Spherion Staffing of Lake and Marion Counties

DO YOU WANT TO BE A SUPERVISOR

2006-07-31T09:21:00.000-07:00

Taking on that first supervisory position is always a challenge – especially if you are assuming managerial responsibility for former peers. Such challenges are well met by people who truly aspire to leadership and apply their talents in that direction. Some things to consider:

Be yourself
Don’t try to be your predecessor or to emphasize your difference from your predecessor.

Start slowly
Don’t be a “new broom” that immediately tries to sweep away all previous procedures. Keep it "business as usual" until you get a clearer idea of what is needed.

Gather information
Observe, ask questions, be a good listener, solicit input.

Be visible
Move around among your staff. Find ways to get to know them and establish good two-way communication.

Review written materials and policies early
Don’t depend on others to give you information that is already available to you.

Emphasize teamwork
Early on, your staff probably knows more than you about many aspects of the job. While you will need to establish your authority, also empower your staff as members of the team.

Be evenhanded and fair
Discover for yourself the strengths and weaknesses of your staff.

Provide good communication in both directions
Let your staff know that you will keep them informed whenever possible, and build trust. Let your staff know you care about them, and that when they speak with you they are heard.

Make your own decisions
You are the new kid on the block, and people may expect to influence you. Be clear that when you seek information and advice, you aren’t handing over the reins. You’re gathering data for use in your decision-making process.

PREPARE FOR YOUR INTERVIEW

2006-06-02T06:49:00.000-07:00

Preparation
Homework: It's not Only for School

The interview date is set and your resume is done. Now it is time to get ready with some preparation drills.

Understand the role
Never interview for a job you know nothing about. Do your homework on the opportunity—the experience, education and skills required, responsibilities and work environment.

Know the company
Carefully research the company to understand business direction, competitors, products/services and major news announcements.

Practice your story
Develop "PAR" stories to highlight your achievements:
Problem: situation or project
Action in response to situation/project
Results measured or company benefits.

Confirm can do/will do
Know your capabilities and limits in advance. Will you travel? How much? Do you mind long hours? Have a clear idea of what you want from a job before the interview.

Perform interview question drills
While you can’t predict all the questions you will be asked, you can guess quite a few. Formulate answers to typical interview questions and prepare creative, clever responses. Practice out loud to increase your poise and reduce anxiety.

Prepare for tough questions
Be ready to address reasons for job change (better opportunity, more challenge, etc.)

Bring extra resumes
Bring three to four copies in the event that you are asked to meet with additional company representatives.

Dress “one level above”
Based on company dress code, dress one level above company policy. Example – if company environment is “business casual”, wear dress slacks/skirt.

EMPLOYMENT TRENDS FIRST QUARTER 2006

2006-05-01T08:22:00.000-07:00

Economic Trends

Job Growth Better Than Expected

U.S.employers added 211,000 jobs to
their payrolls in March,higher than the
190,000 economists had forecast.
In addition,the unemployment rate
dropped to 4.7%in March,down from
4.8%in February.This is the lowest level
reported in five years.

“I think the job market is on a roll,” said Bill
Cheney,chief economist at John Hancock
Financial Services in an Associated Press
article.“Businesses are doing pretty well
these days.Profits are growing nicely.I
think businesses are at a point where they
feel more comfortable adding people.”
Job gains in March were concentrated in
the services industry,specifically in pro-
fessional and business services and leisure
and hospitality.

The economy has created 2.1 million in
the past year,averaging 174,000 jobs a
month.

HOW PROMOTABLE ARE YOU?

2006-04-21T09:35:00.000-07:00

To assess your readiness for an internal job change, consider each of the following statements that applies to you and see what your boss is looking at.

I consistently outperform my peers.
Others consider me a team player.
I serve as a mentor to others.
I work just as hard when I am not being observed.
I avoid criticizing others behind their backs.
I offer appropriate recognition to others.

