Tag: Tips For Success

5 Free Resources to Sharpen Your Tech Skills

Technology is the way of the future, and keeping your tech skills sharp is important to staying at the top of the game. From product development and business management to sales and digital marketing, the ability to understand and utilize technology to maximum capacity is what sets you apart in your respective field. Technology is constantly changing, which means you must stay educated on the latest and greatest. Here are 5 FREE resources to help you sharpen your tech skills.

1. Codecademy

Codecademy features free online courses on 12 of the most common programming and markup languages. Whether you are in web developing or data analyzation, Codecademy allows you to choose the educational path that is right for you. The basic courses are all free and offer ample opportunity to either learn from scratch or fine-tune your skills. If you are interested in further education, they suggest a pro-package which offers more quizzes, challenges, and hands-on opportunities for only $19.99/month.

2. EdX

EdX is a free online resource for those looking to hone their tech schools. Choose from a selection of courses that include videos, interactive lessons, tutorials, the ability to interact with fellow students, and much more. The really neat thing about this educational site is that some of the courses are from high-profile schools such as Harvard and MIT. You can even obtain certificates for completing courses and, depending on the school, may count as college credit.

3. Online Learning Courses from Harvard

What if you could take Harvard courses…for free? Sounds great, right! Harvard offers courses on just about any tech subject you could want to learn. The reason is that the institution wants everyone to have access to educational material, regardless of whether they have the means of pursuing a formal education. This is a great opportunity if you want to advance your tech skills using resources from one of the most prestigious schools in the country!

4. CodePen

If you are looking to stay abreast of front-end coding, then CodePen might be for you. It is free learning software that allows you to learn how to code and even build and test your projects. There is an option for additional privacy when building projects if you upgrade to the pro plan.

5. Google Developers Training

At no cost to you, Google offers training in Android development, web development, Firebase, machine learning, and TensorFlow. You can even obtain a Google Developer’s Certification that is recognized industry-wide!

Let One of the Leading Staffing Firms in Texas Help You Find Your Dream Job

Are you ready to make a career move? Let Resource Staffing help you to find the perfect job. Our specialists are dedicated to matching candidates’ skills to the personnel needs of highly sought-after companies. Get started today by browsing our job openings!

4 Ways to Encourage Diversity in the Hiring Process for 2020

You’ve heard the old saying, “It takes all kinds.” This is very true for the workplace. Hiring a diverse team is essential to the success of your business. When most people think of diversity, they think of gender and ethnicity. However, diversity is so much more than that. It means hiring candidates with different skill sets, viewpoints, and backgrounds that will collectively make your company better as a whole.

Here are 4 ways to implement diversity in the hiring process for the upcoming year!

1. Ensure the Job Posting is Well-Balanced

Job postings can accidentally be geared towards a particular group. For instance, if you use words such as “assertive,” this is typically seen as a positive quality trait in a male candidate and not so much a female. Instead, use terms which encompass a large group of people such as:

    • “must possess strong leadership skills”
    • “exhibit the ability to work as a team”
    • “motivation to think outside of the box”

These phrases and terms are well-balanced without speaking to a specific sector of the workforce. Before making the job posting public, be sure the job description doesn’t unintentionally discriminate from the get-go and alienate well-qualified candidates who do not fit the typical stereotype.

2. Make Sure Your Interviewing Panel is Diverse

Create a diverse panel of interviewers that candidates can relate too. For example, do not just have interviewers who come from elite schools, or a panel of all men or women. Instead, include interviewers from a variety of backgrounds, different ethnicities, and both genders. This will increase the chances of every interviewee being able to connect with and relate to at least one member of the hiring panel.

3. Make a List of Qualities Needed in Candidates

Before you even begin reviewing resumes or scheduling interviews, make a list of the qualities needed in a candidate to perform the job successfully. This will help to remove any bias before you screen the candidates.

4. Remove Criteria that is Not Essential to Performing the Job Well

It is important to understand that first and foremost, you are selecting the candidate who has the qualities needed to perform the job well. Throw out non-essential criteria such as unrealistic amounts of experience, having to have graduated from specific schools, or coming from a particular background. Encourage applicants who do not exactly match the job requirements to apply still. You never know, you may end up with a diamond in the rough.

Take the Hassle out of Your Next Hire with one of the Leading Staffing Firms in Texas

A diverse team is a strong team. Increase the success of your company by striving for diversity in the hiring process using these 4 tips.

Let Resource Staffing help you find your next great hire. Once our recruiters understand your personnel needs, we will access our large talent pool to find the perfect candidate! Contact us today and find your next team member!

 

Now is the Time to Take Initiative in Your Career!

Are you ready to take your career to the next level? Most people do not begin their careers, expecting to remain stagnant. You want to grow in your career and move up the ladder. It starts with taking the initiative today!

