Blog - Staffing Network

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.

What If a Job Applicant Doesn’t Respond?

Job Applicant Doesn’t Respond

If your organization regularly fills positions, you have likely experienced a job applicant who disappears. Some do not show up for job interviews while others secure a position and then fail to show up on their first day. This can be frustrating as the hiring process takes time and open positions can slow down productivity.

When you need to fill a position and do not have time to post positions, review resumes, and conduct job interviews, an employment expert at Staffing Network can help.

Candidates Disappear for a Variety of Reasons

As a hiring manager, you may wonder why a job seeker would put forward the time and trouble to apply for a job only to disappear. Of course, there is no one answer to why people fail to respond after sending out an application or going through the interview process. Some reasons could include one or more of the following:

Receiving another job offer and deciding it’s a better fit
Deciding they want to work in a different field
Pivoting to offers with higher salaries or more benefits
Losing interest after a long hiring process

A slow hiring process can lead a candidate to feel they are being ignored. Then, when they do eventually hear back, they may have lost interest in the position. Or, they have become more interested in another position because that hiring manager was excited to bring them onboard without delay.

Of course, there are other examples of hiring managers moving swiftly and landing on a candidate who has simply changed their mind. Job seekers may not want to communicate a change of heart. Yet, communicating effectively is always recommended for both potential employers and candidates. After all, while there may not be immediate consequences, people remember when individuals ignore inquiries. Not responding to people can impact future opportunities.

How to Keep a Job Applicant Interested

While you can never be sure of the specific reason a job applicant does not respond to your emails or phone calls, there are a few things hiring managers can do to fill open positions with high-quality candidates.

Reduce the amount of interview rounds
Keep candidates informed of where you are in the hiring process
Work with a staffing firm to achieve desired results

Healthy relationships in the workplace rely on trust and transparency, and the same holds true for the hiring process. So, being timely and respectful are paths to keeping an accomplished job applicant engaged.

If you are an employer who feels they have lost time and resources due to candidates disappearing or not responding, consider working with a staffing firm to secure quality employees. Working with a respected staffing firm can help with filling positions and talent retention.

Did a job applicant disappear after you offered them a position? 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.

5 Skills to Help You Land a Light Industrial Job

Skills to Help You Land a Light Industrial Job

If you are looking for work, you have likely seen listings for light industrial jobs. Similar in some ways to large-scale manufacturing and distribution, light industrial companies are in the business of producing and distributing products. The difference is the work is done on a smaller scale. Often the items produced are a piece or part of a larger product.

A light industrial position could be in charge of assembling, packaging, or preparing items for shipment. The assigned tasks will depend on the needs of the organization. Some of the skills employers are looking for range from attention to detail to a willingness to learn. If you are looking for a light industrial job, Staffing Network can help.

Problem Solving Abilities

In many light industry workplaces, it is beneficial for employees to be adaptable and open to problem solving. While doing one job well is a start, if you are able to adapt to new roles as projects change you may be an ideal fit for a light industrial job.

Also, depending on the position, it can be helpful for you to have critical thinking skills and reasoning abilities. Being able to solve unexpected problems and challenges is rewarded. Critical thinking is an asset because if the job is in shipping, for example, you are able to determine the load amount of shipments and have the spatial reasoning to understand how much of a product will fit into a designated space.

Detail Oriented and Organized

Because the working environments of light industry companies can be busy and active, employers appreciate workers with organizational skills. Which makes sense, because if a worker is paying attention to detail and is able to keep their work area organized, it means their supervisor doesn’t have to spend time and energy overseeing only one of many employees.

Plus, when an employee is organized they are keenly aware of any changes, meaning a production issue will be noticed and remedied quickly and effectively. Being a team player is also helpful. Then, when a problem is noticed, you can alert team members and work together to pivot production.

Show Up at a Light Industrial Job Ready to Learn

Once you secure a light industrial job, show up to work willing to learn. Employers may want to move workers around within a business, so workers who are willing to jump into a new position and acquire another skill could thrive within a light industrial workplace.

When your job is the right fit for you, you can excel and grow within a team. If you are a job seeker who likes to problem solve and stay organized, a light industrial job could be the ideal match for you.

Do you have the skills needed to thrive in 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.

Writing a Job Description to Attract Your Next Hire

Writing a Job Description for Your Next Hire

When your company adds a new hire or chooses to fill a vacated position, it is an exciting time. After all, hiring means your business is thriving. Writing a job description is an opportunity for you to pinpoint what skills you are looking for and help you secure the right person for the position.

Are you currently crafting job descriptions for new positions within your organization? An employment expert at Staffing Network can help.

