As an employer, I am going to make the following resolutions for 2009:
1. I will highlight the critical points of the positions during conversations with potential employees (ie, on Thursday nights we stay until 8:00, will that be a problem?). I will not overlook obvious flags during our initial phone conversations. Being in too much of a hurry will NOT be the reason for not finding the right person.
2. I will provide potential employees with a thorough understanding of why the position is open, our company culture, where we are located, and what is required of this person before we agree to bring them in for an interview. Not being thorough will NOT be the reason for not finding the right person.
3. I will not keep potential employees waiting when they arrive on time for the interview. This is my opportunity to show them that I respect our employees and know their time is as valuable as mine. Projecting superiority will NOT be the reason for not finding the right person.
4. I will be honest with the candidate regarding the current and future potential of the position (including promotability and $$ increases). I will be honest with the fulfillment process for the position so they understand our time frame and commitment level. Being vague or cryptic will NOT be the reason for not finding the right person.
5. I will not make a decision just to be 'right' about one of the candidates, but rather I will make a decision based on finding truly the right person for the position. Arrogance will NOT be the reason for not finding the right person.
6. I will make follow up calls to all the candidates regardless of whether or not they were chosen for the position. It's a tough market right now and the candidates have invested time and energy into our meeting, as have I. You never know when a position will come up that they may be a good fit for. Indifference will NOT be the reason for not finding the right person.
7. I will provide constructive criticism for the candidates where applicable. People have done it for me and I'd like to pass that on. One sided conversations will NOT be the reason for not finding the right person.
8. I will repeat this process as many times as necessary until I find the right person for the position. It is more important for me to find the right person than just to fill the position. In the long run, it could, and probably will, end up costing me more to hire the wrong person over and over again . . .
Having open and honest conversation with all candidates who, in your opinion, are borderline 'perfect' for your position can unveil a wealth of information. Every conversation, email, note, or other communication is an opportunity to learn more about your candidates. Take the opportunity and use it to your advantage. True colors hardly come out during a 10 minute phone call or a 15 minute interview. Taking mental notes and connecting the dots will eventually lead you in the right direction.
Good luck in finding the right person!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
'Interview' Resolutions
Now that the holidays are (almost) over, it's time to start thinking about our New Years Resolutions. I'll start with the employee first, next time I'll do the employer!
"Interview" Resolutions
1. I will verify the name, address, client name and time of interview PRIOR to the date of the interview. I will research the company and make a 'dry run' to find the right building. Not making it on time will NOT be the reason I didn't get the position.
2. I will dress appropriately for an interview. If this means I have a special outfit I reserve only for interviews, then that is what I will do. Not dressing appropriately will NOT be the reason I didn't get the position.
3. I will be aware of my body language, eye contact, hand shake and overall image from the time I walk into the interview until well after I am gone. Poor presentation will NOT be the reason I didn't get the position.
4. I will prepare questions for the interviewee (including: when do they want someone to start; what would make someone be the best fit for this position; what is involved with the interview process, are there any benefits, if so, what, etc.). I want to make sure this is the right position for me and not just a job. It's up to me to determine if this company will be a good fit for me as well. If I am interested in the position and the company, I will let everyone in the interview know it! Lack of interest will NOT be the reason I didn't get the position.
5. I will smile and thank everyone on the way out of the office. I know that everyone in the organization is important and I will treat everyone as such. Appearing to show disrespect will NOT be the reason I didn't get the position.
6. I will follow up with a hand written thank you note as soon as I get home from the interview. If I was given any tasks or homework to prepare and get back to them, I will do it immediately. Lack of follow up/through will NOT be the reason I didn't get the position.
7. I will follow up as needed until either the position is filled or it has been determined that I am not a good fit. I will ask for feedback regarding my interview and if there is anything that I can improve on for future interviews. Being closed to feedback will NOT be the reason I didn't get the position.
8. I will take to heart all the feedback I've received during the interview process. If there are things I can do to improve my interviewing skills while remaining true to myself, then I will work on them. Arrogance will NOT be the reason I didn't get the position.
9. I will repeat this process as many time as necessary until I find the position that is right for me. Lack of effort will NOT be the reason I didn't get the position.
10. If I didn't get the position I will understand that I did my best during the interview process and that overall, we are not a match for each other. There is someone out there for whom this position, and company, are perfect. I will give myself a minute to feel bad, then I'm moving on. It is not time wasted; even though we weren't a good match, maybe they know somewhere that will be!
Good luck in your job search!
"Interview" Resolutions
1. I will verify the name, address, client name and time of interview PRIOR to the date of the interview. I will research the company and make a 'dry run' to find the right building. Not making it on time will NOT be the reason I didn't get the position.
2. I will dress appropriately for an interview. If this means I have a special outfit I reserve only for interviews, then that is what I will do. Not dressing appropriately will NOT be the reason I didn't get the position.
3. I will be aware of my body language, eye contact, hand shake and overall image from the time I walk into the interview until well after I am gone. Poor presentation will NOT be the reason I didn't get the position.
