Maneuvering Your Job Search Through COVID-19 

Right now times are very uncertain, very stressful and even a bit frightening. The COVID-19 outbreak has not only caused a health crisis but an economic crisis, as well. In a matter of days, millions of people found themselves suddenly out of work. Millions more are weeks or even days away from losing their jobs, and millions more still are left uncertain about whether their companies will last through this crisis.  

While the numbers are bleak and you are probably anxious, there is good news. Companies all across the country are hiring right now and many companies still have long-term plans to hire throughout the year. That means that the best thing for you to do right now is to continue your job search, despite your anxiety. Follow these tips to keep your job search on track through COVID-19. 

Remember, This is Temporary  

While no one can say for sure how long all of this will last, the one thing they can say for certain is that this is all temporary. It will end one day and the economy will open back up. It will be the people who kept their nose to the grindstone and kept looking throughout the downtimes who will rise up the fastest and go the farthest when things get back to something resembling normalcy.  

Search Every Day  

If you have already lost your job or you are in danger of losing your job, make sure you are doing search-related activities for a few hours every single day. You don’t have to do them for eight hours a day which can be daunting, but you should do a few hours, at least. Then, spend time decompressing with your family, taking a walk outside and looking for silver linings where you can find them.  

Be Smart, Be Safe 

Many employers are making use of video chats for interviews, but some are still holding in-person interviews. If you do go to an employer, make sure to stay 3-6 feet away from other people, do not shake hands, try to avoid touching metal or glass surfaces, wash your hands and use hand sanitizer.  

Be Reachable  

Now is not the time to screen calls. If an employer can’t reach you, they will move on to someone else. Make sure to check your email multiple times a day and respond to any potential employer’s outreach in less than 24 hours. Keep your phone on you at all times and answer any calls from unknown numbers.  

Be Reliable 

Even being a few seconds late to a phone or video interview can cost you a job right now. Make sure that you have the date and time correct and test links to video chats at least an hour before the meeting so you can notify the employer if there is a problem. Finally, just as you would arrive early to an interview, sign in or dial in at least 10 minutes early – unless you are instructed otherwise.  

Insist on Quiet  

If you have a family sharing one space, it can be difficult to find quiet for an interview. Luckily, everyone is in the same boat and employers will certainly understand if a baby cries or a child comes bursting in the room during an interview, but try to find a quiet place to hold the interview so that you can concentrate and put your best foot forward. Send your family on a walk or bike ride, or if you can’t find quiet, sit in your car.  

Use Your Downtime Wisely  

If you have lost your job, it’s important to keep busy. Being in isolation in addition to being unemployed can be a recipe for depression. Just as you block off time every day to search for jobs, block off time to learn a new skill or hone an existing one. There are myriad free resources online and many formerly-paid programs are being offered for free to help people struggling with the economic impact of COVID-19. Learning something new will not only pass the time in a constructive way, but it will also help you enhance your resume.  

Be Visible On Social Media  

Social distancing is a great excuse to forego in-person networking for social networking. So get visible on LinkedIn by participating in groups and getting in touch with contacts you haven’t spoken with in a while. This is also a great time to make professional Facebook and Twitter profiles to share industry-related posts and information.  

Work With A Staffing Firm  

A job search can be incredibly overwhelming at any time, let alone in these uncertain and stressful times. Working with a staffing firm can help ease your stress while also increasing the chances of finding a good job. If you are looking for a job, please browse PrideStaff’s open jobs and apply online today or contact our team to learn more about the ways we can help you get working. 

How to Ask For and Get More Responsibility at Work 

When you’ve reached the point at your job where you’ve gained enough experience that you’re no longer being challenged, it’s a sign that you could be ready to take the next step in your career. However, in order to be qualified to move up professionally, you need to gain more higher-level experience. Ask for and get more responsibility at work with these tips: 

Clarify Your Goals 

Before you can have a productive conversation with your boss, clarify your goals regarding increased responsibilities. What specific types of duties do you want to take on? Do you want to get on track to being promoted to a particular job title? Consider as many details as possible so you’re prepared for any questions your boss may have. 

 Go Above and Beyond in Your Current Tasks 

You need to make it clear you are completely on top of your current work before you can ask for more. Go above and beyond with your tasks – exceed expectations, problem solve, volunteer for projects, and suggest new ideas. Once you show you’re fully engaged, you’ll be more likely to be considered for increased responsibility. 

