, sales might be a good fit. You’ll likely be out in the field a lot, meeting with both current and prospective clients. Since you won’t constantly be under the watchful eye of a manager, you’ll have more freedom to manage your career.

You’re Impeccably Disciplined

As noted above, many sales jobs come with a lot of freedom. This can be great, but if you’re not disciplined, it can also be a disaster. It’s important to have the ability to set goals and achieve them without requiring constant pushes from management. You still need to be out there working hard every day, even when you know your boss isn’t watching.

Get a Sales Job Where You’ll Shine

Have you decided sales is the field for you? PrideStaff Las Vegas is here to help you find the right fit. Contact us today to start your career in sales!

The Hidden Benefits of Talent Development

Today’s hiring landscape includes a lot of uncharted territory. Competition for top talent is fierce, consumer expectations have changed, and AI and other tech innovations continue to go mainstream. While in the past, your main focus may have been on looking externally to fill business-critical vacancies, you need to give equal, if not greater attention, to developing the workforce you already have.

Talent development encompasses all your initiatives to support employee learning, advancement, and growth. It involves a commitment to ensuring that every employee on your team has a clear pathway to expanding their skillsets, advancing within your company, and achieving their own personal career goals.

Last but not least, talent development bolsters your employee value proposition as it demonstrates that your organization values each team member as an individual and is truly invested in their success.

A Closer Look at the Benefits

Your robust talent development strategy is a win-win, benefitting both you and your employees in the following ways:

Increasing Retention

Opportunities for growth and promotion are among the leading reasons people plan to job hunt. It’s simple: Employees cannot succeed unless they have the skills and knowledge needed in their roles. When you meet this basic need, your team members are more likely to accomplish or exceed business objectives, and be happier, more engaged, and more loyal in the process.

Effective talent management improves your succession planning. Whether employees hope to stay in their current position or advance into a new role, they need to know they have a bright future with your company if you intend to keep them under your roof.
When employees succeed, so does your business. If you want people to achieve their KPIs and work more efficiently and effectively, make talent development a priority.

Closing Skills Gaps

Through targeted training programs and tailored development initiatives such as mentorships, employees can not only expand their skillsets, but also keep them current. Encouraging your team members to continuously learn and improve, and facilitating these efforts, is crucial for acquiring the professional competencies you need for future business growth.

The World Economic Forum has forecast that up to 50 percent of the global workforce will need reskilling by next year. Rather than let skills gaps widen, be proactive in empowering your employees as they develop new expertise, so you can continue to outpace your competition.
The Forum also reports that advances in AI and automation will create as many as 69 million new roles. So, be sure your business stays ahead of this critical development curve.

The PrideStaff Modesto team can be your best resource for developing and implementing the customized talent management strategies you need for your organization. Contact us today to learn more.

Volunteer Work on Your Resume: Should You Include It?

Creating the perfect resume takes time and effort. Unfortunately, you only get a few seconds to make a great first impression. In fact, most hiring managers spend less than 10 seconds reviewing each resume they receive.

With that in mind, how do you get yours to stand apart? There are many effective ways, including customizing your resume for each job you’re applying to, highlighting tangible results and achievements, not just tasks and roles, and properly formatting your resume so it’s easy to scan quickly.

Another way to set yourself apart from other candidates? Including your volunteer experience. According to a Deloitte Impact Survey, 82% of hiring managers prefer candidates with volunteer experience. Meanwhile, only about 30% of candidates actually include it. There’s a big gap there – one you can leverage.

Why Do Hiring Managers Like Volunteer Experience on a Resume?

Generally, hiring managers view volunteer work as a way for professionals to broaden their perspectives, enhance their knowledge base, and build vital skills, like leadership abilities. It also showcases a candidate’s willingness to give back and their level of compassion and commitment to their community. This all speaks volumes about their values and character, which is why most hiring managers like to see candidates with volunteer experience.

How Do You Include Volunteer Work on Your Resume?

Where you include your volunteer experience depends on its relevance. If the work is directly related to the position you’re applying for or the potential employer, then you can include it under your “Work History” section. It’s still a part of your professional experience, even though it was unpaid.

If, however, it’s not related to your career or the job openings you’re interested in, then create a section toward the end of your resume with “Volunteer Experience.” Then, list your role as a volunteer, the name of the non-profit organization, where they are located, and the length of time you’ve been volunteering there.

The bottom line is that today’s job market is highly competitive. If you want your resume to outshine others, it needs to be distinctive and compelling. One way to do that is by including volunteer experience.

