Eliminating Productivity Killers for Employees

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No one wants to be the boss or manager who isn’t fun or doesn’t know how to have a good time, but you do need to know how to motivate your employees to get work done. There are distractions all around us, even in an office and warehouse environment. When we allow these distractions to keep us from our work, productivity decreases. Eliminating productivity killers in the workplace can lead to increased productivity and overall company success.

In order to make your work environment a more productive one, you must eliminate productivity killers.

Socialization

People talk. People have phone calls and they have meetings. You cannot ask those in your office or place of work to stop talking. Doing that would be unproductive. However, you can encourage employees to keep socialization to the break room or places where they are less likely to distract other employees. For example, if two employees are talking next to the desk of someone who isn’t involved in the conversation, then they are probably being a distraction. Encourage employees to be mindful of where they are socializing.

Technology

From social media to text to emails, technology constantly interrupts our lives. As a boss or manager, you should establish some rules when it comes to using mobile devices. Your company may already have policies in place for mobile devices and Internet usage. If this is the case, remind employees about the policies and after providing some time for adjusting to the policies, start enforcing them.

Scheduling

If you’re managing or running an office, encourage your employees to take advantage of calendar applications. Whether in your email application or another format, these apps don’t only keep track of your day, but they can help keep you productive. Encourage your employees to not take non-scheduled appointments. By keeping to your schedule, you can avoid becoming distracted and stay on target.

Organization

Office clutter and desk clutter can actually greatly hinder our abilities to be productive. In order to help your workers eliminate their own productivity killers make sure the office or work environment is always organized and be sure you are encouraging employees to keep an organized workspace. Doing this will not only allow them to be more productive, but it gives them ownership over their space.

How to Impress a Recruiter

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Last week we discussed some of the things you can do to not impress a recruiter. While it important to know what not to do when meeting with a recruiter, it is equally, if not more so, important to know how to impress a recruiter. While you could just do the opposite of the things discussed last week that will not be enough to really impress a recruiter. To impress a recruiter, you need to go above and beyond what you think might work. You need to be prepared for questions, for tests, and for a quick process. Here are a few things you can do to impress a recruiter:

Prepare a Resume

While the position you are applying for may not require a resume, it is still a great idea to have one with you when you meet a recruiter. Even if you filled out an application online and uploaded a version of your resume, bringing a paper copy with you shows that you are dedicated and thorough. Impress your recruiter by being prepared with a resume and show that you care about the opportunity.

Dress Appropriately

The way you dress says a lot about you and your career/job goals. While you do not necessarily need to wear your best clothes (like a suite), you do want to make sure you are dressed appropriately for the job and for your interview. When considering what to wear, make sure that your clothing is free of holes, offensive language, and excessive wrinkles. When you dress appropriately for an interview, you convey that you are highly interested in the position and that you are professional.

Have Questions

If you are going into an interview, it is important to know that you will be asked questions. Practice answering interview questions with a friend or relative before your interview so that you can answer the questions the recruiter has well and completely. However, if you really want to impress a recruiter, have your own questions ready. What do you need to know about the position? What is the work environment like? Remember, by asking questions you show your interest and you will also learn more about the company and position.

Be Punctual

One of the best ways to impress a recruiter is to actually show up on time. Just because you may be applying for and interviewing for temporary positions does not mean it is okay to show up late. When you do show up late, you waste the recruiter’s time, your time, and ultimately the time of the organization trying to hire you. Do yourself a favor and show up on time. Not only does it show you are a punctual and dedicated person, but it will impress the recruiter and could increase your chances of being hired.

How Not to Impress a Recruiter

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Maybe you’re applying to a temporary job. Maybe a recruiter has reached out to you about a position. Regardless of the situation, there are certain things you can do as a candidate to most definitely disappoint a recruiter. For passive and active candidates, if you are trying to land a job, it is important to know what works and does not work when interacting with a recruiter. Here are a few things that will not impress a recruiter:

Showing Up Late

If you have set an appointment to meet with a recruiter or with someone at the organization you are trying to be placed at, show up and show up on time. Recruiters will not want to work with you if you have poor attendance and leave them waiting.

