Three Tips to Spring Clean Your Job Search!

Posted on 28th March 202528th March 2025

The days are longer, the temperatures are rising, and spring is in the air. It’s the perfect time to spring clean your living space and your job search! Take some time to revisit your resume, your professional profiles, and your personal network. These tips can help you get started:

Get organized. Review your current resume and cover and letter and make sure the formatting is up to date. Highlight any newly acquired skills or recent achievements. Make sure your resume doesn’t get overlooked by scanning programs by including key words that will get picked up by Applicant Tracking Systems. Having your professional documents updated and organized will ensure you can move quickly when the right opportunity comes along.
Polish your online presence. Does your LinkedIn profile reflect your most recent experience? Is your photograph an updated and professional looking headshot? Most HR managers and recruiters will review a candidate’s social media accounts prior to scheduling an interview. So, make sure you don’t have any posts that would not present well and take time to update your LinkedIn account with key words that reflect the position you are looking for. These small details can make a big difference in how you are perceived by a potential employer.
Bolster your network. A strong professional network is the best way to find a new career opportunity. Take some time to reconnect with your mentors and any peers currently working in the industry you are interested in. Now is a good time to grow your network – you can do this by joining a professional organization or signing up for an online or in-person networking event. You never know who could become an asset to your personal development and career search!

PS&R is a woman-owned business that provides executive level workforce solutions to the Boston area and beyond. If you are looking for help finding your next great hire, we are here to help! If you are a job seeker searching for a new opportunity, take a look at our job listings or contact us at info@psandr.com.

Why Your Company Should Implement Gamification

Posted on 16th May 202318th May 2023

The concept of Gamification has been around for a while, but many companies still have not implemented the idea. If you need to ramp up employee motivation in your office and are not yet familiar with gamification practices, this article is for you!

What is Gamification?
Let’s start with the basics – what exactly is gamification? Gamification is the introduction of game play into business processes, with the intent to increase engagement and productivity from employees. The same concepts that draw people to physical games such as soccer and baseball, and thinking games like chess and Minecraft, can excite employees to participate more in the workplace.

Examples of Gamification
Here are a few ways you can introduce the concept of gamification into your workplace:
• Use points-based trivia and quizzes as part of employee training. This can help to better engage your employees with the material and give them ideas for possible areas of improvement.
• Unexpected, on the spot rewards can add excitement to the workplace and give an often-unnoticed employee a boost of confidence.
• Goal tracking software that measures employee’s productivity with a progress bar is a great way to instill a sense of progress while also providing some healthy office competition.
• Everyone loves a special event or trip, so try a qualification-based event for employees to strive for. The higher the stakes, the harder your people will work to earn that prize!

Why use Gamification?
Gamification is a great tactic for creating a learning culture within your company. It will spice up company-wide training, help uncover knowledge gaps, and create effective onboarding processes. Gamification allows for greater collaboration and feedback loops in a fun environment. Implementing gamification in your workplace can help retain employees that are valuable to the company.

PS&R is happy to help you find the right people to add to your team. Call 617.723.1919 or email kathy@psandr.com.

PS&R’s Top Blogs for Job Seekers

Posted on 5th August 20215th August 2021

Summer is a great time to do more reading, for work and for pleasure. We at Preferred Staffing & Recruiting love discovering new blogs and broadening our knowledge of all things job search related. Here are some of our favorite career related blogs that we’re reading right now:

Career Sherpa

Career Sherpa is full of helpful tips, tricks, and motivation for job seekers. We love the author’s positivity and focus on taking control of your job search. The site offers checklists and sample resume-related documents, as well as affordable virtual workshops. The Career Sherpa has been featured in many major publications, including USA Today and Forbes.

Ms. Career Girl

Our favorite part of this site is the Resume Optimization Tool that allows you to upload your resume and the job description of the position you are applying for. The tool then gives you a match rating and helps you optimize your resume so you can make it a better fit for that job. Ms. Career Girl also offers relationship advice, tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and help with planning your next vacation. This blog hits the perfect balance of work and play!

Career Contessa

The founder of Career Contessa was a recruiter with the goal of helping women build successful and fulfilling careers. Her team has succeeded by offering articles on everything from cover letter advice to cultivating confidence to salary negotiation.

