Job Advice

The Art of the Thank You Note

Madison Schacht headshot.
Madison Schacht
Manager of Talent Acquisition
April 26, 2018
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You don’t have to be an Emily Post etiquette expert to know it’s a great idea to send a thank you note after an interview.  Whether your interview was face-to-face or via phone, sending a thank you note as soon as you can is a best practice.

Sending a note gives you another opportunity to emphasize what most excites you about the position, including details that you learned in the interview. It also shows initiative and can demonstrate that you are good with details and follow through (especially important if that’s key to the position).

So, what should it say?  For starters, address the thank you note – or thank you email – to the name of the person who interviewed you.  If you were interviewed by more than one person then send a note to each person.  Emailing the note is acceptable, especially since jobs in this tight labor market are moving quickly.

Next, express your gratitude for the interviewer taking their time to get to know you. Then, include some details of your conversation, which shows you were being attentive and gives you a chance to showcase some of your strong skills that would be a benefit in the position.

Finally, close out the note with a final word of thanks and sign your name.  If it’s an email, consider adding your phone number under your name for quick reference.

It is best to send the note as soon as possible, in the same day as your interview occurs if possible. That way the interviewer knows that you are interested in the position and hopefully it will help them come to a decision sooner.

A thank you note is the perfect way to communicate to the hiring manager that you are a solid applicant and that you are enthusiastic about the potential opportunity.

Sample thank you note:

Dear Jan,

Thank you so much for taking the time to discuss your opening for a customer service representative today.  I am very interested in this opportunity.

I really enjoyed what you shared about your company culture and I can see myself contributing to the team.  My database experience would be a real asset in this position. 

Thank you again for your time, please let me know if there is any additional information I can provide to help in your decision.

Warmest Regards,

Madison

Seasonal

Celebrating International Women’s Day

March 8, 2018
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Today, March 8, marks International Women’s Day.  But for us at TGHR, every day is women’s day as we come into the office and do our best to propel both men and women forward in their careers.

International Women’s Day has been celebrated since the early 1900s and is observed globally, not just in the United States.  Some say it started in 1908 when 15,000 women marched in New York City demanding equal pay and shorter working hours. Other say it began in 1913 stemming from a declaration from the Socialist Party.  Either way, it’s been around for more than 100 years and it’s here to stay.  The United Nations officially recognized International Women’s Day in 1975.

The day was created to bring awareness to the gender pay gap – a gap that is still prevalent today.  According to the 2017 Global Gender Gap Report, published by the World Economic Forum, the global gender gap will take 100 years to close.  Countries that have the smallest gap, in order, are Iceland, Norway, Finland, Rwanda and Sweden.  The United States ranks 49th, while our North America neighbor, Canada ranks 16th. Iceland has been the world’s most gender equal country for nine years running.  The country recently made headlines for passing a law that went into effect on January 1, 2018 that makes it mandatory for companies to demonstrate that they pay men and women fairly.

International Women’s Day is celebrated with talks, lectures, conferences, performances, and demonstrations occurring world-wide.  Here’s some suggestions on how you can mark the occasion, regardless of gender:

  • Be informed. Use part of your day to become informed.  Research gender equality issues, health issues or other issues that create this inequity.
  • Thank the women in your life. Take a moment today and write a thank you note to a woman who has helped you, encouraged you, or influenced your life in a positive way.  This is an activity that you can do no matter what gender you identify with and will only take moments out of your day.
  • Read or Watch. Take time to read a great book by a female author.  Plan a brown bag book discussion over lunch with friends or co-workers.  No time to read?  Take in a movie with a strong female lead or director.  Better yet – make it documentary on women’s issues.  Another option – take in a TED Talk.
  • Show your support. Post on social media why International Women’s Day matters to you.  There are selfie cards online that echo this year’s theme, #PressforProgress, to help you. Want to make your own?  There’s an option for that too.

We are proud to be a women-owned business every day – but especially today. And we’ll keep working to advance our fellow females (and all our other candidates too)!

