Tuesday, November 24, 2009

In Business - Best Places To Work 2009

BP2W

Saturday, October 3, 2009

“Networking Demystified” by Linked Las Vegas

Click here to RSVP

Friday, September 25, 2009

Linked Las Vegas presents “Networking Demystified”



http://events.linkedin.com/Linked-Las-Vegas-presents-Networking/pub/123227

Linked Las Vegas is changing the perception of networking and taking it to new heights.

Come and join us for “Networking Demystified” Linked Las Vegas Fall Event. Our goal is to connect as many people as possible and to educate them on concepts such as elevator speech, speed networking, power schmoozing, paying it forward and much more!

This is a great way to build relationships and network with other Las Vegas LinkedIn users. We had over 180 attendees at our last event with news coverage by our very own Dave Courvoisier, Weekly Evening News Anchor at KLAS-TV (CBS) Las Vegas, NV. Once again we are expecting a great turn out, so this is an event you don’t want to miss.

Thursday, October 15, 2009
6:00pm-9:00pm
Gold Coast Hotel & Casino
4000 W Flamingo Rd
Las Vegas, NV 89103


There will be a cash bar and appetizers available.

Raffle for 2 pair of tickets for Larry G Jones - Singing Impressionist show!

MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT Special Guest Speaker Loribeth Dalton! to speak on how to be a fearless networker.

Loribeth Dalton is a Career Coach, Job Search Expert and Social Media Consultant. Loribeth has spent over 15 years in the Talent Acquisition arena and understands who gets hired and why, who gets promoted and why, and when turnover happens...WHAT HAPPENED? She has applied this knowledge coupled with her training in Personality and Human Behavior to help individuals and companies find the perfect match.
Loribeth is an expert in helping individuals discover WHO they are, WHAT value they contribute, WHERE they fit and HOW to develop a unique personal brand and then take that brand to the market place.

Loribeth believes in the power of networking through social media & live connections. She has agreed to give a 15 minute training on how to utilize and develop an elevator speech, speed networking and power schmoozing techniques. We are extremely excited to have Loribeth as our guest speaker. This will be an event you don't want to miss!

Linked Las Vegas presents “Networking Demystified” gives you the opportunity to network, promote yourself or your business, and learn how to get more results from networking and the Linked Las Vegas group. There will be a SPECIAL BREAKOUT SESSION (THEMES: Meet new cool people, Under/Unemployed, Looking for customers & Work on my personal branding). REMEMBER WHEN YOU SIGNIN YOU GET TO PICK YOUR OWN FLAVOR (Hint Hint!)

Agenda:
6:00pm - 6:30pm Open Networking
6:30pm - 6:45pm Guest Speaker
6:45pm - 7:15pm Open Networking/SPECIAL SURPRISE!
7:15pm - 7:45pm Special Breakout Session
7:45pm - 8:30pm Open Networking
8:30pm – 9:00pm Raffle - Ticket giveaway

Admission:
$10.00 pre-paid via PayPal and RSVP'd via LinkedIn Events
$15.00 at the door






Pre-Pay/ Sponsorship








Sponsorship:
We are still looking for sponsors for the event.

Sponsorship of Linked Las Vegas presents “Networking Demystified” is a great opportunity to promote & market your business. Connect with business professionals from a variety of industries and reach out to potential new clients.


What do you receive as a sponsor?

• An email contact list of all event attendees within 48 hours after the event.
• Four admission tickets to the event.
• Opportunity to distribute information to all event attendees at the event.
• Your business name included in all marketing & promotion of the event. Including discussion posts, tweets, emails, and other forms of online promotion of the event.
• Opportunity to speak about your business in front of event attendees.
• Display your company's brochures & business cards on the attendee registration table.

