JUNE 2015
Switch jobs with grace and decorum standard, some positions may require more or less time. It’s best not to drag your exit out too long though. Meet with your boss first. Don’t let a boss find out about your intentions to leave the company through the workplace gossip mill. It is always more professional to keep plans to yourself and show your boss the respect of hearing about your decision to leave first. Do so in person and not over the phone or via email.
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omen leave jobs for various reasons. Some women cite disparities in pay, an inability to advance through the company or incompatibility with a particlar place of business as their reasons for seeking new employment, while others leave jobs to take time off for family obligations, only to reenter the workforce at a later time. The Bureau of Labor Statistics say the average person changes jobs 10 to 15 times (with an average of 11 job changes) over the course of a career. Reports about employees in Fortune 500 companies have found, while women make up nearly 50 percent of these companies, they represent just 7.5 percent of top earners. Dissatisfaction with their income encourages some women to look for greener pastures. Transitioning between jobs is common, but professionals can take certain steps to ensure their transition works out for them and does not burn any bridges along they way. Have a definitive reason for leaving. It’s foolish to change jobs on a whim. Be clear about why you are leaving and whether problems can be remedied by speaking up or if leaving for another company really is the best solution. Having firm reasons for your resignation will enable you to leave with more confidence and conviction. Provide enough notice to the company. If you have been working in a particularly poor environment, it may be tempting to run out the door even before your written resignation has finished printing. This may not bode well for future recommendations and leave your name tarnished within the industry. Instead, give ample notice and find a mutually acceptable window of time in which your position will be filled. While two weeks is
Continue to do your job to the best of your abilities. Giving notice is not a ticket to goofing off or participating in an office vacation. Slacking off damages good will and is a surefire way to burn some bridges. Put in your best effort until the day you leave the company behind. Avoid making negative comments. When discussing your reasons for leaving, be diplomatic but honest. Similarly, do not talk poorly about your former job to your new employer. You may inadvertently portray yourself as a disgruntled employee. Furthermore, word travels fast within many industries, and a loose tongue may compromise future networking opportunities. Maintain decorum even if it was not your idea to leave. Being fired or downsized can hurt, particularly when you thought you were doing a good job. Remain cool and always be professional. How you conduct yourself when facing adversity could speak well to your future employers. William Shakespeare may have said that a person is remembered for his entrances and exits, and this is particularly true in the workforce. When it is time to leave an employment position for a new one, do so with grace and humility.
Employer Showcase •
• Employer Showcase
JUNE 2015
Did you know?
Make sure your resume doesn’t cost you a job
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any a night’s sleep has been lost worrying about an upcoming job interview. Questions like “Will I make a good impression?” or “Am I qualified for the job?” can make for a restless night’s sleep on the eve before a job interview. Writing a resume is another aspect of the job hunt that can stoke your nerves. Men and women may pour over job timelines and skill summaries for hours in an effort to ensure they have included the right mix of information to get noticed. Though resume writing has changed considerably over the years, some conventional wisdom about resumes still prevails, and how closely potential applicants adhere to these rules goes a long way toward determining if they earn a chance at an interview. Me, myself and I: While the resume should showcase your professional accomplishments, it also should showcase how your skills relate to the job you’re applying for. This way the company understands you have researched the position and are in tune with what they’re looking for in an applicant. One document for all responses: A resume is not a static document. It needs to change depending on the job you’re applying to. Although there will be certain informa-
tion that can remain the same, update the skills and other information based on each position. One page is best: Applicants were long told to keep their resumes concise, limiting the document to just one
You may be asked to prove you can perform certain tasks, and if you cannot back up what is included on a resume, you will have wasted your time and the time the interviewer spent discussing his company’s opening with you. page. However, if your experience is extensive or one page cannot contain a long job history, don’t be afraid to submit a two-page resume.