If you searching for a job opportunity OR if you are looking to hire new talent at your organization, PS&R is here to help. Reach us at 617.723.1919 or visit andrewf318.sg-host.com. Happy reading!

Tips for Improving Employee Retention

Posted on 25th June 202125th June 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a lot of workers to rethink their present employment situation. Not surprisingly, those who are choosing to find a new opportunity are ultimately searching for a more meaningful and fulfilling job. They are also looking for employers that care about their personal well-being. PS&R has come up with some strategies to help you with employee retention.

Recognize milestones to promote teamwork. All employees deserve to be recognized, not just your very top performers. Celebrating team milestones is a great way to make everyone feel included and valued.

Start employees on the right foot. This means thorough onboarding and an orientation process that introduces the new hire to company culture. Also inform them on feedback loops, timing and process of reviews and other communication touchpoints – this will show them you truly care about their future success with the organization.

Make wellness a priority. The pandemic has prompted many employers to increase their wellness offerings to employees, and for good reason. Employees are putting a greater focus on their work-life balance and their overall physical and emotional health. This means employers also must make it a priority if they plan to retain workers. Consider additional live and virtual wellness offerings, flex work schedules, and increased training and mentoring programs.

It’s easy to avoid the cascading fallout after the loss of an MVP if you use the tips above. If your employees know you’re there for them, they will be there for your company. When your organization is looking to make the next great hire, PS&R can help. Call us at 617.723.1919 to learn more.

Perfecting Your LinkedIn Profile

Posted on 19th May 202119th May 2021

LinkedIn is a great tool for job seekers and employers alike. While your LinkedIn profile will repeat much of the information provided on your resume, it is a unique place to showcase your story and share additional details. Preferred Staffing & Recruiting gathered some tips to help you manage and get the most out of your LinkedIn profile.

Make sure it’s complete

LinkedIn does you the favor of rating your profile strength. And it’s true that a more completed profile – or “All Star” profile – will get more views. In fact, LinkedIn purports that users who have a completed profile are forty times more likely to find a new opportunity through their site. Start by uploading a recent professional photo as your profile picture. Continue and complete all other sections of your profile. To gain All Star status, filling out each section is not always enough. You will need at least five skills listed and at least fifty connections. Be thorough and provide as much content as you can.

Give a recommendation to get one

A LinkedIn recommendation is just like a reference from a former boss or employer and can carry a lot of weight. If you take the time to give a recommendation to someone, they are likely to return the favor. Make a goal to have at least one recommendation from every job listed on your profile.

Find ways to stand out

There are a lot of impactful areas on your LinkedIn profile where a little attention can really make you stand out. For example, everyone uses key words throughout their profile. But focusing your key words in your Summary and Experience sections will really help make your profile shine. When you’re using key words, it’s important not to sue the same words and phrases that everyone else is using. LinkedIn published the most used “buzzwords” in 2018, you can see that list of words to avoid here.

Customizing your URL is another great way to differentiate your profile. Linked in automatically generates a random URL web address for your profile, but you have the option to customize this to something more relevant and more concise. This will also make you easier to find, especially if you have a common name.

Finally, adding a background image is a great way to make your profile stand out. Most people stop at a just a headshot, but adding the narrow background image will help potential employers trigger a memory of your profile. Make sure the photo is attractive, eye catching, and professional. It could be a stock image of something you enjoy, a nature picture, or a photo of you working or doing something you love.

PS&R is a woman-owned business that has been helping job seekers and employers since 1984. Our collaborative and consultive approach makes us stand out from other executive recruiters. For more information and to find out how we can help you, contact Kathy Orcutt at 617.723.1919.

Tips For Your 2021 Job Search

Posted on 21st January 202121st January 2021

We are all excited to welcome a new year and to put the “unprecedented” year of 2020 behind us. The pandemic has wreaked havoc on all aspects of our lives, in particular our work and hiring processes. As we look ahead to what a fresh year may bring, it is important to recognize that the job search process has been forever changed. Here are some things you need to know about your 2021 job search:

Remote work and hiring processes are here to stay. Some companies will want their workers back on-site when it’s feasible to do so, but many will be looking permanently at hybrid or flexible schedules. It is also likely that remote interviewing will be more common than it was prior to the pandemic. This means that keeping your WFH skills honed and your video interviewing skills sharp will be key. One downside of the virtual interview is that a candidate is unable to enter a workplace and get a feel for the culture of the company. For this reason, job seekers will need to work harder to do due diligence on a potential employer.