Sponsorship Investment: $200


http://events.linkedin.com/Linked-Las-Vegas-presents-Networking/pub/123227


PRESENTED BY

Sunday, August 16, 2009

PRIDESTAFF WINS ASA AWARD - 2009



PrideStaff Wins ASA Advertising Award

We are pleased to share that PrideStaff has received a 2009 ASA Staffing VOICE Award from the American Staffing Association. The VOICE awards are an annual competition for advertising. PrideStaff's award was in the "Company Newsletter" category for our "Industrial Insights" campaign. The award received was an "AWARD OF EXCELLENCE" which is the highest award you can receive (equivalent to an A+). PrideStaff was the only company to achieve this designation in the "Company Newsletter" category. Additionally, the award is in the National Staffing Firm Class. In the National category, PrideStaff was included in the group with the nationals like Manpower, Adecco, Ranstad, Kelly and anyone else with over 20 locations. PrideStaff's winning entries will be displayed in the expo hall during Staffing World 2009, Oct. 20–23 in Orlando. Convention and expo attendees will see our successful communications efforts and will be guided through the display with a descriptive listing that will be featured in the convention notebook. Also, look for PrideStaff's name in the winners’ announcement, which will be published in an upcoming issue of Staffing Week newsletter. Read more about the competition and the judges in the November–December 2009 issue of Staffing Success magazine.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

ERROR ON THE SIDE OF EXECUTION

For every hour, day and or week you delay in developing and executing your plan for obtaining a job, developing a career plan or taking an in depth assessment of where your skills, experience and flexibility are relative to the demand for your skills will affect your employability and earnings.

AVOID ERRORS OF EXECUTION


  • You don't have to have everything perfect to start. The key is to Start Now.
  • Use the available technology, coaching and other tools to leverage yourself.
  • Your Competitors have the pedal on the medal and their eye on the prize.
  • The elephant in the room is "raising the bar" each day.
  • Over your employment life, waiting can cost you a significant amount of cash.

Monday, July 27, 2009

BEYOND SENDING YOUR RESUME

YOU’VE DISTRIBUTED YOUR RESUME…… SO WHAT

Now that you’ve faxed, mailed or e-mailed your resume you’re probably wondering why your phone is not ringing off the wall or e-mails are not filling you’re in box.

It’s an employer’s market and you are competing against a number of qualified individuals for each position. So what can you do to stand out from the crowd? What can you do to capture their attention?

You must do what others are not doing! Namely use your own Marketing Campaign.

  • Make multiple quality contacts using Phone, e-mail, letters, video e-mail and post cards.
  • Using Networking, find a way to get an introduction.
  • Show up at the work site or location and ask to speak with the hiring manager. If you don’t get to see the manager, leave a hand written note.
  • Invest $2 in a McCafe card and mail to the hiring manager with a note indicating what’s a time to meet and you’ll spring for the coffee.
  • Send a funny e-card.

Want to know more? Contact Bdaniel@pridestaff.com

Friday, July 24, 2009

EMPLOYEES ECONOMIC RECOVERY TUNE-UP



According to a number of economist the sun is beginning to shine on the economic recovery. It's not White hot just yet but it's warming. With that in mind, it's important to take an assessment of where you are positioned regarding the recovery, regardless of your employment status:


  • Have you completed an assessment of your skills?
  • Have you updated your resume using a format that's appropriate for your skills and background?
  • Do you have more than 1 resume?
  • Does your resume support your accomplishments, unique personal brand and will it lead to an interview?
  • Does your resume focus on results and not duties?

For help preparing you for the recovery, contact bdaniel@pridestaff.com

Monday, July 20, 2009

YOU ARE IN CONTROL

It's an understatement to say jobs are tough to find these days. There are however, some tried and true methods that are as important today as they were when times were better.


  • while networking has become the rage these days, astute individuals have always recognized the importance of this since a significant percentage of jobs are never advertised or posted. Referrals continue to play a large role in securing jobs. What better way to obtain a referral than to network and gain exposure. The secret to networking, in my opinion is to add value!! Don't sit on the sidelines and wait for this to happen.... Network and Network Again. Has taken on greater important


  • Trying to get a job without a resume, is like trying to get a credit card without completing an application. Your best chance to "look" at the market is when you already have a position. Ask yourself the "so what" questions... What would happen if I lost my job today? Is my resume updated? Are my contacts in place? --When is the last time I spoke to a recruiter to determine my marketability? This is similar to the analogy associated with athletes... If you're not getting ready for the next level, job, opportunity etc, I assure you other candidates are and they will get the job.

