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 rightcandidates.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:
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 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!
Skilled and tested workers : administrative, manufacturing, professional, technical & more.Let's Start a Partnership
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.
We want to position your company for success!
To learn more about the benefits of working with a staffing 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
No, we are not shooting a blockbuster movie, but when you are getting ready to go on camera for a video interview it sure can feel just as nerve-racking.
Video interviews are becoming a regular in today’s job hiring process. It’s easy, convenient, and efficient for both the job seeker and the hiring manager. And with most of us confined to our living rooms due to the COVID-19 pandemic, now is the perfect time to get comfortable on camera and hone your video interview skills.
BEFORE THE INTERVIEW
1. Download the right software
Cheerful man holding a Skype icon
Typically, when you schedule a video interview with a hiring manager, they will tell you which software or app they will be using. Whether it is Skype, Zoom, Google Duo, or FaceTime, it is important to download and test the software before your interview. This way you are familiar with how it works, can test quality, and set yourself up for a successful interview. Most of the apps or software you may interview with are available for free, so you can easily sign up for an account if you do not already have one!
2. Test your computer or phone
If you are using your laptop, desktop, or phone, you will need to test your video and audio quality before your interview day. It is recommended to use a good set of headphones so that your audio sounds crisp and clear (AirPods or wireless earbuds work as well).
Retro microphone and notebook computer, live webcast on air concept
When you have your audio tested and perfected, it is time to move over to your video quality. As important as it is to hear you during an interview, it is equally important that your interviewer will be able to see you. After downloading and testing your software, give your device access to your camera and see how it looks. Is your face clear in the picture or is it blurry? Does your video lag? If so, make the proper adjustments and do a few test runs so you can look your best on camera! Also, make sure that your devices are fully charged, or plugged into a charger, before your interview.
3. Choose a good environment
Nothing is worse than being in the middle of the interview and suddenly interrupted by your significant other belting into song, or your child running around like Superman in the background. You want to choose a quiet and well-lit environment for your video interview. Pick a room that is private and limit distractions so you can focus all your attention on the interviewer. If you live in a busy household, make sure to communicate with everyone that you need quiet during specific times. Also, pay attention to what is in your background when you are on camera. You want the background to be clean and tidy and avoid sitting in front of a window or else it will cause a lighting issue with your video. Think from the employers’ perspective!
4. Check your internet connection
One of the most crucial things to do before your video interview is to check your internet connection. Some of the video calling applications can take up a lot of bandwidth, so open your app., practice with a friend, and see how your internet performs. If your video starts to lag, maybe try closing any other open programs on your computer to free up some speed. Still having troubles? Try resetting your router. If you do not have access to internet or do not have a lot of data on your phone, try calling out to a local employment office or career center and ask if they have any interview rooms you could use for your interview.
DURING THE INTERVIEW
1. Make a good first impression
Even though you are not meeting in person, your first impression is just as important virtually. Start your interview dressed professionally, just as you would if you were at the company itself. Yes, you only need to dress nice waist up, but your online presence needs to exude professionalism from the moment your camera light turns on.
You will want to have a pen, notebook, and a copy of your resume and cover letter on your desk or somewhere nearby during your interview. You wouldn’t go unprepared to an in-office interview, so the same goes for the virtual interview.
3. Be engaged
Cheerful businessman chatting via laptop. Handsome smiling young businessman using laptop computer and having video chat with friend at lunchtime. Communication concept
Eye contact and body language can be just as important as what you say during any interview. When talking via webcam, sometimes we can forget that. Make sure to be actively engaged with your interviewer during the entirety of your time, presenting yourself in a professional and personable manner. Eye contact virtually can be a little tricky, but the best tip is to keep your eyes looking at the camera lens instead of the screen, so your eyes do not dart back and forth. Just remember to actively show your excitement and interest, and most importantly let your personality really shine through the camera.
AFTER THE INTERVIEW
As with any job interview, you should conclude by thanking the interviewer for their time. Send a follow-up thank you email later that day (or the next day if your interview was in the evening). This message shows the interviewer that you value their time and may even help build a stronger connection with your potential employer and help you progress to the next step.
Just remember to be cool, calm, and collected. We can all be a little camera shy, especially if video interviews are something you are not used to. But with a little preparation and practice, you will become a seasoned pro in no time and be ready for your next blockbuster!
