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Tips for Success Series: Stay Positive

Whether you are unemployed and on the job hunt or working while looking for a different career path, searching for the perfect job can be frustrating. You send out countless resumes, follow-up emails and go in for interviews only to come up empty-handed. Do not be disheartened. All good things take time! Let’s take a look at tips to stay positive. You’ll not only feel better about yourself but land a job in no time.

Keep Yourself on a Consistent Schedule

It can be easy to go to bed late, sleep in late and lounge in your pajamas for half a day. Have a set time you wake in the morning, take lunch, and go to bed at night. After all, your job at the moment is to find a job. Treat job hunting like a 9 to 5.

Take Care of Yourself Both Physically and Emotionally

It can be easy to let yourself go during this time. Make sure you are following your normal exercise regimen. If you don’t have one, now is a good time to start one. It will help you feel better both physically and mentally while adding structure to your day.

Engage in Charity Work

While on the job search, filling your days with some type of volunteer or charity work serves two purposes. The first is you will feel good about giving back to others and knowing your days are spent engaging in a productive activity.

The second is employers like to see candidates who like to have a purpose and do not waste their time.

Fine-Tune Your Application Materials

Job searches can be frustrating, and it can feel like you are sending out hundreds of applications without getting anything in return. It is never a bad idea to make sure all your application materials are up to date. Materials to update include:

  • Cover letter
  • Resume
  • Portfolio
  • LinkedIn profile

Counteract Negative Responses

Let’s say you receive an email thanking you for your interest but the company will not be moving forward with your application at this time. Balance this negative with a positive. Apply to another job or follow up on one of interest to you. This will not only put you that much closer to finding a job but will make you focus on the positive rather than the negative.

Utilize a Support System

Having the right team by your side when on the job hunt makes all the difference. RESOURCE Staffing has years of experience matching employees with the perfect employers. Their dedicated staffing specialists work with you to learn your goals, find jobs of interest, help you prepare the perfect resume and even give advice on your interviews. Visit RESOURCE Staffing today and start your journey to finding your perfect job.

Why Should I Partner With a Staffing Firm?

Finding qualified talent to either replace a full-time employee or fill in in a pinch can be difficult and cause a strain on resources. Partnering with a staffing firm allows you to focus on running the other aspects of your business and leave the legwork to the professionals who have access to a large database of qualified talent.  

Save Time and Money 

High turnover rates and substandard employees cost your company both time and money. Finding and training a replacement employee can be a long drawn-out process that puts a drain on your resources. Partnering with a staffing firm saves you both time and money by: 

  • Not having to worry about creating job postings and interviewing candidates. 
  • Eliminating the need to read countless resumes.  
  • Conducting all the legwork for you, thereby reducing costs. 
  • Peace of mind knowing you are receiving vetted, quality talent. 

Flexibility When You Need It Most 

There are times when your company may be short-staffed due to employees being on: 

  • Vacation 
  • Medical Leave 
  • Maternity Leave 
  • Special Projects 
  • Peak Periods 

Staffing firms are able to quickly provide your company with qualified talent that can come in and cover a shortage. This ensures your full-time employees do not become stressed or burned out during peak periods or special projects. 

Access to a Large Pool of Experienced Talent 

Finding the right talent can be difficult. When you team up with a staffing agent to find your next employee, you have access to talent you wouldn’t otherwise be able to find. In addition, agencies have pools of candidates who are anxiously awaiting their next career opportunity and have been thoroughly vetted by the firm.  

Trial Run Before Committing to a Candidate 

The best way to get to know a potential new hire is to see them in action. Staffing firms offer trial periods before you offer an employee a full-time position. This way you can see for yourself how the new employee fits in with your company’s culture. 

  • Does the contract employee have the work ethic desired?  
  • Do they have a good attitude?  
  • Will they fit in well long-term with your company’s culture? 

Make Running Your Company Easier by Partnering With One of the Leading Staffing Firm in Texas 

Employees are the foundation of your company. Making sure you hire the right talent at the right time is crucial to the success of your business. RESOURCE Staffing has years of experience matching the right candidates with the right employers. We will take the time to learn the time to learn the needs of your business and find talent to meet those needs. Partner with us today and eliminate the hassle of finding qualified candidates.  