Define the Value You Would Add 

To make the most compelling case as to why you should get increased responsibility, focus on how the company would benefit from you doing so (rather than why you want it). Define the value you would add – what makes you the most qualified and what problems could you help solve? Also, compile a list of your achievements as objective evidence of your performance level. 

Talk to Your Boss 

Open communication regarding your professional goals is the most effective way to achieve them. Ask to have a meeting with your boss. Let them know you want to discuss possibly increasing your responsibilities so they can be more thoughtful with their feedback. Once you meet face-to-face, talk to your boss about your specific goals, why it would be a good fit, what you bring to the role, and your accomplishments in your current position.  

Find Your Next Job Opportunity Today! 

If you are ready to look for new opportunities, work with PrideStaff Akron for your job search. We can help you find the openings that are the best fit for you and align with your career goals. Search our available jobs to learn more.   

The Key to Effectively Conducting a Virtual Interview Through Zoom

No doubt, if you’re able to work from home right now, you’re doing so. Thankfully, technology has made it possible for many companies to shift to remote work with minimal disruption.  

Hopefully, your company is able to remain successful in the current environment. If so, you might need to hire new team members. When at all possible, interviews should not be held in person, so you’ll want to turn to Zoom. 

Conducting a job interview through Zoom might feel a bit awkward at first, but treating it as seriously as you would an in-person interview is the key to success. Here’s some advice to help you master the art of meeting with candidates virtually. 

Four Tips for an Effective Zoom Interview 

Dress Like a Boss 

A job interview is a serious meeting, no matter where it is conducted. Therefore, it’s important to dress in the same clothing you would wear if the interview was taking place in your office. Candidates will judge you by how you present yourself, so look like someone who would be a respectable manager — i.e., shave and comb your hair, in addition to dressing like a manager. 

Find a Quiet Place to Interview 

Chances are, you’ll be conducting the interview in your home. If you have roommates or kids, at least some parts of your home are probably a bit loud and chaotic. You need to focus on the candidate during the interview — and be able to hear them — so it’s important to find a quiet space to hold the meeting. Let your household know you’re interviewing someone and ask them not to interrupt you during the call. 

Get Familiar With Zoom Beforehand 

If you’re like many people, the Zoom platform is new to you. The last thing you want is for technical difficulties to interrupt the interview, so take some time to get acquainted with Zoom beforehand. Learning how to use the features offered will allow you to place all your focus on the candidate — instead of having to troubleshoot the software. 

Expect Professionalism 

You’re setting the tone for a professional interview on your end, so expect candidates to do the same. They should be well-groomed, dressed professionally and prepared with responses to common interview questions. The interview is virtual, but there’s still a job on the line, so that doesn’t mean they should take it any less seriously. 

Start Hiring Better 

Adding a new employee to your team is huge, so don’t take the process lightly. PrideStaff Las Vegas is here to guide your search for the perfect fit. Contact us today to find out what we can do for your team! 

4 Tips for How to Properly End a Job Interview

You want to make the best possible impression during every minute of your job interview – from start to finish. And “finish” means your performance isn’t over until you leave the stage … er … building.

You can also think of your interview as a sales pitch because that’s what it ultimately boils down to. Even if the job isn’t remotely related to sales, you’re selling the most important product ever to a prospective employer: yourself. So, you want to close on a high note.

Before you shake hands and say goodbye – and shortly afterward – it’s advisable to:

Ask your own questions.

Before your interview, prepare a list of questions that relate to your knowledge of the company and the job. These will not only help you in determining if the role is right for you, but it also shows you’ve done your sincere interest.

• A few examples: Why is this position open? What do you expect your new hire to accomplish within the first 90 days on the job? Are there opportunities for additional training and development? How is performance measured in this role?

Summarize your interests and qualifications.

Restate your value proposition towards the end of your interview, with a few sentences focusing on the key skills and experience you can offer. Then, reiterate your interest in the position and describe why you’d be a good cultural fit.

• Conclude by doing what every good salesperson would: close the deal. Ask for the job. Be professional and tactful, saying something like, “I want you to know that I’m very interested in joining your team. Please let me know if you have any further questions going forward.”

Ask about the next step.

