Avoid These All Too Common Interview Mistakes

For most people, job interviews don’t happen that often. If you’re just starting to look, you may feel that the last one was ages ago. If you’ve been looking recently, chances are still feel new at it. Interviews just don’t happen often enough for people to get experienced at it!

As you interview, you want to avoid mistakes that are all too common. Here are the top 4 to stay away from.

1) Getting there late

Always get to an interview about 10 minutes before the time it’s scheduled to start. Lateness may lose you the job. Employers assume that the way you act on an interview is the way you act all the time. They don’t want employees getting in late to work every day.

It’s a good idea not only to plan how you’ll get there, but to take a trial run a few days before hand. That way, you’ll know how long it actually takes, not what your GPS says. Sometimes there’s a big difference.

2) Mistakes on a resume or application

Be sure to double-check all the information you’re putting on a resume or application. It needs to be accurate. You may enter or type “2012” as the starting date of a past job, when really you started in 2014. An employer checking your old employer might think a) you tend to be inaccurate or b) you’re trying to make it seem like you worked there longer than you did. Neither is good.

Double check all the information. Make sure it’s free of typographical errors also. Have a relative or friend read it as a second pair of eyes.

3) Not dressing appropriately

Interviews are different than daily life. Job applicants often need to dress better than what might be expected on the job. It’s a good idea to dress one step better than daily job wear. If you’re not sure about what to wear, ask a human resources representative.

4) Being critical of past supervisors or companies

If you’re asked what you left your past job, or how you felt about the supervisor or company, never, never say negative or critical things. Employers might assume you will do the same to them.

Always stress the positives of the potential new position and what skills you bring. Turn it around so that you say something like “even though Company X went through a lot of challenges in its production department, I learned many skills there that I’m excited to put to work for Your Company.” Then talk about those skills and what you can bring to the job you’re interviewing for.

Are you looking for your next opportunity?

We can help you find the best job for you. Stride Staffing’s goal is to build stronger connections between employers and individuals by doing staffing differently. Really. Contact us today for staffing agencies in Arlington, Dallas, Mesquite, DeSoto, and Richardson, Texas.

Why Is Following Up to an Interview Essential?

Following up with an employer is one of the essential tasks you need to do as part of your job search process. You should follow up every interview with a polite note stating again that you are very interested in the job and thanking the interviewers for their time. This can either be a letter or e-mail.

They should be sent within 24 hours of the interview, and sending one later the same day is preferable.

But why is it so important? There are 3 reasons.

1) Demonstrate Your Interest in the Position

A nice thank-you note is important to demonstrate your interest in the position. If they are deciding between candidates, the one who sends the thank-you note follow-up may be the one they may choose over the one who doesn’t.

A follow-up also shows that you have the kind of qualities employers look for. You are attentive to detail and, yes, have good follow-up on tasks. A person who follows up on interviewers is the kind of person who will also follow up on every work duty. That can be invaluable.

2) Focus on Key Areas

A follow-up can help you refocus the interviewer on your skills. Something like “as I mentioned in my interview, I was part of a team that drove production up 15% over previous levels” will keep your key qualifications in the minds of busy managers who have many demands on their time.

In addition, you can use the follow-up letter to focus more on areas that you either didn’t have time to cover in the interview (but which seem important) or didn’t realize would be important. If you have experience in software that they mentioned, for example, but that wasn’t specified on your resume, your follow-up can be an opportunity to mention it.

3) Avoid Getting Knocked Out of Consideration

The third reason is very related to the first. It shows good manners and good attention to detail to follow up. But some employers may actually use follow-up notes as a screening tool. If you don’t send one, they may not consider you further, no matter how qualified you are.

It’s a good indication of how much emphasis employers place on detail and the ability to follow up.

Need Help With With the Job Search?

Looking for a job? Let us help review your resume and qualifications. We have job postings and more for busy job-seekers. Stride Staffing’s goal is to build stronger connections between employers and individuals by doing staffing differently. Really. Contact us today for staffing agencies in Arlington, Dallas, Mesquite, DeSoto, and Richardson, Texas.

