Get Better Prepared for Your First Day on the Job With These 4 Tips

You’ve got a new job! Congratulations. It’s an exciting time.

First days are exciting. It’s important to be prepared and do a great job to impress your new employers.

Here are some tips on how you can be better prepared.

1) Know Your Route to Work

Don’t wait for the first day to figure out how to get to work! That increases the chances of delays — and means you might either be late to your first day or very stressed when you get there. Neither will make a good first impression.

If you’re driving, do a practice run to see how long it takes you. Drive at least several days before at the same time as you’ll be driving to work. Why? Because if there is heavy traffic or construction on the roads during those hours, you want to know that! You may need to give yourself more time than a map indicates to get there. You don’t want to find out the first day.

If you’re taking a bus or other public transportation, do a practice run at the same time you’ll be catching public transportation. Again, you want to trouble-shoot potential problems that could make you late. Does the bus show up when it should? Can you find where you catch it?

2) Be on Time

Showing up on time is probably the most important thing on the first day of a new job. Why? Because the company sees it as a sign of how reliable and responsible you’re going to be. Whatever happens, you don’t want to be late.

In addition to knowing your route to work, get everything else you’ll need ready the day before. Lay your clothes out. Make sure they are clean and pressed.

If you’re going to be taking a lunch, get it ready the night before.

Set your alarm in plenty of time to get ready. Give yourself a buffer so that if there are any hitches, they don’t make you late.

Plan to be to work at least 15 minutes early. It makes you look organized and on top of the situation.

3) Make Sure You Have Your Work Supplies/Required Tools for the Job

If you’ve been told to bring any supplies or tools, be sure you have them before the first day on the job. Get them in plenty of time before the new job. Don’t wait until the day before, as they might not be available.

Be sure to pack them and bring them. Write yourself a note and stick it on the refrigerator or other place you know you’ll see it so you don’t forget.

4) Report to the Right Person

The person you’re reporting to needs to know you are there. Don’t just tell the first person you see.

Get the name of your report from your staffing agency. Make sure you find that person and let them know you’re here, on time, and ready to work.

A Staffing Agency Can Help You Find a New Job

If you’re looking for a new job, we can help. Stride Staffing’s goal is to build stronger connections between employers and individuals by doing staffing differently. Really.

Contact us today for our employment agencies in Mesquite, Texas and other locations.

How Do You Turn a Part-Time Job into a Full-Time Job?

If you’ve been hired for a part-time job, you may want it to turn into a full-time position. After all, if you work full-time you make more and potentially have benefits.

That might work for your employees too. If they have full-time positions available, it can be more convenient for them to hire someone who already works for them.

But you have to show you’re right for a full-time position.

How do you turn a part-time job into a full-time job? Here are 3 tips.

1) Be as Professional as Possible

From your first day onward, be as professional as possible on the job.

What does that mean? Well, it means a number of things. Always be on time to work. Always be reliable when asked to do a job. Complete it in the way you’ve been told. If you can’t finish, let your manager know why.

Do a great job! Don’t just do an average level of work. Strive for very high quality.

If you have down time, let your manager know that too. Ask for more work if you don’t have anything to do. That’s shows initiative, which is very important to companies in hiring full-time people.

If you’re asked to do something new, be positive and obliging.

Be pleasant to everyone, managers, coworkers, and people in other departments. Be known as agreeable and nice.

Never complain about work conditions or people you work with.

2) Work Hard

Companies love workers who work hard. Do your job reliably and promptly. Don’t loaf around. Don’t take extra breaks.

Don’t socialize with coworkers when you should be working. Socialize during breaks or after hours, but don’t let it interfere with work flow.

Get to work on time. Don’t leave early.

3) Learn New Skills on the Job

If you’re asked to learn new skills on the job, be very positive about the opportunity. That’s a way to grow on the job, and maybe to grow into full-time work.

If you see an opportunity to learn new skills, let your supervisor know you are willing to do it.

If you don’t understand a new skill, let your supervisor know so it can be explained.

Job Hunting? Let Us Help You

If you’re looking for part-time or full-time work, we have opportunities! Let us help you find a new job today.

Stride Staffing’s goal is to build stronger connections between employers and individuals by doing staffing differently. Really. 

Contact us today for our employment agencies in DeSoto, Texas and other locations.

How to Get the Job When There Are a Ton of Other Applicants

If you’re looking for a job, it can be easy to get discouraged when if you know there are a ton of other applicants. You might wonder if a company will even look at your application.

But remember, companies need people to do their work. If you can do the work, you’re valuable to them. The trick is making sure they know your value.

Here’s 3 ways you can show them how valuable you are.

1) Have a great application/resume

If the job has an application form to be filled out, be sure to fill it out completely. Why? Because a surprisingly number of people don’t. Be as neat as possible. Many employers see how workers apply as the first test of how they work. If you do a complete and thorough job, it indicates you’ll likely be a complete and thorough employee, who can follow directions.

If the job posting asks for a resume, send one in. Have a friend or family member help you proofread, so it’s accurate. Here, too, the company will see the completeness and accuracy of a resume as a sign of how you’ll be on the job.

