Tag Archive for: recruiting

What Is Candidate-Centric Recruiting, How Do You Do It, & Why You Should Care?

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In today’s job market, it’s more important than ever to put the candidate’s needs first. Candidate-centric recruiting is an approach that focuses on creating a positive experience for the job seeker. From the initial contact to the final offer, the goal is to make sure that the candidate feels valued and respected. This can be accomplished by being responsive to inquiries, providing clear and timely communication, and getting to know their interests and goals. By making the candidate feel like they are the priority, you are more likely to attract top talent to your organization.

The Future of Recruiting is Candidate-Centric Based

In recent years, there has been a shift in the recruiting landscape. Where employers used to be in the driver’s seat, candidates are now calling the shots. With a wealth of information at their fingertips, candidates can research companies and compare roles before applying. As a result, employers need to find new ways to stand out and attract top talent. One way to do this is by focusing on candidate experience. From the moment a candidate expresses interest in a role, employers need to provide a seamless and positive experience. This means keeping candidates informed throughout the process, responding to their needs, and respecting their time. In today’s candidate-centric world, those who prioritize experience will be the ones who win the war for top talent.

Tips For Creating a Positive Candidate Experience

There are a few key things that you can do to make sure that your candidates have a positive experience. Here are five ways to make sure that your candidates feel valued:

1. Be Responsive To Inquiries

It’s essential to be responsive to inquiries. Candidates should never feel like they are being ignored or that their questions are going unanswered. By being responsive, you show that you value their interest and want to keep them informed throughout the process. Candidates want to know that they will be valued at their future positions. They will appreciate you taking time to connect with them and be more likely to choose you in their job search.

Additionally, you can use this opportunity to sell your company and position further. This is also a chance to weed out candidates who may not be a good fit for the role or company. For example, if they are unresponsive to your attempts to engage them, it’s likely that they will also be unresponsive in other areas. Therefore, being responsive is key to finding the best candidates.

On the other hand, if a candidate feels they are being ignored, it will reflect poorly on your company. Not only does it make you look unorganized, but it shows them that their experience is not important to your business. Consequently, poor communication makes candidates less likely to want to work for you. Additionally, other potential candidates will also hear about your poor communication and may be discouraged from applying. In today’s competitive job market, you can’t afford to lose potential candidates due to poor communication. So make sure you are responsive to any and all questions from candidates. It will go a long way in ensuring you find the best possible employees for your company.

2. Candidate-Centric Job Postings

The first step in candidate-centric recruiting is to create a strong job posting. Your ad should be clear and concise, and it should accurately reflect the role you are trying to fill. Make sure you also advertise the benefits of your position to show added value to potential candidates. Another tip is to avoid using jargon or buzzwords that might turn off top applicants. Once you have created a strong job posting, the next step is to get it in front of the right people.

There are several ways to do this, but one of the most effective is using job boards specific to your industry. This will help you reach active and passive job seekers who are a good fit for your open position. You can also use social media to reach a wider audience. By using hashtags and sharing your job posting on relevant platforms, you can significantly increase the number of people who see it.

3. Be Organized During Interviews

The interview process is another vital opportunity to showcase your commitment to candidate experience. One of the worst things you can do is keep a candidate waiting or cancel an interview at the last minute. This sends the message that you don’t value their time or interest in the role. Instead, make sure that your interviews are well-organized and that you are prepared to answer any questions that the candidate might have. It’s also important to take the time to get to know the candidate as a person. This will help you determine if they would be a good fit for your team and if they are genuinely passionate about the opportunity.

4. Get To Know Candidate’s Skills, Interests, and Goals

The traditional recruitment model has been employer centric – focused on filling the needs of the company. However, this approach can often result in a poor match between the candidate and the role, leading to high turnover rates and decreased productivity. In contrast, candidate-centric recruiting is focused on finding the right fit for the candidate rather than simply filling a position. This approach starts with a thorough understanding of the candidate’s skills, interests, and goals. The recruiter then uses this information to identify roles that would be a good match. This approach increases satisfaction and retention rates by ensuring that candidates are placed in positions suited to their abilities and interests. As a result, candidate-centric recruiting is becoming increasingly popular as companies seek to improve their hiring outcomes.