I take responsibility for problems and work to solve them.
I willingly follow company policies and procedures.
I rarely have personality conflicts with others.
I do not allow personal problems to undermine my productivity at work.
I motivate others.
I have a good working relationship with my boss.

I demonstrate flexibility in the face of organizational change.
I maintain an enthusiastic, positive attitude.
I look for ways to meet budgets and reduce costs.
I can be relied on to meet my deadlines.
I am a good listener.
I communicate clearly and in a timely fashion.

I regard my performance reviews as vital opportunities for learning and growth.
I am willing to take reasonable risks.
I do what I say I'm going to do.
I use common sense when making decisions.
I look for opportunities to "go the extra mile."

I make a regular effort to familiarize myself with the big
picture, understanding the needs and problems of other departments besides my own.

Rather than focusing on what my boss can do for me, I look for ways that I can
help him or her. For example, instead of merely pointing out problems, I work to come up with possible solutions.

MOVING?

2006-03-23T11:06:00.000-08:00

Have you visited the new work site?

Do you know whether it is a rural or urban area?

Do you know how many miles it is from your new home to your new job?

Have you contacted the Chamber of Commerce for detailed information about the area, such as maps and resource directories of amenities, attractions and events?

Have you told your friends and family you are relocating?

Do you know if the new area offers the community organizations you desire, such as religious organizations, Girl Scouts or sports clubs?

Do you know how the cost of living in the new area compares to your current location?

Do you know what the climate is like?

Have you contacted realtors regarding your current home and future home prospects?

Are you excited about the new position?

RESUMES - PLAN BEFORE YOU WRITE

2006-02-17T10:39:00.000-08:00

Plan before you write

Use the following outline for your resume:

1. Contact heading
(name, address, phone, e-mail address)

2. Career objective
(clear, brief, specific)

3. Summary statement
(a bulleted list of your key skills and qualifications)

Example: Public Relations/Community Relations professional

Diversified background in internal and external communications and fund-raising and development
Experience includes: designing and implementing educational programs for public, hospital personnel and medical communities; and marketing hospital services, guest relations services, media campaigns, and in-house publications

4. Work history
(include specific results for which you were personally responsible, with supporting data)

Use action verbs and quantify your experience as much as possible.
Cite sales goals achieved, production volumes increased, lines of code debugged, number of employees managed, revenues increased.

5. Education
(college degrees, relevant courses or workshops, list of internal or corporate training courses completed)

6. Optional information
(relevant memberships, awards, publications, certificates, etc.)

7. Personal statement
(an overview of the personal characteristics that make you an excellent candidate for the job)

THANK YOU LETTERS

2006-02-02T08:13:00.000-08:00

Last impressions: As important as the first

The perfect final touch to an interview is a sincere thank-you letter. Just a brief note of appreciation to your interviewer for sharing their time and knowledge can do wonders. It reminds the interviewer of who you are and demonstrates exceptional professionalism. Follow these simple guidelines to write thank-you letters that will make you hard to forget.

Make a statement of appreciation
Thank your interviewer for his/her time.

Recall the interview
Make reference to at least one topic of discussion during your visit to demonstrate your interest in the conversation and the company.

Connect yourself to the job
Remind the interviewer of how your qualifications meet the needs of the company and emphasize your interest in the job.

Indicate next contact
Let the interviewer know that you look forward to speaking with her/him soon about the job opportunity.

Proofread your note
Be sure your letter is flawless. Do not tarnish a great interview with poor spelling or grammar in the follow-up letter.