  • Much has been said negatively about promoting oneself. It's simple; no one cares as much about you as you do. You have to promote your brand consistently, you must ensure your brand has value and equally important constantly check out your brand with others inside and outside the "circles you frequent" because you are always being evaluated!!!

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Avoiding the Alice Syndrome

Over the years much has been said about the importance of planning goals in terms of sales, job performance, employee development, and revenue and yes profitability.
My observation is however, few individuals evaluate these terms in context of their career plan. I’m not talking about the short term here. Rather, 5+ years out. Over the last 3 years, I consistently ask prospective employees what they want to be doing 5 years from now. Consistent responses are:

  • I want to be working for a good company that provides opportunities
  • I have not really thought about this so I’m not sure
  • I want to have a good job in a stable company
  • I can’t think that far into the future

To be sure, these are desires worth having. However, they do not address what I believe is a major failing on the part of employees and in large part managers and supervisors. Namely, in conjunction with the employee developing a Career Development Plan inclusive of a “employee development” component. At this point, you may be asking yourself what’s the difference? This is a fair question and often times one that can be confusing. The employee development component of the career plan should focus on the development of skills for the current job; career development should focus on the development of skills for future jobs.

I like to take this concept a step farther and with prospective employees ask them to focus on the “end game”. Specifically, what do they want to do with the rest of their life and how are they going to get there. You see, I happen to think to effectively develop a career plan; you have to start at the end and work backwards.

In order to do the type of career planning I’m talking about one has to do a great deal of introspection, ask the difficult “so what” question at every decision point. Maybe that’s why so few individuals actually get this done.

It’s at this point I usually remind them of the story of Alice and Wonderland and the Cheshire cat “Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to walk from here? Asked Alice. “That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” responded the cat. “I don’t much care where,” said Alice. “Then it doesn’t much matter which way you walk,” replied the cat. This one simple statement says it all. If one is unsure of where one is going, (does not have a plan) take the next road for any path will do.

Monday, June 29, 2009

LinkedIn Live Las Vegas Networking Event

LinkedIn Live Las Vegas Networking Event
Thursday, July 23, 2009
5:30pm-8:30pm
The Orleans
4500 W. Tropicana Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89103

http://events.linkedin.com/LinkedIn-Live-Las-Vegas-Networking-Event/pub/89280

Come and join us for Las Vegas LinkedIn Live networking event. Our goal is to connect as many people as possible and show them the power of LinkedIn. Networking, LinkedIn tips, raffle prizes, and much more! This is a great way for you to network and build relationships with other Las Vegas LinkedIn users. We are expecting 200-300 attendees so this is an event you don't want to miss!

Featuring FREE professional head shots for your social media profiles. We will also have tips on how to use social media to grow your network and market yourself or your business.

There will be a cash bar and appetizers available.

Cost: $10 if you pre-register, $15 at the door.

We are always looking for sponsors. It's a great opportunity for your business. For details contact: Chris Kokalis ckokalis@ckmemarketinggroup.com or Demont Daniel ddaniel@pridestaff.com

Presented by Linked Las Vegas, PrideStaff, and the CKME Group.

For more details and to pre-register, go to http://www.lasvegassocialmedia.com






Pre-register



Tuesday, June 23, 2009

American Staffing 2009: Looking for Growth

After one of the most difficult years for the U.S.—and the world—since World War II, the global economy is on pace to shrink by 1% to 2% in 2009, according to the World Bank. Everyone is looking for signs of growth. The staffing industry is a good place to start.

Hypercyclical, the staffing industry has taken quite a beating in this recession. According to a preliminary White House estimate, temporary help services accounted for 21% of all U.S. job losses in 2008. While temporary and contract employment appears to have stabilized in 2009, jobs losses in search and placement firms accelerated earlier this year. But at this point in the economic cycle, the staffing industry can tell a lot about the future.

