Tips for Helping WFH Parents Succeed

Posted on 29th October 202029th October 2020

Parents currently working from home while their kids are remote learning are in a uniquely difficult situation, especially if both parents hold a full-time job. There are many steps employers can take to show these workers that they care, and that they are willing to help them succeed. Below are just a few ideas companies might keep in mind to make sure they retain these parents and help them avoid burn out.

Allow for Flexibility. Be sure to empathize with the challenges that these employees are currently facing. While these parents are likely reaping the benefits of no longer commuting to work, they are also facing new challenges to their work-life balance. Offer flexible scheduling or windowed work if possible. If needed, be prepared to spread the workload by bringing in interim staff. You should also consider what post-pandemic flexibility might look like. These employees may be incented by the idea that after their children return to school, they will still have options to work from home and have a more manageable schedule.

Provide Resources. Studies have shown that working moms are disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. According to NPR, 865,000 women left the workforce in the month of September. Employers should help these employees understand that they are not alone in their struggle. Providing a platform for parents to connect with other parents at the company would be a great way to show that you care. Consider creating a spot on your company website to offer parents information on childcare options, children’s’ activities and field trips, recipes, stress relief and other helpful websites or webinars.

Communicate. It’s easy for remote employees to feel isolated from the company, especially when you add in the stress of managing a child’s at home learning. This is the time to overly communicate with your employees. Be sure to celebrate accomplishments and big wins. Schedule team-building events over zoom to keep up camaraderie and make everyone feel like they are part of the team.

Are you looking to add to your team? Let PS&R help you find your next great hire. Call 617.723.1919 to start working with one of our experienced executive recruiters.

Remote Job Interview Questions You Should Master

Posted on 27th August 202027th August 2020

Not ready to return to a traditional office setting? You are not alone. As many companies are operating with all remote employees, work from home opportunities are more readily available than before. But employers are still looking for a candidate that is the “right fit”, and that now means someone who has the habits and qualities of a self-motivator. PS&R has put together some questions for you to review and consider before you interview for that remote position. Think about how you will communicate the way you work and what you do to stay productive.

How do you balance your work and personal life when working from home?

It can be hard to prioritize your own physical health and mental health, along with family time, when there is no separation between work and home. Think about how you will structure your day and how you will make time for yourself.

What does your “at home” workspace look like to make you successful?

If you have a home office, think about what equipment you will need to be comfortable and effective. This could mean a standing desk, a larger monitor, or special headphones.

How do you prioritize tasks throughout the day?

Working remotely can put you in a more fast-paced environment than you are accustomed to. Think about how you will prioritize calls/meetings and tasks throughout the day. It’s important for your potential employer to know you have a handle on this.

What concerns you about working remotely?

If you are asked about your concerns with working remotely, your potential employer is looking to see if you are aware of your weaknesses and how you might work to improve in these areas.

When interviewing for a remote position, it’s important that you have thought through your strategy for working effectively, avoiding burnout, and operating as part of a team. Clearly communicate your approach and you are one step closer to your next opportunity!

If you are looking for a work from home job or if you are an employer looking to fill remote positions, PS&R is here to help! Our experienced executive recruiting team can be reached at 617.723.1919.

Four Tips for Hiring a Stand-Out Administrative Assistant

Posted on 16th July 202016th July 2020

Administrative assistants are often considered the backbone of an organization. The most successful admins are trained and can execute a wide variety of tasks. The following tips will help you hire an administrative assistant who can make your company stronger:

Make a clear list of job expectations. You don’t know who you’re looking for until you know what qualities a successful candidate will need. Make an exhaustive list of responsibilities and from that, determine a list of skills and experiences that are required for the role. Now you can use that list to compose a well-written and compelling job description. It’s also important to understand salary trends and make sure that the scope of the role matches the range of salary you are willing to offer a candidate.
Let people know you’re searching. There are a lot of hard working, experienced executive assistants out there, and alerting your network that you are looking might uncover talent you wouldn’t have otherwise found.
Pay attention to certain details. When reviewing candidates, notice instances when they have gone above and beyond in past roles. Pay attention to the candidates that have shown an effort to better themselves through training or participation in industry organizations. These are good signs that they are highly motivated professionals.
Partner with a Staffing Agency. Preferred Staffing & Recruiting has been helping clients find great people for over thirty years. Our experienced staff is particularly skilled at finding qualified administrative assistants, from entry to executive level. We’d love the opportunity to work with you!

