Blog - Staffing Network

Tips for Small Businesses Hiring Staff

If you own or manage a small business, you know how important every single hire can be. After all, when a staff is small, even one or two workers who are not carrying their weight can impact your bottom line.

There are things you can do to get the right hire for your small business. Here’s a list of tips to get you started. And if you have questions, reach out to an employment expert at Staffing Network.

Prioritize Your Goals

Before moving forward with a hire, create a clear list of what you are looking for. A person can be incredibly personable and charming, but if they do not have the skillset your small business needs, they are not the right person for the job.

Then, when you are interviewing, remember to let candidates know the benefits of working for a small business. Often, smaller staffs mean more personal connections. Working for a small business means an individual could have the opportunity to learn new tasks within the organization. Be open to the possibility that a candidate may not have every skill on your list, but they have talent and could grow into the position. Know what needs are absolute and where you have some flexibility.

Always Be Open to Potential Hires for Your Small Business

It is common for a small business to relax and enjoy the times when they have a full staff of engaged employees. But, it is best to always be open to new possibilities. After all, you never know when someone will move out of town, decide to change industries, or leave the workforce due to changes in their personal life.

Developing relationships and keeping in communication with an employment expert means you will be ready to recruit a great fit for your small business should circumstances quickly change. Similarly, once an employee has let you know they will be moving on, do not delay the hiring process. Good workers find jobs fast, the sooner you can offer a potential hire a position, the better.

Because small businesses do not typically have large staffs, they often benefit from working with a staffing firm to help fill their staffing needs. If management is too busy to craft a job description, schedule interviews, and vet potential candidates, partnering with an employment expert could help.

Too often, when an organization is understaffed they start to believe that any person in the position is better than no help at all. But deciding not to settle and to prioritize hiring a qualified candidate means you could end up with an employee who can accomplish so much more than the fast hire. Because staffing firms have already vetted a large pool of candidates, there is no need to settle.

Are you a small business in need of hiring support? Staffing Network Is a full-service staffing and recruiting firm that specializes in light/skilled industrial, engineering, and operations professionals. Our experts can help you find the best person for your company. Connect with Staffing Network today.

Quick Ways to Find a Job

If you need income, have recently moved to a new location, or have experienced an unexpected career shift, you may be looking for quick ways to find a job. While the job hunting process may be moving slower than you’d like, there are ways to speed things up. Ask an employment expert at Staffing Network to learn more.

Decide What Kind of Job You Want

It is easier to hit a goal if you know what you are aiming for. When people are unsure of where their career is headed, they may freeze when asked about their career goals because the question feels too large. If this is true for you, try simply jotting down a few ideas to help you with your job search. Asking yourself the following questions can get you started.

What types of jobs interest me?
Do I want to work for a large company or a family business?
How much money do I need to make per month?

While it is common for job seekers to feel rushed and simply take the first position offered, a better path is to take a few minutes to determine what type of a job you want. Then, you can focus on quick ways to find a job you will actually enjoy.

Polish Your Resume

Once you know what type of job you are looking for, you can craft your resume toward those kinds of positions. When looking over your past experience, think about what skills you already have and how those could be used within your area of interest.

Then, once your resume is in tiptop shape, you can begin working on your cover letter. Naturally, each cover letter will have to be crafted to the position you are applying for. The letter is an opportunity for you to give a short introduction about yourself and an explanation of why you would be a good fit for the position.

Deciding on the job you want and crafting your materials gives you a solid foundation. Next, you can start interviewing.

Connecting with Others is One of the Quick Ways to Find a Job

In order to be introduced to businesses that are hiring, connect with a staffing firm. Because they already have a list of clients waiting for permanent employees and short-term hires, working with a staffing firm is one of the most efficient and quick ways to find a job.

Staffing experts can help you make last minute adjustments to your resume, have a list of jobs ready to fill, and can offer you temporary positions so you can earn income while looking for your ideal full time position, if needed. When you share your job aspirations with a staffing expert, they can let you know what options are available to help you achieve your goals.

Do you need help finding a job? Staffing Network is a full-service staffing and recruiting firm that specializes in light/skilled industrial, engineering, and operations professionals. Let our experts help you find the best position for you. Connect with Staffing Network today.

7 Duties of Warehouse Associates

Distribution centers and warehouses need warehouse associates to effectively function. After all, warehouses are locations to store products and materials. To keep these materials and products organized and moving fluidly, skilled warehouse associates are needed to coordinate organizational systems and safety protocols. Of course, specific duties depend on the size and type of warehouse.

