Do you know what to ask a candidate’s reference?

When hiring new employees, it is imperative to take a look at past experiences within the workplace. While resumes and cover letters often highlight the brag worthy positives, references can sometimes answer questions that include the honest details that will make or break a potential employee’s chances at working for your company.

When approaching a professional conversation concerning a business reference, it is important to begin by asking straightforward and simple questions before easing into more detail-oriented scenarios. Below are a few tips to help when speaking with a potential employee’s reference.

1. Verify the basics. Ask the reference for past dates of employment, official title and duties. This will give you as a hiring manager or business owner a common ground with the reference and will aid in building a rapport with the individual.

2. Would you rehire this individual? Be sure to ask for their reasons for leaving and why they would or wouldn’t welcome that individual back into their workforce.

3. How far did this applicant advance within their role at the reference’s organization? Knowing the advancement or lack thereof will speak a lot about the work ethic of a potential employee and could keep you from hiring a poor worker or will allow you to add an individual to your team with an exceptional work ethic.  

4. Begin delving deeper by asking specific questions about what kind of duties and responsibilities were assigned to the former employee and whether the reference was consistently satisfied? Consider asking the reference about the candidate’s quality of work. Did they go the extra mile or stick to the status quo?

5. Feel free to ask questions that could be linked to the answers of those previously asked. For instance, what were the former employee’s strengths on a professional level? This is especially important and could be enlightening when comparing the answers that the candidate would provide when asked the same question.

6. Take the time to consider how specific tasks performed at a candidate’s former position could be translated into the work your position would require, and feel free to ask the reference to confirm the employee’s performance abilities in relation to the tasks that will likely to be assigned in your company’s available position.

7. Time is money, so always ask about the attendance and timeliness of former employees; this is also a reflection of their work ethic and organizational skills. Was the employee late often? Did they miss work with no notice?

8. How did the employee get along well with their coworkers? Did they build a rapport with company’s team members or were they more focused on individual tasks? This question is not meant to help determine the friendships of a candidate but rather their ability to work with other employees, develop professional relationships and step into leadership roles.

9. Closing with a vague open-ended question is usually helpful to allow the reference a few moments to share any additional details about the candidate, positive or negative.

These questions will help create a positive and sincere conversation with a potential employee’s reference. But checking references for each candidate can become very time consuming. Instead give us a call and let JPS handle all of your hiring needs. All you have to do is get back to running your business!

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Is networking part of your job hunt?

Active job seekers know the value of networking. It is a great way to meet other professionals in your industry and make connections that last for years to come.  As important as networking is, often times making these types of connections can be intimidating. So, whether you have a couple of connections already or are just starting out, here are our top three networking tips to help you get exposure in the job market. 

Be proactive. Networking doesn’t happen on its own and contacts won’t magically appear in your Rolodex. If you are networking for the first time, a great way to get started is by contacting those who you already know like fellow alumni, friends or former co-workers. Do they have any contacts in your industry? Also, remember that LinkedIn is not just another social media site and that it can work wonders when it comes to meeting new people. LinkedIn groups are a terrific way to connect with other business professionals in your industry and even in your geographical area.

Give and take balance. People often like to help and mentor others but they also stay away from those with a “What can you do for me?” agenda. While networking is an exceptional way to meet new people who may be able to help, it is important to remember that networking is a mutual exchange of information. Be sure to communicate what it is that you can bring to the relationship in return.

Ask and listen. Job seekers will frequently ask a contact for an informational interview. This is a casual meeting in which seekers can get a chance to prepare in advance and ask questions relating to the industry as a whole, specific to the contact’s place of work or day-to-day activities. Having great listening skills is just as important as asking questions when networking. People love to talk about themselves so take the opportunity to let them speak about their successes, mistakes, experiences and any advice they can offer. Beyond making a connection, it also serves as a valuable learning experience.

Job seekers, if you are looking to get your career underway give us a call and see how Josephine’s Professional Staffing can help your get started with your search today!

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Do you know your business’ overtime costs?

