PorticoPonderings

Welcome to Des Moines!

2011-06-24T10:53:00.000-07:00

Are you new here in town? Don't miss out on this opportunity to meet new people and find out how amazing the Greater Des Moines area really is. This reception is a great way for you to meet other professionals who have relocated to Des Moines, in addition to learning a little more about the community you now call home. The event is free and all attendees will receive a complementary pass to the YMCA Healthy Living Center at the Mercy Wellness Campus.

Weekend Warriors

2011-06-22T11:14:00.000-07:00

How often do you work on weekends? Or at night? Does your boss expect that you are checking and responding to emails?

A new survey reports that up to 1/3 of employees in America regularly get emails from their supervisors on weekends. Another 1/3 reports that they occasionally get these messages. Do you fall into either of these two categories?

Work-life balance is becoming increasingly important to people...especially among the up-and-coming new generation of workers. This means that balance is quickly becoming a larger part of the consideration process in hunting for jobs. It is a question they will be asking you about in the interview process.

How important to you is balance? Is it okay if you boss sends an email on the weekend? Is it okay if you know that he/she does not necessarily expect a response?

We'd love to hear your thoughts!

Caucus and Community Event

2011-06-16T08:45:00.000-07:00

Katie Roth will be a featured panelist at a Caucus & Community event on Tuesday, June 28th. Hosted by the Waukee Chamber of Commerce, it will be held at Atlantic Bottling Company in Waukee and will focus on small business. The event is free and open to the public.

This first event in the series was held in March and discussed K-12 Education. The April event focused on Sustainable Development and the last event was a panel speaking about tax and budget. It is a Des Moines Register "Event Pick", which you can see here.

We'd love to see you there!

Details:
June 28th, 8am-9:30am
Atlantic Bottling Company
16200 Hickman Road
Waukee, IA

SEMINAR: How Millennials Are Changing the Workforce

2011-06-13T12:15:00.000-07:00

We are proud and excited to announce a seminar hosted by Portico HR called One Tweet At A Time: How Millennials Are Changing the Workforce. Our featured speaker will be the local social media pro Claire Celsi. It is free to attend, and breakfast is provided, but registration is required. See below for all the details!

Women in Business - The Facts

2011-06-08T08:23:00.000-07:00

Women have made tremendous strides in business in the last 10 years. Check out this great graphic! (Click to make it bigger)

Guy Kawasaki's Job Search Advice

2011-06-03T07:45:00.000-07:00

Guy Kawasaki is well known as a bestselling author and Internet entrepreneur. His creation Alltop is one of the most visited sites by digital influencers today. And his newest book, Enchantment, inspired many people to intentionally work on their relationships in the business world.

He was recently interviewed about what advice he would give to job seekers, and he gives some great tips to follow:

1. Avoid elimination at the cover email/letter stage. It must be customized for the particular company and job you are applying for. Anything else conveys laziness.

2. Make a good first impression at the interview. Have a strong handshake. Dress nice, but not too nice. Make sure it is tailored to the specific company. "It should communicate that you are solid, dependable, and friendly person."

3. You have two jobs at the interview. The first is to convince them that you can do the job. The second is convince them that you are a good fit for the company. Both of these are musts for those who are doing the hiring.

4. Follow up. Send an email (or even a handwritten thank you note) to everybody you met within 24 hours after the interview. This also means you were smart enough to get business cards with their contact information.

Your hope is to "Enchant" your interviewers into hiring you -- hence the name of the book! Go out and get your copy today, you won't regret it!

Future-Proofing Your Career

2011-06-01T12:33:00.000-07:00

You can do never do enough to make sure your career doesn't succumb to the future. When new technologies are introduced, especially during the industrial age of a century ago, people lose jobs. There are ways, however, that you can make sure your career is never in danger of being lost to the "the future". This article from Forbes expands on it, but we'll pull some of our favorite points and you can chime in with your thoughts as well!

1. Be Aware

One of best things you can do is simply be aware of the forces that are shaping the job market. Whether it be new technologies or economic trends or shifting employment gaps. Your career can often be determined by how understanding you are of the employment culture around you.

2. Be Digital

This is an absolutely necessity. I hate it to break it to you, but the social world is not going away. Facebook and Twitter (and blogging!) are changing the way that people communicate and interact with each other. It is imperative for you to at least have a presence on these big networks.

3. Be an Expert

The days of being a jack-of-all-trades are no longer as valuable. You want to find your niche, and make yourself THE expert. Do the research, find out the things you're passionate about that aren't being monetized, and find a way to make it work.

4. Be Prepared

We are entering a time of micro-entrepreneurialism. People are branching out on their own and takings risks with small business ideas more than ever. As we said earlier, all you have to do is identify the market that isn't being reach. This doesn't mean to do things unnecessarily, but simply to be prepared should the need arise.

5. Be Connected

Networking has become more important than ever in our new digital world. Should your career happen to hit tough times, have a network behind you to get you back on your feet is an incredible weight off your back. To an employer, a recommendation from a trusted source will be worth more than a random resume every single time.

What do you think? What do you need to "be" in order to make sure your career doesn't go away?

Stay connected with Portico HR on Facebook and Twitter for more tips on how to boost your career!

Google Wallet

2011-05-27T12:10:00.000-07:00

Google has unleashed their newest project, Google Wallet. This has the potential to change the way we buy and sell goods. Essentially, customers will nearly tap their phone to a "button" and payments are transferred. It also works with coupons and other rewards. Watch the video below for all the details and let us know what you think!

7 Ways to Handle Mean Bosses

2011-05-25T07:09:00.000-07:00

At some point in your life, you likely have had, or will have had, a less-than-desired supervisor. Some, in fact, are down right mean. Some of us are lucky and blessed to be in excellent situations. For those that aren't, however, here are 7 tips for you from CareerBuilder.com.

Make the distinction: It is easy to confuse demanding with mean. Your boss is allowed to expect a lot from you and to make sure you are doing what you are getting paid to do. If you are getting work done consistently, and your supervisor is still mean, then you can at least admit what you are dealing with.

Take a break: Having a rough boss is one of the largest stressors in the work place. Take a week off, reset your batteries, and maybe even go see a doctor about ways to lower stress.

Work even harder: This will be difficult, but if you give in and give up, your boss wins. Come to work determined to show him/her that you are the best employee they have. You'll either outlast them, or win them over.

Document it: Make notes of the negative actions. Include all the details of what happened, as well as dates and times. Also document any attempts made by you or other employees to alleviate or confront the situation.

Confront respectfully: Meet with your supervisor to address the concerns. Make sure, however, you are courteous and professional. Do not raise voices or let your emotions take over. Seek to understand the behavior, rather than just getting rid of it. Your hope is to get to the root of the problem.

Report if necessary: If things get out of control, or more than you can handle, make your human resources department aware of the situation. Present your documentation, and consider the legal implications as well.

Have an exit strategy: The negative impacts of a mean boss are many. Update your resume, and reach out to your network for some help looking for a new environment. No employee should have to work in an abusive situation.

What other tips do you have?

Calling All Interns!

2011-05-20T11:39:00.000-07:00

Rex Ryan's Leadership Lessons

2011-05-19T12:15:00.000-07:00

Rex Ryan is the head coach of the NFL's New York Jets. He's been leading the team for two years, and has seen great success in that role -- bringing them to the AFC Championship game both seasons. Listen to this NPR clip and find out how he became the leader he is.

Rex Ryan's Leadership Lessons

Check back on our blog, as well as our Facebook and Twitter pages for daily business and leadership lessons!

Do You Know Your Company's Pay "Philosophy"?

2011-05-16T12:30:00.000-07:00

Did you know that 90% of companies have a philosophy of how they go about compensating their employees? This means there is a system and value traits that determine how much employees get paid and what their benefits/perks look like. On the flip side, most employees have no clue what their employers pay philosophy even is.

With the economy looking up, many top employees are being recruited away with promises of higher salaries and better perks. Many people also seem to think that their peers get paid more. The reality, however, according to workforce.com, is that most of the time it's a lot closer than you would think. The problem is that companies don't communicate what the reasoning really is, so the uneducated men and women who leave just assume they are getting paid the minimum and that they were getting shorted.

According to Workforce, you don't have to be the top payer in your industry to retain talent. If your employees can simply understand why they get paid what they do, turnover will be significantly reduced. It also helps to be upfront about pay schedules, performance reviews and scheduled pay raises. Talking about compensation is generally a bit taboo, but being clear about salaries, benefits and perks can save your company.

Does your company have a pay philosophy? Better yet, do you know what it is?

Find more small business tips daily on our Facebook and Twitter pages!

Get Hired at a Fortune 100 Company

2011-05-11T09:33:00.000-07:00

Fortune Magazine online just released a handy article about Fortune 100 companies that are hiring. It highlights 20 of these companies that EACH have at least 350 job openings around the country, with many of them hiring thousands. The article also gives tips as to what each employer is looking for and how to get hired.

Looking for a new career? Take a quick look at these companies, and then head over to Fortune to see the full article and access hiring pages.

West Des Moines Jobs Expo

2011-05-09T12:43:00.000-07:00

Spring is here, and just like the flowers are popping, so are new jobs! Next Monday, May 16th, nearly 50 companies will be recruiting new employees at the West Des Moines Jobs Expo. The event, sponsored by the West Des Moines Development Conncection and Iowa Workforce Development.

"In addition to meeting with employers, job seekers will have the opportunity to participate in on-site professional development seminars." (From the Des Moines Register)

This is a phenomenal opportunity for you to meet some of the companies in town that are hiring, and if nothing else, do some great networking and learn helpful skills for your job hunt.

There is no registration and no fee. This event is nothing more than an opportunity to help you grow professionally. Some companies that will be there include: Des Moines Area Community College, HyVee, Microsoft, Upper Iowa University, and more!

Details:
Monday, May 16th, 10am-3pm
Sheraton Hotel, 1800 50th St, West Des Moines

At Least You're Not Interviewing With Google...

2011-05-06T10:34:00.001-07:00

Have a job interview coming up? Take heart in the fact that you are not interviewing with Google -- if you are, well...good luck! They are (in)famously known for their tricky interview questions. Here are 15 of them, with the answers as well!