Working from home sounds great to most people. The thought of working from the comfort of your living room, the ability to stay in your pajamas all day, not having to worry about dealing with morning rush hour. It all sounds perfect. That is until you find yourself distracted by that new show on Netflix, the pile of laundry in your hamper, or your neighbor’s dog that won’t stop barking.
While working from home can sound like a dream come true, in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak, you could face more challenges than just the lack of toilet paper in stores. To help, here are our ten tips to stay focused while working from home.
1. Start Prepared
We are lucky to live in a time where we have the technological capabilities allowing us to telecommute. Between lightning-fast computers, high-speed internet, and virtual chat, working remotely is now easier than ever. But, before you make the digital switch, it is important to ask your employer for anything you may need in order to make your transition successful. Do you need a laptop, access to servers, extra monitors or hard drives? You want to have all the tools you need so you can remain productive outside of the office.
2. Maintain Your Regular Hours
When working from home it can be easy for the hours to fly by, feeling like mere minutes. Maybe you want to catch some extra z’s in the morning or go on a long run before it gets too dark. While it is okay to adjust your hours a little (depending on your employer of course), it is important that you do not let the time slip away too much. Although you are at home, it is still important to work the same number of hours as you would in the office. If you need, adjust your time by an hour or so, but maintain your regular work hours to align with your team members, and to keep you in the working mindset. Following your work routine will help you to stay on task and be more productive.
3. Set A Morning Routine
What is the first thing you do in the morning? Maybe you walk your dog, or take a shower, or have a nice hot cup of coffee. Whatever your morning routine is before you go to work, should remain the same when you are working from home. Changing up your routine too much can cause your mind to shift off focus. Try your best to stick to your usual routine.
4. Pick A Dedicated Workspace
One of the things that you really want to avoid when working from home is “working from bed” or lounging on the couch. While it is important to create a comfortable working space when you are home, it is also imperative that the space helps increase your focus. Try to avoid getting too comfortable on the couch, and instead set up a small desk with a comfortable chair to help “set the mood.”
5. Avoid Social Media
Unless social media is a part of your job, it is best to avoid it when you are on the clock. Social media has a way of distracting workflow and eating up time. Instead, wait until it is time to clock out to catch up with your friends.
6. Outline Your Schedule
Write down a to-do list for the day and keep it next to your computer, or at your workspace. By keeping a physical list within eye distance, it allows you to stay focused on the task at hand. Check-in with your team and then outline a realistic schedule, checking it off as you go. Not only do you feel more organized, but you feel accomplished.
7. Add Some Background Noise
While working from home does give most people the peace and quiet they need to focus on projects, for some the home atmosphere can be a little too quiet (especially if you live alone). A way to combat the silence is by adding a little ambient noise in the background. Whether that is playing a classical music CD, a pop playlist on Spotify, or even turning on Friends for background noise, having sound playing can help increase focus and keep you productive throughout the day. Just make sure that if you turn on a show or a movie in the background, that it is something you have seen before.
8. Leave Home
Just like in the office, making time for breaks allows your brain a chance to reset and recharge. The same goes when you work from home. Take your lunch break, get out of the house, and breathe in the fresh air. You could use your hour lunch to go for a walk or a run, play fetch with your dog, or take your kids for a quick trip to the park.
9. Create Boundaries with Housemates
Nothing can be more distracting than the constant interruptions by your roommates or, really anyone that lives in your house. Before you even start working from home, communicate that there should be boundaries implemented so you can get your work done. Ask for “quiet time” between certain hours of the day, or perhaps find a private room in the house where you can focus. Be polite, but stern, because even though you are working remotely you still need to get your job done.
10. Socialize After Clocking Out
It can feel isolating when working remotely. The lack of “cooler talk” with your coworkers or general lack of face-to-face communication can make a person feel down or lonely. An easy way to avoid the isolation feeling is to connect with your friends or family via video chat or on social media. Even though the coronavirus is forcing us to practice “social distancing,” it does not mean that we cannot still connect to the people we love in other ways.
So, you are looking to add a new member to your team? What is the first thing you do? Well, you come up with a job description for the position you are hiring for. Then what? You post it to a job board, maybe to social media, you call an employment agency, or even put it on Craigslist (depending on your company’s budget). Then, you eagerly await for the flood of applications to fill your inbox.
