Know what you want

Sometimes hiring managers don’t clearly define what they want in an employee. This can lead to costly hiring mistakes and high turnover. A good job description creates a thought process that helps determine how critical the job is. It also helps identify the characteristics needed by the new employee filling the role. Using job descriptions will help your organization understand the skills and experience needed to enhance the success of your company.

Be more flexible

With the way the economy has been over the last few years it is understandable to remain a bit uncertain about your business prospects in the coming year, no matter how optimistic you are. If this is the case, consider bringing in contract or temporary staff. By using a staffing company you can quickly adjust your workforce based on any short or long term projects that come up throughout the year.

Train to retain

As the economy slowly but steadily improves, it will become more important to be competitive in the eyes of potential employees. One way to increase your competitive edge is by offering more training. According to Inc.com and surveys conducted by the Harvard Business Review, the top reason for employee turnover is lack of training. So how can you get your employee training to where it needs to be for 2012?

1. Determine areas of weakness in your existing skill sets
2. Utilize ongoing education and training opportunities at technical colleges
3. Take advantage of Grants for On-the-Job Training

So there you have it. Three Resolutions to help get your company off to a great 2012! If you have other Business Resolutions you would like to share please leave a message in our comment section below.

That’s a story of an interview that died before it even started. Often the interview dies at the introduction, especially if the candidate is dressed inappropriately or worse, smells bad. Sometimes it’s the little things an interviewee reveals about himself during the interview, like the fact that he got fired for having affairs at his last three jobs!

We think you may have some horror stories to relate, which will shock, amuse and educate our readers. So, in honor of Halloween, we are asking you to share your Interview Horror Stories. Whether it was your interview, a co-worker’s, past/current Company, or just a story heard from a friend…we want you to share it with us for your chance to win an iPod Nano!

Halloween Job Interview Horror Story Contest 2011 Entries!

April

A person was interviewing for a job and told the Supervisor, Asst Supervisor, and Office Manager that as long as they didn’t s$*t (insert derogatory word) on her, she wouldn’t s$*t (insert derogatory word) on them. Needless to say she didn’t get the job.

Gregory

In the year 2000, I was 17, and right on the brink of the real world. I thought McDonalds would be the easiest job to get (just being honest), so I applied. Low and behold, the grease-burger giant followed their normal tradition of accepting anyone with a pulse, and I got called for an interview.

I walked on in at the appointed date & time, wiped my sweaty palms on my khakis… asked for the hiring manager before taking a seat. Some time went by before I grew a bit impatient, and decided to quench my nerves with a trip to the john. As soon as I stood up, the manager arrives out of nowhere and we both immediately sat down (against my best interest), as the interview was now underway.

Blah, blah, blah… blah, blah, blah… I just nodded away at her ramblings before trying to hide the fact that she was putting me to sleep with her corporate nonsense. In an attempt to stay awake, I was rolling a piece of gum in my mouth. What can I say?… I was a kid back then. Anyway, I quickly ended the interview when the gum fell down my throat enough to make me cough it right out… across the table and randomly managed to bounce it off of her glasses! I laughed both uncontrollably & hysterically, right in her face. I did not get the job…

Gary

A candidate interviewed for a job and successfully impressed the hiring manager for the open position.
He was invited back for a follow up with the director and HR generalist.

Again, he was doing well.

The HR generalist followed up on his references and past positions and after all cleared to their satisfaction, an offer was extended.

Upon his acceptance, he was invited to come in and fill out the paperwork and to meet with the HR director.

To his surprise, the HR director had been at one of his previous positions and fired him for stealing from the company. Needless to say, the job offer was rescinded and now the candidate is looking for a new job, having already resigned from his previous.

Julie

Recently interviewing for a customer service position the candidate came in appearing like a cast member from the Beverely Hill Billies. During the interview process I asked the question “How do you handle last minute changes and breaks in routines?” The answer: Well, I take my breaks!

Thom

Several years ago I was in the middle of a practical joke feud with a female co-worker. I had found her car unlocked one day and got in and turned on her heater, wipers and radio full-blast. She swore she would get even.

I had a 7:00 AM interview one Monday morning a week later. The previous Friday said co-worker had got into my office and taped a scented urinal cake (stink bomb)to the bottom of my office chair. It “fermented” in my office all weekend.

