HR Insights

Be a Better Communicator at Work

Madison Schacht headshot.
Madison Schacht
Manager of Talent Acquisition
June 28, 2023
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June is Effective Communications Month, and it’s a good time to work on your communicator skills. After all, effective workplace communication can translate to better working conditions. One study suggests that professional teams who communicate effectively can improve their productivity by up to 25 percent! Are poor communication skills sabotaging your professional prospects? That’s Good HR has some tips for upping your communication game and ensuring your voice is heard in the workplace.

Listen up!

Good communication starts with being a good listener. When you’re on the receiving end of a conversation, how well are you really listening to what the other person is saying? There’s a term called “active listening,” and it’s a skill that can serve you well in the business world. Active listening has several components that work together to ensure that you’re actively participating in the conversation.

Pay attention to what the other person is saying. It’s natural to start working on our response. That’s unfair to the other person, who deserves your complete attention.

Use non-verbal communication to demonstrate your attention. Your body language makes a difference. Keep your expression neutral and make sure your posture is open and inviting. Put your phone away – it’s too tempting to check it when you hear a text notification.

Provide appropriate feedback. If you’re not sure where the other person is going in the conversation, ask for clarification. The phrase “I hear you saying” can give you a chance to affirm that you’re interpreting the conversation correctly.

Stay calm. Even if the conversation is triggering strong emotions, a calm response will facilitate communication better than an angry one.

Practice good communicator etiquette

Time is precious at work, so make the most of each conversation. Good communication etiquette ensures that others interpret your message correctly and can cut down on misunderstanding:

Be clear and concise. Workplace communication doesn’t necessarily require a period of small talk before you arrive at the point you want to make. Include the necessary information to help the other person understand what you need.

Say what you mean. There’s no room for passive aggressive behaviors at the workplace. Asking your coworkers if you can come to lunch with them is much more effective than mumbling “Nobody ever invites me to lunch” under your breath.

Don’t interrupt or talk over people. Give the other person the same type of respect you want for yourself. This goes back to the active listening techniques described above. Use your communication skills to reinforce your commitment to the work team.

Know when to write it out – and when to talk

In today’s technology-heavy world, many people are programmed to communicate via texts or emails. A text can be a time-saver, but you also can lose the important nuance that accompanies the conversational tone of a face-to-face discussion. Emails are a great method of sharing updates and keeping your coworkers in the loop, but a live conversation – either in person or on the phone – ensures that you’re getting the response you need in a timely manner. How many times has a work project hit pause because nobody replied to your email? Pick up the phone and get things started again. On the other hand, written communication is essential for record keeping. If you want some sort of proof that a conversation occurred, get it in writing.

Reach out to your remote coworkers

Remote work is becoming standard in many workplaces, with as many as 27 percent of U.S. employees now working remotely. If you’re working remotely, stay tied in with the team by regularly checking in. It can be as simple as a morning update to tell your colleagues what you’re working on and how you might be able to work together to make it better. If you’re working on-site and an important discussion is taking place, involve your remote colleagues via a phone or video call.

Communicate good news and gratitude

Did a coworker go above and beyond to help you reach a deadline? Is a colleague hitting it out of the park on a new project? Jot down a few words and leave a note of gratitude on her desk.  Or, applaud him publicly for his efforts during the next team meeting. People like to know they’re appreciated. Effective communication can ensure they do.

When you work on your professional workplace skills, you’re opening the door for increased engagement and productivity at work. Stay connected to your coworkers and your workplace with regular, valuable communication.

Tips

The Pros and Cons of Recruiting Through Social Media

Pros and cons of recruiting through social media
Tiffany Moore headshot.
Tiffany Moore
VP, Client Partnerships
June 6, 2023
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It’s tempting to rely on social media for your hiring needs. Chances are, you have an active account on several social and professional platforms. You’re already connected to a broad audience, and you can use social media to get a first look at potential candidates. However, recruiting solely through online networks has its drawbacks as well. It’s one of the reasons why That’s Good HR takes a personal approach to staffing.

Let’s look at the pros and cons of recruiting through social media.

