How a Staffing Agency Can Help You Find Your Next Opportunity

Staffing agencies have become increasingly central to the economy. With the gig-ification of all parts of the workforce and an increased willingness of workers to seek out the best possible situations, both companies and candidates have turned to recruiters to streamline the process.

Given these trends, you can boost your career by turning to a staffing firm. After all, these agencies find placements for 16 million workers each year. This includes jobs at some of the world’s premiere companies — one estimate found that 90% of the Fortune 500 use temporary or contract staffing services.

Are you ready to jumpstart your career? Here’s how a staffing agency can help you find your next opportunity:

Find Your Next Opportunity Quickly

Unemployment stinks. Without a regular paycheck, the financial pain becomes steadily more acute, even as your anxiety mounts. A recruiter can end this difficult period more quickly than you can on your own, getting your career back on track.

Even if you have a job now, a staffing agency can lead you to a better fit. If you’ve become frustrated in your current position or just want to know your options, you can lean on expert guidance to put you in the ideal role in a very short period of time.

Connect with Top Companies

Networking represents a critical factor in any job search. Partnering with a recruiter plays into this process. Working with a staffing agency is like plugging into a massive network, giving you access to some of the best employers in your field.

A recruiter builds relationships with top employers. As such, you’ll get an “in” at some of the best opportunities available. This includes unpublished job openings and first dibs at positions that have only recently become vacant.

Improve Your Job-Search Skills

A staffing agency doesn’t just help your immediate job search. You’ll also get tools you can use over the long haul. Meeting with a recruiter provides insights you can apply throughout your career, making you a better candidate in general.

After all, recruiters know what employers want. They can help you shape your resume and upgrade your ability to communicate your value. You’ll develop skills that will give you a long-term edge over the competition.

Free Up Your Time

Job searches involve a significant investment of time and energy. Finding opportunities and filling out applications becomes a full-time job in its own right. Meanwhile, many of these tasks are frustrating and repetitive.

A recruiter can reduce this burden. Connecting with a staffing agency is like filling out dozens of applications at once. By making one contact, you reach out to multiple employers simultaneously.

This gives you more time to focus on other opportunities. You can broaden your search to places you wouldn’t otherwise have the bandwidth to explore. Or you can take the added effort and use it to drill down on potential jobs you find most intriguing.

Get a Better Position With PrideStaff

It’s not just about finding an opportunity. Rather, the job-search process is about finding the right opportunity. You want a position that will open up your career horizons.

With an extensive list of potential employers, a staffing agency can accelerate your professional development. You won’t just streamline your search. In the end, you’ll get a better result as well.

Looking to improve your job search? A top recruiter, like PrideStaff, can guide you to the best situation for your skills and background.

Contact PrideStaff today to discover the best opportunities for you.

How to Build Positive Company Culture

You know a strong company culture is crucial to success, and right now yours isn’t the best. Maybe your turnover rates are high, customer satisfaction levels are low or innovation is basically non-existent — or all of the above.

No matter what’s going on, it isn’t good, and you want to change it. However, you’re not sure what steps to take to get back on the right track. Here’s some advice to help turn things around.

Four Tips to Build a Positive Company Culture

Figure Out What’s Wrong

As noted above, many different issues can cause a poor company culture. Therefore, it’s important to dig deep and find the root cause of the chaos at your organization. This might involve sending an anonymous employee survey, listening closely to office gossip or spending more time with your team to identify common issues. When you’re able to pinpoint exactly what’s going on, you’ll be able to dive in and start fixing it.

Build Trust

If your employees don’t trust management — or each other — this is a big problem. Improve your culture by always being honest with your team — even when it isn’t easy — requesting feedback on a regular basis and acknowledging their accomplishments. Help them learn to trust one another by encouraging open communication, clearly defining roles and responsibilities and planning regular team-building activities.

Get Everyone on the Same Page

A company without clear values essentially stands for nothing. Having a solid vision and defined principles will unite your team, so get to work identifying your organizational values. Accomplish this by determining what you want your business to be and figuring out the type of culture needed to get there. Dig deep to really determine the specific behaviors you want employees to abide by, so you can integrate them into your company processes.

Make Employees Feel Valued

A good culture is a place where employees work hard and feel like their efforts are truly appreciated. Achieve this by making a point to recognize outstanding work in a manner that employees want. For some people, this might mean praise in a staff meeting, while others will prefer to be thanked via email or in a one-on-one conversation. Get to know your employees enough to learn how they prefer praise to be delivered, then give them plenty of it.