Job Titles and Responsibilities

To give a job seeker an understanding of the available position, create a clear title. When creating a job title, think of it as a few word description of the purpose of the position. Also, be sure it falls in line with other roles within the organization. For example, your company could be hiring one or more of the following:

Machine Assembler
Inventory Clerk
Shipping/Receiving Coordinator
Fabricator
CNC Operator

Next, include a quick overall view of what the company does and what the goals of the organization are moving forward. Follow this with the responsibilities of the job.

Individuals reading job postings crave information about what a workday would be like if they secured the position listed. Including who the hire would report to, what tools they would use to complete their work, and if there is a training program can be helpful. Add in aspects that bring the job description to life.

Then, be sure to list the requirements of the position along with preferred experience that is not required. For example, for a CNC Operator position, requirements could be conceptual skills, experience programming CNC (computer numeric control) machines, and inventory management. Preferences could include the number of years a person has worked within an industry. In short, you want to include which requirements are flexible and what experience is essential.

Benefits and Call to Action in a Job Description

Every person looking for a job wants to secure a better future. While the perks that matter vary from person to person, listing benefits within a description increases the chances of the best candidate applying. Some job seekers are intrigued by professional development opportunities and health insurance, others are interested in retirement packages and casual dress codes. When a person can envision the benefits of an opportunity, they are more likely to act on a job listing.

Close with a call to action, which is simply a phrase that encourages candidates to take the next step. Because essentially, a job description is an advertisement. After laying out the job responsibilities, requirements, and perks, add a statement like this: “Interested? We’re excited to connect with you and encourage you to apply. Submit your cover letter and resume today.”

Do you want to learn about how to attract the best candidates for your organization? 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 person for your company. Connect with Staffing Network today.

Boost Employee Confidence for a Stronger Staff

Employee confidence is an important component to a strong staff. After all, when a person believes in their abilities they are able to productively contribute their talents to their job, leading to advancements, promotions, and company growth.

Are you looking for employees to boost results within your company? An employment expert at Staffing Network can help you find the right candidates for available positions within your organization.

Communication and Recognition

Building a company culture that supports employee confidence is a path to retaining workers and growing a successful organization. One thing that can help boost employee confidence is communicating clearly about the goals of the position. Then, a worker can thrive when their skills match the job tasks.

Next, have a plan in place to recognize employees. After all, it is natural for everyone to crave positive feedback. With recognition, an employee is more engaged and encouraged to be a high performer. Ways to recognize employees include individual rewards such as granting a professional development project to a hardworking employee or team rewards, such as a potluck lunch.

Provide a Framework for Success

When a job is presented clearly and there are benchmarks to achievement, it can help a new employee learn how to shine within the organization. This can be done by training new hires and checking in with them as their skillset grows.

Listen to their concerns and let them know what they are doing right. When you give specific examples of where an employee is excelling, they can adjust to perform more tasks within that framework. It can also be helpful to have a worker who has a specific skill share it with other members of the team.

If there is an employee on a team who lacks confidence, the smallest mistake can lead them to feel like a failure. Encouraging a teammate to accept a mistake and move forward can be beneficial. It can be difficult for busy supervisors to commit energy to building employee confidence but the long-term payoffs, for the employee and the company, can pay big dividends.

Employee Confidence Builds Strong Companies

Ideally, staff members join a team ready to perform. But there are times when workers will need to learn a specific skill through on-the-job training. Time spent training can pay off when an employee gains aptitude and moves forward with confidence, perfecting the tasks of their job title.

Organizations prosper with self-assured and positive employees. Which makes sense, because the bedrock of an individual’s work ethic is often based on the ability to see the good in situations and push forward. Confidence leads to happier companies and higher retention rates. Supervisors who cultivate the careers of their employees often secure their trust and loyalty.

Are you looking for new hires to promote a positive company culture? 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 person for your company. Connect with Staffing Network today.

Jobs for Recent College Graduates

When you graduate college, it is a time of great excitement and enthusiasm. After all, it is time to put all you have studied to work and build the career you desire. The problem is not all careers start out as planned. Unfortunately, it is common for job hunts to be stalled because of a lack of leads. Then, recent graduates don’t know where to turn.

Thankfully, Staffing Network can help. If you are starting your job search for the first time or an individual interested in changing your career, an entry-level or light industrial position could be a good match for you.

Benefits of Entry-Level Jobs

Entry-level positions can be springboard into an industry an individual didn’t even know existed prior to being hired. Once you land a position, it is an opportunity to not only get paid, but to learn about working within a professional team. An entry-level job can open doors to an entirely different career track.

