by fsmarketing | Blog
Ready to take on a new job assignment? At Friday Services, we can handle the complete interview process by phone, by Zoom app, or by a combination of both. The expert recruitment team at Friday Services can help you determine whether a job prospect matches your working skill set and your availability. A call can help sort out everything you’ll want to know.
Your resume may be outstanding, but it can be challenging to pitch yourself for a position over a quick phone interview. And today, phone interviews are a standard part of the interview screening process – to narrow the pool of applicants who will be invited for an in-person interview. Experts agree that nailing the first 15 seconds of a phone interview can make the difference between getting a second interview or not. With a little organization and preparation, you can make a great first impression and land a second interview.
Prepping Before the Phone Call
Our first phone interview typically involves getting to know your background and work experience:
- Work History – What’s your background in the manufacturing industry and how does it apply to the open position?
- Heavy Equipment – What type of industrial equipment do you have experience operating?
- Driving Credentials – Are you certified to drive commercial vehicles?
- Industry Certification – Do you hold any specialized professional certification?
We’ll also need to know a few things about your requirements:
- Availability – What shifts are you open to working?
- Accessibility – How far away from home are you willing to work?
- Compensation – How much do you expect to be paid?
Prepare your personal pitch – Know your value in the job market, but also be sure to adapt your pitch to match the company’s specific needs and challenges – as outlined in the job qualifications, or as you have discovered in your research.
Demonstrate how you’re a great match – Here are some important questions that can help you prepare your pitch:
- How can I actively demonstrate my ability rather than simply talking about it?
- What specific problem-solving stories do I have that demonstrate my experience?
- What are some quantifiable outcomes I’ve helped to achieve in past positions that help prove my ability for this position?
Practice interviewing – Ask a friend to act like your interviewer. Supply them with sample questions (you can Google top interview questions) and record the interview so you can debrief, critique and revisit your responses. Then, practice in front of a mirror. And practice with a smile – your enthusiasm will translate over the phone of Zoom app. The more experience you have, the more comfortable you will become.
Check your reception – Assure that your device and or/your app is working.
Find a quiet spot – A private, comfortable spot will help you focus on your interview, without distractions – like children chattering, barking dogs or traffic noise.
How to Answer the Phone?
Keep your tone upbeat and enthusiastic. A smile will show through in your tone of voice. This lets the interviewer know that you are genuinely interested in the position.
Practice active listening. This allows you to respond to the interviewer’s comments, concerns, and questions specifically. Focus on the interviewer and be careful not to interrupt.
Take notes. Your recruiter is likely to discuss a number of open positions with you. This is a good sign to our manufacturing clients that you are interested. And this will also help you stay focused and ask relevant questions about the positions that pique your interest. Looking back at your notes will give you an opportunity to help decide which position would be the best fit for you.
Speak confidently. Be sure to speak clearly, enunciate and avoid stammering.
Ask questions. This shows that you are truly engaged in the interview. And don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if you’re not sure what the interviewer is asking.
Take your time. Don’t worry if it takes you a few moments to form a good response – especially when addressing challenging questions. Better to take your time than to stutter and fumble over an answer. And it actually shows you have carefully and respectfully considered their question.
How to Handle the End of the Call
Always thank the interviewer for the interview and be sure to ask about next steps.
Say something like:
“Thank you so much for your time. It was great speaking with you. What are your next steps in the process, and when can I expect to hear from you?”
Follow Up After Your Interview
Good candidates will often follow up with a phone call asking for updates about the hiring process and if any decisions have been made. Be sure to send a “Thank You” note immediately telling the interviewer you appreciate their time, assuring them of your interest in the position and briefly demonstrating how you’re the ideal candidate for the job. Use this opportunity to offer any information you may not have mentioned during the interview that reinforces how your experience, education and qualifications make you the best person for the job.
Friday Services
At Friday Services, we’re in the business of bringing the right people to the right job – every time. We make it our mission to share the newest, best practices and training to help make workers and employers more productive, competitive and successful. Friday Services is here to help – contact us today!
by fsmarketing | Uncategorized
Staffing employees work in practically every industry – with nearly one-fourth of all staffing support working in administrative services and support. Administrative Industry workers are engaged in supporting the vital day-to-day operations of a wide range of businesses or organizations. This type of work can involve everything from facilitating communications to helping manage finances to human resources support and more.