ASA analyzed quarterly employment and sales data that the association has been collecting since 1992 to ascertain the level of gross domestic product growth required for the staffing industry to grow. Models show that GDP growth of 1.2% is required to increase temporary and contract employment, and growth of 0.8% is required to increase sales. Generally, then, economic growth of about 1% is necessary for staffing industry growth.

In June, 54 economists regularly surveyed by the Wall Street Journal predicted that the recession would end sometime in the third quarter of 2009, with GDP growing at an annual rate of 0.6% in that period—not enough to trigger staffing industry growth. But if the economists are right in their predictions that GDP will grow at a rate of 1.9% in the fourth quarter, then staffing industry employment and sales should begin to show modest increases before the end of the year.

Then, instead of just looking for signs of growth, staffing industry executives can start looking for double-digit growth—the kind that has occurred after the prior three recessions. It might take a couple of years, but with history as a guide, it would not be too soon to start to plan accordingly.

Temporary and contract staffing has historically grown faster than the economy and nonfarm employment—even taking recessions into account. Staffing industry growth, over the long term, is expected to significantly outpace overall economic growth. That expectation is not likely to be derailed by the current recession, particularly given that the industry has historically enjoyed double-digit growth rates when the economy is emerging from a recession.

Read more about recent trends in the staffing industry, as well as the industry's prospects for this year and beyond, in American Staffing 2009, the ASA annual economic analysis. The report includes 18 charts that illustrate the industry's sales and employment growth, as well as the ways it benefits employees, staffing clients, and the economy. The report is available online at americanstaffing.net.

American Staffing 2009 is the cover story of a special issue of Staffing Success magazine, in the mail to ASA members this week. This special issue is also being mailed to several hundred policy makers, journalists, and industry analysts.

ASA Research: Staffing Jobs to Signal Recession End

Editor's note: The following is an excerpt from a news release being sent today to business and labor reporters in the top 100 markets across the nation.

A sustained upturn in staffing industry employment would signal the end of the current recession and suggest that overall nonfarm employment would begin to grow about three months later, according to research released today by the American Staffing Association.

Staffing industry employment has long been considered a popular indicator of current economic conditions and a precursor of overall employment trends. Recent ASA research confirmed this conventional wisdom, but added important nuance.

Staffing industry employment is a strong coincident economic indicator when the economy is emerging from a recession.
Staffing industry employment is a leading indicator for nonfarm employment—by about three months when the economy is emerging from a recession.
"This is the first time that an upswing in staffing jobs has been so closely linked with economic recovery," says ASA vice president Steve Berchem, CSP. A paper describing the research is available on the ASA Web site, americanstaffing.net.

The ASA Staffing Index provides the only near-real time measure of weekly changes in staffing jobs. The index has been improved so that, beginning June 23, there will be only a nine-day lag between the close of a payroll week and the reporting of the index results.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Staffing For Recovery

Cost of Turnover

The following is a comprehensive checklist of items to include when calculating the cost of turnover in any organization. To determine the costs, have the hourly and weekly cost of fully loaded payroll costs (i.e. salary plus benefits) of the vacant position, the management staff, the recruitment staff and others as outlined below.

It should be noted that the costs of time and lost productivity are no less important or real than the costs associated with paying cash to vendors for services such as advertising or temporary staff. These are all very real costs to the employer.

These calculations will easily reach 150% of the employees' annual compensation figure. The cost will be significantly higher (200% to 250% of annual compensation) for managerial and sales positions.

To put this into perspective, let's assume the average salary of employees in a given company is $50,000 per year. Taking the cost of turnover at 150% of salary, the cost of turnover is then $75,000 per employee who leaves the company. For the mid-sized company of 1,000 employees that has a 10% annual rate of turnover, the annual cost of turnover is $7.5 million!

