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employee engagement lpc staffing agency

How Working With a Staffing Agency Can Ensure Employee Engagement

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Keeping employees engaged and motivated at work isn’t always a walk in the park – in fact, around 85% of employees have reported that they don’t feel engaged at work. It often takes some trial and error to find the right combination of tactics that work for your team. Placing a focus on onboarding, celebrating achievements and building a strong workplace culture are all ways that an employer can do to encourage engagement. However, working with a staffing agency is step one in building a team that comes to work every day excited and motivated.

 

Engaged employees are more profitable, more productive and note higher job satisfaction, all of which make a manager’s job that much easier. For these reasons, it is in every employer’s best interest to take it into consideration.

 

Here are some of the ways that working with a staffing agency can ensure your staff is engaged.

 

Candidate Experience

 

A positive professional experience starts during the recruitment process. Candidates that have a good experience while working with a recruiter are not only going to be better prepared and equipped for the job, but they will go into the position with a positive mindset and will be more likely to feel engaged.

 

Candidates that have a bad taste in their mouths from the recruitment experience could potentially carry a negative attitude into the position, making it harder for employers to motivate them. Working with a staffing agency that creates positive and memorable experiences for every job seeker that walks through their doors is key in laying the groundwork for their workplace engagement.

 

Finding the Right Candidates

 

One of the biggest contributors to low employee engagement is when workers aren’t well-suited (or interested) for the position they have been hired for. However, if you don’t have the time or resources to find, interview and hire quality candidates yourself, this can often be the reality.

 

Staffing agencies go out of their way to source and screen candidates that are qualified and eager to work, and will never place a candidate in a position that they aren’t a good fit for. Specialized agencies know their specific industries inside and out, and understand what qualities are needed for a truly successful match. Having qualified and hardworking candidates on your team are not only more likely to contribute to a more engaged and motivated workforce, but they can also help improve your bottom line – it’s a win-win!

 

employee engagement lpc

 

Temporary Workers Can Bring Enthusiasm

 

If your current employees have lost their motivation or enthusiasm at work, bringing in some temporary staff can help breathe new life into a project. Sometimes, a little bit of redistribution of talent is exactly what a workplace needs to get re-engaged. Whether that means bringing in temporary employees for a special project so that your full-time staff can focus, or integrating some temporary employees into your team to revitalize the work environment, temp workers can play a role in boosting employee engagement.

 

Staffing agencies like LPC are well-versed in both permanent and temporary employment. Whatever your specific needs are, you can be sure that we can find the right solution to make your workplace as successful as possible.

 

They Can Act as Consultants

 

Recruiters do much more than simply place candidates into positions – they are well-rounded job search professionals! Fostering a relationship with a staffing agency means you have seasoned veterans in your network who can offer you advice, not only pre-hire, but post-hire as well.

 

Recruiters are happy to provide ongoing guidance for both job seekers and employers, long after they have completed the hiring process. Remember: recruiters have extensive knowledge in the industry and have close relationships with candidates. This means they can typically offer employers some valuable insight in regards to what candidates need in a work setting in order to feel supported and engaged.

 

LPC Personnel has been staffing the Greater Houston Area for over 30 years and are experts in making positive, long-lasting placements in a variety of industries. If you are looking to add some talent to your team, don’t hesitate to reach out today!

 

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qualified candidates

4 Ways Qualified Candidates Improve Your Bottom Line

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It can sometimes prove difficult to source exceptional candidates on your own – you have a lot on your plate! However, working with a staffing agency ensures that each and every candidate that we match to your positions is qualified, hard-working and dedicated to doing great work. Not only does hiring qualified candidates mean you can build a strong team and a more positive workplace culture, it can also end up saving you a good deal of money down the line in some unexpected ways.

 

Here are some of the top ways in which qualified candidates improve your bottom line.

 

They Contribute to Higher Retention Rates

 

Working with a staffing agency that understands what you are looking for in an employee means that those employees are more likely to stay with that position for longer. When you hire a candidate that is well suited for your position, the likelihood of them leaving – or you having to let them go – is dramatically lowered. Having high retention rates cuts down on costs because you won’t have to replace your workforce as often. The average cost per hire is around $4,000, so having to do this less frequently can end up saving you big time.