Administrative Industry positions can include everything from general office management to specialized support. A number of entry-level administrative assistant roles will only require a high school education. However, Administrative Industry workers can give themselves competitive advantage by gaining proficiency and experience in the following:
- Office administration
- Database management
- Basic computer skills – including word processing, database management, and proficiency with spreadsheet software
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests administrative assistants with post-secondary education, advanced experience and computer software skills have a better chance finding positions. You’ll find that Certified Professional Secretaries and Certified Administrative Professionals are some of the common credentials in the field of administrative support staff.
Why the Administrative Industry is Important
Administrative Industry support is the backbone, lifeblood and the foundation of any business – enabling every team member to get their job done. Corporations rely on Administrative Industry positions to effectively manage the day-to-day operations. Administrative Industry roles – from receptionists to data entry to sales support and more – end up impacting virtually every level of corporate operations.
You’ll find that a wide range of responsibilities under the heading of Administrative Industry duties. Because there is a certain amount of overlap between the experience and skills necessary to perform many of these tasks – the odds are that you have the opportunity to gain experience and expand your skill set. That means there’s ample opportunity to also expand your hiring potential.
Following are some of the hard skills Friday Services employers look for in Administrative Industry support staff:
- Administrative writing
- Bookkeeping
- Editing and proofreading
- Office administration procedures
- Inventory control
- Reporting
- Supply management
- Typing
- Telephone skills
- Verbal communication
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office
But the difference between a good administrative support and great administrative support skills includes a whole list of vital soft skills:
- Attention to detail
- Ability to multitask
- Anticipate needs
- Confidentiality
- Discretion and good judgment
- Friendly personality
- Resourcefulness
- Problem solving
- Professionalism
- Teamwork
- Time management
- Work ethic
Benefits of working in the Administrative Industry
Administrative Industry positions allow workers a chance to learn a wide range of new career-building skills. Those in administrative support roles are often required to “wear many hats.” It’s not unusual for administrative workers to be in charge of a variety of duties:
- Organizing staff schedules
- Facilitating meetings
- Managing budgets, inventory and equipment
Even the temporary Administrative Industry support positions at Friday Services have distinct advantages:
- The chance to “try out” a new position
- Important networking connections
- Opportunities to gain valuable job references
Working in the Administration Industry can help you upgrade your resume and further your career. In addition to the valuable work experience you’ll acquire working as Administrative Industry support, you’ll build working relationships that will help you network and establish your career position and your industry of choice.
Administrative Industry staff are responsible for handling a number of duties. They may be required to handle everything from answering phone calls, to communicating with clients, data entry, filing documents, updating and maintaining records, scheduling and more.
Administrative Industry Positions
Following on some of the common positions available at Friday Services, within the Administration Industry:
- Administrative Assistant
- Administrative Coordinator
- Accounts Payable Clerk
- Billing Clerk
- Call Center Agent
- Customer Service Representative
- Data Entry Specialist
- Executive Assistant
- File Clerk
- Office Manager
- Personal Assistant
- Program Administrator
- Receptionist
- Sales Administrative Assistant
- Senior Executive Assistant
- Staff Assistant
- Secretary
Check out the Administrative Industry positions available with Friday Services.
When you partner with Friday Services, you have the opportunity to explore a wide range of available positions and potential employers in the Administrative Industry. This allows you to ultimately be more selective and make wiser choices in regard to your career path.
We want to position you for success!
No matter where you are in your job search , we can help you enjoy the rewards of a job well done. Friday Services delivers the experience and connections to help you reach your goals. Friday Services offers a wide variety of Administrative Jobs — including bookkeeping, customer service and a wide variety of other office jobs. Explore our open positions and apply today!
by fsmarketing | Blog
Experts estimate employment agencies provide outstanding job and career opportunities to an estimated 17 million workers over the course of a year.
Employers are becoming more specific in their requests for good matches for professional Indefinite, Short-term, and Temp-to-hire positions – both in terms of skill set and cultural fit.