The number of women in leadership roles in both politics and business continues to rise. According to the Pew Research Center, the percentage of United States Senators who are female has risen from just 2 percent in 1965 to 20 percent in 2015. A similar spike has taken place in the United States House of Representatives, which is now 19.3 percent women compared to just 2.3 percent in 1965. State legislatures have also witnessed the growing role of women, as state legislatures, which were just 4.5 percent female in 1971, are now 24 percent female. Fortune 500 companies have also increasingly turned to women to fill leadership roles. In 2014, 5.2 percent of Fortune 500 CEOs were women. While that figure is still low, it’s certainly an improvement over 1995, when no Fortune 500 company employed a female as its CEO. Fortune 500 companies are also increasingly relying on women to serve as board members, which were 16.9 percent women in 2013 compared to less than 10 percent in1995. Women also are getting more opportunities to lead on college campuses than they were roughly 30 years ago, when just 9.5 percent of college presidents were women. By 2011, that figure had nearly tripled to 26.4 percent.
Failing to be selective: You need not include your entire job history on a resume, especially if certain past positions you have held are completely irrelevant to the position for which you are applying. Don’t be afraid of job gaps, either. Many of today’s recruiters understand that the changing economy can make it challenging to maintain steady employment. Overembellishment: Do not embellish your skills. Always be open and honest on your resume. You may be asked to prove you can perform certain tasks, and if you cannot back up what is included on a resume, you will have wasted your time and the time the interviewer spent discussing his company’s opening with you. Imperfections: A resume is a reflection of you, so one with typographical errors or a poor layout is never acceptable. Ensure your resume is as professional and error-free as possible. Have a friend or a proofreader look it over before distributing. Paid positions: Internships or volunteer work are perfectly acceptable to include on a resume, particularly for younger applicants who may not have a wealth of professional experience. Include a mix of information on the resume that will reflect your versatility.
JUNE 2015
Employer Showcase •
Make the most of your entry-level job Many top level business executives, including some CEOs, began their careers in entry-level positions. Such positions may not fulfill a post-grad’s dream, but they are often great opportunities for freshly minted graduates to learn about a given industry. Like many opportunities, entry-level jobs are often only as valuable as employees want them to be. Those who approach entry-level opportunities with a good attitude and a strong desire to learn are the ones who are most likely to someday consider their experiences as entry-level employees as invaluable. With that in mind, the following are a few ways entrylevel workers can make the most of their opportunity. Maintain a good attitude. Chances are your first few months as an entry-level employee will be spent performing tedious tasks that may have little to do with your long-term career goals. Approaching such tasks with enthusiasm may be difficult, but do your best to maintain a positive attitude. Your coworkers and bosses will observe how you respond to your workload, and that response can dictate your future with the company. In addition, those who are above you on the company food chain no doubt performed some menial entry-level work when they began their careers, and a poor attitude that
A willingness to cooperate and work a few extra hours when help is needed is a great way for entry-level employees to get noticed.
Learn the lay of the land. Companies vary with regard to culture at the office, so while a casual environment might have prevailed at a past internship that does not necessarily mean your new employer fosters the same environment. When starting an entry-level job, pay attention to how the staff interacts with one another, including how decisions are made. Such information can help you as you look to advance your career and build relationships within the company.
Develop your skills. No one expects you to be fully satisfied with an entry level position for your entire career, so don’t be afraid to seek opportunities to further develop suggests you are above such work will only harbor resentment your skills. Such opportunities may present themselves among those who have already paid their dues. within the company via an interesting project or outside the company via a class at the local college. Take advantage of Be ready to chip in. A willingness to cooperate and work a any chance to develop your skills, and don’t feel guilty about few extra hours when help is needed is a great way for entrypursuing opportunities that have little to do with your curlevel employees to get noticed. But while helping coworkers rent position so long as you’re still doing your job to the best is great, make sure your own responsibilities aren’t suffering of your abilities. A good company will be impressed by your because you’re too quick to lend a helping hand. Once you have cleared your plate, you can then approach your boss and desire to learn and grow your skill set, so don’t hesitate to express your willingness to help. Such gestures will be appreci- seek such opportunities. ated and will help you get noticed for all the right reasons.