Let’s take a look at 5 strategic ways you can make your mark in your respective field.

Be Innovative

Do not underestimate the importance of strategy. Think outside of the box when it comes to how you carry out day-to-day tasks. Always look for better ways to complete tasks and projects. Just because it hasn’t been done yet doesn’t mean that it’s not a good idea. For example, Bill Gates, one of the great innovators of our time, didn’t have a blueprint for developing Microsoft. Being innovative and strategic is a great way to advance your career.

Go Above and Beyond Your Job Role

There are plenty of good employees who excel in their jobs. To be a great employee and advance in your career, you must go above and beyond. Take on tasks outside of your traditional job role. Ask to be a part of a project from another department or even find opportunities such as seminars to attend or workshops to participate in. Going above and beyond demonstrates your commitment to your career. If you perform like you know you will only be there for a short while, you will only be there for a short while. From day one, you want to treat the job like it’s a permanent one; that means always putting your best foot forward.

Always Be Prepared and Think Ahead

Opportunities are everywhere. You just have to look. Make the decisions today that will help grow your career tomorrow. Accept the invitation to learn a different part of the company. Networking is important too! Get to know your co-workers immediately; chat with them during breaks or lunch to develop relationships. Also, consider extra classes or an advanced degree that will increase career opportunities.

Confidence! Confidence! Confidence!

Ninety-nine percent of succeeding and advancing in your career is having the confidence to do so. You are not going to be comfortable with every new opportunity you take. This is okay! You’ve heard the saying, “fake it until you make it.” This is exactly what you do. Fake the confidence until you have gained enough experience actually to have faith.

Look Beyond the Company

Growing your career goes far beyond understanding one company. You need to understand the ins and outs of the industry. What are the trends? Where is the industry headed? You will be monumentally more valuable to your company (and others) if you understand the industry as a whole and not just the limited view within your specific company. Learn about what the leading industries are doing correct and learn from them.

Take the initiative with one of the Leading Staffing Firms in Texas

With years of experience, Resource Staffing is dedicated to helping you find the perfect employment opportunity. Our specialists will discuss your skills and experience and then work diligently to present you with job opportunities. Submit your resume and use our resources to get you to work!

When Will I Be Hired Permanently?

Contract assignments are accepted with the understanding they are just that, assignments. However, for some people, there is the hope the assignment will turn into something permanent. If you are seeking a permanent position, how do you go about it?

This is your guide to increasing your chances of turning your contract assignment into a permanent position.

Be Dependable 100% of the Time

It is better to be 15 minutes early than a minute late. Make sure you are always on time to work, willing to stay late when necessary, and turn in quality work on time. When there is extra work to be done, step up and volunteer. When hiring full-time positions, Supervisors want employees they can depend on.

Take the Job Seriously

Just because it is a contract assignment, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take it the assignment seriously. Always treat your job as the one you want, not just the one you have. Conduct yourself as if the assignment is a permanent position.

Soak up as Much as You Can

The importance of learning as much as you can about the company, your role, and the jobs around you cannot be overstated. By taking the time to understand the company, you show you are invested. When you take the initiative to go above and beyond to learn jobs outside of your role, you demonstrate ambition and motivation. These are all qualities employers seek in long-term employees.

Follow the Dress Code

This tip may seem unnecessary; however, the way you dress says a lot about you. By dressing according to company policy, you look like you belong in the company culture, making it easier for an employer to visualize you in a permanent position.

Connect With Your Co-Workers

Take the time to make connections and bond with permanent employees. This shows you are a team player and fit in well with the established team.  Often times employers ask employees their thoughts regarding contract workers. Creating bonds may help full-time employees put in a good word for you.

Let One of the Leading Staffing Firms in Texas Be in Your Corner

Resource Staffing is experienced in helping qualified candidates find contract positions that have the best chances of turning into a permanent position. Due to our extensive network and understanding of each company, our Recruiters can help you find the perfect position based on your skills and goals. Visit our website and browse our current job openings!

 

How Can I Explain the Gap in My Resume?

It is common knowledge that an employment gap in your resume may send up red flags with future employers.  However, people take leave of absence from the workforce for perfectly good reasons. If the gap must be included on your resume, the key to making it a non-issue is handling it correctly during an interview. There’s no need to throw in the towel on landing a great contract opportunity just because there is a gap in your employment history. Let’s take a look at how you can explain an employment gap.

Be Up Front About Why You Took Time Off

Honesty is the best policy on this one. Reasons for taking time off:

  • Raised your kids
  • Took care of an ill or elderly loved one
  • Went back to school
  • You were laid off and had difficulty finding a new job

Whatever the reason is, explain it clearly in your interview. If you were laid off, explain why it was necessary and unavoidable even though you were a valuable part of the team.

