How to Exit Your Job With Care
Got a new job in Houston that you’re excited to start? Congratulations! But before you move onto that next opportunity, you’ve got to exit out of your old position. You might think all you have to do is coast for the next couple of weeks, until your two weeks notice is up. But be careful; even if the change is a positive one, it is still emotional, as most changes are. And when emotions become involved, sometimes people can do things they live to regret.
To help ensure a smooth transition for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Protect your online brand.
Strong emotions connected to a job transition can lower your inhibitions online and cause you to post things you might regret in the future. But be sure to always put your best foot forward, even if you are secretly thrilled to be leaving your Houston job for greener pastures.
Tie up loose ends before leaving your old job.
When it comes to getting a referral letter or tying up any other loose ends, it’s much easier to do it while you’re still employed at the company. So ask your supervisor and anyone else you’ve worked with to write up letters of recommendation. Even if you’ve already secured a new job in Houston, these could prove invaluable in the future.
Preserve relationships.
Before you leave, seek out each of your colleagues and thank them for times when they helped you or taught you important lessons, or simply to say that you will miss them. Leave a lasting positive impression with each one of them. After all, you never know when you might run into them again in the future.
Once you do officially leave, decide which colleagues you’d like to keep in contact with. After you get settled into your new Houston job, send them an email to check in and to give them your new contact information. Always be professional in these kinds of emails (i.e. don’t bad mouth your former employer or any colleagues) because your email might be forwarded, either accidentally or intentionally.
And if you’d like to transition to a new job in Houston, but are still searching for the right opportunity, let us now. As an employment firm with more than two decades of experience in Houston, Texas, we can give you access to rewarding opportunities in a variety of fields. Search Houston jobs now.
The Power of Praise in the Workplace
Praise. It’s one of those small things that can offer huge rewards. And in fact, one of the basic tenets of psychology is that by rewarding a specific behavior, you are increasing the likelihood that that behavior will be repeated. It works in parenting; it works in managing too.
So what are some of the other benefits of offering praise to your employees?
As executive recruiters in Houston, Texas, we know besides being a strong motivator and reward for good work, praise can also make your employees more open to receiving constructive feedback, as well. If they only hear the negative, then eventually they will begin to shut out your comments. But a mixture of positive and negative is more effective in keeping employees on track because they are more open to hearing about how they can improve.
In addition, praise also helps enhance an employee’s loyalty to a company. If they feel like their boss cares about them, is paying attention to what they are doing, and rewards hard work and a job well done, they are more likely to remain engaged.
Unfortunately, as executive recruiters in Houston, Texas, we know many managers don’t praise often enough…or at all. This is for a variety of reasons, such as a lack of time (i.e. with so much to do, it falls to the bottom of the “to do” list), a tone set from the top (i.e. many managers don’t receive praise from their managers and therefore don’t give any in return), and a total focus on employees’ failure to deliver expected results (i.e. only offering feedback about the negative).
So if you’re one of those managers who doesn’t praise often enough, but wants to, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Be genuine.
Don’t give praise just to give praise; be genuine in your efforts.
Be timely.
Don’t wait until annual performance reviews to offer your employees praise. Continuously observe performance and when you see a job well done, offer positive comments to your employee immediately.
Be specific.
Describe the specific behavior or result that is the focus of your appreciation. Not only does specific praise motivate employees more, but it also shows them that you’re paying attention to what they do.
Be open.
Don’t just praise in private; be open with your praise. Acknowledge hard-working employees publicly serves two purposes: 1) It obviously motivates the employee being praised and 2) it demonstrates to your other employees the kinds of behaviors that are praise-worthy.
The bottom line is that while praise only takes a few seconds to deliver, its impact can be long-term in your office environment.
The Zen Approach to Job Interviews
As one of Houston’s top employment agencies, we know that even the most experienced and skilled people get nervous before job interviews. It’s only natural, after all…especially considering some interviews can feel more like interrogations.
But if you’ve got a lot on the line (as most job candidates do), how can you get over your job interview jitters and knock it out of the park? Here are some tips to consider:
Do your homework.
The more prepared you are, the more confident you will feel. So do plenty of homework ahead of time. Research the company. Check out their website. Learn about who they are, what they do, and who their target audience is. Read about their mission and vision and try to evaluate where you could fit in and what unique value you bring to the table. Find out who the key players are at the company and what each one does.
Practice your answers.
As one of Houston’s top employment agencies, we can tell you that you never really know what an interviewer is going to ask you. Questions could range from the boilerplate (“Tell me about yourself”) to the off-the-wall (“If you were a car, what kind of car would you be?”). But there are certain questions, or variations of questions, you will almost always be asked – such as “Why should we hire you?” and “Why do you want to work here?” So prepare your answers to these inevitable questions.