Early that Monday morning, I greeted the applicant outside my office with my usual hearty handshake and best HR guy smile. When I opened the door to my office, the smell hit me like a blast of cold air. I knew immediately what had happened, but was trying to keep my professional composure between laughing and swearing at my conniving co-worker. The applicant, a male, was looking at me like “What kind of wacko uses scented urinal blocks as the office room freshener?”

I never did get even with my co-worker.

Frank

Several years ago we brought in a 60 year old man to interview for a senior management position. He interviewed very well, had a lot of experience and came highly recommended. All together he seemed perfect for the job. At the end of the interview we explained to him that as company policy every new employee must get a drug screen and he happily complied. We were shocked when we got his results back and he had tested positive for herion, methadone and cocaine!

Patrick

I was working in Ohio, and was interviewing for hourly production jobs and had an enthusiastic young woman in my office. Her resume had a lot of different experiences listed and I questioned her on the entry which referred to her currently running her own company. When I asked her what kind of business it was, she looked me in the eye, smiled and said, “Sex toys.”

I was, as they say, a bit taken aback, and I’m sure looked somewhat dumbfounded, and responded with something not particularly well thought out, like “Well, I guess that’s stimulating work.”

Clearly enjoying my response and the look on my face, she then went on to voluntarily decribe some of her products until I cut it short and told her we’d get back to her. She thanked me and gave me her business card.

As I escorted her out, causing us to pass through one of our production areas, one of our female employees waved and greeted her with a “Hi! Good to see you”. After realizing what she’d done, she blushed, laughed and went back to work as I walked my guest to the door.

Vote Here For The Best Halloween Interview Horror Story!

Voting Ends November 7th 2011 at midnight!

When companies grow, they tend to expand in a number of different directions all at once. For example, if a manufacturing firm takes on just two new customers in a relatively short amount of time, many different areas within the company from accounting to customer service are likely to feel some growing pains.

New staff members are often needed to meet the demands of increased business or production and ensure that existing customers continue to receive the same level of quality service. With this new found growth, company managers suddenly find themselves in the market for new personnel in several departments from shipping to purchasing.

Using Staffing Services for Current Growth Management

Staffing agencies are specially equipped to help companies fulfill personnel needs without diverting managers’ time and resources away from other essential duties, relieving them from all of these additional HR responsibilities:

• Searching and advertising: Staffing agencies maintain large databases of potential employees all year long and never have to start from scratch to build a talent pool, saving time and money on job advertising and personnel searches.
• Resume screening: Recruitment pros are resume experts who can weed out unqualified candidates in no time. By accessing specific parameters within their extensive database, they can prepare a relatively short list of only the most qualified candidates whose salary requirements fit within the company’s predetermined range.
• Interviewing: Scheduling and conducting interviews is a days-long process that can be complicated by legal issues. Staffing services know precisely what can and cannot be asked of job candidates.
• Skills testing: A number of different skills and personality tests can be conducted by a recruiter to find the candidate who is the best fit for the job opening.
• Negotiating: Recruiters can also manage all aspects of salary and benefit negotiations based on an individual’s company’s policies.
• Background screening: Staffing agencies have the resources available to conduct background checks, examine driving records, and verify past employment for job candidates.
• Drug testing: Staff recruitment agencies are able to help companies limit risk and liability by conducting drug testing services for clients including saliva tests, urinalysis, and hair analysis.
• New hire processing: Last but not least, the right staffing agency will be equipped to process all insurance and tax forms once a hiring decision has been made.

Using Staffing Services to Spark New Growth

Not all hiring should be reactionary, however. By anticipating and planning for growth in new areas, business owners can recruit new team members whose role within the company is to bring in new business and help foster and nurture new client relationships. Inevitably new clients will generate increased profits which can then be fed back into the company for further growth. To limit financial risks of taking on new staff, the recruiter can help managers determine whether contract employees, temporary employees, or direct hire employees will make the most suitable match.

It is fairly plain to see how staffing agencies can help companies large and small manage growth as well as work as a catalyst for new growth.