So, if you think an employer won’t care about your volunteer work or that it’s not relevant in any way to your job search, think again! It could be one of the factors that helps you stand out from the crowd of other candidates – and land the job!

Get Job Search Help!

If you’d like help polishing your resume or cover letter, preparing for interviews, and finding out about job openings that are a fit for you, turn to PridesStaff. We’re one of Phoenix, Arizona’s top employment agencies, and we’re here to support you in your next career move. Search our jobs in Phoenix now!

Unveiling the Pros and Cons of Working in Warehouse Environments

Warehouses are an integral component of supply chain management for goods across industries by serving an intermediate role between production and distribution. Not only is the field in high demand, but it can also be very rewarding; however, it also comes with its own unique set of challenges. Determine if it’s the right area for you to pursue.

The Pros and Cons of Working in an Akron Warehouse Environment:

Warehouse Pros

Physical Activity

Working in a warehouse requires a significant amount of physical activity with prolonged standing, lifting packages to load, and walking distances. This can be a benefit if you would like to have a job that contributes to an active lifestyle and regular movement.

Skills Development

Getting your foot in the door with a warehouse job in Akron can make you an overall more marketable candidate and build your resume with in-demand qualifications. The valuable skills development you can receive from a warehouse job include problem-solving, time management, effective communication, and attention to detail.

Abundant Opportunities

Job outlook and stability are major advantages of the warehouse field. There are abundant opportunities for warehouse jobs across a variety of employers, industries, and shift types, allowing you to have the flexibility to pursue the types of roles that fit your preferences and goals within Akron.

Warehouse Cons

Workplace Safety Concerns

One downside of warehouse jobs is the potentially hazardous environment due to heavy items and machinery. Workplace safety concerns include falls and slips, overexertion from repetitive movement or lifting, accidents involving forklifts, falling items, and exposure to harmful substances.

Strenuous Work Conditions

Working in an Akron warehouse can be taxing on your body during the busiest times. Strenuous work conditions can be difficult for some and cause fatigue, muscle aches, joint pain, and discomfort from extreme temperatures in some warehouses.

High-Pressure Environment

Warehouses don’t tend to have a lot of downtime and may be under very tight deadlines to get items processed speedily. The high-pressure environment, especially during peak seasonal times, can be difficult for some people to handle and contribute to stress.

Explore Akron Warehouse Job Opportunities

Are you considering starting the search for a job in a warehouse? 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 for employers across industries. Search our database of currently available jobs to get started.

The Manager’s Impact on Manufacturing Success

Being a manufacturing manager is a big job. You’re responsible for overseeing and optimizing the production process, as well as managing all manufacturing employees. Clearly, you have a lot on your plate, but you’re up to the challenge. Of course, you’re always looking for ways to improve your bottom line, and that starts with your team.

It might sound cliché, but your team is only as strong as your weakest member. Therefore, it’s important to remember that each and every person needs your attention. When people know you’re paying attention and that you truly care, they’ll work harder. Here’s some advice to help your manufacturing team reach their full potential.

Foster Team Collaboration

If everyone doesn’t work together, your manufacturing team can’t properly function. However, collaboration can be difficult when employees barely know one another. Solve this issue by planning team events where people can get to know one another outside of work. This can be done by getting everyone together for a team lunch, holding special events outside of work or even hosting virtual happy hours. When people have the opportunity to casually hang out and chat about non-work topics, they’re able to bond, which helps them work together better.

Implement Training and Development Programs

Your employees all work in manufacturing, but no two people have the exact same needs and career goals. Help them grow by working with each person to create their own unique development plan. This should include a roadmap of where they’re headed, along with SMART goals to help them move in the right direction.

If possible, you might also consider implementing a mentorship program. Pairing more seasoned employees with younger peers will allow for a much-needed knowledge transfer in both directions.

You can also schedule regular speakers, classes, lunch and learns and workshops to help boost their knowledge. Additionally, providing regular feedback will allow each person to understand what they’re doing well and where there’s room for improvement.

Focus on Continued Improvement

No matter how fantastic your team is, there’s always room to learn and grow. As the boss, it’s your job to inspire employees to constantly challenge themselves. There’s many different ways to go about this, including recognizing their efforts and rewarding them. You can also set KPIs — key performance indicators — to track their progress and help them get inspired by seeing how far they’ve come.

Build a Top-Performing Manufacturing Team

Need help filling manufacturing positions? PrideStaff Las Vegas is here to guide your search.

