Managing Your Job Search: Tips for Staying Organized and Motivated

It can be tough to stay motivated when you’re job hunting, especially if you’ve been at it for a while. And the holiday season doesn’t help. You may also be feeling a bit overwhelmed as you try to keep track of all your applications, follow-up work, contacts and connections, and deadlines.

As the year winds down, what better time to refresh and reenergize? Use these tips to spark your motivation and be ready to move forward:

Follow your role models.

Look for inspirational leaders and subject matter experts, and subscribe to watch or listen to their content. This may spark new ideas going forward. Once you’ve found these role models, set up alerts so you’ll be automatically notified of their new material.

Use your support network.

Surround yourself with people who lift you up and bring out the best in you. The positive energy of a strong support network will encourage you to push on and find the right role. It helps to call a friend or colleague, share your goals, get their input, or simply use them as a sounding board. You can also turn to online communities or alumni networks.

Make a social impact.

A great way to feel valued is to give back to others. This also helps you make new contacts, learn new skills or sharpen existing ones, and fill resume gaps.

Be your own biggest fan.

Be kind to yourself, even when things don’t go as planned. Learn from setbacks, brush yourself off, get back up, and you’ll emerge stronger than ever. Encourage yourself the same way you would someone else in your situation. Give yourself breaks to relax and have some fun, but then get right back on schedule.

Reflect on – and possibly tweak- your goals.

Do this as needed until you find the right job. Assess exactly what you’re looking for and what your short and long-term objectives are for that position. This will help you successfully narrow down your search, rather than waste time and energy pursuing the wrong positions.

Make a list of desirable employers.

Knowing what companies interest you will help you complete your goals assessments. Make a list of all of them. This doesn’t necessarily mean you should limit yourself only to the options on your list, but it will be a great benchmark from which to start.

• This list is the foundation of a comprehensive spreadsheet where you can record all your progress in detail, including names and contact information, dates and deadlines, and necessary follow-up steps.

Find a coach.

The right job is closer than you think. PrideStaff Modesto places talented professionals like yourself in a variety of fields including accounting and finance, administration, customer service, healthcare, IT, insurance, manufacturing, and sales and marketing. We have deep roots in the community, as well as an extensive network of employers – providing access to opportunities you may not find on your own. Contact us today for additional job search advice and to connect with one of our experienced recruiters.

Workplace Trends Sharing Las Vegas: What To Expect in 2024

You’re hoping to get a new job in Las Vegas next year. Therefore, you’re probably figuring out exactly what you want to do and the type of company you’d like to end up at.

Being informed about workplace trends you can expect to see in 2024 is a great way to get started. Here’s a look at four movements that will be popular with local companies next year.

More Employees Will Return to the Office

As you’re aware, the COVID-19 pandemic caused many companies to shift to remote work. The pandemic officially ended in 2023, resulting in an increasing number of employers requiring workers to at least come into the office a few times per week. This trend will continue next year — and possibly even pick up steam — as businesses place a renewed emphasis on face-to-face interaction and in-person collaboration.

Greater Emphasis on Diversity and Inclusion

Employees want to be part of a diverse workforce. Management has finally started acknowledging this, and really taking action. They’ll continue to do so in a variety of ways, including changing hiring procedures to promote diversity, providing diversity and inclusion training for all employees, and auditing existing policies to make much-needed changes that promote diversity.

Companies Will Invest More in Employees

Keeping up in today’s tech-savvy world isn’t easy. Companies recognize this and will focus on helping employees improve their existing skills and learn necessary new abilities. This is essential to remain competitive, while also attracting and retaining top talent.

The best and brightest workers won’t stay at a company that doesn’t offer training opportunities. Employers are aware of this and want to do everything in their power to keep these workers on board.

Purpose-Driven Work Will Increase

In the past, people simply worked to earn a paycheck, but things have changed. People now seek out purpose-driven companies with values that align with their own. More than just a sense of job satisfaction, this allows them to truly feel like they’re making a difference. Expect to see more companies define a solid purpose and associate with social causes, to attract and retain employees who want to give back.

Achieve Your Career Goals in 2024

Want to start the new year off with a new job? PrideStaff Las Vegas is here to help you find your perfect fit. Contact PrideStaff Las Vegas today to learn more!

7 Secrets to Improving Your Resume

Your resume is a big part of your job search. If you want to create a polished, persuasive document, then you need to stand apart from other job candidates. You only have a few seconds to make a strong impression with a hiring manager.

