by Jeannine Hohman, HR Strategist, TriStarr Staffing
Job Description Do’s and Don’ts
In addition to defining the essential functions of a position, job descriptions can be helpful to us in various ways. They enable us to distinguish positions; determine exempt vs. non-exempt classification for FLSA purposes; determine pay rate; establish performance requirements and assist in recruitment efforts.
That sounds great, right? But what if you don’t have written job descriptions or they haven’t been updated? Below are some tips on the do’s and don’ts of preparing a job description:
DO talk with the supervisor or hiring manager
Creating a job description should be a joint effort between the supervisor or hiring manager and Human Resources. The supervisor of a department knows what is expected and can give specifics of the position.
DON’T start from scratch
Whether you are creating a brand new job description or updating an existing one, there is no need to start with a blank piece of paper. Starting with a good example can get you started on your way. Networking contacts and business associates may be a resource or various online sites can serve as a useful tool.
DO be specific
When it comes to defining the key responsibilities or essential functions of a position, it is important to be specific. For example, rather than just stating that a Human Resources Manager “is responsible for the day to day operations of the Human Resources Department”, it would be better to spell out some of the position’s essential functions. This may include “Plan, organize and facilitate all activities of the department” or “implement and annually update compensation programs”.
DON’T use Acronyms or Jargon
A job description should be clear employees and applicants. Acronyms or jargon that is specific to your organization can be confusing to others, especially in recruiting individuals who could come from a multitude of business backgrounds.
DO use accurate adjectives and action verbs
Be specific and use adjectives that reflect the position and duties accurately. For example, describe the pace of work or the work place environment by stating, “fast-paced” or “team-oriented environment”. Use action verbs in the present tense, such as “facilitates, develops or prepares”.
DON’T use words that may be interpreted as discriminatory
Avoid any language in a job description that could be considered discriminatory in any way. For example, do not use words that indicate gender or age such as “her position” or “his work station” or “young and able-bodied”.
Job descriptions are basically summaries or guidelines for a particular position. The document is not intended to list every detail of the position, mainly because business today is not static, but changing and developing each day. Job descriptions should provide a baseline, but not be so broad that they confuse or mislead managers, employees or job seekers.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Two Simple Interview Tips to Set You Apart
Scott Fiore, TriStarr Staffing
There are two areas that you can focus on in an interview to help set you apart from the pack, and increase your chances of landing a job in these difficult times. The candidate pool is growing every day, and it's now more important that ever that once you land an interview that you make a strong impression. Two areas to focus on are confidence and preparedness.
Confidence. Hiring managers are looking for strong people to come in and get the job done. The confidence you project here is key. First, are you nervous? Sure!! Tell me that. Get the elephant in the room out on the table. "Hey, I am really excited about the opportunity to work for your organization, and you know, I'm a little nervous." You've just broken the ice, people naturally want to help, or rescue others in these instances. Once that's off the table, you can move on. Make sure you're well dressed (see a previous post), well groomed, and not disheveled. A well dressed, well groomed person exudes confidence (even if they are quite nervous). Make eye contact throughout the conversation. Confident people make eye contact. Now - that said don't make this a stare down contest. As my teenagers say, you don't want to be a creeper.
Preparedness. Be prepared. The scout moto. Well, it works. For goodness sake do your research. It's too easy these days. In many cases if you don't, consider yourself sunk. Other candidates will, and you'll be remembered for not being prepared, or serious enough to do the research. Have questions written down and ask them. Ask about the responsibilities, performance expectations, culture, etc. Save the salary and benefit questions for later interviews or the offer. If you've done your research, you know whether the salary and benefits are what you're looking for. And for goodness sake - don't ask about vacations in the first interview. You haven't even started, and you're looking for time off? Anticipate questions that you'll be asked and practice your answers. Ask a friend, or colleague to to a practice interview with you. Professional athletes practice all the time for a reason. Research the interviewer. Google her, look him up on LinkedIn or Facebook. Get to know as much as you can about them. Use this information when you are answering questions.
