How to Get Rid of Job Search Stress

April is Stress Awareness Month, a time intended to provide awareness on the causes of stress, the effects it can result in, and how to alleviate it. A common source of stress is related to jobs, especially the emotional highs and lows of looking for a new job. Get rid of job search stress with these tips:

Focus Your Time Strategically

A major root cause of job search stress is due to how much of it is beyond your control. Help alleviate it by focusing your time strategically on what you can control to achieve your job search goals. When you are feeling discouraged with your job search, make a list of activities you do have power over. For example, while you can’t control factors like the number of other applicants making it hard for you to stand out, you do have the ability to network.

Get Organized

There are so many tasks to juggle when it comes to job searching, from looking for leads, researching companies, completing applications, writing cover letters, interview prep, and more. To prevent it from becoming so overwhelming that it becomes extremely stressful, get organized by providing structure to your job search activities. Set up a schedule that dedicates regular time to the various job search-related tasks you need to tackle on a consistent basis.

Take a Break

Job search stress is often exacerbated by feeling like you must be productive and putting in effort at all possible times in order to achieve your desired end result. However, this is counterproductive and can lead to burnout, which can cause even more stress and lead to health conditions like anxiety, depression, irritability, difficulty sleeping, headaches, and stomachache. Prevent this by ensuring you take breaks, from making time in your day-to-day for self-care and leisure activities to taking days off all together from job searching to rest and recharge.

Shift Your Mindset

When your job search stress feels like it is dominating your life, giving yourself some perspective can help you handle it. Shift your mindset by reminding yourself that you are a qualified professional who will find the right job if you continue to put forth the effort and that eventually, this period of time will be just a fleeting memory.

Explore New Opportunities

Make your job search less stressful by teaming up with PrideStaff Akron. Our team of recruiting experts can help you find new opportunities that are right for you while saving you time and effort. Search our available jobs to learn more.

How To Tell Your Employee You Need To Talk To Them…Without Making Them Nervous

As the boss, you hold the key to your employees’ jobs. You don’t walk around the office with this mentality, but the level of power you hold gives you a commanding presence.

Therefore, when you approach an employee with the dreaded “We need to talk” line, many panic and wonder if they’ll soon need to be searching for Las Vegas job openings. In most cases, this is the last thing you want, as the conversation isn’t about something they did wrong.

Of course, they don’t know that, so use these tips to ease their anxiety.

Three Tips to Ask an Employee to Talk Without Making Them Nervous

Tell Them What You Want to Talk About

Knowing that your boss wants to discuss something with you, but having no idea what that something is can make a person feel seriously uneasy. Briefly letting them know what you want to talk about will ease their angst before their mind starts spinning. You don’t need to cover the meeting topics in detail, but simply giving them a general idea of what you want to talk about will be greatly appreciated.

Ensure Them It’s Nothing Bad (If It Isn’t)

In some cases, you might not want other people to know why you need to talk to the employee. If other team members are in earshot, it’s okay to simply assure them they’re not in trouble — assuming they’re not. They’ll definitely wonder what you want to talk about, but this will put aside any fears that you’re upset with them.

Put a Smile on Your Face

Sometimes it’s not what you say, but how you say it that makes a difference. You already know what you want to talk to the employee about, but they don’t. Therefore, you won’t put any thought into the tone of your voice or facial expressions, but your employee will. Be cognizant of this and ease their concerns by speaking in a warm tone and smiling.

Choose the Best Person for the Job

Searching for a dynamic new team member? PrideStaff Las Vegas is here to help you find the perfect fit. Contact us to learn more!

Do I Really Need a Resume for My Executive Job Search?

The search for an executive position doesn’t resemble the process for any other job. Relationships and industry profile matter more than with many other professions. However, some of the basic components of any job search still apply, including the presence of a resume.

True, you aren’t just going to log onto Indeed and blast out your work history to dozens of potential employers. Your process will involve more complicated machinations. Still, you’ll need a central record of your background and achievements, if only to provide a reference point for potential employers.

As such, plan on constructing a resume. The process will give you a document around which to organize your push for a new executive position. Meanwhile, creating a resume will help focus your thinking and prioritize your best selling points.

How to Optimize Your Resume

Now that you’ve decided that a resume represents a necessary component in your executive job search, how do you get the most out of the document? Here are a few steps you can take to maximize the impact of your resume:

Prove Your Value with Statistics

Any resume exists as a list of accomplishments. Your job is to tell a compelling story about your value as an executive. The trick? You have to do so in limited space.