• Employer Showcase
JUNE 2015
Building a business wardrobe
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he transition from college student or stay-athome mom to full-time professional requires a number of changes. Those changes include updating your wardrobe to give it a more professional feel. Clothing that’s acceptable for a jaunt to the store or a night out may not be appropriate for the office. Just what constitutes a professional wardrobe has changed over the years, and the guidelines for such attire are no longer as firm as they once were. But it still behooves a woman to add some classic, professional pieces to her closet. While skirts and pantyhose may no longer be mandatory, dressing conservatively and cleanly in an office environment is always a safe bet. In order to achieve a wardrobe transformation without breaking the bank, the fashion experts at Marie Claire advise adding separates to build around a base suit. Find a suit that is flattering to your figure and make it a workplace staple. Then purchase coordinating pants, sweater sets, shirts, another skirt, and accessories that can be mixed and matched with elements from the suit to create different looks. If your budget allows, purchase another suit in a different color so you can continue to
build wardrobe possibilities. When selecting base pieces, opt for neutral colors of tan, gray, black, and blue so that these items can be worn repeatedly without being noticed. Accessories and blouses can offer pops of color when necessary. A nice handbag or pair of shoes can quite easily add color to an otherwise monotone ensemble. When selecting items from the rack, look for those that fit well but aren’t too constrictive or racy. Inquire with your new employer’s hiring manager or human resources department to find out if the workplace has any restrictions on wardrobe. There may be employee guidelines, particularly in certain industries, such as law or education. If no such restrictions are in place, keep skirts to knee-length and avoid particularly low-cut tops. Save more revealing items for nights out with friends. Many employers have adopted dress-down days as perks for their employees. Although you may be invited to dress more casually, avoid dressing for a day at the beach or hanging around the house. Opt for trouser-style jeans that are free of rips and embellishments. If athletic shoes are allowed, make sure they are clean and not the pair you wear while tending to your garden. Avoid graphic
T-shirts that feature potentially offensive or suggestive messages. In more conservative companies, dressing down may be opting for khakis instead of suits. It is important to know the difference. Women who are adding to their wardrobes can include these all-time business staples. • Classic black pump shoes • Crisp, button-down white shirt • Fine-knit sweater in a bright color • Camisole or shell in a neutral color to wear under blazers • Cardigan in black or white that can be worn over tops or dresses • Fitted, sleeveless dress that can be paired with a suit jacket or cardigan • Straight-hemmed skirt in a neutral color • Flat-front black, gray and tan pants • Neutral-colored wool coat and a rain jacket Over time, women can add to their wardrobes as budgets allow and they learn more about what is acceptable at their places of hire.
JUNE 2015
Helpful hints to land your first job
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hough the job market for newly minted college graduates has proven less than ideal in recent years, members of the class of 2014 entered a job market that was on the rebound. According to the “Job Outlook 2014” survey from the National Association of Colleges and Employers, employers anticipated hiring nearly 8 percent more 2014 graduates for their domestic operations than they hired from the class of 2013. That’s good news for new grads, but members of the class of 2014 should still expect a competitive job market in which companies can afford to be patient as they attempt to find the best possible candidate for each opening. Oftentimes the best candidate, especially for entry-level positions, is the one who combines some experience with a willingness to learn and do whatever it takes to help a company succeed. Many candidates boast such experience and enthusiasm, but there are some additional steps new graduates can take to improve their chances of landing their first jobs out of college. Gain some relevant experience. While college is the best time to gain some experience that’s relevant to your field, that does not mean you can’t still earn an internship now that you have donned your cap and gown and received your diploma. Many businesses look to recent graduates to fill their internships, as recent grads have years of study under their belts and, because they are no longer enrolled in classes, more flexibility than current students. If the job market in your chosen field is tepid, start looking for internships. These can be a great way to start making some professional contacts, and many people find themselves ultimately working full-time for the company where they first landed an internship. Establish an online presence. Another way for recent graduates to get noticed is to establish a positive online presence. Something as simple as creating a profile on the professional networking site LinkedIn can help recent graduates get noticed by prospective employers. Even if you have little or no relevant professional experience, create a profile that includes your education history, interests, accolades or awards you
earned while in school and even a brief summary of your career goals. Another way to establish an online presence is to begin a blog. The blog should not be used as a tool to discuss your personal life, but rather to express your thoughts on topics relevant to the career you hope to pursue. Demonstrating an understanding or even just a passion for the industry can be a great way to show prospective employers that you are looking for a career and not just a job. Join a professional organization. Other options to network and improve your chances of landing your first job can be attained by joining a professional organization. Many such organizations welcome new members, even those with relatively little or even no professional experience. Your university may even sponsor such an organization and host regularly scheduled forums relevant to your industry. Such forums often feature lectures or talk sessions with already established professionals who can provide advice on landing a first job or internship or furnish grads with industry contacts who might offer similar help. Memberships in such organizations is often free or inexpensive, so take advantage of this opportunity if it presents itself. Use the resources at your disposal. Many college graduates are unaware that they have valuable resources at their disposal that can greatly increase their chances of securing a job out of college. The career services office at the university is an invaluable resource that is plugged into the business community in its town or city. Such an office can connect you will fellow alumni, many of whom want to help their fellow graduates establish their careers. A career services office also can help new graduates fine tune their resumes and cover letters so they have a greater chance of landing a job. Parents also might be a great resource in your job hunt. Your parents may have a career’s worth of professional contacts who might be able to help you land a job. Don’t be hesitant to ask your parents for help. Getting a first job out of college is rarely easy. But there are some strategies motivated grads can employ to greatly increase their chances of finding a job and starting their careers.