If you are looking for an entry-level position with room for growth, a warehouse associate position could be an employment match for you. There are light manufacturers and shipping companies throughout the region looking for associates to join their teams. These staff roles can develop into managerial positions for the right candidates. Connect with an employment expert at Staffing Network to learn more.

Responsibilities of Warehouse Associates

Individuals hired as warehouse associates are responsible for receiving incoming shipments and keeping those shipments organized. Some rely more on distribution and storing capabilities while others focus on filling and packing orders.

Your duties could include one or more of the following:

Receiving shipments from delivery trucks.
Documenting all arrival and departure times and dates.
Organizing materials and products by size or type.
Operating warehouse equipment, such as forklifts and computer tracking systems.
Following protocols for damaged goods.
Prepping orders and packages for shipment.
Entering and updating shipping data and warehouse logistics into software programs.

While you may not need prior work experience to land a position as a warehouse associate, it is helpful to have certain skills. For example, if you work well with others, are organized, have effective time management skills, and are reliable, you could be a good fit.

Interviewing for a Warehouse Associate Position

Keep in mind the skill set that shines in a warehouse associate position when you interview with a hiring manager. Naturally, if you have prior experience in a warehouse you should include that on your resume and let the interviewer know how you excelled in that position. Additional experiences to share include any computer data systems you have knowledge in and examples of following and maintaining an organizational process.

There are many different types of warehouse positions, including distribution managers and inventory control managers. If you want to get your foot in the door and advance within a warehouse workplace, securing a position as a warehouse associate could be a great place to start.

If you are looking for work, but are unsure how to get started, a staffing firm can help. Once you work on your resume and prepare for interviews, you can move your job search forward with confidence. Experienced firms have strong relationships with manufacturers and distribution centers in place. Experts can match you with a position that fits with your career goals and personal skills.

Are you interested in a warehouse associate position? Staffing Network is a full-service staffing and recruiting firm that specializes in light/skilled industrial, engineering, and operations professionals. Let our experts help you find the best position for you. Connect with Staffing Network today.

Top 5 Ways a Staffing Firm Can Boost Business

Access to a lot of talent is one of the ways a staffing firm can boost your business.

For an organization to grow, solid hiring decisions need to be made. Because of this, there are ways a staffing firm can boost your business. As many managers know, the hiring process can be costly, time consuming, and comes with a level of risk.

If you could use help vetting applicants for your company, connect to an employment expert at Staffing Network. With market intelligence and experience, Staffing Network can help you make the right hire.

#1 Fast Hires

When an organization decides to handle the hiring process in-house, it may be months before a new person is on-boarded. This is because everyone involved in hiring also has their daily work tests to attend to in addition to reviewing applications and scheduling interviews. Plus, it may take a while to receive resumes from job seekers who are qualified for the position.

Because they have a large pool of qualified candidates, one of the ways a staffing firm can boost your business is through connecting you with individuals who have skills and looking for work. This can save you time and help you sidestep a productivity loss that could happen while hiring.

#2 Ongoing Relationships

Often, a staffing firm works with clients over a period of time. This allows them to understand the culture of an organization. Then, they are able to connect you with candidates who both have the qualifications needed for the position and will also be a good match for the culture of the office or worksite.

#3 Ways a Staffing Firm Can Boost Your Business Includes Temporary Workers

Another advantage of working with an employment expert is that you can try out a potential full-time hire as a temporary worker. Working with a candidate as a temporary employee first can help to reduce the risk of making a bad hire.

Temporary workers can also help when there are shifts in workloads. There are many instances when a manager finds themselves short staffed. This could be because of a special project or a valuable employee needing to take leave. There is flexibility when working with a staffing firm, a blend of short-term and long-term hires may be the most efficient solution for you.

#4 Paperwork and Payroll

After being connected with a temporary employee, the staffing firm will take care of payroll, taxes, and other forms of paperwork for that worker. Those HR tasks are only transferred to your organization when or if you choose to bring the person in as a full-time employee.

#5 Market Insights

Another one of the ways a staffing firm can boost your business is providing you with the latest market insights for hiring. This could include what salary levels are appropriate. Also, what benefits high-quality candidates respond to, from scheduling flexibility to work perks.

Are you hiring? Staffing Network is a full-service staffing and recruiting firm that specializes in light/skilled industrial, engineering, and operations professionals. Our experts can help you find the best person for your company. Connect with Staffing Network today.