Tips for Success Series: Be Open to New Opportunities

It is no secret that most people who are on the job hunt are looking for careers that are long term, in their area of expertise and offer realistic opportunities for advancement. However, like life, your career can be a series of stepping-stones. It will serve you well to be open-minded to job opportunities that may not exactly fit the bill you are looking for but may lead you where you want to go. Let’s take a look at new opportunities you should keep your eyes peeled for.  

Take the Contract Position 

The term contract employment has a stigma for instability. After all, you are looking for a long-term position you can advance in and build a career. However, contract employment has changed significantly over the years. Little-known facts about contract employment include: 

  • Contract positions are often at least three months in duration. Sometimes they can even last six months to one year.  
  • Oftentimes, contract positions lead to full-time positions. 
  • Contract positions are a great way for employers to vet potential candidates before committing to full-time decisions.  

Part-Time Employment Has Its Perks 

As with contract employment, part-time employment can be seen as less than ideal, due to the fact that by definition it does not offer long-term stability. Part-time employment can be a good stepping-stone into a full-time position, however.  

  • Part-time employment is a great way to network and meet new people in the industry.  
  • You can figure out if you fit in with the company’s culture and values. 
  • Affords you the time to keep looking for your dream career. 

Embrace a New Career Field 

Be open to the idea of taking opportunities that may be outside of your comfort zone. Do not be so quick to turn down a job offer outside of your career field. Taking a position outside of your career field can be helpful because: 

  • You may find a new passion or path to your dream career.  
  • You will develop a new skill set. 
  • Your professional network will be broadened. 
  • Your resume will be more well-rounded.  
  • Learning new things can be fun and exciting! 

Let the Leading Staffing Firm in Texas Broaden Your Professional Skill Set 

Not sure what direction you should go? That’s OK! RESOURCE Staffing has access to a large database of employers looking to hire qualified talent like yourself. Discuss your career interests and goals with one of our experienced staffing specialists. Our specialist can then explain all your options and help you find a job that is the perfect fit for your current situation. Contact us today and see for yourself how we can offer you new and exciting opportunities! 

How Can RESOURCE Staffing Help Me Find a Job? 

There are countless avenues employers use to post job openings. This leaves you with the cumbersome task of having to navigate through what can seem like hundreds of different platforms searching for the perfect job. With so many options, how do you get your resume in front of the right employers and find your next job as quickly and efficiently as possible? RESOURCE Staffing is the leading staffing firm in Texas and has years of experience helping talent just like you find the perfect job. How can RESOURCE Staffing help you?  

Receive Help Preparing for Interviews 

Our staffing professionals understand what employers are looking for in candidates and how to make a good first impression when you go in for your interview. Receive tips on how to: 

  • Greet the hiring manager  
  • Dress appropriately for the company atmosphere 
  • Answer and ask questions professionally 

Receive Constructive Feedback 

Our dedicated team is more than happy to give you constructive criticism on ways you can improve your resume, interview presentation, and helpful tips to best showcase your skills to potential employers.  

For instance, our professionals can identify the gaps in your resume and how to close these existing gaps so your resume is more appealing to potential employers. They can also help ensure your resume highlights the skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for. 

Earn Great Benefits 

There is often a stigma that staffing agencies do not offer benefits. This is not the case! At RESOURCE Staffing, take advantage of great benefits including: 

  • Weekly paychecks, either direct deposited into your account or loaded on a pay card  
  • Health insurance 
  • Paid holidays 
  • Referral bonus 

Free to Job Seekers 

The last thing you want to do is to spend money looking for a job to make money. Oftentimes, periods of unemployment come with strict financial budgets. RESOURCE Staffing is free to job seekers because it is the employers who pay to find exceptional talent through the staffing firm, not the job seekers themselves 

Partner With the Premier Staffing Firm in Texas 

RESOURCE Staffing understands the frustrations that come along with searching for your next job. This is why our professional firm offers help every step of the way as well as benefits at no cost to you. Contact us today to team up with our professionals and make your next job hunt hassle-free 

What Should I Wear to My Job Interview?