Looking for a Job? Consider These Reasons for Working with a Local Staffing Company in the DFW Area

If you’re looking for a job, the smartest move can be working with a local staffing company in the DFW area.

[ Find A Job In the DFW Area ]

Here are three reasons why:

1) More Local Jobs

If you’re looking on broad job search sites and plugging in your zip code, you’re getting hits on only the jobs a nationwide search engine knows are out there. But local staffing companies can have a much greater sense of who’s hiring in your town than a general search tool ever could. If you want to work nearby, a local staffing agency will likely have more jobs available for you.

Staffing companies talk to local employers all the time. They work closely with the hiring managers. They are likely the first call the company managers make when they need new people. So, they know about many more jobs open locally.

2) Inside Track on Potential Openings

A local staffing company is also on the inside track to learn of potential openings down the line. You may be looking in July and see no jobs advertised that need your skills. But a staffing agency may know an area company that will be beefing up its staff in August. Those jobs might not be listed yet, because the details are still being finalized. But your contacts at a staffing agency in the DFW area will know of them and can let you know.

3) Regional Strength

Many staffing companies, such as Stride Staffing, have multiple local offices in an area. As a result, they have many jobs not only in your local town but within commuting distance. If no jobs fit your skills in one town, there may be several just down the road a bit.

In addition, having more than one office in the DFW areas means Stride Staffing knows about hiring patterns throughout the region. They can advise you on potential job openings and the economic picture, with advice on salaries and shifts.

Get the Right Job

Getting the right job is important. A staffing company can help, with more local job postings and advice. Stride Staffing’s goal is to build stronger connections between employers and individuals by doing staffing differently. Really.

Contact us today for staffing agencies in Garland, Texas, and other locations.

Hacks to Keep You Motivated on the Job

Let’s face it. Even if you love your job there are days where it is tough to stay focused. And if you’re not working at your dream job, daily motivation can be even tougher to come by. Here are some tips to keep you on track on those tough day’s where all you can think about is being at the ballgame with a beer or getting your hands dirty in the garden.

Stay Positive

When you’re having a tough day, remember that every day of work is an opportunity to build skills and earn an income that supports your dreams. Whether you want to have a family, retire early or buy a boat, the harder you work the closer you get to those goals.

Set High Standards

No doubt your boss or the company have quotas or metrics they expect you to reach, but why not reach even higher? “Meets expectations” is not really an assessment to be proud of. It’s up to you to have even higher expectations for yourself. As Jesse Owens says: “It’s extra effort that separates a winner from second place.”

Love Your Work

Even if your current job is not perfect (and really, no job is!) find something to love about it. Do you value the way your coworkers come together when you’ve got a tight deadline? Appreciate that your boss recognizes your abilities and goes out of his way to identify promotion opportunities for you or other ways to develop your talent? Do you feel challenged each day or that you are getting closer to your goals? These are all things you can love about your job.

“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.” Steve Jobs

Get Creative

Find new ways to look at your job. Make a game out of hitting your numbers. You can even challenge your coworkers to join in. Create daily or weekly goals for yourself and reward yourself when you reach them.

Maintain a Balanced Lifestyle

Your job is only one part of your life. Don’t look to it for all your personal satisfaction. Start your day with exercise or join a sports team. Your job takes about a third of your day. Make sure the time you spend off the job allows you to unwind, relax and prepare for a great day.

Find the Right Job for You

Finding the best job for you can be very time-consuming. With a staffing company on your side, you have more options and a stronger network. Stride Staffing’s goal is to build stronger connections between employers and individuals by doing staffing differently. Really.

Contact us today for staffing in Garland, Texas, and our other locations. Or, search for a job near you.

Three Ways to Become the Go-To Employee

The go-to employee! It’s a key and enviable position no matter what industry you work in and no matter what your job description is.

The go-to employee is the one both the boss and the rest of the team turns to in times requiring a cool head. In times requiring peak performance. In times requiring a new path.

