Future Force Personnel Services

In an economy where employees are constantly expected to do more with less, workplace issues can become the focal point of life, while everything else – including family – falls by the wayside. But as one of Miami’s top employment agencies, we know that “living to work” will eventually catch up with most people, leaving them frustrated and burned out. If you find yourself in that boat, here are some tips to help you ensure work doesn’t dominate your life any longer:

Don’t let technology become your enemy. 

Technology, from texting to email, can be both friend and foe when it comes to your life outside of work. It can keep you connected and enable you to get work done at home, but it can also interrupt your personal time and become a source of stress for you.

To avoid this, set some clear boundaries. For instance, commit to checking your email only after you’ve put your kids to bed; or, if there are no hot projects you’re working on, turn your cell phone off completely after hours. Also, keep in mind that when you always respond quickly to texts and emails at odd hours, you’re giving the impression you’re available at all times.

You deserve a break. 

Skipping lunch once in a while to finish up work is not a big deal. But skipping your lunch break altogether everyday could lead to bad eating habits (i.e. scarfing down candy bars from the vending machine) and added stress. Everyone needs a break throughout the workday; so be sure to take yours. You’ll likely be even more productive as a result because your mind will get the rest it needs and you’ll come back to your work re-energized.

Besides taking a lunch break, make sure to take a vacation too. Your office can survive for a few days without you. Just be sure to prepare your co-workers and hand off any hot projects ahead of time. And you don’t have to go anywhere fancy; just a few days at home can do wonders for your mental health.

Think about what you’re missing out on. 

When you stay late or work from home, it’s easy to get in the mindset that you’re getting more done. That may be true, but at what cost? For instance, if you’re checking your emails at 7 p.m., what are you missing out on? If it’s time with your children or spouse, ask yourself, “Do I really want to skip reading to my children tonight so I can read my emails instead?” The answer may surprise you. Those critically important emails may not seem so important after all.

And if you have a job that is dominating your life, no matter what steps you take to set boundaries, and you’re ready for a move, let us know. As one of Miami’s top employment agencies, we can give you access to plenty of hots jobs with the city’s top employers. Get started now!

We’ve all heard the saying a million times: Employees are an organization’s most important asset. But if that’s true, why are they sometimes treated like second-class citizens?

And if you think poor treatment doesn’t happen often, think again. In fact, according to a 2010 Gallup poll, the top reason employees leave their jobs is because of a bad boss or immediate supervisor.

It makes sense, though. Everyone likes to feel appreciated and valued. But when an employee continuously performs well – and never gets any gratitude for it, or worse, gets berated by their boss – the experience can be frustrating and they could jump ship as a result. And, as one of South Florida’s top staffing agencies, we know that high turnover can harm a company in many ways, from gaps in talent to low morale.

So with that said, here are some tips to consider to help you ensure employees feel appreciated:

Ask employees if they feel valued.

This is probably the easiest step you can take toward improving your employee recognition efforts. By simply asking employees if they feel appreciated, you’ll not only show that you’re willing to make a change, but you’ll also get some honest insight and specific examples of when employees feel taken for granted.

Develop a culture of recognition.

Happy employees equal happy customers which results in a strong company. When your employees are happy (i.e. they feel valued), then they will go the extra mile to take care of your customers. But creating a culture of recognition is one of those steps that’s certainly harder than the first. It takes an investment of time and energy, as well as getting the entire management team to “buy into” the process for it to really make an impact.

Personalize your rewards.

Gold watches and paperweights are nice. But these impersonal gifts don’t really make employees feel all that appreciated. Rather, offer a reward that appeals to the actual individual, whether it’s a spa day, gift certificate to their favorite restaurant, or some other item you know they will enjoy. This way, not only will you really make them feel valued, but they’ll also feel more loyal to the company as a result.

Get in the habit of recognition.

Don’t just recognize employees once a year after performance reviews. Instead, get in the habit of recognizing employees everyday for all the small accomplishments they achieve on a daily basis. Just by saying “thank you” or “good job” on a regular basis will not only show your appreciation, but it will also motivate your employees to continue performing well.