Your summary naturally leads to finding out what the next step in an employer’s hiring process will be. For instance, will there be additional interviews – and if so, when? This way, you can not only plan your follow-up communication with your interviewers but also resume your preparation process.

Write follow-up emails and thank-you notes.

Don’t leave without the names, titles, and contact information of everyone you met. As soon as you arrive home, make notes from your meeting, while the details are still fresh in your mind. From here, you can compose follow-up emails to your interviewers within one business day and more formal, handwritten thank-you notes a few days later.

• It’s not overkill to send both. Your email adds to the good impression you already formed during your interview earlier in the day. Your personalized note reminds the hiring manager again of your skills, professionalism, and courtesy in following up.

For additional interview tips and insights – as well as access to current jobs that fit your career path plans – contact PrideStaff Modesto today. Learn how to leave a lasting positive impression on every hiring manager you meet.

4 Easy Tips for Getting Working From Home Right

Whether you’re working from home by choice or chance, there are many unforeseen challenges to this set-up. To help you navigate your way through them all, here’s a look at some different tips to put to use, so you’re as productive as possible.

Tip #1: Keep up a routine.

Just because you don’t need to wake up at a set time, shower, wear business attire, and commute to your job doesn’t mean you should throw your work schedule out the door. In fact, most people thrive on a routine, albeit a different one depending on their personality.

For instance, some people work better in the early morning hours, while others are night owls. Determine what’s best for you and what your employer needs in terms of your availability for Zoom meetings and work calls and create a schedule that’s ideal for you both.

Tip #2: Get dressed.

While you don’t need to don a business suit when you’re working from home, don’t stay in your pajamas all day. While it’s reasonable once in a while, it’s not a good habit to start and can even impact your mood and productivity. So adhere to a dress code, i.e. getting dressed every day, even if it’s far more casual than what you’re used to.

Tip #3: Set up a formal office space.

The beauty of technology is that you can work from anywhere, anytime. But that doesn’t mean you always should. Instead, if you’re working from home for the long-term, set up a dedicated office space. This should be an area that’s quiet and private and can help you get your work done in an organized and productive fashion.

Tip #4: Take advantage of extra time.

Without all that time spent getting ready for work and driving or taking public transport there, you have some extra time on your hands. What to do with it is up to you, but one idea is to use it to enhance your skill set and advance your career. If there’s an online class you’ve always wanted to take, for instance, now’s the time.

Working from home sounds like a dream for many people. But once it’s a reality, it’s not as easy as it once seemed. But by incorporating the tips above, and also giving yourself some time to adjust, you can make the most of telecommuting and even enjoy it more.

Looking for a great job?

If you’re ready to work from home or simply want a new job that offers more flexibility, PrideStaff can help. As one of the top employment agencies in Phoenix, we know where the jobs are and can match you with an opportunity that’s a great fit for you. Contact us today to learn more or to get started.

Benefits of Maintaining Strong Communication With Your Candidates Through A Crisis

Three Tips to Starting Your Day Energized, Motivated and Prepared

The morning hours set the tone for the rest of your day. If you typically start work on a sluggish note or in a state of chaos, your daily productivity is likely taking a hit. 

There’s no time like the present to overhaul your morning activities, to ensure you’re behaving in a manner that supports success. Here’s some advice to help you make changes for the better. 

Three Tips to Start Your Day Energized, Motivated and Prepared 

Create a Morning Ritual 

Start your day focused and energized by creating a routine that helps you feel centered. This will be different for everyone, but might involve a morning mediation, enjoying a cup of coffee while reading the news, or having breakfast with your family. Doing something you enjoy will allow you to begin the day on a positive and happy note. 

Make a To-Do List 

No doubt, every workday comes with a slew of tasks that need to be completed by quitting time. Stay on top of your responsibilities by creating a to-do list before starting work each morning. Place time estimates next to each task to help you stay on track. Having a list of everything you need to accomplish right in front of you will help you manage your priorities and ensure your time is spent where it’s needed most. 

Focus on the Big Picture 

Lets face it — some of your responsibilities are more enjoyable than others. On days when your task list is filled with items you’re not too excited about, it can be hard to get motivated for the day ahead. When this happens, try to take your focus off the task itself and instead concentrate on the greater good you’re working toward. The ability to see the big picture will help you get inspired to complete even the most menial tasks to the best of your ability. 