The go-to employee is like a most valuable player in sports. And just like most valuable players, being a go-to employee has its rewards. Go-to folks are more likely to get higher raises and better promotions than average employees.

Yes, but how do you become a go-to employee? Here are three ways.

1) Be Cheerful, Flexible and Calm

Both your boss and co-workers need to know they can turn to you with a rush assignment, a sudden problem or just to ask how something should be handled. One way you get to that point of trust and responsibility is to be cheerful, flexible and calm. All the time.

It’s easy to get frustrated at rushes, problems or stuff your boss or Mel in shipping have no idea how to do. Don’t. You need to be approachable and viewed as the person who is always willing to help.

2) Take Responsibility

The go-to employee is the one who can be depended upon to get it done. Whether it’s a sudden inputting of labels no one realized were needed yesterday or packing 150 boxes due tomorrow, be the person who takes responsibility for completion of the task. Not just part of it. You never act as if it’s someone else’s responsibility the issue happened or someone else’s responsibility to get it done.

A go-to employee instills trust in boss and co-workers. If they need to go home or be somewhere else, you are the person who will do it, even if it takes until 11 p.m.

3) Go Above and Beyond

In every assignment you’re given, do more than 100 percent. Those labels no one realized were needed yesterday? See they are printed out and put on. But also come up with a plan to ensure such a crisis never happens again. Do more members of the team need to have access to destinations? Does the database need an upgrade?

If you are given an assignment to assemble components, see if you can come up with a more productive method. Share it with your boss. New and different ways of performing tasks are one of a go-to employee’s jobs.

Land the Right Job

Landing the right job for you is complicated. A staffing company can help, with more job postings and straight talk advice. Stride Staffing’s goal is to build stronger connections between employers and individuals by doing staffing differently. Really.

Contact us today for staffing agencies in Garland, Texas, and other locations.

Be an Attractive Job Candidate

You’ve landed the job interview. Now it’s time to present yourself to the hiring manager. You want to show the potential employer your strengths and convince them you’re the ideal candidate for the position. But while managers want to hire people they believe can do the job, they are also looking for workers with whom they can connect because they realize the right candidate must also fit comfortably into their company.

The answer to landing your dream job lies in clicking with potential employers. Remember, hiring managers are not all about work history and experience. They are also human beings and tend to be drawn to people to whom they are attracted. This is not a physical attraction but an interpersonal attraction that makes you more interesting than other candidates.

Here are some attributes—all under your control–which can help build that comfortable feeling between you and the hiring manager.

Be enthusiastic, yet respectful

Hiring managers love candidates who are sincerely upbeat and energetic. If you’re not excited during the interview, how enthusiastic will you be on the job? You don’t have to be bubbly or giddy, but a cheerful candidate makes a positive impression on any interviewer.

On the other hand, don’t let your zeal cause you to forget your manners. Creating a comfortable feeling with the interviewer does not begin with bringing a coffee to the interview or taking one last look at your phone messages after you sit down. ‘Please’ and ‘thank you’ never go out of style, and giving the interviewer your undivided attention is the best way to form a bond with them.

Let the interviewer know you are intellectually curious and passionate

Intellectual curiosity means you’re looking to continuously learn and better yourself. If you research the company you’re applying to and then ask pertinent questions about them, you’ll be indicating you did your homework to find out how you can best fit there.

Similarly, you demonstrate a passion for the industry when you follow it closely enough to be able to discuss it with the manager. Curiosity and passion are two very appealing attributes that suggest you are not merely satisfied with the status quo and are open to changes and bringing in new ideas.

Show your confident and professional side

Because you are being scrutinized during an interview, it can be one of the most challenging experiences you’ll go through. By looking your interviewer in the eye and answering questions with confidence, you will gain their admiration. Being professional, which includes dressing properly, arriving on time and maintaining appropriate conversation topics, are attributes almost anyone can develop and display. Put some work in practicing for the interview; it will pay hefty dividends.

Find the right job and make your impression

Finding your way through the job market can be a tricky and time-consuming process. When you work with a staffing company, they can add significant value to your job search and your career. Stride Staffing’s goal is to build stronger connections between employers and individuals by doing staffing differently. Really. Contact us today or search for a new job here.