Hire People Who Truly Fit Your Company Culture

If you need help finding employees who are truly the best fit for your team, PrideStaff Las Vegas is here to assist. Contact us today to find out what we can do for you!

What Can You Do to Grow Your Network?

Not everyone is a natural networker. For some, it can be downright intimidating to put themselves out there when they’re comfortable working independently. But, remember that a strong professional network helps you in multiple ways. It enables you to stay on top of industry trends and relevant business developments, meet new contacts, and gain access to new opportunities. Even if you’re perfectly content right where you are, who knows when things may change? That’s when the network you keep cultivating will prove its real worth.

Start with your existing connections.

These could be peers who work in different areas of your company, or people you know from college, your neighborhood or church, or other areas of life. They give you a wider view – of your organization, your industry, or completely new options and possible opportunities that interest you.

Reach out to them. Set up coffee, lunch or a drink. As you get to know them better, you can help or motivate each other, share ideas and/or contacts, or perhaps help each other to solve a problem, address an issue, or gain new perspective or insight.
To be solid, a relationship must be two-sided. Provide reciprocity. Listen actively and show an interest in them and their work. This is what turns connections into relationships.

Seek out people you can learn from.

Learning should be a lifelong experience. If you think you “know it all,” you’re headed down the wrong path: it leads to a dead end where innovation and discovery go to die. Strive to make every networking experience a lesson, even if you’re meeting with someone newer to your field or the workforce than you are. They may be a font of fresh ideas.

Be open-minded. And just say yes.

You may feel like your plate is already too full and your life too busy to take on anything new. But that also means you’re closing a door to potential growth. Instead, embrace a voluntary assignment if it will expose you to new people and involve team collaboration. Or, join a committee or task force where you can get to know people you wouldn’t otherwise work with.

Don’t forget professional associations. Join – and be active, just as you should on LinkedIn and other social channels. Contribute to conversations and discussions, on and offline, and sign up for projects, events and committees. People will come to think of you as their “go to” person for your own unique contributions.

For more tips on building your connections and your career, add PrideStaff Modesto to your professional network. Think of us as an experienced resource, connected networker and coach, all rolled into one. Reach out to us today to learn more.

Ready to Attract Better Candidates? Here’s How with Your Job Posting

When you need to hire, you want people who have strong technical skills and the right temperament for the job. However, finding them during a worker shortage is especially challenging. If you’ve been frustrated with the process, take a look at your job posting to ensure it’s actually appealing to top candidates.

If, on the other hand, it’s simply a laundry list of your company requirements, your posting won’t stand out. In fact, since it’s a candidate’s market, the best people will look instead to other employers who better appeal to them.

So how can you create job postings that work harder for you? Follow these tips:

Optimize your job posting.

With smartphones and tablets, your job posting needs to be optimized for the web and mobile devices. If it doesn’t contain keywords and it’s not mobile-friendly, then you’ll lose out on the best applicants.

Another step for optimizing your job posting is to include keywords and phrases. Avoid catchphrases or hyperbole like “looking for our next sales star” and instead stick with clear facts and information.

Make duties clear.

If potential candidates read your job posting and aren’t quite sure what the role entails, it’s a problem. Instead, pick 4-6 tasks or requirements and list them out. A posting doesn’t need to cover every job duty the person will be responsible for. It should simply paint a high-level picture of what daily life will be like on the job.

Use project examples.

Another way to discuss the position and the responsibilities is to talk about past projects, or future ones that the person hired will be working on. This will give candidates a strong sense of what the job entails – and whether it’s a fit for them. You’ll attract more qualified people, as a result.

Skip the obvious.

Including statements like “must be able to meet deadlines” wastes space. Most jobs require this, so you don’t need to state it. Instead, focus on the tasks and duties that are a primary and essential part of the role. Only list must-have skills that you need, not those that would simply be nice to have.

Focus on the candidate.

Beyond discussing what you’re looking for, explain why a candidate should want to work for your company. Are you an industry leader, do you provide better benefits than competitors, and are you known for your flexible scheduling and excellent work-life balance? Whatever the case, make sure you’re promoting what sets your company apart, so candidates are interested.

Need more help hiring for your team?

Don’t spin your wheels or hire in a hurry. Instead, turn to PrideStaff, one of Phoenix’s leading staffing agencies. We can help you find and hire talented workers, faster. Contact us today to learn more.