Being prepared and exuding confidence are key areas to help set you apart during the interview process. Focus on these areas and your chances of success will increase.
There are two areas that you can focus on in an interview to help set you apart from the pack, and increase your chances of landing a job in these difficult times. The candidate pool is growing every day, and it's now more important that ever that once you land an interview that you make a strong impression. Two areas to focus on are confidence and preparedness.
Confidence. Hiring managers are looking for strong people to come in and get the job done. The confidence you project here is key. First, are you nervous? Sure!! Tell me that. Get the elephant in the room out on the table. "Hey, I am really excited about the opportunity to work for your organization, and you know, I'm a little nervous." You've just broken the ice, people naturally want to help, or rescue others in these instances. Once that's off the table, you can move on. Make sure you're well dressed (see a previous post), well groomed, and not disheveled. A well dressed, well groomed person exudes confidence (even if they are quite nervous). Make eye contact throughout the conversation. Confident people make eye contact. Now - that said don't make this a stare down contest. As my teenagers say, you don't want to be a creeper.
Preparedness. Be prepared. The scout moto. Well, it works. For goodness sake do your research. It's too easy these days. In many cases if you don't, consider yourself sunk. Other candidates will, and you'll be remembered for not being prepared, or serious enough to do the research. Have questions written down and ask them. Ask about the responsibilities, performance expectations, culture, etc. Save the salary and benefit questions for later interviews or the offer. If you've done your research, you know whether the salary and benefits are what you're looking for. And for goodness sake - don't ask about vacations in the first interview. You haven't even started, and you're looking for time off? Anticipate questions that you'll be asked and practice your answers. Ask a friend, or colleague to to a practice interview with you. Professional athletes practice all the time for a reason. Research the interviewer. Google her, look him up on LinkedIn or Facebook. Get to know as much as you can about them. Use this information when you are answering questions.
Being prepared and exuding confidence are key areas to help set you apart during the interview process. Focus on these areas and your chances of success will increase.
Monday, February 9, 2009
You just never know....
As I drove into work today, there was no indication of the curveball that would be thrown our way this morning. As I was preparing for our weekly meeting / huddle / whatever you want to call it, I heard a loud noise, and poof - power goes out.
It turns out a transformer across the street blew up (technical term). Luckily we have a "disaster plan" in place and were able to quickly forward phones, make sure the file servers were okay, and being powered down correctly, etc.
It's mornings like this that I'm reminded how important it is to have procedures in place for situations like this that tend to catch us off guard.
So - my apologies for the late blog post today - I was a little distracted. If you don't have a plan for emergencies - I suggest you get one. If you have a plan, make sure it's up to date. Who knows what tomorrow - or later today for that matter - will bring.
It turns out a transformer across the street blew up (technical term). Luckily we have a "disaster plan" in place and were able to quickly forward phones, make sure the file servers were okay, and being powered down correctly, etc.
It's mornings like this that I'm reminded how important it is to have procedures in place for situations like this that tend to catch us off guard.
So - my apologies for the late blog post today - I was a little distracted. If you don't have a plan for emergencies - I suggest you get one. If you have a plan, make sure it's up to date. Who knows what tomorrow - or later today for that matter - will bring.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Guys - Dress Appropriately PLEASE!
By Scott Fiore, TriStarr Staffing
People who know me, know that appearance is important to me. I too often see guys inappropriately dressed for work, interviews, heck even dates! Whether you like it or not, the first impression you make - yes guys, you too -is critical. I thought I would take this opportunity to focus on the guys and how to make a great first impression - especially in an interview.
When you arrive for your interview what are you saying about yourself by the way you dress? (A note here - PLEASE be polite and respectful to the receptionist. I can't tell you how many people come into our office and are rude, or condescending to our receptionist. Well guess what - SHE TELLS US. Yup - you're pretty much done at this point. Common sense guys....). Back to how you look. If you are;
Neatly dressed – I may think that you are organized.
Properly accessorized – I may think that you pay attention to details.