Use These Tips When Prepping for an Interview

You’ve been invited for a job interview. That’s good news! You’re probably confident you’ll do well because you’re qualified for the position. But while you want to be confident during the interview, don’t let overconfidence keep you from preparing properly. The time you put into prepping for your interview will keep your anxiety at bay and give you a confident demeanor.

So, how exactly do you prep for a job interview? Well, there are a few things you can do to get yourself ready for the challenge. Remember, there will be other competent applicants. Follow these suggestions and give yourself the upper hand.

Arrive with an updated resume

When you update your resume, highlight your skills. Potential employers want to know what expertise you can bring to their company. It makes little sense to include pointless paragraphs about your objectives when your skills and accomplishments are what will get the attention of the hiring manager. Showcase your relevant experience and let them know what distinguishes you from the other candidates.

Dress to impress

No matter what kind of work you’re looking for, don’t dress down for the interview. While it may not be necessary to wear a suit if you’re a candidate for a light industrial job, it’s certainly not inappropriate. And if you’re applying for an executive position, anything but a suit would be inappropriate. If you have any doubts about what to wear, it’s better to err on the side of formality. Rule of thumb for interview clothing: straightforward and classic is safer than complicated and trendy.

Practice, practice, practice

Take the time to practice answering questions you’ll be asked by the hiring manager. You can find sample interview questions and answers on various internet sites. Look them up and start practicing. For better results, practice in front of a mirror so you can see your facial expressions and body language. Then, interview with a friend or family member. Keep practicing until you’re confident this is how you want to present yourself.

 Put Your Best Foot Forward

Looking professional in an interview, arriving prepared and having an attention-grabbing resume are critical components of landing your next job. Much of the work of convincing an employer you’re the best candidate is done by these three elements. Don’t forget them in preparing for the interview, and you’ll set yourself apart from the other candidates.

Find the right job and make your impression

Finding your way through the job market can be a tricky and time-consuming process. When you work with a staffing company, they can add significant value to your job search and your career. Stride Staffing’s goal is to build stronger connections between employers and individuals by doing staffing differently. Really. Contact us today or search for a new job here.

Temp Work Can Work for You

The biggest disadvantage of a temporary job seems to be obvious; there’s no guarantee you’ll be working next week, let alone a few years down the road. So why should you even consider joining the approximately 3.25 million who are temporarily employed through U.S. staffing companies each week?

For one thing, taking a short-term job may be the best option for ending your unemployment. Businesses are hiring contract workers because they can obtain them quickly, adjust the number of employees to fit their present needs, and give them a try before bringing them on permanently. These are advantages for an employer, but can there also be value to the worker? The short answer is yes. And here are some of them:

A temp job might not be so temporary

While you may look at “temporary” as being employed by the day or week, the truth is the length of temporary jobs has increased. It’s not unusual for contracts to be several months long. Keep in mind your temp job could become permanent. If you have a notable work ethic (staying late when you’re needed and accepting more responsibility, for instance), you could land a permanent position with the company.

Gain some experience

A reputable employment agency will work with you to make sure your temporary job is in line with your past experiences. And even if a perfect match isn’t available, you will have an opportunity to pick up new skills and add valuable experience to your resume. You might even discover these combined skills will send you to a different industry or maybe on a new career path.

 You’ll feel better about yourself

Anyone who has ever been out of work knows the feeling of hopelessness and diminished self-worth that comes with it. A temp job, even one that doesn’t run parallel to your chosen career, will end that cycle and make you feel as if you’re back in the game. A temporary gig may not be what you were hoping for, but it beats unemployment and eliminates those long employment gaps in your resume. And you’ll get the psychological prerequisite of being employed.

Find the right temporary or permanent job

Finding your way through the job market can be a tricky and time-consuming process. When you work with a staffing company, they can add significant value to your job search and your career. Stride Staffing’s goal is to build stronger connections between employers and individuals by doing staffing differently. Really. Contact us today or search for a new job here.