 

They Are Less Likely to Make Errors

 

Research shows that candidates who are not only good at their jobs, but work within a system of positivity, support and good leadership, are less likely to make costly mistakes. They are also more likely to learn from the mistakes they do make and are more receptive to feedback that will help improve their future performance. Employees that don’t feel engaged at their place of work, either due to their disinterest in the position or their poor relationships with other employees, are logarithmically more likely to make errors that can end up costing a company a great deal of money.

 

qualified candidates LPC 2

 

Qualified Candidates Often Need Less Training

 

Candidates that have some background – or at least, some interest – in the position they are applying for typically need less training and are more likely to be a good fit. On average, training a new employee costs around $1,500. While it is a necessary part of any job, the opportunity to reduce this number even a little bit by hiring suitable candidates is a wise strategy.

 

This isn’t to say that job seekers with less experience should never apply for jobs that are outside of their training level, or that employers should not give those with less experience a chance because they don’t want to train them. At LPC Personnel, we believe in giving passionate, hardworking people a fair chance.

 

However, this simply means that those who are more susceptible to learning and listening, and who already have some background in the industry may need less training and attention from management. This allows them to dive into the job quicker and for you to get back to what you do best: managing an awesome team!

 

Happier Employees are More Productive and Profitable

 

When a candidate truly enjoys their position, they can be up to 13% more productive than if they were unhappy at work. Employees that are engaged and happy at work are not only more likely to be more productive, but they can increase company profits. A recent study has confirmed that when employees like their jobs and are positively immersed in the workplace culture, their productivity skyrockets and their presence can lead to higher overall profitability. LPC Personnel strives to only place candidates in positions that we truly believe to be a good overall fit for your company, to avoid any potential hiccups in efficiency.

 

Finding the right candidates starts with partnering with the right staffing agency. LPC Personnel has over 30 years of experience staffing the Greater Houston Area and would be happy to help you improve your bottom line through qualified, stable candidates. Contact us today to get started!

 

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logistics employees lpc

The Top Skills to Look For When Hiring Logistics Candidates

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The supply chain and logistics industry is one that is complex and constantly evolving. As such, managers must carefully select the employees they choose to represent their company and contribute to a functional and productive place of work.

 

Finding qualified candidates is the first step in ensuring you run a successful business, and the traits which make the ideal employee stretch far beyond their technical skills and work experience. Personality traits, soft skills and overall demeanor need to be taken into account when evaluating a candidate. Working with an experienced staffing agency with a background in staffing logistics companies is a great way to source a higher caliber of talent.

 

If you are looking to add some new staff to your logistics operation, there are certain skills that top candidates possess that will add value to your bottom line.

 

Motivated

 

The logistics industry is a multifaceted industry with lots of opportunity for upwards mobility and self-improvement. Professionals working in this sector should be focused on their own advancement, as well as the furtherment of the big picture. Logistics expert Alex Lauderdale says “The job is not only to understand logistics and the supply chain, but to also know the scope and dynamics of your company’s goals so you can assist with the processes put in place to achieve them.”

 

Having someone on your team that is motivated is a good trait regardless of the industry. However, in the realm of logistics, having someone who is passionate and dedicated to learning and growing, not only individually but as part of the overall effort, is someone you definitely want on your roster.

 

Team Player

 

A supply chain has multiple moving parts, each essential to the success of the overall execution. In this respect, logistics employees need to be able to work well with others and collaborate successfully with different departments in order to get the job done.

 

Along with being a team player comes a number of related interpersonal skills, such as communication skills and flexibility. Good logistics employees should be able to communicate effectively and professionally with everyone from warehouse staff to suppliers to management and any role in between. They should also have a certain degree of flexibility to adapt to the frequent changes the logistics industry can often face, all while remaining a strong member in a team effort.

 

logistics workers lpc personnel

 

Problem Solving & Decision Making

 

Like most industries, there will be days where things just simply don’t go as planned. Great logistics employees will remain calm under pressure and use their problem solving skills to creatively arrive at solutions.