Do a dry run.
One of the easiest ways to lose your cool before a big interview is if you feel rushed or are running late. To avoid this stressful scenario, do a dry run to the location of your interview to ensure you know how to get there and that there aren’t any construction detours along your route. You’ll feel much more calm on your way to the interview as a result.
Take a break.
Once you’ve done all your prep work, then take a break and relax. There’s no use stressing about your interview the night before. So enjoy a quiet dinner or go workout. Also be sure to go to bed early and get a good night sleep.
Think right.
On your way to the interview, don’t think about everything that could possibly go wrong. Just think positively and take deep breaths. The worst thing that could happen is you don’t get the job, which could actually be a good thing if it’s not right for you anyway.
And if you’d like some extra help finding job leads and preparing for interviews, let us know. As one of Houston’s top employment agencies, Murray Resources can help you locate the position that best matches your skills and interests, whether you are looking to move up the corporate ladder, re-enter the workforce, get more experience, or just gain more control over your schedule. Contact us today to learn more.
6 Key Traits of Exceptional Employees
As one of the top staffing agencies in Houston, Texas, we know that stellar employees – regardless of the industry in which they work – have a few key traits in common. These are the kinds of qualities you should be searching for whether you’re engaged in the hiring process, or you want to promote from within. Here’s a look:
1. They do whatever it takes.
Ever ask an employee to perform a task or take on a project, only to receive an eye roll and a response along the lines of “that’s not in my job description”? Stellar employees are just the opposite. They thrive under pressure and do whatever it takes – whether it’s in their job description or not – to get the job done. They don’t whine, they don’t complain. They just do it.
2. They pick their battles and handle them diplomatically.
That’s not to say they don’t ever voice dissenting opinions; they just choose to do so in a tactful way. They also understand that some opinions regarding sensitive issues are best voiced in private, not in a group meeting in front of everyone.
3. They recognize others.
Exceptional employees are not glory hogs. They understand that accomplishments are a team effort and as such, they are generous with their praise, whether they are a manager offering it to subordinates or an employee offering it to a co-worker.
4. They’re never satisfied with the status quo.
While everyone else thinks a project is moving along smoothly, these exceptional employees are rarely satisfied. They are constantly thinking of ways to make things better, whether it’s streamlining processes, re-organizing teams, or adjusting the timeline.
5. They have a burning desire to succeed.
Perhaps they were told they would never amount to anything, or they didn’t have the skills to succeed. But rather than cowering away, they want to prove their detractors wrong. They are driven by something deeper that goes beyond just wanting to do a good job.
6. They respect the fundamentals.
All of these traits would mean nothing if an employee were disloyal and untrustworthy. Rather, an exceptional employee not only brings unique value to the table, but you also know that you can count on them.
If you’re ready to hire, and good just isn’t good enough, let us know. As one of the top staffing agencies in Houston, Texas, we have access to an extensive network of exceptional candidates who are skilled, motivated, and ready to go to work. Contact us today to learn more.
If the Economy is Improving, Why Aren’t Small Businesses Hiring?
It’s been reported that economic confidence is approaching its highest level in four years, with U.S. small business owners optimistic about their businesses and the future. However, that optimism hasn’t been translating into increased hiring efforts.
In fact, according to a recent Gallup poll, 85% of the 600 small business owners surveyed aren’t hiring. Considering that small businesses employ approximately 50% of the private sector workforce, this is a startling statistic.
So why aren’t small businesses hiring?
According to the poll, there are a variety of reasons, including:
• 76% say they don’t need additional employees at this time
• 71% are worried that revenues and sales won’t justify adding new employees
• 66% are worried about the state of the economy
• 53% are worried about cash flow and the ability to meet payroll
• 48% are worried about the potential cost of healthcare
• 46% are worried about new government regulations
• 24% are worried that they will no longer be in business in 12 months
• 20% cited some other reason
Further results from the poll demonstrated that when small business owners do need more help, but can’t hire due to financial constraints, they turn to those closest to them for unpaid support, including a spouse (21%), friends (16%), and children (15%). One in 20 also get help from unpaid interns.
However, if you find yourself in this boat and do need to extra help – but can’t justify the expense of hiring a full-time employee – there are other options besides turning to friends and family.
For instance, working with a temporary staffing agency in Houston, Texas is an ideal option for accessing the people you need, only when you need them. Likewise, temporary to hire staffing is another solution where you have the ability to “test out” an employee for a short-term period of time, before making a hiring decision. Not only do you get the opportunity to ensure the person is the right fit for your company, but you can also gain a better sense of whether you can justify a full-time hire.