Overtime, one and a half the employee’s hourly rate, can really add up for a small business. And although employees may enjoy receiving the paycheck, working employees overtime can cause lower productivity, higher stress and increased burnout. Here are some tips to help your business identify the source of overtime costs and reduce it.

Analyze overtime costs. Studying your overtime reports can help a business figure out any overall office patterns or insight into specific employees to determine the cause. Whether it is too much work for one person to handle efficiently in a 40-hour week or the employee is leaving work to the last minute in order to collect overtime, Chron says, “Knowing your overtime patterns can help you find the best way to cut overtime without reducing productivity.” 

Get the necessary tools. Investing in the proper equipment for your industry can make all the difference. Streamlining a process can lead to money, resources and time saved. Plus, it helps employees feel motivated knowing they are working somewhere that values technology and keeping up to date. JPS follows its own advice; in the early 2000′s we invested in an extensive state-of-the-art timekeeping and payroll system that simplifies and produces tasks including W-2′s, invoicing, customized reports and more allowing us to pass the savings to our customers.

Get more employees. What if getting new software or equipment for your company is currently out of the budget? This is when hiring more employees can help your business’ goals. It is better to be proactive than reactive, so before you find yourself pressed for time, consider hiring more staff to assist other employees accomplish their tasks sooner and meet deadlines without a lot of pressure. This especially comes in handy when dealing with temporary surges in business.

Whether you have analyzed your overtime expenses or have a seasonal business, JPS can help you hire the right type of support to meet deadlines, cover planned absences and more. Give us a call to see how we can help your business reach its full potential.

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How can employment agencies reduce your business costs?

By now everyone knows that hiring employment agencies for your company’s staffing needs can save both time and resources, but what about money? At JPS, we know that a down economy means businesses are looking for ways to trim down costs and reduce expenses. Here are just a few of the ways employment agencies can help your organization stay within budget.

Reduce overhead costs. When looking for different ways to gain a competitive advantage, companies often lower their prices. This is where hiring a staffing agency can help your business goals. From furniture and office space to wages and benefits, employment agencies can dramatically reduce the overhead costs needed by an HR department. JPS has the expertise to help your company reach its highest potential while saving on overhead costs. 

Eliminate advertising costs. In order for companies to attract the right talent pools, they must advertise. The only problem is that advertising takes a large part of any budget. Employment agencies allocate money specifically for advertising and recruiting, so why take it out of your budget when it can come from ours? JPS has an extensive background in finding the right employees that are the best fit for specific positions.

Cut down training costs. A staffing agency can save money by reducing the time spent by employees when training new hires. As Chron Small Business explained it, cutting down on training ultimately means an improved workplace efficiency that ”allows your employees to generate more sales, produce more products and reduce errors, which can improve your company’s profits.” At JPS, we make sure that all employees selected for your office are qualified and ready to start with minimal need for training or acclimation periods.

Is your business looking for more ways to cut down costs? Give us a call and ask us how we can help your business reach its goals.

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Not preparing the candidate. One of the most common mistakes is not giving the candidate enough information prior to the interview. Whether it is not written on the job posting or failed to have been communicated during the initial phone call, not giving the necessary information to adequately evaluate the candidate can be detrimental. Don’t let a potential hire slip away due to a technicality. JPS has been in the staffing industry for years and our team knows exactly how to prepare a potential hire for success at your company. 

Letting human resources recruit. The problem is not with the HR department itself; the problem is that they are not the best fit to find the right candidate for a specific department. This is because they are not fully involved in the day-to-day activities and procedures and therefore lack the ability to ask the right questions. JPS is aware that being very familiar with the positions offered is imperative to hire the right person, which is why we specialize in staffing specific industries such as healthcare and federal government agencies.

Too much talking. Another one of the common mistakes is simply talking too much. This kind of interview is a wasted opportunity. It’s nearly impossible to correctly evaluate a candidate if they are not given the chance to speak. Also, the interviewee does not get a fair representation of the company. Make the most of your interviews by taking tour of the facility or introducing the candidate to other employees. JPS knows the importance of maintaining a clear communication channel and makes it a priority for both our clients and staff.