5. Appeal to Candidates in Job Offers

Once you’ve found the right candidate, it’s time to make them an offer. Unfortunately, this is where many organizations drop the ball when it comes to improving candidate experience. They either take too long to extend an offer, or they lowball the salary and benefits package to save money. Neither of these approaches is likely to result in the candidate accepting your offer. Instead, make sure that you are prepared to extend an offer as soon as you’ve made your decision. This will show the candidate that you are interested in them and value their time.

It’s also important to be competitive with your salary and benefits package. Not only is this an added incentive to candidates, but it also shows that you are committed to transparency and fairness. However, if you lowball the offer, the candidate is likely to feel undervalued and may choose to accept a position with another company. In this way, it is important to be timely and offer competitive benefits to successfully execute a candidate centric approach.

The Benefits of Candidate-Centric Recruiting

As discussed, the traditional recruiting model has been employer-centric. However, more and more businesses are adopting a candidate-centric approach which emphasizes finding candidates that are the best fit for the job. This shows candidates that you willing to make them a priority in your hiring approach. Therefore, there are many benefits to this style of recruiting. First, it helps to attract top talent. Candidates who feel like they are being recruited according to their skills and experience are more likely to be engaged with the process and accept a job offer. Additionally, candidate-centric recruiting can help to build a strong employer brand. Candidates who have a positive experience with your hiring process are more likely to recommend the company to others, which can help attract even more top talent.

In today’s competitive landscape, candidate-centric recruiting is essential for businesses that want to attract and retain the best talent. If you’re looking for a great candidate for your next role, look no further than Award Staffing. We are dedicated to finding the best fit for both the employer and the candidate. To learn more about our process, check out our services.

 

How to Attract and Retain Top Talent in Rural Communities

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Although rural communities often have a reputation for being isolated and behind the times, this is not always the case. In fact, many rural areas are home to businesses that are at the forefront of innovation. However, these businesses often struggle to attract and retain talent. This is partly due to the perception that there are limited job opportunities in rural areas.

With the right approach, rural businesses can successfully recruit and hire top talent. There are several factors to consider when developing a strategy for recruiting and retaining talent in a rural community.

Know your ideal candidate

When recruiting job seekers to a rural community, it’s essential to know your ideal candidate’s demographics and psychographics. Demographics are the characteristics of a population, such as age, gender, income, education level, etc. Psychographics are the psychological factors that influence someone’s behavior, such as values, attitudes, personality, interests, and lifestyle. By understanding both sets of information, you can more effectively target your recruitment efforts.

For example, if you’re looking for young professionals with a strong work ethic and family values, you might target job seekers who are recently married or have young children. On the other hand, if you’re looking for creative types interested in outdoor recreation and arts & culture, you might target job seekers who live in urban areas but are interested in moving to a more rural setting. By understanding your ideal candidate demographics and psychographics, you can tailor your recruitment efforts to attract the right candidates to your rural community.

Focus on soft skills

When it comes to hiring, it’s essential to know your ideal candidate. And while there are a lot of factors to consider, it’s often the soft skills that make the most significant difference. Soft skills are the personal attributes and qualities that allow someone to interact effectively with others. They include things like communication, empathy, and problem-solving. While hard skills are important, they can usually be taught. On the other hand, soft skills are more challenging to teach and are often more predictive of success. Therefore, when you’re hiring, be sure to focus on finding candidates with the most critical soft skills for your company.

When evaluating candidates, take the time to assess their soft skills.

  • Are they able to clearly communicate their thoughts and ideas?
  • Do they seem open and receptive to feedback?
  • Do they have a positive attitude?

These are just a few soft skills that can make a difference in whether or not a candidate is successful. Paying attention to these crucial qualities will help you find the right person for the job. In addition, by doing so, you’ll increase your chances of finding someone who will be a successful long-term employee.

Create an attractive environment

Many businesses today are finding it challenging to attract and retain top talent. In a highly competitive marketplace, it is essential for companies to create an environment that is attractive to potential employees. Several key factors can make a business more attractive to workers.

1. Offering competitive wages

In today’s economy, businesses need to offer competitive wages and benefits to attract and retain top talent. This is especially true in rural communities, where the pool of potential employees is often smaller. By offering competitive wages and benefits, businesses can ensure that they can attract and retain the best employees.

This may seem counterintuitive, but businesses in rural areas actually need to offer higher wages and benefits than their urban counterparts to attract and retain employees. The cost of living in rural areas is often higher than in urban areas, so workers need to be paid more to maintain their standard of living. Additionally, rural areas often have fewer job opportunities, so workers may be more likely to leave a company if they don’t feel they are being compensated fairly. To compete for talent, businesses in rural areas need to offer wages and benefits that are at least on par with those in urban areas. Otherwise, they will find it difficult to attract and retain the best employees.