How many golf balls can fit in a school bus? Answer
How much should you charge to wash all the windows in Seattle? Answer
In a country in which people only want boys, every family continues to have children until they have a boy. If they have a girl, they have another child. If they have a boy, they stop. What is the proportion of boys to girls in the country? Answer
How many piano tuners are there in the entire world? Answer
Why are manhole covers round? Answer
Design an evacuation plan for San Fransisco. Answer
How many times a day does a clock's hand overlap? Answer
Explain the significance of "dead beef". Answer
A man pushed his car to a hotel and lost his fortune. What happened? Answer
You need to check that your friend, Bob, has your correct phone number, but you cannot ask him directly. You must write the question on a card and give it to Eve, who will take the card to Bob, and return answer to you. What must you write on the card, besides the question, to ensure Bob can encode the message so that Eve cannot read your phone number? Answer
You're the captain of a pirate ship and your crew gets to vote on how the gold is divided up. If fewer than half of the pirates agree with you, you die. How do you recommend apportioning the gold in such a way that you get a good share of the booty, but still survive? Answer
You have eight balls all of the same size. Seven of them weigh the same, and one of them weighs slightly more. How can you find the ball that is heavier by using a balance and only two weighings? Answer
You are give 2 eggs. You have access to a 100-story building. Eggs can be very hard or very fragile means it may break if dropped from the first floor or may not even break if dropped from 100th floor. Both eggs are identical. You need to figure out the highest floor of a 100-story building an egg can be dropped without breaking. The question is how many drops you need to make. You are allowed to break 2 eggs in the process. Answer
Explain a database in three sentences to your 8-year-old nephew. Answer
You are shrunk to the height of a nickel and your mass is proportionally reduced so as to maintain your original density. You are then thrown into an empty glass blender. The blades will start moving in 60 seconds. What do you do? Answer

How did you do?! Tell us here, or on Facebook and Twitter! Have a great weekend!

How to Communicate Your Strenghts

2011-05-04T11:54:00.000-07:00

In any job interview you have, you'll be asked in some variation to tell your skills, strengths, or what sets you apart from other candidates. Contrary to what you might think, it is actually difficult for most people to talk about what they're good at, and generally stems from a lack of confidence. Watch this quick video for a couple tips on the right ways to communicate those things, and gain some confidence in the process.

What tips do you have for telling people about why you should be hired above anyone else?

5 Self-Branding Essentials

2011-05-02T12:05:00.000-07:00

From our friends over at AARP Magazine comes this handy list of 5 ways to help you "brand" yourself for potential employers:

Think and look positive. Attractive people actually get hired and promoted more frequently because they come off as more confident. Don't think this tip is just for the "pretty people", however. You can learn self-acceptance and therefor be just as confident as those whom society deems more attractive.

Be ready to talk. Practice your "elevator speech" - that short verbal pitch that tells who you are and why you should be hired ahead of others. Keep it around one minute, and make it more than just a list of skills. Consider telling a story that conveys who you are.

Know yourself. Know what you are passionate about, and be honest about the skills you do and don't have. Also, make an effort to know how others perceive you as well, as that is what ultimately gets you a job.

Carry the cards. It may seem old-school, but carry a stack of business cards with you at all times. You never know who you are going to run into. Fellas, keep five always in your wallet -- and ladies, we know you have room in your purses. Don't be shy about handing them out like candy.

Dress to impress. Make sure you have an up-to-date and professionally appropriate wardrobe for your interviews and networking events. This does not necessarily mean a suit, but it might. If you need extra help, don't be shy about hiring a wardrobe consultant, it will be worth your time and money if this is an area you struggle with.

These tips apply to ALL ages, genders and races. What do you think of the list? What works best for you? What would you add?

The Roles of Business Executives

2011-04-29T11:26:00.000-07:00

Here is a quick look at the roles different business executives are playing in today's work environment. They are spreading out their talents more than ever and taking broad roles rather than being pigeon-holed into a single job task. To truly succeed nowadays, you must learn how to be a jack-of-all-trades versus just being excellent in a single role. Click the image to see it full-size.

Have more questions about what it means to succeed in your career? Are you looking for something a little new in life? Feel free to ask us on Facebook or Twitter!

Interview Etiquette - Following Up an Online Application

2011-04-27T09:25:00.000-07:00

Back in the old days, to apply for a job meant going to that company, picking up a paper application, filling it out in pen, and returning it. It was quite the process. Nowadays, however, an application can be completed in a half hour online without ever having to leave the comfort of your home.

This fact raises a whole new set of questions regarding etiquette and how to follow-up with that job application. Do you go in? Do you call? Do you just wait for them to contact you? The Mr. Know-It-All from Wired Magazine took a stab at that very question:

"There’s only one good reason to call a potential employer: to sabotage your chances of getting the gig. 'When I was a hiring manager, applicants would often call to check on their status,' says Jessica Holbrook Hernandez, president and CEO of Great Resumes Fast and a former HR manager at Medtronic. 'It was frustrating and daunting—I didn’t have enough hours in the day to speak to every single person.' And in a job market this dire, you definitely don’t want to risk bugging the crap out of anyone who has the power to hire you.

A polite email is slightly less annoying than a phone call, so consider sending one about seven to 10 days after you submit an application. It’s unlikely to hurt your chances, and you might even keep your candidacy from slipping through the cracks. Just make sure to lose the emoticons—no one wants to work with that person."

What do you think? Agree or disagree?

Lessons In Entrepreneurship

2011-04-25T09:38:00.000-07:00

A recent article in the Wall Street Journal was written by Dilbert creator Scott Adams. He talks about the need for more college students to be offered courses in entrepreneurship, or general business strategies, for the majority of the world that will go into that general category of employment.

The lessons he teaches can really resonate with those of us already in the business world as well. Here are the highlights, and make sure to read the rest of the article to get the full picture.

Combine Skills. Adams claims that he's not all that funny, nor a great artist or businessman even. He was decent at all of those things, however, and learned how to combine them to create cartoon legend Dilbert. This is how value is created.

Find the Action. One of the best things to figure out, in whatever industry you are in, is where the innovation is happening -- and then head there. Move to where the action is.

Attract Luck. This may seem impossible, but it's not, claims Adams. He says that luck finds doers, and that as you mature in the business world, you'll discover that quickly.

Conquer Fear. Public speaking is terrifying for most people in this world. The key is not learning technique, but simply getting comfortable and relaxed in front of people. If you master that, the technique will come mostly naturally.

Write Simply. One of the most important things you learn in journalism school is the importance of being succinct. Avoid the extra words. Making each word powerful makes a bigger difference than the length of whatever you may be writing -- whether it be essays for college, or reports for your supervisor.

Learn Persuasion. This is one of the most valuable skills you can attain. It is a combination of psychology, sales, marketing, negotiating, statistics and even design.

It is always nice to hear first-hand lessons from people who have been successful. Don't ignore this chance to learn from a great!

How NOT to Write Your Resume

2011-04-20T09:06:00.000-07:00

This image appeared over at Huffington Post this week. This probably isn't the best idea for your resume! If you need some help, take it from us, and not Eric (click to see larger image).

What's the craziest thing you've seen on a resume? Or maybe put on your resume?

How a Handshake Can Get You a Job

2011-04-18T10:45:00.000-07:00

A recent blurb in the Wall Street Journal discusses the importance of the pre- and post-interview handshake. A recent research study attempted to answer the question of whether or not this ritual would have an effect on someone's ability to get hired.

The short answer: maybe. In the study, men interviewed men and women interviewed women, and the interviewers were asked to rate the personality traits of the interviewees based on first impressions alone. The only affected group was the men, who were deemed more conscientious if the handshake was part of that first impression.

Basically, a handshake may say something about your character - being meticulous, careful and thoughtful - rather than being a sure fire way to get yourself hired.

Our advice: work towards being that type of person, with the kind of character that would naturally shake someone's hand instead of faking it in hopes of getting the job.

What do you think? Does a handshake make a difference? And sometimes more importantly, does the strength and confidence of the handshake matter more than the handshake itself?

Who knew a simple thing would generate so many questions! Chime in!

Administrative Professionals Day Contest!

2011-04-13T13:05:00.001-07:00

Hello readers!

We are excited and eager to announce that we are holding an Administrative Professionals Day Contest! Formerly known as Secretaries Day, this is one of the most widely celebrated "holidays" in the office environment. There are millions and millions of employees in our country who fall into the "Administrative" category. We (and many many others) want to make sure they are not forgotten!

To the details: We are asking supervisors to nominate their administrative professionals. All you have to do is leave a comment here on this blog post telling us why they deserve to win a cookie bouquet and $50 gift card to Valley West Mall here in Des Moines.

We will randomly choose a winner on April 27th, which of course is Admin Professionals Day. Let the entries begin!

P.S. Don't forget that admin professionals can be MEN or WOMEN!

The Office Hoarder

2011-04-11T13:51:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen the show Hoarders? As the title suggests, it's all about people who have an extremely difficult time parting with their...well, anything. We are all probably guilty of this to some degree at some point in our lives. You know -- that junk drawer in kitchen? That chest in your garage that you just can't throw out? The closet in the hallway, trying to burst at the seams?

What about at the office, though? A recent OfficeMax survey found that nearly 50% of employees take office supplies. About a third of those claimed that they would return the supplies...that they were merely "borrowing" the stapler or the three-hole punch.

It is admittedly a thin line between borrowing and hoarding and stealing. Are you possessive of your pens? That's a common one. Or maybe it's the hard-to-find little paper clips that you refuse to give up. Whatever it is, the majority of office employees claim to have a more cluttered desk than they would like. They even admit that seeing someone else with a messy desk leads to judgment about their work habits.

What do you think? Is a messy desk a sign of a hoarder? Of someone who doesn't respect their job enough to clean up a little? Or is it merely the sign of an employee who is simply working so hard they don't have time to be organized?

Chime in down in the comments. Or, head on over to our Facebook page and post a picture of YOUR desk! Clean or messy, we won't judge!

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Interviewing Tips From Harvey Mackay

2011-04-08T07:34:00.000-07:00

Author and successful businessman Harvey Mackay shares his favorite tips for interviewing. Enjoy!

Harvey Mackay's Best Interview Tips When Looking... by digitalcafe

If you need any extra help with that job search, give Portico HR a call and we'd love to help you out!

Three Essentials for Creating a Networking Strategy

2011-04-06T07:33:00.000-07:00

In a down economy, as employers get more and more applications flooding their inbox, networking becomes a crucial component to your job search. A recent article from Entrepreneur.com details how to build a strategy for your networking efforts. We'll cover those points briefly, then give you a few resources for networking specifically here in the Des Moines area.

Identify your prospects. Maybe this seems like a no-brainer, but knowing who you want to network with can make your life easier. Is it young professionals? Is it bloggers? Is it social media entrepreneurs? Is it small business owners? (There are groups in Des Moines for each of those!)
Identify where to meet these prospects. This tip goes beyond the obvious of simply attending networking events. Think about the people you're trying to reach out to. Find volunteer opportunities with other community leaders. Go to a free concert-in-the-park event to meet people. Think outside the box.
Identify who exactly you want to meet. This can seem hard, but there are some movers and shakers in your community that you may know about. The beauty of social media is that you can reach out to them on Twitter or even Facebook. Don't be afraid to reach out to specific people!

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Here are some resources for Des Moines networking:

Young Professionals Connection - Twitter: @ypcdsm
Social Media Club Des Moines - Twitter: @SMCDSM
Central Iowa Bloggers - Twitter: No username, but #CIB is used for people that attend
Kayla Craig - Des Moines Register's Networking Guru - Twitter: @KaylaDMRBiz

What other resources do you go to? What strategies do you use for networking?

Need a little extra help with that job search? Contact Portico HR and we would be glad to help! Also check out our Facebook and Twitter pages for daily information and tips.