But what happens when you hear nothing but crickets? Are candidates not looking for jobs?
In the next year, employed adults are likely to… Source: American Staffing Association
Actually, “nearly half of employed U.S. adults say that they’ll likely explore new work opportunities in 2020,” according to the American Staffing Association.
Okay, then what is the problem?
It all starts with the first introduction – meaning the job advertisement. Is it appealing to the employee? Does it showcase what makes your company special? Are you including the pay rate and benefits? All of these factors can either make or break your ad and can be the difference between a successful job post and one that gets overlooked.
Well, with a little extra effort (and some coffee) you can compose an enticing job description to bring your business more qualified applicants and assure that you are not turning off talent before they even apply.
START WITH THE PERSONAL
The key to writing an appealing job description is to focus not only on what you are looking for as an employer, but on what is important to an employee. Put yourself in the shoes of the applicant – what would make you want to apply with your company?
The difference is in the writing.
Identify Your Ideal Candidate
Whether you are looking to fill an entry-level manufacturing position or a marketing director opening, you need to identify what qualities are important for each applicant pool.
You want to write a job ad that will drive qualified candidates to fill out your application. In order to do that, the introduction of the ad should be enticing, clear, and concise. Just like news articles on the web, job descriptions are often scanned for a few seconds before the reader decides to keep reading or to move on. This is why the first few sentences, or the “lead,” is so important.
What Is In It For The Employee?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Unemployment in the U.S. is at an all-time low, sitting at 3.5 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. This means that the ball is in the employee’s court and, for the most part, that you will be trying to convince candidates to change jobs (i.e. the “passive candidate”).
Why should they leave their current position to come work for your company? Do you offer a better benefits package? Do you offer remote opportunities? A flexible schedule? Is there an opportunity for growth within the company? Any perks?
Employee Benefits Concept. The meeting at the white office table.
In your description make sure to include the benefits and perks that an employee is eligible for at your company. Focus on growth, development, work-life balance, and other benefits that are important. Also, be upfront about the schedule and job duties. Over 63 percent of job seekers say that one of the top factors they look for in a job is salary and benefits, according to a study conducted by Glassdoor. Keep this in mind when you are crafting your ad.
What Makes Your Company Different?
It is recommended to include a few sentence paragraph that summarizes your business and add it to your job posting. Do not simply copy and paste your formal “about us” summary from your website. Instead, make your summary more personal. Include your business’s values, mission statement, company culture, and philanthropic endeavors. Think of what sets your company apart from the thousands of others out there. Candidates want to know the culture of your company and how it intertwines with their own personal values.
Be Accessible
*Side Tip*
In this day and age, it is important for all companies to be accessible online. When we are talking about attracting applicants, it is almost a guarantee that they will Google your business and/or look you up on social media, before deciding to apply.
Make sure your company has a social media presence, along with an updated website. Our current workforce includes four vastly different generations. So, how can you appeal to them all?
The key tip is to post where the people are. If your company site has a career page, make sure to add it on there and that it is optimized for the online job boards. If your company has the budget, push the job to Indeed, Monster, or Linkedin. You can also share it on your social media page to reach a different audience. Just remember that different sites have different users, so make sure to do your research.
NOW FOR THE TECHNICAL
As important as the personal aspect of writing a job description is, it is also imperative to focus on the technical. How you should format your ad, how to optimize it to reach more people, and how to make it stand out amongst the rest.
Start With A “Lead”
A lead in writing is the opening hook that draws the reader into a story or a news article. The lead is one of the most important parts in any written piece, and a weak lead will potentially ruin your job’s reach.
With job descriptions, the lead is a few sentence paragraph that summarizes the job and why the job seeker should apply. Be sure to be clear and concise, write in the active voice, and address the reader. Consider your audience and the type of professionals you want to apply to your position.
Optimize Your Job Ad
Every day millions of people log on to their computers, go straight to Google, Indeed, or other popular job boards, and type in the title of the job they are looking for. For example, if the job seeker is looking for a clerical position they may search titles like, “administrative assistant,” or “data entry clerk.” The position titles are more specific depending on the work they are looking for.