Employer Showcase •
• Employer Showcase
JUNE 2015
How to get noticed in a crowded job market F
inding a new job is never an easy task. That task grew even more difficult over the last half decade, when a struggling economy forced many companies to lay off workers and institute hiring freezes. As a result, unemployment numbers rose, and many out-of-work men and women found themselves searching for ways to stand out among a crowded pool of applicants. Standing out in a crowded job market has always been tough, but many professionals find it even more difficult to get noticed now, when many companies request prospective employees apply for job postings via the Internet. That process can be frustrating, as even the most qualified applicants can easily get lost among the myriad of workers all applying for the same position. But as daunting as finding a new job may seem to those looking for work, there are ways to stand out among the masses. Go the extra mile when sending your application. Many online job postings provide a link or an email address where applicants can fill out an application or send their resumes. This is a necessary step, and applicants should follow the directions in the posting. But applicants who really want to get noticed can take the extra step of finding the contact information for the company’s hiring manager and sending their resume directly to that person’s email address. Include the title of the position you’re applying for in the subject line of your email, and cut and paste your cover letter into the body of the email. In addition to sending your email to the company’s hiring manager,
Tighten things up. Your resume should reflect your work experience, but you want to focus primarily on the experience and skills that are relevant to the position. You can list past positions or internships you’ve had, but keep the synopsis of those positions brief if they bear little relevance to the position for which you’re applying. The main focus of your resume should be the things you have done in the past that make you the best candidate for this job. This might change as you apply for various positions, but tailor each resume to each specific position.
Beware of hyperlinks. Adding hyperlinks to a resume can be hit or miss. When it’s a hit, a hiring manager can click on a link in your resume and be taken directly to samples of your work. However, if you’re asked to submit your resume via an online application instead of sending it directly to a hiring manager’s email address, then those same hyperlinks might be relegating your application to the trash bin before it’s ever seen. That’s because the database may be programmed to associate any documents with hyperlinks as spam, in which case the hiring manager will never see your application or resume. Hyperlinks can be useful and help you stand out, but only when they’re employed under the right circumstances.
Make your resume download-friendly. Applying for positions but getting little response despite your qualifications? Chances are your resume might not be download-friendly. Bullet points and boxes might look good to you, but if the hiring manager on the receiving end of your resume does not have the same version of the program you’re using, that resume might look like a scrambled mess by the time the it’s downloaded. In such instances your resume is almost certain to end up in the scrap heap, no matter how qualified you might be. When uploading your resume to a company Web site or emailing it to a hiring manager, choose a format they can easily download. A PDF, for example, is a format that’s easy to download and unlikely to scramble.
Include social media profiles. More and more companies want employees who are familiar with social media, which can work to an applicants’ advantage or prove detrimental. If you have been responsible regarding your use of social media, conducting yourself in a professional matter and even benefitting your existing employer, by all means share these profiles with potential employers. But if you have traditionally used social media purely as a social tool and not in a professional manner, then it bears little relevance to your job search and likely won’t help you stand out for the right reasons. Standing out in a crowded job is rarely easy. But savvy professionals can employ a few tricks of the trade to stand out as they search for their next jobs.
consider CC’ing the person who might be your boss if you were to get the position.