Emphasize Why Your Skill Set Suits You for This Job

Maybe you’ve taken additional classes and expanded your skill set. This is the time to emphasize how these additional classes and skill sets will make you a better employee and how it will benefit their company. Be sure to mention any volunteer work that is relative to the position.

Show Enthusiasm for Returning to the Workforce

Employers love employees who want to work and are dedicated to doing the best job possible. Make sure you show your excitement for returning to work. Express initiative and motivation for the potential job at hand.

Have References Handy

If possible, have references from previous supervisors handy. This will confirm not only your skill set, but prove you are the type of employee you claim to be. More likely than not, having professional references will make the issue of the gap on your resume a non-issue very quickly.

Let One of the Leading Staffing Firms in Texas Help You

With over 30 years of experience, Resource Staffing is a premier staffing firm. Now that you are ready to get back into the workforce, discuss your career goals with our experienced staffing specialists. They will help you find positions that fit your skill set, fine-tune your resume and prepare you for interviews. No need to go it alone, get started with a staffing firm that can help you land a job with a Fortune 500 Company!

Tips for Success Series: Stay Educated

Staying educated in your industry is important for the advancement of your career, building your credibility, and showing clients the future and value of your industry. How do you go about staying up to date on the latest and greatest in your industry? Let’s take a look!

Read! Read! Read!

One of the best ways to stay up to date on your industry is to read. Opportunities include:

  • Online articles or published studies
  • Subscriptions to industry magazines
  • Books

On-line sources might even be advantageous for keeping up with the latest developments depending on the industry you work in. The type of sources you choose to subscribe to will be heavily determined by the methods in which your field releases updates.

Attend Industry Functions

This is your chance to talk to others who are industry leaders or work in the field in a different capacity than you do. Just as you may have information and insights they’ve yet to hear about, they will in turn be able to provide information that you’ve yet to hear.

Participate in Workshops

Workshops are designed to teach the latest and greatest protocols and methods. Experts demonstrate how a technology and/or method works, normally allowing the attendees to try it for themselves, and are available to answer any questions you might have.

Spend Time in a Different Department

Talk with your boss about your ambitions for staying current in the industry in order to benefit the company. Ask if you can spend time in a different department in order to increase your skill set and gain a better understanding of the industry as a whole. Employers appreciate staff that are passionate about their career field.

Listen to Podcasts

Podcasts are becoming more and more popular. They tend to be informative and entertaining while keeping their listeners up to date on the latest within the industry. The second great thing about podcasts is that you can listen to them almost anywhere including on the way to and from work.

Extra Tip!

If you’re looking for your next career move, let Resource Staffing be your staffing partner. As one of the leading staffing firms in Texas, we are experts at matching candidates with the perfect company. Contact us today and speak with one of our specialists about your career goals and what you are looking for in your next job!

Tips for Success Series: Learn How to Network

There’s no doubt you’ve heard the popular saying, “It’s who you know.” While qualifications play the largest part in your job hunt, networking is extremely important as well. The more professionals you know in your desired career field:

  • The more job opportunities you will be aware of
  • The more references you will have
  • The more employers you will be able to get your resume in front of

Let’s look at how to network effectively.

Networking is About Building Relationships

First and foremost, it is important to understand that networking is about building relationships. These are two-way relationships that should be seen as long-term professional contacts.

Understand What You Want

Before you begin networking for a job, you need to understand exactly what it is you are looking for.  Consider the following:

  • What position are you ultimately aiming for?
  • How much flexibility do you need in a work schedule?
  • What values are important to you in a company?

Make a List of the People in Your Network

Oftentimes, you know more people than you realize that can help you network to find a job. Take the time to make a list of the people you already know. It is likely the contacts you already know will be able to put you in touch with the people you need.

Speak up at Professional Functions

You can be the most qualified person in the room, but if you don’t say a word, potential employers won’t know that. Many people tend to be reserved by nature, and that’s OK, but you must learn how to start a conversation with industry leaders and company CEOs. You don’t have to give a sales pitch; casual conversation sprinkled with your credentials will do the trick.

Establish Your Knowledge Base

It is important to establish your knowledge of the industry early on in a conversation. Saying fewer words but being correct in what you do say is much better than spouting off a ton of information that is inaccurate. If an employer doesn’t think you understand the industry, there’s not much of a chance for employment.

Ask for Contact Information

It’s important to follow up after you’ve initially met a potential employer. At the end of the conversation, ask for their card or how you can get in touch with them at a later date. In some cases, you may be able to set up a second meeting if there is a current job opening.

Build Your Network With the Leading Staffing Firm in Texas

RESOURCE Staffing has a large database of great clients in need of top talent. When you partner with our top-notch staffing firm, we not only help you apply for jobs, prepare for interviews and fine-tune your resume, you can also expect help building your professional network. Our experienced specialists will help you from start to finish in landing your dream job.

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.

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!