Social media recruiting advantages

When it comes to finding the right person for the job, social media can generate quick leads. According to Zippia research, 84% of organizations recruit via social media. Some of the advantages can seem obvious:

  • Job listings can be posted quickly.
  • Recruiting may not carry an initial cost.
  • Social media can act as a referral service when someone within your network shares your listing.
  • Your opening may reach passive jobseekers who aren’t actively searching for a new position.

Social media recruiting disadvantages

But just as every coin has a flip side, social media recruiting has its drawbacks as well. Social media may not be an effective tool for finding the best candidates, and here’s why:

Online profiles can be unreliable

It can be tempting to peek at a candidate’s social media presence before you start the interview process. Let’s face it. You don’t always get the full picture from someone’s sanitized and polished profile. You may miss out on pertinent information if someone hasn’t updated their profile in a while. Additionally, you could be scrutinizing the wrong person – lots of people have similar names and can show up in a quick online search.

You may be limited by character constraints

Social media has been designed for quick check-ins and conversations. Some channels limit how much you can say or share in a post. Although you may be able to add a link to your job listing, you can’t guarantee that candidates are going to click on it.

Your message doesn’t always reach the right audience

Social media channels have spent a lot of time and research deciding which posts show up at the top of your feed and which get buried under the avalanche of baby announcements and lunch descriptions. Even if you set your profile to public, you cannot guarantee that your job listings connect with the best candidates.

There are a lot of fraudulent job listings

Unfortunately, social media job listings also include unscrupulous schemes designed to steal money and personal information from unsuspecting job seekers. Of course, you’re legitimate, but someone who has been burned by a fake listing may be less likely to respond to any online opportunities.

Social media can feed into your biases

Suppose you have an interesting candidate. You check out her TikTok and discover that she holds a certain opinion. Or, you look at his Instagram account and discover he spends his free time doing something you think is boring. It is easy to focus on someone’s flaws when you’re only viewing them through a social media lens.

Finding the right candidate can take a lot of work

When you post a listing on social media, you’re opening your inbox up to everyone. It takes time to sift through the potential candidates and weed out those who aren’t qualified or don’t match your company’s personality and priorities. Finding the right candidate on social media can lead to an inefficient recruiting process.

How can That’s Good HR give you the hiring advantage?

That’s Good HR uses a unique combination of social media recruiting and personal interviews to identify qualified candidates for your open position. We start each match by talking to employers to find out what’s important. Our recruiters also work with potential candidates to understand their qualifications and professional plans. With our vast talent pool, we can often locate qualified candidates in days. We also take on the task of picking the best of the best, allowing you to focus on the top matches.

Social media can be a recruiting tool, but That’s Good HR is your recruiting specialist. How can we give your company a hiring advantage? Let’s talk soon.

Tips

Understanding Generation Z in the Workplace

Understanding Generation Z in the Workplace
Greta Cline, CFO
Greta Cline
Partner, CFO/COO
May 18, 2023
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They’re known as Generation Z, a designation for anyone born since 1997. As they enter the workforce, these youngest employees bring unique traits and talents that will reshape the business world. They currently account for about 13 percent of the workforce, but by the end of the decade they’ll make up a third of all employees. What do you need to know about hiring – and retaining – this generation?

Key Generation Z characteristics

As Generation Z enters the workplace, it’s important to know what’s important to them. Here are a few common defining characteristics we discovered in our research.

Money matters

They may have a reputation for being less materialistic than their parents and grandparents, but Generation Z still has money on their minds. Remember, this is a generation who grew up during the Great Recession. They may be carrying student debt. They worry that they’ll never achieve the American Dream of homeownership and financial security. They also believe they need more money than other generations to achieve financial security.

Generation Z is tech savvy

Generation Z didn’t have to be taught how to use smart phones and other emerging technology. They grew up with it, from the tablet designed to stimulate their toddler minds to the social media apps that their parents struggle to keep up with. They want to come to a workplace that is already outfitted with the latest technology. In fact, more than a quarter of Generation Z workers say outdated technology would affect their work performance.