Contact PS&R today by calling 617.723.1919 or visit us at www.psandr.com!

Five Tips for Mastering the Virtual Interview

Posted on 20th May 202020th May 2020

If you land an interview right now, it will most likely take place using Zoom or another video conferencing app. And let’s be honest, we might be doing virtual interviews for the foreseeable future! If you haven’t used Zoom, it is fairly straightforward. The employer will do the work of setting up the meeting information, so all you need to do is make sure you are comfortable with the technology. Here are some tips from PS&R to help perfect your Zoom interviews.

Know what you’re doing. Get the app set up on your device well ahead of time. Practice with a friend or relative to ensure there are no audio or other issues. Make sure your profile name is your first and last name. If you have other people in the household who also use the app, they could have changed the profile name to just about anything. You want the interviewer to see your name while you are speaking to one another.
Find the right setting. You will need a quiet and private place to take the interview. For people with a busy household, this could mean that a laundry room or walk-in closet are the only viable options. These spaces could be messy or potentially distracting to your interviewer. Thankfully, Zoom offers virtual backgrounds. If you can’t interview in a space that is appropriate, test out a few backgrounds ahead of time and choose a simple one that you like the best.
Dress appropriately. Pick out clothing that you would wear to an in-person interview, and make sure it’s pressed and stain-free. Just because you are not face-to-face doesn’t mean these details will go unnoticed.
Be mindful of your speech and body language. Video conferencing apps tend to be glitchy, even with the best internet connection. Using a slow and steady pace when you speak will help avoid any misunderstandings and will show that you are calm and confident. The interviewer will be watching you the entire time, so it’s important to remain professional and not inadvertently react to an incoming text message or a child calling from another room.
Prepare ahead of time. Just like any other interview, you should have answers ready for the most common questions. Also write down any questions you might have and keep them handy. If you don’t understand something, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification. As we mentioned before, the Zoom app isn’t perfect and it can sometimes freeze for a second or two, so if you aren’t sure what was communicated be sure to get confirmation.

It’s likely that even when things do return to “normal”, virtual interviews will be used more frequently. There’s no better time than now to use these tips to become a pro!

PS&R’s experienced executive recruiting team is here for you during your job search, or if you are the one doing the hiring. Feel free to contact us at 617.723.1919.

Information Technology Jobs on the Rise

Posted on 20th February 202026th February 2020

These days we are using technology more than ever before. It’s not surprising that, as a global trend, computer and tech-related jobs are becoming more important. According to data provided by CompTIA, the information technology industry will grow at a rate of 3.7% in 2020. This information leaves companies scrambling to attract top tech talent to fill some of this year’s most in-demand positions. These roles range from data-focused to AI-related jobs, and everything in between.

Here is where Preferred Staffing & Recruiting can help! The industry is broad, so IT recruitment covers a diverse spectrum of technology related disciplines. PS&R works with a wide range of talented staff with varying degrees of experience. We know the Information Technology industry and we know how to recognize good people. When new projects begin, hiring managers return to us because of our excellent record of matching their requirements and budget.

Here are just some of the IT staff we can help provide:

IT Managers
IT Project Managers
Business/Systems Analysts
Help Desk/Desktop Support
Network Engineers/Administrators
Systems Administrators
Cloud/DevOps Engineers
Data Center Technicians/Engineers

Do you need IT Staff for ongoing technical work or for a short-term project? Tell us your requirements and let PS&R’s executive recruitment team find the right candidate for you!