2. Focusing on work-life balance

While the quality of life that these communities offer is often appealing to workers, the lack of professional opportunities can be a deterrent. To overcome this challenge, businesses need to create a work-life balance that helps employees feel professionally and personally fulfilled. This can be achieved by offering flexible work arrangements, access to professional development opportunities, and a supportive community. By creating an environment that helps employees thrive both professionally and personally, businesses in rural communities can attract and retain the best talent.

3. Creating a positive work environment

Finally, businesses in rural communities need to focus on creating a positive work environment. This can be done by ensuring that the physical work environment is clean and comfortable and that the company culture is one that values teamwork, respect, and communication. By creating a positive work environment, businesses in rural communities can ensure that they can attract and retain the best employees.

Rural communities offer a unique set of challenges and opportunities for businesses. By creating an environment that meets the needs of employees, businesses can improve their chances of attracting and retaining top talent.

Develop opportunities for Career Growth

In today’s economy, it is more important than ever for businesses to provide career growth and development opportunities. By doing so, rural businesses can develop a competitive advantage in the war for talent.

Studies have shown that employees who feel stuck in a dead-end job are much more likely to leave their current position. Furthermore, employees who do not feel like they are learning and growing are more likely to become disengaged and unproductive. On the other hand, employees who feel like they have opportunities for career growth and development are more likely to be loyal and productive. Therefore, businesses need to provide opportunities for career growth and development. By doing so, companies will be able to retain their best employees and attract new talent.

Focus on what your community can offer

When it comes to economic development, rural communities often face unique challenges. They may have difficulty attracting investment or talent, and they may lack the infrastructure or resources of larger cities. However, there are also many advantages that rural communities have to offer. For example;

  • Rural communities may also have lower crime rates, and they may offer a more affordable cost of living.
  • They often have a strong sense of community and a deep commitment to their residents.
  • They may also have a wealth of natural resources or rich history and culture.
  • Rural businesses often offer a more relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere than their urban counterparts.
  • Many rural communities are located near natural beauty or outdoor recreation areas, which can be a significant selling point for candidates who value work-life balance.

These factors can be attractive to potential employees looking for a different lifestyle. When recruiting and hiring, be sure to highlight the unique advantages your rural community offers.

Bringing it together with a positive mindset

Even with the challenges that rural communities face, there are many reasons to be optimistic about the future. Rural businesses are becoming more creative in their approach to recruiting and hiring. By focusing on the unique advantages, businesses can attract people looking for an alternative to the traditional urban lifestyle. With the right attitude and approach, businesses in rural communities can thrive and provide good jobs for those who want to live and work in these areas.

At Award Staffing, we are dedicated to helping businesses in rural communities find the best talent possible. We understand the unique challenges these businesses face, and we are committed to assisting them in overcoming these challenges. So, if you are a business in a rural community, don’t hesitate to contact us today to learn more about how we can help you find the best employees for your business.

Why a New Website is a Great Marketing Tactic

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Whether you’re a B2B, or B2C company, or both; giving your website an overhaul every few years is a great move to make for the success of your business. A lot changes industry-wise and market-wise in a single year, let alone in a few years. The needs and wants of your audience are constantly evolving, and to continue seeing the expansion you envision; making the pertinent changes to match current trends will set you apart from your competitors.

Here are just a few reasons remodeling your website every few years makes for a great marketing tactic:

1. Brand Evolution

While the overall mission of your brand may not have and may never change, there’s no doubt that every few years, your brand evolves in more ways than one. Your rates have increased as you now offer more to your services, you have added a new facet or department to your business model, you have expanded from just one location to a handful of locations…The possibilities for how a business can change are endless, and no matter what those changes are, you’ll want to update both the aesthetic and the content of your website to reflect them.

2. Audience Shifts

As you evolve as a company, it is very likely that there will be some shifts in your audience as well, even if those shifts are small. For example: if you, like us, are a Staffing Agency, if you add a new job type, you’ll want to make changes on your website that appeal to the group of people who would be interested in that line of work. Additionally, many things change how your target audience thinks and approaches things. The pandemic, current wages, and how competitive the job market is, are all factors that influence your audience’s habits. In the current world of convenience, it’s important that your website be user-friendly from a smartphone, not just from a desktop. You’ll also want to make sure that the feel of your website is appealing to your current audience.