Quantifiable measures let you optimize the space available. You can quickly show your worth by including crucial statistics to spotlight how well you’ve performed at your previous career stops.

Tailor Your Resume to Particular Opportunities

When you create a resume, think of it as a template. Each position is a unique opportunity and you should take the time to customize every document to the particular job in question. Do this by highlighting the experience that most closely matches the individual company or the specific role.

Keep Resumes Simple and Easy to Read

A tension exists between your need to showcase all your talents and a perspective employer’s desire for brevity. You want to give as many details as possible. They need a concise summary they can use as a basis for internal discussion.

As such, think about practical issues, like length and format. Even decisions like font size can play into the situation. Meanwhile, become ruthless about proofreading your resume. You want the document to epitomize your detail-oriented nature.

Go Beyond Your Resume

While resumes are crucial to an executive job search, you can’t rely on them to find you the right position. Unlike other job seekers, you can’t blast your resume to dozens of perspective employers. You’re likely looking at a relatively narrow set of opportunities. As such, you need to leverage every tool to locate the ideal landing spot.

Here are a few other ways you can supplement your resume and maximize your chances of driving your career further:

Networking: As an executive, you’ll likely get your next position through your personal and professional connections. To this end, make networking the core of your job search process.

Social Media: Of course, sites like LinkedIn give you a chance to hunt down opportunities. However, don’t stop there. Learn how to get the most out of other mainstream platforms, like Facebook and Twitter.

Thought Leadership: Position yourself as one of the top minds in your industry. Publishing articles and blogs will improve your profile. Meanwhile, speaking engagements at industry events will put you on people’s radars.

Consulting Assignments: Don’t limit your search only to direct hire positions. You can develop relationships and build experience through consulting and contract assignments.

Executive Placement Firms: Let professionals help you find the ideal situation. A top recruiter, like PrideStaff, will fast-track your executive job search.

Contact PrideStaff today to take your career to the next level.

Do’s and Don’ts for Hiring Temporary Workers

When demand increases and you can’t afford to add to your regular overhead, consider hiring temporary workers instead. These professionals can help you get orders out the door, complete projects, fill in gaps while a full-time team member is out on leave, and provide you with more flexibility.

These are valuable benefits in today’s competitive market. Yet, if you haven’t hired on a temporary basis before, what’s the best way to go about it? Here are a few steps to keep in mind:

Do know your needs ahead of time.

Before you start looking for workers to fill a temporary role, make sure you have a big-picture understanding of your needs. What are the goals for the position? How will you measure productivity and success in it? What skills are critical for the job? Before bringing anyone on board, knowing these details ahead of time will help you find the right-fit workers.

Don’t forget about cultural fit.

When you’re screening applicants, don’t forget to look for those who will fit into your company culture. This will help them mesh well with your existing team and get up and running faster. Also, if there’s a potential for a long-term or full-time position in the future, you want someone who’s going to be happy and productive in your unique environment.

Don’t skip steps in the screening process.

Just because you’re hiring someone on a temporary basis doesn’t mean you can skip steps when you’re screening and vetting them. It’s still important to ensure they have the skills and abilities you need. To do that, thoroughly interview them, check references and perform a background check, and require skills testing. This will give you peace of mind about those you hire.

Do be clear about expectations.

While the hiring process might not be as rigorous as if you were filling a full-time opening, it’s still important to take time to explain the role and be clear about goals and expectations. This way, you can avoid any unwanted surprises. So, outline areas like duties, hours, pay, work attire, and any other important details, so you and the candidates are on the same page.

Do train and onboard them.

When temporary workers are properly welcomed, introduced around, and trained thoroughly, you can get the most out of your investment in them. It’s therefore worth the time and effort to make sure new temporary workers are fully prepared with training and onboarding. They’ll become more productive faster and deliver better results in the long run.

Need help hiring temps for your team?

At PrideStaff, we’re one of Tempe’s leading staffing services and can give you access to skilled temporary workers for as long as you need them. We can fill any gaps, help you meet demand, and keep your company more agile in the process. To learn more, simply contact us today.

5 Questions to Start Meaningful Conversations with Candidates

The more nervous a candidate is during a job interview, the less likely it is you will be able to gain much insight into what type of employee they would be if hired. Having some icebreaker questions prepared can help put your candidates at ease and make the conversation flow more easily. Here are five questions to start meaningful conversations with candidates:

1. What motivated you to make the decision to start your job search?

Rather than immediately making candidates prove their qualifications and why they should be considered, take the pressure off by asking what brought them to this point. Looking for a new job is a major decision, and hearing their reasoning can help you learn more about their level of ambition.