7 Questions to Ask a Recruiter

Whether a recruiter finds you via a job site or other source or you reach out to them, use your conversation to provide critical details about whether or not an open position is right for you. Some of the most telling information can come from asking these seven questions:

In addition to the job description, can you tell me more about the position?

Even in fairly standard roles, there are always unique nuances and details – and the more you know, the better. This question is also a good way to get the conversation rolling with your recruiter. As you engage, you can dive into salary expectations and other need-to-know information.

Why is the job open?

The answer to this question can provide helpful insight into the organization itself, as well as what you would be walking into. If it’s a newly-created role, you can learn why the company developed the position and what expectations are associated with it.

What are the most important skills needed to succeed in this role?

While job skill requirements are a fundamental part of a job description, this question lets you dig deeper. It will help you determine how qualified you are for the position and whether it’s something you want to pursue further. Even if you lack some necessary skills, you can use this information to be strategic with your resume and interview preparation.

What are common career track options for individuals in this job?

Speaking of skills, you can use this question to learn which ones you would develop in this role and how you would fit into the company’s bigger, long-term picture. It may also unveil whether the company likes to promote from within or if they treat this position as more transitory.

How would you describe the company culture?

Company culture can make or break your job success. The wrong environment or work styles will make you feel miserable every day unless it’s a good match. For instance, find out what a normal day on the job looks like. This is also a good time to ask about remote or hybrid work options, if that’s a priority for you.

Can you tell me a little more about the interview process?

Especially if you’re considering opportunities at multiple companies, you need to know how to plan your interview strategy. How long will it take; in other words, what is the urgency level involved? You can also ask about acceptable dress code and other details that help paint the picture.

What is the hiring manager like?

Not the recruiter – you’re talking to them – but the person overseeing the hiring process. Try and glean insight on what to expect and how to make the best possible first impression.

At PrideStaff Modesto, our best-in-class approach to recruitment has helped thousands of people land in the jobs best suited to them and their career needs. Contact us today so we can help you find and prepare for the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

Avoid Hiring Mistakes! Partner With a Staffing Agency in Tempe

The summer season is nearly here and whether you’re gearing up for your busy time, or you’re simply trying to maximize productivity, the people you hire will play a major role in business success. Unfortunately, some candidates look great on paper and even pull off the job interview, only to be a big mistake once you hire them. This is costly, time-consuming, and a bust for morale, productivity, and your business’s bottom line.

The good news? There is one vital step to take to help you avoid a scary new hire and get a talented, hard-working professional instead. By partnering with a staffing agency in Tempe, AZ, you can work with expert recruiters who will invest the time and energy combined with their deep expertise to find the most qualified candidates for your job openings.

Since most bad hires are the result of a fast hiring decision, a staffing agency can help you avoid this altogether. While you focus on other business priorities, your recruiters can focus on hiring while also providing you with the following:

Access to Passive and Active Candidates

The recruiters at a staffing agency are constantly networking and building relationships with candidates, both active and passive. For you, this means you’ll have access to their robust candidate network, which leads to more efficient hiring and better quality candidates.

A Meticulous Screening and Vetting Process

Staffing agencies follow a thorough sourcing, screening, and vetting process, including adhering to industry best practices and rigorous interviewing methods. They can also perform background checks and skills testing, depending on your hiring needs. As a result, you can be confident that the candidates they present will not only have the right technical skills, but also the personality and soft skills that will be an asset to your business.

Strategic Hiring Help

Beyond hiring for specific positions, a staffing agency can work with you to develop a strategic staffing plan. This ensures you don’t hire under pressure and have a plan in place for future hiring needs. In addition, the staffing agency can also give you insight into competitive salaries for positions, hiring trends, and the perks that top talent wants.

Faster, Better Hires – Minus the Mistakes

At the end of the day, it’s about making great hiring decisions that have a positive impact on your company. A staffing agency can help you do that faster and more effectively. You can significantly reduce the chance of a hiring mistake. Instead, rest assured you’re getting access to the best available candidates. On top of that, you can rely on your agency to handle all the logistics, from reaching out to candidates and scheduling interviews to skills testing and more.

Interested in Learning More?

Turn to the expert staffing agency proudly serving the Tempe, AZ, area: PrideStaff. We are the trusted source for many local businesses, large and small, who need help with tough staffing challenges. Contact us today to find out how we can help you to find and hire the people you need.