Job Advice

Reduce Job Searching Stress

Ashley Paramoure
January 31, 2018
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We get it. Searching for a new job can be stressful. The waiting, the interviewing, the preparation.  So, how does one survive?  Sit back and relax, and let That’s Good HR help.

First up, don’t let your anxiety get the best of you.  Focus on other things while you are waiting for the right opportunity to come along.  Try the following:

  • Read a career book that you’ve always wanted to (need suggestions?).
  • Revise your resume. Use our resume template to get started.
  • Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date.
  • Focus on your current job and exceling at your work.

Use your time to prepare for upcoming interviews.  Being prepared helps reduce nerves and will help you focus once it’s time to talk to a company. Once you have an interview, use your time to do your research on the company so you are well versed before you walk in the door.  Here are some popular interview questions and suggested answers.

It takes time for the right opportunity to come along.  Make sure you’re are checking the TGHR job board and letting your recruiter know if anything peaks your interest.  Be patient and don’t let anxiety get the best of you (see above!).

So, make sure and keep your head up.  Don’t let your confidence slip away.  You need to make sure you are poised and ready to go when it’s time to interview.  Believe in yourself and be patient as the right position for you is out there somewhere!

Tips

Goal Setting: New Year, New You!

Kate Stephens
January 18, 2018
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New year, new you, right?  With the dawn of 2018, January is ripe for setting goals that you want to accomplish by the year’s end.  But what makes a good goal and how do you reach them?

Be SMART! Goals should be smart.  As in S.M.A.R.T., which stands for a goal that is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time- bound.  Sounds simple, but is it?  It can be if you focus on exactly what you want to achieve, hence where the specific comes in.  Making the goal measurable will let you know when you have achieved the goal you have set for yourself.  You want to set goals that are achievable in your time frame and that are important to you.  Accomplishing a goal will make you more likely to set another to take its place.  Want to dive into SMART goals?  Check out this link.

Write it down. After you’ve done the work to craft your goal (or goals), the next step is to write it down.  Committing to it on a sheet of paper, helps you stay focused on what you want.

Sharing is caring. Care enough about your goal and share it with others.  This helps keep you accountable and headed in the right direction.

Set a system. Another way to approach making improvements is to commit to a particular process, instead of creating goals.  Some, like this author, argue that committing to a goal leads to unhappiness with what you currently have. Instead, try committing to a process or a system that will lead to a change in the long run.  This way you have set yourself up for success along the way to improvement.

Create a plan of attack. Just simply stating something, unfortunately doesn’t make it come true.  Although it can be helpful to put something out into the universe, you need to devise a way that you are going to get there whether it’s a system or another type of plan – do what works for you.

Pop the bubbly. It’s important to celebrate your successes to keep you motivated to create a new goal to take its place.  Your celebration can be a simple reward, like treating yourself to a coffee or a great dinner.  Or maybe just an hour by yourself to relax and reflect on a job well done.

What are your goals in 2018?  Let’s TGHR know if they include a career change, we’re ready to help!

Tips

Running out of time…in 2017!

Amber Crosby
December 7, 2017
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It’s already December (how did that happen?) and the new year is right around the corner. We all need more time in the day and more time before (hopefully) taking some time to enjoy the holidays with friends and family.

So how can you squeeze the most out of 2017?  Here’s what we recommend:

  1. Be focused! Scrutinize your to do list – both work and personal – and prioritize what really needs to be done this year.  Focus only on the items that must get done right now.  At the same time, get a jump on your to-do list for 2018 now.
  2. Go to sleep! No, really. A good night’s sleep makes you more productive during the day.  Being productive makes you feel less stressed, being less stressed helps you be more relaxed, which, in turn, affords you a better night’s sleep. It’s a cycle! This is one of Inc.’s 9 Ways to Save More Time.  Check it out – but only if you have time!
  3. Be in the moment! How much time do you waste on your phone each day? Too much?  Download an app like Moment, which will track your phone time and track what you are using your phone for.  There’s even a “coach” that can help you break bad habits and provide suggestions to free up your time.

