The Key to Success? It May Be Easier Than You Think

In life, your attitude can be a game changer and the job market is certainly no exception to this rule.  The determination of the glass being half-full or half-empty can have great impact on where your career will go and how quickly it will get there.

In my line of work, we see numerous job seekers each day and I can tell you that their attitude plays a huge role in where and IF we place them with a client.  We have those that complain about the amount of paperwork required during the application process.  Once that’s complete, they complain about needing to call and check-in with us on a regular basis.  Our recruiters quickly realize how difficult these individuals can be to work with and they hesitate to send them to our clients. 

On the other hand, there are those that are a delight to have in the office. They are willing to work any job to get their foot in the door, they are anxious to do what’s necessary to be placed in a job and, most importantly, they are polite and courteous to everyone in our office from the recruiters to fellow applicants.  It’s easy to see why these individuals would be a good employee, as well as the value they could add to a business.  Many of them will be placed in a job almost immediately. 

Life isn’t easy and it’s definitely not all roses, but sometimes you just have to smile and make the most of it.  That doesn’t mean you won’t have bad days, it just means that you’ll handle them with a positive attitude and the determination that things will get better. 

People are drawn to those with this frame of mind and are anxious to make them part of their organization.  While education and experience are vital to getting an interview, your attitude will play a huge role in actually landing the job.  So our advice of the day is this:  Leave your problems at the door.  Put a smile on your face and allow only positive words to leave your mouth.  I promise there will be huge changes in your life if only you can make this happen on a daily basis.

Flexible? What's That?!!?

               As I go out and visit with clients and applicants, I am finding that many people have some confusion about the services offered here at Flexible Staffing.  Most assume we are a “temp agency”, but there really is so much more than that!

                Our direct hire division has grown significantly over the past year and continues to do so now.  These are professional placements that include everything from comptrollers and accountants to managers and engineers.  The positions are typically salaried and require a specific degree, as well as a substantial amount of experience.  When an offer of employment is made to these candidates, they go directly on the payroll of the client.

                We also offer temp-to-hire services which are full-time, permanent positions.  These employees will be on Flexible Staffing’s payroll for the first 520 hours of employment and then roll directly over to the client.  This is a great way for both the employer and the employee to test the waters and see if it’s a good fit for all involved.  Most generally, all goes well and the employee transfers over after approximately 90 working days.

                We do, of course, offer temporary employment as well.  These positions can range to factory or warehouse work to office/clerical jobs.  The jobs can last anywhere from one day to many months and, of course, vary in hours and pay.  Even though they are labeled as temporary, some will eventually turn into full-time, permanent work if the employee puts his/her best foot forward while working.

                The best way to stay informed of new available jobs is to Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/flexiblestaffing.  The jobs will be posted on our website, but almost always hit Facebook first. 

                If you have not done so yet, I strongly encourage you to stop by our Warrensburg or Chillicothe location to complete an application.  You can begin that process on our website at www.flexible-staffing.com and then finish the paperwork with our staff.  Whatever type of job you need, our recruiters will be happy to help in the search! 

Written Words

You’ve just aced a huge interview for your dream job…now what?  Some applicants will sit back and wait for the phone to ring, but there is one simple little step that could make you stand out from the mass of job seekers.  A handwritten thank-you note is the easiest way to keep the hiring manager thinking about you as he/she makes their decision.

            Please note that I did not say email, voicemail, or typed letter.  It is critical that you take the time to purchase a box of blank thank-you notes on which you can pen a short message of gratitude.  In a world where email has become the norm, some people panic at the thought of picking up a pen and putting their thoughts on paper, but the payoff is most certainly worth the effort.

            While the message can and should be simple, the presentation needs to be exact.  The note will be yet another reflection on your skills, and we want it to add-to rather than take-away- from your chances of landing the job.  Therefore, proper grammar and correct punctuation are essential.  In other words, if you’re going to do it, do it right!

            And about the message, what should it say?  THANK YOU.  This is not a letter, but rather 3-4 sentences of gratitude.  It should thank the interviewer for their time, perhaps state that you enjoyed learning more about the company, and close with a line that you look forward to hearing from them in the near future.  Your original cover letter and resume should have sold them on your qualifications and the interview was the time to explain why you want to work for their company.  Those ships have sailed.  Now, it’s just a simple, direct thank you.

            While there is never a guarantee of hire, taking the time to write a thank you will most certainly make the interviewer think about you again and sometimes that’s exactly what you need.  If nothing else, it expresses your continued interest in the position and your dedication to making a strong impression.  For some interviewers, it’s enough to seal the deal and, after all, that’s what it’s all about!