Job Advice

5 Steps to Finding a Job You Love With That’s Good HR

Love
Madison Schacht headshot.
Madison Schacht
Manager of Talent Acquisition
February 26, 2024
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You’ve probably heard the old adage, “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” During this month of love, That’s Good HR has five tips for finding a job you can love. Granted, you’ll still have to work – most people aren’t going to win the lottery or inherit a fortune from a previously unknown rich uncle. But if you do a little groundwork now, you can enjoy a job that’s fun, rewarding, and maybe even something you can love.

Landing a job you love can pay you back in more than just a salary and benefits. People who enjoy their jobs are more likely to be optimistic, motivated, faster learners and better decision makers. And while we all love our days off, Monday mornings are a lot easier when you’re going to do something you enjoy. If you don’t love your job, read on to find out how you can make a change. Remember, That’s Good HR specializes in matching people with jobs that fit their personalities and skill sets. Why not take a chance on loving your job?

Identify your passions

If you’re looking for a job you love, start by understanding what sparks excitement at work. Are you a numbers person who may be drawn to the field of accounting and finances? Or, are you a people person who may thrive in the HR world? Be brave with some of the hard questions. If you’re drawn to a profession that requires additional education, consider whether you’re at a point where you can take that leap. Some career changes don’t require another degree, however. At That’s Good HR, we’ve found that many temporary jobs are a great opportunity to learn new skills.

Love the salary potential – but don’t let it control your decision

Job seekers should always do their homework when it comes to salary ranges. You are the only one who really can decide how much money you need to meet your financial obligations. However, we caution people from focusing on a number and recommend looking at the overall picture. What other aspects of a job are important? Do you need a flexible schedule? Is there room for growth and promotion? A generous salary is nice, but if the job is a bad match, you may decide the extra dollars aren’t worth the increased stress.

Seek advice from other people

Sometimes it helps to get outside ourselves, especially when we’re thinking about career opportunities. Do you have a mentor or a colleague you trust to give you honest feedback? Ask others what they consider to be your greatest strengths and weaknesses. You may think you talk a lot, but they may see an emerging leader.

Find out what other people love about their own jobs

If you’ve been stuck in an unfulfilling job, you may not realize there are happy working people in this world. Talk to those people who seem content at work. Harness the power of networking. If you know someone who knows someone who works in a field that seems interesting, ask for an introduction. Join local professional organizations. Find out when your local college alumni club meets, and get to know other people. Every time you expand your networking circle, you’re increasing potential leads for your next career move.

Partner with That’s Good HR to find a job you love

At That’s Good HR, we believe matching the right person to the right job is our sweet spot. We’re more than just a staffing firm. We put people first. When you submit a resume or apply for a job on our job board, one of our trained recruiters will check it out. If you seem like a potentially good fit for one of our openings, we’ll respond to continue the conversation. At That’s Good HR, we invest the time to know our job candidates, as well as our employer clients, so we can identify successful professional matches. It’s not just about staffing. It’s about finding the right people for the best job opportunities within Indianapolis and the surrounding areas.

Don’t settle for a job you don’t love. Submit your resume now to That’s Good HR and find a job that fits your passions and skills.

HR Insights

Thanks a Lot: How to Show Your Appreciation at Work

thanks
Greta Cline, CFO
Greta Cline
Partner, CFO/COO
November 14, 2023
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How do you say “thanks” at work? We’re moving into the holidays, when the atmosphere around the office becomes a little more festive and you begin to wonder how – and if – you should offer some sort of gift or token of your appreciation. At That’s Good HR, we have the scoop on what’s appropriate for gestures of gratitude and how you can convey your appreciation to your employees, coworkers, and colleagues.

First things first – who gets the thanks?

Ideally, company gratitude flows in many directions during the business year. Have you ever received a heartfelt thank-you note from a coworker after you completed a difficult team project? How did it make you feel? Jotting down a few words on a Post-it®️ and a giving you coworker a cup of their favorite coffee can make them feel valued and part of the team.

Things get a little trickier when it comes to the holidays. As we approach the season of gift-giving, people may be wondering if they should be offering tangible items of appreciation to their coworkers or employees. What about management? Have you been knitting your boss’ blanket since January? We hope not, because traditional etiquette says that gifts should flow down in the corporate power structure. In other words, your boss might be handing out gift cards to thank employees during the holiday season, but you shouldn’t feel obligated to reciprocate.

Coworkers, on the other hand, may have fun exchanging inexpensive gifts during the holiday season. Our advice? Ask your management to establish firm guidelines now for gift giving and stick to them. If employees are exchanging $25 gifts, stay at that price point. Going overboard can make people feel uncomfortable, and that’s counterproductive to the message you want to convey. (As always, nobody should be forced to participate in any gift exchange.)

