Articles for August 2006 (return to This Months Issue? ) WHO'S IN THE NEWS Temp of the Year —Sandra LaRue Temping Tales Career Coach Staff Stats
Temp of the Year — Sandra LaRue Our attitude determines our outcome in life. According to Charles Kettering, "Believe and act as if it were impossible to fail." That was the exact attitude that was adopted by CareersUSA's Temp-of-the-Year, Sandra LaRue, a Staffing Associate at the Boca Raton, Fla. office for more than a year. From the very start of her career with CareersUSA and her first assignment, Sandra, upon learning of the Temp-of-the-Year award, set her sights on obtaining it. Sandra knew she would be a winner. "Cut me a check now, 'cause I'm going to get it," she said when she first heard of the award. "Sandra set her sites on becoming Temp-of-the-Year when she received her CareersUSA Employee Handbook," said Kara Hanaka, director of the Boca Raton office. "She carried her handbook in her purse constantly. After the second week on the job, Sandra told me that she was going to 'win that award.' Her determination paid off." Sandra was thrilled and already had a use for her award check. "This will help me attend my cousin's wedding," she said. "I've been in Florida for six years and I've only been home one time," she added. Recruited by CareersUSA as an assembler/solderer, Sandra works on the assembly line at Boca Raton-based JTech Communications, which makes restaurant pagers and mall shopping passes. In addition to the Temp-of-the-Year award, CareersUSA also recognizes and awards Honorable Mentions with Certificates of Achievement and award checks. The following Staffing Associates were recognized as Honorable Mentions: Robert O’Brien, Cherry Hill, NJ; Jose Santana, Newark, DE; Jacqueline Lee, Philadelphia, PA; Theresa Clark, East Norriton, PA; Gary Gloeckler, Feasterville, PA; Brenda Brookens, Springfield, PA; Keion Johnson, West Palm Beach, FL; Ayana Mason, Washington, DC; Patrick Caccese, Exton, PA; Mark Leary, Owings Mills, MD; Bridget McKnight, Fort Lauderdale, FL; and Gisela Gorra, Miami, FL. Just what is the Temp-of- the-Year award? As part of CareersUSA's Employee Incentive Programs, a Temp-of- the-Year award and Staffing Associate Achievement Bonus is awarded annually. Each year, the Staffing Associate with the highest total number of hours worked from all CareersUSA locations is awarded a bonus and Certificate of Achievement. It's never too late to begin setting your sites on your next goal and/or achievement. - Back to Top -
Everyone has a story to tell or knows of someone who has a great story regarding their temping experiences – funny stories that still tickle your funny bone, or temping experiences that led them to their current "significant other" or career. We'd love to hear about yours! Email your stories to either belster@careersusa.com or awallace@careersusa.com. We will select the best ones to feature in our next staffFACTS - Back to Top -
The Interview — A Sales Presentation with You as the Product The interview is a personal sales presentation with you as the product. This is your opportunity to shine.
Your resume got your foot in the door, and the interview is an opportunity to expand on your resume. Study your resume and have four or five examples ready to use as answers for interview questions. You should also do your homework and research the company. Any current news could provide you with good conversational material. The interview is a two-fold process that works for both you and the company. The company has the chance to judge whether your skills and personality fit with their culture and the position that they are seeking to fill, and you have the opportunity to determine if you would be happy working for them. While in the interview, remember to relax, take a few seconds to think about what you are being asked, and frame your answers to show that you are positive and flexible and have the skills being sought. As soon as possible, follow-up with a Thank You letter to each interviewer – even if you are no longer interested in the position. You should always leave an interviewer with a positive image of yourself, as you never know if and when you might be in contact with them again. - Back to Top -
Dress for Success Graduation is over and you're ready to begin your job search. You've got your resume and cover letter down pat and now frantically look through your closet and realize that despite the bulging wardrobe already there, you have nothing to wear. A little planning and knowledge can go a long way toward creating a useful and good-looking interview and job wardrobe without "breaking the bank." The key is to start with a few basic items in neutral colors, such as black and navy that you can mix and match and build upon to stretch your wardrobe dollars. Check out your closet to see what you may already have that will work, then make a list of items that you will need and stick to this list. Buy classic basics: skirts/slacks, jackets and blouses/shirts that mix and match, in the best quality that you can afford. Check out the sales items at department stores, specialty chains and higher-end outlet stores. INTERVIEW WARDROBE Men or women should wear a basic black or navy suit, with coordinating shirt or blouse. Women can choose either a skirt or pants suit. Skirt length should be knee or mid-knee. Men should wear socks that match their shoe color and should remove any earrings and Also:
Remember to err on the side of conservatism. Individuality can always be expressed with accessories, once you have been hired and the workplace culture allows for this individuality. BASIC BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL OFFICE WARDROBE WOMEN: Choose four to six blouses or shirts that coordinate well with these basic colors. If you are choosing patterns, make sure that they are subtle. Add two pairs of nice black shoes, possibly one pair of heels and/or flats, and you've got a good, basic wardrobe that you can continue to build upon with accessories, such as purses, scarves, jewelry, additional jackets, patterned skirts/slacks, etc. once you have begun working. Skirt length should be knee length or mid-knee. Leave the thigh-high skirts for social occasions. MEN: To get a better idea as to the proper dress worn by others in the company at which you are interviewing, look at what people are wearing. Does the company dress code seem to be business casual, conservative or trendy? Now you know exactly which additional items you will need in your wardrobe should you be offered a position to work at this company. A word of caution: Before you purchase your business professional wardrobe, make sure that the dress code for the company that you've chosen to work at is indeed business professional. You might just land a job in a totally different dress environment, such as business casual – and that's another wardrobe entirely! Good luck on your job search, happy shopping, and remember, above all else – what's most important is to wear a smile! - Back to Top -
The Staffing Industry continues to lead in the economy, and temping jobs remain viable, according to a survey conducted by the American Staffing Association (ASA). The Flexibility Factor - Back to Top -
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