Social media is picking up speed as one of the best ways to search for jobs. One of the newer platforms, increasing in popularity, is Pinterest. Pinterest is a virtual cork board, which allows you to “pin” or upload photos and images from different websites.

Pinterest is great for finding the latest fashions or delicious recipes, but it can also be helpful in a job search. How can this visual tool guide you? Here are some ideas.

1. Find and research potential companies: Many organizations and companies are now creating their own Pinterest boards to showcase different aspects about their company. It’s a very useful human resources tool. From company picnic photos to awards sessions, it’s a nice way to display a work culture.
2. Organize your passion: If you are unsure which field you really want to move in to, Pinterest can help. You can find and “pin” various images of things that interest you, whether it be gardening, economics or home repair. Pinterest is a great tool to organize thoughts and goals.
3. Create a portfolio: If you are in a design field, Pinterest is a great way to show off some of your work. But, because it is not a sales tool, be sure to include inspiring pins from others as well.
4. Find facts on different industries: You can search for any industry on Pinterest. Take a look at different boards from social media employment to medical, and find articles that can teach you more.

Of course, like any other social media platform, there are some pitfalls. A few things to keep an eye out for:

1. Privacy controls: Potential employers could be searching you as well. If you have an entire board of hot CEOs next to “Companies I’d Like To Work For,” well, they may be flattered, but also wary. You can also choose to link your Facebook and Twitter pages. Make sure to check out Pinterest’s help section, to teach you how to privatize your use.
2. Timesuck: Pinterest can be, well, addictive. Make sure to use only 15-20 minutes an hour and take breaks with it, rather than rely on it for your entire job search.

Clark Personnel Service always keeps up with the latest and greatest recruiting and job seeking tools. Call us today for more help on your search!

The first six months of a new employee’s tenure are extremely important. From proper management to detailed onboarding, this is the time when an employee really learns about the company and its processes. During this time employees establish working relationships with the team or department involved.

Unfortunately many companies have high turnover rates for new employees. For a second, take a look at what you, the company, is doing, rather than the employees themselves. In a lot of instances, it can be an internal issue.

Take a look at these instances to see if that’s why your new employees are failing:

1. Recruitment: Many times employers look to hire as fast as possible. They may hire someone who seems to fit but lacks the exact skills or personal interest, which sets both parties up for failure.
2. Introduction and Onboarding: The company does not do a great job at explaining what the company does and its internal processes. Oftentimes this is a result of staff not welcoming the new employee in an open manner.
3. Communication: Some companies are not clear in the job description or introduction what is expected of the employee.
4. Management: There can be confusion as to who to report to, and multiple managers can give mixed signals. This is not only confusing to new hires, it doesn’t allow them to be productive.
5. Code of Conduct and Rules: These are not identified or explained, which is a disadvantageous to both employees, and employers.
6. Management (again): Employees aren’t given adequate guidance. If they get off track or no help or feedback, they can lose sight of goals.
7. Job Description: The job expectations and parameters change, and if the employee is not made aware of these changes, then they will not be able to conform to the new duties.

The majority of new employees want to do well and succeed. If you can find the right match and provide them with the right tools and guidance, they will. Keep lines of communication open in your organization. Don’t be afraid to change your recruiting and onboarding structure.

If you want to find the best employees for your position, contact Clark Personnel Service today!

At times signing on to a certain company can be sort of like dating. Do you want to be with someone whose eyes are always on the prowl looking for the next best thing? Do you want to be with someone who is always interested in connecting themselves with someone better?

Chances are, if a company is the best of the best, it will want to work with the best. If you believe you are the best, you will have a great chance of sticking around.

Many companies advertise that they are “always looking for talented candidates.” They may not have a particular position listed, but if you are outstanding at an aspect of your industry, you can be sure that they will take a look at you. If you are an average candidate, you probably won’t get a second look.

So what exactly does a company mean when it puts itself out there this way?

• They do not have exact positions available but are looking for candidates who can knock their socks off to invest in.
• They are harvesting resumes for when the budget allows for a needed position.
• They are looking to replace a worker who may be nearing retirement or have some padding if an employer leaves.

Many people have gotten jobs through these types of advertisements. There are ways to approach a different sort of recruiting method such as this including:

• Send in a cover letter and resume explaining what you have to offer: You may be so successful at what you do that the company will have to have you.
• Never call: This is like a cold-call for sales. Plus, you don’t want to bother them if they are not looking to fill any positions and have better things to do.

If you want to connect your outstanding skills with the best employers contact Clark Personnel Service today!

In the summer, the sun shines through the windows, beckoning employees to take a lunch break, daydream about hitting the links, or ultimately, take a sick day. It can be difficult to keep employees on task and to keep achieving the goals at hand. But by showing that you care about employees by making the workplace more livable and summer-friendly, you can keep their loyalty and their attention.

1. Set Goals: Keeping people in the loop on what they are supposed to accomplish will keep everyone on task without any concrete input or engagement from supervisors, employees may be apt to let their mind wander to their 5:30 p.m. softball game.
2. Celebrate Achievements: In keeping in line with these goals, celebrate employees that are going the extra mile. Reward them with half days off or extended lunch periods. They’ll be sure to keep going when there is a reward.
3. Casual Attire: The summer can be hot and stuffy. If your work environment is stagnating, the output will be too. Unless there is an important client meeting or presentation, relax the dress code for the summer. Obviously short shorts should not be an option, but allow khakis and crops instead of ties and suit coats.
4. Summer Fridays: Many companies opt for summer Fridays, where employees can take the rest of the day off at Noon or 1 p.m. This allows for more productivity in a shorter amount of time, so people can achieve their goals, yet still catch a ride out to the lake house.
5. Company picnic: Take a day out to thank your employees by holding a company picnic at a local park or amusement area. Show your employees how much they mean to you.
6. Involve company in 5ks, biking fundraisers, volunteer work: Summer is the prime time for all sorts of fundraising activities and races. Boost pride for the company by signing teams up for community events. Taking home a first place trophy in a kickball game or bike race will mean that much more to an employee.

Summer is a great time to show employees how your company values work/life balance. Clark Personnel Service is proud to work with some of the best companies in this area.