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Empathy Is at the Core of Sustainable and Effective Leadership

Empathetic leadership fosters inclusive environments where everyone feels understood and respected. Learn how empathy drives positive change and success.
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5 Reasons You Should Partner with a Staffing Firm During High Unemployment

It is undeniable that the year 2020 is one for the history books in almost every aspect, including running a business. Since unemployment rates are still high, hiring managers may be inclined to think that finding new hires is a walk in the park. However, the truth is that many people are wary of returning to work.… Read More »

It is undeniable that the year 2020 is one for the history books in almost every aspect, including running a business. Since unemployment rates are still high, hiring managers may be inclined to think that finding new hires is a walk in the park. However, the truth is that many people are wary of returning to work. This could be due to fears of becoming infected with COVID-19 or passing it on to someone they love with an underlying health condition. This can make filling open positions difficult. The good news is that partnering with a trustworthy staffing firm can take the hassle out of finding your next employees! Let‘s take a look at 5 reasons you should turn to a staffing agency for help.  

Save Precious Time 

The shorter the period between when a position comes available and when it is filled, the better. For starters, staffing agencies will sift through applications, vet candidates, and even interview and hire if you wish. In most cases, a staffing specialist can do this in a much timelier manner because it is their sole focus. Whereas if you are conducting the hiring process in house, somebody must split their attention with the other tasks associated with running the business. 

As a bonus, candidates who go through staffing agencies tend to be extremely motivated to get back to work. A staffing firm can help fill open positions quicker while allowing you and your team to focus on other aspects of running the business.  

Cut Costs 

The hiring process is an expensive one when you factor in the cost of recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and training. Staffing firms will cut your company‘s costs by spending their time and resources finding and interviewing qualified candidates. 

Hiring Options That Work for You 

Depending on where your business is at, you may not be ready to commit to full-time employees. When you work with a staffing firm, you have the flexibility to choose between full-time, part-time, temporary, and temp-to-hire employees.  

Minimize Risks 

If you opt for temporary or contract employers, they are technically employees of the agency and not your company. This means that your company may be exempt from collecting taxes and other obligations such as insurance. Contract hires make it easier to work through high-turnovers or busy seasons.  

Large Candidate Network 

Staffing agencies tend to have access to a larger pool of qualified talent than if you post open positions on public job forums and hope for the best. Firms are also aware of people who may be interested in your position but are not actively searching.  

The Bottom Line 

Utilizing a staffing agency’s services saves your company time, money, minimizes risks, offers flexibility, and gives you access to a broader pool of highly qualified and motivated candidates. Our experienced specialists are happy to help your business with its personnel needs. Contact us today to get started! 

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4 Tips for Writing a Resignation Letter

Congratulations! You are taking the next step in your career. Although this is an exciting time in your life, it can also be stressful. Whether you are leaving a job you love or one that you never want to spend another minute at, it is considered professional to tell your boss that you are leaving,… Read More »

Congratulations! You are taking the next step in your career. Although this is an exciting time in your life, it can also be stressful. Whether you are leaving a job you love or one that you never want to spend another minute at, it is considered professional to tell your boss that you are leaving, give a two-week notice, and submit a formal letter of resignation. While at some companies a resignation letter is optional, for others it is a required formality. Ready to write your resignation letter but not sure where to start? Follow these 4 tips!  

1. Straight Forward Opening Sentence  

There is no need to get long-winded. All you have to do in your opening sentence is to state which position you are resigning from and your last day. Resignation letters are more of a formality, since more than likely you have already talked with your boss as to your reasons for leaving.  

2. Show Your Appreciation 

Whether you loved your time in this position or not, you should always show appreciation. After all, your boss took a chance on you, and more than likely you have gained experience and learned new skills during your time in the position. Not to mention, you may need references down the line. Burning professional bridges is never a good idea.  

3. Shed a Positive Light on Why You Are Leaving 

Stating your reasons for leaving is optional. If you choose to briefly include it in your resignation letter, always put a positive spin on it, even if you hated working there. If you can’t make your reasons for leaving positive, then leave this section out of your letter entirely. 

4. Offer to Help with the Transition 

If you are able, offer to help with the transition of your position. Explain how you will be able to do so and for what length of time. In some cases, due to time constraints or a move, this may not be possible and that is okay. However, if you decide to offer help, be sure that you do not promise anything you cannot make good on.  

Looking for Your Next Career Move?  

Are you ready to make a job change for one reason or another? Whether it is to climb the ladder or simply find a job you enjoy, Salem Solutions is here to help you find your dream job. As the most trusted staffing agency in Tampa Florida, our staffing specialists will take the time to get to know you and your career goals. You will be presented with open positions that fit your criteria. Salem Solutions will also provide help fine-tuning your resume and give you tips to help you nail that big interview! Your new job awaits! Browse open positions today! 