Navigating Tough Talks: Strategies for Effective Employee Conversations

Constructively handling difficult conversations with employees is a critical skill for managers in blue-collar industries, especially in Akron, OH. Misunderstandings about performance expectations, inadequate feedback, or interpersonal conflict can cause major roadblocks to productivity, morale, and safety.

Here Are Strategies for Effective Employee Conversations:

Set Aside Time

Challenging or delicate topics should never be communicated in an impromptu manner. Not only is it unfair for the employee who could feel caught off-guard by a serious conversation delivered on the fly, but it also leaves you less likely to clearly convey your main feedback. Set aside time specifically to have a discussion and let your employee know ahead of time.

Prepare Your Points

The last outcome you want when having a tough talk is to come across as harsher than intended or leave your employees not understanding where they stand or what they need to do differently going forward. Prepare your points ahead of time so you feel confident you are communicating the right message to your employee – you may even want to rehearse a bit ahead of time so your delivery is intentional and clear.

Remain Objective

As you are gathering your thoughts and compiling your overall discussion topics, it is essential to take steps to avoid opportunities for misinterpretation and/or an emotional response from your employee. Remain objective and ensure all points are based on specific examples, facts, and outcomes. Feedback that is subjective or generic is frustrating for the employee and is unproductive in the conversation if they disagree or don’t understand.

Consider Their Perspective

As tough as certain topics can be for you to deliver as a manager, they are more difficult for your employee to be on the receiving end. Consider their perspective as you navigate the framework of your conversation and be open-minded to hearing their input – the ideal outcome is mutual understanding of expectations so you both move forward rather than talking at them as a form of reprimanding.

Problem-Solve Collaboratively

Your employee will be more engaged and less upset by a difficult conversation if they feel like a respected and active participant. Problem-solve collaboratively and brainstorm together to determine the right plan to improve, such as asking for their ideas on contributing factors and potential solutions.

Reach Out Regularly

Once the initial conversation is over, it is critical for accountability and success that you make it a priority to touch base consistently as your employee implements your feedback. Reach out regularly for updates to see how things are going and if they are experiencing challenges with which you could help. If they are not on the right track to making necessary improvements, timely follow-up can reiterate your expectations, let them know if they are not meeting them, and communicate consequences that may occur as a result.

Attract Top Talent to Your Akron Team

Find employees to join your Akron team by working with experienced staffing firm PrideStaff Akron. Our mission is to work closely with you to understand your hiring needs and match you with the candidates who are the best fit. Contact us to learn more about our staffing services.

Unveiling the Hidden Benefits of Administrative Work

Administrative work refers to all the support tasks that keep an Akron-based business running, from answering emails to scheduling meetings, ordering supplies, and more. Just because administrative roles are practical doesn’t also mean they are not interesting or rewarding.

Learn More About The Hidden Benefits of Administrative Work:

Varied Workday

If you are the type of worker who gets bored if you perform the same tasks day in and day out, a major advantage of administrative jobs is the varied workday. Each day, and even each hour, will generally have different projects and tasks to handle. You may find the constantly changing workload challenging at times but also fulfilling since it’s not monotonous and can make the workdays fly by.

Job Stability

Administrative tasks are required to maintain business operations throughout Akron and tend to be one of the most commonly outsourced types of work, even for smaller businesses because they are time-consuming and critically important. This means that pursuing a professional path in administrative work will generally have a positive outlook with job stability. It can give you the freedom to get into different industries, business types, locations, or working environments.

Versatile Skills

Even if you are not sure you want to stick with administrative work for the long term, it can be highly beneficial to your career and boost your resume. You will learn highly versatile skills in an administrative position that are transferable to just about any opportunities you may pursue as you develop your career path. These skills include communication, computer skills, multitasking, organization, time management, and attention to detail. No matter what your long-term career plans may be, administrative jobs will give you relevant, valuable experience.

Growth Opportunities

Administrative work in Akron may generally be entry-level or intermediate-level, but it is certainly not a dead-end field. If you get your foot in the door as an administrative professional, there are numerous growth opportunities. The most directly related step up is to office manager, which comes with more authority and pay, but administrative work can also lead to lateral moves within the organization you work for, such as coordinator or specialist roles.

Begin Your Administrative Career in Akron Today!

Land the right administrative job by teaming up with your Akron local staffing agency, PrideStaff Akron, to explore the possibilities. We work with employers in the Akron area for their hiring needs and can match you with the best opportunities. Search our database of currently available jobs.