2) Make a good first impression at the interview

 If you’re called in to interview, be sure to make a good first impression. Here, too, many employees see the interview as a trial run for the job. It’s not that you’re doing the same tasks, of course. It’s that they see it as a sign you can behave appropriately and know the rules.

So: dress neatly for the interview, with shirts tucked in and no t-shirts or jeans. Make you’re your clothes are clean a few days before the interview. Press your clothes the night before. Shine your shoes.

Be sure you’re on time for the interview — aim to get there about 15 minutes early. Be sure to know the route so you don’t get lost or can’t make it on time. Being late can torpedo your chances of being hired.

Turn your phone off so you’re not distracted during the interview.

Be polite and respectful to the interviewer. Answer all questions thoroughly.

3) Show why you want to work for the company

Most companies like to know if a potential employee has reasons for wanting to work with them. Do you have friends or family who work there, for example? Do they speak well of the company? If so, be sure to point that out during the interview.

If you especially want to do the work as a career, point that out as well. Many companies want people who will stay and be promoted.

If You’re Job Hunting, Let Us Help

If you’re looking for a job, we can help. Search our open positions.

Stride Staffing’s goal is to build stronger connections between employers and individuals by doing staffing differently. Really. 

Contact us today for our employment agencies in Richardson, Texas and other locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

How Should You Dress for an Appointment With a Staffing Agency?

If you’ve got an appointment with a staffing agency, you might be wondering what you should wear.

Treat an appointment with a staffing agency as a job interview at a company. The staffing agency is the group you want to hire you to begin work. You want to dress as you would for a job interview.

That often means dressing differently than you would at work. If you’re a forklift driver, for example, you and the other drivers might dress in jeans and a t-shirt. It’s okay to be grimy. If you’re looking for warehouse work, they might tell you to show up in your most comfortable jeans and a t-shirt too, or provide a jacket.

What to Wear

Neither are okay for an interview. You don’t have the job yet. You aren’t working on the floor of a plant or warehouse, or out in the open. The rule of thumb in job interviews is to dress slightly better than you would at work.

Generally, men should wear slacks and a tucked-in shirt. Women should wear a dress or skirt and tucked-in blouse.

Remember grooming, of course. Shower before an interview. Make sure your nails are clean. Look at the clothes you plan to wear a few days before the appointment. Are they clean, or do they need to be washed or dry cleaned? If so, you have time to bring them up to par. Are they free of wrinkles? If not, be sure to iron them before the interview.

Shine your shoes and make sure they are clean.

Letting the Agency See You at Your Best

Why do you have to dress this way? Well, people who are interviewing folks for jobs want to see them at their best. They also want to see that the people they are interviewing know what to do on an interview. It’s a way of figuring out whether the person is savvy and can adapt to different situations.

Being savvy and adapting to different situations is good in all job situations, so they want to see if you can do that. Show them you can!

Looking for a Job? Let a Staffing Agency Help

If you’re looking for a job, let a staffing agency help. We can provide advice on getting a job and have openings using your skills.

Stride Staffing’s goal is to build stronger connections between employers and individuals by doing staffing differently. Really.

 Contact us today for our employment agencies in Mesquite, Texas and other locations.

4 Tips To Help You Nail First Impressions at Interviews

When you have a job interview, first impressions are huge. If you show up late with coffee spilled across your shirt, you may have lost the job before you even open your mouth. Why? Because the staffing agency and hiring manager are evaluating you for the job at every minute of an interview. They will assume that the way you act on a job interview is the way you will act on the job.

How to Make a Good First Impression

So how do you make sure your first impression is top notch? Follow these tips.

Tip #1: Get to the interview 15 minutes early

You want to make sure you have time to comb your hair and relax. Frankly, it’s a good idea to drive to the interview place a few days before so you know how long it takes you.

Give yourself a buffer zone of one-half hour more than it takes you so there’s no chance of your being late.

Tip #2: Make sure your clothes are clean and shoes shined

Sometimes we can think are clothes are clean and shoes shined and then…we pull them out of the closet the morning of the interview and find they’re not!

The solution is to look at your clothes a few days before. If a button needs to be fixed or laundry done, you’ll have time to do it.

Tip #3: Proofread your resume

Errors in spelling and formatting in a resume are bad news in an interview. They give the impression that you can’t pay attention to detail. Do a spell check on your resume. Have a family member or friend read it too.

Bring a copy with you in a folder. If you have to fill out an application, it’s handy to have.

Tip #4: Turn off your cell phone during the interview

Never, never answer or talk or text on your cell phone during the interview. First, it’s rude. Your interview deserves your time and attention in the interview process. Even if it’s something important, like a baby-sitter, call them after the interview.

Second, it can give your interviewer the impression that you’ll be talking on the phone during work hours. Employers want you to pay attention to the job at hand.

Looking for a Job? Let a Stride Staffing Help

If you’re looking for a job, let a staffing agency help. We can provide advice on getting a job and have openings using your skills. Stride Staffing’s goal is to build stronger connections between employers and individuals by doing staffing differently. Really. Contact us today for our employment agencies in Mesquite, Texas and other locations.

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.

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.

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.