To do that, follow these tips.

Secret #1: Follow the right format.

Always use the reverse chronological resume format. Avoid a functional resume or a different format to hide resume gaps. Hiring managers will take note and likely won’t call you for an interview. Instead, with a tried-and-tested reverse chronological resume format, hiring managers can quickly scan your resume and find out if you’re a fit for the job.

Secret #2: Don’t use color or fancy graphics.

Unless you’re applying to a job for a creative position, avoid script fonts, colors, or graphics. Instead, use a traditional font, like Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman. Keep margins to one inch and font size between 10 and 12 points, so that your resume is clear and easy to read for a hiring manager.

Secret #3: Keep the ATS in mind.

The Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is the software many companies use to screen resumes before a hiring manager sees them. To make sure yours gets through this filter, include keywords from the job posting. Also, avoid images and script-type fonts, which are hard for ATS programs to read.

Secret #4: Proof and proof again.

Before you submit your resume, proofread it multiple times. Ask a friend or family member to proofread it for you as well to ensure it makes sense. This way, you can rest assured that you’re sending an error-free resume to the hiring manager.

Secret #5: Customize your resume.

Customize your resume for each position you’re applying to. This means editing it so it’s as relevant as possible. To do this, give examples of your background and skill set that best align with the role. This will make you a more memorable candidate and help you stand out.

Secret #6: Skip unnecessary information.

Unless an interest or a hobby relates directly to the position, skip it. Don’t include a headshot or a “references available upon request” statement either. This simply takes up valuable space on your resume. Focus instead on providing details that persuade the hiring manager that you are the right fit for the role.

Secret #7: Get help from a recruitment firm.

If you’re struggling with your job search and need help from a professional, turn to PrideStaff. As a leading recruitment firm serving Phoenix and Tempe, we know what local employers want in potential new hires. We can help you position yourself in the best light and land your next role. Let’s get started!

National-Level Resources, Hometown Heart: PrideStaff Akron’s Winning Combo

PrideStaff Akron is an employment and staffing agency that is dedicated to serving employers in the Akron, Ohio area. We strive for excellence in our recruitment for top talent for temporary employment and direct hire searches. What sets us apart from other staffing agencies is our unique combination of national-level resources and hometown heart. Check out the advantages of working with PrideStaff Akron for your staffing needs:

Benefits of the Larger PrideStaff Brand

PrideStaff is a national staffing firm with more than 85 locations across the country. Being a part of the PrideStaff brand allows the PrideStaff Akron location the opportunity to have the backing of a larger company and utilize their resources. This includes a vast network of talent, technology solutions, and national brand recognition and trust among job seekers.

Local Akron Presence and Knowledge

Although we are affiliated with the larger brand, PrideStaff Akron also brings a localized approach that is geared specifically toward the Akron area. We have a deep understanding of the distinctive issues and traits of the city, along with a thoughtfully cultivated and maintained network of local connections.

PrideStaff Akron Owner/Strategic Partner Kevin Pratt was born and raised in Akron, and his knowledge of the area’s business community is an integral part of his ability to provide the most valuable recruitment services to clients. Additionally, with Akron being his hometown, Kevin is vested in the success of its business owners and job seekers – in fact, he left the city to earn master’s degrees in human resources and business and chose to return and focus on helping employers and candidates prosper and achieve their goals.

Industry Expertise

The team at PrideStaff Akron are known for their excellent customer satisfaction because they are highly experienced in not just talent acquisition, but also human resources and business. Their industry expertise coupled with their understanding of the Akron job and labor market conditions ensures they have the skills to fulfill and exceed the expectations and needs of the area employers who turn to PrideStaff for staffing services. Additionally, PrideStaff Akron’s strategic partnership approach is based on clear communication and collaboration so that clients feel confident their goals will be understood, respected, and achieved.

Partner with PrideStaff Akron for Successful Recruitment!

Find top talent 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 candidates in the area. Contact us for more information.

Recruitment Tactics for Overcoming the Sansdemic

Companies in a wide array of industries are battling against labor shortages, making it harder for them to secure the high-quality talent they need to thrive. Fortunately, using the right recruitment strategies can make a difference. If your organization needs access to top-tier candidates, here are some recruitment tactics for overcoming the sansdemic that can help.