Also, it is common for employers to prefer promoting within their organizations. For this reason, an entry-level employee may be positioned well for advancement. If a mid-level employee moves to another organization, supervisors may look to promote an assistant who has a history of steady attendance and a good work ethic.

There are also times when a part-time position can develop into a full-time job. Discuss your circumstances with a recruiter. If you need income right away, it is possible there is a part-time job available, a position that can be worked until a full-time opportunity in your chosen field opens up.

How to Start Looking for a Job

While some find employment on job boards, the truth is applying to positions through online sites can be discouraging. Employers often receive far more applicants than they are able to read and assess. Too often, qualified candidates will be passed over because the hiring professional is simply too inundated with information.

Networking is helpful when searching for a job after college. Let people in your life know you are looking for a position. Some connections to contact include the following:

Friends
Neighbors
Family members
Professors
Staffing agencies

Stay optimistic throughout the job search process. Individuals may apply for a job or two and then feel discouraged when they don’t hear back. Instead, position yourself for success and remain confident while reaching out to contacts.

Some also find volunteering beneficial while they are looking for work. Sharing some of the skills you developed in college is a way to contribute to your community and gain new skills in the process. Volunteering assignments can also be listed on your resume, skills that will make you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.

Are you a recent college graduate searching for work? 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.

Benefits of Hiring Temporary Staff

When a business needs help, temporary staff can provide support. Sometimes a temporary hire is the right solution because additional staffing is only needed for a set amount of time. In other instances, temporary staff allows a company to continue filling the needs of a position while searching for a full-time employee.

Whether you are looking for short-term hires or are interested in trying out candidates for a full-time position, Staffing Network can help.

Adapt to Economic Changes

Temporary staff can provide flexible support when there are shifting demands within your business. Some organizations have busy periods during the holidays, for example. Others have low periods due to the ebb and flow of product demands.

When there are special projects or unexpected product orders, temporary staff may be the answer. Temporary hires can even boost morale, particularly if their support reduces the need for double shifts or weekend work. During rush periods, additional workers can assist in retaining core staff who might burn out because of an extended workload.

Save the Company Money with Temporary Staff

Training staff is time consuming and expensive. Investing resources into an employee when there are predictable shifts in demand may not be the best solution for an organization. A temporary worker will typically make an hourly rate, which can be more affordable to an organization than providing a full-time salary and benefits.

Plus, when a company hires a temporary worker through a staffing firm, the company will not have to worry about the screening, skill tests, payroll, or taxes of that worker. The staffing firm is responsible for these time-consuming administrative duties.

That said, if the temporary hire will last for more than a few months, there may be a financial advantage to looking for a full-time hire. In these instances, temporary staff is a way for a company to evaluate a person’s work before offering a position. And with a short-term employee doing the job that needs to be done, a hiring manager will not be rushed. This is important because deciding on a full-time hire should be done carefully.

Bring New Ideas Into the Workplace

Short-term hires can bring new perspectives to an organization as well. They may have talents and skills that were not present on the team already. Their experience in other areas might lead to improvements in production or the ability to see a problem from another viewpoint.

Also, if an employee is planning a long-term leave, a temporary hire supports an organization through absences due to a medical leave, military duty, or maternity leave. A recruiting firm can help to smooth these transitions so that the day-to-day obligations of the business can continue without disruption.

Is your organization in need of a few short-term hires? 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 person for your company. Connect with Staffing Network today.

How to Write a Resume

The process of looking for a job can be intimidating. But don’t let a task like writing a resume hold you back from landing your dream job. Whether you are seeking a light industrial position or a position as an operations manager, you will need a resume. It’s a sales tool to show hiring managers you will be an asset to their company.

Follow the guidelines below and you will have a resume ready in no time. Then, reach out to Staffing Network to learn more about what positions are available.

Add Skills and Work Experience

If you don’t already have a skills section at the top of your resume, add one. When you place a bulleted list of skills before your work experience, it gives the hiring manager a snapshot of why you are the right person for the job, even before they dive into your work history. Because this is such valuable real estate on your resume, be sure the skills you list in this section are applicable to the industry you are applying for.

Following the skills section, list your past work experience. For each position, include your job title and a summary of your job duties and successes you had in that role. These accomplishments could be skills you acquired on the job or examples of how your work allowed the company to meet goals ahead of schedule.

All of your job history should be listed in chronological order, the most recent position should be first. And you don’t have to list each and every job you have ever worked. Instead, choose the jobs that are connected to your current career goals. For people with a lot of experience, that may mean leaving off jobs that aren’t relevant. If you are new to the industry, feel free to list positions with skills that transfer over, from teamwork to attention to detail.