3. Brand Perception

Every company wants to have a good reputation and that goes beyond just your customer service and how you appear across your social media platforms. When your brand is new to someone, the first place they go to gather more information is your website. If the first thing they see is outdated icons and irrelevant content, they will look no further.

Reconstructing your website to reflect modern times shows that you are a company that is willing to invest where it matters, that you care to speak directly to your target audience, and that you are up-to-date on what’s happening in your field.

If your company is in need of employees, we at Award are here to help. Connect with us here to see how we can help you take your business to the next level.

How to Tailor Your Résumé to Match the Job You Want

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Something we have recently observed to be a common occurrence; is a gap between what companies are looking for to qualify candidates, and what job seekers are putting on their résumés.

For people looking for a new opportunity in their area of expertise, this can make finding a job a bit of a challenge.

While part of the issue is that employers are not being entirely clear about the qualifications applicants need to apply, there are things job seekers can do to make their skills and experience stand out to employers.

Here are some of our recommendations:

1. Use Key Words From the Job Posting

Nearly all companies use AI to sort through applications these days. By using words from the posting, the applicant tracking system will instantly recognize the congruence between the post description and your résumé. Additionally, when employers are reading through résumés, industry buzz words are what will jump out at them first. Because many companies have yet to master the “science” of a perfectly communicated job description; the next best thing for candidates to do, is use the right terminology.

2. Apply in More Than One Place

Of course the first place that you want to apply, is directly on the company’s website or using the link the job posting provides. However, if you want to get in quicker, consider sending an email to HR or the hiring manager. Not only does this show initiative and a proactive approach, it will also give you a chance to better explain what you can offer. Applications or submitting your resume through an employment site don’t always give you a chance to thoroughly share your skills. When you’re sending an email, put some of your hard skills and experience in the body of the email.

3. Use Simplicity

Many people submit résumés that are multiple pages and have way too many skills and qualifications listed. While this may be necessary for someone looking for an executive role; individuals who are just getting back into the workforce after a hiatus, or are simply looking for the same role at a different company should be concise. You don’t need to showcase everything you’ve done/can do, you just need to inform them why you are a good fit for the role.

4. Include an Objective

There are so many different résumé templates out there, that the types that employers receive will vary. However, one thing that they should all include; is an objective. This is simply a brief statement that communicates why you are applying for the job and what you can offer. It is typically the first thing included on a résumé, after ones name and contact information. This gives the employer an instant chance to determine whether or not a person could be a fit for what they’re looking for. If your objective is well-done, it will catch their eye.

5. Call or Apply In-Person

While this may not be the right strategy for every position; if you are looking for work in the warehouse or light industrial space, it can definitely be a good option. Many companies in that industry are looking for people to start right away and will even offer you the position and let you start working the same day. Since many of the skills needed can be taught relatively quickly, it benefits employers to get you in and on the floor right away. If you call, they will very likely ask you to come in for an interview and offer the position on the spot if you’re a good fit.

Additionally, it may be helpful to contact a staffing agency to have a recruiter help you with your résumé and share new, local opportunities.

 

If you or someone you know is looking for a job, we at Award are here to help. We update our job boards daily. Check out our newest opportunities here.

What is Your Company Known For?

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If you were at a business event and someone were to ask you or anyone on your team what your company is known for; would you be able to give them a confident response?

Of course you are known for the products you sell or the services you provide, but what exactly makes your organization’s model and digital presence different from that of your competitors?

This key selling point is often one that gets missed, since the top priority for most businesses is simply to promote their company as the best in the industry at what they do.

However, with more and more companies establishing themselves on social media to beat out their competition for the top spot in the algorithm; and a market where employees and job seekers have the upper hand, standing having strategically placed qualities that set you apart is what will make the difference between a company that is remembered and one that is not.

In previous years at Award, we have had a strong digital presence, particularly on Facebook, known as the local staffing agency that has a comical and entertaining presence. Through our creative use of skits, movie characters, and themed photographs, we build a solid audience and omnipresence to a group of people, of which many would become our associates.

Over the past year, we have rebranded and with that have also reactivated an important piece of our business- our Award Cares program.

It has always been important to us that we give back to our community; which is why, as of last summer, we decided to do a company-wide service project every quarter going forward.