They value inclusion

Generation Z is the most ethnically and racially diverse generation yet. They place a high importance on workplace inclusivity and the company’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Many Generation Z employees actively seek a company whose values and culture reflect their own. A diverse workforce can seem more welcoming to a new employee who places a priority on such matters.

They like to work from home

This generation may have spent their last years of high school or college navigating the remote work model, thanks to pandemic shutdown. They understand remote technology and communicating via screens rather than in-person. They had a crash course in online collaboration and feel quite comfortable working remotely. Even so, a handful of them want to be with people at work. According to a study from GOBankingRates.com, 17 percent of the Generation Z respondents preferred hybrid schedules, while 14 percent said they didn’t want to work remotely at all.

They are always open to new professional opportunities

That’s a nice way of saying this group isn’t afraid to switch jobs for something they perceive as better. They don’t worry about a reputation for job-hopping. Instead, they are prepared to move on to another workplace to achieve their professional goals.

Hiring and retaining the Generation Z employee

Generation Z has proven themselves to be adaptable and can take on different roles within the organization. Their ability to adapt to changing circumstances is an ideal trait in a crisis situation. However, they may be harder to retain, making onboarding and continued collaboration a priority for employers who need a stable workforce. Follow the suggestions below to welcome and maintain a Generation Z workforce.

Mentor Generation Z as needed

Generation Z is always on the lookout for new growth opportunities, either within or outside of your organization. By nurturing a collaborative culture in the workplace – whether on-site or remotely – companies can ensure that these newest workers feel comfortable asking questions and seeking out guidance.

Consider a remote or hybrid schedule

If your company can function with a remote or hybrid schedule, consider offering the option to your employees. Be careful, however, about isolating employees who are working from home. Plan regular communication through online meetings and occasional onsite gatherings.

Offer a competitive compensation package

Generation Z – like most of us – still focuses on the bottom line. Make sure your company salaries are in line with the local market, and consider other perks like paid time off, health and wellness benefits and mental health plans.

Working with Generation Z

Gen Z may be unfairly battling a stereotype of a poor work ethic and a reluctance to work as hard as their coworkers did in their 20s. Leave that stereotype at the office door. Gen Z employees – like all generations – tend to work better in a collaborative environment with coworkers who treat them as equals. There’s a lot you can learn from Gen Z, especially in a changing business environment that embraces new technology and standards.

Reach out to them

Even if you and your Gen Z colleagues are working a hybrid or remote schedule, remember that Gen Z is still looking for workplace connections. Use your company’s messaging system and onsite meetings to get to know each other.

Share resources

Gen Z experiences anxiety at almost double the levels reported by millennial and Gen X generations, and triple the levels of anxiety reported by Baby Boomers. Resist the urge to scoff at these statistics and instead be open to sharing company resources and coping skills that have worked in your experience.

Be open to learning from them.

Businesses flourish when they are open to change. Don’t discount new ideas from the newbies. In addition to being tech savvy, Gen Z’s ability to adapt may be invaluable during a crisis situation. That’s going to benefit everyone at work.

Today’s workforce continues to change and evolve. Fortunately, That’s Good HR takes pride in staying on top of the latest hiring trends and can help facilitate communications different generations. Let us help you meet your hiring and job search challenges.

Tips

The Power of Taking a Gap Year

Gap year
Greta Cline, CFO
Greta Cline
Partner, CFO/COO
April 25, 2023
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Graduation season is upon us. You’re surrounded by people who seem to know what they want to do for the rest of their lives. On the other hand, you’re still working on that decision. Is this something you can figure out as you move forward? Or, is it time to step back and take a good look inward? Maybe it’s time to consider a gap year.

A gap year is typically a point in your life journey where you postpone the big decisions – where you’re going to college, what you’re going to do for the rest of your life, what’s important to you – and give yourself time to figure things out. A gap year typically falls before or after college. But, it can occur at any point where you just want to regroup. Is a gap year right for you? Perhaps. If it was good enough for the president’s daughter, maybe it’s something you should consider.