First impressions are everything! Before you even speak your first words at your interview, you have already made your first impression by the way you are dressed. YES! It happens that quick!  What should you wear to your job interview to make sure your first impression hits the mark?

Research the Dress Code of the Company

Do your homework prior to your job interview. Learn about the company’s culture. Find out about the company’s dress code policy. If you look the part of someone who belongs in the company, you will have an easier time selling yourself during the interview.

Avoid Overdressing for Your Interview

A sophisticated, professional appearance is important for your interview. However, don’t overdo it. A good rule of thumb is to dress one level above how employees dress on a day-to-day basis. Overdressing will make you stand out, and not in a good way. It also gives the impression you lack a certain understanding of the company.

Refrain From Using Perfumes and Cologne

It is best to leave perfumes and colognes untouched. You never know if the hiring manager has a sensitivity or allergy to certain scents. There could be a chance the person conducting your interview finds your perfume or cologne unattractive. This can, unfortunately, give a negative impression and may cost you a job offer.

Pay Attention to Minute Grooming and Hygiene Details

Make sure your clothes are freshly laundered and ironed. Do not show up to your interview in a musty, wrinkled outfit. Shower and style your hair. Men should trim any facial hair. It is important to look neat and clean. An employer will assume a candidate who doesn’t put effort into their physical appearance will not put effort into their job either.

Try on the Outfit Before Your Interview

The way clothing looks on the shelf, is not always how it fits once you get home. Do a test run of your outfit a few days before your interview. Make sure it fits as it should and the different pieces match. If an item doesn’t look quite right, you will have time to make the necessary adjustments.

Professional Staffing Firm Dedicated to Helping You From Start to Finish

Interviews can seem intimidating at first. You not only want to say the right things, but dress in a way that makes a statement. RESOURCE Staffing is a premier staffing firm in Texas with over 30 years of experience matching the right employees with the right companies. Our dedicated specialists go above and beyond to make sure you are properly prepared for your interview. Contact us today to speak with one of our staffing experts.

 

 

How Can I Effectively Bring a Temp Into the Company Culture?

Gone are the days when contract staffing meant a placeholder to take care of the busywork until a full-time replacement was hired. Today, it means so much more. Not only is the length of contract employment positions increasing, but the movement towards career freedom is causing freelance and gig work to become ever more popular.

Oftentimes this means contract employees are just as qualified as full-time staff and have the potential to be a real asset to your team. It starts with how you immerse them in your company’s culture. Let’s take a look at how you and your team can make sure you are making the most out of your contract positions.

Make Sure Supervisors and Full-time Employees Interact With Contract Employees

Sticking contract employees in the corner to do busy work isn’t really going to benefit your business. Make sure your permanent team is interacting with all employees. A few ways to accomplish this include:

  • Put contract employees on one of your project teams.
  • Pair contract employees with seasoned employees for training purposes.
  • Make sure the contract employees offices, desks or stations are comparable to the rest of the staff and not isolated.

Invite Contract Employees to Company Events

Make your contract employees feel like a part of the team by including them in company events including:

  • Celebratory dinners
  • Conferences
  • Banquets
  • Conventions
  • Holiday parties

Events outside of work are a great way for your employees to connect and build a sense of camaraderie without the stresses of the office. Including contract employees in these events will help unify your team.

Allow Contract Employees to Become Immersed in the Company Culture

Invite contract employees to meetings. Fill them in on the company’s goals, strategies and plans. It may seem like it doesn’t matter since they will only be there temporarily, but the truth is, an employee who is there only three months still has the potential to make a huge impact on your company. Make sure it is a positive one.

Provide Contract Employees With the Same Means of Communications as Full-time Employees

For example, give contract employees keys and passcodes to be able to navigate the physical premises.

The same is true for online software. Constantly requiring a fellow employee login can feel diminishing.  It’s also important to make sure contract employees have their own email address and phone in order to communicate with other team members and supervisors in an efficient and professional manner.

Find the Right Contract Employee

As one of the leading staffing firms in Texas, RESOURCE Staffing understands finding the perfect contract employee is important to the success of your business. Our experienced specialists are dedicated to finding qualified matches to meet your company’s needs. Visit Resource Staffing today to find your next employee.