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS - WHAT YOU SHOULD EXPECT TO BE ASKED

2005-12-21T06:44:00.002-08:00

The best way to prepare for an interview is to practice what you are going to say. Review these sample interview questions and do a little rehearsing of your own.
General background interview questions
· Tell me about yourself.
· Where do you see yourself in five years?
· What are your greatest strengths/weaknesses? How do you overcome your weakness when faced with it?
· What are your five most significant accomplishments?
· What three adjectives best describe you?
· Why did you choose your profession?
· Why should we hire you?
· What sets you apart from the competition?
· What specialized skills or talents do you offer?
About the company
· Why do you want to work for our company?
· How did you learn about us?
· What do you understand the position to be?
· What do you know about our company/competitors?
Previous work
· Why are you leaving your current job?
· Why have you taken a break from the workforce?
· Describe the duties of your last job.
· What were your greatest accomplishments in your last job?
· What was your biggest challenge? How did you overcome it?
· What did you like most/least about your last job?
· What was your very first job?
· What was your favorite job to date and why?
· Do you prefer to work in a team or on your own?
Your work style
· What kind of a work environment are you looking for?
· What kind of management style do you prefer?
· What kind of manager are you?
· What new skills/experiences do you want from your next job
Experience/accomplishments
· Describe some of the most significant responsibilities you have managed in a work environment.
· What is the largest number of people you have supervised at once?
· Name some performance achievements you are proud of.
· Describe a situation where you made a positive impact on business performance.
Behavioral interview questions
· Describe a situation in which your work was criticized and how you handled it.
· Describe a work situation when you overcame a difficult challenge.
· Give an example of one of your successful teamwork experiences.
· Describe an important learning experience you have had in the workplace

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS - WHAT YOU SHOULD EXPECT TO BE ASKED

2005-12-21T06:44:00.001-08:00

HOW ARE THEY SCREENING YOU?

2005-11-17T07:08:00.000-08:00

Screening Technologies

Your paper resume could end up being stored in a database without your knowledge. Employers are using several technologies to screen. Let's take a closer look at the technologies being used to screen. “Resume readers” can be categorized as “human” or “computer” readers.

Traditional screening
At one end of the spectrum, there's traditional paper sorting and human screening. Some companies hire the same way today as they did 10 years ago.

Skill-based screening
Leading-edge employers are beginning to adopt “skill skill-based screening,” which involves a series of job-specific questions applicants must answer online, in addition to, or sometimes instead of submitting a resume. These questions are designed to filter out all but the most qualified candidates.

Applicant tracking/resume management
These tracking systems offer the recruiter some form of electronic storage and retrieval of your resume - using keywords.

ELECTRONIC RESUMES -- A WHOLE NEW WORLD

2005-11-17T06:53:00.000-08:00

Not so long ago, the only decision you needed to make regarding your resume was whether to mail it, fax it or hand it to a contact. As long as it arrived, it really didn't matter how it got there. Today, you have to make decisions about:
· Which resume format to use (Word or ASCII)
· How to submit (mail, fax, email, upload to the employer's Web site or hand deliver).
· What resume to use when employers use automated resume management systems.

Going paperless – the advantages
Emailing your resume or applying online are becoming the preferred methods for employers and search firms to receive resumes today for many reasons:
· It’s faster than paper processing
Not only does a paper resume take time, but it may also take several days to be converted to electronic format if there’s a backlog in scanning.
· Faxed resumes are hard to scan accurately
It could be uploaded with errors that prevent the resume from being retrieved.
· It’s cheaper
Not only is the cost of mailing increasing, but it also costs the employers to convert the resume to electronic format.
· Distribution is easier
HR recruiters can quickly review the contents of an emailed resume and forward it to the relevant hiring managers. Email speeds distribution within the organization.
· Immediately searchable
When emailed or uploaded directly to the organization's resume database, it's immediately available for any searches being performed.
· Displays your skills
Sending your resume electronically (whether by uploading to the organization’s Web site or emailing) demonstrates PC skills. Conversely, sending a resume via "snail mail" suggests (whether fairly or not) that you are PC illiterate.