2. What factors are most important to you at this stage of your career? 

Asking about a candidate’s core values is a great way to get them to organically open up to you since people are more inclined to discuss things that are deeply important to them easily. Plus, this question functions in a practical way by giving you a sense of what drives them professionally and if they would align with your company culture. 

3. What factors will you be using to determine what jobs to pursue and to make your final decision?

This is another question that can encourage candidates to discuss what’s important to them personally, rather than feeling the pressure to prove themselves immediately. It will also help you learn more about if what they are looking for in their next job aligns with your company.

4. What in particular made you intrigued at possibly working for this company? 

Gain rapport and make an authentic connection with candidates by encouraging them to open up about what makes them excited about working for your company. It will also give you the opportunity to communicate additional information regarding culture, perks, or other relevant information. 

5. What aspect of your profession makes you look forward to going to work each morning? 

Asking a candidate to divulge the aspects of their work that keeps them engaged will help your conversation dive below the surface into the deeper topic of internal motivation. You will find out what type of management style would be the most beneficial for them if hired by understanding what motivates them and makes them passionate about their work. 

Attract Top Talent with PrideStaff

Start finding the best employees to join your team by working with the experienced staffing firm PrideStaff Akron. Our team of experts will work with you to understand exactly what you’re looking for and then match you with the candidates with the right qualifications and traits. Contact us to learn more about our services. 

How Do Potential Employers View Volunteer Work on a Resume?

You’re updating your resume, and you’re wondering if including your volunteer work makes sense. As one of the top staffing agencies in Las Vegas, PrideStaff Las Vegas highly encourages you to do so.

Volunteering is a selfless act that speaks volumes about you. In fact, 82% of employers are more likely to choose a candidate with volunteer experience on their resume, according to Deloitte.

Here’s a look at what the volunteer work on your resume tells potential employers about you.

Four Soft Skills Volunteer Work Highlights on a Resume

Passion

You’re a busy person, so committing some of your free time to a cause close to your heart is a big deal. This shows hiring managers you’re someone who cares deeply about issues and organizations you believe in — so much so that you’re willing to roll up your sleeves and do unpaid work to make a difference.

Empathy

No one wants to hire a mean-spirited person. Volunteer work is a trait highly valued by managers because compassionate employees are kind to their peers and genuinely pleasant to be around. They create a positive work environment and always take other people’s feelings into consideration.

Teamwork

When you volunteer for an organization, you’re part of a team of people working to create positive change. You might have a certain role at the nonprofit, but you likely have to wear a variety of hats. Employers like this, because they want to hire people willing to pitch in wherever they’re needed to get the job done. No one wants to hire someone who won’t do anything beyond the duties associated with their job description.

Relationship Building

Volunteer work has almost definitely allowed you to expand your network. This looks good to employers because it highlights your ability to build relationships with new people. From bonding with your peers to making meaningful connections with clients, this is an important trait that everyone doesn’t have.

Get the Job You Want

Ready to take the next step in your career? PrideStaff Las Vegas wants to help you find the perfect fit. Contact us today to get started!

The Impact of Favoritism in the Workplace

In the workplace, favoritism refers to any situation where someone in a leadership position shows preferential treatment toward one employee over others – unrelated to job performance and instead occurring as the result of a personal bond shared between the two. As a result, the “preferred’ employee may receive more advanced or plum projects or even promotions, over others who have equal or better qualifications. Or, they may not be reprimanded as severely – or at all – for tardiness, missing deadlines, or similar poor behavior.

Favoritism can take many forms and can be intentional or accidental. But the fact remains: Every employee deserves equal treatment. If left unchecked, playing favorites can hurt morale, productivity and retention; fuel conflicts; negatively impact company culture, and even cross the line into harassment or discrimination.

What happens when the boss plays favorites?

If the boss plays favorites, employees’ motivation and engagement are affected – and not in a good way. Favoritism at work:

• Leads to resentment, disrespect, and a loss of trust.
• Can break teams apart. And this ultimately hurts productivity and your company’s bottom line.
• Has a similar negative impact on communication, employee relationships, and work performance.
• In worst case scenarios, leads to increased turnover rates and may lead to discrimination-related lawsuits.

Another consideration: Rewards and promotions should be based on objective criteria. Managers who engage in favoritism are not allowing their teams to grow or reach their full potential.

How can you avoid favoritism at your workplace?