 

 

 

Tips for Success Series: Creating an Elevator Pitch

Interviews can seem intimidating at first. How do you convey to a stranger why you are perfect for the position? There’s no need to fear! With a little preparation, you can rest assured you will walk into your next interview with the tools needed to be successful. One necessary tool is an elevator pitch. This guide explains the purpose of an elevator pitch and the elements every pitch should contain.

What is an Elevator Pitch?

An elevator pitch is a 20-30 second snapshot of your skills, accomplishments and previous work experience. Elevator pitches have a variety of uses such as promoting a company, product or an idea. However, they are also very useful and handy to have on hand when preparing for a job interview.

Why is an Elevator Pitch Useful During an Interview?

First impressions are everything in a job interview. Many employers know in the first minute or two whether they intend to hire a candidate. A perfectly crafted elevator pitch that answers who you are, what you have to offer the company, and what makes you stand apart from other candidates will go a long way in helping you to receive a job offer.

The Steps to Creating an Effective Elevator Pitch

Are you ready to create your own elevator pitch but not sure where to start? Follow these five steps to create an elevator pitch that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Define Your Objective

Identify the goal of your elevator pitch. What position are you interviewing for? What do you want the company to know about your qualifications right from the start?

Explain What You Bring to the Table

Concisely describe what you bring to the table and why you are an asset to the company. Exercise caution to ensure you appropriately express your qualifications without coming across as arrogant.

Convey What Makes You Unique

Mention what makes you unique to stand out from other candidates who have applied for the same position.

End the Pitch by Engaging the Hiring Manager

Engage with the hiring manager at the end of your elevator pitch. For example, “I would like to know more about x, y and z at your company.” This keeps the interview flowing smoothly and naturally.

Practice Makes Perfect

The more you practice your elevator the pitch, the more comfortable you will be when it comes time to deliver it and the more natural it will sound. Saying it out loud will also help you fine-tune the pitch, so it sounds perfect and falls within the recommended time frame.

We Are A Premier Staffing Firm Dedicated to Helping You Have Successful Interviews

As one of the leading staffing agency in Texas, Resource Staffing will help match your goals, skills and qualifications and help you prepare for the interview process. Contact us today to get started on the path to finding your dream job!

 

9 Reasons to Take a Contract Position

Job seekers often steer clear of contract positions due to the stigma often attached to them. Contract jobs can be seen as unstable and time constricting.

It’s time to debunk this myth! The truth of the matter is that contract jobs are extremely advantageous and can catapult your career! Let’s take a look at nine reasons to take a contract position.

1.      A Contract Position May Turn Into a Full-time Position

When a full-time position becomes available, companies lean towards a qualified contract employee. Hiring mistakes are costly and contract positions are often seen as a trial run.

Treat contract positions like a working interview. You never know who may be watching!

2.      Beneficial Networking Opportunities

Expanding your network, means opening new doors. Contract positions allow you to get to know fellow colleagues as well as professionals in the industry. You never know when these contacts might come in handy!

3.      Add Experience to Your Resume

Taking a contract position gives you the opportunity to add experience to your resume. If the position is outside of your career field, it will add diversity to your skill set and show employers you are a well-rounded individual.

4.      The Length of Contract Positions is Increasing

Contract jobs often have a reputation for only lasting a week or two at a time. This is no longer the case. In fact, many contract jobs tend to be 3 months or longer.

5.      Find Your Next Career Path

If you are interested in a new career field, a contract position is a great way to get your foot in the door. You can determine if a particular industry is for you, without diving in headfirst! On the other hand, you may stumble upon a newfound passion.

6.      Fills the Income Gap While Searching for a Full-time Position

Finding the perfect full-time position can take some time. In the meantime, bills must be paid. A contract position is a great way to close the income gap.

7.      Gives the Opportunity to Become Familiar With a Company

Contract positions are an excellent way to vet a prospective company. You have the ability to determine if the atmosphere and values of the company align with yours.