3 Things to Do After a Job Interview

When you leave a job interview, you may mistakenly believe there is nothing left to do but wait and hear back from the hiring manager. In truth, there are key things to do after a job interview, items that can be the difference between a rejection email and a formal job offer.

Are you looking for a job? If you want to learn about new positions or how to make yourself more hirable, talk to an employment expert at Staffing Network.

Take a Few Notes After the Appointment

As soon as possible following a job interview, write down a few items that came up during the course of conversation. Notes can be helpful because if you are called in for a follow-up interview, you will have notes to prepare. Or, there may be something to mention in a thank you note or subsequent phone call.

Also, notes can be helpful when interviewing for other positions. Looking over your notes can assist you in preparing for other interviews. There may be gaps in your experience that you could address in a positive light in future conversations, for instance.

Send a Thank You Note

It is always important to send a thank you note, whether you decide to send an email or a handwritten card. An email saves time, but some hiring managers appreciate receiving a traditional thank you in the mail. Either way, thank the person who interviewed you for their time. You can also mention why you believe you are the best person for the job or take the opportunity to include a few of your skills that would help you shine in the available position.

A short, thoughtful message is often best, simply because long, wordy letters and emails are less likely to be read completely. Plus, you want to be perceived as the best candidate, not desperate for a job.

Practicing Patience is One of the Things to Do After an Interview

After some time has passed, it may be appropriate to send a short follow up message. Doing so can help you stay on a hiring manager’s mind. For example, if you were given a timeframe for hiring but the date has passed, you could check in to see if there is any more information they need from you in order to make a final decision. That said, a lot of the time after an interview requires patience.

Often, the best approach is to do everything you can do to improve your chances of securing the job—sending a thank you note and following up with any materials the interviewer requested—and then move on to other job possibilities. After all, a job search is a process. Many find they will interview for a few different positions until the right job offer arrives.

Are you ready to start interviewing? Staffing Network is a full-service staffing and recruiting firm that specializes in light/skilled industrial, engineering, and operations professionals. Let our experts help you find the best position for you. Connect with Staffing Network today.

5 Types of Light Industrial Jobs

When someone is looking for work, they may not be familiar with different types of light industrial jobs. Too often, a job seeker will see the word “industrial” and huge machinery and massive production facilities will come to mind.

In reality, many types of light industrial jobs occur within facilities that are not humungous. For this reason, individuals who have technical skills often find they enjoy these workplaces as their staff relationships can be more personal than those within large factories. If you are interested in learning more about different types of light industrial jobs, talk to an employment expert at Staffing Network.

Assembly and Fabrication

A person who is hired to assemble parts into a finished product may have the job title of assembler or fabricator. They may also be responsible for correcting any mistakes that may have occurred during assembly.

If you enjoy working with wood and metal, it is possible you might thrive in furniture assembly, for example. One of many light industrial jobs, furniture assembly can include working with different materials. There are positions dedicated to remodeling and others focused on production.

Quality Control Positions

There are a few different positions that fall under the category of quality control, including inspectors, technicians, and testers. Of course, there are specifics of each position that are unique to the needs of the company, but generally, inspectors oversee manufacturing standards while testers examine products and technicians ensure the manufacturing process is operating in a way that is safe and effective.

Types of Light Industrial Jobs Include Warehouse Work

Warehouses rely on a trained staff to effectively move products. Associates could be responsible for checking inventory levels and processing and fulfilling orders. In order to complete these duties, operating a forklift of other pieces of machinery may be necessary.

Food and Clothing Production

When you consider how many food items are sold every day, it makes sense there are a lot of jobs connected to the food industry. After all, people need to supervise and maintain food machines. Machines that create and package bakery, chocolates, jams, fruits, snacks, and more.

Manufacturing garments and other soft goods are also types of light industrial jobs. These jobs can be satisfying for individuals who enjoy working with fabrics and have an eye for accuracy.

Print Industry Positions Are Types of Light Industrial Jobs

Even with people regularly turning to their smartphones and laptops for news and entertainment, there is still a high demand for printed matter, including brochures, books, and magazines. In order to create these items, prepress technicians and press workers are needed.

Light industry positions may still be physical, but there is likely not the same amount of machinery that you will find in a heavy industrial workplace. Smaller machines still work best when they are managed by individuals who are dependable and detailed.

Are your talents a good match for a light industrial job? Staffing Network is a full-service staffing and recruiting firm that specializes in light/skilled industrial, engineering, and operations professionals. Let our experts help you find the best position for you. Connect with Staffing Network today.