Advice for Getting off to a Good Start in Your New Job

You already know the importance of first impressions. Now that you have been hired, you are once again going to be faced with trying to look good on your first days with a new employer and co-workers.

You may be somewhat nervous, and if you’re like most people, you tend to make more mistakes when you’re anxious. Your new co-workers and bosses will probably be understanding about your initial jitters. But that doesn’t mean you won’t be under a microscope. They will be making judgments about the type of person you are and whether you take yourself and your job seriously.

Yes, first impressions are important because they often become lasting impressions. You get one chance to make a good first impression.

Here are a few suggestions to help you.

Dress professionally

People make a judgment about you within a few seconds of meeting you, and the way you dress can have a significant impact on that first impression. Those in your new environment could equate appropriately dressed and groomed with efficiency and reliability, while unkempt might indicate you’re disorganized and possibly untrustworthy.

Show up with a good attitude

Everyone’s first impression of you will be bolstered if you arrive at your new job with a positive attitude. Concentrate on showing your enthusiasm for this opportunity to be part of a team that works together to solve problems and get things done. Be sure to listen and absorb during those first days. It’s okay to contribute an opinion; however, do more listening or you could run the risk of being seen as a know-it-all who’s looking for attention.

Ask questions, then show gratitude

Ask questions those first few days on the job. You aren’t expected to know everything, and it’s better to communicate and ask questions than to head off in the wrong direction trying to complete a task.

Show your appreciation to everyone who is helping you learn the ropes during your first days. Giving recognition to those who are helping you to adapt to your new job will go a long way toward making a good first impression.

Find the right job and make your impression

Finding your way through the job market can be a tricky and time-consuming process. When you work with a staffing company, they can add significant value to your job search and your career. Stride Staffing’s goal is to build stronger connections between employers and individuals by doing staffing differently. Really. Contact us today or search for a new job here.

Don’t Love Your Job?

You’ve spent an enjoyable weekend with family or friends. Now it’s early Sunday evening, and that familiar feeling is starting, just like it does every week at this time. It’s the gloom that comes over you because you’re reminded that Monday morning is up next, and you will be returning to your job for another five days of unhappiness.

You’ve been told for years that happiness is a choice, so you’re left to wonder why you can’t be happy at work. After all, this career is what you have worked toward since high school, and now you’ve achieved success and seem to have everything you’ve ever wanted. You reason there must be something wrong with you, but you may be overly self-critical.

A Gallup survey from 2014 reveals that fewer than one in three workers feel engaged at their job. And if the problem of job discontent is so widespread, you probably should ask yourself what you can do to change the situation. How do you join the lucky one-third who expresses satisfaction with their work?

Consider these steps:

Begin with some soul-searching

Ask yourself what’s keeping you in your current rut. Maybe it’s not your career but your boss or the organization that’s the source of your misery. In that case, a change of venue within the same career might be in order.

 If it turns out you no longer want to do that type of work, you must identify a role that would be a better fit.

 Answer a few key questions

  • What am I passionate about?
  • What makes me curious?
  • What would I be doing if money wasn’t a consideration?
  • What kind of work would I be excited to tell my family and friends about?

What you’ll be trying to do is make an educated guess about what kind of work you might enjoy. Once you do that, look for activities or people who can tell you more about these jobs.

Build a network

You might not be aware of the power of a network, but the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports more than 70 percent of all jobs are found through networking. Recruiters and hiring managers typically consult their networks before they ever post a job opening, so it stands to reason that building a reliable network is one of the keys to finding career opportunities.

Help others help you

Be ready to talk to others about yourself by developing a short pitch about your passions and strengths. Tell them what kind of role you’re seeking. That way, when something relevant comes up, they’ll have you in mind.

And you don’t have to stick with one narrative. Watch the reactions you get, and if your pitch doesn’t seem to be resonating, redo it.

Need help finding another job?

We can help. Staffing companies have the networks to help you find the right job for you. Stride Staffing’s goal is to build stronger connections between employers and individuals by doing staffing differently. Really. For more information on working with us contact us today  or search for a job.