 

The ability to make sound decisions in a timely manner – and the responsibility to hold themselves accountable for making those decisions – is also incredibly important. Great problem-solving skills often come from real-world experience. A great way to elucidate whether a candidate’s problem-solving abilities are up to par is to ask them a series of situational interview questions and see how creatively and confidently they respond.

 

Attention to Detail

 

Arriving at the bottom line can’t happen without getting the little details right first. Employees that pay attention to the little things just as much as the big picture are the ones you want on your side.

 

Considering the complexity of some logistics operations, you want to ensure the employees you bring on have a keen attention to detail. A small mistake in one department could lead to a big problem down the line. Everyone makes mistakes – but workers with a well-developed sense of attention to detail are simply less likely to make them.

 

It can sometimes be difficult to find reliable candidates that possess even one or two of these traits – let alone all of them! However, working with a staffing agency makes it that much easier. Candidates that are recruited through a staffing agency such as LPC are dedicated, motivated and hardworking – we won’t present you with someone that we don’t truly believe is a good fit for your business. In addition, all of our candidates are pre-screened, drug tested and briefed on safety preparation, so that you can get right to work.

You can count on LPC to provide you the best logistics candidates – contact us today to find out more!

 

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logistics business practices lpc

4 Ways to Improve Your Logistics Business Practices During COVID-19

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The outbreak COVID-19 has affected virtually every professional realm in some way. In the world of logistics and supply chain, a handful of businesses have thrived (and increased warehouse and fulfillment roles) but global supply chains and long-distance transportation have been interrupted for the time being.

 

We are thankfully starting to make our way back to a fully operational economy, but this slower period is not necessarily a time to relax. Instead, taking advantage of a relative downtime and giving your business practices a revamp is a great idea, so that when things return to normal you can hit the ground running.

 

There are several ways that you can continue to improve and innovate your operations while the world is on pause. Read on for our top four ways to improve your logistics business practices during COVID-19.

 

Review Safety Protocols

 

The outbreak of COVID-19 has taken us all by surprise and has instilled a heightened need for safety and wellbeing. Now is a great time to review your health and safety protocols and best practices and communicate to your current and future team members that their safety is your number one priority.

 

A safe workplace environment, relative to prevention of infectious diseases and physical injury, will be at the top of every candidate’s list when looking for a new position. Considering that logistics and warehouse are industries that can already present a number of safety concerns, taking the time to review and address each and every one of them will reflect positively on you as an employer, and help you to stand out from companies that may be falling short.

 

Keep Lines of Communication Open

 

Amidst a crisis that seemingly changes by the minute, communicating changes and updates to your staff, your customers and your colleagues is of utmost importance. Especially in an industry such as logistics, where there are many moving parts and coordination with different departments and suppliers, staying on top of communication is non-negotiable.

 

Take the time to develop streamlined and concise methods of communication to use during a crisis, so the next time something disrupts your operations, you can begin reaching out and covering your bases with no time wasted.

 

warehouse lpc

 

Revisit Your Business Plan and Expenses

 

Regardless if your logistics business has been positively or negatively affected by the outbreak, it is very likely that there has been a shift in one direction or another. Whether that means a loss or increase of revenue, manpower, or operation hours, it would be wise to adjust your business plan accordingly.

 

Taking some time to mindfully reallocate funds and resources here and there depending on the realities of your current situation (and the situations that may arise in the next few months) is very important. Preparing for any of the changes before they happen and giving yourself some wiggle room is good sense, especially after seeing how COVID-19 has already affected the business world.

 

Check in on Employees – and Yourself

 

This rapidly changing climate is affecting us all in different ways. Checking in on your current employees in this uncertain time will paint you in a positive light, and it’s also just a nice thing to do. Showing empathy is one of the best ways to not only maintain a good relationship with your employees, but it also increases retention rates – and in a somewhat volatile job market, you want to make sure your employees feel heard and seen.

 

And last, but certainly not least, take some time to check in on yourself. Leading a team through a pandemic is stressful and doing so is no easy feat. Most of us are all figuring it out as we go, so don’t be too hard on yourself if things get tough. We’re all in this together!

 

Are you looking to add some new employees to your logistics operation? It’s one of our specialities. Whether you need one team member or twenty, you can count on us to find the perfect match. Reach out to us today.