For Temp-to-hire positions, this approach allows companies to hire professional positions on a temporary basis in order to evaluate them for a long-term job placement. Likewise, it gives workers extensive experience in a professional career field, or with a specific employer, before making a long-term commitment.
It’s also not unusual for companies to hire Short-term professionals to fill in for the holiday season, to cover for full-time employees’ family leave, maternity leave or vacations.
Recruiting and professional placement firms, like Friday Services, help companies hire employees for Indefinite, Short-term, and Temp-to-hire contracts. The agencies handle a number of HR processes that can save you time and money:
- Recruiting
- Screening
- Interviewing
- Testing
- Hiring
- Payroll expenses
- Paperwork
- Payroll and withholding taxes
- Unemployment and workers’ compensation insurance
Types of Professional Jobs
Friday Services is a firm that understands that professional placements demand a smart fit, so that their clients can maintain their competitive edge. Friday Services offers direct recruiting, screening, and career change opportunities to clients seeking the following positions.
General Manager
A general manager essentially acts as a scaled-down CEO. Responsibilities for a general manager may include the ability to manage overall day-today company operations, oversee staff supervision, and maintain budgets – all while considering improved efficiencies and profitability.
Senior Accountant
If you are extremely passionate about the insights derived out of the financial data, employment placement opportunities in accounting are a great match.
Engineer
Clients turn to Friday Services for project-based work with top talent in engineering and technical support.
More Professional Positions
There are many other professional positions to choose from. The goal of a good recruitment agency like Friday Services is to recognize this vast array of professional positions and to understand the nuanced differences between them. Friday Services listens first, understands your needs, and then matches you with the right professional to fulfill your request. Friday Services also strives to achieve mutual satisfaction for both the employer and the professional employee.
What to Expect
Why do employers work with Friday Services? Many reasons:
- Employers depend on us to find experts in their professional niche, due to having a large candidate pool.
- We help clients find employees with specific skill sets.
- Friday Services helps cut hiring and recruiting costs.
- Some employers need help for specific projects, peak business periods, or increased business demands.
Employment agencies like Friday Services offers clients the advantage of professionals who are ready to go on day one because they are:
- Pre-qualified
- Pre-screened
- From a trusted source
For prospective professionals, there are advantages to accepting professional placements, including:
- Exploring new career opportunities
- Developing transferable skills
- Participating in new workflow processes
- Becoming accomplished on new software platforms or programs
- Opportunities for gaining glowing references
- Growing your professional network
Professional employment agencies can also assist job seekers with resume writing, preparation for an interview, how to dress, and how to build professional skills.
Friday Services
We want to position you for success!
When you engage Friday Services, you access a database of talent in the Western North Carolina area. Partnering with Friday Services to hire professionals is a cost effective alternative to handling in-house.
To learn more about the benefits of working with a professional employment agency and what a relationship with Friday Services offers, contact our team of experts today!
by fsmarketing | Blog
With the cost of recruiting and hiring an employee exceeding 1.25 to 1.4 times that of an employee’s actual salary, it’s not surprising to find that a number of companies have found that working with a recruiting agency the most cost-effective strategy. While some of this cost is involved in onboarding and training, all the non-wage costs which are often elusive. The better portion is involved the recruitment process:
- Employee needs analysis
- Advertising
- Screening
- Background checks
- Testing
- Interviewing and re-interviewing
- Offers
- Negotiation
A recruitment agency has the expertise and tools to help you get to the right candidates. Whether it’s temporary placement, temp-to-hire, seasonal hiring, or recruiting full-time employees, there are certain advantages to employers’ use of recruiting agencies:
- Leveraging recruitment expertise
- Cost savings
- Availability of a greater network of workers
- Employee retention
Access to More & Better Candidates
It can be challenging to find the right, high-quality candidates for the job. With a recruiter’s professional experience, you can improve access to the quantity and the quality of the candidates you are attracting. Firms like Friday Services have a network in place to help narrow down a short list of eager candidates that match your criteria – narrowing in on the specific, hard-to-find skills you’re seeking.