Resolutions for Boosting Your Career

Posted on 26th December 201926th December 2019

As 2019 comes to a close and we usher in a new decade, it’s that time of year when everyone begins planning their New Year’s resolutions. This year, how about focusing on choices that will boost your career? PS&R has ideas for reasonable resolutions that you can make now to kick start your professional life in 2020. The best part is, they won’t be impossible to keep!

Connect

Have you lost touch with your core career network? This is a great time to strengthen relationships you haven’t been paying attention to, and to foster new ones. Be proactive! Invite an old colleague out to lunch, take the time to endorse someone you respect on LinkedIn, or share an article that you think a recent acquaintance might really enjoy reading. Connecting with key players in your network now will make it easier when you need to reach out to them throughout the coming year.

Commit to learn

Expanding your knowledge or learning a new skill are great ways to better yourself for your career. This could mean taking a course that is useful in your current position or that could help you get your next one. Another idea is to pinpoint an industry meeting or convention that you can attend to potentially make new contacts or learn tips. Subscribe to a new publication and dedicate time every day to reading it. Or, look into a career counselor or executive coach. There is always a way to improve yourself, and now is a great time to plan how you’ll do it.

Confront habits that derail productivity

Social media is probably one of the biggest causes of workplace distraction. There are simple steps you can take to eliminate constant pauses in your daily activity. First, turn off notifiers to get ride of the constant alerts regarding new posts, videos, and messages. You can also use site blockers to blacklist the biggest time-stealing websites. Designate a time in your day, perhaps on your commute home if possible, to catch up on whatever you have missed on social media during work hours. You’ll be thankful for the time you get back for more productive tasks.

If your New Year’s resolutions include finding the best executive search firm, then Preferred Staffing & Recruiting is here to help. Our experienced recruiters use a collaborative and consultative approach that makes us the best staffing agency in the greater Boston area and the perfect fit for you.

Four Tips for Reducing Holiday Stress

Posted on 21st November 201921st November 2019

The holiday season is quickly approaching! While it can be a fun and joyous time, the season also brings with it a dizzying array of demands. We’re buying gifts, hosting overnight guests, attending parties, throwing parties – all of this in addition to work and our regular obligations. It’s no wonder this time of year fills many people with anxiety. Here are a few tips to help minimize stress and more thoroughly enjoy this festive time of year.

Be realistic. The season of giving might put you in the mood to splurge on yourself and others. But it’s important to take a step back, evaluate your budget, and set expectations. When possible, consider a homemade gift or a coupon for an activity that you can do together with that person. Instead of buying the designer dress for that holiday party, opt for a new pair of earrings that will dress up something you already have hanging in your closet. Afterall, the holiday season is about gratitude and spending time with people you love, and not about spending money.
Make lists. Keeping track of gift gifting, work, and social obligations can be extra tricky this time of year. Although your lists might feel overwhelming at first, there is no greater feeling than crossing items off. That feeling of accomplishment will fuel you to jump right into the next task. When things are written out in front of you rather than swimming in your head, prioritizing to-do’s becomes much easier.
Prioritize you. With so much to do this coming month, the first thing people tend to ignore is their own well-being. However, this is not the time to abandon your gym routine, skip your scheduled hair appointment, or cancel that coffee date with an old friend. The best way to combat holiday stress and winter blues is to do the things that make you feel good and feed your soul, so be sure you make time for yourself.
Give back. As mentioned earlier, the season is really about gratitude and love. Volunteering or donating to those in need is one way to show gratitude for all that you have. There is also a personal upside to spending your time helping others. Scientific research provides strong data in support of the idea that giving actually helps people find purpose and fulfillment in life.

If hiring talented executives is on your to-do list this holiday season, PS&R is here to help! Call us at 617.723.1919.