Hiring Forecast Looks Good in 2011

2011-04-04T08:36:00.000-07:00

According to a recent study done by CareerBuilder.com and the USA Today, the hiring forecast is looking the best it has in three years. Nearly 30% of all employers hired either full-time or part-time positions in the first quarter of 2011. The momentum is expected to continue...good news for all you job seekers!

The one dark cloud, according to the report: Businesses may lose top performers who are looking for better opportunities elsewhere. For the job seekers out there, though, the news is almost all good. If you've been looking for a while, keep your spirits up and dive back into your search.

A few quick tips to help you boost momentum yourself:

Amp up your resume. Google search "resume building" and you'll find about a million places to go.
Learn how to write a great cover letter. The key is to catch their attention in the first paragraph.
Buy a new outfit or two for interviews. If you spend the money, you might work harder to get those interviews and justify the expense!

At Portico HR, we can give you many more tips and help you be on your way to a new career. We would love to help you, so please feel free to contact us!

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Find a Job Using Twitter

2011-04-01T09:07:00.001-07:00

Are you having some trouble with your job search? Fear not, hop on over to Twitter! Local Drake University student Kelsey Jones secured an internship last summer using the power of Twitter. She lays out the details of how she did it on her blog. We'll share some of her highlights, as well as add a couple of our own tips.

Simply HAVE a social media presence. If you are active, on a weekly and daily basis, on the various social sites out there - namely Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn - you are more likely to be found by employers.
Meet professionals. Do you see a business professional in the local paper that you want to get to know? Find them on Twitter or LinkedIn. Start conversations with the powerful people in your community. They are becoming more and more accessible.
Don't be afraid to ask. The worst thing someone can say is "no". Put it out there on your sites that you're looking for a job. Do not hesitate to ask your new contacts for some networking tips or things like that.
Use the power of searching and/or hashtags. Use search.twitter.com and search for jobs, employment opportunities, careers, etc. Also use hashtags. Here in Des Moines, the hashtag #DMJobs is a popular keyword that potential employers use.
Be professional yourself. This is repeated everywhere, but employers ARE looking at your social sites. Especially if you're in the middle of a job search, think through every single thing you post and make sure an employer wouldn't find it objectionable. That doesn't don't have fun or don't be yourself, just make sure it's not something that could be held against you.
Become an expert. Research and post links related to the industry you're trying to get into. It will show employers that you're serious about your career and are actively trying to learn more and stay connected.

You can follow Kelsey on Twitter here to catch more networking and PR news. And remember, if you need a little extra help in your job search, contact Portico HR!

Go Confidently Into Your Next Interview

2011-03-29T10:34:00.000-07:00

AARP’s March magazine featured some great tips for savvy job seekers who are looking for some ways to get ahead while getting their foot in the door. The five tips are listed and summarized below.

Head Games: Have confidence in yourself. A large part of your confidence stems from looking and feeling good, so put in the extra work on your appearance.

Smart Talk: You always want to come off a credible and authentic, to convey this share personal (business related) stories about yourself and your journey. Also, have an elevator pitch prepared.

From The Heart: Know your passion and strengths, and build your image off of them.

It’s In The Cards: Go out an purchase some business cards. This is a fairly inexpensive way of showing that you will go the extra mile, plus, people will never forget your name or information!

What Not To Wear: Spend the extra time and money to look professional and up-to-date, it will be worth it when you score the job!

For more tips or information on how we can help you find your perfect job, visit Porticohr.com.

The Importance of a Good Handshake

2011-03-28T14:33:00.000-07:00

A handshake is the first chance you have to make a real impression on someone, and it is also a non-verbal form a communicate, which can make this even more difficult. Having a good, solid handshake can communicate confidence or insecurity. Here is a list of handshakes that are inappropriate when entering an interview, or when in a business situation.

*The Crusher or The Power Grip - This a forceful handshake in which you tightly grasp the other persons hand, often times causing them pain and showing them dominance.

*The Dead Fish - This is a limp or sweaty handshake signaling weakness.

*The Monarch - Typically only done by royalty by offering only your fingertips.

*The Double Handshake - This handshake signals intimacy when wrapping two hands around someones one hand.

*The Urban - This is a diagonal handshake often done by two friends or teammates.

Remember to stay away from these handshakes when in a business, formal setting. For more information on handshakes watch the comical video below.

Incentive Based on an Assist?

2011-03-25T11:34:00.000-07:00

What if you were able to treat your work like you were playing a sport? Each time you made a goal there was someone who received credit for assisting you. We very rarely work alone when working on projects or accomplishing our goals, there is usually someone who helps us to make it happen, someone who assists us.

A blog put out by Incentive Intelligence caught our eye, it was the same sport concept only they called it a “+1”. Every award you earned you had to name another person or a “plus one” who helped you achieve that award. Essentially, this notion not only builds value to working as a team, but it also gives a pat-on-the-back to those who worked behind the scenes.

To read more of the +1 article put out by Incentive Intelligence, click here. You can also visit PorticoHR to learn more about how we can help you find great employees.

A Little Inspiration For Those In Need

2011-03-22T13:48:00.000-07:00

Do you remember what your mother told you when you were just a kid, "when you fall down, pick yourself up and keep going". For those of you who have had an extra tough day, week, month, or year, here is a compilation of inspirational quotes to get you through and onto better days!

If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put foundations under them. Henry David Thoreau

Every artist was first an amateur. Ralph Waldo Emerson

Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal. Henry Ford

To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting. e.e. cummings,

Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. Dr. Seuss

The important thing is not to stop questioning. Albert Einstein

I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it. Pablo Picasso

You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them. Michael Jordan

Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. Thomas Edison

Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail. Ralph Waldo Emerson

Trying to find a job, but stuck? Check out PorticoHR, we can help!

The Ultimate Employee Vacation

2011-03-21T13:58:00.000-07:00

Jill McGlone, former employee of Norfolk Community Services Board was suspended for alleged misconduct and never returned to work. However, her paychecks did not stop coming and 12 years later and she has been paid close to $320,000 with benefits.

So far they city has fired five employees with relation to the case, and McGlone is acting more like a victim than a thief by claiming “wrongful termination”. Talk about the ultimate vacation - 12 years!

For more information on this story click here.

Make Your Resume Standout

2011-03-18T11:34:00.000-07:00

With hundreds of resumes coming in for one position, creativity is an essential quality in your search. Let’s face it, first impressions are everything and your resume is the first impression you will have with an employer. Putting some extra thought into how your resume looks not only helps you get noticed, but it also describes the type of person you are and the extra work you are willing to put in to be noticed.

Here are 45 resumes that are extremely creative and eye catching. While the majority of these were done by graphic designers and computer techs, you can still put together a creative resume for your niche without having to have those skills.

Send your creative resume to PorticoHR!

Fighting Failure with Empathy

2011-03-15T14:54:00.000-07:00

Harvard Business Review writer, Peter Bregman, put failure into perspective in a recent blog he wrote about a friends daughter. In short, the little girl was disqualified from her swim meet and the only one who seemed to get through to her was her very sweet and empathetic grandmother. Bregman points out to management that this is a perfect lesson to learn from, most of the time employees are more difficult on themselves when they fail, so they don't need someone reminding them of their failures. As Bregman puts it, “empathy communicates trust”, it communicates that employees are still valued even when they make mistakes, it helps them get back up and work harder so they don’t repeat failures!

Inspiration From International Women's Day

2011-03-14T18:26:00.000-07:00

Last week (March 8th) was the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day. To honor of the occasion, a female business coach took the liberty of compiling 100 quotes from females in business. Krishna De put together the slide show entitled: 100 Voices in Business. This is an amazing and inspirational slideshow that we would recommend everyone take the time to read. For those of you who own businesses or even those still searching for the right job; hopefully, this will provide you with confidence and illumination on your journey!

100 Voices In Business - Celebrating 100 Years Of International Women's Day

View more presentations from Krishna De.

Overqualified May Be a Plus!

2011-03-11T11:00:00.000-08:00

Most people presume that if they hire someone who is overqualified for a job, they will not stay long because they will be unmotivated by the work. However, new studies are showing otherwise. People are willing to take work that they are overqualified for because of the turbulent times; however, that does not necessarily mean that they don’t enjoy the work or preform poorly.

In a recent Harvard Business Review article on professor said, “people don’t stay or leave a company because of their skills. They stay or leave because of working conditions.”

To read more about this article click here. To learn about how PorticoHR can help your company in hiring the best employees visit Porticohr.com.

Text Language = Big No No!

2011-03-08T14:34:00.000-08:00

Last Friday Judy Ellis of HCI Care Services sat down with us and brought up ‘thank you’ emails. Email ‘thank you’s’ are appropriate these days; however, they are inappropriate when you use ‘text language’. This brings us to a more general topic of using ‘text language’ for anything related to a job (i.e. resume, cover letter, emails, powerpoint). DO NOT use ‘text language’ like: Lol, btw or nvm. Do not abbreviate things like the letter ‘u’ for YOU. Not only is this poor spelling, but if also makes you look unprofessional.

If you are an avid user of ‘text language’ please double check your writing before you send things out!

Increase in Jobs!

2011-03-08T10:59:00.000-08:00

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that staffing industry’s employment showed an increase of 7% in the past month and a 12.2% increase from last year. With a large concentration in temporary help, the staffing industry helped to provide 29,000 jobs.

Do you need a job? Check out PorticoHR.

Need a great employee? PorticoHR will find the needle in the haystack!

Negotiating Salary

2011-03-04T14:01:00.000-08:00

"In business as in life, you don’t get what you deserve, you get what you negotiate."
- Chester Karrass

So you have been offered the job, now what? First, remember to thank the individual for the offer. Know ahead of time what would be the least amount of money you could accept. Also, google salary averages for the position you are looking at, this will help you establish a median salary range. Remember to ask when you will be payed: weekly, biweekly, monthly, etc., and if there is possibility of promotion.

It is very easy to accept a job, but very difficult to leave a job. With this in mind, fully understand that with your acceptance comes the responsibility to be at this job for an allotted amount of time.

Are You a Recent Graduate?

2011-03-01T11:53:00.000-08:00

Over the last few years graduation day has brought a different feeling with it. The excitement and passion is overridden by fear of the unknown. The world ahead of these graduates is bleak, their days of glory will now be followed with an endless battle of fighting against the qualified jobless.

So what are these recent graduates doing to cope? Some are staying in school and working on getting a graduate degree, while others are starting up their own small businesses. Internships have also been a great way to keep recent graduates busy working and expanding their qualifications. Graduates have also learned the value of taking a job outside of their field which is something that can turn out surprisingly rewarding on both ends.

If you are a recent graduate looking for a job check out Portico HR!

Are You Staying Positive During Your Job Search?

2011-02-28T13:10:00.000-08:00

Finding a job is a full time job, so when you don’t receive a call back, or an acceptance letter it is very easy to get discouraged and give up hope. Fortunately, we are here, and although we won’t do all the work for you, we will help find you a job.