To enhance each of these projects, we also create a social media campaign that showcases the progress of them from beginning to end on social media

Through this, we began to see a significant increase in our social media engagement, particularly on LinkedIn.

Many of our connections have showed an interest and what we are doing and have expressed the desire to do similar things at their companies as well.

To really stand out, we experimented with the idea of all black and white photos, with a pop of color. This began during our Warming Their Soles sock drive last fall when we wanted the primary focus of the pictures to be the socks our employees were wearing and the stories behind them.

It proved to gain a lot of traction online; therefore, we decided to keep it going and to make it a main focus of our strategy. Now, when people see the black and white photos with just a hint of our green and turquoise brand colors, they instantly recognize it as a post from Award Staffing.

Implementing these things the past several months have proven to be a very effective way build a presence within our local and online communities, all while showcasing what we at Award are all about.

What is something your company does or can do to increase that recognition factor within your industry?

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If you’re company is in need of employees, we at Award are here to help. Contact us here with your staffing needs. 

Why Knowing What Meaningful Work Means to You is Crucial to Placement Success

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One of the most important things to us at Award Staffing is that both our internal and our external employees find meaning in their jobs.

When our recruiters place our associates, they do not want to simply place them in the first role that is available; they want to place them in a position that is a good fit, with a company that they can grow with and hopefully move up in that organization.

We know that a career is a person’s livelihood, and we want to see all of our employees find both success and fulfillment in the roles they are hired for.

One of the things that can help you be successful in any future role is: knowing what meaningful work means to you. We all have different definitions of what meaningful work is and by knowing what it means to you, the recruiter you are working with can help you find the best match.

Here are some questions to ask yourself when deciding what meaningful work means to you:

1. Is a relationship with my colleagues important to me?

This is a huge determining factor in whether or not a team-based role or a more individual role is a better fit for you. If you want to be with a team that you can grow with, a smaller company with a tight-knit team is likely a good match. Whether or not a team-based position is important to you is definitely something you want to share with the recruiter you are working with.

2. Is meaningful in the work or in what the work provides me?

For some people, knowing that they are assembling medical devices for people in need of them is what they need to feel fulfilled. For others, simply having a job that provides for them while still being able to spend time with their family is all the meaning they need. It is deeply personal. If you are looking for a role that directly involves contributing to the common good, don’t be afraid to ask your recruiter what types of roles like that they offer.

3. Do I want a role that will provide me professional growth?

We have some associates that have full intention of moving up to higher positions within a company and others that have been perfectly happy working the same position and the same hours for several years. It all depends on your lifestyle and personal goals. If you need a consistent schedule that is almost guaranteed to never change, there are definitely companies that match that requirement. If you have more flexibility and see yourself moving up as you learn more, communicate to your recruiter that you would like a company with plenty of opportunity for growth.

4. Do I want more experience before deciding what the best fit is for me?

The nice thing about working with a staffing agency is that there are always plenty of temporary positions you can try out before committing to something long term. It’s ok if you don’t know exactly the direction you want to go yet. Let your recruiter know that you are currently only interested in temporary positions and once you feel like you have found a fit, ask them what long-term options are available.

 

If you or anyone you know is looking for a job, we update our job boards daily. Check out our newest listings here.

How to Make Your Job Postings Candidate Centric

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In the current times, which are being referred to as a “candidate market”; job seekers have the option to choose from many different industries and positions. This has not been the case in previous times, especially not to this extent.

No matter what line of work, companies across-the-board are struggling to find and retain employees, doing everything in their power to bring new candidates through the door. This nation-wide occurrence does not appear to be going away any time soon. That being said, if businesses want to change their short-staffed situation, they must change their strategy. One way to do that is by being different.

Bringing in new candidates begins with your job postings. It only takes twenty seconds of reading a job posting for an applicant to decide whether or not they’re going to submit an application. If you don’t engage them right away, they will lose interest and not even finish reading it.

Here are some of our recommendations for getting people to apply to your job postings.

1. Instead of statements like, “we have a great culture”, communicate your company’s culture through your tone and writing style

Do you have an office that is constantly laughing and joking around? If so, add a bit of witty humor to your job description. Do you have a very relaxed team that somehow magically never sweats the small or big stuff? Use vocabulary such as, “zen” or “calm”. Most companies try too hard to maintain an overly professional image on the outside. That approach is archaic; these days, people want to see an organization’s personality.