How to convey your thanks through words

In this season of thankfulness, we recommend starting with the written word. Emails are great – and they’re handy when it comes to your remote colleagues – but a handwritten note of thanks indicates that you thought the recipient was worth the time it took to write a message and seal the envelope. So, what should you be writing on those little notes? Even if you’re not much of a wordsmith, here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Focus on their strengths: “I appreciate the way you always work hard to make our team projects a success” or “Your cheerful attitude is contagious and keeps me smiling even during the challenging periods.”
  • Use good examples: “You always bring exciting ideas to our meetings” or “Your extra work made our last project shine.”
  • Add some motivation: Everyone can use a little inspiration, especially when they are struggling. Validating those challenges and offering a boost may go a long way: “The last month hasn’t been easy, but know you are appreciated for all you bring to the workplace.”

OK, but what if I’m the boss?

When you’re in management, gratitude takes on another layer of meaning. Those notes of validation are great during the regular business year, but the holidays have you thinking it’s time to go the extra mile. While it may be tempting to default to the staff pizza party, we know you can do a lot better than that at conveying your appreciation. Consider these options for giving thanks to your employees who make your business a success:

Cold hard cash: Cash is impersonal, right? Tell that to the employee who’s struggling to keep up with his expenses during the holiday season. A little extra money in the paycheck says “thank you” better than a slice of stuffed crust pepperoni pizza with extra cheese.

The gift of time: A day off can be a gamechanger for an overstressed employee. Not every company has the flexibility of offering an extra day – or even an extra half-day – to employees, but if yours does, consider offering it as a token of your gratitude.

Special activities: Team-building activities can lead to employee camaraderie and cooperation. Before you book the bowling alley, consider combining the spirit of the season with the season of gratitude. Ask employees to suggest favorite charities and organizations that need your help during the holiday season and organize an outing for anyone who’s interested.

How about a nice coffee mug?

Go online and Google “gifts for business,” and you’ll see pages and pages of gift ideas and tokens you can purchase to show your appreciation. Be careful, though. You don’t want your recipients to believe they’re only worthy of some small token. Our advice? Make it personal and fun. Spring for cookies with the company logo in the icing. Pick the nice water bottles over the cheap plastic ones. Ask yourself if you’d like to receive this same gift and be honest. If you know that tchotchke is going to wind up in the junk drawer, skip it and consider something else.

There’s a lot of emotion and appreciation wrapped up in a thank you gesture. Make sure yours is sincere and heartfelt during this season of gratitude.

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

Fun Summer Activities Around indianapolis

Summer is here in Indianapolis. Looking for ideas for summer fun? That's Good HR has them!

summer activities in Indianapolis
Mary Springer headshot
Mary Springer
Partner
June 21, 2023
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It’s the first day of summer! At That’s Good HR, the work continues as we seek to match qualified candidates with some of Indianapolis’ top employers. But we also like to carve out time for fun summer activities. Here’s a hint of what we love to do during Indy’s beautiful summers!

Plan a museum day

Indianapolis is a museum lover’s dream come true, with several museums waiting to fulfill your inner culture seeker. Immerse yourself in the beauty of art at the Indianapolis Museum of Art Galleries. Test your Indiana history knowledge at the Indiana State Museum. Explore Native American culture at the Eiteljorg Museum. Or, learn more about Indy’s favorite oval at the Indianapolis Speedway Museum

Put your pedal to the metal

While we’re talking about the Speedway, why not treat yourself to a view of the bricks from the INDYCAR passenger seat? The Indy Racing Experience offers several different configurations for a unique memory.

Pedal around Indy on a party bike

Grab your friends and head downtown to pedal your way to a party. The Pickled Peddler lets you bring up to 14 people on a private tour. Plus, the party bike is equipped with electric assist, in case you don’t feel like exhausting yourself.

Watch a ball game

Our Indianapolis Indians, a Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburg Pirates, play their games at Victory Field. Buy yourself some peanuts and Cracker Jack, and come down for a game. If you’re more of a futbol fan (that’s a fancy word for soccer), check out the Indy Eleven schedule at IUPUI’s Carroll Stadium. Give the ladies some love, too! The Indy Eleven Women’s Team plays at Westfield’s Grand Park.

Find the freshest produce at a farmer’s market

Pack your favorite reusable bag and plan your weekly menu around farm fresh produce from an Indy area farmer’s market. If you’d rather do the dirty work yourself, pick some fresh fruit and other crops at Spencer Farm.

Walk the trails at Fort Ben

Our friends in states like Colorado and Montana like to brag about their outdoor opportunities, but Indy-area residents can get their nature fix at Fort Harrison State Park. Take a walk in the woods, enjoy a picnic lunch or canoe down Fall Creek. You may even want to buy a state park pass to start exploring other beautiful Indiana parks.