Gap year advantages

Taking time off before college or a career commitment gives you a chance to focus on what you really want to do next. Let’s look at some of the advantages of taking a gap year:

You form new relationships. If you’ve been primarily surrounded by your peer group all your life, you can miss out on the wisdom of people you don’t normally rub shoulders with. A gap year allows you to begin creating a network of friends and colleagues who come from different backgrounds and points of view. By stepping outside of your comfortable circle, you may meet someone who helps you connect the dots to your own true passion.

You give yourself an extra year of experience. There’s something to be said for starting college or your professional life with an additional year of life experience. Gap years can force people to become more independent, especially if they are taking on the responsibility of paying for their own expenses or living within a budget. This unique perspective can help you focus on your priorities.

You save money. Let’s face it. College is expensive. If you’re undecided, you may want to postpone the first payment. Wait until you’re more certain about what you want to pursue.

You can develop soft skills. When we talk about work skills, you may automatically default to things you learn in a classroom, like creating databases, writing papers and programming computers. But successful professionals also must possess so-called soft skills, like communication, creativity, conflict resolution or adaptability. These skills can’t always be taught, although they must be learned. Giving yourself a year or so to learn these skills from coworkers and colleagues can add value to your next life chapter.

You find out what you don’t want to do. Many people go into college and their careers with someone else’s dreams. Maybe your parents encouraged you to pursue architecture because you made a mean Lego town. Or maybe you chose a journalism major because you like to write. If you plan accordingly, a gap year allows you to explore these careers without making a commitment. Sometimes an administrative job within a certain profession can open your eyes to the reality of the job. You may love what you see, or you may decide to pursue something else in the long run.

Filling in the gap (year)

Let’s be clear. Gap years are not synonymous with vacations. If you’re giving yourself an extra year or two to figure out what’s important, you are going to have to put in some work on your end. Use the gap year to expand your knowledge base. Become familiar with pertinent life skills like living within your means and shopping for the best automobile insurance rates. Look for professional opportunities that expose you to different people and careers.

That’s Good HR is a great partner for your gap year, because we have leads on many temporary or temp-to-hire positions in Indianapolis and the surrounding areas. These jobs aren’t a lifetime commitment – or even a permanent placement. Instead, they expose you to workplaces and professionals who can open your eyes to opportunities you may have never considered. Additionally, you can make money to fund your eventual dreams, whether they involve continuing education or moving to a new locale.

If you’re not quite ready to jump into college or the professional workplace, a gap year may be the right choice for you. That’s Good HR can help you find the right job opportunities to fill the year and make the most of this important investment. Remember, there’s no set rule about how to navigate your eventual career journey. If a gap year sounds right for you, let’s talk.

Job Advice

Want a Career Change? Need Help Getting There?

Career change
Tiffany Moore headshot.
Tiffany Moore
VP, Client Partnerships
April 7, 2023
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If you’re considering a career change, That’s Good HR can help you navigate the journey. Let’s look at how you can make a difference in your professional life by changing careers.

First, you’re not alone in wanting to do something different. As a matter of fact, a study by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that people held an average of 12.4 jobs between the ages of 18 and 54. The old school model of landing a job as a young adult and staying there until you can retire with a comfortable pension has been replaced with one where people move into different jobs and careers for many reasons, including:

·        Stressful work conditions

·        Poor leadership

·        Few opportunities for advancement

·        Salary concerns

·        A need for a change

If you’re reading this, you may be wondering how you can change your career.  Remember, you do not have to tackle every challenge alone. Let’s look at how you can make a change in your professional life and how the staff at That’s Good HR can assist you.

5 Steps to a Career Change

Make a list.

There’s no need to be fancy. Just start writing down your thoughts. What are your strengths and weaknesses? If you could do anything in the world, what would it be? Don’t worry if it sounds outlandish. Nobody will be grading this. Instead, try to get your brain around your passion. Are you still stumped? Check out some online assessment tools, like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator or the 123 Career Aptitude Test.

Do your research.