Advantages of Temporary Positions

Having trouble finding a job that is a good match for your interests and skills? It may be time to look for something other than a permanent position. Advantages of temporary positions include building your network, making an income, and having a continuous work history on your resume.

If flexibility is important to you, opting to work in a role that is not permanent may be ideal. Of course, if you discover a position is a good fit, then you can pursue a full-time contract within the industry you discovered through temping.

When you are ready to explore the advantages of temporary positions, reach out to discuss your career with an employment expert at Staffing Network.

Gaining Experience and Developing Your Resume

There are plenty of times when companies need help with a project or contract for a set period of time. In these situations, an organization may bring in a temporary worker who has the skills needed to complete the assignment. And while you are working on the project, you are sure to learn about the industry you are placed in. Plus, you could develop new skills, ones taught to you by others on the project. Through temp work interactions, you gain relevant job skills, experiences can be added to your resume.

Experience through temp gigs means you are avoiding resume gaps. A continuous work history that includes temporary assignments illustrates your motivation to work with potential hiring managers. And you are earning an income the entire time, which may allow you to complete some of your personal goals that require financial support.

Feeling Confident Is One of the Advantages of Temporary Positions

According to one report, American individuals are twice as likely to experience depression if they are unemployed or not working the amount they would like. And it makes sense, because although everyone enjoys free time, it also feels good to be productive. A job is a way to earn an income, but it is also a source of positive feedback and pride.

When individuals are between jobs, a temp position can give them a confidence boost that will help them land a full-time position. All of the advantages of temporary positions that follow are why many gravitate to temp jobs.

Gain experience
Build your resume
Flexible schedules
Try out new industries
Grow your network
Garner skills and increase confidence

Temporary work is a great solution for individuals who have recently left a position but have yet to secure another or are interested in learning about a new industry while seeking a permanent contract. After all, if you are not working and want to work, temp gigs can grease the wheel of opportunities.

Are you wondering if a temporary position is the next step on your career path? An employment expert can help. Staffing Network is a full-service staffing and recruiting firm that specializes in light/skilled industrial, engineering, and operations professionals. Let our experts help you find the best position for you. Connect with Staffing Network today.

10 New Year’s Resolutions for Job Seekers

As the calendar turns, resolutions for job seekers can be helpful for individuals desiring a career change in the 12 months ahead. Focus your effort on securing a new position with the following tips. If you are looking for more guidance, connect with an employment expert at Staffing Network.

#1 Look Into Opportunities

You likely already have a skill set to share with an organization, look at job descriptions to see if your skills are a good fit for any available positions. There also might be opportunities to explore new positions that offer on-the-job training, which can also help to grow your resume for future job placement.

#2 and #3 Update and Organize

Next, take time to refresh your documents. There may be new experiences to add to your resume. Or maybe the language can be honed to more clearly describe the job tasks you have mastered. Aligning your resume with the job you are applying for is advised.

To effectively make updates, consider organizing the area where you will be conducting your job search. Keep your desk or tabletop clear of clutter so you can easily access any material you need.

#4 Consider Social Media Posts

If you are vying for a promotion or looking for a new job, keep your social media posts professional or update your share settings so only close contacts can see your personal posts.

#5 and #6 Network and Reach Out

Let people in your social circle know you are looking for work. It can also help to reach out to people who you do not know personally. For instance, you can create network connections through professional organizations. Or reach out to a hiring manager to ask about the status of a job you applied for, let them know you want to be sure your materials were received successfully.

#7 Get Ready to Interview

As you are applying for jobs, begin preparing to interview as well. Consider what you will say and how you will convey past accomplishments. You can even participate in a mock interview with a friend or family member.

#8 and #9 Resolutions for Job Seekers Include Staying Healthy

This is #8 and #9 because prioritizing health means caring for both your physical and mental health. It is common for people to become discouraged when they do not obtain the result they want during a job search. Remember to care for yourself and recognize things take time. Eat healthy and exercise. Practice mindfulness.

#10 Track Your Progress

One way individuals can buoy their mood when job hunting is to track their progress. Set goals for yourself, whether you are tallying the number of contacts called or resumes sent. Measurable goals lead to positive feelings and job success.

Looking for a new job for the New Year? Staffing Network is a full-service staffing and recruiting firm that specializes in light/skilled industrial, engineering, and operations professionals. Let our experts help you find the best position for you. Connect with Staffing Network today.