Searching Engine Optimizing SEO Browsing Concept
That means you should avoid words like “rockstar,” “ninja,” or similar colorful words in your job title. These types of titles are overrated and can harm your ad rather than help. Instead, try to make your job titles as specific and direct as possible, and employ long-tail keywords if you can.
Even if you are not a Search Engine Optimization expert, the key is to keep the titles simple and clear so job seekers know what they are applying for and the job boards can better recognize your post.
Be Descriptive
Don’t simply write a bare-bones description in a small paragraph of 200 words or less. That is a sure-fire way not to attract candidates. Job descriptions ideally should be between 300 – 800 words. What is crucial is to be descriptive and transparent about the position you are hiring for. Include a job summary, list of job responsibilities, requirements, and any other information that is pertinent to the job you are advertising. Keep the job requirements clear and realistic and DO NOT mislead candidates.
Including a salary range could also help to ensure you will get the right applicants to your job. Nothing is worse than wasting precious time interviewing a candidate to only have the offer turned away because of pay. This could save both your company and the candidate time. Posting a salary range could also help to reduce the time spent negotiating.
Get Input From Your Current Employees
Portrait of modern bearded businessman holding papers in hands, reading and analyzing contract documentation at desk with laptop
Nobody knows the job better than someone who is working it themselves. Once you think you have a good description written out, get a second pair of eyes to review it. Some jobs tend to change over time and may need a little updating in order to reflect the current duties and requirements. If the position is brand new, consult an outside source who currently works in that role so you can be sure that description and requirements are realistic.
Remember that all industries are different, but by investing some extra time and effort into your job descriptions, your company will attract the right candidates while saving wasted time and money.
Did you know that one in five U.S. adults will be affected by mental illness at least once in their lifetime? This is according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization. That means your neighbor, friend, family member, or even your co-worker could be struggling with some type of mental illness, even if you do not know it.
While the topic has been more openly discussed in recent years, especially amongst Millennials and Generation Z, there are still some places where the stigma stands. Most prevalent is in the workplace. In fact, 60 percent of employees have never spoken to anyone at work about their mental health status, mostly for fear of repercussions.
Now workplace stresses are not uncommon and sometimes come with the territory depending on the type of job you work. But if left unchecked it can lead to even bigger problems. Stress can create debilitating negative emotions, it can lower productivity, it can make it harder to concentrate at work, and creates strained relationships between colleagues.
So, what can you do to help improve your mental health when it comes to work? Well first, let’s talk about why it is so important.
Why does your mental health matter?
“Mental health is the foundation for emotions, thinking, communication, learning, resilience, and self-esteem,” according to the American Psychiatric Association. “It is also key to relationships, personal and emotional well-being and contributing to community or society.”
As important as mental health is, we as a society tend to prioritize our physical well-being at the expense of our mental health. Instead, the two should be compared simultaneously. Mental health plays a major role in your ability to maintain good physical health. Not to mention, just like physical health, good mental health is critical to workplace success.
In fact, depression and anxiety have a significant economic impact. According to a recent World Health Organization study, the estimated cost to the global economy is US$ 1 trillion per year in lost productivity.
A poorly run workplace can even exacerbate mental health problems or could induce a problem in a person who would otherwise be healthy. This can affect employees’ job performance and productivity, their communication with coworkers, and even their daily functioning.
Tips to help improve your mental health at work
What you can do at home to better help your mental health
If you or someone you know has a mental illness, is struggling emotionally, or has concerns about their mental health, there are ways to get help. Use these resources to find help for you, a friend, or a family member.
Talk to your primary care doctor or another healthcare professional about your mental health concerns.
Ask your employer if they offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255); En Español 1-888-628-9454 The Lifeline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Lifeline connects callers to the nearest crisis center in the Lifeline national network. These centers provide crisis counseling and mental health referrals. People who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have hearing loss can contact the Lifeline via TTY at 1-800-799-4889.
Text “HELLO” to 741741 The Crisis Text hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout the U.S. The Crisis Text Line serves anyone, in any type of crisis, connecting them with a crisis counselor who can provide support and information.
Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and press 1 or text to 838255 The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource that connects veterans 24 hours a day, seven days a week with a trained responder. The service is available to all veterans, even if they are not registered with the VA or enrolled in VA healthcare. People who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have hearing loss can call 1-800-799-4889.
For more information and resources, visit the NIMH website (National Institute of Mental Health).