Pick out a couple of career options and dig deep to find out what type of training and experience you might need. Your local library may be able to help gather background information and identify local educational opportunities. Remember, you’re not making any commitments here. This is your time to explore what’s out there and decide if it’s worth your investment of time and, perhaps, money. Are you concerned that a new degree is going to take you 10 years, and you’ll be 10 years older when you finally graduate? How much older are you going to be in 10 years if you don’t pursue that degree? (Hint — the number is the same.)

Find your network.

Networking is an important professional skill, whether you’re looking for a new career or staying put in your current one. You may already have a network of coworkers and colleagues who may have leads on what you need to do to make your career change dream come true. But now is the time to expand that network. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you notice one of your connections on LinkedIn has a connection to the industry you’re exploring, reach out for an introduction.

Be realistic with career change dreams.

Maybe you’ve always dreamed about being an opera singer, even though your singing skills are best left to singing alone in your car. Fortunately, living out your dream career doesn’t have to look exactly like your initial vision. For every person on stage, there must be an audience. For every star of the show, there must be a support staff. You may never belt out arias to an adoring crowd, but you may enjoy the passion of working for a performing arts center’s front office. Keep in mind that the path to a new career may be a multi-step one, rather than one giant leap. That’s one of the many reasons why we like to encourage people to check out temporary positions. These short stints can give you a taste of a different industry and help you develop valuable connections.

Talk to the right staffing firm.

Staffing firms can help you land a new job, but make sure you’re working with a staffing firm that is focused on you, not on filling open spots with warm bodies. When you work with a staffing firm like That’s Good HR, you’re talking to people who care about your career goals. Our talented recruiting staff takes the time to get to know you and your needs, and we’ll tell you if we think we can help you make your career change dreams come true. After more than 20 years of working in Indianapolis and the surrounding areas, we may know of other options you can pursue in your quest to find a new career.

What are you waiting for? If you’re ready for a career change, consider reaching out to That’s Good HR now. Submit your resume and let’s talk about what’s next for your continuing professional life. 

Job Advice

Ghosting Your Interview or Job is Never OK – Here’s What to Do Instead

Ghosting a job
Mary Springer headshot
Mary Springer
Partner
February 23, 2023
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You’ve heard about ghosting in romantic relationships, but did you know it happens in work settings as well? While most candidates and employers maintain a professional relationship throughout the interview and hiring process, some candidates and employees may opt to disappear, skipping out on interviews or no longer coming to work.

A 2021 study by Indeed indicated that 28% of job seekers had ghosted an employer either during the hiring process or once they were on the job. What may seem like a casual decision can have catastrophic consequences. One solitary instance of ghosting can haunt you indefinitely. Local employers are often connected through networking and professional relationships. Word gets around, and you don’t want to be the candidate who didn’t show up for an interview or simply quit coming to work one day.

Have you ever found yourself in a work situation where you don’t want to move forward? Read on for alternatives to ghosting and learn how you can communicate your concerns maturely and professionally.

During the interview process

When you answer a job listing advertisement, you’re moving forward with limited information. A short job description can sound promising, but once you talk to a recruiter you realize that you’re not necessarily a good fit for the role. It may be tempting to block the interviewer’s number and move on, but that can backfire.

Communicate your concerns. Transparency is an asset in the HR world. Even if the recruiter agrees that you’re not the right person for this position, you are keeping doors open. You simply don’t know if you’re going to run into this recruiter again, so don’t jeopardize a future connection with an amateur action.

Ask about flexibility. Does the salary seem too low for the position? Were you hoping for a hybrid schedule? It’s OK to convey your concerns early in the interview. If there’s flexibility within the company, you can start a conversation. If those salary numbers and job description are set in stone, you’re not wasting each other’s time, but you’re also ending the conversation on a high note.

Handle emergencies responsibly. Recruiters understand that unexpected things can happen. If something comes up that precludes a scheduled interview, let the recruiter know right away. However, let’s be frank. Not everything is an emergency. Having an attack of appendicitis and winding up at the hospital is an emergency. Getting an invitation to go out with friends at the same time you scheduled an interview is not. If you do encounter an emergency, send a quick note to the recruiter that reiterates your interest, explains the problem, and lists options for rescheduling.