Seasons of Change? Why Now Might Be a Good Time to Change Jobs

Due to the current state of the labor market, many employers are competing for top talent. If you find yourself feeling unfulfilled by your current job, it is an opportune time to make a professional change. Learn more about why now might be a good time to change jobs:

Abundant Opportunities

The demand for workers is high right now, so if you start job hunting, you will have abundant opportunities to choose. You can take your time and be selective on what role, industry, and work environment you want. Plus, if you work with a staffing firm like PrideStaff, you can access even more unlisted opportunities you couldn’t otherwise find.

More Comprehensive Compensation

The shortage of talent means that employers are having to make their job offers as attractive as possible. It is a great time to look for something new if you want a raise in salary, bonuses, better health or retirement benefits, more paid time off, or other perks.

More Room for Negotiation

Another major benefit of job seekers in this hot job market is that you have more power to ask for what you want. Having more room for negotiation means you are in the position to request a higher pay rate, more vacation time, the ability to work remotely, a more flexible schedule, or whatever is most important to your job satisfaction.

Fewer Strict Qualification Requirements

If you want to transition into a different line of work, the barrier to getting your foot in the door is lower than ever. Employers understand they can’t afford to be overly picky regarding the qualifications in their job listings and are prioritizing the most important skills needed to be successful, rather than a long wish list. If you work with PrideStaff Akron for your job search, we can help you find positions that align with your transferable and soft skills. As long as you can demonstrate the ability to learn new things and be coached, employers are more likely to take a chance on your potential.

Explore Your Job Options

Are you ready to see what your professional future could hold? 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.

Interviewing Remotely for the First Time? 3 Tips to Land Your Dream Job Over Video

Job interviews are scary enough. Now, you have to worry about the form the conversation might take. Remote interviews have become extremely common. If you haven’t been in the job market in a while, you might not be used to the video format.

Not surprisingly, the use of remote job interviews skyrocketed during the pandemic. One study conducted in 2020 found that 86% of firms had turned to videoconferencing for job interviews. This share has fallen a bit since the peak of the COVID restrictions, but nearly two-thirds of HR experts (63%) continue to use this option.

Given the prevalence of this practice, you need to know how best to handle the situation. In many ways, you can transfer your general interview skills to a new medium. However, there are some specific concerns to keep in mind.

Along those lines, here are three tips to land your dream job over video:

Prepare as Much as Possible

Video interviews can feel more casual than their in-person counterparts. After all, you’re still in the comfort of your home — no commute, no nerve-racking logistics, and no intimidating conference room to stir your anxiety.

Still, don’t lose your focus. Given the popularity of remote interviews, it’s important to think of them in the same category as the in-person variety. Don’t consider traditional interviews as the “real version” and video calls as a less-intensive form. Give these conversations the same weight you would if you took a trip to the employer’s office.

As part of this, prepare as much as possible for the conversation. This involves steps like:

Researching the company
Preparing for likely interview questions
Practicing your top talking points
Writing questions you would like to ask the interviewers

Double Check Your Tech

Whatever challenges come with in-person interviews, you are saved some worries. After all, you won’t start glitching out or suffer an embarrassing internet outage. A remote conversation adds a further level of technology onto the anxieties that already exist as part of the process. As such, double check your hardware and software ahead of time to minimize the chances that something will go wrong.

Here are some steps to take heading into your interview:

Make sure you’ve downloaded and can operate the communications software the company plans to use (Zoom, Google Meet, etc.).
Practice with the software at least once. This way, you won’t run into any confusions in the moment of truth.
Connect your device/laptop to a power source or make sure it is sufficiently charged.
Ensure you have a stable internet connection.
“Arrive” at your interview early. Be ready to go 10-15 minutes ahead of time, giving you some leeway if you run into a snag.

Think About Your Presentation

Consider how interviewers will respond to you. Even though you aren’t meeting in person, you’ll still need to make a good impression. Here are a few basics to keep in mind:

Pick a Good Spot

Choose the right place for the interview. During your call, make sure you have the privacy you need to make a good impression. Find a place away from distractions like spouses, roommates, children, or pets.

Consider Your Background

An in-person interview takes place at the company offices. They set the stage. Meanwhile, a video interview grants the hiring execs access to your home. As such, be aware of what you let them see.

Consider the items that show up in the background and what it says about you. (For instance, a messy room might send a signal about your organizational skills). Either carefully stage what shows up on camera or select an appropriate digital background for the call.

Wear the Right Attire

Even though you’re speaking from your living room, don’t assume it’s a casual call. Instead, dress up for the interview. Use clues from the company to determine their preferred dress code. (Or simply ask in the lead-up to the interview.) In most cases, you’re better off overdressing than appearing too casual for the meeting.