Here are some tips to help you stay positive:

Its all in the numbers - The more jobs you apply to, the more better odds you have finding a position.
Don’t scold yourself for a bad interview - With each interview you have you will become less nervous and more confident. If you have a rough interview, learn from your mistakes and move forward.
Practice being positive - Optimize is going to keep your head above water through this process Keep in mind that people can sense negativity from a mile away.
Give yourself a break - Spending every second of your time searching for a job is going to eventually lead you to a break down. Take some time to get out and exercise or spend some quality time with your family.
DO NOT give up! - With the help of Portico HR and your positive energy, you WILL find a job!

Is Your Resume Gold?

2011-02-25T14:06:00.000-08:00

If you are currently searching for a job you have probably viewed your resume over, and over, and over again, but is it solid gold or a dud? Below are several questions you should ask yourself before you hand your resume out.

Are these all things you have actually done? Is anything fudged? - If so, get rid of it.
Is everything on your resume relevant to the job you are applying for?
Is your resume specific or generalized? If it is too general you need to narrow it down without going overboard.
Does your resume contain action verbs? Analyzed, developed, mediated; are all action verbs.

Winter Weather Causing Your Company Stress?

2011-02-22T16:56:00.000-08:00

Winter brings poor weather conditions, and while we may be having an excellent weather streak right now, who knows what tomorrow's weather might bring? Poor weather conditions can be stressful for both you and your employees, so have a plan of action, a place to go to be notified about work closings. Also, you will need to plan ahead of time for all of the uncertainties that inevitably occur. HR Hero provides a great article and how you should handle situations that occur due to weather, click here to view the article.

For more human resources information visit Portico HR.

Smokers Not Welcome

2011-02-21T09:59:00.000-08:00

Smokers might want to consider quitting now more than ever; there are new smoker-free policies at some hospitals and medical related companies that are excluding smokers from apply to positions. Hospitals and businesses are adopting these polices to increase productivity, lower health care cost and create healthier work environments. They plan to treat smoking like any other drug, applicants will have to submit to a pee test to verify that they do not smoke. Read more...

What do you think? Is this new restriction too intense, or should smoking be a factor in whether you are offered a position?

Why Employees Love Google

2011-02-18T11:55:00.000-08:00

Number one last year on Fortune’s '100 Best Companies To Work For'; and number four this year, Google must being doing something right to keep so many employees happy. True, this company may be large, but they take care of their employees as if they were a small company. Google offers things like gourmet restaurants, laundry, workout facilities, car washes and doctors appointments all for free. They also have an exceptionally lenient work policy, with no real dress code and the ability to bring your pet to work. Want to work at Google? Good luck, they have about three thousand applicants a day!

If you can’t find a job at google visit Portico HR, we will help match you with a great employer!

The Questions Every Interviewer Asks, But No One Really Answers

2011-02-15T09:27:00.000-08:00

Most everyone hates interviews. They are nerve-racking and a down right pain, but most of all, the questions are horrendous! Typically interviewers throw questions out like, “why do you want to work here?” or “Where do you see yourself in five years?” Truth is, no one ever answers these questions completely honestly. Here is a prime example:

Q - “What is your greatest weakness?”

We think the real question here is: would you like me to answer this honestly or would you like me to make up a weakness that I can actually convert into a strength?

Point is? Interviewers: please try and avoid these generic questions. Interviewees: (if you get these questions) please try and answer these questions with some authenticity and honesty.

Have You Ever Dated a Co-Worker?

2011-02-14T13:49:00.000-08:00

Is it the risk of getting caught, or the shared lunches and late nights? More and more people are accepting of workplace relationships. According to a CareerBuilder survey 18 percent of those surveyed claimed that they had dated co-workers at least twice. Clearly, this is becoming an issue that should be better address by HR departments. Have you had an office relationship? Do think it is appropriate to have an office relationship? What is your interoffice dating policy?

Lost In Your Career Path?

2011-02-11T12:25:00.000-08:00

Does your life remind you of this sign? Are you between jobs and in desperate need of direction? Here at Portico HR we can help point you in the direction of where you need to go in your career. We take the time to get to know who you are so we can match you to a job where you will feel fulfilled. Visit our website today to learn more!

Fired over a post?

2011-02-08T14:08:00.000-08:00

In recent news the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) brought a complaint against American Medical Response alleging they violated federal law by firing an employee for posting negative comments about her boss on her Facebook page.

Lessons can be learned from both sides of this. Employees: do not post negative comments about your employer for public viewing. Employers: make sure the guidelines about social media are and discretion are clearly outlined in your policy handbook.

A Big 'Thanks' to Superbowl of Recruiting Attendees!

2011-02-07T14:02:00.001-08:00

Portico HR would like to thank everyone who attended and presented at the Superbowl of Recruiting seminar last Friday. We know everyone had a great time because we had attendance of over 80 people and the feedback was exceptional! Here are some of the evaluation responses we had:

“Great, relevant topic!”

“These session are great, Portico! Keep them up!”

“Learned a great deal! Presenters were dynamic and kept my attention. It was NOT a sales pitch and I appreciated that!”

“I’m such a social media “newbie” it was great to learn more!”

“Very well prepared and organized!”

“Timely, a home run!”

Andy TeBockhorst/VP at Merit Resources; Katie Roth/owner PorticoHR; Amber Mercado & Sam Mandolfo/LinkedIn

Amber Mercado & Sam Mandolfo of LinkedIn

Melanie Clayton, Storey Kenworthy and Judy Ralston-Hansen of Homesteaders Insurance

Jamie Smith of Homemakers Furniture and Kate Kreis Claflin of iWireless

If you would like to know more about what Portico HR can do for you or your company, please check our website out!

Partnership Creates "Moving Work Forward"

2011-02-04T10:02:00.000-08:00

Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) announced its partnership with Families and Work Institute. Both groups combined will be forming a program called “Moving Work Forward” which brings businesses up to date with effective and flexible arrangements that fit today’s workforce. Both institutes hope that this initiative will help companies gain bonds of trust with their employees that allow for fewer instances of stress and quality employees.

Contact Portico HR if you are interested in finding a quality employee, or if you are looking for a great employer.

Communication is the Key to Fortune

2011-02-02T12:03:00.000-08:00

Erin Liberman Moran, Senior Vice President, of The Great Place to Work Institute sat down with Ragan Communications to discuss how companies are chosen to be in Fortune Magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For". Moran explained that The Great Place to Work Institute selects the 100 best companies to work for and Fortune publishes them.

Moran further explains that at the core of all of these great companies is exceptional internal communications, which is a must for businesses to thrive. The key elements that Moran and her team look for when choosing the 100 best all relate to leaders communicating directly, openly and honestly with their employees.

Being the best in business starts with your employees, at Portico HR we provide you with exceptional employees who want to help you become the best.

Social Media - A Do or Don’t When Looking for a Job?

2011-02-01T07:03:00.000-08:00

Now that the internet has expanded horizons, things like Facebook and Twitter present new issues to employers and HR departments. It seems like each employer has a different way of dealing with, and perceiving social media. Depending on your field of study and what jobs you are planning on applying to, you must consider social media sites to be like a life resume - an open book for most everyone to read. Now, don’t go deleting your profile just yet, you are allowed a personal life outside of work. However, you should consider A). changing your profile privacy settings, and B). watch what you say, or what pictures you are tagged in.

Tim Gould, HR morning columnist, gave this exact scenario to three potential employers. When provided with the option to hire or pass on an ideal candidate with a disturbing Facebook profile; one said they would pass, another said maybe and the third said they would disregard the profile and hire the candidate. Because opinions varied, it might be best to do a little research and be extremely cautious about what you are putting on the web during your job search.

Are You Ready to Promote Your Employee?

2011-01-28T12:35:00.000-08:00

Often times, we reward employees by promoting them with better pay, a better title or both. Promotions are a big step, and can sometimes create extra hassle, and a lot of questions. Amy Gallo’s blog entitled, ‘When to Reward Employees with More Responsibility and Money’ brings up some great items (listed below) that you need to consider when promoting an employee.

Assess current performance using multiple sources. Talk to multiple other sources before you decide to promote the individual.
Consider the "competence-challenge balance". If an employee is feeling unchallenged or they are willing to learn more, it may be a solid indicator that the person is ready to be promoted.
Make sure there is a match. Don’t throw an employee into a promotion simply because it is a high position. Sure, the employee may deserve it, but they also need to fit the positions needs and expectations, and the other way around.
Experiment before making the new job permanent. Design an assesment, or give the employee certain tasks that would relate to the promoted position.
How much of a raise? It is not always clear-cut what you should be giving an employee for a raise. Consider how much more work they are doing, and if they are retaining some of their old duties,.
When you have to say no. Employees are not always deserving or able to take on more responsibilities, and it is your job to explain to them why you don’t feel they are ready, and what they need to do in order to achieve that promotion.
Remember, there are other ways to motivate. Financially, not every business can provide promotions to deserving employees. You can always provide your business and your employees with other options to feel valued.

Do you work while sick?

2011-01-25T08:54:00.000-08:00

A new survey put out by CareerBuilder found that 72% of employees still go to work even if they are sick. Over half of those employees stated that they “felt guilty” about calling in sick. That is a great work ethic; however, are sick employees really getting anything done while ill? Stress and agitation also become an issue when dealing with sickness at work.

Another problem is the spread of germs. When employees come in while sick, they are spreading their germs through touching items like keyboards, using phones and coughing/sneezing.

Promoting staying at home while ill is a benefit to both the employee and the employer.

Hiring Items you NEED to Know

2011-01-24T09:02:00.000-08:00

Hiring your first employee is a huge step for your business, financially and strategically, so when you make the plunge you should have all of your ducks in a row. Here are the items that you will want to cover and know ahead of time taken and summarized from Erika Welz Prafder’s article ‘Hiring Your First Employee’ .

Don’t trust your instincts. Around 40% of resumes have been fudged or inflated, make extra sure you dig into the applicants past if you are interested in them. Follow up on what they say they have done, check in with places they have worked or degrees they have earned. Also, ALWAYS ask for references.
Test for illegal substances. You will want to weed out those who are not reliable with a drug test, keep in mind it is illegal to ask about applicants prescription medications.
Screen for unwanted behavior. Your work culture is important, make sure the candidate fits your businesses values.
Some questions are off limits. Do your research, you cannot ask about an applicant's age, sexual orientation, marital status, religious affiliation or race.
Set a salary and choose the employee’s classification. You will want to have planned out ahead of time what you are able to pay you new employee. Make sure you have all of their employment information in order (i.e. benefits).
Get your records straight. Have all of your new employees information. There are 12 records that the U.S. Department of Labor requires you to have.
Handle your immigration Issues carefully. You must provide the documentation proving an immigrants eligibility if you are employing them.
Get the right insurance coverage. Some states require that you provide disability insurance for employees who are hurt on the job.

Read more about ‘Hiring Your First Employee'. You can also contact Portico HR if you would rather have someone else do most of this work for you!!