But the best way to get more time in your day?  Call That’s Good HR.  It takes an average of 42 days to fill a position, but we provide candidates within 24 hours – 98% faster than average.  Save time and let us do the work.  We’ll get you staffed up and ready to take on 2018.  Call us today so we can give you the gift of time this holiday season.

Seasonal

Being Thankful

Mary Springer headshot
Mary Springer
Partner
November 16, 2017
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‘Tis the season of gratitude – literally.  Thanksgiving is right around the corner.   It feels like everyone is #blessed this time of year…but is that true?

The Greater Good Science Center, based at UC Berkeley in California, has spent two decades studying gratitude.   Their research has revealed people who practice gratitude are less likely to be depressed, have stronger relationships and report fewer illnesses.  The Center also found that people, in general, are less likely to express gratitude or feel thankful at work.  So how can you change that? Here’s four suggestions to get started.

  1. Discover if you are a grateful person. When looking at something new, you should start with yourself.  Take this quiz and find out how grateful you are.
  2. Say thank you. Sounds easy enough, right?  Start by thanking your co-workers, which will help to cultivate a culture of gratitude in your workplace. Saying thank you doesn’t cost you or your company any money, but could benefit the bottom line.
  3. Keep a journal. Take a page from Oprah’s playbook and write down 3 – 5 things you are grateful for each day.  Oprah has kept a journal for more than a decade.  Whether it’s in a physical journal or electronically on your phone, writing down items daily can remind you of all that you have.
  4. When we do something for someone else, it often reminds us of what we have and how lucky we are.  This time of year, there is an abundance of places to volunteer.

We at That’s Good HR are thankful for our staff, our candidates and our clients.  We are grateful that we have such good people to work with in the Indianapolis area.  There’s always something to be thankful for at TGHR!

Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and give thanks continuously.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Job Advice

Is Criticism a Gift in Disguise? Handle with Care

Kate Stephens
August 14, 2017
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Recently, LinkedIn CEO, Jeff Weiner, posted an amazing piece of advice, “Even negative feedback can be a gift. Take it seriously but don’t let it define you. Define yourself.”  Well said.

Criticism is often tough to take, but can be a valuable tool to help you learn and grow.  When Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg was asked during a talk what was the number one thing she looked for in a person who could scale within a company, Sandberg quickly responded, “Someone who takes feedback well. Because people who can take feedback well are people who can learn and grow quickly.”

Can you handle criticism? Here’s some advice on how to handle negative feedback in the best way possible:

  1. Don’t focus on how it was delivered. Often times the person giving feedback, doesn’t present it in the best manner.  Don’t focus on what they are doing wrong, focus on what you can do right.
  2. Keep emotions in check. Even though it may take a huge effort, don’t let your emotions get the best of you. Remaining calm will help you focus on the facts. Easier said than done, right?
  3. Own it. A famous NYC chef was raked over the coals by The New York Times.  Instead of being inflamed at the paper, he used the critique to demonstrate his commitment to his customers and his work.  Curious how he handled it? Check out his response.
  4. Be grateful. Consider thanking the person who took time to give you feedback that will ultimately better you as a person.
  5. Forget the excuses. It’s easy to tell someone the reasons behind why you weren’t at your best in a particular situation.  When you are receiving feedback, it’s best to not offer up a litany of excuses or justify the behavior.   Be proactive, not reactive.

Here’s to hoping you see feedback as a positive, not a negative.  Your next opportunity to grow could be right around the corner – view our current job openings.

Job Advice

What Managers Really Want

Amber Crosby
August 3, 2017
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What do managers want?  What do they really, really want (shout out to the Spice Girls)?  Check out these qualities that can make you a great employee for your manager.

Be prepared.  Just like the scout motto, do your part to be prepared for conversations and make sure to be prepared before heading into a meeting.  Make sure you are ready to listen, have questions ready that you need answers for, and take a deep breath…and go!