Dressed in a current fashion – I may think that you are in tune with trends and new ideas.
Dressed in well fitted, quality clothing – I may think that you are secure, respectful, solvent, and not desperate.
Dressed too casually – I may think that you are not serious.
Today’s employers are looking for well-rounded candidates who can “multi-task.” Many jobs require three skill sets for one position. This means that during a single work day, an employee may be stationed at a computer and during the course of the day interface with clients, superiors, and colleagues. Dressing the part has never been as crucial!
Appearing well-dressed, with a professional, confident image bodes well with your future employer. It will not only help you land a great job but will give you an edge in negotiating your salary.
Tips on Dressing for an Interview:
Even if the dress code is casual, wear a suit or sport coat and dress slacks to the interview. You want to show them that you are a serious candidate.
Keep your look professional and conservative. Do not distract the interviewer with a novelty tie (this isn't the time for Homer Simpson or Sponge Bob) or excessive jewelry.
Stick with darker, more conservative colors. Navy and charcoal are good choices with a white or light blue dress shirt and a simple, expensive-looking tie. Go to a good men's store, and ask the clerk for an interview tie from the sale or clearance rack. Wear your suit, or show him a similar one from the rack.
Always have two or three different outfits ready for the interview process. You will lose your edge showing up in the same clothing each time.
Make sure all of your clothing fits properly. Nothing should be too loose, puckering or pulling. A properly tailored suit will hide those extra pounds.
Have your outfit cleaned, stain-free, and properly pressed. Wrinkles, and stains scream unorganized buffoon to me.
Check for loose threads, missing buttons, and unraveling hems. This screams buffoon even louder to me!
Your pants should be long enough to touch the heel of your shoe and when you sit, there should be no bare ankles and calves showing. (Oh - and please make sure your socks MATCH!).
Make sure your shoes are in good condition and polished - please polish them the night before - I don't want to see shoe polish on your hands - you just told me you procrastinate.
Your face should be clean-shaven or, if you wear a beard or mustache, it should be neatly trimmed.
Do not overdo the cologne or aftershave. It is best not to wear these products on an interview. You're not trying to pick me up - you're trying to get to the next round of interviews.
Your hair and nails must be well-groomed. Your appearance should be neat and professional.
Keep jewelry to a minimum. Save the bling for the weekend. Also, unless you are in the entertainment business, remove earrings and other visible body piercing accessories.
Carry a good quality portfolio or briefcase with a few extra copies of your resume, your references, and paper and pen.
So, go out there with confidence in your slam-dunk appearance and land the job of your dreams!
People who know me, know that appearance is important to me. I too often see guys inappropriately dressed for work, interviews, heck even dates! Whether you like it or not, the first impression you make - yes guys, you too -is critical. I thought I would take this opportunity to focus on the guys and how to make a great first impression - especially in an interview.
When you arrive for your interview what are you saying about yourself by the way you dress? (A note here - PLEASE be polite and respectful to the receptionist. I can't tell you how many people come into our office and are rude, or condescending to our receptionist. Well guess what - SHE TELLS US. Yup - you're pretty much done at this point. Common sense guys....). Back to how you look. If you are;
Neatly dressed – I may think that you are organized.
Properly accessorized – I may think that you pay attention to details.
Dressed in a current fashion – I may think that you are in tune with trends and new ideas.
Dressed in well fitted, quality clothing – I may think that you are secure, respectful, solvent, and not desperate.
Dressed too casually – I may think that you are not serious.
Today’s employers are looking for well-rounded candidates who can “multi-task.” Many jobs require three skill sets for one position. This means that during a single work day, an employee may be stationed at a computer and during the course of the day interface with clients, superiors, and colleagues. Dressing the part has never been as crucial!
Appearing well-dressed, with a professional, confident image bodes well with your future employer. It will not only help you land a great job but will give you an edge in negotiating your salary.
Tips on Dressing for an Interview:
Even if the dress code is casual, wear a suit or sport coat and dress slacks to the interview. You want to show them that you are a serious candidate.