Body Language

As the interview proceeds, think about how you present yourself. Consider your body language, both while you’re talking and while you are listening to the interviewers. Here are a few specifics to keep in mind:

Lean In: Optimize the distance between you and your device. Situate yourself to present a calm, confident persona, while still remaining engaged in the conversation.
Nod Your Head: Use active listening skills to show engagement when you’re not the one talking.
Make “Eye Contact”: You can’t look directly into the other person’s eyes, as you would in an in-person interaction. However, simulate the experience as much as possible by trying to create a face-to-face discussion.

Interviews, whether remote or in-person, get easier when you know you’re a good fit for the role. A top recruiter, like PrideStaff, can steer you towards the best opportunities for this stage of your career.

Contact PrideStaff today to learn more.

How to Make a Great First Impression

You just received a call inviting you to interview for a job you really want. This is of course beyond exciting, so you want to do everything in your power to outshine the other candidates.

While cliché, it’s very true that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Therefore, you need to work hard to make sure your first interview goes well or it will likely be your last. Use this advice to prove you’re a great fit from the start.

Five Tips to Make a Great Impression

Be on Time

Few things can ruin your chances of getting a job faster than being late to an interview. This sends the impression that you don’t respect the hiring manager’s time and aren’t really that interested in the position.

Many things can cause you to inadvertently be late for a job interview — i.e., unexpected traffic, trouble finding parking, issues finding the building — so plan ahead. Do a trial run beforehand, so you’re familiar with the area and allow plenty of extra time on the big day.

Dress to Impress

A job interview is a time when you must look your best. The general rule is to dress one step above the company’s standard dress code. For example, if the dress code is casual, you would wear a business casual outfit. Make sure your clothes fit well, are in good shape and are clean and pressed.

Treat Everyone With Kindness

You shouldn’t have to be told to be nice to everyone at the company, but in case your nerves get the better of you, let this be your reminder. From the moment you walk into the building, all eyes are on you, so be polite and respectful to every single person you come in contact with. If you’re not, word will get back to the hiring manager and you — rightfully — won’t get hired.

Prepare Responses to Common Questions

There’s no way to know exactly what you’ll be asked in your job interview, but several common questions are likely. For example, questions like “Why are you leaving your current job?” or “Tell me about your top strengths and weaknesses” are frequently asked in interviews, so be prepared to answer them. This will give you time to craft a polished response, instead of fumbling your words trying to put something together on the spot.

Ask Thought-Provoking Questions

You won’t be in the hot seat for your entire interview. At some point, you’ll be asked if you have any questions — and you better say yes. The hiring manager wants you to ask pointed questions about the job and the company — i.e., “How is success measured in this position?” or “What kind of professional development opportunities do you offer?”

Steer clear of anything related to salary and benefits, because you want to make it clear you’re interested in the job itself, not the other advantages it offers.

Stand Out From the Crowd

Ready to take the next step in your career? Pride Staff Las Vegas wants to help you find the perfect fit. Contact us today to find out what we can do for you!

The Top Employee Frustrations of 2022

Take a look at a few definitions of “frustration” – just in case you need a refresher. The Oxford Dictionary describes it as “the feeling of being upset or annoyed, especially because of an inability to change or achieve something.” And Mirriam-Webster calls it “a deep, chronic sense or state of insecurity and dissatisfaction arising from unresolved problems or unfulfilled needs.”

Neither one sounds very nice, right? And you certainly don’t want your employees experiencing any of those toxic vibes.

Have you ever wondered what the most pressing frustrations are among today’s workforce? It’s helpful to be aware of them, so you can start taking steps to eliminate any that sound all too familiar.

Leadership IQ recently surveyed 2,553 male and female employees from small to very large companies and at various organizational levels. Researchers learned not only the sources of these workers’ frustration at work but also the alarming fact that 60 percent of them were so frustrated that they were ready to look for new jobs.

Workload Issues

The leading cause of employee frustration revealed by the Leadership IQ study were issues related to their workload, including competing, constantly changing, or too many priorities to handle, and the overwhelming responsibility level that accompanies them. Among related survey comments: “Our company is frantically changing priorities every week, and sometimes every day” and “We haven’t killed off any activities that are non-value-adding, so in addition to doing important work, we’re also doing things that are useless and wastes of time.”

Ouch! Be sure to keep communication lines open around priorities and expectations. Don’t assume people are up to date on what’s most important and how your goals and values align with those of your employees.

Staffing Issues

Especially since the onset of Covid-19, it’s been a mounting challenge to keep staffing up to par at many companies. As one survey respondent stated, “Our recruiting process is terrible. We take 5-plus days to respond to candidates’ applications, so even though we’re dangerously understaffed, we can’t manage to hire anybody.”