Once you’re on the job

You’ve accepted the offer and started the new role. A couple weeks in, though, you realize it’s not what you were hoping for. You’re experiencing problems at home and feeling overwhelmed by life. It can be tempting to just quit showing up while you regroup and get your head together, but that is not only detrimental to your future, it is also disrupting the employer as well.

Share concerns with your immediate supervisor. Nobody wants to be known as a whiner at work. However, companies need to recognize what is and isn’t working for their employees. If your new job is asking for too many overtime shifts, find out if that’s a temporary issue during a busy time or if that’s how the work schedule is always going to go. Don’t make rash decisions blindly.

Leave graciously. If you’re unhappy with a job and don’t see anything changing, learn how to walk away without damaging your professional future. Offer a two-week notice and reinforce the message that you appreciate the time the employer has invested in you. Remember, the supervisor you’re thinking of ghosting today may wind up moving to a different company next month. Reputations matter.

Working with That’s Good HR

One of the benefits of working with a staffing agency like That’s Good HR is that you have a middleman, so to speak, who can advocate for you or help you with the difficult scenarios. Our temp-to-hire model allows parties to test the waters of a new job to ensure that it’s a good fit on both sides. Temporary positions have a specific start and end date, but they offer a valuable opportunity to become acquainted with a potential employer and make new professional connections. These short-term wins can lead to long-term employment.

Ghosting is never an effective professional solution. Learn how to keep your options open while you navigate challenging situations. At That’s Good HR, we’re committed to helping you find a job that meets your qualifications and needs. Let’s work together.

Job Advice

Top Jobs and Industries for 2023

Top jobs for 2023
Madison Schacht headshot.
Madison Schacht
Manager of Talent Acquisition
January 18, 2023
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Do your New Year’s resolutions include a new job or career? You’re not alone. About one in five Americans are planning a job switch in 2023. The good news is that you don’t have to go on this journey alone. That’s Good HR has more than two decades of staffing experience in the Indianapolis area. We have the inside scoop on open jobs in fast growing industries, and we can help match you to your next professional challenge. Read on to find out what jobs and industries we expect to see taking off and staying hot in 2023.

Healthcare jobs

After almost three full years of pandemic-related activity, the healthcare industry is facing staffing shortages due to professional burnout. At the same time, patients are venturing back to their healthcare providers for screening examinations and check-ups that they may have postponed, which means the industry will continue to grow. This adds up to an increased demand for healthcare and the jobs that support the industry.

You don’t have to be a trained doctor or nurse to pursue a healthcare career. Our job board includes front desk, office management and other administrative positions. If you’ve always thought about going into healthcare but weren’t sure you wanted to invest the money and time for a degree, a medical office job is a great way to find out if the industry is a good fit for you.

Top administrative positions

Don’t let the headlines fool you. While the Bureau of Labor Statistics warns that office and administrative support positions may see a decline over the next decade, our local employers still call us regularly seeking executive assistants, administrative assistants and receptionists. What skills make you more competitive? Excel in Excel. This popular spreadsheet is used in almost every work setting, and free tutorials help you understand its many available functions. Would you rather have hands-on experience? Consider a temporary position where you can develop your administrative skills and build your professional network at the same time.

Accounting jobs

Are you a numbers person? Good news – accounting salaries and employment are both expected to rise in 2023. Even in an unpredictable job market, companies need bookkeepers, cash managers and accounts payable clerks. Accounting jobs require meticulous attention to detail, a skill you may be bringing from your previous positions. Remember, the That’s Good HR staff members are experts at helping people repackage their current skills and be open to new opportunities.

Jobs in the human resources industry

The human resources field continues to grow, and our job listings reflect the industry’s positive outlook. HR jobs might be some of our favorite positions to fill, because the industry has been so rewarding for the That’s Good HR staff. We also love the HR industry because it’s such a good landing spot for skills you may have acquired in industries like education, nursing and the service industry. If you’re interested in talking to someone about how your current skills can transfer to an entry level HR job, submit your resume to us now and we’ll start a dialogue.