Team Building Games for a Holiday Party

When planning a holiday party, busy managers often decide to simply do what was done the year before. While traditions can be a great way to bond, adding a team building game or two can be helpful as well. After all, the winter months means chilly temperatures and an early sunset. Everyone can benefit from a jolt of excitement and laughter.

Are you hoping to fill a position to boost your team for next year’s holiday party? Connect with an employment expert at Staffing Network .

Plan Team Building Games in Advance

Because your goal is to encourage your team to relax while boosting coworker camaraderie, it is helpful to have an agenda for your holiday party in place. If you don’t want to organize all of the games yourself, ask team members for their help. When a few people work together on a celebration, work friendships can flourish.

Here are a few of ideas to get your party planning started:

Create a holiday quiz show. Assemble a list of holiday trivia questions ranging from historical tidbits to current popular culture references. Keep score as you play, the winner can receive a gift or a round of applause.
Have everyone make their own ugly sweater. Encourage team workers to use fabric paint, pompoms, and patches to make a unique holiday ugly sweater. Everyone could wear their sweaters during the party. Or, everyone could submit their sweater and a supervisor could agree to wear the one the team votes on, whether that one is the gaudiest, brightest, or best.
Home scavenger hunts. If you are meeting in person everyone can bring a picture of items on the list they have found at home. For online meetings, teams can do timed runs to find items. Some of the items you could ask them to find include a bathroom item that has yet to be opened, a children’s book, or a board game.

Of course, when creating your event remember that your team members likely have their own traditions and backgrounds. It is helpful to prioritize thinking of quiz questions that are inclusive. Some supervisors promote inclusion by coming up with a few different ideas on how to celebrate and then sending an anonymous poll to the team. When you receive feedback from staff, you know you are on the right track for throwing a fun, social holiday event that everyone will enjoy.

Why It’s Important to Celebrate

Taking time to play team building games and connect with coworkers is an important way to enhance relationships. When team members connect, it can help them work on collaborative tasks together. Team building games promote a productive workplace. Individuals who take pride in their role are an asset to an organization.

Are you in need of temporary staffing support? Staffing Network can help. A full-service staffing and recruiting firm that specializes in light/skilled industrial, engineering, and operations professionals, our experts can help you find the best person for your company. Connect with Staffing Network today.

Short-Term Jobs to Fulfill Your Financial Needs

Sometimes, if you are shifting between careers, recently graduated, or interested in exploring new industries, you find yourself looking into short-term jobs. Temp work and side projects can be great ways to fill your financial needs while you decide what type of full-time position you are seeking or what field interests you most.

Temporary jobs are positions within a company that fill a short-term need. Companies use temp workers for a variety of reasons. Some need extra help during set times of the year, the holiday season for instance, while others utilize temporary help for special projects. If you are interested in short-term jobs, Staffing Network can help.

Build Your Network and Earn an Income

One advantage of temporary employment is you are able to earn a salary while you connect with others in the workforce. If you are between jobs, short-term jobs can alleviate the need to claim unemployment. Salaries are often higher than unemployment payments, which means you can boost your personal savings.

And networking happens naturally within a workplace. When you temp, you are building your professional connections, leading to more opportunities. If you decide to pursue full-time employment in the future, you can use references from your temp gigs.

After all, companies may be utilizing temporary employees simply to reduce overhead, but the positions are still full of valuable work experience. With the rise of the gig economy, more and more find themselves working on a project basis. Professionals use these experiences to expand their skill set and make themselves more valuable as employees.

Short-Term Jobs Can Lead to Permanent Positions

If you do want to secure a permanent job, temporary work could be the solution. Many companies onboard new employees through temp-to-hire positions. For example, a company could bring on a temporary worker for a few months to determine if the match is an advantageous one for the company and the employee. Then, after a set period of time, a full-time position could be offered.

Once you are hired by the company, you are then working for them rather than the staffing firm. Full-time positions typically enjoy company benefits, such as paid time off, health insurance, and retirement plans. Working in a variety of positions, you may even acquire the skills you need for a permanent contract in a field you hadn’t even considered.

Whether you are seeking a temporary job because you want a full-time contract or because you simply need a paycheck, there is a position for you. Everyone has periods of transition in life. There are times when an emergency expense calls for additional income or an unexpected employment change occurs. When these times come, temporary work can be just what you need.

Are you seeking a short-term position to boost your bank account? Staffing Network is a full-service staffing and recruiting firm that specializes in light/skilled industrial, engineering, and operations professionals. Let our experts help you find the best position for you. Connect with Staffing Network today.