2. Mention Autonomy

Workplace autonomy is the number one value people have nowadays. While every company is going to offer this in different ways, it’s definitely something you want people to know about right away. Do you have a hybrid model? Do your employees choose their own hours or take lunch at whatever time they want? Mentioning these things is a sure-fire way to capture a job seekers attention.

3. Talk About Personality Fit

Companies are always so quick to list out their own needs and go into detail about the qualifications and/or experience that someone needs to have in order to be hired. One thing we know to be true at Award, is that having a team that works well together can make or break the success of an organizations operations. Plus, we’ve all worked somewhere in the past where some of our co-workers made showing up every day difficult. Personality is not something that should be overlooked when you are searching for the right fit.

4. Instead of, “depending on experience”, post the salary range.

While there may be some cases where the pay is non-negotiable, you must remember that a job is a person’s livelihood. They need to know whether or not it will be worth their time to apply and set up an interview by knowing if the pay will meet their lifestyle needs. Also, people don’t want to work for a company that is totally rigid. Making it clear that there is room for negotiation in this area communicates that there is flexibility.

If your company is in need employees, we at Award are here to help. Contact us here with your staffing needs.

How the Right Placement Can Help You Find Your Purpose

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One of the things we know to be important here at Award Staffing is that every person finds their purpose in the workplace. That’s why we feel that a big part of our purpose is connecting people through meaningful work.

We know how important it is that people feel a sense of both contribution and accomplishment doing the work that they do, as that’s how most people spend 40+ hours of their week.

It’s important to us that anyone we place, whether it’s temporary or permanent finds a place where they feel a sense of purpose. It’s then that we know we did our job well and that both our client and our associate can feel confident about working with us and the future of their career and business.

Here are just a few of the ways that finding the right placement can help you find your future:

1. You can know whether or not you want to manage and what type of manager you want to be

One big advantage about the industry we are in and the type of work we staff for is that there is plenty of room for growth and that many of the positions are very collaborative. This helps you become familiar with all departments and get to know everyone on the management team. It’s through observation that you’ll know what management style you and other employees respond to best and whether or not you are interested in taking on a management role in the future.

 2. You can find an industry that you may not have thought you would ever be passionate about

It’s usually not until someone has worked in the light industrial sector that people know what truly goes on in a warehouse or at a distribution site. Anyone in those positions can tell you that there are many moving parts. By trying out a temporary position at a site or warehouse, you can observe and decide what type of role you would do best in and what shift pairs best with your home life.

 3. You can know what environment you need to thrive/where you do best

Some people do better in a quieter more low-key environment, while others do better in a constantly going, more team-based setting. If you have already tried out working in an office or at a desk, a light industrial position could be the next step. It’s only after you try a variety of positions that you will find what you enjoy the most and where you do your best work.

4. You can know if company culture, having a team, or working individually is best for you

Because there are so many different positions in warehouses and distribution centers, you will likely be able to try out a variety of them within a short period of time. In this industry, extra people are always needed; therefore, positions are always open. While some people want to work for a company that emphasizes team work and company culture, others want a job where they can zone out on their own. If you work a few temporary positions, you’ll discover your preference and can choose what’s right for a long-term position.

If you or anyone you know is in search of a job, we update our job boards daily. Check out our current openings, here.

How to Provide Meaningful Work as an Employer

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Nowadays, people don’t work solely for a paycheck. While that is most certainly the biggest driver of why people have jobs; when people go to work every day, they want to feel like there is more meaning behind what they do than just making a living.

As we are currently in a candidate market, and people currently have the option to be particular about where they work, it is important that companies provide a meaningful work experience to their employees.

When in search of a new job, people no longer simply choose the one offering the highest pay, the one closest to home, or the one that is the most relevant to what they went to college or trade school for. They search the companies that want to interview them via their website and social media pages to see if there is something they stand for.

It’s very important that companies not only advertise a meaningful workplace to get people through the door, but also demonstrate and maintain that meaning so that employees choose to stay with the company in the long run.

Here are 5 ways employers can create meaningful work for their employees:

 

1. Give Employees the Chance to Contribute

In today’s world, it is more important than ever for people to know that they are giving back; especially to the local community. By making service and/or charity a part of your business model, employees will take pride in where they work. This shows that the company values things other than revenue generation and publicity and that the organization cares.