 

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Do’s and Don’ts of Writing an Effective Cover Letter

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The next time you are searching for a job, make sure you have all your bases covered. In addition to having a strong resume outlining your work experience and qualifications, it’s important to include a cover letter with your application in order to stand apart from the crowd.

 

A cover letter is meant to give the hiring manager an idea of who you are, why you are interested in the job in question, and why you think you can do the job well. Many people have debated the necessity of cover letters. However, even if the position does not mention including a cover letter, you should get into the habit of writing one for every job anyway. It is an easy way to demonstrate your interest in the position and shows that you have taken some time to reflect on why you think you would be a good fit.

 

If you have never written a cover letter before, it can seem like a daunting task, but there are a few simple steps to follow that can make the process a little less stressful. Read on for our do’s and don’ts of writing an effective cover letter that will land you an interview!

 

Do: Research & Personalize

 

Do as much research on the company and the position as possible, then integrate your findings into the body of your cover letter. If you can, look for the name of the hiring manager. Addressing your cover letter to someone rather than ‘Dear Sir or Madam’ adds a human element to the whole process.

 

Also, make adjustments to the cover letter for each individual position, like you would when writing your resume. Reference some of the particular requirements listed in the posting. Anything that is too non-specific to the job description will come off as generic and insincere, which is not likely to get you through to the next step of the hiring process.

 

Do: Grab Their Attention

 

Hiring managers only look at a resume and cover letter combination for a maximum of 15 seconds, so you have to make every word count. Your opening paragraph should be so compelling that the person reading it will want to keep reading – if you don’t have them hooked by the first few lines, their interest is likely going to decline. Hiring managers have also likely read several cover letters for similar positions before, so they will know a cliché when they see it.

 

Avoid the classic: ‘I am applying for this job…’ The hiring manager already knows you are applying to the job. Robin Ryan, author of the book Winning Cover Letters, illustrates a formula for writing an opening to your cover letter, called the Power Impact Technique: “begin your letter with a strong opening sentence emphasizing the major selling points and skills that you would bring to the job:

 

  1. Analyze the job — both the noted and assumed needs — and determine the most important skills the employer is looking for.
  2. Immediately address how you will meet the employer’s needs.

 

This first paragraph is what they will read so it needs to have your strongest selling points in it.”

 

Don’t: Paraphrase Your Resume

 

Keep in mind that your cover letter is not just a paraphrase of your resume. The two documents are naturally going to contain some similar information, but don’t repeat everything they are going to read on the next page. The cover letter is a chance to go into depth and expand on your experience, explaining how you would directly apply it to this position.

 

For example, in your resume you will list your past work positions. In the cover letter, you can expand on these positions by offering praise you received and goals you met, and how you aim to achieve the same at this new job. You can list some of your volunteer experience in your resume then go into more detail about the valuable skills you learned and how you have applied them to your professional career in the cover letter.

 

cover-letter

 

Do: Highlight Your Strengths 

 

When searching for a job, it can be easy to become discouraged if you don’t have very much experience. But don’t undersell yourself: you have a lot to offer, regardless of whether you match every single one of the requirements listed in the job posting. Don’t sell yourself short with lines like ‘Give me a chance’ or ‘I know I don’t have a lot of experience’, because this isn’t something that you want to draw attention to.

 

Even if you don’t have a ton of experience compared to the competition, you want to focus on the strengths that you do have. Many positions indirectly teach transferable skills, such as teamwork, communication and conflict resolution, that are valuable for nearly all jobs. And don’t be afraid to boast any past achievements and awards that speak to your talents and abilities. The cover letter is a chance to showcase all that you have to offer!

 

Do: Keep Formatting in Mind

 

Content aside, there are some basic formatting rules that should be followed when writing a cover letter. Always include your contact information (full name, email address and phone number) on the page, and keep the cover letter itself to around 500 words – any longer, and the reader is likely to lose interest. There are several templates available online if you need some extra guidance!

 

Always take the time to proofread your documents – several times. Careless typos and grammatical errors will obviously reflect poorly on you. Since this is the first impression your potential future employer will have of you, it has to be as close to perfect as possible.