The Answers are Simple, the Questions are Complicated

2011-01-21T13:48:00.000-08:00

Unhappy with your job? Ready to move on or move in a different direction with your career? So what has been holding you back? For most people, the issue in moving forward with their life stems in issues with confrontation. Like romantic relationships, we are concerned about hurting the other person, so we will sacrifice our own happiness to commit to something that just does not seem to work out.

So what happens when it is finally time to end that ‘relationship’? The first step is in coming to terms with the fact that you are truly unhappy. Yes, there may have been good times, but you probably already know that this is not for you.

In Dr. Henry Cloud’s article: Having the Conversation: How to End a Job or Relationship, makes a very valid point:

"The conversation goes down the path of finding a way to “work it out.” Never mind that the person doing the ending has spent months or more getting sure about the ending, having obsessed over all the back-and-forth a million times. But something about getting to that moment of actually making it happen makes people squishy once again. I remember one time when a board sent a CEO to fire someone and he came back having extended the person’s contract! I said to him, “You went to break up, and you came back engaged! Not good!” But it happens." Read more...

As Dr. Seuss says it best, “Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.” When you come to this point Portico HR can help place you in a job that is better suited to your needs and goals.

How do you 'sink' a job interview?

2011-01-21T06:43:00.001-08:00

KCCI 8 posted a question on their Facebook page, “Have you ever ‘sunk’ a job interview?” Interviewing can be an extremely nerve-racking and strenuous ordeal, so it is always a good idea to go through a check-list of what is acceptable, and what is not.

Here is the list of items we pulled from the KCCI website of what NOT to do in an interview:

Be Late.
Be out of touch with the work world
Appear anything but professional
Slow ‘thank you’ note
Allow your cell phone to ring
Treat the support staff without respect (ie secretaries, administrative assistants)
Become the Interviewer
Bad mouth former employer
Behave abnormally
Be a pest post-interview

If you are looking for a job, and are not sure where to go from here you should consider contacting Portico HR. Katie@porticohr.com.

How to Maintain Your Employee’s Job Satisfaction

2010-12-31T03:18:00.000-08:00

Behind the success of every company lie the tireless efforts of its employees. They work day in and day out to make sure that the company is running well and has a respectable turnover. Therefore, as an employer, it is your duty to take care that you give them something in return. There are a lot of things that you can do to improve their morale and job satisfaction. A few such ways have been listed below:

Be fair on the pay: In the present age, salary is a very important determinant as far as employee retention is concerned. If you do not offer a competitive pay, nobody will be ready to stay on in your company. They will definitely be looking for greener pastures behind your back. So why give them a chance to do so? Paying a good salary can prove to be a profitable investment in the long run as it will increase efficiency as well as productivity for your company.
Provide feedback: For a better performance from the employees, you need to make sure that they are being provided with adequate amount of feedback. It will keep them abreast with the current progress of the company and will be ready to correct themselves for the betterment of the firm, whenever the need be.
Recognition: To make sure that your employees love their job, make it a point to recognize their achievements and award them suitably. This will act as an encouragement and will motivate them to perform better in the future.

What Could Be Your Career Resolutions For The Coming Year?

2010-12-30T02:59:00.000-08:00

Now that the current year is nearing its end, it is time for you to have new hopes and brand new ideas for the year 2011. It is quite obvious that you are working really hard to come up with some of the best resolutions. If your plans for the year ahead includes being successful in your career, the following few resolutions might seem quite helpful.
• Learning a new skill pertaining to your field: If you have been keen on learning something new that would help you in your work life, get down to business right away and please do not waste anymore time. This activity could either be learning about a new kind of technology and even reading book. Whatever it is, just get on with it.
• Refuse your resume: It is extremely important to revise your resume at least once in a year. Updating your resume can be done even when you are not looking for another job. It is quite easy to forget your accomplishments, no matter how small they are. Therefore you should always keep a record so that they can be of some use in the future.
• Get people jobs: If you are aware of a certain vacant position in your company and know someone who could fit the bill, go ahead and help him to get the job. If you bring in efficient people into the work force, your efforts would not go unnoticed.
• Look for new opportunities: Looking for a new job does not necessarily mean that you want to shift to a new job. But it is always wise to keep your eyes and ears open for brighter and better possibilities. By doing this you will always be on your toes and will never miss an opportunity

How to Look For Smarter Jobs

2010-12-29T01:42:00.000-08:00

Getting a job is not an all important thing in itself. You have to make sure that you are in a smart job and the right one. But you might be wondering as to how to search for them. It is certainly a valid question because no matter how skillful you are, you will never be happy without any job satisfaction. Listed below are a few tips that can help in making the search easier:
• Sharpening the resume: The resume is the most important tool that can help you to grab a good and well paying job. While preparing it, make sure that you are truthful and are able to make your goals crystal clear to your prospective employers. Be crisp and relevant and avoid beating about the bush.
• Network building: Once you decide where you want to work or what kind of job you will be good at, try to find someone who is already working there. Your old friends or associates might be able to help you on that. All you need to do is just get in touch with the right people.
• Homework: Try and find out as much information as possible regarding the industry you want to work in. the latest industry news can always turn out to be extremely helpful. You can get fresh job listings from various mailing lists.
• Researching about the company: If you are interested in a specific posting at a company, do the necessary researches regarding the company. Find out about the market position of the firm and the products and services it deals in. Memorize some of the significant facts so that you can state them at the interview.

Saying the Right Things in an Interview

2010-12-28T02:27:00.000-08:00

If you are graduating from college soon or on the lookout for a job, then this particular blog might turn out to be extremely beneficial for your future.
Needless to say, employers these days are extremely cautious about the people they hire. This is adversely affecting the unemployed lot who are desperately looking for work. Employers are very keen on hiring people who have what it takes to deliver. Therefore it is extremely important for you to make that impression which is going to make them realize that you are not one of those average Joes. Here are a few things which you can say to grab the attention of your prospective employers:
Though some employers might be interested in hiring people who have been consistent in their grades, there are some who prefer people who are ready to step in to the world of work. if you have not been an absolutely brilliant student but have been busy with the sports team or any kind of extracurricular activities, tell your employers how it has helped to build your motivation and improved you as a person. Employers look for hard working people and this kind of approach is definitely going to make them sit up and listen.
A simple recitation of grades and hobbies is not what is going to get you the job. You have to talk about what excites you and how your failures have enabled you to become a stronger personality. Always remember that there is nothing shameful about your failures. What you have made of them is what counts. Take the responsibility for your failures and show them that you have got the integrity factor which they had been looking for.
An interview session is your one chance to show your employers what you are really made up of. Hence, you should make the most of the opportunity provided.

This Is How You Can Make an Attractive Resume

2010-12-24T03:32:00.000-08:00

A resume that is well written is a very important part of selling yourself to the prospective employers. If you have an attractive resume, it can act as your gateway to the company workforce. A few points have been listed below which would help to strengthen your resume to a great extent.
• Make sure that you stick to the most important things. You should include a short and crisp description of yourself and how you have the required skills for applying to the post offered by the company. While you are mentioning your previous jobs, please give details about your past responsibilities.
• Include the information regarding your educational qualifications. Your resume should contain all the relevant experience and achievements. Please do not include any experience that has nothing to do with the position that you are seeking.
• If there are any employment gaps in the resume, please put in an explanation for the same. The explanation should point at the fact that you did not actually waste your time but was using it in a productive manner.
• Include a section on the number of languages you can speak and how fluently you can do so.

The Importance of Communication in Project Management

2010-12-23T02:59:00.000-08:00

If you as a project manager had been considering communication to be just another soft tool, there is a fat chance that everything around you might fall apart real soon. Communication is a major component required for the successful completion of a project. Unless and until you communicate properly with your team members, clients or senior management, things could get extremely tough. It is a skill that you need to master for better growth in your career prospects as well as the well being of the company you work in.
There are a lot of things which rely heavily on sound communication. For instance; Customer satisfaction, project team understanding, effective leadership, senior management confidence and cohesive team performance are a few things which require a good amount of communication.
Communication is a good way in which you can boost the morale of your team members. Apart from that, it is also a means by which the employees can be kept informed about the targets and the project status. Therefore holding frequent meetings is highly recommended because it keeps the entire team updated about the progress.

The Importance of Maintaining the Morale of the Employees

2010-12-22T03:32:00.000-08:00

In the current times, it is becoming more and more evident that the company executives are leaning towards reaching out to the employees in order to improve the economy. One of the major reasons for this could be their latent fear of losing their employees to competitors. Though the effort is worth applauding, it poses a basic question before us: Are the employees being objectified? Should the employees be made to feel that way?
Interaction with the workers is without a doubt an extremely positive step that has been taken. But what we need to realize in the process is that employee retention is not restricted to an increase in the paychecks alone. It is a full time job that needs a lot of attention on a regular basis. Though there might be various other things that the executive needs to take care of, the well being of the employees should never be pushed to the backseat.
Satisfied workers contribute a lot towards the success of the company. It is extremely essential that the leader motivates and inspires the employees. They should feel involved in the day to day functioning of the company. For this they have to be kept informed and their achievements need to be recognized and celebrated.

How Can You Avoid Year-End Time-Wasting

2010-12-21T04:04:00.000-08:00

It is the end of the year 2010 and the last few weeks of December are not productive. You would not be surprised to find your employees browsing for online gifts instead of working. As the office empties out, you yourself might find yourself to browse through websites for booking Christmas goodies. On other thoughts, the last few weeks of the year need not be a total loss. Here are a few tips that might help you to make the most out of this time of the year.
Reward outstanding workers – No denying the fact that it is end of the year. As a supervisor, the least that you can do is to reward your employees for their great work. It does not need to be hard on your pocket too. You can give away gift cards with written messages.
Work on team spirit – This is particularly required to give your employees a head-start for resuming work at the starting of the next year. You can arrange for a small, relaxed lunch party with your employees. This will keep your employees at ease and help in team-building.
Clean your desk – With year-end statements pouring in, your desk would not require much time to get cluttered up. Get rid of all the papers that you do not need anymore. Also, make sure to clean your email inbox.
By following these tips, you would surely get the mental satisfaction of being productive and your time would not be wasted. Use these slow year-end days to evaluate how you performed this year and how you can perform better the next year.

How Important Are Personality Tests?

2010-12-17T11:31:00.000-08:00

It is an obvious fact that a candidate will be appearing to be the best on an interview day. To unveil what is inside the interview-day façade, many companies prefer conducting a pre employment personality test.

This test can help in acquiring a better idea of how a candidate will respond to various work situations. Personality tests lead to smoother hiring processes and easier assessment.
The advantages of conducting personality tests are as follows:

Provides an edge over the resume – Personality tests can help you to unveil the inner potential of a candidate. A strong resume does not always indicate a shining persona. But a pre-employment personality test can definitely help in understanding a candidate better.

Gives another chance to stellar candidates – Even the best of candidates get eliminated at times as they fumble during their interviews. Personality tests can give them a second chance to prove their mettle.

Gives a clearer picture of a candidate’s honesty – It’s necessary for an employee to be honest and responsible towards his job. Personality tests help in analyzing the honesty of an applicant. Dishonest and untrustworthy candidates can be easily ruled out this way.