Want to know more about how JPS can help your business? Give us a call! We will gladly answer any of your questions.

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Job hunting? Check out the benefits of working with a staffing agency.

In recent years almost every professional field has become more and more competitive, making it difficult and stressful to find a job. Job-hunting certainly takes a lot of time, patience and dedication in order to craft the right messages and deliver them one at a time. But there is no reason to try to do this alone; employment agencies are a great asset for active job seekers. Here are some benefits of choosing employment agencies in your quest to find the right job.

Get a team. Employment agencies act as your representative. Job seekers don’t have to hand out tens or hundreds of resumes and cover letters one at a time or try to get potential interviews alone. At JPS, our staffing managers are always ready and available to represent you in your job search.

Experience and resources.  Employment agencies have the experience and knowledge needed in order to handle resumes effectively. Another benefit of choosing a staffing agency is the access to multiple job listings that are not posted for public use. JPS has 25 years of industry experience, giving job seekers an advantage over those going at it alone.

Free service. Seldom will employment agencies charge the job seeker in order to work with them. Most staffing agencies get paid by the companies that hire them to fill their positions.

Bridge to permanent positions. The instability of hopping around from one company to the next is a myth. At JPS, a good percentage of our temporary employees get converted to full-time positions by their employers.

What are the specific benefits of choosing JPS as your preferred agency? Josephine’s Staffing offers some of the most sought employment positions in many different industries. We also offer access to an affordable group medical coverage plan and our weekly payroll makes it as convenient as possible to get paid.

More importantly, working with JPS gives job seekers the opportunity to work with companies of their choosing in positions where they feel confortable and experienced. The flexibly of picking your schedule based on the multiple positions available also provides the much needed work-life balance all employees look for in a career.

Have you applied yet? Get more information here or give us call to see how you can get started today.

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Certified as Small Business and Minority Woman Owned since 1988

Staffing agencies have been around for several years, but do you know the history behind how the staffing industry got started? Its inception may surprise you and the changes through the years have been many. Even though Josephine’s Professional Staffing opened its doors 25 years ago this year, the very first staffing agency was started here in California over a hundred years ago. Katherine Felton was born in Oakland, the daughter of prominent Oakland mayor and judge, Brooks Felton, whom the city of Felton, near Santa Cruz, was named after. Katherine created the first staffing agency to solve the problems and needs brought on by the San Francisco earthquake and fire of 1906. Among many other hats, Katherine quickly became the head of the social service efforts to restore people’s way of life prior to the natural disaster.  

Fast forward to the 1970′s, 80′s and early 90′s where running a business was done without the use of databases, cell phones, and most importantly, without email or the Internet. From files assigned to clients and employees to industry related information, the sheer volume of physical records required to keep staffing agencies in business was astronomical. But beyond the amount of paperwork required lays the true challenge; having an efficient system in place to be able to survive, adapt and become a leader in the staffing industry. That in and of itself has proven to be the impetus for the success of our founder, Josephine Hughes, who started JPS in 1988.

Today, staffing agencies are growing rapidly and in 2009, in keeping with technology and the times, JPS acquired a state-of-the-art database system with front and back office integrated capabilities, increasing its productivity, efficiency, data and payroll accuracy. Staffing agencies are abundant and knowing how to choose the right one is key. Give us a call today to see how Josephine’s Professional Staffing can help your business excel with the right talent.

Certified as Small Business and Minority Woman Owned since 1988

If you are in the market for a staffing agency you should know there are many different aspects to consider. From overall price to checking references, here are some tips to help you choose the right staffing partner for your business.

What are your needs? First and foremost, think about your needs. This is the most crucial step in the process. If you are unclear of your business’ needs the staffing agency will have a hard time providing you with a proposal tailored to your staffing requirements. 