POST - HURRICANE EMPLOYMENT CONCERNS

2005-11-08T09:04:00.000-08:00

U.S. Job Growth Continues, but Workers’ Post-Hurricane Concerns Linger
Spherion Employee Confidence Index Little Changed in October

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., November 4, 2005 — According to recent government data, the U.S. economy and job market continue to expand, but the latest Spherion® Employment Report shows that U.S. adult workers have lingering concerns about the strength of the economy and job market following the recent hurricanes. The Spherion Employee Confidence Index, which measures U.S. adult workers’ confidence in their personal employment situation, declined 0.1 points to 54.1 in October, hitting its lowest level in the past year. Despite this continued doubt, more workers were preparing to find a new job. According to a recent survey of 2,685 employed adults in the U.S., 39 percent said they are likely to look for a new job in the next year. This is an increase of five percentage points from the prior month. The monthly Spherion Employment Report is conducted by Harris Interactive® on behalf of Spherion Corporation (NYSE:SFN).

· Personal Confidence Index Drops: For the first time in six months, the Personal Confidence Index dropped, declining 1.9 points to 72.2 in October. Fewer workers were confident in the future of their employer and in their ability to find a new job. The Index is 0.6 points lower than in a year ago, and is below the average of 73.3 over the past year.

Specific findings from Personal Confidence Index include:
63% of adult workers in the U.S. feel confident in the future of their employer, down three percentage points from September.
55% of U.S. adult workers in the U.S. have confidence in their own ability to find a new job, down three percentage points from September.

Job Security Index: Fewer Workers Feel Secure in Their Jobs
77% of U.S. adult workers feel it is unlikely that their jobs will be eliminated in the next 12 months, a decrease of two percentage points from the prior month.

Job Transition Index: More Workers Planning a Job Search

39% of U.S. working adults in the U.S said they are likely to look for a new job in the next 12 months, a five percentage point increase from September.

COVER LETTERS - WRITE A MASTERPIECE

2005-10-28T09:10:00.000-07:00

Your resume's job is to help you land a job interview
The purpose of a cover letter is to persuade potential employers to read your resume.
A good cover letter can immediately hook an employer’s interest by demonstrating how well your skills fit their hiring needs.
Tips to help you write right
1. Be briefLimit cover letter to 350 words.
2. The focus should be on how you meet an employer's needs, not on your life story.
3. PersonalizeAddress cover letter to a person rather than a title.
4. ClarifyIntroduce yourself, state position applying for and indicate employment source (i.e.,newspaper ad, referral).
5. Differentiate and highlight key qualifications and specific accomplishments focused on meeting employer's need.
6. SpecifyFinish with a interview request as the next step.
7. IdentifyInclude contact information (phone number and e-mail address).
8. Captivate and be positive and professional.
9. Focus Cover Letters must be tailored for each position and each company.
10.Complement Cover Letters should complement your resume, not be redundant. The Resume gives potential employer the facts; the Cover Letter gives them the person.
11. Don’t skimpJob seekers tend to lavish attention on the resume while treating the Cover Letters as a nuisance to be done quickly. Many companies use Cover Letters as a sample of your written communication skills.
12. Keep it professional A cover letter should be a professional exchange. Write potential employers letters that clearly make their point. Treat cleverness with caution!
13. Research Know about the company to which you're applying. There's no harm if your letter tactfully reveals that you're acquainted with the company or know someone who works there.
14. Personalize When answering want ads, make sure each letter uses exact words from that ad and shows your abilities match the company's stated needs.
15. Proofread Cover Letters must be perfect. Some hiring professionals won’t even look at your resume if your Cover Letter has some typos.

WHO ARE WE TO HELP YOU FIND A JOB?