Shorten Your Time to Hire

While lengthy hiring timelines can seem like an intelligent move, as it creates more time to thoroughly vet applicants, an extended time-to-hire comes with consequences. Highly desirable job seekers don’t remain available for long. If you wait to make a hiring decision, there’s a good chance that the best and brightest will secure another opportunity before you’ve had a chance to extend a job offer.

As a means of overcoming the sansdemic, shorten your company’s hiring timeline. Review applications as they’re received, reach out to qualified candidates immediately and keep the number of interview rounds to a minimum. Also, handle various screening processes – like reference checks, skills assessments, and background checks – as close to simultaneously as possible, allowing you to avoid situational delays.

Keep Pay Rates Competitive

When talent is in short supply, candidates have more options when it comes to job opportunities. If the pay rates you’re offering don’t align with industry norms in your area, your chances of securing top talent diminish significantly.

Spend time researching typical salaries in your region for the roles you’re filling. If what your offering falls short – especially if it’s not offset by desirable benefits – increase pay rates to bring them in line. That ensures your openings are at least as appealing as those listed for competing companies.

Offer Desirable Benefits

Having the right benefits package is essential if you want to hire efficiently during a sansdemic. Ensure that all of the basics are well covered, particularly health-related benefits like medical coverage, retirement plans, and paid time off. If possible, include additional perks that aren’t widely available but provide employees with significant value. Those can serve as differentiators, making it easier to stand apart from other employers in your area.

Partner with a Staffing Firm Like PrideStaff Bend

One surefire way to increase your access to qualified candidates during a sansdemic is partnering with a recruitment agency. By doing so, you’ll get support from experienced recruiters who understand the nuances of the local labor market. Plus, they’ll be able to provide guidance about industry norms in your region, making it easier to ensure your opportunities come with the salaries and benefits candidates expect.

By partnering with a staffing firm, you can also streamline your hiring process. Plus, since the recruiters prioritize the candidate experience, it’ll help boost your employer brand, which further increases your access to talent.

Finally, it’ll give you access to an array of flexible hiring solutions. Along with support in finding full-time employees, you can leverage temporary workers to handle seasonal demand fluctuations or use temp-to-hire programs to conduct working interviews before extending full-time job offers.

If you’re ready to see the difference working with a recruitment agency makes, PrideStaff Bend wants to hear from you. Contact us to learn more about our services today.

How Might You Streamline Your Hiring Process in 2024

It’s hard to believe it, but 2024 is upon us. Right now, you’re reflecting on this past year and planning for new one ahead. One of your main focuses is streamlining your hiring process.

Maybe you feel like it’s taking too long to fill open positions or perhaps too many bad hires have been made this year. No matter what your motivation, you’re ready to make some changes. Here’s four ideas to get you started.

Determine What Isn’t Working

Before you can make meaningful changes, you need to highlight the kinks in your current hiring process. Collect feedback from your hiring managers — and maybe even new employees you’ve hired this year — to find out what hiring issues they’ve dealt with most. This will give you a good starting point, as you’ll know what to focus on first.

Create a Better Pre-Screening Process

If you’re not currently pre-screening candidates — or barely doing so — this is a problem. Activities like phone interviews and sending candidates online questionnaires to complete can help you learn more about them.

You’ll gain information that will either reinforce your desire to invite the person for an interview or allow you to realize they’re not right for the job. Narrowing down candidates in advance means you can spend less time interviewing, without sacrificing the quality of your new hires.

Standardize Your Interviews

For interviews to be truly fair, they need to be the same across the board. This means everyone interviewing for the same job must be asked the same questions, following the same processes.

Of course, this doesn’t mean follow-up questions shouldn’t be asked if a candidate gives a vague or confusing answer, because they should. Digging deeper will — hopefully — allow you to get enough information to make an informed decision.

Get Management on the Same Page

As you know, the importance of hiring candidates who are a fit for your company culture cannot be emphasized enough. Make sure all of your hiring managers are on the same page with the qualities you’re looking for in new employees. This will reduce the number of bad hires made, because there will be no confusion about the type of candidate your company needs.

Streamline Your Hiring Process

Ready to launch a new and improved hiring process in 2024? PrideStaff Las Vegas wants to help. Contact us today to discuss a partnership!

Is ‘Quiet Quitting’ a Problem at Your Company?

Beyond the “Great Resignation,” there’s another employment trend gaining ground at companies of all sizes. It’s called “quiet quitting” and basically happens when workers stay on the job but mentally check out. They do enough to get by but are no longer engaged or interested in their work.