Conducting a personality test is advised as it has proved its usefulness in the field of recruiting.

A Funny Take on a Beautifully Designed Workplace

2010-12-16T11:37:00.000-08:00

A beautifully designed workplace can trigger different effects in different employees. Here' s a funny take on how an employee will react to a beautiful workplace.

Things That You Should Never Do At Your Workplace

2010-12-15T04:47:00.000-08:00

You can make your workplace a better place by making sure you treat it properly. A workplace has a decorum that every employee should follow. If everyone is aware of their actions while working, it can be easy to maintain harmony at workplace.
Here are a few things that you should not do at your workplace.
Getting involved in politics – Office politics are quite common these days. Getting entangled can be tricky. Nothing can be more futile and baseless than spending time talking behind the back of someone. It also cuts short on your productivity time. It spoils your image in front of your colleagues who do not indulge in office politics. It is always better to maintain a proper image at a workplace.
Being too busy to take breaks – Intermittent breaks can revitalize your senses and you can work better. It is a proved fact and works for all. So if you haven’t tried it till now, it is high time you should start. It will help you to feel better and work faster.
Complaining about your salary – This is something that most of the employees do at one point of time. Complaining about your salary to your co-workers are not going to change anything. Face it. Instead, by discussing such a topic with your fellow workers you might jeopardize your image.
Not interacting with people around – Being in a job gives you a fair chance to look around and converse with like-minded people. Utilize the opportunity. Make the most of it and interact with people if you haven’t been doing much of it till now.
These are just a few tips that can help you to gain a better recognition at your workplace. There are many more things that you need to take care of while working in a corporate environment.

Staffing Industry Guides the Economy

2010-12-13T05:53:00.000-08:00

According to the reports by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the staffing industry directed the job growth in November last year by adding about 40,000 new jobs. Since its renewed growth in October 2009, BLS has successfully added 494,000 new jobs in a span of 14 months.
ASA officials are of the opinion that the demand for temporary help has increased considerably. This makes it evident that the economy is guided in the right direction.
A seasonally estimated report by BLS reveals that staffing employment faced a growth of 1.3% from the month of October to the month of November in 2009. On a yearly basis, 18.1% more workers were employed in the month of November, as compared to the statistics of a year back. The ASA staffing index shows that there has been an increase in staffing payrolls by 18% since last November.
For more information, read this.

Get Your Boss To Think Over Your Ideas

2010-12-10T12:19:00.000-08:00

It is absolutely necessary to let your boss know about your ideas when it comes to work. There is no denying the fact that no one knows your job better than you do. In this blog we will discuss about how you can get your boss to hear to what you have to say.

Develop a healthy relationship with your boss. Needless to say, to do this, you need to be in the ‘good books’. Obey his orders, meet the deadlines, inform your boss about your work status and most importantly, admit your mistakes. These steps can help you to interact with your boss and eventually you can get to talk to him regarding your ideas and opinions.
Learn from your boss. Good or bad, your boss has achieved the position by being what he is. Face it and try to analyze his way of dealing with work matters. This will help you to understand his way of thinking. There is no denying the fact that there is a lot to learn from a person who is your boss.
Ask for feedback. Your boss is your mentor. Make him feel so. Ask him for feedback on your performance.

Interaction with your boss can help you to develop a positive relationship with him. This will pave your path to hold a conversation discussing your opinions with your boss.

Make Your Employees Smile

2010-12-09T12:03:00.000-08:00

A workplace should not be confined to the barriers of corporate formalities. It should have the essence of cordiality too. Employees are entitled to do their jobs but they should also feel comfortable while working. Here are a few tips that can help you to make your employees happy.

Listen to your employees. Nothing can be better than this. Give your employees a chance to speak. Make them speak about the changes they would like to see in their workplace. Implement their ideas and give them the credit. This enhances your interaction with your employees and also makes them feel special.
Reward your employees. Introduce programs like ‘Employee of the month’. Reward the employee who has performed the best in a given month. This not only makes your employee happy, it also motivates them to strive for perfection.
Allow fun hours. Working at-a-stretch can take a toll on your employees and productivity can get hampered. Allow small breaks when your employees can unwind themselves. This break might be utilized for having coffee, chatting with each other, going out for a stroll or just relaxing.
Celebrate their special days. Your employees come to work even on their birthdays. You can do the least by celebrating their special days. Personalized hand-written notes can mean a lot. They give a personal touch and work wonders.

Your employees constitute your workplace. Make them feel valued and wanted.

How to Deal With an Underachiever?

2010-12-08T08:15:00.000-08:00

There can be cases when an employee is not performing well. As an employer, you should go ahead and find out what is the reason behind his poor performance. Here are a few questions that you can probably ask your employee who is not performing too well.
Your performance is not up-to-the-mark. What is wrong? This is a straightforward question that works most of the time. An employee can have issues in his personal life. No one likes to open up with their personal problems but you can take an initiative to show that you care. If your employee says that he is going through a bad time, do not insist on any details and give him some time.
Are you satisfied with your work? This is the right question when you are approaching an employee who apparently seems to be happy and content. If your employee does not have any personal stress, then his poor performance has to do something with his job. Maybe he isn’t getting proper resources that are required to fulfill his job. Once you know what is missing, you can work on it.
Are you facing any hindrances in giving your 100% to work? Being a manager, you must be too busy handling hundreds of tasks in your own cabin than to notice any problem that individual employee might have been facing. Try to understand the issues your employee has been facing and cross-check them with a few others. If it is something that requires attention, take actions immediately.
When was the last time you underwent a performance review? This one is more apt a question for you, but it does need to be asked at one point of time. Performance reviews are very important to assess the working capability of your employees. Annual checks can help you to analyze your employees’ performances.
These questions can unburden your employee who might be performing poorly. They will also clear your doubts and will give you a better insight of what more you can do to increase productivity at your workplace.

Attend The Unemployment Insurance Law: Effectively Handling Unemployment Insurance Claims & Appeals

2010-12-06T05:27:00.000-08:00

The Des Moines Metro Employers Council of Iowa and IowaWORKS of Central Iowa is organizing Unemployment Insurance Law: Effectively Handling Unemployment Insurance Claims & Appeals on December 9, 2010, that is falling on a Thursday, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. The venue is Iowa Workforce Center, 430 East Grand Ave, Des Moines, Iowa.
This interactive session will involve discussions on topics like reasons behind misconducts, quits, employee-terminations, need for drug testing results, part-time and temporary internships, significance of enforcing employer policies and many more. The Chief Law Judge of Iowa Workforce Development, Dan Anderson will be one of the presenters. This seminar is particularly useful for Human Resource personnel, businessmen, managers, and employer representatives.
Get yourself registered right away as seating is limited. Registration fee is $25 and it includes lunch.
Please RSVP Gloria Cano at Gloria.cano@iwd.iowa.gov or 515-281-9649.
Please make checks payable to Employers Council of Iowa-pay at the door or mail check to Gloria at address above.
Iowa’s Employers’ Councils work in partnership with Iowa Workforce Development. Together, they meet the business needs and provide professional information on issues related to the business community. Visit www.iowaworkforce.org/eci/ for more information.

Office Gossip –Ways to Control It

2010-12-03T05:41:00.000-08:00

Every workplace has its own decorum. One should be aware of his/ her activities and mannerisms. Maintaining a cordial relationship with fellow workers is very important.
One of the most common problems that are seen in workplaces is gossiping. Not only does it hurt someone’s reputation, it also reduces the work-efficiency of an office. Gossiping harms the working environment to a great extent. The managing head of the place should put his/ her foot down before such an issue gets out of control.
There is always a source to every gossip or rumor. One needs to locate that before acting on it. Usually a person or a group of people start the rumor and it spreads from one ear to the other. Employees should be encouraged NOT to entertain any rumors. You can adopt any of the following ways to avoid getting involved in office gossips.
• Change the topic.
• Walk away, if you are in a group.
• Make it clear that you are not comfortable in discussing the topic.
• Do not react.
A company itself can adopt a few steps to control gossiping. It should create a work-friendly atmosphere. Co-workers should share good understanding. Management should exercise a good level of communication with the employees to check on rumors and gossips. Also, a ‘no-gossip’ policy should be enforced.

At-Will Employment – Few Things That You Should Know

2010-12-02T05:31:00.000-08:00

At-will employment is a canon of American law which states that in an employee-employer partnership, either party can break the corporate relationship at any point of time and because of any reason. There is no liability involved in such cases. Until and unless both the parties sign in to a legal contract stating that they are going to continue the corporate bond for a specified time, the relationship is ‘at-will’.
In such cases, an employer has the freedom of terminating his employee with or without stating any reason. Similarly, an employee is free to quit the job as and when he desires to. Except in Montana, at-will employment is presently allowed by all state and federal laws.
However, the at-will doctrine has three major exceptions. It is important for all employees to understand these exceptions to determine whether they have been terminated wrongfully.
Public policy – As per this policy, if an employer fires an employee and thereby violates a government policy, it is considered to be a wrongful act on the employer’s part. This is one the most common exception to the at-will doctrine.
Implied contract – In case an employee gets fired even though he/ she is engaged in an implied contract with his/ her employer, that might not have been put down on paper, it is considered to be a wrongful termination.
Covenant of good faith – This involves a valid report that states that an employee has a positive job background and has been performing well. Such a report will obviously imply that one cannot terminate such a good employee without any valid reason.
Employment at-will involves several complexities that might lead to problems. It is advisable to talk to a legal representative and discuss the possible implications when you land up in a soup.

Tackle Your Laid-Back Employees

2010-12-01T05:56:00.000-08:00

Being the HRM of a company, you might encounter issues like employees acting lazy and laid-back. You may feel that this might affect the productivity of your company; you need to accept the fact that your employees have a life outside the office. So, instead of behaving harshly, you need to tackle such situations strategically.
Frankly talk to you employees. If you see that any employee is not performing up to the mark, confront him/ her. Discuss what you have been currently noticing and ask him/ her the reason behind the lethargy. Also, express how important he/ she is to the company. Make him/ her feel important and what are the expectations that you hold from him/ her.
Reward your employees properly. A ‘Well done’ does the trick most of the time but that should not be the only way of rewarding your employees. If a particular employee performs exceptionally well, try to incentivize him/ her. This could be monetary, but it could have a more far-fetched result. Your employee would get an idea to what extent his/ her hard work matters.
Assign more work. At times, it could be possible that your laid-back employee is simply bored and a little more responsibility might help to get him/ her involved in work.
Perform an Internal Audit. You might notice a single employee acting lethargic but there might be a more pronounced problem with the office environment. Perform a thorough employee survey and check whether everything’s fine with the working culture in your office.
There are many more things that you should do to find out what is exactly wrong with your laid-back employees. Always remember, there is no chance of growth for an unmotivated employee. Provide ample motivation so that your employees can work with ease.