Exaggerating Qualifications

If you have experience as an executive administrator, then you should not apply to a position that involves operating a forklift. Know what skills you have and go after jobs that will allow you to showcase the skills you have.

No Enthusiasm

If you are not excited about the potential of a new job, then a recruiter will not be excited about placing you in a new job. Show enthusiasm for the potential of a job and convey excitement when you are interacting with your recruiter.

Talking Too Much

If you are doing the majority of the talking when you meet a recruiter, you may be doing it wrong. Be sure to listen to what the recruiter has to say about the position and organization you are applying to. Show that you can listen and follow instructions.

Before you meet or speak with a recruiter, make sure you know what they are looking for and be sure you make the right impression.

How to Attract Top Talent

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One of the biggest issues that many companies face is attracting top talent. Putting a job positing online isn’t going to guarantee the best applications. It won’t even guarantee any applications. In order to attract top talent, you have to know how to properly engage, communicate, and find job candidates.

While there are many strategies to attracting top talent, some of them are more beneficial and more successful than others. Knowing which ones are right for your company is crucial, so before you start any new programs, make sure you have found the right strategy. As you weigh your options, keep these tips in mind to attract top talent:

Use Videos to Engage Candidates

You might be wondering how you can use video to attract top talent, but it really is as simple as interviewing employees about why they love the company. Show job seekers what it is like to work at your company, what benefits you offer, and anything else you think they might find helpful. Video is a fun and engaging medium you can use to reach a broader audience.

Create an Easy Application Process

Are you having trouble finding candidates for your jobs? No one qualified is even applying? If you are having these issues, it could be because your application process is too complex. Reevaluating your application process could not only attract more candidates, but it could attract the right candidates. Many job seekers will not go through the hassle of a job application that is too long, too complicated, or too difficult to understand.

Showcase Your Work Environment

We mentioned using videos earlier, but photos are also a great way to show off your work space. When candidates can see the environment they are going to be working in, they will be much more likely to apply to jobs. If you do not want to use videos or photos to showcase the environment, then describe it in detail through written words. Don’t just say it is a fast-paced work environment. Describe what makes the environment click and how coworkers interact with one another.

Build a Company Culture

In the past, we have talked about how company culture is a big deal, but did you know it can also attract top talent to your organization? When you are conscious of your company culture and making it strong, then those outside of your organization will recognize that and want to be a part of it.

Do you have any tips for attracting top talent? What has worked for you in the past? Leave your stories and suggestions in the comments below!

How to Get a Raise in 2015

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For many people, the new year includes resolutions and oftentimes, those resolutions revolve around career changes. Some will be looking to add value to their career and to add value to their paycheck. If you are looking to get a raise in 2015, there are a few key things you need to do:

1. Show Your Value

If you are seriously committed to getting a raise in 2015, then you have to be seriously committed to your job.  It is not enough to simply want a raise; you have to earn it. Your employer will not just hand you an increase in pay. Instead, start working harder, dedicate more time to your job, ask for additional projects, and help out your coworkers when you can. By doing these things, your manager is more likely to notice that you have taken more interest in your work and recognize that you add real value to the company.

2. Research Salaries

Before you schedule a meeting or start thinking about numbers, you should research your position and see what others in your field make. Knowing these numbers and knowing your worth at work go a long way in negotiating a new salary. Researching salaries is not as complicated as it may sound. There are several salary comparison websites that will help you determine how much money to ask for.

3. Schedule a Meeting

After working on adding value to your company and taking the time to research salaries, you can schedule a meeting with the person you directly report to. When you schedule this meeting, inform your manager that you would like to discuss your performance and your career growth.

4. Ask for Endorsements

When you know that you have a meeting scheduled, it would not hurt your chances to ask for endorsements from coworkers and anyone else whom you have a working relationship with that is higher in the company than you. It’s important for your manager to know that others recognize your value.