Since the pandemic, stress has become the norm for many people due to the current recession, layoffs, bad worldwide news, and high gas and food prices. This can impact not only the personal lives of your employees but their attitude at work as well if they don’t feel supported.

So, how do you prevent this trend from gaining ground at your company?

Here are some tips to help you keep your people engaged:

Talk to your team.

Conduct “stay interviews.” These will give you a chance to talk one-on-one with each team member and find out more about the challenges they are facing, the resources they need, and how you can help them do their best work. You can even make it more informal by taking them for coffee or lunch. This will help you find out how to get or keep employees engaged and enthusiastic about their jobs.

Take action.

Once you’ve talked to all the members of your team, you might be noticing some patterns about work-life balance, resources or training needed, and challenges they are facing. Don’t sit on this information; create an action plan instead. Explain to your employees what you plan to do moving forward to help and support them.

Connect with a staffing agency.

Another way to avoid quiet quitting is to work with a staffing agency. If your current staff is stretched thin and overworked, a staffing agency can give you access to the people you need, whether on a temporary basis or for full-time roles. Recruiters at a staffing agency can also help with onboarding and training, so your new hires hit the ground running.

Ready for help building a more engaged team?

Turn to the recruiters at PrideStaff. As a leading staffing agency serving companies in Phoenix and Tempe, we can connect you with talented, hard-working professionals for a wide range of roles, whether on a full-time, part-time, contract, or temporary basis. In the process, your company will enhance engagement, reduce turnover, and build a stronger team. Contact us today to get started.

From Job Search to Employment: What to Expect When Working with Our Akron Staffing Agency

Looking for a job can be challenging, but fortunately, you can get support by utilizing a staffing agency as a helpful resource to find employment. At PrideStaff Akron, we work with job seekers to ensure a successful journey from job seeker to employed professional. Learn more about what to expect when working with our Akron staffing agency:

Initial Outreach

There are a few different options for getting started with pursuing jobs with PrideStaff Akron. You can search the current available jobs listed on our site to see what we have to offer and apply directly from there. You also have the option to join our Talent Network and upload your resume so we can contact you for opportunities that seem like a good fit. If you’d like to ask a question or otherwise initiate a conversation, you can fill out our contact form and we will be in touch. 

Sharing Qualifications and Objectives

After you apply for employment with our Akron staffing agency, a PrideStaff recruiter will reach out to you to set up a time to meet with you. This interview process is a way to learn more about you in order to ensure we understand your experience and goals for your job search, and best match you with the right job opportunities. To make the most out of working with us, ensure you take the time to reflect on what exactly you are looking for, such as employment type (temporary, temp-to-hire, or direct hire), responsibility, schedule, industry, position title, professional objectives, etc. and be upfront with us so we can most effectively make recommendations. 

Receiving Constructive Feedback 

Since our recruiters work for our clients to find them candidates for their open jobs, we have the insight to know exactly what they are looking for in potential employees. We are here to provide feedback and recommendations on how to best present yourself, whether that’s improvements for your resume, interview skills, or any other relevant constructive coaching, so you can leave a positive impression on hiring managers. 

Getting Hired and Starting Work

There are a variety of types of employment opportunities when you work with PrideStaff Akron, and the specifics of the hiring and onboarding process will depend on the assignment. Once you have been hired for an assignment, we will communicate with you the specifics of your schedule, pay details, benefits, and anything else you need to get started working. 

Communication and Follow-Up

Communication is a crucial part of working with our Akron staffing agency, especially if you would like to continue maintaining a longer term professional relationship. We recommend scheduling regular time to reach out to our recruiters to let them know of your job search needs, such as if you would like to continue finding additional temporary assignments or if your overall employment situation as changed, so we can continue serving your job search needs in the best manner possible. 

Explore New Opportunities with Great Companies in Akron, OH

Get help with your job search by teaming up with PrideStaff Akron. Our team of recruiting experts can help you find new opportunities in the Akron area that are the right fit for your qualifications and professional goals. Search our available jobs to learn more.  

Investing in Local Talent: Building a Sustainable Workforce for Bend’s Future

For most companies, cultivating a capable, reliable, and, ultimately, sustainable workforce is a top priority. When handled correctly, the right strategies can alleviate a significant number of recruitment-related challenges. Plus, it can create opportunities to design a workforce that meets the organization’s unique needs, building a pipeline that can serve them well for years to come.