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How to Conduct Your First Employee Evaluation

Employee evaluations can seem daunting, but they are extremely valuable for ensuring that you and your team are on the same page, recognize what is working well, and identify areas of needed improvement. Successful employee evaluations inspire team members and provide them with ways to continue to develop and grow. On the other hand, ineffective evaluations… Read More »

Employee evaluations can seem daunting, but they are extremely valuable for ensuring that you and your team are on the same page, recognize what is working well, and identify areas of needed improvement. Successful employee evaluations inspire team members and provide them with ways to continue to develop and grow. On the other hand, ineffective evaluations can cause low morale amongst your team. Follow these tips to successfully conduct your first employee evaluation.  

Plan, Plan, Plan 

Do not perform your evaluation during your meeting with the employee. Instead, have all forms filled out ahead of time. Make notes of what you want to say during the meeting. This will help to ensure clarity and that you touch on all of the important points.  

Do Not Just Focus on the Negative 

Employee evaluations are not designed to just point out areas that need improvement. While problem areas should be addressed, it is also important to point out areas where the employee is doing exceptionally well. It is important to note that you should not wait until an employee evaluation to point out if an employee is doing something exceptionally well or if an action needs to be corrected.  

Provide Clear Examples 

Rattling off areas where an employee scored high or low is just going to cause confusion. Instead, for every point you make, provide an example. For instance, if communication is an area of needed improvement be specific. Recall a situation in which communication was lacking and then explain the right way to have handled it. This clearly defines what went wrong and your future expectations.  

Make it a Conversation 

Provide your team members with the opportunity to provide their assessments of their own performance and what they like and don’t like about current processes. By learning what their greatest challenges are in their positions, you can work through solutions to making the year ahead better.  

Outline Future Goals 

Always end employee evaluations on a good note by conveying future goals for the position as well as the company as a whole. Be sure to include any plans that will improve processes and make the employee’s job easier. For instance, maybe your company plans on migrating to new software or implementing automated processes in the near future.  

Ready to Find Your Next Great Team Member?  

When it is time to fill a vacancy or expand your staff, Salem Solutions will take the hassle out of hiring. As the leading staffing agency in Tampa, we are experts in finding top-talent that matches your personnel needs. Contact us today to get started! 

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Setting Career Goals – 5 Tips for a Successful 2021

Setting career goals offers a multitude of benefits. They allow you to be more focused, use time more efficiently, and have peace of mind. Best of all, goals give you something to work toward and the amazing feeling of pride when you achieve them. 2021 is your opportunity for a fresh start. What career goals… Read More »

Setting career goals offers a multitude of benefits. They allow you to be more focused, use time more efficiently, and have peace of mind. Best of all, goals give you something to work toward and the amazing feeling of pride when you achieve them. 2021 is your opportunity for a fresh start. What career goals will you achieve in the coming year. These 5 tips will help you set achievable career goals.  

1. Take Time to Develop a Vision 

As impractical as it sounds, when setting career goals, you should start with the end. Ideally, what is your goal for your career? If you are a lawyer, maybe you want to become a judge or if you are managing a retail chain, maybe one day you want to open a franchise. Determining your end goal may take some time. Do not become frustrated and give up if it does not come to you right away.  

2. Make Your Goals Realistic 

It is one thing to dream big, but it is another thing if your goals are completely unrealistic. Unrealistic goals are unachievable which will only leave you feeling discouraged. For instance, it is unrealistic to think that you will be promoted to Senior of Marketing one month after joining the team fresh out of school.  

3. Make Your Goals Measurable 

Progress is the fuel that will keep you motivated in achieving your career goals. If you have no way of measuring your progress, then you have no way of knowing how far you have come (or haven’t come). Make sure your goals are measurable in some way. For example, it could be a dollar amount you plan on making in x number of years or additional certifications you plan on obtaining within x amount of time.  

4. Put Your Career Goals in Writing 

Write out your career goals in great detail and put them in a place where you can see them every day. Do not just write what the goal is, but map out a plan on how you will achieve your goals. For each benchmark, you can even plan a special way to treat yourself. For instance, you might choose a weekend vacation once you finish your certifications.  

5. Seek Advice from Mentors 

Talk to those who are or have been where you are trying to go. Ask for their advice on how they got there and what they would do differently. Learn from their mistakes and take advantage of any tips they give you to achieve your own career goals.  

Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Career? 