• “I have extensive experience and can learn new concepts quickly.”
• “I have a solid work ethic and always go the extra mile.”
• “I’m a strong communicator and enjoy working with others.” 

Are these the kinds of statements you have in your cover letter?

If so, then there’s a problem. Simply put, your cover letter shouldn’t be making vague statements or talking about who you are. It should be talking about how you can meet a need for a potential employer and offering specific examples of how you’ve done so in the past for other employers.

As one of the top employment agencies in Miami, we know that competition in today’s job market is fierce. And in order to stand out among candidates, you have to do a top-notch job of selling yourself by showcasing accomplishments that relate directly to the employer’s needs.

To help ensure you sound irresistible to a potential employer, here are some tips to consider:

1. Find out the hiring manager’s name.

If it’s not listed in the job posting, you might be tempted to use the old standby “to whom it may concern.” But spend some time trying to find out their name. It demonstrates that you are willing to do your homework and that you really care about getting the job.

2. Write in a conversational tone. 

Many cover letters tend to be extremely stiff and formal, so if you write yours in a more conversational tone, you’ll stand out. So show some personality in your letter. That said, don’t go overboard; always keep it professional.

3. Now’s the time to brag about yourself. 

Our society tells us not to brag about our accomplishments; but in a cover letter, that’s exactly what you should be doing. Whether you increased sales, reduced operating expenses, or landed a huge new client, highlight those achievements. It’s even better if you can quantify the results of your accomplishments, such as “was able to cut operating expenses by 10%.”

4. Keep it short and sweet. 

Don’t submit a 5-page dissertation about how great you are; your cover letter should have an intro paragraph, a couple of paragraphs about your accomplishments and what you can do for the employer, and a closing. That’s it. You don’t need to tell the employer every positive thing you’ve ever done over the course of your career; you simply want to entice them so they call you for an interview.

And if you’d like some additional help creating a cover letter and resume that gets results, let us know. As one of the top employment agencies in Miami, we can help you with the entire job search process, from creating a cover letter to preparing for interviews to finding out about rewarding opportunities in Miami and beyond. Get started now.

When hiring, your goal is to recruit the best. That said, as one of Miami’s top staffing agencies, we know that the approach you take needs to be a bit different depending in the kind of employee you’re hiring.

Take, for instance, entry level candidates.

They often lack a solid job history and extensive skill set – which can make it especially hard to evaluate whether they’d be a good fit for your organization.

But it is possible – as long as you ask the right questions. Here’s how:

1. Assessing communication skills.

Strong communication skills are critical for success in most positions. So ask questions that force the candidate to communicate effectively, so you can gauge their communication skills. For instance, “How did you prepare for today’s interview?” or “How do you think college prepared you for this job?”

If you’re hiring for a sales position, or a job where the art of persuasion is key, then delve a bit deeper into their communication skills by asking questions like “Without much work experience, how can I tell you’re the right fit for the job?”

2. Assessing organizational skills.

Time management and organizational skills are also important for success on the job. So ask questions that will help you evaluate whether a candidate is able to prioritize their tasks. For instance, “How do you organize your day?”

3. Assessing motivation.

Sometimes enthusiasm and drive can offset a lack of hard skills, so it’s important to assess a candidate’s motivation. You can do this by asking: “What kinds of activities did you do in college?” Also check to see if the candidate has done their homework by asking questions like “What do you know about our company?” or “Why do you want to work for us?”

4. Assessing problem solving skills.

This skill can be especially hard to assess if the candidate doesn’t have any work experience. However, it can still be done by asking questions, such as “What was your biggest challenge as a student and how did you handle it?”

In addition to asking these kinds of questions, be sure to communicate job responsibilities and expectations and how the company measures performance. If you see a candidate’s eyes glazing over when discussing these serious topics, then perhaps they’re not a good fit for the position and you should move on.

And if you need any help with the hiring process, give us a call. As one of Miami’s top staffing agencies, we know how to source, screen, interview, test, and verify candidates – all so you can make the right hiring decision. Contact us today to learn more.

When some candidates hear the word “temping,” they run screaming in the other direction. For them, they associate being a temp with low pay and boring work.