Diversity and inclusion will be a priority. Some good news for the 2021 job market is that employers will be more focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. They will be looking to build diverse teams and to find candidates who are aligned with their company goals. You can find a great article about evaluating a company’s dedication to DEI written by The Muse here. Job seekers should also plan ahead for how you will answer interview questions regarding diversity and inclusion.

Expect more AI in the recruitment process. A lot of hiring managers already use software to help organize job applications. The use of this software and other forms of AI will continue to become more commonplace. What does this mean for your job search? To avoid being passed over by a tracking system, make sure you are applying for jobs that are the right fit for your skillset, and avoid applying for multiple jobs within the same organization. Use key words from the job description in your resume and your cover letter.

This past year has been a rollercoaster, and 2021 will likely have its fair share of obstacles. However, we at PS&R are optimistic that this coming year will be filled with plenty of bright spots and new opportunities. We look forward to working with you!

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.

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!

Making the Most of your Temporary Assignment

Posted on 24th May 201924th May 2019

In our last blog post, we talked about one of our temporary employees who turned her assignment into the perfect permanent position. If you are currently in a temporary role that you’d like to make long term, here are some tips for putting your best foot forward:

Stay positive. A lot of people in your shoes will feed into the negative stigma of being a “temp”. But think about it this way; your current situation is basically paid training. You’re learning new skills, networking with potential employers, and building your resume. Keep that in mind and stay positive about your work. This will definitely help you stand out from the crowd.

Get noticed. Having a good attitude will help you stand out, but there are more ways to make an impression. In order to get offered that full-time, permanent position you will need to be recommended by your manager or supervisor. Take the time to build a good rapport with him or her. If that person is expecting your tenure to be temporary, they might not take the initiative to get to know you, so it’s really up to you to make that connection. You should also get acquainted with your co-workers and gain an understanding of what they do. They might even have pointers and suggestions that could help you succeed.

Really show up. The best way to make your temporary position a permanent one? Treat it as if it already is. Arrive early, be the one willing to lend a hand when needed, and be open to learning new things. Going the extra mile will show your manager that you are serious about the job.

Contact PS&R to learn about our temporary and permanent job openings. Or visit our job listings at andrewf318.sg-host.com/job-listings.

Managing Millennials Successfully

Posted on 31st January 201931st January 2019

According to the Pew Research Center, 35% of the American work force consists of Millennials, making them the largest working generation. Given the sheer size of this group, why are so many companies having difficulty retaining talented employees under the age of forty?

Millennials bring unique qualities and skills to the workplace. They also have different expectations of how they are managed. PS&R offers some insight on how managers can approach this generation in the workplace:

Challenge them, but also have fun. Not only are Millennials incredibly well educated, but they also grew up during a time of rapid technological change. As a result, these younger workers want to be lifelong learners. They expect a challenge, so they are happiest when managers provide consistent opportunities for their development. You can show top talent in this generation that you care about their future career by putting learning and growth opportunities at the forefront of your workplace culture. Millennials also believe in work-life balance. You probably know of companies that have created common gathering spaces and weekly social events. This is likely an effort to accommodate the need of Millennials to integrate work with play.

Let them make a difference by working for you. Millennials grew up believing they were capable of changing the world. They were encouraged to be highly educated and to get involved with global events and social issues. This generation will relate better to an organization that has a broader connection to the outside world. As an employer, you can connect to Millennials by putting the mission and values of the company first. Make sure the culture involves giving back to the community in some way.

Show them their value. The recession in 2009 was difficult for all, but Millennials were especially hard hit. Many lost their jobs or their starter savings. Because of this, this generation is looking for reliable benefits that include a solid retirement plan and a wage that matches their cost of living. Showing loyalty to Millennials through compensation packages will make them work harder for you.

Turn to an experienced recruiting firm for help finding, hiring, and retaining top talent in the Millennial generation. Contact PS&R today at 617.723.1919.