4. I will prepare questions for the interviewee (including: when do they want someone to start; what would make someone be the best fit for this position; what is involved with the interview process, are there any benefits, if so, what, etc.). I want to make sure this is the right position for me and not just a job. It's up to me to determine if this company will be a good fit for me as well. If I am interested in the position and the company, I will let everyone in the interview know it! Lack of interest will NOT be the reason I didn't get the position.
5. I will smile and thank everyone on the way out of the office. I know that everyone in the organization is important and I will treat everyone as such. Appearing to show disrespect will NOT be the reason I didn't get the position.
6. I will follow up with a hand written thank you note as soon as I get home from the interview. If I was given any tasks or homework to prepare and get back to them, I will do it immediately. Lack of follow up/through will NOT be the reason I didn't get the position.
7. I will follow up as needed until either the position is filled or it has been determined that I am not a good fit. I will ask for feedback regarding my interview and if there is anything that I can improve on for future interviews. Being closed to feedback will NOT be the reason I didn't get the position.
8. I will take to heart all the feedback I've received during the interview process. If there are things I can do to improve my interviewing skills while remaining true to myself, then I will work on them. Arrogance will NOT be the reason I didn't get the position.
9. I will repeat this process as many time as necessary until I find the position that is right for me. Lack of effort will NOT be the reason I didn't get the position.
10. If I didn't get the position I will understand that I did my best during the interview process and that overall, we are not a match for each other. There is someone out there for whom this position, and company, are perfect. I will give myself a minute to feel bad, then I'm moving on. It is not time wasted; even though we weren't a good match, maybe they know somewhere that will be!
Good luck in your job search!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Personal Delivery
Every year my dad works with the Farmington Area Goodfellows: collecting, sorting, boxing and delivering the care packages. Today was the delivery day, and my dad was there, in the background, just like he always is. I'm sure it's an emotionally exhausting day for him. Fortunately, he's an optimistic person and is greatful for the chance to help someone in need.
I talked to him after all the deliveries were complete and he said things went well, but that he hoped things would turn around for people here in the really near future. As I am also an optimist, I said that things will pick up, now that the auto 'bailout' is moving forward, the election is over, and the holiday season will soon be over; things will change. They have to. I told my dad, "And to make sure, I'm going to do my part. By being in the staffing industry.". I couldn't hear him roll his eyes, but I'm pretty sure he did since his next words were, "but are companies going to be hiring?"
Right there, I knew I had the perfect opportunity to educate my dad on how things had changed since he retired 10 years ago. First of all, Dad, 'companies' don't hire 'employees' anymore; 'people' hire other 'people'. That is the biggest mind shift for some people to make. No longer do they just look at the organizational chart and see an empty spot, but now they actually look at the work being done, or not being done, and hire accordingly. The best thing about being in the staffing industry, especially the way we do our staffing, is that not only will we hire people 'to get the work done' for you, but we will find the right person who will fit into your company so well, you won't know what you ever did without them.
In this economy, everyone has a story. Everyone's story is different, but everyone has one. Wouldn't it be great if your new person's 'story' (or mission, or vision, or whatever you want to call it) mirrored your own? What would your business look like if all your employees came to work every day because they really loved the work they do and the people they work with? Work productivity would increase just due to that synergy. Less errors would be made because people would take greater pride in their work. Customers would be happier, thereby creating more loyal customers, better word of mouth and ultimately more business.
So, am I an optimist? Yes. Am I a realist? Yes. Am I going to hit bumps and road blocks along the way? Yes. But, do I have great hope for our community and the businesses in it? Yes, I do. Just like my dad, I will continue to deliver hope to those in our community. Together, we can make a difference.
I talked to him after all the deliveries were complete and he said things went well, but that he hoped things would turn around for people here in the really near future. As I am also an optimist, I said that things will pick up, now that the auto 'bailout' is moving forward, the election is over, and the holiday season will soon be over; things will change. They have to. I told my dad, "And to make sure, I'm going to do my part. By being in the staffing industry.". I couldn't hear him roll his eyes, but I'm pretty sure he did since his next words were, "but are companies going to be hiring?"
Right there, I knew I had the perfect opportunity to educate my dad on how things had changed since he retired 10 years ago. First of all, Dad, 'companies' don't hire 'employees' anymore; 'people' hire other 'people'. That is the biggest mind shift for some people to make. No longer do they just look at the organizational chart and see an empty spot, but now they actually look at the work being done, or not being done, and hire accordingly. The best thing about being in the staffing industry, especially the way we do our staffing, is that not only will we hire people 'to get the work done' for you, but we will find the right person who will fit into your company so well, you won't know what you ever did without them.
In this economy, everyone has a story. Everyone's story is different, but everyone has one. Wouldn't it be great if your new person's 'story' (or mission, or vision, or whatever you want to call it) mirrored your own? What would your business look like if all your employees came to work every day because they really loved the work they do and the people they work with? Work productivity would increase just due to that synergy. Less errors would be made because people would take greater pride in their work. Customers would be happier, thereby creating more loyal customers, better word of mouth and ultimately more business.