The job outlook in 2023 continues to unfold, opening opportunities for job growth and career changes. Is this the year you find your dream job? That’s Good HR can help you navigate the changing landscape as you move into your next professional chapter. Let’s work together to find your match.

Job Advice

As We Look to the New Year, It’s Time to Celebrate You!

Celebrate you in the new year!
Tiffany Moore headshot.
Tiffany Moore
VP, Client Partnerships
December 29, 2022
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The end of the year is typically a time for reflection and celebration. Take some time out of the holiday hustle and bustle to celebrate yourself and reflect on what you want in the new year. If your resolutions include professional advancement or other career considerations, That’s Good HR is ready to step in and help you meet these important goals!

Look at how far you’ve come this year

Everyone is their own worst critic. It’s so easy to look back and see mistakes you made or bumps in the career road. Maybe you feel stagnated in your current career, and you’re certainly not alone. Making a career change can be scary, and people can take up to a year before making a switch.

As you take inventory of your skill set, highlight this year’s successes. Here are a few things you may not be giving yourself credit for:

You reached out to someone in your professional network. You don’t have to be unemployed to meet for coffee with a mentor who can share their own career experience.

You met your deadline(s). This is a big deal, both for you and your employer.

You set career goals. This doesn’t have to be fancy. If you said you would take a hard look at your career goals by the end of the year, consider this article an effective first step!

What are your career goals?

There’s no better time than now to set your career goals for the new year and beyond. Why are professional goals important? They give you something to work for and prevent you from become a passive participant in your career journey. Even small goals can shift your workday outlook:

Resolve to reach out to coworkers. Team collaboration and communication are important factors in today’s work environment. Challenge yourself to ask a coworker to grab lunch together so you can get to know each other better.

Consider continuing education. Continuing education runs the gamut from pursuing an advanced degree at a local university to taking advantage of your public library’s free access to online educational opportunities. You’re never too old to learn something new.

Look for new challenges. If you think your skills might be used in different and better ways at work, share these thoughts with a manager or professional mentor. Ultimately, you are looking for avenues for supporting your company, and if you believe you can contribute more in a different capacity, talk to your company leadership about exploring new options.

Where are you going in the new year?

Change is intimidating. We get it. It can be a lot easier when you have a professional staffing agency like That’s Good HR on your side. If you’re considering a career change – or you’re ready for a new challenge within your chosen career path – reach out to That’s Good HR. We’ll start with a chat, which gives us an opportunity to understand your specific needs and career goals. Our job board includes open positions from Indianapolis-area top employers. You can take comfort in the knowledge that we focus on the match. We’ll only refer you to positions where your skills are already a good fit for the position.

The new year is upon us. That’s Good HR remains your trusted staffing partner, keeping your interests at heart as we help you plan – and meet – your career goals. Happy New Year, from That’s Good HR.

Hiring resources

The Top Three Don’ts for Post-Interview Thank You Notes

Hands on a keyboard.
Mary Springer headshot
Mary Springer
Partner
November 15, 2022
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The interview is over, and you’re feeling pretty good about the conversation. You nailed the hard questions and developed an easy rapport with the hiring staff. Now you want to stay at the top of the candidate list. Timely and well-written thank you notes can make the difference.

Thank you notes can be a deal maker – or a candidate breaker – when it comes to the final hiring decision. Research by TopResume indicated that 68% of hiring managers say a thank you note – or the lack of one – impacts their decision. Stack the odds in your favor by following up with the right words. Don’t skip this final opportunity to make a good impression.

Sometimes it’s not what you do, but it’s what you don’t do when you’re writing a thank you note. Fortunately, we’ve listed the top 3 don’ts for post-interview thank you notes. Read on to see how you can make the most of this important interview tool.

Don’t wait too long to write your thank you notes

Once the interview is complete, many hiring managers are already thinking about the next candidate. If you wait too long after an interview to send your thank you notes, you risk being forgotten. Shoot for the first 24 hours after the interview to maximize your note’s impact. Should you go old school and send a written letter? That’s not necessary, say hiring managers. In fact, most HR managers say it’s perfectly fine to follow up with an email. Don’t get too casual, however. Texts or instant messages may fall into the category of being too casual for business communications.