Keep your look professional and conservative. Do not distract the interviewer with a novelty tie (this isn't the time for Homer Simpson or Sponge Bob) or excessive jewelry.
Stick with darker, more conservative colors. Navy and charcoal are good choices with a white or light blue dress shirt and a simple, expensive-looking tie. Go to a good men's store, and ask the clerk for an interview tie from the sale or clearance rack. Wear your suit, or show him a similar one from the rack.
Always have two or three different outfits ready for the interview process. You will lose your edge showing up in the same clothing each time.
Make sure all of your clothing fits properly. Nothing should be too loose, puckering or pulling. A properly tailored suit will hide those extra pounds.
Have your outfit cleaned, stain-free, and properly pressed. Wrinkles, and stains scream unorganized buffoon to me.
Check for loose threads, missing buttons, and unraveling hems. This screams buffoon even louder to me!
Your pants should be long enough to touch the heel of your shoe and when you sit, there should be no bare ankles and calves showing. (Oh - and please make sure your socks MATCH!).
Make sure your shoes are in good condition and polished - please polish them the night before - I don't want to see shoe polish on your hands - you just told me you procrastinate.
Your face should be clean-shaven or, if you wear a beard or mustache, it should be neatly trimmed.
Do not overdo the cologne or aftershave. It is best not to wear these products on an interview. You're not trying to pick me up - you're trying to get to the next round of interviews.
Your hair and nails must be well-groomed. Your appearance should be neat and professional.
Keep jewelry to a minimum. Save the bling for the weekend. Also, unless you are in the entertainment business, remove earrings and other visible body piercing accessories.
Carry a good quality portfolio or briefcase with a few extra copies of your resume, your references, and paper and pen.
So, go out there with confidence in your slam-dunk appearance and land the job of your dreams!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
It's Funny How a Few Decades Changes Everything!
by Ira Wolfe - Success Performance Solutions
It's funny how a few decades changes everything! The Veterans grew up between the World Wars and during the depression. Education for most people was limited to high school. The next career step was the armed forces for most males and combat for many. Upon discharge, a few men returned to school but most started their one-stop-career, staying with the company from young adulthood through retired. Most Veterans grew up in a family with the same parents, same home, two siblings, one family car, one family radio, no air conditioning, and maybe a phonograph. For entertainment, the family would spend a few days at the beach or the lake, play board games and attend Saturday matinees at the town movie theater. Communication was limited to U.S. Mail and phone, often shared with eight neighbors via party lines. Veterans worked hard and waited until retirement to play. Now fast forward to the life of an 18-year-old today. Young lives are shaped by step-families or single parents. Few 18-year-olds have lived in the same house for more than a few years, moving as parents upscale or forced to house-hop to live with divorced parents. Many are single children who own their first car at 16 years old, joining the three or four other cars parked in the driveway. They have owned a personal mobile phone since 8 years old and have never lived in a world without the Internet. In their bedroom you'll find a digital TV with 500 stations, laptop computer with high speed access, I-Pod with hundreds of music and video files at their fingertips, and a video game console with enough high tech features that makes the CIA envious. Family vacations include Europe, cruises, DisneyWorld and the Caribbean. Finally and possibly the starkest contrast of them all: the Veterans grew up in a world where children lived with their parents until high school graduation or the first job. From that point on, these young adults were on their own, generally married by their early 20's and raising a family just a few years later. Today our youth lives in a world of "helicopter parents," hovering over their children's every move, and "snowplow parents," clearing a path for their children. Described in a column posted on The Wall Street Journal Online, "a new generation of over-involved parents are flooding campus orientations, meddling in registration and interfering with students' dealing with professors, administrators and roommates." "Hovering" has been so epidemic the University of Vermont and other schools have employed "parent bouncers." The job of the bouncers are to "un-invite" moms and dads who try to attend registration. At the University of Georgia, students who get frustrated or confused during registration have been known to interrupt their advisors to whip out a mobile phone, speed-dial their parents and hand the phone to the adviser saying, "Here, talk to my mom." According to Richard Mullendore, a University of Georgia professor and former vice president of student affairs, "the cell phone has become the world's longest umbilical cord."