Reevaluate your hiring process. Walk through it yourself if it helps, so you can experience it as a typical candidate would. Clear any bottlenecks and stay in constant touch with prospective hires to keep them in the loop. This way, they can stay engaged even if there’s an inevitable delay.
Consider using temporary employees to fill critical gaps. Among the advantages is the ability to “try before you buy.” If a temp meets or exceeds your expectations, you may be able to transition them into a full-time role.

In taking these steps, you show current team members that you sense – and share – their frustration and are taking steps to erase it.

Leverage PrideStaff Modesto’s proven processes, nationwide resources, and industry-leading talent acquisition and workforce development strategies to build your winning team. This includes temporary and contract staffing, temp-to-hire, and direct hire recruitment. Contact us today to learn more.

8 Ways to Ace Your First Job Interview

Job interviews are stressful, even for seasoned professionals. However, if you’re a new job seeker, you might be unsure as to what to expect in your first one. How can you prepare, so you impress and get the offer? Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

#1: Plan ahead.

Well before your job interview, make sure you know how you’ll get there, including the route you’ll take. Also, leave early enough in case of an accident or construction. This way, you don’t have to worry about running late.

#2: Select your outfit.

Another step in the preparation process should be to pick out your clothes ahead of time and make sure they are cleaned and pressed. You should wear a business suit and professional shoes. Also, keep makeup and jewelry to a minimum and avoid cologne or perfume altogether.

#3: Do your research.

Before you interview, read all you can about the company. Take a look at their website, social media accounts, news articles, and more. Find out who the company’s key players are, the customers they serve, and their competitors. This will help better answer job interview questions.

#4: Prepare for questions and ask your own.

Research some commonly asked interview questions, like “Tell me about yourself,” “Why should we hire you,?” and “What are your key strengths or weaknesses?” Make sure you practice answers. You don’t have to rehearse and recite during the interview, but preparing ahead of time – and thinking through what you want to convey – will give you more confidence.

#5: Keep your body language in mind.

One way to do this is to ask a friend or family member to conduct and record a mock job interview with you. This way, you can take a look at it and identify any nervous ticks or habits that you should work on. Things like tapping your foot or twirling your hair will make you look like you lack confidence.

#6: Treat everyone the same.

When you walk into the office, treat everyone from the reception and janitor to the CEO with the same level of respect. Oftentimes, employees will report back to the hiring manager and you want everyone to be equally impressed with your professionalism.

#7: Be specific in your responses.

When you’re answering questions, don’t be vague or generic. Instead, give relevant examples whenever you can. This will not only make you a more memorable candidate but help to set you apart from others.

#8: Talk next steps.

Before you leave the job interview, be sure to ask about what to expect next. This way, you’re not left wondering and waiting. It also showcases your enthusiasm for the job.

Ready for help with your next job interview?

Turn to PrideStaff. We can help you prepare for interviews and get your foot in the door with leading companies. Contact us today to get started.

Working With (Not Around) Employees Who Are Being Challenging

One of the more difficult aspects of being a manager is handling employees who are having issues not performing and/or behaving to the professional standards you have set. However, you can turn things around if you deal with the situation intentionally. Check out these tips for working with (not around) employees who are being challenging:

Avoid Making Assumptions

If you go into a discussion with an employee who already has a preconceived notion on why they are acting the way they are (i.e., they’re lazy or disrespectful), you may inadvertently make the conversation combative and put them on the defensive, rather than being open. Avoid making any assumptions and, instead, aim to bring up the topic in an objective manner simply.

Focus on the Facts

When you bring up an employee performance or behavior issue, keep it objective. Do not bring up anything that could be construed as your opinion, such as “It comes across to me like…” Focus on the facts and only state the behavior and why it needs to be addressed. Have specific examples prepared to share to ensure you are both on the same page regarding the situation.

Actively Listen

Once you have stated the problem with your employee’s performance or behavior, be empathetic and fully engaged as they respond. Actively listen to what they have to say and empathize with their point of view. Communicate that you understand their perspective or ask questions. This will show you are trying to see their side and want to help.

Be Open to Feedback

In order to identify the cause of the problem and work together to determine a solution, you must be willing to do some self-reflection and own up to any part you may have unwillingly contributed to the situation. Be open to feedback from the employee on factors that are causing their challenges. For example, perhaps you didn’t realize their workload was too high, they didn’t have the tools to do their job effectively, or that another colleague wasn’t pulling their weight. This will give you valuable insight you can act upon to improve matters.

Partner with Us for 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. Contact us for more information.