A new year means new beginnings. Salem Solutions can help you find the perfect job to match your career goals. As the most trusted staffing agency in Tampa Florida, our specialists will take the time to learn your goals and skillset, help you apply for relevant positions. Browse open positions today and get a jumpstart on achieving your career goals! 

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How Call Centers are Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic

While businesses are beginning to reopen, all has not gone back to normal. In fact, most businesses including call centers are having to adapt to a new normal to ensure the safety of both customers and staff in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Let’s take a look at strategies call centers are putting in place in the wake of… Read More »

While businesses are beginning to reopen, all has not gone back to normal. In fact, most businesses including call centers are having to adapt to a new normal to ensure the safety of both customers and staff in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Let’s take a look at strategies call centers are putting in place in the wake of COVID-19. 

Agents Working Remotely 

Through the use of collaborative technologies and automation processes, many call-centers are continuing to allow their teams to work remotely. Management ramps up support for remote workers by ensuring they have access to the necessary company information and systems as well as the equipment and tools needed.  

Restructuring of the Call-Center Layout 

For employees who are physically coming into work, the layout may look much different in an effort to ensure social distancing. For instance, workspaces may be rearranged to ensure a distance of at least six feet. Many call centers keep the flow of traffic in one direction to prevent coming in contact with other team members.  

Implementation of Online Resources 

In an effort to reduce the number of customer support tickets and increase customer service satisfaction. Online resources are being put in place that allows consumers to find the answers they need quickly. This reduces the burden for call centers who are still working at a reduced capacity. 

Offer Customers a Choice of Communication Channels 

Many call centers are no longer exclusively phone calls only. They offer a variety of channels such as email, text messages, and social media chats to allow consumers to get the answers to their questions via the most convenient method for them. This makes it easier for call centers to allow agents to work in a remote atmosphere effectively. 

Periodically Review Systems Put in Place 

Analyze current business processes in order to make long-term strategic improvements. Take note of the intended goals and whether they were reached. Revisit the processes that are not meeting the goals as expected.  

Hire for Flexibility 

As call centers continue to adapt to life after the pandemic, their hiring strategies must change too. The ability to work remotely and/or in the office is no longer a perk but a requirement. Salem Solutions, the premier staffing agency for contact centers, will help you find flexible candidates who are able to fit the unique needs of your call center. Our specialists will thoroughly vet each candidate and only present talent that fits your specific requirements. Request an employee today! 

 

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Covering Up: How to Handle Tattoos and Piercings in an Interview

Tattoos and piercings are becoming more widely accepted and less frowned upon. Unfortunately, this does not mean that you should show up to your next job interview baring it for the world to see. Often times, in the workplace, piercings and ink can still have a negative first impression. What should you do about your body art?… Read More »

Tattoos and piercings are becoming more widely accepted and less frowned upon. Unfortunately, this does not mean that you should show up to your next job interview baring it for the world to see. Often times, in the workplace, piercings and ink can still have a negative first impression. What should you do about your body art? Follow these tips!  

Consider the Company Culture 

First, research the industry and company culture. Is it a conservative environment or a more laid-back atmosphere? Some companies promote self-expression while others prefer the highest level of professionalism. Keep in mind that even if the company is favorable towards body art, you may want to stay on the conservative side for an interview if you have numerous piercings and/or tattoos. 

Find an Inside Contact 

Reaching out to someone you know who works for the company is the best way to know for sure how management feels about tattoos and piercings. If you do not know anyone, scour their website for an employee handbook or look through their ‘About Us’ page for clues. You may even be able to gain insight by scanning through their blog posts. 

Err on the Side of Caution 

If you are not able to find a clear answer, it is advisable to err on the side of caution and cover up as much as you can. Clothing is effective for hiding tattoos on most parts of the body. Jewelry is great for hard to cover-up areas such as your wrist. A longer hairstyle is a great option for concealing ink on your neck. 

Piercings may be a little more difficult as removing them for even short periods can cause the skin to close back up. For instance, it may be difficult to hide a nose ring. Instead, replace the very noticeable ring with a stud. The interviewer may not even notice! That is a win-win! 

Get a Read During the Interview 

More than likely during the interview you will be able to get an idea of how your tattoos and piercings will be perceived. Take note of employees you may see and meet while touring the facilities. Asking about dress code or company policies can often prompt an interviewer to answer your question without having to reveal that you have ink. 

Be Well Informed Before Your Interview 

Want to be in the know before your next interview? Salem Solutions will make sure you are well-informed before your big interview. As the leading staffing agency in Florida, our specialists will help you find open positions that fit your skills and goals, fine-tune your resume, and give you tips for your interview. Working closely with companies to fill their staffing needs, means that Salem Solutions already knows what hiring managers are looking for. Browse our open positions today! 

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