Listen to the music

Rumor has it, you can hear live music every summer night somewhere in Indy and the surrounding areas. Check out a free community concert at the Carmel’s Summer Family Concert Series at the Gazebo, or see some big names at the TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park or Ruoff Music Center.

Be wild

The Indianapolis Zoo can transport you from the colt of the Antarctic to the dry heat of the desert. Plus, you can purchase a sloth adventure! You can tell your grandchildren that you fed a sloth.  (If sloths aren’t your wild thing, maybe you’ll be tickled by the rhino adventure.)

Drink local with an Indy Craft Pass

Enjoy discounts at local breweries, distilleries and wineries with an Indy Craft Pass. This free pass gives you an excuse to dine out and taste what’s new around Indy. Every time you check in on your mobile passport, you’ll earn points for prizes.

Go to the fair

An Indy summer celebration isn’t complete without a visit to the Indiana State Fair. This year’s fair is set for July 28-August 20 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Visit the farm animals. Admire the handiwork. Fill yourself with corndogs, elephant ears and other fair treats.  Check out the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage schedule to discover some of the best free music deals in town.

Indianapolis summers are like no other. Whether you’re an outdoor kind of person or you prefer to relax in the air conditioning, you’ll be sure to find something to do here this summer. Get out and enjoy!

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.

Tips

5 Tips for Constructive Employee Feedback

Constructive employee feedback
Mary Springer headshot
Mary Springer
Partner
April 17, 2023
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Constructive employee feedback is pivotal in the workplace. Feedback allows employees to adjust their behavior to meet their employers’ expectations. Furthermore, it helps managers communicate effectively to ensure that both the parties are on the same page. Constructive feedback is an effective tool for improving employee performance and mindset in the workplace.

But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Managers and others who are tasked with overseeing employees may dread these conversations. What can start out as a simple discussion may unwittingly evolve into a tense conversation. However, skipping the conversation is rarely productive, especially when certain behaviors need to be addressed. How can managers and employers offer feedback that is productive and effective?

At That’s Good HR, we have more than 20 years’ experience working with some of the Indianapolis area’s best employers. As part of our staffing services, we often serve as the middleman between employers and employees during those important first few months in the workplace. Thanks to experience and countless conversations, we have been able to see what works and what doesn’t. Read on for our five tips on constructive employee feedback.

Feedback matters

When you set aside time for a review, you’re telling your employees that their position in the business is important. You’re also communicating a commitment to continued employee growth and development. By following the tips below, you’re opening the door to an evolving relationship and better business practices that ultimately make your company – and your employees – stronger.

1. Give feedback in person

Most businesses have perfected the art of communicating electronically, but constructive employee feedback conversations should be done face-to-face. It’s too easy to misread tone in an email or text. If the employee is a remote worker, set up a time for a phone or video conversation. Make sure you’re in a safe, private place. These discussions can become emotional, and everyone deserves to know that their responses are staying within the room.

2. Stay specific and problem focused

It may be easy to give orders without explaining their rationale. For instance, punctuality can be a game-changer in many workplaces. But not every employee may fully appreciate its importance. If you tell an employee to quit coming in late, you’re giving an order. If you have a conversation that begins with a discussion of why it’s important for the employee to come to work on time, you’re helping them understand that their 15-minute delay can have repercussions on coworkers and customers. Make observations, not accusations. Say, “I notice that you have been arriving late to work a few times a week. What’s going on?” instead of “You’re almost always late.” There may be an underlying issue you can easily address.

3. Praise is an important part of constructive employee feedback

It’s easy to focus on what’s not being done correctly. On the other hand, if you neglect to recognize the good things an employee does, you’re losing an important tool in establishing a trusting relationship. Positive feedback can lessen the blow, so to speak, of criticism. It tells the employee that you recognize the work they are doing and reinforces that you are a manager who appreciates their efforts.

4. Be sincere

In a thriving business relationship, feedback can benefit both the employee and the company. Reinforce the message that you want the employee to succeed. Ultimately, an empowered and improved workforce is going to strengthen the business. You’re not offering constructive employee feedback because you want employees to fail. You’re offering it because you know they have the potential to contribute. Nobody is a finished product – not you, not the employee. Reinforce the message that you never stop growing, and feedback can help you become stronger and more productive.

5. Be open to feedback in return

Feedback goes both ways. Your conversations with employees should include a chance for them to voice their concerns. This isn’t always obvious. You may have employees who are happy to volunteer their own observations and solutions, but others aren’t so forthcoming. Open the door for feedback. Even a simple “How can I help you do your job better” may uncover solutions you hadn’t considered. Be open to these answers.

Constructive employee feedback should be part of every workplace. At That’s Good HR, we stay engaged in the employee relationship even after the initial hiring process, facilitating conversations and making sure feedback is reaching the proper recipients.  Let us help you with your next staffing challenge. Reach out now to talk about solutions.

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

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.

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