If you’re interested in learning more about these staffing options, let us know. As one of the leading temporary staffing agencies in Houston, Texas, we can help you increase productivity, without adding to your fixed expenses. Contact us today to learn more.
6 Etiquette Tips When Networking Online
As an experienced recruitment firm in Houston, Texas, we know that networking is one of the most effective ways to find a new job. And with social media and online job sites and forums, there are plenty of opportunities to get yourself out there. However, just because you’re online, doesn’t mean that your manners should go out the window. Here are some tips to help ensure you maintain a professional image when engaging in online networking:
1. Listen first.
It’s tempting to offer your two cents in many online situations. But, especially when joining a new industry forum or online group, “listen” first and get to know the dynamics. Otherwise, other members will begin to resent you if you dominate every conversation the second after you join. Before you do “talk,” read recent discussions so you’re not bringing up topics or questions that have already been discussed.
2. Don’t respond to negative posts in a negative way.
When someone posts something negative that you disagree with, it’s easy to fire back with your own harsh remarks. But refrain from doing so. If they’re making comments that you know to be false, then present them with the facts in a polite manner. If they’re simply ranting, then ignore them. After all, you have a reputation to uphold.
3. Be respectful.
Behave online as you would offline. Don’t disrespect anyone, don’t trash talk, and don’t be intolerant and mean-spirited in any way. And remember, the comments you make online could come back to haunt you in your job search.
4. Be helpful.
Look for ways to help others. Respond to their questions and comments with your own expertise.
5. Don’t get too comfortable.
Even if you become very comfortable with an online group, it’s still a public forum. How you act and what you say could therefore impact your ability to get hired in the future.
6. Build relationships.
Don’t make a connection with someone and then immediately ask for job leads. Instead, get to know that person and build a relationship. If they have a relationship with you, they’ll be much more open to your requests for job search help.
If you’d like professional assistance finding a new job, give us a call. As an experienced recruitment firm in Houston, Texas, we can help you locate opportunities that are the best matches for your skills and interests. In addition, many of the positions we work on are not available through other recruiting firms, so we’re able to provide you with access to jobs that you will not find elsewhere. Contact us today to get started.
5 Tips for Working With Houston Recruiters
Working with a Houston recruiter certainly makes sense if you’re trying to advance your career with a new job. They can offer you plenty of insight into different opportunities and company cultures…and may be able to give you access to jobs that aren’t advertised.
That said, there’s a right way to approach working with a Houston recruiter and a wrong way. Here are some tips to help ensure you get the most out of your relationship:
1. Keep your job.
That’s right. Even if you’re ready to jump ship, keep your existing job (if you have one) until you’ve secured a new position. The fact of the matter is that employers are more likely to hire those that are employed.
2. Be open.
If you have specific goals or requirements in mind, such as you won’t travel, then be upfront about them with your recruiter. That way, they’ll be able to find opportunities that are a good match for your skills and your lifestyle.
3. Continue to search for jobs on your own.
Just because you’re working with a recruiter doesn’t mean you should stop working at finding a new job. So continue to network and search for new leads. Remember, two heads are better than one!
4. Communicate in a professional manner.
It’s certainly understandable if you’re anxious to find a new job. However, don’t let your anxiety show by constantly emailing, calling, and texting your recruiter. If you haven’t heard from them in a while, then a call or email is certainly appropriate. By hourly texts are not.
5. Be flexible.
While you may have certain requirements in mind for a new job, the working world has changed a bit in recent years. Gone are the days when employers predominately hired full time. Today, they’re mixing it up with contract, temporary, and part-time staff. So be open to new possibilities.
And if you’d like to work with some of Houston’s top recruiters, let us know. For over 23 years, Murray Resources has been connecting candidates with many of the city’s best employers – including leaders in the energy industry, Fortune 500 firms, financial services firms, legal and medical practices, as well as dozens of dynamic small to mid-sized employers. And we may be able to help you too!
Contact us today to get started or read more about working with Houston recruiters.
Are Your Employees Engaged at Work?
Consider these statistics:
• According to the Harvard Business Review, those employees who feel engaged at work demonstrated 16% better overall performance as reported by their managers.
• In addition, engaged employees are 32% more committed to the organization and 46% more satisfied in their jobs.
• Moreover, they reported fewer doctor’s visits and missed work less often, resulting in health care savings.
So what exactly constitutes an employee feeling “engaged”?
Harvard Business Review identified two components:
1. Vitality – Feeling alive and passionate. Employers can create vitality by making workers feel like what they do makes a difference.
2. Learning – Learning new skills and knowledge. This in turn can result in employees becoming “experts” in certain areas and gaining more confidence through that status.