Do some research. Once you know what you are looking for, do some Internet research on the agencies in your area. Go to their websites and look around. Do they have any awards or accolades? What about certifications or memberships? This will help you weed out any staffing agency that does not meet your standards. Since 1988, Josephine’s Professional Staffing has been steadily growing and earning a reputation for excellence. JPS is a proven leader in the staffing agency industry.

Call them. If you don’t ask you can’t know. Don’t be afraid to call the agency and speak with someone. A great staffing agency should always be prepared to answer any of your questions confidently.

Check their client list and ask for references, just like you would for a potential employee, ask the staffing agency for references. The agency should also have experience working in your industry.

Check their fees. Beware of outliers. If the cost seems notably high, chances are they are charging too much and you may be overpaying for a service. If the prices are significantly low, it may be a warning that their employees are not getting fair pay, which could mean a high turnover rate. While it is important to save money, it is more important to get quality service. That is why Josephine’s Professional Staffing always makes sure to present a reasonable price that is fair to all parties involved.

Finding the right employee for your business is critical and mistakes can be costly and time consuming. JPS is celebrating 25 years in the staffing industry. You can trust us to help you staff your company with the best talent. Give us a call and ask us how we can help your business achieve its highest potential.

Certified as Small Business and Minority Woman Owned since 1988

Finding the right employee can be difficult task, especially when companies don’t have the available time or resources. There are three core reasons why using a staffing agency is a far better choice for your organization.

1. It Saves Time - By using a staffing agency, companies don’t have to spend hours upon hours sorting through hundreds of resumes and scheduling endless interviews with candidates.Put your mind at ease with JPS; we conduct extensive background checks and have customized screening, recruiting, orientation and performance evaluation processes to find the right employee and make the most of your time.
2. It’s Cost-Effective - Hiring the wrong employee can cost companies time, money and resources they may not have available. Rely on the expertise of a staffing agency to find the right fit the first time around. Plus,  ith JPS there is no more dealing with extensive and complicated paperwork. As your staffing agency, JPS handles:

• Year-end W-2 statement preparations and handling of all federal and state tax reports.
• Management and processing of worker’s compensation, unemployment insurance claims and all HR issues.
• Customized usage and tracking reports.
• And, social security employer contributions are paid for by JPS.

3. 100% Availability - Never find yourself without a needed employee. A staffing agency is able to provide companies with backups in case of an emergency. Whether the employee is sick or you need extra help, JPS is available 24/7 and immediately responds to your staffing request to quickly provide you with a solution.

Our accessible one-on-one direct contact with recruiting managers saves you time and money, allowing you take your mind off hiring staff and letting you get back to running your business. If you have any questions, or if your business finds itself in need of additional staff, don’t hesitate to contact us. Josephine’s Professional Staffing is standing by and ready to take care of all your staffing needs.

Certified as Small Business and Minority Woman Owned since 1988

It can be very frustrating for a manager to have to deal with a difficult employee, and unfortunately, most every office has one. But what makes someone so hard to work with? From the pessimist to the competitive, there are different ways difficult employees present themselves. Here are some tips to assist you in helping a employee avoid another trip to the HR office.

Research. The first step in attempting to solve an issue is to know where the problem lies. Doing some research on the person’s behavior can help you understand where the difficulties comes from, giving you a better perspective on how to handle the situation. Inc.com has put together a reference list of the 10 most common difficult employees. 

Communication. Make time to communicate with them. There is always the possibility that employee was not aware of the problem; it just may be as easy as bringing it up to their attention. After all, how can you solve a problem if you did not know it existed?

Language. The right words can make a difference. For example, use the word “I” instead of “you.” It has a much softer, less accusatory, tone. The less confrontational you seem the more likely the conversation will carry on without the employee feeling like they have to be on the defensive.

Solution. Before the meeting is over, figure out a solution to the problem together with the employee. By making the employee feel involved in the process, they’re more likely to implement the changes agreed upon.

Termination. If all else fails, terminating employees may be the only option available. At this point, not letting them go is a disservice to them as well as the rest of the employees in the office.

How can you avoid this problem all together? Let us take care of the recruiting! Josephine’s Professional Staffing has been providing top employees for over 25 years!