Do you know any CEO who would not want to add $7.5 million to their revenue? And, by the way, most of that figure would be carried over to the profit line as well. What about the company with 10,000 employees? The cost of turnover equals $75 million!

Here is the list:


Costs Due to a Person Leaving:
1. Calculate the cost of the person(s) who fills in while the position is vacant. This can be either the cost of a temporary or the cost of existing employees performing the vacant job as well as their own. Include the cost at overtime rates.
2. Calculate the cost of lost productivity at a minimum of 50% of the person's compensation and benefits cost for each week the position is vacant, even if there are people performing the work. Calculate the lost productivity at 100% if the position is completely vacant for any period of time.
3. Calculate the cost of conducting an exit interview to include the time of the person conducting the interview, the time of the person leaving, the administrative costs of stopping payroll, benefit deductions, benefit enrollments, COBRA notification and administration, and the cost of the various forms needed to process a resigning employee.
4. Calculate the cost of the manager who has to understand what work remains, and how to cover that work until a replacement is found. Calculate the cost of the manager who conducts their own version of the employee exit interview.
5. Calculate the cost of training your company has invested in this employee who is leaving. Include internal training, external programs and external academic education. Include licenses or certifications the company has helped the employee obtain to do their job effectively.
6. Calculate the impact on departmental productivity because the person is leaving. Who will pick up the work, whose work will suffer, what departmental deadlines will not be met or delivered late. Calculate the cost of department staff discussing their reactions to the vacancy.
7. Calculate the cost of severance and benefits continuation provided to employees who are leaving that are eligible for coverage under these programs.
8. Calculate the cost of lost knowledge, skills and contacts that the person who is leaving is taking with them out of your door. Use a formula of 50% of the person's annual salary for one year of service, increasing each year of service by 10%.
9. Calculate the cost impact of unemployment insurance premiums as well as the time spent to prepare for an unemployment hearing, or the cost paid to a third party to handle the unemployment claim process on your behalf.
10. Calculate the cost of losing customers that the employee is going to take with them or the amount it will cost you to retain the customers of the salesperson or customer service representative who leaves.
11. Subtract the cost of the person who is leaving for the amount of time the position is vacant.

Recruitment Costs:
1. The cost of advertisements (from a $200.00 classified to a $5,000.00 or more display advertisement); agency costs at 20 - 30% of annual compensation; employee referral costs of $500.00 - $2,000.00 or more; internet posting costs of $300.00 - $500.00 per listing.
2. The cost of the internal recruiter's time to understand the position requirements, develop and implement a sourcing strategy, review candidates' backgrounds, prepare for interviews, conduct interviews, prepare candidate assessments, conduct reference checks, make the employment offer and notify unsuccessful candidates. This can range from a minimum of 30 hours to over 100 hours per position.
3. Calculate the cost of a recruiter's assistant who will spend 20 or more hours in basic-level review of resumes, developing candidate interview schedules and making any travel arrangements for out-of-town candidates.
4. The cost of the hiring department (immediate supervisor, next level manager, peers and other people on the selection list) time to review and explain position requirements, review candidate's background, conduct interviews, discuss their assessments and select a finalist. Also include their time to do their own sourcing of candidates from networks, contacts and other referrals. This can take upwards of 100 hours of total time.
5. Calculate the administrative cost of handling, processing and responding to the average number of resumes considered for each opening at $1.50 per resume.
6. Calculate the number of hours spent by the internal recruiter interviewing internal candidates along with the cost of those internal candidates to be away from their jobs while interviewing.
7. Calculate the cost of drug screens, educational and criminal background checks and other reference checks, especially if these tasks are outsourced. Don't forget to calculate the number of times these are done per open position, as some companies conduct this process for the final 2 or 3 candidates.
8. Calculate the cost of the various candidate pre-employment tests to help assess a candidates' skills, abilities, aptitude, attitude, values and behaviors.