JUNE 2015
Employer Showcase •
10 • Employer Showcase
JUNE 2015
How to give your resume a facelift
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he process of finding a new job has changed dramatically over the last decade-plus. Whereas professionals once printed their resumes and mailed them to hiring managers in response to job postings, nowadays resumes and cover letters are largely uploaded via the Internet or emailed directly to a company’s human resources department. But how resumes are sent is not the only adjustment job seekers must make. Resumes themselves have changed as
Many professionals are initially hesitant to upload their resumes to a business networking site such as LinkedIn® out of fear that their current employers will feel they are looking for a new job. well, and professionals looking for a new job might want to tweak their existing resumes in the following ways to increase their chances of finding a new job. Show accomplishments rather than responsibilities. Many hiring managers are experienced enough to know the responsibilities of a certain job title. So instead of listing your responsibilities as a Regional Sales Manager, list what you accomplished during your time in that position. Be as specific as possible, listing any sales goals you exceeded and awards you might have won. Your achievements are what set you apart from other candidates with similar work histories, so use your resume to highlight those achievements instead of listing your responsibilities. Keep things brief. Brevity should be your friend when accentuating your accomplishments on your resume. Your resume should highlight those accomplishments and that
should be enough to secure an interview. When you get that interview, that’s when you can go into greater detail. But try to keep your resume to one or two pages. Remove older positions. Older positions, such as a long-ago college internship, have no place on a seasoned professional’s resume. On a similar note, if you have long since changed careers, you may not need to include much about your previous positions in another field, especially if your work experience in your new field is extensive. Hiring managers likely won’t be interested in a past work history if it’s irrelevant to your current field. Consider a new format. Few job postings request applicants to send in their resumes via snail mail, so unlike the days of old, you probably won’t be printing your resume as a Microsoft(R) Word document and mailing it to prospective employers. As a result, you might want to consider a new format when submitting your resume via a company’s Web site. Word documents might be acceptable, but such documents can easily become encoded in the uploading process or won’t be readable if the hiring manager has a different version of Word than you do. Consider uploading your resume as a PDF or as plain text, as such formats are less likely to become scrambled during when they are uploaded or downloaded. Upload your resume to a professional networking site. Many professionals are initially hesitant to upload their resumes to a business networking site such as LinkedIn(R) out of fear that their current employers will feel they are looking for a new job. But so many professionals are now members of such sites that it’s no longer associated with a job search as much as it is an easy way to keep in touch with professional contacts. In addition, many recruiters rely on sites like LinkedIn to find qualified professionals, which only makes it easier to find your next job.
Looking for a job?
JUNE 2015
C
CA Bartlett State Jail founded the private corrections management industry three decades ago, establishing industry standards for future-focused, forward-thinking correctional solutions. A commitment to innovation, efficiency, cost effectiveness and achievement has made the company the partnership corrections provider of choice for federal, state and local agencies since 1983. As a full-service corrections management provider, we specialize in the design, construction, expansion and management of prisons, jails and detention facilities, along with residential reentry services and inmate transportation services through our subsidiary company TransCor America. We are the fifth-largest corrections system in the nation, behind only the federal government and three other states. CCA houses nearly 70,000 inmates in more than 60 facilities, the majority of which are company-
owned, with a total bed capacity of more than 80,000. CCA currently partners with all three federal corrections agencies (The Federal Bureau of Prisons, the U.S. Marshals Service and Immigration and Customs Enforcement), many states and local municipalities. Every day, CCA’s more than 16,000 professionals – including chaplains, nurses, teachers and corrections officers – manage safe, humane and cost-effective corrections facilities for government partners of all levels. We take pride in our correctional facilities. They are wellmaintained and regularly updated. Many people who have never been in a prison or jail are amazed once they have seen a CCA facility. We are a safe environment, providing ‘round-the-clock security. Most of our correctional professionals wear a uniform and believe in protocol and following an established chain of command. CCA jails, prisons and detention centers
Employer Showcase • 11
– like most correctional facilities – have many locks, some bars and a number of gates designed to keep our employees, inmates and the greater community safe. Security is our number one goal – 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A CCA facility is like a small town in terms of the many types of professionals who provide a multitude of services for inmates and local communities. Our correctional facilities feature kitchens, dining halls, places of worship, classrooms, vocational training centers, healthcare clinics, recreational areas, housing units, administrative offices and more. Our employees are correctional officers, security supervisors and managers, chaplains,
administrative clerks, executive leaders, teachers, nurses, doctors, trainers, counselors and more. We offer more than just corrections jobs in our state-of-the-art correctional centers. We extend stable career opportunities, where you can make a difference and become a life-changer. CCA is America’s leader in partnership corrections. No two days in corrections are alike. Every hour of each day presents an opportunity to really make a difference for good. We welcome you to learn more about our exciting career opportunities by visiting www.cca.com or by calling (254) 527-3300.