 

Don’t: Use Overly Formal, Stiff Language

 

If you aren’t sure what to say in your cover letter, it can be tempting to try and ‘fancy’ it up with big words and formal language. It isn’t a bad idea to write in a formal style but going overboard can make you sound ingenuine and unnatural, and not like an approachable and comfortable future employee. Try to find a happy medium between overly casual and overly formal language and write how you would speak in a normal professional conversation.

 

What are some of your cover letter writing do’s and don’ts? We would love to hear them – join the discussion in the comments below!

 

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communication

The Importance of Communication in the Hiring Process

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Communication in the professional world can sometimes feel tricky to master. You have to balance assertiveness with passivity. You also need to know when the best time is to speak up and when to let others have the floor. For many, this level of understanding takes practice and experience. However, it’s important to dedicate time to learning these skills, because a lack of communication can lead to frustration, mistakes and wasted time for each person involved.

In the recruiting industry, a great candidate experience is the result of all parties working together towards a shared goal. As a candidate, you play a crucial role in this process, so what you have to say truly matters. Don’t worry about stepping on anyone’s toes or coming off as demanding, because not saying what is on your mind will only hurt you in the end.

Here are a few of the reasons why we believe maintaining communication in the hiring process is the most important thing you can do.

Be Upfront About What You Want

Maintaining an open and direct line of communication from start to finish while working with a recruiter is very important. Chances are, you have at least a general idea of what you are looking for in a position. But there may be other factors which are important to you that aren’t always obvious to your recruiter (for example, office location or workplace culture) that need to be specifically vocalized. The more information you provide you recruiter with, the higher their chances will be in getting you what you want.

Recruiters are great at what they do, but they are not mind readers! From the moment you first connect with your recruiter up until you have been hired for a position, be honest and open about what is working and what isn’t. It not only ensures you find a position you actually enjoy; it helps recruiters learn and grow professionally.

 

communication

 

Listen Actively

Listening is just as important as talking during the recruitment process. This goes for candidates, clients and recruiters alike. Listening to what the other party has to say is one thing, but actively internalising what they are communicating and taking steps towards improving the situation makes everybody’s lives easier in the end.

Listening to the constructive criticism that your recruiter has to offer should be taken in stride. Your recruiter has tons of valuable industry intel they can offer you to make you a stronger candidate overall, so trust them! The end goal is to find you a position that you love, and sometimes it takes a little bit of adjusting to get there.

Patience and Understanding Go A Long Way

Communication is key, but you need to find a balance between wanting to stay in the loop and giving your recruiter some room to breathe. Playing the waiting game is certainly stressful when it comes to the job search. But trust that your recruiter is doing everything they can to move the process forward and won’t get your hopes up with unnecessary communication.

Also, keep in mind that recruiters won’t place you in a job that they don’t believe to be a good fit. For this reason, you may not find a job right away, or you might have to consider adjusting your criteria slightly. Either way, being adaptable and understanding about the realities of the hiring process will help make the journey that much easier!

If you have some tips on professional communication, we would love to hear them! Leave them in the comment section below.

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Jobs in Houston Texas

Can You Really Trust Your Staffing Agency?

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The staffing market is booming, with thousands of candidates across the U.S. being matched with great positions daily. However, some candidates are still wary of working with a recruiter during their job search. Understandingly, welcoming a new person into a critical time of your life can be a nerve-wracking experience. How do you know whether you can really trust your staffing agency?

 

At LPC Personnel, candidates have been relying on us for over 30 years to help them land steady and rewarding jobs. We are more than just a ‘temp’ agency. We take the time to foster deep, meaningful relationships with both our clients and job seekers to find the best matches possible – and ones that last. There are thousands of honorable recruiters who take their contacts’ success to heart, and we’re proud to be among them!

 

According to Statista, staffing agencies across the U.S. agree that ‘improving the candidate experience’ is one of their top priorities. Here are some reasons why we believe that you can trust a recruiter, if you still find yourself on the fence.

 

We’ve Got the Experience

 

When deciding whether or not to work with a staffing agency, some of the first questions you ask yourself might be: ‘Do they really have the experience to get the job done? Do they actually care whether I enjoy the position? Am I in good hands?’ The answer to each of these questions is yes! At LPC, we aren’t going to ask you to trust us blindly, but we do have over 3 decades of experience and countless testimonials that suggest you can.