Training Costs:
1. Calculate the cost of orientation in terms of the new person's salary and the cost of the person who conducts the orientation. Also include the cost of orientation materials.
2. Calculate the cost of departmental training as the actual development and delivery cost plus the cost of the salary of the new employee. Note that the cost will be significantly higher for some positions such as sales representatives and call center agents who require 4 - 6 weeks or more of classroom training.
3. Calculate the cost of the person(s) who conduct the training.
4. Calculate the cost of various training materials needed including company or product manuals, computer or other technology equipment used in the delivery of training.
5. Calculate the cost of supervisory time spent in assigning, explaining and reviewing work assignments and output. This represents lost productivity of the supervisor. Consider the amount of time spent at 7 hours per week for at least 8 weeks.





Lost Productivity Costs:

As the new employee is learning the new job, the company policies and practices, etc., they are not fully productive. Use the following guidelines to calculate the cost of this lost productivity:
1. Upon completion of whatever training is provided, the employee is contributing at a 25% productivity level for the first 2 - 4 weeks. The cost therefore is 75% of the new employee's full salary during that time period.
2. During weeks 5 - 12, the employee is contributing at a 50% productivity level. The cost is therefore 50% of full salary during that time period.
3. During weeks 13 - 20, the employee is contributing at a 75% productivity level. The cost is therefore 25% of full salary during that time period.
4. Calculate the cost of coworkers and supervisory lost productivity due to their time spent on bringing the new employee "up to speed."
5. Calculate the cost of mistakes the new employee makes during this elongated indoctrination period.
6. Calculate the cost of lost department productivity caused by a departing member of management who is no longer available to guide and direct the remaining staff.
7. Calculate the impact cost on the completion or delivery of a critical project where the departing employee is a key participant.
8. Calculate the cost of reduced productivity of a manager or director who loses a key staff member, such as an assistant, who handled a great deal of routine, administrative tasks that the manager will now have to handle.

New Hire Costs:
1. Calculate the cost of bring the new person on board including the cost to put the person on the payroll, establish computer and security passwords and identification cards, business cards, internal and external publicity announcements, telephone hookups, cost of establishing email accounts, costs of establishing credit card accounts, or leasing other equipment such as cell phones, automobiles, pagers.
2. Calculate the cost of a manager's time spent developing trust and building confidence in the new employee's work.

Lost Sales Costs:
1. For sales staff, divide the budgeted revenue per sales territory into weekly amounts and multiply that amount for each week the territory is vacant, including training time. Also use the lost productivity calculations above to calculate the lost sales until the sales representative is fully productive. Can also be used for telemarketing and inside sales representatives.
2. For non-sales staff, calculate the revenue per employee by dividing total company revenue by the average number of employees in a given year. Whether an employee contributes directly or indirectly to the generation of revenue, their purpose is to provide some defined set of responsibilities that are necessary to the generation of revenue. Calculate the lost revenue by multiplying the number of weeks the position is vacant by the average weekly revenue per employee.

Friday, May 15, 2009

10 Ways to Be More Successful in 10 Minutes or Less



Endless emails. Countless voicemails. An inbox that’s piled 8” high. With all the daily demands of your job, who has time to focus on career development?

You do. If you can find just 10 extra minutes in your busy workday, you can accomplish one of the tasks below. Each of these simple ideas will put you one step closer to getting the recognition, raise or promotion you want.

1. Ask someone in another department to explain his job to you.

Find out how other positions relate to your own – and the organization as a whole. Develop a “big picture” perspective now, and you’ll more readily identify opportunities to make a positive impact in the future.

2.Propose a new idea.

Spend 10 minutes brainstorming: a solution to an existing problem; ways your company could generate additional revenue; ideas for saving money around the office. Present your best ideas to your boss. Positive, constructive suggestions for making your company more successful will always enhance your image.

3. Ask your boss out to lunch.

During your meal, find out more about what makes him tick (and ticked-off). Ask him what his priorities are and incorporate them into your own. Show him that you understand the issues he faces and you’re sure to make your mark.

4. Clean your desk.

Go through those stacks of paperwork and over-stuffed file drawers. Eliminate as much of the clutter and trash as you can. A clean desk will help you think more clearly, improve your efficiency, and show others that you take pride in your space – as well as your work.

