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4 Signs You Need to Work With a Staffing Agency

Running a business is hard work. Even if you have a fully staffed team and everything seems to be operating smoothly, there could still be some underlying issues at hand, the eradication of which could empower your business to thrive. Sometimes, that means bringing in an outside source like a staffing agency.

 

Many companies across the US work with staffing firms to help find the best possible talent for their team. In fact, according to a recent survey, around half of all hiring managers said they planned to increase their use of staffing firms over the next five years – and for good reason. Staffing agencies do more than simply place workers into your open positions. Partnering with one can present a number of benefits that help your business operate at full capacity in both the short and long term. But how do you know when you need one?

 

There are some telltale signs that your operation could benefit from the help of a staffing agency. Here are some of them!

 

Low Retention Rates

 

Are you finding that you are having to replace your staff every few months? Low retention rates can lead to a number of other problems, most notably the excessive time, energy and money spent on replacing your staff. The average cost per hire is around $4,000 – but the cost of replacing a bad hire can be up to ten times more. Also, consistently bringing in new team members makes it difficult to establish a strong company culture.

 

Good recruiters, like the dedicated team working at LPC, will go out of their way to find candidates that are well-suited for the position, and won’t present you with any talent that they don’t believe to be a good match. It is not their goal to make as many placements as possible, although it is a welcomed side effect! At the end of the day it is the recruiters’ objective to make matches that are mutually beneficial and long-lasting, so that you don’t have to worry about replacing your team on a regular basis.

 

Low Employee Engagement

 

Having a fully staffed operation is step one, but having a team that is motivated, communicative and collaborative can make a world of difference. Having a company culture of high employee engagement can lend itself to many other positive aspects. Employees that enjoy their jobs contribute to higher productivity levels, better teamwork, lower absenteeism and higher company loyalty. Alternatively, employees that aren’t engaged will likely produce the opposite results.

 

Recruiters have years of experience placing candidates into positions that they are not only qualified for, but that will be a good cultural fit for the overall team. This will allow them to integrate into the team more naturally – and relieve some of your management headache.

 

When you find your hires through a staffing agency, you can be sure that they have been pre-screened thoroughly and you will only meet with candidates that the recruiting professional truly believes would be a positive addition to your team – we aren’t in the business of wasting your time!

 

signs staffing agency lpc personnel

 

Hard-to-Fill Openings

 

Depending on the industry and position, some jobs can be a piece of cake to fill. Whether the job in question doesn’t require much experience, has flexible hours or any number of other attractive qualities, there are some positions that can get filled within hours. However, the people that fill those jobs aren’t always the most qualified for the role. In addition, there are some roles that don’t garner as much interest or are a harder sell, which can leave positions open for much longer than you would hope.

 

Either way, a staffing agency can help you find the perfect candidate for these hard-to-fill situations. They have the resources available to present your positions in an appealing way and in the most effective spaces. They can also help find better matches for those easy-to-fill jobs – so you can be sure your operation is running as effectively as possible.

 

Your Company is Going Through Changes

 

Is your company taking on a new project? Maybe you are expanding into a new territory? Or perhaps you are pivoting into a new industry?

 

If your company is going through any sort of significant changes or restructuring, it may be beneficial to partner with a staffing agency to assist with any personnel changes and make the process much smoother. Especially in the beginning stages of a new venture, it’s important to have a strong workforce to represent your company and to avoid as many bumps as possible. Working with recruiters that have experience staffing virtually every professional situation can be very helpful when you have a lot on your plate.

 

Do any of these sound familiar? If you think your company could benefit from the help of a staffing agency, LPC would be happy to help. We have over 30 years of experience in logistics, supply chain and customer service staffing in the Greater Houston Area – contact us today to get started.

 

     

employee engagement lpc staffing agency

How Working With a Staffing Agency Can Ensure Employee Engagement

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!

 

     

The Best Methods for Attracting Candidates to Your Logistics Jobs

Finding quality candidates should be a top priority for any company. Candidates that are engaged and motivated at their jobs are linked to higher job satisfaction, higher retention rates and overall productivity and profitability. The value of qualified candidates is undeniable – but how can you attract them to your jobs?

 

There is no one way to get candidates interested in your open positions, but some methods are more effective or appropriate than others. It depends on the industry, demographic and the position, and can also require a significant amount of trial and error, but we can all agree that the ‘post and pray’ method should be left in the past.

