Future Force Personnel Services

Feel like your job search is slowly dying?

According to many employers, you can actually increase your chances of getting hired faster with the right approach. Here are six ideas to help you:

Idea #1: Volunteer.

As one of Miami Lakes leading employment agencies, we know that gaps in employment are longer than ever thanks to the recession. As a result, employers are much more likely to be lenient about them. However, what they don’t like to see is if you haven’t done anything to fill your time. So one way to keep up your job search, while also being productive during it, is to volunteer.

Idea #2: Take a Class.

Another way to demonstrate your motivation and desire to succeed to a potential employer is to take a continuing education class. Not only will you have an opportunity to network and learn valuable skills, but you’ll also beef up your resume as result.

Idea #3: Take on Contract or Temporary Jobs.

Build up your portfolio, contacts, and resume by taking on temporary jobs or contract assignments.

Idea #4: Use the Right Keywords.

Many employers use keyword scanning systems to screen resumes. So make sure you use pertinent keywords in your resume so you don’t fall between the cracks.

Idea #5: Be Pro-Active.

For instance, even if a job posting doesn’t call for it, send along samples of your work. If you’re called in for an interview, arrive with some ideas in mind of what you would do to solve a problem or add value if you were hired for the position. This will demonstrate you’ve done your homework and also help you stand out in a sea of candidates.

Idea #6: Network as Much as Possible.

You’ve probably heard that networking is the best way to find a job. But are you really networking as much as you could be? If not, then put yourself out there. For instance, use the power of social media to reach people or join a professional or social organization to make new contacts.

Need Help With Your Job Search?

Give Future Force Personnel a call. As one of Miami Lakes leading employment agencies, we can give you access to a variety of rewarding temporary jobs and full-time positions throughout the area. Contact Future Force today to learn more.

As one of the leading employment firms in Miami Lakes, we can tell you that the modern interview process is a little different than it used to be. In the past, if a prospective employer was interested in you, they’d invite you to their office for an interview. Fast-forward to today and phone interviews have become the first point of contact for many job candidates with a potential employer.

Why the change?

Companies are inundated with resumes and in-person interviewing simply takes up too much time. So instead, they conduct phone screenings and then invite their top selections in for an interview. It’s more efficient and allows employers to quickly screen a plethora of good quality candidates.

So with that said, how can you prepare for your next phone interview so you move on in the process? Here are some tips to consider:

Ask for the name and title of the person who will be interviewing you.

When you know who you’re interviewing with, you’ll be able to prepare better as a result. For instance, if you’re interviewing with someone from HR, they will ask more general questions about your background and will be looking more at your fit with the company, while an actual manager in your potential department will ask more questions about skills and experience related to the job.

Use a landline instead of your cell phone for the interview.

Landlines are more reliable. Also, turn off call waiting so you don’t get interrupted during the phone interview with an annoying beep. If you don’t have a landline, and only a cell phone, make sure it’s fully charged before the interview.

Set up a quiet space for the interview.

Whether it’s your bedroom or your home office, set up an area where you know you will not be disturbed by outside distractions. Keep a pen and notebook handy so you can take notes or write down questions that you might think of during the interview. Also, keep a copy of your resume handy and write down a few key points you want to highlight about your strengths, accomplishments, and why they company should hire you.

Ask questions.

Even though this is only a phone screen, not a formal in-person interview, don’t be afraid to ask questions about the position and the company. After all, you should be evaluating the job opportunity just as much as the interviewer is evaluating you. And, if you’re interested in the position after hearing more about it, don’t forget to ask about what the next steps are in the hiring process.

Send a thank you note.

Just as you would for an in-person interview, send a thank you note via mail or email to the person who interviewed you. Thank them for the opportunity and re-iterate your strengths as well as your enthusiasm for the job.

When you’re searching for a new job, things like your cover letter and resume are likely at the forefront of your mind.

But what about your attitude?

As one of South Florida’s top employment firms, we know that if you’re like most job seekers, you haven’t given your attitude a second thought. However, according to research conducted by Leadership IQ, nearly half of all new hires – 46%, in fact – failed on the job within the first year and a half. What’s so interesting about this number is that the vast majority – 89% – failed because of issues with their attitude.

Clearly, attitude plays an important part in on-the-job success. Hiring managers know this – and that’s why, during the hiring process, they don’t simply evaluate hard skills and past accomplishments; they also work to assess attitude and interpersonal skills so they can hire the person who is the best overall fit.