Importance of a 90-Day Review

2010-11-30T21:57:00.000-08:00

In order to establish a commitment to a new employee, you should be performing the 90-day review. Performance reviews are significant as they help to motivate employees to perform better. It is equally necessary to assess an employee accurately. An incorrect review can have bad effects on the company.
It is always good to tell your staffs how well they are performing in the work-front. This gives them an idea of their stand in the company. Hence, your employees can strive for perfection. Regular feedback is necessary to keep up the working spirit in your employees. A 90-day performance review is usually done for new employees on completion of their 90 days of employment. The first 90 days of employment is the introductory period of a new employee. During this phase, several discussions regarding job expectations and performance need to be held. Here are some instructions that you need to follow if you are conducting a 90 day review.
• Talk and discuss with your employee that he/ she would be screened for 90 days.
• Ask your employee to bring up any doubts and concerns in the appraisal meeting.
• Analyze your employee’s personnel file and make yourself thoroughly acquainted with all the necessary details. Make sure all the employment forms have been signed properly.
• For the review meeting, call the employee to a cabin that provides privacy.
• Emphasize on the employee’s positive side as you start giving feedback to him/ her.
• After providing your feedback, do ask the employee about his/ her satisfaction with the job.
A 90 day review is very necessary to develop inter-personal bonds with workers and employees.

Usage of Cell Phones at Workplace

2010-11-26T03:10:00.000-08:00

Cell phones are undoubtedly an important part of everybody’s life these days. It becomes a problem to manage cell phones in the midst of work. They not only disturb the working environment at a workplace, but also increase the potential risk of headaches. Needless to say, cell phones can hinder an employee’s productivity as well.
Work disruption is a very evident outcome of frequent usage of cell phones at work. To do the least, you can follow these guidelines to make sure that cell phones do not cause hindrance.
Put your cell phone on silent mode – It comes out of one’s common sense that if a phone keeps on ringing, others around might get disturbed. Never keep your cell phone on ringer when you are at work. This will help in maintaining others’ peace of mind and your boss won’t come to know how frequently you get calls.
Receive only important calls – When you are at work, your full attention should be towards your work and duties. However, there may be emergency situations that might require your attention. So, narrow down your calls to only the important ones that need to be attended right away. Bunk all the casual calls that can be attended later.
Make your private calls outside your working area – It is always better to make/ attend your private calls by going outside your office. This way, your co-workers would not be disturbed and you can talk out without the uneasiness of being overheard.
Every workplace has its own decorum and employees should understand that. Usage of cell phones is acceptable until it doesn’t disturb anyone.

How to use Twitter as a Recruitment Tool?

2010-11-24T04:00:00.000-08:00

Use of social media in recruitment is the most in-thing right now. Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are the most widely used recruitment tools. In this blog, we will discuss how Twitter can be used as an effective recruitment tool.
Get started. Recruiters can use their personal Twitter account to recruit people or they can use the company’s account for the purpose. Try to build up a strong connection online. Twitter gives you only 140 characters to reach out your message to people. So, instead of beating around the bush, use small and to-the-point messages for people to read. Use hashtags to help your posts get indexed easily. For job postings, the most appropriate hashtags can be #jobs, #recruitment, #career, and #employment. Be a little strategic while creating your posts. Remember, number of characters is limited and you need to put in as much information as possible. Your tweets would be representing your company, so you need to be careful while creating job posts. Search for people whom you know by entering their names in the Twitter searchbox. It is not only about getting connected with the possible candidates, a recruiter might as well connect with people belonging to his field of expertise and get referrals.
Use the networking services. Job posts are not restricted to simple tweets. There is much more to it. Sites like TweetMyJobs and Jobvite help you to target a specific audience.
Research on your potential candidates. Spend some productive time in doing a little research on the candidates who have the potential to work in your company. Check their network and evaluate the quality of their tweets. Check whether they are utilizing Twitter to the fullest or not. If you find any interesting candidate, send in an offer.
Twitter can prove to be a productive tool if used properly.

Ways to Reward Your Employees

2010-11-23T04:50:00.000-08:00

Appreciation is very important to keep up employees’ spirit. They need to be rewarded at times for their good work. But budget is tight at the same time. So, how can you fulfill the purpose of rewarding your employees? Read on.
Be thoughtful. A sincere ‘thanks’ can do wonders at times. The word has a lot of gravity and can help a person to understand that his efforts are appreciated. It means a lot more than a promotion, an award or a certificate. You can go for all the thoughtful ideas like posting a ‘thank you’ note on an employer’s door or desk, stopping by just to thank an employee and not to discuss work, etc.
Work on your gestures. It doesn’t always have to be extravagant when it comes to rewarding your employee. You just need to think on how you can put your gestures into action. Arranging for a carwash for an employee, arranging for a photo session with the CEO of your company, etc. are some of the ideas that you can adopt.
Use the power of ‘food’. This is something that goes with every occasion. Presence of good food creates a festive atmosphere. You can deliver fruits in a basket or a packet of chocolate chips to your deserving employee. A bottle of wine can be a great way to express your gratitude towards an employee. An attached message can make it perfect. If it is a whole team you want to thank, you can consider taking them out for a pizza treat. Be open to new ideas when it comes to thank your workers. There are a lot many ways.
Nothing is better than a time-off. You can reward your esteemed employee with a free afternoon, an extra break or a long weekend. Unburdening an employee for a while can be the best way to reward him.
Remember, money isn’t everything.
Courtesy: ADP

Prevent Identity Theft at Your Workplace

2010-11-22T04:45:00.000-08:00

Studies show that 70% of identity thefts take place within the workplace. Employee records usually include vital employee details like names, dates of birth, addresses and Social Security Numbers. You need to follow a few significant steps to avoid such problematic situations.
There are three constraints that need special attention when it comes to avoid identity thefts at a workplace. They are –
• People
• Paper
• Computers
Confidential records should be kept away from strangers. New employees should undergo a thorough background check. Same thing applies for people who are dealing with confidential information. At times when outsiders visit your company, they should be accompanied by an escort to access any confidential information. Make use of company ID badges. They can help you track down strangers at your workplace. Take immediate action if you notice any stranger inside your work area.
Lock up confidential papers. Documents like Benefit forms, Payroll reports, etc. contain important details and can be easily misused if they are subjected to theft. Organize them in separate folders and mark them according to your convenience so that you can track them later. Keep these folders locked in a cabinet. Keep your desk free from unwanted papers and documents. This will help you to track down a theft easily. Avoid printing confidential documents through a shared printer. Get rid of documents that you do not need any more.
Set a smart and difficult-to-track password. Each user ID should have a unique, associated password. Immediately change the default passwords that come with new software. Customize your computer in such a way that it goes on hibernation when you are away from your desk for a while and only on entering the correct password will you be able to log back in. Make a habit of changing your passwords every 90 days. Encourage your employees to use passwords that are combinations of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters. Avoid using old passwords. Encryption of confidential information is mandatory before you send them via mail.
All in all, you need to be very careful of the possibilities of identity theft at your workplace.
Courtesy: ADP

How to Re-Hire Old Employees?

2010-11-19T04:46:00.000-08:00

Cutbacks and layoffs are some things that have been rampant last year. But as the economy is stabilizing again, it’s time you think about hiring quality workers for your company. Re-staffing is a good way to get back capable workers who had to face the wrath of layoffs.
Some businesses call it boomerangs, others call it alumni – but all would agree that bringing back promising former employees can do wonders to the ROI of a business.
The following points can help you to consider rehiring in your company.
The matter of ease – The foremost advantage of rehiring former employees is that you know the candidate. That rules out the reasons for worrying about the background of the concerned candidate. Plus, a former candidate who is willing to come back to the company probably has faced the duller pastures of the industry. That makes them give their former company a second thought. It is less likely in such cases that the candidate will leave the company once they have been re-recruited.
Selective – Once you have made the decision of rehiring former employees you need to narrow down your selection. Be selective. You cannot probably expect any former employee to come back to your company as and when you send in the offer. Review their files and find out the grounds on which they had been previously fired. If the grounds can be considered, you can go take the next step.
Form office alumni – You do not need a big budget to form an office alumni network. A simple online network can help you to stay in touch with your previous employees and thereby it can help you to consider rehiring.
These are not the only issues that you need to think about while rehiring, there are a lot many more.
For professional HR services, contact PorticoHR.

How to Handle Religious Discrimination at Work during Holidays?

2010-11-19T04:40:00.000-08:00

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) takes up religious discrimination at workplace quite seriously. So, how to handle your employees without landing yourself in trouble? Read on to find out.
The best way to handle such a sensitive issue is to be very cautious while dealing with religious affairs at work. You should not end up favoring one religion over the other under any condition. Presence of employees belonging to varied religions will obviously result in numerous requests for leave at different times of the working year. By allowing the following options at your workplace, you can deal with this issue efficiently.
• Voluntary substitution of assignments
• Allowance of working during break time and thereby eligible to leave early
• Allowing paid leave on religious holidays
• Provision of working for longer time on a particular day so as to take a leave on the next day
The bottom line is to make your employees feel comfortable and happy at their workplace through an unbiased and consistent process of decision-making.

New Rules of Hiring

2010-11-18T04:26:00.000-08:00

The world is changing and it’s becoming more and more competitive day by day. In order to keep up with the changing trends, one needs to be updated with the latest recruiting processes. If you are recruiting employees after a long gap, then you really need to know the current hiring trends.

Skip the resumes - Practically speaking, hiring implies that a company needs employees desperately. So when an applicant is undergoing interview try not to pay too much attention to the resume itself. Testing of an applicant can be done through the screening process. Resumes contain half-truths and exaggerations. So skipping resumes also rules out the possible time waste.

Make the most of the interview - This is the platform where an applicant can prove their mettle and a recruiter can understand the capability of the applicant. Utilize this platform well. Try to grasp the working ability of the applicant while the interview is going on. Testify, verify and screen the person thoroughly at this stage.
Behavioral aspect – It is very important to check the attitude and personality of an applicant at the time of hiring. A company is likely to follow specific office decorum and the candidate needs to have proper approach to make it to the post.
Use social media – The latest tool that can be successfully applied for recruitments is social media. Sites like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn have millions of interconnected users. By successfully using the information you gather through social or professional networking platforms you can narrow down your employee search.
These are just some of the thing you can bring into play while recruiting suitable human resources for your organization. Allow Portico HR to take care of hiring and staffing in your company.

How to Cross-Check Resumes?

2010-11-16T05:44:00.000-08:00

Reference checks are always important but conducting them might be difficult. All employers wish to get information about an applicant but cross-checking with an applicant’s previous employers can be shaky as no one wants to lose an able employee.
ESR,i.e., Employment Screening Resources, is very important when it comes to recruiting new employers. According to ESR, a resume is a factual document that might not be entirely true. An additional reference check is quite important. Let’s take a look at how ESR helps in recruitment.
Right choice of applicant – By conducting a reference check on the credibility of information the applicant has provided. Past performance can judge the applicant’s capabilities. Information is always better than intuition, so, gather as much information about the applicant as you can. This will help you make the right choice of a candidate for the post.
Investment protection – Wrong recruitment decisions can lead to unforeseen financial, administrative and legal problems and obviously, delayed productivity.
Honesty – Reference checks can verify the honesty of an applicant. This will help in understanding the accuracy of the applicant’s resume.
Portico HR is the leading provider of staffing. You can rely on PorticoHR for employment solutions.