Add Certifications and Education to Your Resume

After skills and work experience, list your educational experience and any areas in which you are certified. Also, list any degrees you have obtained. If you went to college but didn’t graduate, simply list the school and the emphasis of study.

Additional activities and enrichment classes that are connected to your field should also be listed. Plus, you can add any professional groups you belong to and organizations where you volunteer.

Some of these additional activities could even be in an ancillary industry (unlike the skills at the top of your resume, which are targeted toward the exact job description). These additional experiences can be helpful as talking points during an interview. Besides, if a hiring manager has a relationship with the organization you volunteer for, it could be a deciding factor between you and another candidate.

Are you ready to hand your resume to hiring managers? 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.

What the Low Unemployment Rate Means for You

Low Unemployment Means It Is Time to Take a Chance

Low unemployment means it is a job seeker’s market, and for the past year the unemployment rate in the United States has been under 4%.

What does this mean for you? If you are a job seeker, it means there are more possibilities to find a job that you truly enjoy. This is because when more people are employed, there are fewer applicants vying for the same positions.

That said, a tight labor market does not necessarily mean every job seeker will receive more offers. This is because employers may be more careful with their hires as talent retention is more important than ever. Reach out to Staffing Network today to learn more about what types of positions are currently available.

Consider Opportunities In Other Industries

Often, people start a job and believe they will work in that field for their entire career. Then, their lives change. For one reason or another that job is no longer the right fit. When that happens, an individual might be nervous to switch to another industry. Particularly if they feel it is unlikely they will find a new job.

When there is a low unemployment rate, switching to another industry may be a smooth transition. This is because employers are looking for the right person for their teams, and if that individual does not currently have all of the skills necessary, they could be more likely to train that individual when there are fewer candidates to choose from.

Take advantage of the current environment if you are interested in a new field. Share your hopes and passions with a recruiter along with how your past experience could help you to excel in another industry. There are often overlapping skills between industries. A staffing agency can help you identify what qualities you have that can make your transition a success.

Prepare for Extra Interviews During Low Unemployment

Because valuable employees are such an asset in low unemployment environments, it is more common for candidates to interview with more than one person. There could be interviews with your potential supervisor and other current employees. The goal of a business is to find the right fit for an open position. It is important the entire team appreciates the new hire.

There are two reasons businesses invest in company culture. First of all, they want to ensure a job seeker will be a good fit for their business and will plan to stay. Also, it is beneficial for current employees to welcome and appreciate new hires so they will also be remain with the company.

While it is a job seeker’s market, the truth is there is always an opportunity for the right candidate. The important thing is to take action and start connecting with potential employers.

Are you wondering how the low unemployment rate can help you with your job search? 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.

Why You Should Work with a Staffing Agency

Shaking hands at staffing agency.

If you are looking for a job, you know how frustrating it can be to find the right position. Sometimes it is even difficult to know where to look and how to get started. It is common for job seekers to find themselves sending out application after application and still not have any results.

The good news is there is help available. A staffing agency works to connect the skills of job seekers with the needs of companies. They can be the perfect match for job seekers looking to pave the path from out of work to employed. Reach out to Staffing Network today to get started.

Temporary Positions Can Lead to Offers

Staffing agencies frequently have temporary positions available. Even if you prefer a full time position, a temporary assignment can be a great way to secure income while you are looking. Plus, you will meet people within an organization that is hiring for future opportunities.

Besides, some companies hire temporary help to decide on a permanent candidate. If you work in a temporary position and it is a good match for the company, they may move forward with an offer.

Temporary jobs can also be a way to learn new skills. The assignments you are given within a temporary position can start as a task that generates income and turn into a resume building talent.

Staffing Agencies Save You Time and Energy

When you turn to a staffing agency for support in your job search, you fill out one application and meet with one person from the agency. From that one point of contact you will be considered for a variety of positions. This reduces the need for you to search, apply, and follow up, over and over.

Because staffing agencies are in the business of recruiting, they are attuned to what is happening in the job market. They know what industries are growing and what placements could lead to permanent positions.

Jobs Are Placed Quickly

Companies rely on staffing agencies to fill positions quickly. This is in stark contrast to job seekers who are looking on their own and may not hear back from an application inquiry for weeks or months. Unlike internal review teams within an organization, a staffing agency is solely focused on placing talented individuals with quality companies. Their efficiency is an asset to companies and job seekers alike.

When you work with a staffing agency you can learn about a variety of industries that could be possibilities for you. Once you are aware of what industries are hiring and what jobs are available, you may find yourself gravitating toward a position you didn’t even know existed. Temporary positions offered by a staffing agency can even give you experience within a few areas, until you find the right one for you.

Are you looking for work? 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.