 

From the traditional to the modern, here are some of the best methods for attracting candidates to your logistics jobs.

 

Write a Great Job Description

 

It sounds simple, but writing an excellent job description is instrumental in getting candidates excited about your positions. This is the first impression your prospects will have of the position, and in some cases, your company in general, so illustrating it in an enticing way is very important. Especially in an industry that is as competitive as logistics, you have to do all that you can to make your brand stand out from the rest.

 

Aside from the technical requirements of the positions, some other aspects you can include in your job description are:

 

  • Compensation and perks
  • Information about company culture
  • Company history and reputation

 

Staffing agencies can not only help you compose these descriptions, but they can ensure they get seen by the right people and on the right job boards. Don’t just write the bare minimum – you are trying to sell not only the job, but your company and your values as a whole!

 

Tap Into Professional Networks

 

Sometimes, the best logistics candidates aren’t actively looking for jobs, but you would still like to alert them to your company and jobs. Around 70% of job seekers consider themselves to be passive, but 87% of those job seekers would be open to the right possibility if it came along. Building an online presence and connecting with passive candidates on platforms like LinkedIn or Instagram can help you to build a rapport with them and give them an idea of your company. When they are ready to look for employment, your company will be the first that comes to mind!

 

Recruiters are great additions to any professional network: by the very nature of their jobs, they have countless candidates on hand that could be perfect for your positions, so keeping them close is a smart move.

 

logistics jobs candidates

 

Consider Employer Brand

 

Many of today’s job seekers don’t just want a paycheck – they want to work for a company with a great reputation, competitive perks and strong workplace culture. These are all elements of the employer brand, and maintaining a positive one is a crucial aspect of attracting candidates to your open positions. In addition to the way your jobs are seen, the way that you are seen as an employer is very important in gaining the trust of job seekers and getting them excited to work for you.

 

Professionals working in the staffing and recruiting sector know job seekers better than anyone, and they can lend a hand tapping into what exactly it is your prospective candidates are looking for in an employer, giving you that competitive edge.

 

Work With a Staffing Agency

 

Staffing agencies are one of the best professional partners to have on your side when attracting candidates to your logistics jobs. They bridge the gap between job seeker and employer and understand what both parties need, allowing them to make matches that are long-lasting and cohesive. Also, when you are hiring for volume, staffing agencies can be beneficial when you don’t have the time or resources to find talent yourself.

 

A specialized agency such as LPC Personnel that has experience in your specific field has a deep understanding of the industry and what qualities a strong logistics team consists of, allowing them to  present your positions to prospective candidates in a strategic and attractive way.

 

Are you looking to add some talent to your logistics operation? If so, give LPC Personnel a call – we have over 30 years of industry experience in the Greater Houston Area and would be happy to lend a hand. Contact us today.

 

     

qualified candidates

4 Ways Qualified Candidates Improve Your Bottom Line

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!

 

     

logistics employees lpc

The Top Skills to Look For When Hiring Logistics Candidates

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!

 

     

staffing agency short staff

Short-Staffed? 4 Reasons Why a Staffing Agency is Your Best Bet

Every now and then, the staff you have on hand for certain projects just isn’t enough manpower to get the job done properly. Being short-staffed can be inconvenient and stressful: finding reliable, hard-working candidates on a time crunch isn’t always a walk in the park.

 

Whether you need a few people to fill in temporarily, or a larger number to help with a special project, working with a staffing agency like LPC Personnel can ensure that you experience no productivity loss. Here is why partnering with a staffing agency is your best bet when you find yourself short-staffed.

 

A Time-Sensitive Option

 

Staffing agencies that have experience filling temporary positions understand the urgency that accompanies being short-staffed. As an employer, you have a lot of priorities which can sometimes push hiring to the backburner, and you may not have several weeks to source and hire a candidate yourself.

 

Experienced staffing agencies have deep talent pools to work with and can often have a position filled that day. Also, if you know you will be needing extra hands on deck ahead of time, staffing agencies can have someone lined up to make a seamless talent transition, so that you never miss a beat.

 

Ensure Quality of Hire

 

Just because you might only need a temporary worker for a short amount of time, doesn’t mean that the quality of your employees should suffer. At LPC, we only work with candidates that are pre-screened, trustworthy and reliable, and we can even assist with their safety preparation and drug screening. All of this considered, we will never present our partners with candidates that we don’t believe are a good fit or that will affect your stability as an operation.