Tips on Hiring a CEO

2010-11-11T22:57:00.000-08:00

Hiring a pro as CEO can help a company soar higher in the corporate front. But hiring a CEO for a company is something that requires a lot of research. Even after finding someone who has the zeal to carry forward major company responsibilities, it takes some time to adjust with a newbie who is in-charge of such an important post. Here are some tips that one should keep in mind while recruiting a CEO for the company.
The far-fetched vision – A company should have its own contemplation of long-term goals and strategies. No one can, however, articulate a company’s vision, especially a newcomer. The newcomer should have a fair idea of the company’s strengths and weaknesses and must be able to analyze the possible gaps and loopholes.
Additional opinions – Always take help of other ruling bodies in the company. Getting help from other individuals can help you to select the right person for your company. Another advantage of having other opinions is that you can focus on specific intangibles that other might miss out on.
Cultural fit – The applicant must have a strong personal attribute. Check the applicant’s relationship with his/ her past co-workers to understand his/ her managerial style.
Hiring a CEO requires you to focus on many more fields and agendas. The points discussed in this blog are just a few of them.

IRCA – An Overview

2010-11-11T21:31:00.000-08:00

The Immigration Reform and Control Act, i.e., IRCA was enacted on November 6, 1986. It is an act that forbids employers from recruiting or referring illegal immigrants for work in the US. There can be two agendas that can lead to this prohibition.
• The individual is residing within the country illegally
• The immigration status of the individual doesn’t permit employment
IRCA is applicable to any organization, regardless of its size and the number of employees it has. Employers are required to fill up an Employment Eligibility Verification Form, i.e., a Form 1-9, as and when they recruit an applicant. This is to verify the identity of the applicant and his eligibility to work in the States. This form 1-9 should be completed within 3 working days from the date of the recruitment. If the applicant is awaiting a particular verification form, an additional time period of 21 days is provided.
Basically, an employer needs to fulfill the following steps when he hires someone:
• Getting the employee to sign the form 1-9
• Examining the form thereafter to ensure it has been properly filled up
• Examining the applicant’s documents to verify his/ her eligibility
• Completing the verification section by keeping a record of all the documents that are provided by the applicant and confirming thereafter that he/she is eligible for employment in the States.

How You Can Survive In A Job That You Hate

2010-11-10T05:04:00.000-08:00

It is hard to find a ‘perfect’ job that keeps you enthralled throughout the day. If it were, it wouldn’t have been ‘work’. It depends on how you make things easier for yourself at work. It is possible that some people may find it difficult to cope up with their jobs owing to different reasons, like, a terrible boss, too much work pressure, nasty co- workers, etc. The following tips can help you to cope up with your job-related problems.
• Look for greener pastures – If you are not happy with your current job then it’s likely that you would look for a better job. Remind yourself that a job with better prospects is awaiting you.
• Give yourself some time – Make sure you get some time for yourself while you are slogging at your workplace. You need time to unwind yourself and especially when you are not happy with your job.
• Mix fun with work – It is not healthy to work at a stretch for hours. Try to take small intermittent breaks to recharge yourself. Utilize your lunch hours to loosen up a bit. The catch is to take some time out to do something that interests you instead of dragging yourself the whole day.
• Think about the life outside work – Work is important but do not let that overtake your whole life. Do not forget that you have a life outside the office. Focus on other priorities of your life. Take out time for your friends to catch up on some movie or a simple hang-out.
• Utilize your time while you are at office- You know that you won’t be staying with the same kind of work throughout your life, so, while you are still entitled to the job you do not quite like, try to enhance your skills while being at it.
Good companies have arrangements to help their employees sustain through the work pressure. If you correctly deal your situation, nothing can deter you.

Avoid Unintentional Discrimination Against Disabled Employees

2010-11-09T00:52:00.000-08:00

If you are in charge of making vital decisions in a firm, you need to be very careful of your actions or you may be accused of discriminating against a disabled employee.
It might so happen that you took a decision that unknowingly went against your disabled employee. You need to analyze your actions regularly to make sure you do not make any biased decision.
Make yourself familiar with the following areas where unintentional discrimination might take place.
• Restricting employment opportunities based on myths about disabled people can put you in trouble. You should not be limiting your decisions to the stereotyped and outdated thoughts. If a disabled employee has the ability to perform better, you cannot restrict him/her from getting a promotion.
• You cannot hinder an employee’s employment opportunities based on the probable accommodation and transportation cost. ADA (Americans with Disability Act) is liable to cover such extra employee charges.
• Isolating disabled employees from the normal employees is another issue that you need to take care of. You cannot segregate your disabled employees from other employees under any condition. Disabled employees have complete right to interact with other employees in an office.
• You cannot restrict an employee from undergoing company training sessions. They must have equal access to company’s workshops like the regular employees.
Evaluate your employees on the basis of their abilities, not their disabilities.

Have You Been Thanking People Around You Enough?

2010-11-05T03:27:00.000-07:00

Among the so-called efficient business management tools that we use these days, the most underused one is the simple, two-lettered word that we were taught when we were toddlers – Thank You. A simple acknowledgement helps to lift one’s spirits and thereby gives a person a reason to increase his/her efforts.
Studies show that ‘Thank You’ goes parallel with bigger efforts. It can prove to be an efficient motivational tool. Who doesn’t like to be thanked after all? The only problem with thanking a person is that many people find it difficult to express gratitude.
In a business firm, it is very important to maintain a cordial relationship with the working associates, i.e., sponsors, staff, volunteers, etc. Here are a few people who deserve thanks every now and then.
Take the instance of the interns– Serving coffee, running errands for people, doing odd jobs – that’s all about them. They do not get promotion, neither do they get a pat on their backs for their work. By thanking these people you’d be boosting their confidence to work. Take some time out of your schedule to probably get to know what their future plans are, and you could possibly advise them on what their next job could be. Calling them over for office get-togethers and outings will also be a kind way of making them feel like one of the rest.
Then there are the ‘little’ people. They do not need introduction. They take care of stuff like cleaning, sorting mails, repairing, so on and so forth. Little do we realize how much these ‘little people’ contribute to make our work environment comfortable. Their untiring efforts hardly get any attention and recognition. So, it makes perfect sense to thank such people for their great service and effort to keep us at ease.
‘Thank You’ doesn’t require you to buy gifts and presents. It does not ask you to spend a single penny. It represents simple mannerisms that can make the world a better place to work in.

Boost Your Workplace Productivity by Getting Proper Sleep

2010-11-04T05:47:00.000-07:00

According to a survey, employee productivity drops off significantly from noon. It is perfectly natural that a person loses his energy and capability to work as the day comes to an end. It has been proved that the reason behind such declination of working ability is lack of sleep.

Adults need 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep to be able to give their best output at work. Studies show that Americans are getting 6.9 hours of sleep, almost 2 hours less than what is required.

Who are experiencing more fatigue?
• Female employees.
• Employees who are in charge of decision-making, taking responsibilities, etc.
• Employees who are under 50 year.

What is the result?
Decline in productivity. Higher the number of fatigued employees at a workplace the lesser the productivity. Deprivation of sleep also leads to lack of concentration. Hence it takes time for a fatigued employee to finish his job.

An Employer’s Responsibility
An employer can encourage his employees to get necessary sleep and rest. He can make them understand that proper sleep is essential for a sound mind and a healthy body. He can permit his employees to take 10-15 minutes nap during a working day. These nap breaks can also be utilized for smoking, drinking coffee, chatting with co-workers, etc.

The Fairy Jobmother – A Ray of Hope for the Unemployed

2010-11-03T06:03:00.000-07:00

Lifetime’s latest TV show is ‘The Fairy Jobmother’. Hayley Taylor is playing the lead role as the tart-tongued Mary Poppins – a 43 year old, well-dressed, no-nonsense job specialist who assists unemployed families to get back on a profession through her serious and tough love tactics.
Taylor is supposed to interact closely with each family she gets to deal with and do a thorough research on the family history. She will be unveiling the unsaid truths that might be the possible reason behind unemployment of a family. She will be delving deep into the family backgrounds and the harsh realities associated with them. Henceforth, Taylor will try to help the families recover from the emotional and financial dilemma by associating them with fair opportunities of employment.
This show is unique in its own way and has a different approach. Unemployment is a grave problem that leaves a family devastated. A TV show that deals with such a topic is certain to draw attention of good many Americans.

Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 – A Boon for the Small Business Firms

2010-11-02T05:54:00.000-07:00

Small Business Association (SBA) is seeing healthy prospects to grow as the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 was enforced on September 27 this year. This law allows the small businesses to create new jobs and provides critical resources to help the businesses recover economically. The new law introduced renewed and better loan provisions. Entrepreneurs and small businessmen get to access more capital. It also enables the small business firms to compete better for contracts. The law also promotes small business exporting, training and counseling. To sum it up, it provides $12 billion tax relief to help the small business firms invest in their businesses and create new jobs.

For detailed information on Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, read this report.

The Happiness Advantage

2010-10-26T14:26:00.000-07:00

One of the BEST speakers at the State of Iowa SHRM conference was Shawn Achor. Achor spent ten years at Harvard University (he himself being a graduate) researching students and Fortune 500 executives to show how happiness raises every single outcome.

Speaking to a spell bound crowd of over 500 statewide human resource professionals, Shawn held everyone in rapt attention as his stories and case studies from his work in 42 countries demonstrates how we can reprogram our brains to become more positive to gain a competitive advantage in the work place.

It is a commonly accepted maxim that if we work harder, we will be more successful, and then we will be happy. But, research shows this formula is backward – happiness fuels success, and helps us work faster and smarter.

Common sense? Absolutely, says Shawn but you can maximize your positive outlook even more by even just these three simple steps:

Social Investment: If you are stressed, raise, not lower, investment in your social support network. Write a two-sentence email everyday praising a coworker, family member, or friend. This decreases stress and raises productivity 31 percent.

The Tetris Effect: Our brains get stuck in patterns. If you spend your day scanning for the negative, you get stuck. Get stuck at positive. Train your brain by writing down 3 things for which you are grateful for 21 days. This raises sales and ups optimism even 6 months later.

20-Second Rule: To catalyze a reaction, there must be an investment of energy. Thus is takes more work to start a task than to do it. Find a habit that would make you happier, then make it 20 second easier to start. Put a pen on the forms you are procrastinating on. Put athletic shoes next to your briefcase. Wear workout clothes to bed. Your brain will do the rest.

Shawn has written a book called, The Happiness Advantage: The Seven Principles of Positive Psychology That Fuel Success and Performance at Work. If you buy one hard cover or e-book this year, make it this one. Available on Amazon.com. Learn more about Shawn at www.ShawnAchor.com.

Use the "Happiness Advantage" to find your next job!