12 • Employer Showcase
JUNE 2015
How social media can affect your career S
ocial media has become an integral part of modern society. Millions of people around the world use social media to connect with one another. But this valuable tool also can be a detriment, particularly to men and women seeking employment. What a person says or does on social media can come back to haunt them with regard to the impression they create with prospective employers. Questionable antics and comments may reflect negatively on a person without him or her even realizing it. According to a study by Reppler, a social media monitoring service, 91 percent of employers use social media channels such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn to screen prospective employees. Many people are completely unaware how others view them through their social media profiles and usage, but social media profiles give away more information about a person’s character and personality than many people would ever imagine. Even seemingly innocent remarks and observations can be misconstrued. Use of profanity or offering commentary on controversial subjects may be a person’s right. However, such comments may not sit well with prospective employers. Some may think the solution is not to have profiles on the popular social media sites. But avoiding social media entirely can send the wrong message to prospective employers. It may suggest that you are not a person who is current with the latest trends in technology and may give employers the impression that you are not adept at keeping up with the changing times. The key is finding the right balance with social media. The following are a few tips to ensure your social media usage does not do more harm than good. Do not post or tweet information that shoulD be kept private If you would not tell intimate secrets to another person, especially an employer, do
not convey these details to your group of “friends.”
recognize that it’s not always your comments that can affect perceptions of you The friends you choose to accept and socialize with via social media can impact how others view you. If friends are prone to vulgarity and off-color commentary, employers may surmise that this type of behavior is acceptable to you. Screen friends and block those who do not meet your standards. know that security features on social meDia applications change frequently It’s important to know just how private your information may be. For example, if you are tagged in another person’s photo, people outside of your friends’ list may be able to see that image. You have to police your sites and lock down the information as you see fit, only posting what is appropriate for the general public. Do not complain about a job or boss publicly Even if your boss is not on your list of friends, he or she may still learn about your comments through gossip. While verbal complaints with others may not be accurately tracked back to you, text is hard evidence to discredit. use social meDia as a networking tool to finD other like-minDeD inDiviDuals in the same fielDs Join industry-based groups and organizations so that you can share your ideas. Further expanding your reach through blogs and websites can also help your job hunt. Social media is here to stay, making many details of people’s lives more public, so exercise caution with social media so your career is not negatively affected.
JUNE 2015
Employer Showcase • 13
Career opportunities in health and wellness H
ealth and wellness has grown increasingly popular over the last several decades as more and more people have adopted lifestyles designed to improve their immediate and long-term health. Not surprisingly, career opportunities in healthcare and health and wellness are on the rise, and the following are a handful of careers men and women interested in health and wellness may want to consider.
must complete a substantial amount of postsecondary education before they can earn their license or certification.
NutritioNist Men and women with an interest in food and nutrition may want to consider a career as a nutritionist. Dietitians and nutritionists often fall under the same career umbrella, and the BLS reports the job outlook for both careers between 2012 and 2022 is 21 percent. Dietitians and nutritionists often serve as advisors to people or organizations looking to embrace or encourage healthy lifestyles, and both may work in hospitals, nursing homes, cafeterias, and clinics.
HealtH educator The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that between 2012 and 2022, the job outlook, which projects the percent change in employment, for health educators and community workers was 21 percent, nearly twice the average growth rate for all occupations during the same period. Health educators perform a host of tasks, including teaching and promoting various wellness practices. Health educators may also develop strategies and campaigns to promote wellness. Massage tHerapist Massage therapists help people recover from injury and relieve stress, but they also might be used to improve circulation and increase relaxation, both of which can contribute to their patients’ long-term health. The BLS
projects the job outlook for massage therapists between 2012 and 2022 to be 23 percent, indicating that there figures to be an array of opportunities available to men and women interested in pursuing massage therapy. Such people should know that massage therapists typically
occupatioNal tHerapists Occupational therapists employ everyday activities to treat patients dealing with injury, disability or illness. Occupational therapists may help their patients relearn how to feed and dress themselves, while some might work exclusively with stroke patients who have lost their ability to perform certain tasks as a result of their strokes. The BLS reports the job outlook for occupational therapists, who earned a median annual wage of roughly $75,000, between 2012 and 2022 is 29 percent.