Market & Recruitment Knowledge
The most significant advantage of working with a recruiting agency is that they are experts in candidate selection. Through best-practice methods, Friday Services is able to expertly match your position requirements to candidate qualifications. Hiring a recruiting firm offers peace of mind that you’ve landed on only top-notch job candidates who have been thoroughly vetted. You are only meeting with candidates that have been already carefully assessed and interviewed. Firms like Friday Services also offer industry expertise specializing in certain fields, such as Administrative, Manufacturing, Technical and Professional.
At Friday Services, we do the leg work:
Recruitment agencies can tell you what the job market currently looks like. When you work with an employment firm, you gain access to their knowledge base of market trends, standard salary rates, appropriate skill sets for specific job titles and competitive benefit packages.
Save You Time
Recruiting in-house often isn’t a feasible choice for small to mid-size organizations that don’t already have a dedicated recruiter. In this scenario, you’re typically pulling staff away from other duties. So, this is time that can have a negative effect on your bottom line.
A recruitment agency is able to find candidates much faster, from a wider pool of candidates. You won’t need to attract shortlist candidates. The recruiting firm manages the entire process – saving you the time and hassle. Friday Services has a streamlined hiring process. You simply provide us with the details about the position you are seeking to fill as well as your timeframe for filling the position. We are able to quickly and effectively screen candidates in order to determine the strongest candidates, early in the process.
Friday Services
Many small to mid-size companies don’t have the resources to invest in a fully-staffed HR department. It’s an unfortunate reality that can open your company up to potential vulnerability. The good news is that Friday Services can help bridge the gap by offering on-going HR consulting – on an as-needed basis or on a retained basis. We’re here to act as your outsourced HR department so that your staff can focus on core business. Or we can simply assist your HR department for special projects or during peak periods.
At Friday Services, all of our recruiters have received a Certified Staffing Professional certificate from the American Staffing Association. Our experienced recruiters maintain a solid reputation within the industries for which we hire. We partner and collaborate with our clients in order to scope the requirements of their roles to determine core skills and qualifications you’re seeking from candidates.
We want to position your company for success!
To learn more about the benefits of working with a recruiting agency and what a relationship with Friday Services would look like for your business, contact our team of experts today!
If you are looking to quickly fill open positions with qualified candidates, give Friday Services a call.
Ask about our no-obligation exploratory analysis.
by fsmarketing | Blog
With the cost of recruiting and hiring an employee exceeding 1.25 to 1.4 times that of an employee’s actual salary, it’s not surprising to find that a number of companies have found that working with a recruiting agency the most cost-effective strategy. While some of this cost is involved in onboarding and training, all the non-wage costs which are often elusive. The better portion is involved the recruitment process:
- Employee needs analysis
- Advertising
- Screening
- Background checks
- Testing
- Interviewing and re-interviewing
- Offers
- Negotiation
A recruitment agency has the expertise and tools to help you get to the right candidates. Whether it’s temporary placement, temp-to-hire, seasonal hiring, or recruiting full-time employees, there are certain advantages to employers’ use of staffing agencies:
- Leveraging recruitment expertise
- Cost savings
- Availability of a greater network of workers
- Employee retention
Access to More & Better Candidates
It can be challenging to find the right, high-quality candidates for the job. With a recruiter’s professional experience, you can improve access to the quantity and the quality of the candidates you are attracting. Firms like Friday Services have a network in place to help narrow down a short list of eager candidates that match your criteria – narrowing in on the specific, hard-to-find skills you’re seeking.
Market & Recruitment Knowledge
The most significant advantage of working with a recruiting agency is that they are experts in candidate selection. Through best-practice methods, Friday Services is able to expertly match your position requirements to candidate qualifications. Hiring a recruiting firm offers peace of mind that you’ve landed on only top-notch job candidates who have been thoroughly vetted. You are only meeting with candidates that have been already carefully assessed and interviewed. Firms like Friday Services also offer industry expertise specializing in certain fields, such as technology and manufacturing.
At Friday Services, we do the leg work:
- Compelling job postings
- Meticulous screening process
- Intensive background checks
- Insightful interviewing
Recruitment agencies can tell you what the job market currently looks like. When you work with a staffing firm, you gain access to their knowledge base of market trends, standard salary rates, appropriate skill sets for specific job titles and competitive benefit packages.