With that said, here are some keys to help your employees become more engaged at work:
Encourage employee ownership:
Encourage employees to offer feedback. Allow employees to take ownership over their jobs, rather than micro-managing their every movement. Give them control over their work environment and work decisions. Create a program that rewards employees who develop ideas that help your company to better meet customer needs, streamline production, or reduce operating expenses.
Reward loyalty:
Nothing against paperweights or gold pens, but those kinds of gifts for employee loyalty are extremely impersonal. Instead, consider going the extra mile; write a letter to a loyal employee thanking them for their hard work. Give them a gift certificate to the best restaurant in town or tickets to see their favorite band play. When rewarding loyalty, take into account the actual employee; don’t just offer boilerplate items.
Develop policies employees can be proud of:
For instance, adopt a local non-profit organization and commit to holding various fundraisers (like dress down days where employees donate money to dress down) throughout the year to benefit your adopted non-profit.
Set the tone:
Employees won’t stay engaged for very long if you’re saying one thing, and doing another. So if you espouse certain values and policies, then you must also live those values and policies through your actions. Otherwise, you’ll lose credibility among your employees.
The bottom line is that truly engaged employees can have a significantly positive impact on your business. But first you need to invest some time and energy to get there.
And if you need some help adding to your team of engaged employees, let us know. As Houston’s leading executive recruiters, Murray Resources is committed to helping Houston employers connect with talented individuals who are capable of making an immediate impact. Contact us today if you’d like to learn more.
Is Your Resume Being Ignored By Houston Employers?
Send out dozens of resumes for job openings – only to be completely ignored by prospective employers? You could be applying for the wrong jobs in Houston, Texas, or your resume might be getting in the way of your chances. If it’s the latter, here are some tips to help make sure your resume stands out – and gets noticed.
Ditch your old resume.
If you’re really not getting any results from your resume, then it’s time to ditch it. Start over from scratch. It’s a new year – and it’s time for a new resume.
Try a different format.
The most common format of a resume is chronological – in other words, your work history is listed starting from your most recent position and goes backward from there.
Some other resume formats to try include:
- Functional – A functional resume focuses on your experience and skills, instead of on your chronological work history.
- Combination – A combination resume lists your skills and experience first, and then your employment history after. It’s a combination of a functional and chronological resume.
- Targeted – A targeted resume is customized so that it highlights the specific skills and experience you have that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. It takes longer to write, but can be more effective.
Get rid of the vague phrases and clichés.
Don’t say things like “goal oriented” and “team player,” unless you have a specific example or accomplishment you can list to back up these claims.
Show employers what’s in it for them.
Don’t just list the duties you are or were responsible for in your current or past jobs in Houston, Texas. Also demonstrate what specific results you achieved in those positions. It’s even better if you can put a number on it – such as “increased sales by 5%.”
Explain the gaps.
Unexplained employment gaps are a big red flag for employers – so explain yours. If you left the workforce for several years to care for children, or if you were laid off due to the economy, then explain that in your cover letter. Don’t just hope the employer won’t notice. They will. Trust us.
Put it away.
That’s right. Take your resume and stick it in a drawer or file it away for a couple of days. Then come back and take a look at it with fresh eyes. You’ll be shocked at all the inconsistencies and errors you missed the first time around.
And if you’d like help improving your resume – or finding jobs in Houston, Texas, give us a call. Our clients are always looking for talented individuals for a wide variety of permanent, temporary, temp-to-hire, and contract positions.
What You Need to Know About Reverse Mentoring
Mentoring programs have been around for ages. And, as one of the top staffing firms in Houston, Texas, we know there are many benefits to pairing a younger employee with a veteran who can teach them the ropes or help them expand their skill set.
However, reverse mentoring is an approach that puts a bit of a different twist on the traditional mentoring program. With it, upper management players are paired with younger workers so that the senior staff members can learn more about a variety of topics; for instance:
Technology.
The younger generations in the workplace are those that have grown up in the computer age. They don’t remember what life was like before computers and are typically the most tech-savvy in the workforce. Older workers may be able to gain important knowledge about technology and how they can leverage its power to increase productivity.
Diversity.
Today’s young workforce is more comfortable with a diverse workforce than any other generation before them. They value diversity more than most and may be able to offer some unique insight if your organization is looking to enhance its diversity efforts.
Specific subject matter expertise.
We are living in the information age and there certainly is no shortage of it. With that, though, can come an inability to keep up – even for the most veteran staff member. However, younger employees, who are just out of school, may be able to share some of the newest and emerging trends in the industry, helping senior staff members stay up to date on the latest advancements.
That said, your more advanced employees may not be as open to the idea as you hope. If they’re not, don’t force it. As one of the top staffing firms in Houston, Texas, we know that for the program to work, both parties need to come into it with open minds, willing to learn knew things from each other.