However, there perception isn’t exactly accurate.

Industries across the board use temporary staffing to fill a variety of positions, beyond just clerical jobs. What’s more is that most temp jobs in Dade County offer competitive pay, a flexible schedule, and perhaps even a foot in the door toward full-time employment with a company.

In fact, according to the American Staffing Association, 74% of job seekers look for full-time employment by first working as temporary employees. Also, 72% of temporary employees surveyed by CareerBuilder.com said they found permanent jobs with the employer with which they initially performed temporary work.

That’s likely because as the job market has improved, temporary jobs have become much more plentiful. Employers are more cautious than ever about hiring the right person full-time, and bringing in temporary staff enables them to try out a potential new hire without making a full-time commitment. In short, they’re testing the waters. And as the economy improves, more and more employers will convert these temporary positions to full-time.

So if you’re interested in temping your way to a full-time job offer, what can do you to speed up the process? Here are a few tips.

Work with a temporary employment agency.

Such an agency will have easy access to a variety of temp jobs in Dade County in many different fields. So you can pick and choose the ones that are right for you.

Let them know your ultimate goal.

When you work with a temporary employment agency, let them know that you do want to find full-time work. If they know that upfront, they may be able to place you in assignments more likely to lead to a full-time position.

Think about the big picture.

If you’re placed on an assignment that’s not right for you, don’t develop a bad attitude. If it’s long-term, let your temporary employment agency know so they can rectify the situation. If it’s short-term, stick it out. Keep a great attitude and do excellent work. You never know when a full-time position – one that is right for you – could open up and if you impress the boss, then you could wind up on the short list of candidates.

Follow the rules.

Arrive on time. Dress appropriately. Follow office protocol and ask questions if you need clarification.

Network on assignments.

If you get to know employees at the company you’re temping at and let your personality shine, they’ll be more likely to recommend you should a full-time job open up. Also, if you make friends fast and have a positive attitude, it will demonstrate to the boss that you’re a good fit for the company.

And if you’re interested in finding temp jobs in Dade County, give us a call. We work with some of the top employers in the area and are always on the lookout for smart, dedicated people. Get started now.

Many small business owners start off as sole proprietors, running a one-man or -woman show. But if you’re one of them – and would like to expand your business by hiring, you may be feeling uncertain where to start.

As one of the top staffing firms in South Florida, we know that hiring is a complicated undertaking in today’s world. There are many factors to consider when you’re in the market to hire – from interviewing techniques, to whether you should conduct background checks, to how to avoid the risk of a hiring mistake. On top of all that, today’s high unemployment rate means that there are a lot of people out there looking for jobs. And the result of that is you could wind up being inundated with resumes from unqualified people.

While you can never eliminate all the challenges associated with hiring and staffing, you can certainly help minimize some of them by taking the right approach. Here’s how:

Think about your needs.

Before doing anything, take some time to think through what it is you really need from the new hire. For example, what areas do you need help with the most? Do you want to hire someone full- or part-time? What kinds of duties do you need a new hire to perform? What kinds of goals will they be expected to meet? By spending some time thinking about what you really need, you’ll be able to write a more concise and clear job description that hopefully attracts the right person.

Ask around.

The easiest and most cost-effective way to source good candidates is to ask for referrals. So ask your colleagues and other people you trust in your network for referrals to top candidates.

Write your job posting.

Job postings have a tendency to be too long-winded and overwhelming; or they’re simply fluff and not in-depth enough. But remember, the more targeted and clear your posting is, the better candidates you’ll be able to attract. So limit you posting to the title, important responsibilities, qualifications (including those that are absolutely required and those you’d simply like to have), and directions for applying.

Place your posting in the right place.

If you work in a niche industry, consider posting your ad in a trade publication or on an industry website. That way, the general public won’t be applying; instead, you’ll be advertising in front of an audience that is already in your industry.

Don’t wing the interview.

The interview is your chance to see if a candidate is really the right fit for you. So take the time to prepare thoughtful questions so you can get the information you need and make the right hiring decisions. Also, during interviews, ask all the candidates the same questions so you can compare them more easily during your decision-making process.