5. During the Meeting

While you are meeting with your manager, be sure to make a strong case but do not come off as aggressive or forceful. By presenting your case, you can show your manager just how committed you are to the company and your job. There is a chance they do not know what your goals and ambitions are. This is a great time to discuss your career growth and exactly what you are looking to get out of your job.

Do you have any suggestions for getting raise? What has worked for you in the past? Leave us your stories and suggestions in the comments below!

5 Things Job Seekers Want In Job Postings

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As a recruiter or anyone looking to hire a new employee, it can be difficult to know what information you need to put on a job posting. As you start crafting job responsibilities, benefits, and company biography information, keep in mind these five things job seekers want in a job posting:

Understandable Job Titles

A complicated and random-sounding job title will turn candidates off. Instead of listing internal job titles like Sales Representative Title 2, simply list the job as Sales Representative. Using job titles that are easy to understand not only set a great understanding of what the description for the position will be like, but candidates are much more likely to click on the job posting.

Ability to Apply with Mobile Devices

More and more candidates are turning to smartphones and tablets to apply to jobs. If you are not currently allowing candidates to apply through a mobile device, then there is a strong probability that you are losing out on job seekers.

Detailed Descriptions

As you begin typing out the description of your open position, be sure to include as much detail as possible. Job candidates like to know everything about the position for which they are applying. This is not a time to be selective of the information you provide. Instead, provide a detailed description of the position and what will be required of the successful candidate.

Unique Postings

If you are hiring for the same position(s) all of the time, try to avoid stock job postings. If a candidate is searching for a job and finds that all of your postings read exactly the same, they may be turned off from applying. As you write a job posting, think about ways in which you can make content unique and exciting for candidates who may come across it.

Simple Process

One thing you should always keep in mind is how simple your application process really is. For example, if candidates have to fill out page after page after page of information, then they may just give up before reaching the end. Make the process engaging and as simple as possible to generate more potential hires.

What do you make sure to include in your job postings? What’s worked for you in the past? Leave your stories and suggestions in the comments section below!

Career Goals for 2015

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As you begin the new year, it’s a great time to set some career goals for 2015. Whether you want to find a new job or get a promotion within your organization, career goals can help you achieve those objectives. But, how do you go about setting goals and sticking to them? Just like with New Year’s resolutions, it can be difficult to stick to your career aspirations. Here are a few steps you can take to set your goals and stick to them:

Define Your Goals

As you begin thinking about what you want to accomplish professionally, in 2015, it helps to actually define those career goals. If you want to find a new job in 2015, then you need to set that as your career goal. If you simply want to get better at you current job or want a promotion in your current organization, then define that as your career goal for 2015. No matter what you hope to achieve, define that as your goal and share that goal with someone who can help you stay on track.

Create a Strategy

Now that you have defined your career goal for 2015, you need a strategy to accomplish the goal. For example, if your goal is to get a new job, then your strategy should revolve around making the best resume and applying to a certain number of jobs on a weekly or monthly basis. Remember, as you’re filling out application and submitting your resume, don’t just apply to any job. Only apply to jobs that you’re qualified for and actually can see yourself taking in the future.

Set Deadlines

The only way to really stick with your goal and strategy is to set deadlines for yourself. In the example above, applying to so many jobs a week or month is a great deadline to set for yourself. If you need to update your resume, then include deadlines to have certain parts of your resume edited until you are completely finished updating the whole document. When you have deadlines, you are able to keep yourself accountable and reach your goals.

What are your career goals for 2015? How do you plan to achieve them? Let us know in the comments section below!

The Difference Between Cover Letters and Resumes

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With 2015 upon us, you may start looking for a new job. Whether you’re actively or casually looking, you need to have a solid resume and cover letter. While many job seekers don’t see the importance of cover letters, others don’t understand the difference between the two. Occasionally, you may notice that, when apply for a job, a cover letter is not required, but you should still provide one.