Save You Time
Recruiting in-house often isn’t a feasible choice for small to mid-size organizations that don’t already have a dedicated recruiter. In this scenario, you’re typically pulling staff away from other duties. So, this is time that can have a negative effect on your bottom line.
A recruitment agency is able to find candidates much faster, from a wider pool of candidates. You won’t need to attract a shortlist candidates. The staffing firm manages the entire process – saving you the time and hassle. Friday Services has a streamlined hiring process. You simply provide us with the details about the position you are seeking to fill as well as your timeframe for filling the position. We are able to quickly and effectively screen candidates in order to determine the strongest candidates, early in the process.
Friday Services
Many small to mid-size companies don’t have the resources to invest in a fully-staffed HR department. It’s an unfortunate reality that can open your company up to potential vulnerability. The good news is that Friday Services can help bridge the gap by offering on-going HR consulting – on an as-needed basis or on a retained basis. We’re here to act as your outsourced HR department so that your staff can focus on core business. Or we can simply assist your HR department for special projects or during peak periods.
At Friday Services, we have experienced recruiters and a solid reputation within the industries for which we hire. We partner and collaborate with our clients in order to scope the requirements of their roles to determine core skills and qualifications you’re seeking from candidates.
by fsmarketing | Blog
Human Resources & Reporting Services
Administrative responsibilities can be a burden for any company, but especially for small to mid-size businesses with limited time and resources.
The real issue is that the human resources function is multi-faceted – encompassing a wide range of responsibilities. It can be hard to find all those skills in one person – managing benefits administration, coordinating interviews, sending offer letters, and much more. In fact, a typical Human Resources department may be responsible for any of the following roles within your business:
- Recruiter
- Benefits administrator
- Employee training
- Compliance advisor
- Safety coordinator
That’s a lot to expect from a single employee. Yet establishing an entire HR department can be cost prohibitive.
Human Resources
The truth is that your company’s HR practices have a direct impact on your bottom line. Is your organization doing all that you can to effectively motivate and manage your employees?
Take a few moments to consider the following questions:
What is your company’s reputation in the marketplace? Is it considered a desirable place to work?
Does your company culture seek out employee feedback?
Does your company have what it takes to attract top-performing employees to key positions?
Do you have a customized recruiting strategy for a full range of key positions?
Are your employee’s job descriptions clearly defined? Do you have a customized orientation program?
Do you share your company’s business plan, financial status and goals with employees?
Do you have a realistic grasp of employee satisfaction?
Are your senior executives able to effectively demonstrate your company’s value?
How does your employee turnover compare to the standard in your industry?
Answering the questions above will give you better insight and considerations as to whether your organization could benefit from outsourcing for HR services.
Advantages of Outsourcing
If you haven’t given serious thought to outsourcing HR, the range of tasks that can be offloaded might surprise you. Finding business system solutions can have huge benefits. Outsourcing human resources functions is a smart solution that can reduce your administrative workload – allowing you to focus on your core business objectives.
An HR outsourcing company can manage the entire range of human resources functions that might otherwise require outsourcing to multiple vendors — including a payroll processing provider, benefit plan management and administration firm, corporate recruiters, a professional development team and more. Consolidating these important operational functions with a single source provider not only saves you time, it will very likely save you money too.
Because efficient management of human resources is vital to your company’s success, it’s crucial to find a service provider who can offer the right combination services to match your organization’s needs. Consider an HR outsourcing partner for any of the following services:
- Develop a HR budget
- Launch a company-wide staffing plan
- Create an employee handbook
- Institute hiring procedures
- Establish compensation structure
- Offer full-cycle recruiting or help with only certain aspects of the recruiting process such as performing phone screens, doing reference checks, preparing or presenting offers.
- Develop successful on-boarding programs to ensure that new employees acclimate to your organization more easily. A new employee on-boarding program can result in increased job satisfaction, increasing performance and lower turnover rates
- Review paperwork important paperwork like counseling documents, offer letters, policies, etc.
- Prepare and update job descriptions
- Fulfill tax obligations
- Handle payroll administration
- Review and Benefits plans
- Institute safety procedures
- Maintain personnel files
- Handle performance evaluation process.