Favoritism at work does not paint a pretty picture. To avoid it, create a workplace culture where everyone has an equal voice and chance of success.

• Treat everyone the same. It’s that simple. Establish a universal process to assess your team members. Dedicate equal time and attention to each employee and leave personal preferences aside.
• Use objective criteria to monitor and measure performance. As you do so, keep communication lines open. Everyone should feel as though they have a voice and are comfortable sharing their opinion. For instance, when you announce an employee’s promotion, be clear about why the decision was made and allow questions and comments.
• Be inclusive. Think inclusively as you dole out projects and assignments. When you’re picking a team, keep this in mind and encourage your reports to speak up and have their say. Make meetings more participatory. It may help to divide people into small subgroups so everyone has an opportunity to provide input.
• Be empathetic. Even if there’s a person on your team who you simply can’t stand or find chemistry with, do the best you can to develop empathy for them. It’s not necessarily about making them feel good, but rather about recognizing them and appreciating their feelings.

It’s not always easy being the boss.

The workforce development experts at PrideStaff Modesto can help as you address management training, building equitable and successful HR policies and procedures, and avoiding the missteps involved if you miss a beat. We can also help you hire and retain your inclusive, results-oriented team, whether it’s through direct recruiting, temp-to-hire or temporary staffing. Read our related posts or contact us today to learn more.

Make Networking a Top Priority in Your Executive Career

Networking provides a core strategy in any job search, from entry level to CEO. One study showed that 85% of all jobs get filled through a connection. This becomes even more important at the highest levels of a company, where relationships and reputation become crucial to landing the choicest positions.

As such, you should focus on networking as a central part of your career development program. As you push your executive career forward, make building this skill a top priority.

Here, you’ll see why networking offers an important engine of career advancement. At the same time, you’ll find steps you can take to get the most out of your efforts.

The Benefits of Networking for Executive Careers

You might already be convinced that networking provides a crucial component to any job search. However, you still might not completely appreciate the various ways a broad web of connections can help drive your executive career forward. Here are the multiple fronts you can make progress on when you deliver a well-organized networking campaign:

Have the Inside Track on Opportunities

Of course, the stereotypical purpose of a broad network derives from your ability to secure exciting career opportunities. Having reliable connections makes it easier to find and win better executive positions.

Nurture Profitable Business Relationships

Even when you’re not contemplating career moves, a strong network can come in handy. At your current job, you can use connections to fast-track partnerships or get the inside track on a major new client.

Exchange Industry Information

Think of it as gossip with a purpose. The conversations you have regularly with the professionals in your network can keep you up to date with breaking news within your industry. You’ll get news and insights about the latest developments, making sure you stay on the cutting edge.

Stay on People’s Radars

If you do want to change jobs, it’s easier when you have a profile within the industry. A strong network reverberates beyond your group of contacts, helping you build a winning reputation. This, in turn, contributes to a robust professional brand, which will help push your career forward.

Build Friendships

Not everything involves a Machiavellian gambit to achieve ongoing career success. (At least, not everything just involves a Machiavellian gambit to achieve on career success.) Having a strong network also offers emotional support and the joy of spending time with interesting and exciting people. Don’t forget to nurture friendships as you build your network.

How to Upgrade Your Networking

As you look to get more out of your networking efforts, it’s important to pinpoint the specific steps you can take to maximize your investment of time and energy. With that in mind, here are a few strategies you can use to enhance your long-term networking ability:

Devote Time to Growing Your Network

When you have a position, it’s easy to get complacent about growing your network. Then, when you need it, you don’t have the robust set of connections you need to push your career forward. Routinely make time to add to your web of contacts so you’ll have as much help as you can get when you’re ready for your next opportunity.

Build Relationships with Your Staff

Your current team offers an amazing networking opportunity. Today’s entry-level employee could be tomorrow’s CEO. By mentoring your staff and maintaining good relations with former employees, you open up new possibilities down the line.

Attend Conferences

It helps to mingle. Growing your network involves meeting new people within your industry. Look for opportunities to make acquaintances and then turn them into meaningful relationships.

Get Active on Social Media

Not every networking opportunity involves direct contact. You can also build a reputation with people you haven’t met yet. By staying active on social media, you can build a following that can come in handy when it’s time to launch the next stage of your career.

Become a Thought Leader

A social media presence represents part of a larger strategy. To develop your career over the long haul, you need to cultivate a brand. That means situating yourself as a thought leader in your industry. Look for ways to establish your bona fides as top innovator among your peers.