Check references.

Lying on a resume or during an interview is more common than you think. And checking references of a candidate you’re interested in hiring is really the easiest way to ensure their background matches what they’ve been telling you.

And if you’d like to outsource the hiring process to one of the top staffing firms in South Florida, give us a call. At Future Force, we are experts in sourcing, screening, interviewing, testing, and verifying – all so you get a candidate that’s a great fit for your needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.

Having a job that you don’t like much – or worse, you absolutely hate – can have a negative impact on your whole quality of life. But considering that good Miami jobs can be hard to come by in this economy, how do you know if you should just stick it out – or actually quit?

Here are 6 signs it’s time to go:

Sign #1. You hate going to work.

You have the “Sunday night blues” every night of the week. Whether it’s the start of the workweek, the end, or the weekend, you dread going to work and think about it all the time.

Sign #2. You aren’t making enough money to pay your bills.

If you have major credit card debt and a huge mortgage, there may not be a job in Miami that you are qualified for that would enable you to pay all your bills. However, if you have a normal amount of debt, and struggle to make ends meet every month, it may be time to find a job that pays more.

Sign #3. The company isn’t doing well.

Many companies have weathered bad times and come out ahead. However, if yours is doing particularly badly, and you’re predicting the worst, then now’s the time to look for a new opportunity. The last thing you want to happen is for the company to close its doors, and you have to compete with all your former co-workers for new jobs in Miami.

Sign #4. You’re stressed out…all the time.

We all experience stress at one time or another with work, especially when there’s a big project or deadline involved. This is normal. However, if you’re stressed to the max, day in and day out, then you’re probably not enjoying life that much. If you don’t see an end in sight, then start looking for a new opportunity that will allow you to live a more balanced lifestyle.

Sign #5. You don’t like your boss or your co-workers.

Having a co-worker or two you don’t care for is one thing; but when you dislike the entire team – including your boss – there’s a problem. If you truly believe the problem doesn’t lie with you, then it may be time to find a new employer that you mesh better with.

Sign #6. You have prolonged feelings of boredom.

Most people are going to get bored with their Miami jobs at some point during the course of their careers. It’s just a fact of life; we all have projects that don’t excite us or slow times to get through during the year. However, if you’re experiencing prolonged feelings of boredom – in other words, you’re bored all the time – then it’s time go. If you don’t, those feelings could eventually lead to health issues, including depression.

And if you need help finding out about new jobs in Miami, let us know. Since 1992, Future Force Personnel Services has helped thousands of job seekers find rewarding jobs with great companies throughout Miami and South Florida. Search Miami jobs now.

As one of the top staffing firms in Dade County, we know that during times of slow growth and ever-tightening budgets managers need to think very carefully before hiring new full-time staff. The risk of a hiring mistake, or realizing you actually don’t need the new hire on a full-time basis a month after they start, can have a hugely negative impact on your bottom line.

But if you know you need more manpower to get projects completed, what can you do? Here’s a look at 18 alternatives:

1. Allow existing employees to work overtime in order to increase productivity.
2. Ask employees to come into work a ½ hour early to get more done during the day.
3. Ask for and reward suggestions from your employees for increasing productivity and/or efficiency.
4. Offer incentives to your team if they’re able to increase productivity.
5. Offer incentives for individuals to increase their own productivity.
6. Offer incentives for below average performers to improve performance; if they can’t, consider terminating them and replacing them with average or top performers.
7. Reduce paid time off, such as sick days or vacation time, to increase the number of hours worked.
8. Change team compositions or sizes in order to enhance their effectiveness.
9. Re-train employees to enhance their skill set and improve overall effectiveness.
10. Train managers on the latest productivity tools and techniques.
11. Educate your employees on where you are now in terms of output and where you need to be.
12. Invest in new technology that allows you to increase output and/or reduces your dependency on people.
13. Outsource tasks to vendors.
14. Assess every process and procedure and eliminate low-value work.
15. Cut the number of meetings and allow employees to work remotely.
16. Bring in consultants or project specialists to meet short-term needs.
17. Bring in temporary workers to get more done without increasing your overhead.
18. Hire employees on a part-time basis who are willing to work only during peak periods.