- Conduct exit interviews and prepare exit paperwork
Reporting Services
HR reporting uses an analytical method to reveal important data including insights, statistics and metrics that will allow you to keep tabs on employee performance, attendance, turnover insights that can help spot emerging problems, deploy proactive solutions and improve workforce performance.
No matter the size of a company, reports for management as well as team members are a critical part of any business that wants to achieve a competitive advantage in our competitive marketplace. They contribute to more effective decision-making and a deeper understanding of your workforce. A lot of valuable insights can be gleaned from the following HR Administrative Reporting:
- Payroll reports
- EEO reports
- New hires
- Training costs
- Employee productivity
- Absenteeism rate
- Overtime hours
- Employee status changes
- Turnover analysis
- Workers’ comp audits
- Termination reports
Advantages
Outsourcing tasks like HR reporting has its obvious benefits. It allows your administrative team to:
- Save time and reduce paperwork
- Achieve compliance in critical areas like employment, labor and immigration law
- Focus on revenue-generating tasks
- Controls costs
Friday Services Can Help
One of the harsh realities of today’s volatile economic environment is that small to mid-size companies simply don’t have the resources to invest in a fully-staffed HR department. The problem is that this scenario opens your company up to potential vulnerability. That’s exactly why Friday Services is here, to help bridge that gap by offering on-going HR consulting – on an as-needed basis or on a retained basis. We’re here to act as your outsourced HR department so that your staff can focus on important core business issues. Or, we can simply assist your HR department for special projects or during peak periods.
Discover how outsourcing HR can dramatically boost morale, increase productivity and enhance profitability. Contact us with any questions.
by fsmarketing | Blog
It is often said that true character is revealed in the toughest of times (and 2020 has certainly presented its fair share of challenges so far). Do you step up to the plate or sit on the sidelines? For one Asheville-based manufacturer, this was not even a question, as its team jumped in full force to help produce vital medical supplies for the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Diamond Brand Gear is proud to be one of a number of local manufacturers joining this call to action,” the company posted on their social media.
Founded in 1881, Diamond Brand Gear manufactures “craft gear”—durable outdoor and mountain lifestyle goods for camping enthusiasts, “glampers,” – and such organizations as the Boy Scouts of America, Biltmore Estate, and the U.S. Military. With over 138 years of craftsmanship, innovation, and care, Diamond Brand has a vast history of stepping up during a crisis, even supplying tents and other materials for the military in both World Wars. So, when approached by the Carolina Textile District to help cut and sew much-needed medical gowns for local healthcare facilities, the answer was obvious.
“We definitely wanted to be involved,” said Bradlee Hicks, Marketing Director for Diamond Brand Gear. “Everyone on our team was very excited about it.”
The company shifted part of its operations to PPE (personal protective equipment) production to help fight the global pandemic in a large-scale manufacturing capacity. By taking extra precautions to ensure the safety of their employees, their crafts team was able to produce 4,000 medical gowns for facilities in the area and in the state.
While the state of North Carolina reopens, lifting its COVID-19 restrictions, Hicks hopes to continue aiding the community’s needs as called upon or seen fit. “We are going to do as much as we can to serve the needs of our community,” said Hicks regarding Diamond Brand’s ongoing efforts. In the meantime, the company is excited about being able to outfit the many individuals and families flocking to the outdoors for vacations. “This could be a very positive cultural shift, renewing interest in sustainability and preservation as more people connect with nature,” said Hicks. “It may mirror the positive momentum of the 70s.”
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Friday Services is proud to partner with Diamond Brand Gear and assist in their production efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
by fsmarketing | Blog
Studying for tests, late-night cramming, and project deadlines – all while also working a full-time job. For college students on a “normal” year, this may seem like a lot to juggle. Now, throw in a global pandemic to the mix and it turns into a completely new feat. But, despite changing work hours and transitioning to online schooling, Friday Services’ first class of manufacturing apprentices finished their semester with flying colors.
“We had to move to 10-hour shifts at three days and school with eight hours.,” said AvL Tech. apprentice Paul Vandergriff. “School was harder with online courses than in class, not being able to be hands-on, but I do love the on-the-job work and training.”
Vandergriff is one of the nine apprentices in Friday Services’ Apprenticeship Program, offering individuals a chance to get a free education while still earning a paycheck. “Work is going great,” said Vandergriff. “I’m getting great experience and it’s different than what I have done in the past.”