 

It’s also a good idea to partner with an experienced specialized staffing agency that works in your geographical area and has connected talented candidates close to your operation. Having someone on your side that knows exactly what to look for in candidates for your specific industry will make finding the right hire that much easier.

 

short staff staffing agency lpc personnel

 

Contact for the Future 

 

If you have been short-staffed once, chances are it will happen again – employees can get sick, go on vacation or move on to different jobs…all of which can leave you in a tight spot! Working with a staffing agency once means that you have them in your professional network for the next time you need some extra hands.

 

The more we work with a client, the better we learn their needs when it comes to filling open positions – it’s a relationship that only improves with time!

 

There is no downside to too much networking, and having someone in your contact list that can get you out of a tough situation offers many benefits. Especially as we embark into a brand-new hiring landscape that may present unknown challenges, having an expert on your side can give you some welcomed peace of mind.

 

Open Communication

 

At the end of the day, our goal is always the same: find the perfect candidate and match them with deserving clients. Working with a staffing agency means that you can communicate exactly what you are looking for in an employee and trust that we will do everything within our power to make a placement that works.

 

Need help with finding your next team member? LPC Personnel has been staffing the Greater Houston Area for over 30 years and would be happy to lend a hand. Contact us today.

 

     

staffing agency lpc personnel

Working With a Staffing Agency to Find Team Members During COVID-19

Despite the outbreak of COVID-19 halting global economies, many businesses and industries are continuing to hire, and operate in the face of unprecedented conditions. That being said, the nature of the hiring landscape has shifted and has taken some adjusting to, both for employers and those seeking work.

 

If you are looking to hire some new team members, consider partnering with a staffing agency such as LPC Personnel. There are many fantastic hiring benefits we can provide in spite of the lockdown and well after it’s over.

 

Deep Network of Qualified, Ready-to-Work Candidates

 

During a time of uncertainty, it can be tempting to hire the first person that walks through the door. Regardless of the situation, hiring someone that is either unqualified or not willing to stick around for the long haul will end up costing your company time, resources and efficiency.

 

Partnering with a staffing agency allows you to tap into a deep network of pre-screened, qualified and reliable candidates. Our reputation is on the line when we present you a potential hire, so you can rest assured you will only meet with the best of the best!

 

Build a Relationship for the Future

 

Expanding your network, especially during a crisis, is just good business sense! Relationships made now will be valuable down the road. Working together under challenging circumstances provides a unique opportunity to gage the work ethic and communication styles of both parties.  A staffing agency can find you necessary team members for your current project – but that doesn’t mean the relationship ends then and there!

 

The opportunity to build a long-term, trustworthy professional relationship that benefits both parties is always available when you partner with LPC Personnel. Once we get to know how your unique company operates and the exact kind of candidates you look for, we can do our job that much better – it’s a partnership that only gets better with age! Why not start now?

 

staffing agency lpc

 

Streamline Your Processes

 

In the era of COVID-19, time is of the essence. Businesses and candidates alike are eager to get back to operating like normal. However, abiding by ever-changing processes can be overwhelming, and can interfere with your business practices. Having someone on your side whose job it is to keep an ear to the ground of changing hiring practices and COVID-19 regulations will allow you to focus on managing your company.

 

Working with a staffing agency means you have the expertise of seasoned job search professionals on your side. From sourcing candidates that are right for your jobs, preparing them for virtual interviews (and making sure they show up), recruiters can provide a lot of valuable insight that can help get your positions filled faster.

 

We Will Handle the Tough Conversations

 

With any major event that affects the economy, standards are bound to shift a bit. Communicating these changes, such as adjustments to starting wages, can present a great deal of stress and anxiety for any manager. You don’t want to insult your candidates or put your company in bad standing with potential new hires, but you also have to be direct in communicating what you’re able to offer.

 

When you work with a staffing agency such as LPC Personnel, you can rest assured that we will have those tough conversations with our candidates so that they go into the interview with no surprises. We advocate on your behalf so that the messages your potential employees need to know are heard loud and clear. We have had years of experience handling the nitty gritty of the business world and are more than happy to save you the headache!

 

Finding great employees doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you are looking for one new team member or twenty, give LPC a call. We have more than 30 years of staffing industry experience and would be happy to lend a hand during this uncertain time.

 

     

logistics business practices lpc

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

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.

 

     

cover-letter

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

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!

 

     

communication

The Importance of Communication in the Hiring Process

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.