 

This leads us to our first recommendation for working with a new staffing agency. In the beginning of your partnership, it’s a good idea to ask your recruiter about their experience when it comes to the types of jobs that you’re interested in. This will give you an indication of whether they have the network you need to support your goals! You should also check testimonials online. It’s important to see what other candidates’ experiences have been like with the person and/or company before dedicating your valuable time.

 

Jobs in Greater Houston Area

 

At the end of the day, it is a recruiter’s job to connect job seekers with employers. Highly skilled recruiters have a wide network of contacts, seasoned industry knowledge and serious dedication to placing candidates in roles that work for both parties.

 

These recruiters value your time and the effort you put in when submitting job applications. Say goodbye to the days of sending your resume into online oblivion, only to never hear back regarding jobs that you could very well be qualified for (which happens more often than you might think).

 

Whether you’re looking for temporary work or your next executive position, you can trust that your recruiter will make sure your resume showcases you in the best possible light. They’ll also match your unique skillset with the right client, and make sure you’re seen.

 

When working with a good recruiter, you’ll sense that they’re not just in it for a pay check. They really do want you to succeed!

 

“We aren’t just in this for a pay check. We really do want you to succeed.”

 

We Offer Personalized and Consistent Service

 

Other questions you may ask yourself are: ‘There must be a lot of people using staffing agencies, won’t I be treated like just a number? Aren’t they just going to put me in a position, get paid and disappear?’ Speaking for LPC Personnel, the answer is no!

 

We ensure that each and every qualified candidate is given the dedicated attention they deserve, assigning only one recruiter to a job seeker. This means that you’re not pushed through a revolving door of recruiters who don’t really know – or care – about your needs.

 

You want to select a staffing agency that focuses on your needs, not just on their profits. If you’re frequently speaking to different individuals, who are hard to reach and struggle to remember your name, then you may want to consider switching staffing agencies.

 

Staffing services in the Greater Houston Area

 

At LPC Personnel, most of our recruiters have been working with the company for at least six years. Why? Because we love what we do and know how to do it well. Our recruiters will stick by you every step of the way, from initial interview to settling into your new position. We also make ourselves available via phone or text after the workday is done, because let’s be honest – our work is never really done!

 

“LPC Personnel will stick by you every step of the way, from initial interview to settling into your new position.”

 

We know what employers are looking for, but more importantly, we know how to thoroughly prepare candidates for interviews so that you make the best impression possible. Our team will coach you through every step of the interview process, because when you succeed, we succeed as well – it’s a win-win. Honesty is the best policy, and good recruiters are happy to offer the advice and/or insights that we’ve learned along the way to better your chances of success.

 

Remember, your recruiter should know the job search game inside-and-out. They should keep up with changing trends and expectations related to employers. Then, even if they can’t find a good match for you right away, a good recruiter will never forget about your resume – they’ll continue searching to find the fit that’s right for you!

 

Embarking on a new job search can be overwhelming, and it’s a recruiter’s job to show you that you can trust them to lend a helping hand throughout the entire process.

 

Staffing services in the Greater Houston Area

 

We Create More Opportunities

 

Recruiters and job seekers have the same end goal in sight: to find you a new job. Trusting that they know what they’re doing will be mutually beneficial for both parties.

 

No matter the type of job you’re looking for, whether it be temporary work or a job that you hope to turn into a career, our recruiters at LPC Personnel strive to make a solid connection between job seekers and employers. Yet even still, you may find yourself wondering: ‘do they really know what I’m looking for?’

 

Well, based on the communication between recruiter and job seeker, we could be able to unlock some great opportunities that you may have not noticed while searching solo. Staffing agencies work closely with employers, and often have the insider scoop on jobs before the listings are even made available to the public.  More so, you may discover that with your skillset there could be a world of other job paths that you have never previously considered. There are countless cases of people finding work through staffing agencies that turned into a lengthy career.

 

We hope that you are in this for the long haul, because we certainly are!

 

Trust us yet? If you’re in the Greater Houston area and are interested in working with a recruiter from LPC Personnel, don’t hesitate to get in touch!

 

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