Partner with an Executive Recruiter

Turning to an executive recruiter might not feel like networking. But in practical terms, it simply involves plugging into a well-established series of time-tested connections. It’s an efficient way to push your professional development forward.

Partnering with a top recruiter, like PrideStaff, lets you find executive positions at dynamic companies. You’ll locate the perfect situations to get the most out of your talents and background.

Contact PrideStaff today to learn more.

Spring into Action & Find a New Job Now

Job searches can be stressful and time-consuming. How can you speed yours up so you land a new opportunity faster? Here are a few tips to get going on now, so you can find that position you want as quickly as possible this spring.

Update your resume.

Before you can launch a search, you need a solid resume. So, roll up your sleeves and get to work updating yours. Some ways to make the process a little easier:

• Make a list of all your tasks and accomplishments in your current and past positions. Don’t self-edit. Write everything down.
• Next, edit your list so that you’re only focusing on the most important points. Remember, a hiring manager only spends a few seconds scanning each resume they receive.
• Illustrate your skills and abilities with numbers. This includes quantifying your accomplishments and the impact they had wherever you can.
• Format your resume in an easy-to-read way. This will not only make it simpler for the hiring manager to read but will bring your organizational skills to life.

Polish your LinkedIn profile.

Once your resume is updated, turn to your LinkedIn profile and look for areas where you can improve it. It does not have to be a mirror image of your resume; however, the two should complement each other without any obvious discrepancies.

Tap your professional network.

Once your resume and LinkedIn profile are in place, it’s time to network. Email friends, old colleagues, classmates, and family members to let them know you’re looking. Be clear about the type of job you want and attach your resume in case they have an opportunity in mind.

Also, make sure you’re attending networking events and bringing business cards with you wherever you go. You never know who you might run into – even at a wedding or a backyard barbecue.

Put the power of technology to use.

Don’t spend hours searching job boards. Instead, set up online alerts with keywords, so you are notified when relevant positions are posted. Also, keep in mind it’s not about quantity but quality when it comes to your job search. It’s best to focus on applying to a few jobs that are a great fit for you and tailoring your resume and cover letter to them.

Get help from an employment agency.

Another option is to get help from a Phoenix employment agency. When you work with a professional recruiter, they can assist you with every aspect of your job search, including your resume, LinkedIn profile, and more. They can also connect you to opportunities that are an excellent match for your background and even give you access to the hidden job market – those positions that aren’t always advertised. You can find a new job faster, as a result.

Let PrideStaff connect you with your next job.

As one of Phoenix’s top employment agencies, we work with companies all over the area to fill openings. We can learn about your skills, background, and goals and help you get your foot in the door with one of these leading employers. To learn more, simply contact us today.

Show Me the Money: How to Discuss a Raise with Your Boss

The idea of sitting down with your boss and requesting to be given more money may make you feel anxious, but it doesn’t have to be an awkward interaction in order to advocate for yourself. Check out these tips on how to discuss a raise with your boss:

Be Prepared

Make the most compelling argument possible for you deserving more money by being prepared. Compile any major achievements with supporting metrics to highlight your performance. Also, collect positive feedback you have received from higher-ups, clients, or any other relevant sources to make it clear you are respected and appreciated by others.

Know What You Want

To make a discussion regarding a raise productive, you need to have a clear number in mind. Know what you want by researching current market salary trends for your industry, role, geographic location, experience, and any other relevant factors. This can give you an idea of how much of an increase is a realistic amount for which to ask.

Make It Objective

As you determine the basis of your stance that you are deserving of higher compensation, it’s crucial to make your reasoning as objective as possible. Focus on your high performance, additional responsibilities you have taken on, and positive differences you have made. Avoid bringing up how long you’ve been there as the main reason or anything having to do with your personal or financial obligations.

Practice Your Pitch

Although you don’t need to follow a word-for-word script, having an outline and key points prepared will ensure you are able to deliver your message in a concise but informative manner. Start out with a statement on your strengths, then go into your metrics/positive feedback on your performance and strengths, and then segue into asking for a specific raise based on your market salary research and the case you made on the value you bring to the role.

Schedule a Conversation

A topic like asking for more money is not something you want to discuss on a whim. Schedule a conversation with your boss regarding your performance so you can have dedicated time to talk it through. When you reach out to schedule the meeting, let them know it’s regarding your performance so they can be prepared as well.

Find New Opportunities

Are you ready to pursue a new role? Team up with PrideStaff Akron! We work with employers in the Akron area for their hiring needs, and can match you with the job opportunities that are the best fit for you. Search our database of current available jobs.