14 • Employer Showcase
Spherion Staffing Services
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our local Spherion Staffing office is individually owned and operated by a team of staffing specialists. Opened in 1981, Vicki Koon and her staff won “Spherion Owner of the Year” in 2013 and they are known and well-connected throughout the community. Spherion has distinguished itself as the go-to source for skilled talent and rewarding career opportunities. However, it is not our size or our 66+ years of experience that has earned us the respect and loyalty of our customers – it is our local focus, personalized service and passion for excellence. Since 1946, Spherion has been offering companies a unique combination of personalized customer service backed by the resources, knowledge and geographic breadth of a two billion dollar workforce leader. With Spherion, clients and candidates alike receive the best of both worlds: dedicated local service and robust national support. Last year we helped 3,000 clients nationwide acquire the right administrative, contact center, light industrial, non-clinical healthcare and professional talent required to meet their workforce goals. We did it with the kind of attention and service that speaks well of local ownership. We understand the unique dynamics impacting the job market – both locally and nationally. Our team is on a first-name basis with the talented people who live here. Supported by a national staffing leader, Spherion has the resources to support a full range of staffing needs – from flexible and direct-hire placements to customized workforce solutions. Candidates seek us out because we provide the area’s best career opportunities and personalized job search support. Clients are confident
in the placements we make because of the results we consistently achieve. Our business is about connecting with people. For this reason, you will always have a very personal, face-to-face experience when you work with Spherion. While this aspect of our business will never change, technology plays a significant role in the way people connect and relate in today’s world, so we have made it a priority to keep pace with the latest innovations and trends hitting the market. When a client needs a specific candidate, we are able to find that person with precision and speed using a combination of social media, mobile career tools, text job alerts, blogs, web TV and local networking. Our mission at Spherion is very clear: to help businesses work better, faster and more efficiently by providing them with the right talent at the right time to keep their businesses productive and successful; to help candidates live the life they love by providing them with fulfilling career opportunities that utilize their unique talents and skills while driving them on toward greater success. Locally owned and operated, Spherion has a deep understanding of the businesses they serve and the unique qualities that make a candidate ideal for their opportunities. Immersed in the community and powered by the latest technologies, we are able to rapidly locate the right talent and recruit candidates for high-priority positions. In so doing, we infuse businesses with the kind of talent that enables them to work more productively. Our local focus translates to expanded career opportunities for candidates and an open door to sought-after companies that entrust Spherion with their workforce initiatives. Job seekers are able to tap into our vast network of business relationships and attract the attention of hiring managers, gaining a real advantage over their competition. The dream job that fits each candidate’s career aspirations is well within their grasp,
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enabling them to live the life they love! The standard that defines our business is service excellence, which is much more than a lofty marketing concept; it is the uncompromising standard that defines the way we do business. We are so serious about service excellence that a portion of executive compensation is tied directly to our ability to meet your expectations. Spherion’s commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of our business, including the way we interact with clients and candidates, the quality of talent and opportunities we provide and the results we achieve. While other staffing providers may tout the same level of service, Spherion backs it up by continually collecting, measuring and reporting your feedback. However, it is how we apply your input that truly sets Spherion apart. Our proprietary score card and satisfaction surveys strategically guide our pursuit for excellence through continuous improvement in the areas that matter to you. With nearly 500K surveys sent to clients and candidates annually, we consider every piece of feedback you provide an opportunity to improve our service to you. As a locally-owned staffing company, Spherion is uniquely positioned to deliver a standard of service that is unmatched throughout our industry. We are committed to providing service excellence to the candidates, clients and customer enterprises that place their trust in us. We treat all candidates with dignity and respect; we will help you identify and match your skills, talents and experience to the best job possible. We provide our business clients with the most qualified, motivated candidates when and where they need them. We will get to know your company, your culture, your hiring criteria and the challenges you face, making your job faster and easier. Our job is finding people jobs--we love what we do! We are open Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at our office in Temple located at 2309 Birdcreek Terrace. You can call us at (254) 7780533 or visit our website at www.spherion.com/jobs.
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