So, am I an optimist? Yes. Am I a realist? Yes. Am I going to hit bumps and road blocks along the way? Yes. But, do I have great hope for our community and the businesses in it? Yes, I do. Just like my dad, I will continue to deliver hope to those in our community. Together, we can make a difference.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Lower gas prices?!?! Works for me!
Listening to the radio this morning (an intense discussion on job loss and resulting foreclosures), I started to think about little ways that, we, real people, can make our limited income go just a little bit further.
I live a pretty frugal life: both cars have been paid off for about three years, our 'date night' consists of popping popcorn and playing "Roller Coaster Tycoon" on the computer (our game is about 7 years old), we don't eat out with any frequency, and shop at second hand stores for clothes for our 5 year old (he's growing like a weed and spending full price for something he's only going to wear for a few months seems ridiculous). While I understand those actions hardly puts additional money into our economy, when we do spend money, we try to do it with Michigan owned businesses (Meijers, Eastern Market, etc.).
We don't make a six-figure income and have had to figure out ways to cut expenses to try to save some for the future. Last night, my husband and I sat down and went through our budget and noticed some glaring inconsistencies. The gas (for our cars) numbers are way down from where were just a few months ago. Obviously, this is because of the lower gas prices. Gas prices are just about $2.50 per gallon cheaper than they had been. If it takes 15 gallons to fill up my car, that equates to a 'savings' of about $37.50 EACH TIME I FILL UP!! On average, I fill up about once a week, so for the month, that's about $150 in savings! So what can we do with that 'extra' money? Here are some options:
1. Set the money aside and if/when gas prices go up, the pinch won't be so painful.
2. Put the money into a savings account; you never know when you're going to need a little extra.
3. Splurge (just a little bit) on the holidays this year.
4. When there is enough saved, make an extra principal payment on our mortgage.
5. Donate to your favorite charity.
6. Treat yourself to a weekend getaway (here in Michigan, of course).
7. Save for college; it's never too late to go back to school!
Times are tough and every little bit helps. It's important to figure out what is going to work best for you and your family. If you have some ways that you've stretched your paycheck, we'd love to hear about them!
I live a pretty frugal life: both cars have been paid off for about three years, our 'date night' consists of popping popcorn and playing "Roller Coaster Tycoon" on the computer (our game is about 7 years old), we don't eat out with any frequency, and shop at second hand stores for clothes for our 5 year old (he's growing like a weed and spending full price for something he's only going to wear for a few months seems ridiculous). While I understand those actions hardly puts additional money into our economy, when we do spend money, we try to do it with Michigan owned businesses (Meijers, Eastern Market, etc.).
We don't make a six-figure income and have had to figure out ways to cut expenses to try to save some for the future. Last night, my husband and I sat down and went through our budget and noticed some glaring inconsistencies. The gas (for our cars) numbers are way down from where were just a few months ago. Obviously, this is because of the lower gas prices. Gas prices are just about $2.50 per gallon cheaper than they had been. If it takes 15 gallons to fill up my car, that equates to a 'savings' of about $37.50 EACH TIME I FILL UP!! On average, I fill up about once a week, so for the month, that's about $150 in savings! So what can we do with that 'extra' money? Here are some options:
1. Set the money aside and if/when gas prices go up, the pinch won't be so painful.
2. Put the money into a savings account; you never know when you're going to need a little extra.
3. Splurge (just a little bit) on the holidays this year.
4. When there is enough saved, make an extra principal payment on our mortgage.
5. Donate to your favorite charity.
6. Treat yourself to a weekend getaway (here in Michigan, of course).
7. Save for college; it's never too late to go back to school!
Times are tough and every little bit helps. It's important to figure out what is going to work best for you and your family. If you have some ways that you've stretched your paycheck, we'd love to hear about them!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Welcome to our blog, and welcome to The Staffing Company!
When we first talked about creating this blog, the obvious question was ‘why are we doing this”? I’m not convinced I came up with a really good answer to that, but I do know that with the number of people I talk to each day, there are some similar themes, concerns, hopes and fears. What better way to communicate these with other people who may have the same issues?!?!
My goal is to share success stories and hardships, thoughts and ideas, and people and positions. Knowing we are all in similar boats is a powerful thing. Together we can make a difference in our community, one person at a time.
We welcome any feedback from our blog; when our postings generate good conversation, we are going to share them.
By truly working together, we can do our part to help rebuild our local businesses and at the same time, put some money back into our economy. We hope that you share our mission, too!
When we first talked about creating this blog, the obvious question was ‘why are we doing this”? I’m not convinced I came up with a really good answer to that, but I do know that with the number of people I talk to each day, there are some similar themes, concerns, hopes and fears. What better way to communicate these with other people who may have the same issues?!?!
My goal is to share success stories and hardships, thoughts and ideas, and people and positions. Knowing we are all in similar boats is a powerful thing. Together we can make a difference in our community, one person at a time.
We welcome any feedback from our blog; when our postings generate good conversation, we are going to share them.
By truly working together, we can do our part to help rebuild our local businesses and at the same time, put some money back into our economy. We hope that you share our mission, too!
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