ANDERSON, Indiana (March 18, 2011) – Stroll down Historic Eighth Street just west of Downtown Anderson and you will come to a charming little City Park known as Elmo Funk Park.  Long known to area residents as a peaceful oasis amid the city, the park reflects the glory days of the famous gas light era of Central Indiana amid the old world charm of the Victorian style houses.

The park was illuminated by the original 100 year old gaslights that had been used to light Eighth Street; however, a century of wear and neglect had taken its toll on these lamps.  The lamps had become worn and broken and the incandescent bulbs that were installed a few years ago were continually burning out, making the park very dim at night.

Thanks to a matching grant from the City of Anderson and the efforts of Continental Inc, a local Anderson Engineering Company, the lamps at Elmo Funk Park have been refurbished to their original glory.  Special high intensity LEDs were chosen that replicated the color of the gas lights of old. Continental’s lighting engineers used optical design software to create a light that emulates the soft glow and ambiance of the original gas lights.

Judy Nagengast, owner and CEO of Continental Inc. said, “This installation officially launches our new LED lighting Division, Solas Ray Lighting.  The City of Anderson’s innovative grant made this project possible.  The Elmo Funk Park installation not only enhances our hometown of Anderson, but gives us a showcase for our new products.  Our plans include developing and manufacturing a complete line of outdoor LED products.  What you see at Elmo Funk Park is just a beginning!”

The second and final phase of the grant is a series of 6 ultra-bright new LED Fixtures that will be installed at the Broadway entrance to Shadyside Park this spring.    The grant was provided by the City of Anderson, Small Business Collaboration Program with the purpose of enhancing the success of area businesses and growth or retention of jobs in Anderson.

Kris Ockomon remarked “These lights are not only environmentally friendly, attractive and cost efficient but they are made by Solas Ray Lighting, a new local company division that adds to the employment base while improving our community. This is one more example of promoting expansion of local business that has benefited the City.”

John Gates, Anderson City Park Director, says of the new lights “Elmo Funk Park, a downtown park in the historic area of Anderson, now bestows a brighter, more ambient lighted Park appearance creating a Park setting of the original gaslights of the late 19th century.  Thanks to Continental Inc, a local Engineering Company and a grant from the City of Anderson, new LED powered park light fixtures illuminate a Park atmosphere that symbolizes the radiance of the historic neighborhood.”

Linda Dawson, Executive Director, City of Anderson Economic & Community Development commented “These new lights produce a historic look and at the same time is a cleaner and less expensive option.  This is a scenario that is nothing but positive.  We expect to see more and more of these LED lights gracing our city streets and private properties.”

Continental Inc., at 1524 Jackson Street in Anderson, recently launched their new LED Outdoor Lighting Division known as Solas Ray Lighting.  Solas Ray Lighting specializes in environmentally friendly lighting products including low voltage LED lamps and Solar LED lighting.  Solas Ray has a complete line of antique cast aluminum street LED lighting fixtures for residential and commercial usage.  Continental also refurbishes and retrofits existing fixtures with energy saving LED lighting technology.

For more information visit www.solasray.com.

Contact Information:

• Continental Inc.
  Judy Nagengast, CEO
  765-778-9999 x302
  Judy@continentalinc.com

• Solas Ray Lighting
  Bill Linden
  765-778-9999 x305
  blinden@solasray.com

• City of Anderson
  Linda Dawson
  765-648-6115
  LDawson@cityofanderson.com

Melvin Farmer completed his engineering degree at the height of the Depression. There were no jobs to be had, so he decided to go to South America to find work. His fiancée, Susan was the love of his life. As she saw him off on the ship, he promised he would be back in a year to marry her.

A year went by, then another. Susan never heard from Melvin. She received another marriage proposal from a man she was extremely fond of and accepted. When Melvin finally returned he was shocked that she had forsaken him!

We have had similar responses from our clients when they wait too long to make a job offer. They finally decide that Candidate C is their perfect choice and are appalled to find out that he took a job with a competitor. Often the candidate would have preferred to work for our client, but never had the chance to make that decision.

Even in a high unemployment market, desirable candidates are hot commodities. They have a “shelf life.” While we recommend putting each candidate through a thorough screening process (see Mistakes #1 – 15), this process should take a few weeks, not months.