So how can you go about demonstrating your great attitude during the hiring process?

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Be positive.

In every communication you have with the hiring manager – from your cover letter and resume to phone screens and in-person interviews – be positive. For instance, if you got laid off from your last job, don’t trash your past employer or boss. Instead, explain how you learned from the experience and how you’re a stronger professional as a result. Hiring managers don’t want to bring people who are negative or complainers on board; they want positive and optimistic people who will bring new energy to the team.

Be enthusiastic.

Your enthusiasm, or lack of it, will come through loud and clear during the interview process. So bring a high level of energy to your interview. That doesn’t mean you need to be bouncing off the walls; it just means you should be prepared to demonstrate a passion for your career, for the job opening, and for the company you’re interviewing with. It also means you should smile often, make eye contact, and offer a firm handshake.

Be open to feedback.

If you think your attitude is interfering with a potential job offer, then get feedback from an outside source. Ask a friend or family member to conduct a mock interview with you and evaluate your performance. You might think you’re just being open and honest, when really you’re coming across as aggressive and overly critical.

If you’d like some additional assistance preparing for interviews, or finding job leads, let us know. As one of South Florida’s top employment firms, Future Force Personnel Services has helped thousands of job seekers find rewarding career opportunities with great companies throughout the region. Learn more now.

You’re not really content at work and aren’t sure the position is right for you. But you should just be happy to have a job, right? Wrong. As one of South Florida’s top employment firms, we know that if you’re in a job that’s a bad fit for you, it can have a negative impact on your entire career and on your overall quality of life.

So besides that gut feeling you may be in the wrong position, what are some other signs it’s time to bust out your resume and start searching for different jobs in South Florida? Here’s a look:

1. You’re overwhelmed…all the time.

It’s normal to be stressed and overwhelmed when you have an impending deadline to meet or an important project to complete. But regularly being stressed out to the max is not a good sign. You could be taking on more than you can realistically get done in a workday or you may not have the skills, knowledge, or training to get the work done.

2. You don’t have any work friends.

You don’t have to be best friends with all of your colleagues to find work happiness. However, if you haven’t made connections with anyone at all, there could be a reason. For instance, are you simply too different in terms of culture, style, or age? If so, you may need a work environment that’s a better match for you. When you work with people you enjoy and even call a few of them your “friends,” you’ll be much happier as a result.

3. You don’t learn anything new…ever.

You want a more demanding role that challenges you; and yet, you’re stuck in a position that offers no growth or development. Not only will you become bored and frustrated, but the longer you stagnate in this position, the more risk you run of becoming obsolete in a competitive job market.

4. You won’t be happy no matter how much you make.

Many times, one reason people are unhappy in their positions is because they feel underpaid. So ask yourself: if you earned 10% or 20% more money, would you be happier in your position? If so, then you’re probably in the right job…you just need to ask for a raise. But if you wouldn’t be happy even if your salary were doubled, for instance, then money is not the problem.

5. You feel at odds with yourself.

No job is ever going to be perfect; there may be small mismatches between your personal preference and a company policy, like dress code, for instance. However, when there is a profound discrepancy – related to ethics, for example – between you and your company, then it’s time to move on.

If these signs sound familiar, then use them as a wake up call. When you spend as much time at work as most people do, it’s worth it to find a job you’re happy in. And if you’d like some help, let us know. As one of South Florida’s top employment firms, we can connect you with leading employers and opportunities in the area.

While some say email is dead, most managers and employees still use it as a primary mode of communication with their bosses and colleagues. And it’s no wonder, considering all of its benefits. For instance, email is a fast and easy way to disseminate information. It offers recipients the opportunity to think about their response, unlike with a phone call. And it leaves a paper trail, which can come in handy in a variety of situations.

That said, as one of the top employment agencies in Miami, we know there’s also a dark side to communicating via email. It can become a source of misinformation, confusion, and frustration. In addition, it can also lead to conflict because without the benefit of being able to read someone’s body language, you might take a comment meant as humorous as an insult instead. And finally, it can make you look less-than-professional when you get too casual with this mode of communication.