Send a separate thank you note to everyone who interviewed you. This indicates a commitment to the entire team. Resist the desire to add something frivolous or funny, though. You may be a great artist, but sending an original cartoon to each person who interviewed you can quickly move from quirky to questionable.

Don’t write a novel – keep your thank you notes short and succinct

Everyone’s time is valuable, including the people who just interviewed you. While it may be tempting to use your thank you note to restate your resume and all of your admirable qualities, you don’t want to come across as someone who demands too much time and attention. Instead, use your thank you note to convey your gratitude and enthusiasm in a few short paragraphs:

  • Thank them again for their time and attention.
  • Share something specific from the interview that stood out for you.
  • Highlight how you believe you are a good fit for the open position.

Don’t make mistakes

Yes, to err is human. But typos in a thank you note can give the impression of being careless, and you don’t want to leave the interviewer with that final impression. Write the draft, take a few minutes, then read it over again. Ask a trusted friend or colleague to give it a second look. Reading it out loud can also help you catch mistakes.

What if you don’t know what to say?

Are you struggling for the right words? That’s Good HR can help you design the perfect thank you note. Give yourself an interview advantage with That’s Good HR. We have more than 20 years of experience matching qualified candidates with open positions in the Indianapolis area. We’re more than just a staffing firm. We take the time to get to know you first, understanding your unique combination of talents, skills and professional goals. When you work with That’s Good HR, you’re working with a staff who is committed to making the best match for both our candidates and our employers.

That’s Good HR has access to open positions that may not be posted anywhere else. Take a look at our job board to see what types of positions are available. If you’re interested in learning more about That’s Good HR and our current job openings, send us a copy of your resume now. The Match Matters at That’s Good HR, and so do you!

Tips

Our Top Employee Polls on LinkedIN This Year

A bulletin board with question bubbles.
Madison Schacht headshot.
Madison Schacht
Manager of Talent Acquisition
November 2, 2022
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As a staffing firm focused on both job seekers and employers, we believe it’s important to keep our fingers on the pulse of the Indianapolis-area professional community. That’s why we query our LinkedIn followers on timely topics throughout the year. It has been a fun way to uncover new trends and give our followers a glimpse into how other people feel about their career paths.

Let’s look at what we learned from some of our most popular polls in 2022:

Should you stay or should you go?

Our May poll was a simple one. Do you plan to switch jobs in the next 12 months? It appears that our LinkedIn followers have their eyes out for something new, with 59% responding yes. How would you vote? If you’re looking for a change, That’s Good HR can help you discover potential career opportunities.

Job worries in today’s economic climate

We’ve read the headlines. Inflation is high. The economic outlook is questionable. We asked our LinkedIn followers to share their worries about job stability in today’s economic uncertainty. It looks like our followers are split on the issue, with 49% saying they’re not worried at all, and 50% responding that they are very worried or somewhat concerned.

If you’re feeling career uncertainty, remember that you have That’s Good HR on your side. We can help you dust off your resume and update it with our convenient resume template. If you’re ready to check out new opportunities, send us your resume and we can start a conversation.

Putting your thoughts to music

Our September poll asked followers to choose a popular song to describe how they felt about their current job:

  • I Ain’t Worried
  • Bad Habit
  • First Class
  • Break My Soul

Either there are a lot of Beyonce fans among our followers or a lot of broken spirits at work, because “Break My Soul” was the overwhelming winner. If you’re not answering “First Class” or “I Ain’t Worried” in this poll, perhaps it’s time to connect with That’s Good HR. Your job should be more than a “Bad Habit.”

That’s Good HR has more than 20 years of experience matching qualified candidates with open positions within the Indianapolis area. Our research and staffing proficiency can solve the puzzle of bringing the right candidates to the right company. If you’re looking for your next job opportunity, That’s Good HR is your job search partner. Contact us today to learn more about how That’s Good HR is committed to making the right match.

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