Get the Job You Deserve 

Tired of wasting your time in a job that doesn’t excite you? PrideStaff Las Vegas wants to help you find a new opportunity that makes you feel truly fulfilled. Contact us today to find out what we can do for your career! 

Add Value to Your Team by Working with a Staffing Agency 

Hiring new employees can be time-consuming and challenging, as recruitment must be done in addition to the already staggering workload of managers and may be outside of their areas of expertise. Fortunately, hiring candidates can be delegated, like any other work task, by using a staffing agency. Learn more about how working with a staffing agency can add value to your team: 

Speeds Up the Recruitment and Hiring Process 

 The longer it takes to find a new employee, the more productivity and morale suffers. A staffing firm speeds up the recruitment and hiring process because they devote themselves to just advertising the position, filtering applications, and assessing candidates. Otherwise, you would have to fit that in, along with your other work, which can slow things down and cost you top talent. 

 Saves on Employee-Related Expenses 

If your budget is tight, putting in the investment of working with a staffing firm can pay off by actually saving you on employee-related expenses. When you use a staffing firm, the workers they provide you are technically their own employees. This means you aren’t on the hook for employment taxes and benefits, which can be costly, especially for smaller businesses. 

Offers Access to More Expansive Candidate Pool  

Unless you have the time to cultivate a pipeline of prospective candidates that you can mine when you’re ready to hire, you likely are only selecting from (or settling for) the limited candidates who come across your opening. Instead of finding the best person for the job, you may end up having to settle for the best of whoever applied. However, a staffing firm focuses on consistently forming and maintaining relationships with candidates, so they’ll be able to offer you access to a more expansive pool from which to choose.  

Reduces Number of Bad Hires 

Some candidates display clear red flags as to why they shouldn’t be hired, but often bad hires don’t give any indication of negative traits until after they’re already on board. When you work with a staffing agency, they have a vested interest in your satisfaction and will only provide you with candidates who have been thoroughly vetted – thus reducing the number of bad hires.  

Find Top Candidates Today!

Work with a staffing firm you can establish a trustworthy relationship with, like PrideStaff Akron. Our team of experienced specialists is dedicated to understanding your unique needs, and utilizing their expertise to find the candidates that are right for you. Contact us today to learn more about our staffing solutions. 

5 Tips for Finding & Hiring the Best New College Graduates

With spring comes a wave of new college graduates ready to join the workforce. Are you looking to recruit some of them to your team? Don’t wait until May when all of your competition will be making offers. Now’s the time to get the process started, so you can have a better shot at recruiting the best. Here are some tips to consider:

Tip #1: Set specific hiring goals.

Before you make a move, know what you’re looking for. How many new hires do you want to bring on board? Which majors are of the most interest to you? How many candidates are there within those programs? Who is your competition and what are they offering? This ensures your expectations are realistic and based on facts, so you can achieve your hiring goals.

Tip #2: Develop relationships.

Not just this year, but every year, you should strive to create and cultivate relationships with candidates on campus. You should have a strong presence at all college job fairs on campus, as well as a relationship with each college’s career center. This helps you gain more insight into which candidates are the right fit for you, as well as develop contacts within key departments and programs.

Tip #3: Communicate often.

Students, just like any other candidates, need to know about the hiring process, what the next steps are and when to expect a decision. That’s why it’s important to keep them well-informed throughout it. Follow up with them regularly and if you choose to go in a different direction, let them know immediately, so they can plan accordingly.

Tip #4: Leverage social media.

While it’s critical to have an in-person presence on campuses you’re looking to recruit from, social media should supplement that. Make sure you’re sharing stories about your company that would be most attractive to this segment, as well as reaching out and connecting with candidates online.

Tip #5: Create an internship program.

If your company doesn’t already have one, create a program that can help you build a pipeline of potential future hires. While this might not be feasible for hiring this year, it can improve your ability to attract new graduates in the future.

If you’d like professional help with recruiting, whether it’s for entry-level or higher positions, PrideStaff has you covered. As one of Tempe’s top staffing agencies, we know how to source, screen and vet candidates of all kinds, saving you time and adding value to your team in the process. Search our jobs now or contact us today!

Benefits of Maintaining Strong Communication With Your Candidates Through A Crisis