To help ensure you use email to its fullest potential, while navigating its downside, here are some etiquette tips to keep in mind:

• Be as specific as possible with the subject line. For instance, rather than using “website project” as the subject, use “issue with website launch date.”
• Be concise. Email is meant to be a short and sweet way to communicate. With some email systems, the recipient can see the first few lines of the email without having to open it up, so make those lines count.
• Always spell check. Don’t rely on automatic spell check; read through each email before sending it to ensure it is accurate. With auto fill, it can be easy to send an email to the wrong person, so double check the “to” field before hitting the “send” button.
• Be professional. That means no LOLs or OMGs. That’s fine for personal emails, but not for work. So spell out words properly, use correct grammar and punctuation, and make sure you have an email signature. Also insert a privacy statement at the end of your emails, which can help protect the spread of misinformation.
• Be careful. Being professional also means being careful about your word choice, formatting, and punctuation. Lots of “?!?!!” or words in ALL CAPS could send the message that you’re angry or irritated, which might not sit well with the recipient.

Also a few don’ts to keep in mind when it comes to workplace email etiquette:

• Don’t share intimate thoughts or comments that could be construed as offensive via email.
• Don’t send large attachments without confirming the recipient can receive and open the file.
• Don’t use emoticons or fancy fonts or colors.
• Don’t address sensitive issues, such as performance problems, via email; as one of the top employment agencies in Miami, we know those types of conversations are better left face to face.
• Don’t type the recipient’s name into the “to” field until you’ve proofread the email (just in case you hit “send” by accident.)

Let’s face it. There are a lot of ways you can mess up an interview. Some of the major ones include not showing up on time (or at all), dressing inappropriately (think ripped jeans and flip flops), and acting unprofessionally (chewing gum, looking at your watch, etc.).

As one of the leading employment agencies in Miami Lakes, we know that demonstrating these behaviors will likely turn off the interviewer in an instant. But besides these obvious errors, there is one common – and less apparent – mistake that even the best candidates make that can kill their chances of the job offer.

So what is it? Not asking any questions. That’s right. Doesn’t sound like such a big deal. But in fact, it is. Why? Because it shows the interviewer a few things about you. None of them good. Here’s a look:

• You haven’t done your homework and researched the company or the job.
• You’re not that interested in the company or the job.
• You’re not an inquisitive person by nature.
• You don’t have strong communication skills.
• You don’t understand proper interview etiquette.

That said, don’t prepare a list of questions just to sound like you’re on top of your game. In order for you to really evaluate whether a Miami Lakes job is right for you, you need to ask questions that can provide you with the information you need.

To help you get started, here are some examples:

• What’s the culture like?
• Why do you like working here?
• Is there a high rate of turnover?
• What are company hours?
• What’s an average day like for someone in this position?
• Why is this position open? Is it new?
• In which department would I be working in? How big is it?
• How has the company performed over the last couple of years?
• Where is the company headed in the near future?
• What’s the next step in the hiring process?

Some questions to avoid asking during the first interview include those about salary and benefits, including paid time off and health insurance. It’s kind of like asking a first date when they plan on getting married and having kids. It scares them away. Also, don’t ask general or vague questions, like “what does your company do?,” that are easily answered in a 5-second Google search.

If you’d like some additional help preparing for your interviews, or finding new job leads, let us know. As one of the leading employment agencies in Miami Lakes, we can introduce you to the area’s best employers and top jobs. Get started now.

Whether it’s the receptionist who wears low cut tops or the IT guy who wears jeans with holes in them, we’ve all worked with someone who dresses…well…less than stellar. But, as one of the leading staffing agencies in Miami, we know that how people dress can actually have a big impact – either positive or negative – on their careers.

So if you a work with someone who dresses inappropriately, should you say something – or just keep your mouth shut?

The simple answer is: it depends.

There are a few things to consider before deciding on the proper course of action, including what your relationship is with the employee. For instance, if the employee in question is your subordinate, and they are regularly violating company dress code, then consider saying something, particularly if their clothing choices are distracting or offensive to other employees. Also, as one of Miami’s top staffing agencies, we can tell you that having an employee handbook with a clear dress code policy is always helpful in this kind of situation.

In addition, if the person is a co-worker whom you consider a friend, then you might want to say something, as well. If they’re a hard worker, but constantly getting passed over for promotions, it could be due to their bad wardrobe choices.

If you do decide to say something, be careful about your word choice. Remember, you want to help this person, not humiliate them. So don’t use words like “slob” or “cheap,” or you’ll risk offending the other person. Just try to be as diplomatic as possible.

On the other hand, if the employee who dresses inappropriately is nothing more than a co-worker whom you have a casual relationship with, then consider keeping your mouth shut. There’s no point in taking the risk that you’ll offend them and create negative feelings in the process.

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.