It is important to note, that any charity or service project that the company hosts should take place during work hours. This enables all team members to participate and shows that you know that your employees have a life outside of work.

2. Take Action on Feedback

If an employee comes to you with constructive feedback that you know could benefit the company, find a way to implement their suggestion and recognize them publicly for it. This will show them that they are listened to and that their input is considered and valued. Be sure to give the employee credit when you announce the implementation to the rest of the team. This will encourage others to speak up about processes that can be improved and will show the employee that they are seen for who they are and not just a number in the company.

3. Find Evidence-Based Ways to Live Out Your Company Values

Nearly every company has a set of core values, but very rarely do they get put into practice. Many companies have a core value of fairness, but almost all the time, favoritism is seen and felt in the office. Appreciation may be listed in the employee handbook, but appreciation goes far beyond thanking someone for that little extra they did. If your company values communication, than the proper channels, such as: slack, regular meetings, and timely email responses must be provided and enforced.

If your company runs off of certain systems such as EOS, you must have weekly team L10 meetings and set rocks every quarter. As the saying goes, practice what you preach.

4. Provide a Social Space and Host Social Events

Everyone wants to feel comfortable with the people they work with, since there is so much time being spent together. Work will also feel more meaningful if there is a strong component of both teamwork and support. People will be much more excited to come in every day if they enjoy their colleagues. By designating a certain area for employees to socialize whether during lunch or just in between meetings, they will have the opportunity to interact more often. This can look like a lounge area, a game room, a break room, etc. It’s also beneficial to host company outings every so often whether they are after-work happy hours or team lunches.

 

If your company is in need of employees, we at Award Staffing are here to help. Contact us here with your staffing needs.

Six Reasons to Search for Employment through a Staffing Agency

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If working with a staffing agency is new to you, it’s understandable why you may not see the benefit in it right away. You’re likely thinking, why would I go through an agency when I can just apply to the jobs I want myself? While that’s a fair thought, there are several perks to finding work through a recruiting company that you’re more than likely not aware of. Not only will it be much more convenient, but having a reputable recruiter there to promote you will surely be to your advantage.

Here are just a few of the reasons that working with a staffing agency will do you good:

1. They know the local market very well

Especially if they have been in their position for a while, they have many connections and relationships in the local area. This means they have already built rapport with multiple companies that trust them to send quality candidates. They know what specifically is important to each company and can pitch you and help you tailor your résumé in a way that makes you ideal for the position. 

2. It will likely get you a job quicker

Remember, it is in a recruiter’s best interest to fill positions as quickly as possible while still choosing the best people. Additionally, when companies contact recruiting agencies, it’s because they are in current need of employees and have the goal of getting qualified people through the door sooner rather than later. Since the recruiter processes all of your new hire paperwork instead of the employer, you won’t have to worry about coordinating a time to go and take care of it with the company. It’s a common thing for candidates to have interviews and then be able to start working the next day when you go through a staffing agency.

3. They’ll be able to share with you opportunities that you wouldn’t otherwise know about

Did you know that some companies find their people exclusively through staffing agencies? There may be positions near you that you didn’t know were available because the company doesn’t advertise online or through job boards. Also, though you may know your surrounding areas very well, there are always hidden and new businesses that the staffing agencies are the first to know about.

4. You can ask specific questions about culture, environment, management, etc...

When you apply for and accept a job through the company directly, outside of the impression you get from your interview, you won’t know much about the company prior to starting. Agencies on the other hand know the companies through-and-through. Before they are able to start sending candidates to the client, they have thorough conversations with leaders in the organization and have often toured the facility to see what the atmosphere is like. This allows you to ask questions to be sure it’s a good fit before committing to any position.

5. You can be more specific

Especially in the Light Industrial and Warehouse sectors, there are shifts of all kinds being offered. Overtime, half days, part-time, full-time, overnight, early morning. When a company publicly advertises a position, they typically have set shifts that they are looking to fill. When working with a recruiting agency, you can tell them what your preferred hours are and they can try and match you with a company that fits well with your schedule.

6. Saves time

Instead of having to apply to numerous companies through their websites, you can simply submit your résumé to the staffing agency you’re working with and they can send it off to the companies for you. You also won’t have to worry about scheduling interviews with each company individually; you can simply give the recruiter your availability and they can coordinate the details for you.

If your or someone you know is looking for a job, we at Award Staffing are here to help. Check out our latest opportunities here.