Reprinted with permission from Ira S Wolfe and Success Performance Solutions. Copyright 2009 Ira S Wolfe."
It's funny how a few decades changes everything! The Veterans grew up between the World Wars and during the depression. Education for most people was limited to high school. The next career step was the armed forces for most males and combat for many. Upon discharge, a few men returned to school but most started their one-stop-career, staying with the company from young adulthood through retired. Most Veterans grew up in a family with the same parents, same home, two siblings, one family car, one family radio, no air conditioning, and maybe a phonograph. For entertainment, the family would spend a few days at the beach or the lake, play board games and attend Saturday matinees at the town movie theater. Communication was limited to U.S. Mail and phone, often shared with eight neighbors via party lines. Veterans worked hard and waited until retirement to play. Now fast forward to the life of an 18-year-old today. Young lives are shaped by step-families or single parents. Few 18-year-olds have lived in the same house for more than a few years, moving as parents upscale or forced to house-hop to live with divorced parents. Many are single children who own their first car at 16 years old, joining the three or four other cars parked in the driveway. They have owned a personal mobile phone since 8 years old and have never lived in a world without the Internet. In their bedroom you'll find a digital TV with 500 stations, laptop computer with high speed access, I-Pod with hundreds of music and video files at their fingertips, and a video game console with enough high tech features that makes the CIA envious. Family vacations include Europe, cruises, DisneyWorld and the Caribbean. Finally and possibly the starkest contrast of them all: the Veterans grew up in a world where children lived with their parents until high school graduation or the first job. From that point on, these young adults were on their own, generally married by their early 20's and raising a family just a few years later. Today our youth lives in a world of "helicopter parents," hovering over their children's every move, and "snowplow parents," clearing a path for their children. Described in a column posted on The Wall Street Journal Online, "a new generation of over-involved parents are flooding campus orientations, meddling in registration and interfering with students' dealing with professors, administrators and roommates." "Hovering" has been so epidemic the University of Vermont and other schools have employed "parent bouncers." The job of the bouncers are to "un-invite" moms and dads who try to attend registration. At the University of Georgia, students who get frustrated or confused during registration have been known to interrupt their advisors to whip out a mobile phone, speed-dial their parents and hand the phone to the adviser saying, "Here, talk to my mom." According to Richard Mullendore, a University of Georgia professor and former vice president of student affairs, "the cell phone has become the world's longest umbilical cord."
Reprinted with permission from Ira S Wolfe and Success Performance Solutions. Copyright 2009 Ira S Wolfe."
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
6 (Well 7) Companies Born During Recessions
Here's an interesting list that shows how difficult times can (and should) be seen as opportunities. These 6 (well 7) companies were born during recessions.
1. Proctor & Gamble - The Panic of 1837
2. IBM - The Long Depression, 1873-1896
3. General Electric (GE) - Panic of 1873
4. General Motors (GM) - Panic of 1907
5. United Technologies Corp. (UTX) - Great Depression - 1929
6. Federal Express (FedEx) - Oil Crisis of 1973
(7. TriStarr Staffing - 1990-1991 Recession)
1. Proctor & Gamble - The Panic of 1837
2. IBM - The Long Depression, 1873-1896
3. General Electric (GE) - Panic of 1873
4. General Motors (GM) - Panic of 1907
5. United Technologies Corp. (UTX) - Great Depression - 1929
6. Federal Express (FedEx) - Oil Crisis of 1973
(7. TriStarr Staffing - 1990-1991 Recession)
Monday, February 2, 2009
Should Your Boss be your Facebook Friend?
Great and timely article on CNN.com.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/worklife/01/28/cb.facebook.boss.friend/index.html?iref=mpstoryview
http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/worklife/01/28/cb.facebook.boss.friend/index.html?iref=mpstoryview
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