What To Do After Job Search Rejection

Posted on 16th October 201916th October 2019

You found the perfect job. Your resume and cover letter were stellar, you aced the interview, and you followed up with every person from the company you came into contact with. So when you find out that you didn’t get the job, you are understandably shocked and crushed. What you do next can make or break your job search. PS&R is here to help you move in the right direction after rejection.

Be resilient! It is natural to feel upset in this situation. Although you thought this job was “the one”, the truth is that it was not, and there are plenty of other opportunities where that one came from. Recognize your rejection but then move on. This likely is not your first rejection and might not be your last. Choose to show off your resilience by getting back out there and trying even harder this time.

Reach out. You’re disappointed and probably do not want to contact your interviewer. However, this is a great chance to reiterate how interested you are in the company. Send a quick email to thank them for the opportunity and ask what you might have done better. Showing your willingness to learn and grow will keep you in the forefront of their minds the next time they need to hire.

Stop overthinking. Being overlooked for this job does not mean you are not a great fit for another role. It’s easy to overthink all of your small actions in the process and wonder which one lost you the opportunity. But the reality likely is that you did nothing wrong, and those remorseful thoughts you are having are not productive!

PS&R’s executive recruiters know that being rejected for a job is normal and you are not alone. Choose to learn from the process and use this time to make necessary changes. The most important thing you can do is to stay confident!

How To Impress A Potential Employer

Posted on 5th August 20196th August 2019

The saying is true, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression”. Your first contact with a new company is typically an online application or submission of your resume and cover letter. Follow these tips from PS&R to make that first impression perfect!

Pick jobs you are qualified for.
Online applications have made it easy for employers to get spammed by unqualified candidates. The person reading your online application is not going to make the stretch to fit your qualifications to the position at hand if it is not obvious. Our advice is to quickly qualify yourself as a potential candidate in the very beginning of your email, your cover letter, and your resume. Most resumes get about 30 seconds of review time, so make your relevant skills obvious.

Write a killer cover letter.
Again, you want the employer to see your eligibility right away, so focus your cover letter on your key qualifications. If you know the person conducting the search, address the letter to them using their surname, i.e. “Mrs. Jones”. Make sure you specifically mention the job title for which you are applying, and check spelling and grammar carefully.

Customize your resume.
If you have a career objective on your resume, use it to promote yourself rather than describe the type of company you want to work for or position you are seeking. List your qualifications and tailor them to match those required for the position. Be sure to show progression in your job history and use measured results to describe your accomplishments. Customization is key to impressing your potential employer!

PS&R is a leading staffing and recruitment agency in Massachusetts. Be sure to read our blog Hired for more tips on landing the perfect job.

Tips for Recruiting Passive Candidates

Posted on 10th July 201910th July 2019

PS&R knows that sometimes the most talented candidates are not the ones looking for a new job. But just because someone is employed, doesn’t mean they are not open to a fresh opportunity. Here are our thoughts on how to successfully seek and attract passive candidates.

Take time to research. If you find a candidate you are interested in, learning about them ahead of time is key. Read their company biography and their LinkedIn profile. Check out what they post on Twitter and Facebook and try to find industry articles written about or by them. The more you know, the better equipped you will be to craft the right pitch.

Ask the right questions. Remember that you are trying to persuade someone who is not on the job hunt to make the leap to your company. This means you need to find out what interests them the most. Once you’ve given them your pitch you can ask questions such as; “What do you love about your current job?” or, “What would you like to see in an offer from us?”. Knowing what they are looking for will help you make an offer they will accept.

Get them excited. Make sure the candidate knows what your company is all about, and why they will be happy there. You’ve done your research, so use the information you gleaned to talk about things that will pique their interest: future projects that they will be involved in, plans for company growth, or potential new roles and opportunities.

If your company needs assistance recruiting passive and active applicants for top positions, Preferred Staffing & Recruiting can help. As a leading Boston recruiting firm, we will leverage years of experience and proven recruiting strategies to find you the best candidates.