Be inquisitive.  If you don’t know what is expected or the answer to a question, ask.  Assumptions often lead to frustration, so it’s best to be clear from the beginning.  Asking questions can also demonstrate that you are thinking ahead, which is a great way to show your strategic side.

Be collaborative.  When your boss suggests a new way of doing things, look for ways to enhance his/her idea.  Collaborate with the boss to make the idea a success.  Your boss will appreciate your input and it can make you the go-to person in the future.

Be receptive.  Look around and learn your boss’ habits.  Know how they like info presented to them so you can set yourself up for success.  Being attentive to details will serve you well.

Be professional.  This may sound like a no-brainer but only 11% of managers said new hires embody this trait.  Things like being on time, working well in a team, and demonstrating a good work ethic can make you stand out to your manager.

For more, see this list of 5 things every boss is dying for you to do, but won’t ask for.  And when you’re ready for a new boss or to become the boss yourself, check out our current openings.

Tips

Practicing Mindfulness at Work

Mary Springer headshot
Mary Springer
Partner
July 20, 2017
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Companies like Google and Target have been offering mindfulness training to their employees since 2007 and 2010, respectively.  Are they on to something? We think so.

How can mindfulness help you?

  • Being mindful can help you sharpen your focus. Being mindful helps you concentrate on the task at hand and avoid unnecessary distractions.
  • Mindfulness can help you improve your listening and even help you stomach criticism better. When you practice mindfulness you activate different parts of your brain, some of which help you to be less defensive.  Perhaps it is because you have a clearer head and are calm.  Check out these five tips for how to use mindfulness to embrace criticism.
  • Mindfulness helps relieve stress. The American Institute of Stress states 40% of workers reported their job was very or extremely stressful.  Take a deep breath – no, really!  Take time to focus on your breathing.  Even taking a few deep breaths at your desk will help you tackle your next task with clarity.

There’s no need to be overwhelmed, there are abundant resources about being mindful right at your fingertips.  Do yourself a favor and start slow.  Commit to a few minutes per day for a maximum of 30 days.  Take note of how you feel before and after.  Recently the TODAY Show, shared 5 small things you can do each morning.  You can also download an app, like Calm, right to your smartphone.  The app will walk you through short exercises and get your on your way to being mindful today.

Ready…take a deep breath and GO!

Job Advice

Tips to Be a Rock Star Candidate

July 17, 2017
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We’re in the people business.  We’ve been finding the right people for the right jobs for nearly 20 years.  We LOVE working with our candidates.  How can you be a rock star candidate?  When you come in to meet with us, take heed of these simple steps:

  • Be honest. Let us know your expertise and your expectations so we can match you with the perfect placment
  • Polish your resume. Make sure you’ve got a current resume uploaded to our site.  Don’t have one handy?  Use our resume template to create one.
  • Update your LinkedIn profile. Daily, 45 million profiles on average are viewed on LinkedIn. Will yours stand out?  Make sure it’s up-to-date and puts your best foot forward.
  • Be patient. Even if we don’t have an opening right now that’s a match for your skills, our phone is always ringing with new opportunities.

Now, you’ve met with a recruiter and you have been placed in your first assignment.  We are just as excited as you are.  So, what can you do to continue to be a rock star?  Don’t worry, we’ve got a plan for that too.

  • Share feedback. We love to hear feedback. Feedback is important and helps us for future placements with companies and type of position.
  • Be resourceful. Don’t understand something that is going on?  Utilize different resources to find the answer.  Ask a fellow coworker in the same situation, reach out to your recruiter or try a quick Google search.
  • Keep in touch. Keep us updated if anything changes with you.  Don’t be shy about checking in with your recruiter if your status changes.  Send a quick email or call once a month so we know what’s happening with you.

Whether we’ve already met or you’re a rock star waiting in the wings, we will work to get you the right position at the right time.  After all, we’re in the people business.  Check out our latest job opportunities online.

 

 

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