If you’d like some additional help getting more done – without adding to your fixed expenses – give us a call. As one of the top staffing firms in Dade County, Future Force has helped thousands of clients find qualified and reliable talent on a short-term, seasonal, and part-time basis. And we can help you too! Contact us today to learn more.

According to the American Staffing Association, businesses are reporting that audits by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are on the rise. This increase in ICE Notices of Inspection (NOIs) reflects a crackdown on employers hiring illegal immigrants, rather than on the illegal immigrants themselves.

In an NOI, ICE will request hiring and payroll records, as well as other pertinent documentation to determine compliance with employment eligibility verification laws. Typically, all documentation must be produced within 3 business days.

As one of South Florida’s top staffing agencies, we know it is critical that you have a consistent and error-free process in place for complying with form I-9 regulations. Companies that don’t can get hit with big fines, criminal penalties, negative media attention, and disruptions in productivity.

To avoid compliance troubles, here are some guidelines to keep in mind:

• All employees hired after November 6, 1986 must complete 1-9 forms, even if they only worked at your company for a week. This form is not for independent contractors, or temp workers; it’s for employees only.
• While the law states that an employee has three days to complete the I-9 form after hire, get it done on their first day. Be sure to remind them to bring an acceptable form(s) of ID with them on their first day. Remember, ID must be an original, not a photocopy.
• The law doesn’t require you to photocopy an employee’s documentation, but it does require that you have consistent policies in place. That means if you photocopy one employee’s ID, then you must do the same for all employees to avoid any appearance of discrimination.
• Keep each employee’s I-9 in a file separate from their personnel file; you can store them in paper files, or electronically.
• If you rehire an employee within three years of their original employment date, you can re-use the original I-9 form by completing section 3.
• If you terminate an employee, then you must retain their 1-9 form for three years after the date of hire or one year after the date their employment was terminated – whichever comes later.
• Periodically review your employee I-9 files and destroy those that you are no longer required to keep. That way, you’ll reduce your potential for liability in the case of an audit.

Also, keep in mind that when you bring on temporary workers, with the the help of a South Florida temp staffing agency, the agency will handle all the paperwork – including 1-9 forms – so you can focus on running your business.

If you’re interested in learning more about the many benefits of temp staffing, please contact Future Force today.

As one of the top staffing firms in Miami Lakes, we know that office holiday parties are a great way to show employees that you appreciate all their hard work during the year. They’re also an opportunity for employees to get to know each better outside the office, facilitating stronger relationships as a result.

However, in order for your office holiday party to get off without a hitch, you need to set a good example and also protect your business from any potential liability. Here’s how:

Get contracts with your vendors.

To avoid any last-minute headaches, make sure all the vendors – like the DJ and caterer – sign contracts and clearly state in them the payment amount and terms.

Be clear about the dress code and who’s invited.

Whether you send a company wide email, post a flyer in the lunchroom, or mail out a formal invitation, be clear about whether spouses and significant others are invited, as well as the dress code.

Consider avoiding the “open bar.”

The words “open bar” can be a license to go crazy for some people. Instead, offer a cash bar; or if you still want to do an open bar, provide only beer and wine.

Know your risks.

As one of the top staffing firms in Miami Lakes, we know that it is important for employers to protect themselves in today’s litigious society. And this holds true even for something as innocent as a holiday party.

• Be sure to serve food along with the alcohol.
• You may even want to think about transportation options for your guests to ensure no one gets behind the wheel intoxicated.
• To make sure you’re well protected, you can also add a rider to your business insurance policy for a short, specified period of time to protect against any liability that could occur at a holiday party.

Set a good example.

With alcohol involved, things can get inappropriate fast, especially if you’re leading the way. So set a good example by demonstrating proper etiquette and also make sure all the company managers know how to handle any situations involving inappropriate behavior. Otherwise, it could lead to problems down the road in the form of a sexual harassment claim.

Deduct your expenses.

Most, if not all, of your expenses should be tax-deductible as a team-building event, as long as the party isn’t overly lavish (otherwise you might raise a red flag with the IRS).