One of the key steps employers need to take to create a sustainable workforce in Bend, OR, is to invest in local talent. If you’re wondering why focusing on local candidates is wise and what you can do to cultivate a capable workforce, here’s what you need to know.

The Challenges of Recruiting Outside of Your Area

When companies need to fill vacancies, many assume that casting a wide net – from a location perspective – isn’t a horrible idea. After all, there may be qualified candidates in other parts of the state or country that could prove to be valuable assets.

However, for Bend, OR, companies, hiring that broadly comes with challenges. Many candidates aren’t able to move without relocation benefits, such as assistance with moving expenses. Generally, that’s because establishing a household in a new city is surprisingly expensive. If your company isn’t willing to assist with relocation costs, then much of the talent you find may not be as viable as it seemed.

Additionally, the current housing market in Bend, OR, creates its own unique challenges. Home prices are high, particularly when compared to the national average. Similarly, the price of rentals outpaces many other cities in the country. In turn, some potential candidates may find the idea of moving to the area from a lower-cost region far less appealing once they understand the cost of living.

How to Build a Sustainable Workforce in Bend, OR

Building a sustainable workforce requires strategy, but it’s not as challenging as it seems. First, it’s critical to support the growth of your existing employees. Consider how each worker on your team could harness their experience in higher-level positions. Then, create professional development opportunities that prepare them for the next role up the ladder. By doing so, you ultimately have a form of a succession plan, which makes handling long-term needs easier. Plus, this approach boosts loyalty and engagement, which leads to higher retention and an enhanced employer brand.

Second, focus recruitment efforts on local candidates in Bend, OR. By doing so, you can speak to their unique needs, making your opportunities more compelling than if you aimed for a broader target. Also, showcase your efforts to support your workforce’s growth and advancement, as that aspect of your culture can serve as a differentiator.

Finally, partner with a local staffing firm to access more talent. Along with tapping into an established candidate pool brimming with vetted candidates, you’ll get support from recruiters who genuinely understand the local market. In the end, those insights are exceptionally valuable, as they can help you position your company as an employer of choice in Bend, OR.

Contact Our Experts for PrideStaff Bend Today

If you need local candidates to fill your vacant positions in Bend, OR, PrideStaff Bend wants to hear from you. Contact us to learn more about our services today.

How Employers Can Bridge the Skills Divide and Find the Right Talent

With new trends and technology comes the need for updated skillsets among workers at all levels of business. It’s an ongoing evolution – and it’s critical to keep up with it as you hire and develop your team.

Skills gaps can be signaled by drops in productivity or morale and higher turnover rates, all which of course, can be very costly to your company.

Here are some suggestions for bridging the skills divide while keeping your brand attractive to both current and prospective talent:

A More Diversified Talent Pool

Tap into a more diverse talent pool that will ultimately prove more valuable to your business. In addition to gender, race and ethnic diversity, also look to employ older adults, who often offer a rich blend of acquired skills and experience. This also helps craft a more fair hiring process.

• Go global. Source individuals who would be happy for an opportunity to work in your market. This may provide your company a unique competitive advantage.

A Revised Recruitment and Hiring Process

When recruiting, balance your focus between the skills and education required for a role and the soft skills that would constitute an ideal candidate. Look for growth potential and willingness to learn and adapt.

• Think about how you review resumes and post job advertisements. Are you going through applications carefully enough so you don’t miss any key details?
• Does your onboarding process work effectively? This is critical, not only to ensure new hires get off to a strong start, but also to make them feel supported from Day One. Build their comfort and confidence levels so they’re poised for long-term success at your organization.

Apprenticeships

No longer associated only with blue-collar roles, apprenticeships are among the earliest – and most effective – forms of workplace learning. As reported by the U.S. Department of Labor, there are more than 580,000 active apprenticeships in the United States, up 103 percent in the past decade. What better way to learn a new skill or update an existing one than by working hands on, side by side with a subject matter expert?

Coaching

Coaching is another great way to boost employees’ learning, confidence, effectiveness and productivity. According to the International Coaching Federation, the number of practicing coaches exceeds 71,000, an increase of 33 percent between 2016 and 2020.

Tuition Assistance

Many people will choose to work – or continue working – for a company over its competitors if tuition reimbursement or assistance is one of the perks. It can make employees more qualified to promotions and enable them to teach others as well. As an added benefit, both you and your employees may be eligible for related tax breaks.

Let the staffing and talent management experts at PrideStaff Modesto help you as you continually improve your recruiting and employee development strategies. Reach out to us today to learn more.