8.      Eliminate Gaps in Your Resume

A gap in employment on your resume is viewed as a negative by some employers. Contract positions fill in these gaps by showing continuous work on your resume.

9.      Boost Your Mental State

Searching for a job can take a toll on your mental state. Taking a contract job can boost your psychological state by giving you structure, a sense of accomplishment and reduce feelings of hopelessness.

Take Control of Your Career

There’s no reason to shy away from contract jobs. Embrace them! Resource Staffing, one of the leading staffing firm in Texas is dedicated to matching you with the right employer. Visit our website today for more information and to browse current job openings.

 

The 5 Keys to Job Success

Certain people always have great jobs. They always seem to land the promotion. And they always seem to be successful with everything they touch.

Is this just luck or a coincidence? Nope! These people don’t wait for things to happen, they make their own luck. So what can you do to ensure you’re successful? You can start by following these five tips:

Have a positive attitude–always!
Your attitude can be a powerful self-fulfilling prophecy. If you have a negative attitude, 9 times out of 10 you will fail. But, if you bring a positive attitude and display confidence, strength, and determination, you WILL be successful.

Stay educated.

The best way to ensure success is to stay one step ahead. Research your industry. Know what’s happening and what the experts say will happen. Look for trends. When you find them, start to train yourself in these areas. Knowledge is power.

Create a personal elevator pitch

First impressions mean a lot. If you only had 30 seconds to convince someone you were a hard-worker and a leader, what would you say and do? Plan this ahead of time; you never know when it will be needed.

Learn to network.

Unfortunately sometimes it’s not what you know, but who you know (at least to begin with). Learn to network. You can even network within your own company. Invite co-workers to lunch. Take the time to walk by someone’s office to say hello. And actively seek out opportunities to network outside of work by joining organizations, groups, etc. You start by seeking out your local chamber of commerce to learn of upcoming events.

Be open to new opportunities.

Read trade publications. Listen to people in your network. When a new opportunity presents itself, don’t sit back and wait. Take the initiative to inquire more–and don’t be shy!

Bonus Tip!

Contact RESOURCE Staffing. We are a leading employment agency with offices in Austin, Houston and Dallas/Metroplex.

Getting the Most from Your Temporary Employees

Nearly every business in the world could benefit from workforce flexibility. But what many professionals don’t realize is that “temps” can be used for more than just fill-ins for sick and vacation time. In fact, when used strategically, temporary staffing can improve productivity, increase capacity to handle spikes in workload, and provide access to specialized skill sets – all without increasing your fixed expenses.

So how can you maximize the efficiency and productivity of your temporary employees? Follow these 5 key steps:

Step #1: Determine the type of person you need and define required skills.:

Meet with managers and those who will be working with the temporary employee to determine which skills are ideal for the position you are trying to fill. Examine top performers you already have on staff to determine what skills have made them successful. And finally, work closely with your staffing agency and provide as much detail as possible.

Step #2: Work with an experienced staffing agency.

Find an agency that has experience in your industry. Not only will an experienced staffing agency know where to look to find the right person, but they will also be able to help you determine things like an appropriate pay rate for a particular position.

Step #3: Provide a solid orientation and training program.

Include information such as working hours, breaks and lunch schedules, any safety regulations or company rules, and contact information for direct supervisors. You may also want to assign a core staff member or supervisor to help orient the temporary employee. Also, find out what type of training and orientation your staffing agency can provide. Good staffing agencies will offer guidance on how to best bring temporary employees up to speed so they can hit the ground running–and they may even conduct initial training and orientation for you.

Step #4: Communicate clearly and openly.

Make sure your temporary employees understand what’s expected from them. Encourage employees to ask questions and make sure they know who to direct those questions to.

Step #5: Check in regularly.

Be sure to take a minute or two at several points throughout the first day to check in and gauge progress. Set specific days/times you plan to check in throughout the week to answer any questions and monitor progress.

Bringing a temporary employee on board at your company can offer a host of benefits – as long as that employee is managed properly. And from our experience, hard-working and properly managed temporary employees often become leading candidates for full-time openings.

If you’re interested in hiring temporary employees or just want to learn more about how temporary employees can help your company, contact RESOURCE Staffing today.