Although transitioning to online classes has put up a challenge, due to the COVID-19 crisis, the apprentices are still enjoying every moment and even, every project. “Once, we did a bridge-building contest where we had to build a bridge out of 100 popsicle sticks that had to withstand a certain pressure and then write a paper on the design,” said Vandergriff. “It was really fun and enjoyed it a lot, probably the most fun I had in school so far.”
“They all did remarkably well considering the circumstances,” said Shawn McCallister of Blue Ridge Community College. “It is a good group and I look forward to seeing them back next semester.”
As the program enters its second term, there are a lot of uncertainties in the air with the effects of the coronavirus on how classes are conducted. “I’m definitely concerned about more online classes,” said Vandergriff. But, this has not put a dampener on the apprentices’ excitement for the program. “The school is definitely a challenge for me, but I do love the on-the-job work and training,” said Vandergriff. “This is definitely something I’m loving.”
Friday Services has partnered with some of the leading local manufacturing companies in Buncombe and Henderson Counties, to offer individuals a chance to work, gain hands-on experience, and earn a certificate at Blue Ridge Community College in Mechatronics Engineering Technology, as an Industrial Manufacturing Production Technician.
Tuition and the cost of books are covered by grant funding. The starting pay is $14/hr. with increases per semester. Upon the completion of the program, apprentices are guaranteed employment at the company where their on-the-job training was given.
To learn more about the Friday Services’ Apprenticeship Program or to apply for the next apprenticeship class, visit our webpage or give us a call at (828)684-8700.
by fsmarketing | Blog
It is the moment you have been waiting for your whole life or at least the last 2 to 4 years – Graduation Day! All the hard work, late-night studying sessions, hours spent in the library, and endless cups of coffee, have finally paid off.
Little could we have foreseen however, that the class of 2020 would be “walking the stage” virtually and entering the toughest job market we have seen in years. The COVID-19 pandemic has not only created uncertainties and anxiety among individuals, but it has also turned our economy, job market, and the country in general, on its head.
But do not let that discourage you. It can be quite daunting graduating during a pandemic, but career experts say it is critical to keep looking for work during this downturn. So, whether graduation high school or finishing up your bachelor’s the opportunities are out there, you just need to know how and where to look.
Take A Breath
Just like any big undertaking, it is important to start with a clear and focused mind. It can be an adjustment going from the structure of classwork, projects, and tests, to jumping right into the uncertainty of the job hunt (with the added uncertainty of graduating during a pandemic). So, give yourself a few days to breathe and take everything in.
Be Flexible and Keep an Open Mind
Let’s be honest, applying for a job can be a full-time job in itself. And when graduating during a pandemic, finding a new job can even seem like an impossible feat. No, you may not land your dream job right away, but if you keep an open mind you could find opportunities that you never imagined. What is important during this economy is to cast a wide net and have multiple leads for yourself. Brainstorm other roles where you can utilize your experience, education, and skillset.
Do Your Research
What types of jobs are you most interested in? Is there a particular career path you want to build for yourself? What entry-level job can you get now that will help you build experience and skills that will help you achieve your overall goals? Researching will not only help keep you on track during your search, but it may even help you discover a whole new avenue where you can apply your skillset and education. Try visiting O*Net Online; O*Net Online is a website sponsored by the U.S. Government’s Department of Labor that can help you discover jobs you may have never heard about before, and learn about the career path you’ll need to take to get hired. In addition, take some time and research companies that may be hosting virtual internship fairs or career fairs. This is yet another way to connect with potential employers and new opportunities.
Network
Even six feet apart, there are still many ways to network with your mentors, professors, and industry professionals. First, start with Linkedin. If you do not have a Linkedin profile yet, we highly recommend you sign up right away. With more than 600 million professionals on Linkedin, it gives you the ability to showcase yourself and your experience. It also allows you to connect with essentially an unlimited supply of network connections and job opportunities. Reach out to individuals who work in the industry you are wanting to break into and ask for an informational interview. Call your former teachers, professors, or mentors and ask for advice and put the feelers out there. This may not yield job offers immediately, but you will be on people’s radars and begin to build relationships and connections that may turn into opportunities.