5. Talk yourself up.

When it comes to your career development, “who knows you” is often as important as “who you know.” Here are a few quick ideas get onto key executives’ radar screens, without coming across as a braggart:

• Accept credit graciously when your hard work has paid off.
• Email your boss a brief weekly status report, outlining your major
accomplishments and upcoming projects.
• Present your group’s milestones at the next business planning meeting.

6.Organize your email.

Have an inbox with 500 outdated messages? Go through it and purge. Then, if you regularly send emails to the same groups of people, spend a few minutes creating key contact groups. This process will make sending emails to multiple recipients much more efficient and ensure nobody is left outof-the-loop.

7. Write a To Do list.

Prioritize your existing projects and job responsibilities. Next, enter them into a simple “To Do” program (e.g., Microsoft Outlook) that will provide pop-up reminders for your meetings, tasks, deadlines, etc. You’ll be able to take your mind off lesspressing items – and focus more productively on what you’re doing now.

8. Tie up loose ends.

Need to turn in expenses? Move last quarter’s files into storage? Make a few follow-up phone calls? Take 10 minutes and cross a few of these small items off your list. You’ll be amazed how much better you feel when you’ve tied up those loose ends – and your To Do list will have room for fresh challenges.

9. Start a portfolio.

Keep track of your professional accomplishments and contributions by assembling a simple portfolio that showcases your skills and experience. Start by highlighting your most recent projects, and then work backward as time permits (10 focused minutes a week will yield results quickly). When it comes time to make your case for a raise or promotion, your portfolio will prove an invaluable tool.

10.Write a thank you note.

Too often in business, we fail to take the time to show co-workers our appreciation. So if you’ve recently received a helping hand from a colleague – on a project, or with your professional development – send that person a hand-written thank you note. The respect, kindness and personal touch of a handwritten thank you will create a lasting positive impression of you in the recipient’s mind.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

The Secret to Finding a Great Job During a Recession




Bob was recently laid off from his job of 10 years. Hitting the panic button, he called a friend who told him that he should check out a staffing company. Bob immediately blurted, “I don't want to be a temp! I have skills and experience!” This common misperception of staffing as filling warm bodies in chairs to answer phones or file all day is a thing of the past. Working with PrideStaff may be the best (and easiest) thing you can do to make it through a layoff or search for a job during tough economic times.

WHY SHOULD YOU WORK WITH PRIDESTAFF?

1. IT'S FREE!

2. GET ACCESS TO MORE JOBS.
Staffing and recruiting firms are often responsible for hiring for job opportunities that may not be advertised to the general public.

3. GET YOUR FOOT IN THE DOOR.
When companies are not hiring full-time employees, they may still be hiring temporary and contract workers. If you get hired as a temporary employee, you'll get your foot in the door with a company that may decide to keep you on full-time.

4. GET EXPERT JOB SEARCH ADVICE.
When you work with a recruiter or staffing company, such as PrideStaff, you get practical advice on the best ways to find employment. Your staffing partner can help you put together your resume, brush up on interviewing skills, and even help you negotiate your salary once you've been offered a job. Best of all, your staffing representative can really help shorten your job search by proactively marketing your skills to the right employers.

5. MAKE YOURSELF MORE MARKETABLE.
Staffing gives you a great opportunity to enhance your skills. Through temporary work, you can gain on-the-job experience and improve your resume. Also, many staffing firms offer free training on popular computer software applications.

6. SHORTEN YOUR JOB SEARCH.
Right now, employers are getting flooded with resumes. A staffing company can help you get your resume to the top of the pile. And as an added bonus, your staffing representative can directly contact many hiring managers, so you'll get faster feedback.



With all the challenges of the current economy, you need every advantage you can get. Working with the right staffing partner will help you build your skills, present yourself in the best possible manner, and find a great job in less time. All staffing firms believe in one common goal--to help you and employers find a match in long-term employment. Consider PrideStaff as a partner through these challenging economic times.