2005-10-28T05:32:00.000-07:00

Spherion for nearly 60 years has succeeded by connecting the right employees with the right companies.
We deliver staffing, recruiting and workforce solutions that measurably enhance workplace performance and individuals exceptional chances to find careers. As a pioneer in the staffing industry, Spherion has screened and placed millions of individuals.
Facts & figures
Founded --1946
Traded -- New York Stock Exchange - SFN
Headquarters -- Fort Lauderdale, FL
Employees -- 300,000, making Spherion one of the top employers in North America
Clients -- More than 7,000, including 80% of the Fortune 100
Recruiters -- 2,150
Offices -- 700+
Annual Revenues -- $2 billion
Rank -- America's Most AdmiredAmerica's Leading CompaniesFortune 10004th largest U.S. staffing firm6th worldwide
Candidates Screened Last Year -- 1.5 million out of 25+ million in the past decade
Real-time Candidate Database -- 2.5 million resumes, connecting Spherion to 79% of all online job seekers
Working in Lake and Marion Counties -- Since 1984

GET HIRED WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM YOUR FRIENDS

2005-10-18T10:28:00.000-07:00

Contact your relationships that would serve as references.

Who Loves You Baby?
Your first job is to build a list of potential references. Examine your professional network of former colleagues, bosses, subordinates, clients and associates. Create a list of people with whom you’ve worked and who you feel would give you a strong, positive recommendation.

As you consider your options, keep in mind that your references should be more than just people who can confirm your work history. They should be carefully chosen individuals whose comments will influence the employer to make you an offer. Your goal is to build a reference list of at least four to six individuals.

A thorough reference list will include:

A recent former boss
One or two former colleagues
A former subordinate, if pursuing a supervisory position
One or two former clients (internal or external)
If appropriate, someone of stature in your profession

Golden Rules to Resume Writing II

2005-10-14T07:01:00.000-07:00

The following are additional resume-writing rules that will help you write a job landing resume:

4. Use action words -- This will add life to your rsume. Use bulleted sentences that begin with action words like prepared, developed, monitored and presented.

5. Match your resume with the position -- Use key words listed in the want ads that interested you and match them to bullets in your resume.

6. Make it readable -- select an easy-to-read font and type size, no less than 11 points. Leave some white space. Use bullets not paragraphs. If sending resume as an e-mail, send as an attachment to preserve formatting.

7. Edit and proof your resume -- spell check words, grammer, and punctuation. Send to others to review.

8. Think quality -- use good quality white or cream-colored paper stock.

Good luck! If you have questions, or we can be of service, don't hesitate to give us a call. You can reach us at (352) 622-5273. We'd be happy to help you out!

Golden Rules to Resume Writing

2005-10-14T06:53:00.000-07:00

Golden Rules of Resume Writing: Resume-writing guidlines apply to every individual regardless of the industry, professional level or job of interest. Here are a few tips:

1. Customize your resume -- tailor it for each position, focus on employer needs and how your skills meet or exceed their requirements.

2. Practice brevity -- keep it short! Resume's should be one or two pages long with bullet points that are quick and easy to read.

3. Showcase your achievements. Mention at least two or three of your top achievements within the top third of page one. This is the most valable real estate on your resume.

You're on your way to writing a resume that will get you that job! Stay tuned for more Golden Rules of resume writing!

About Spherion

2005-09-22T15:24:00.000-07:00

Since 1984, Spherion has helped local residents, the newly arrived and those planning to move here to find the best jobs in Lake and Marion County, Florida.

Through our long standing relationships with the leading employers throughout central Florida, we have access to numerous unadvertised positions. Let us put our experience to work for you! You may use this website to browse our current job openings and submit an application. It just takes a moment, and it’s absolutely free.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO CONTINUE YOUR EDUCATION?

2005-05-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

Financial Aid --- You have decided to continue your education, and you have the motivation, but you lack one thing: the money. Paying for college is expensive, but scholarships, grants, loans and other forms of financial aid are readily available. Visit these Web sites for a wealth of information on getting the financial assistance you need:

FastWEB www.finaid.org A collection of books, phone numbers, newsgroups, services, bibliographies and mailing lists – all with information on grants, loans, scholarships and fellowships.

Scholarship Resource Network (SRN) www.srnexpress.com A database of college financial aid and scholarship information, plus student loan forgiveness programs and other financial aid information.

The Student Guide www.studentaid.ed.gov Provides information about financial aid from the U.S. Department of Education. To apply for aid from these programs, students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).