Develop Your Skills
With most people still homebound, now is the perfect time to develop and learn new skills to add to your resume. Is there a certificate that you can earn online for your industry? Are there any free courses to further develop the skills you already have? Focus on building up your resume and cover letters. You could even take online courses in useful programs like Microsoft Excel or HTML. This not only helps to beef up your skills, but it also shows potential employers that you did something constructive with your time. Given the current climate, several online learning companies have offered to share professional training and courses for free, like Coursera, Skillshare, or Lynda.com.
Think About an Apprenticeship
If you are fresh out of high school and a four-year degree is not in the cards, consider applying to an apprenticeship program. As an apprentice you get the opportunity to work a full-time schedule, while also earning a free education. Apprenticeship programs can help jump start your career, getting you ahead of the curve without tuition debt! There are apprenticeships across a variety of industries, offering endless opportunities for grown and professional advancement. Our Friday Services’ Manufacturing Apprentices have gone on to work in Engineering, Management, Robotics, Automation, Machining, and more!
Partner with An Agency
Why go through the job hunt alone when you can recruit… well… a recruiter? Staffing agencies can be a valuable resource during your job hunt, especially when graduating during a pandemic.
Since recruiters have direct contact with companies looking to hire, they can keep the hiring process moving swiftly for job seekers. They can also help spruce up your resume and cover letter, catering it to the specific job you are looking for. These types of agencies are no longer just for temporary employment, they are the “foot in the door” you need to kickstart your career. Recruiters, especially like the ones at Friday Services, are passionate about finding employees jobs that fit their specific needs.
Congratulation Class of 2020! Now let the job search begin! Good luck.
At Friday Services, we are proud to work with employees of all ages. Our goal is to place the right people in the right jobs every time. We would love to get to know you and match you with a job that helps you feel fulfilled. Check out all of our available job posts, and contact us with any questions.
by fsmarketing | Uncategorized
“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.”
– Albert Einstein
Whether or not you have heard these wise words from Albert Einstein, the message rings true today, especially in these uncertain times. Lives have turned upside down, people with steady jobs are being laid off, parents are becoming teachers, homes are becoming offices, and the word “normal” has taken on a new meaning.
The COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis have affected nearly everyone in this country, especially in the workforce. In North Carolina alone, more than one million individuals have filed for unemployment, according to the North Carolina Division of Employment Security. This goes far beyond anything the state has ever seen, including The Great Recession over a decade ago.
In the entire country, tens of millions of Americans have found themselves suddenly out of work. Individuals are waiting almost a month or more to even receive their first unemployment check, if they qualify at all. For a lot of families, that month without a paycheck is critical.
With times remaining unclear, stressful, and even frightening, now is the time for us to come together as a country- as a community. But as dark as times may currently seem, there is a silver lining. Companies all across the country are currently hiring and have plans to hire throughout the year. That means it is important now more than ever to continue your to search for new job opportunities, despite your reservations, and Friday Services is here to help.
With times remaining unclear, stressful, and even frightening, now is the time for us to come together as a country- as a community. But as dark as times may currently seem, there is a silver lining.
Companies all across the country are currently hiring and have plans to hire throughout the year. That means it is important now more than ever to continue your to search for new job opportunities, despite your reservations, and Friday Services is here to help.
One thing we know is that this is all temporary. It will end eventually, and the economy will open up again. Those who keep pushing through and searching for new opportunities during this time will be the ones who come out ahead of the curve.
New opportunities are within reach, you just need to know where to look.
The job search can be overwhelming, and with the added stresses that have come due to the COVID-19 crisis, it may even seem unreachable. But that is when you recruit help. Think of yourself as an NFL player- it is the team behind you that helps set you up for success
That makes us your agents. Working with an employment agency can help ease your stress while also connecting you with job opportunities that you never knew where out there. New opportunities, job security, and a weekly paycheck can be the difference between putting food on your table or scrambling for a new job that may not be there in the upcoming months.
If you or someone you know is searching for work, please take a look at our open jobs and apply online today. Our team is ready to help get you back to work so you can provide for your family.
“When it rains look for rainbows, when it’s dark look for stars.”
Oscar Wilde