It can be confusing knowing what you are supposed to put on a cover letter versus what goes on your resume. However, it is important to know the difference. Here is some basic information on cover letters and resumes to help you get started:

Cover Letters

When it comes to your cover letter, it’s best to think of it as an introduction to who you are personally and professionally. This is the place where you can make a connection with the person reviewing your resume and explain why you would be such a great fit. Here are some things to include:

A Connection

Making a connection will allow a resume reviewer to get a better sense of who you are. Whether it’s mentioning a person of reference, something specific about the company you are applying to, or even the position you are apply for, a connection can go a long way. By making a connection through your cover letter, you will also show that you’ve research the company or position, which shows how much you are interested in the job.

A Pitch

Your cover letter is a great place to make a pitch of why you would make a great employee. Why are your skills so great for the position? How will you make the company better? What can you provide that other job candidates cannot? This is your opportunity to sell yourself to whomever may be reviewing your resume.

A Thank You

Before finishing your letter, you can make a great impression by thanking the person who is reviewing your resume and cover letter. Thank them for the time spent reviewing/reading and thank them for their consideration, even if you haven’t personally talked to them.

Resumes

Resumes often get over-complicated with an overload of information. It is easy to confuse a resume reader with the information you put on your resume, which is why it is so important to know what information needs to be on your resume:

Your Contact Information

This one is pretty simple and should be fairly obvious. Place your contact information at the top of your resume. Include your name, phone number, email address, and physical address so that hiring managers have multiple ways to contact you.

Your Education

Always include your education. Don’t list every school you have ever been to though. Instead, list the most recent completed degree. For example, if you have a college degree, then you should list only that degree and not your high school. If high school is your highest education level, then list where you went, the year you graduated, and any special diplomas you have received.

Your Work History

This should be the bulk of your resume. By listing your work history, potential employers will see where you have worked, the positions you’ve held, and the skills you have developed. Do not just list the jobs you have held- describe the skills needed to complete your work and the tasks you did. Also, if you completed any specialized projects at a particular job, then list those too.

Do you have any questions about the difference between cover letters and resumes? Leave your questions in the comments section below and we will be sure to answer them!

Creating a Scannable Resume

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Depending on the job you are applying for, a hiring manager or an HR representative may have dozens to hundreds of resumes and cover letters to read. One way to really make your resume stand out is to make it scannable. By ensuring your resume is easy to scan, the computer software being used will pick up on key elements much easier.

Because computer programs read resumes a little differently than a person does, it is important to write and format your resume in a way that a computer program will pick yours out of a stack of dozens. While these tips can’t ensure that will happen, it will certainly increase your chances. Here’s how to create a scannable resume:

Choosing a Font

When you choose a font for your resume, you need to keep in mind that while a computer  can read script-type fonts, it is certainly not as clear. It’s best to stick to fonts like Times New Roman or Helvetica because they are much easier to read. Furthermore, don’t choose a font that squeezes the letters close together. The more legible your words are, the easier your resume will be to scan.

Use Headlines

A great way to break up the content on your resume is by adding headlines. You can easily do this by taking advantage larger font sizes. Try to keep your font type consistent throughout the resume. Try out using larger-sized fonts to break the resume up into different sections like skills, work history, and awards.

Keep it Horizontal

While you might be tempted to have vertical lines to break up your content, you should avoid doing this because some programs will read these lines as if they were letters. Keep all of your sections and any minor design elements you add horizontal.

Single Column

In attempts to make your resume stand out and appear to have design to it, you might be tempted to use a double column style. However, this can cause computer programs to scan your resume improperly. Keep it simple with a single column style. This will also be easier for anyone in HR to read and scan.

Use Key Words

Because a computer program will be scanning your resume, it’s crucial to use key words. How do you know which words it will be looking for? Review the job posting and identify the most important words used. Think about the skills necessary for the job and make sure you mention them a few times throughout your resume.

Do you have any advice for creating a scannable resume? We’d love to hear about your tips so leave a comment below!