About TGHR

Top Blogs of 2019

January 20, 2020

We pride ourselves on generating original content on our blog. There is a treasure trove of information on there covering topics from resume writing, job hunting, managing tips and more! These were our most popular posts of 2019 according to our Google Analytics. Want to read them all? Click here.

Can You Ever Recover from an NCNS situation

Ghosting was a big topic in 2019 – both for employers and employees. The term “no call, no show” (NCNS) is attributed to a person that doesn’t show up to an assigned place or time. It is deemed as highly unprofessional and often can have repercussions beyond just that one day. We cover what to do it you make this colossal mistake in this blog.

Out of Office Messages for any Occasion

From time to time on the blog we also like to share resources, like our thank you note example. This blog included a link to an out of office message generator that we had way too much fun playing with. We are already dreaming of warmer weather, so we have a chance to use it again.

How to Make sure your Social Media is Job Search Ready

Did you know that 70 percent of employers use social media to research potential employees? In addition, 57 percent of employers found content that caused them not to hire a candidate. That is why it’s so important to have your social media channels in tip top shape during your job search. This is key for recent college grads (really any age!). We shared some tips and tricks on how to freshen up your online presence.

Top Holiday Gifts

This blog was published way back in January and was a round-up of our favorite gifts we received for the holidays. It was fun to be Oprah for a minute and reveal our favorite things! It’s funny how many of our staff got some of the items for the most recent holiday season (the air fryer is still a popular gift)!

TGHR Souper Bowl

This blog is based on one of our most delicious days in the office – our own “Souper” Bowl! In honor of the Super Bowl we had an office pitch-in of different soups. This is our compilation of the soups we shared that day – yummy!

Seasonal

Perfect Time for Podcasts

Lindsey Curtis

September 10, 2019

Looking to change up your routine as you drive to work? Need something else to listen to as you run on the treadmill? We’ve got the perfect suggestion – podcasts!

Stop what you are doing right now and browse to the purple podcast button on your phone. Don’t have one? Head over to the App Store or Google Play Store and download Stitcher, which will get you started. Once there, browse for these TGHR recommendations.

Anytime is a good time for self-improvement. Have you been meaning to revise your resume (hint – use our resume template)? Looking for interview tips? Career Cloud Radio is the podcast for you. Even in its description, it states, “there’s no better show to hear practical and tactical job search advice that is actionable.” It promises that you will learn something new in every episode.

Do you have an entrepreneurial spirit? Then search for Gimlet Media and you will have your pick of podcasts that touch on how businesses are built. Our recommendation? Start with StartUp, which has eight seasons of episodes, will occupy you for quite some time. The first season follows Alex Blumberg and how he started a podcast company. It’s so entertaining that ABC had a sitcom about Alex and how he started his business. So, hurry up and get on the bandwagon now!

Also from Gimlet Media is The Pitch, which if you like Shark Tank, you’ll like the The Pitch. Each episode founders pitch their businesses to a group of investors. The types of businesses are varied and you will pick up personal branding tips along the way. Each episode does include a follow-up interview with the founders, so if you like to know “where are they now” this podcast won’t leave you hanging.

Glassdoor has a great round-up of other career-related podcasts to check out to add to your list.

Not business related, but if you can’t get enough of Dateline and true crime stories, try the podcast Dirty John from the LA Times. It’s told in six episodes and you’ll be on the edge of your seat by the last one. It chronicles the life and family of Debra Newell, a successful interior designer from California and her relationship with John Meehan, a felon. It’s narrated by Christopher Goffard, who is a reporter for the LA Times. Another crime-related podcast you might want to add to your list is Crime Junkies. And it’s produced right here in Indianapolis!

Are you already listening to podcasts on a regular basis? If so, please share with us on social media your favorites – we’d love to hear them!

Tips

Job Searching? There’s an App for That

Madison Schacht

Manager of Talent Acquisition

September 9, 2019

The Android App Store has more than 2.46 million apps to choose from, while the Apple App Store boasts 1.96 million apps as of the end of the second quarter of 2019. The phrase “there’s an app for that” applies to job hunting too!

Use an app like LinkedIn or Indeed to find jobs to apply for – and apply right from the app on both platforms. On LinkedIn, the app makes it easy to keep track of how many jobs you either saved or applied for – it is handy to have this information in one place! The Indeed app makes it easy to access your recent searches for specific position titles so you can check if anything new was posted.

Once you’ve applied, it is time to prep for an interview. Practice makes perfect – check out and download an app like Job Interviews Questions and Answers. This app helps you practice common interview questions you might encounter and gives you suggested answers that you can customize based on your experiences.

Next, before heading to the interview, you’ll want to make sure you’re headed in the right direction. Tap and open Google Maps to make sure you know how to get to the company. It is always best to arrive about 15 minutes before your slated interview time. Last month alone 174 people used Google to navigate to our office.

While you are waiting to meet your interviewer, take a moment and make sure your mind is clear and focused. Using an app like Headspace or Calm can help calm your nerves ensuring that you present your best self. Another app, Breathe, let’s you check in on physical and emotional feelings and recommends a meditation based on those feelings – some meditations are as short as 3 minutes. Have an Apple watch? Take a minute to use the breathe function before you exit your car!

Apps are designed to enhance all aspects of your life – even finding a job. An app is not a replacement for human contact though, so make sure to check out our job board and reach out to one of our staffing specialists. But if you need to know how to tie a tie – don’t worry there’s an app for that!

HR Insights

Tips for Recruiting Millennials

Mary Springer

Partner

April 17, 2019

Millennials—those born from the early 1980s to the late 1990s—are the fastest growing generation to occupy the workforce. According to the Pew Research Center, more than 1 in 3 workers are young adults ages 18-34, and by 2020, half of all employees will be Millennials. With numbers like that, it’s easy to see the impact this generation will have on your company’s future growth. Beyond just growing your employee pool, hiring Millennials can add fresh perspectives and ideas to energize your business. So how can you snag these creative go-getters?

Know What They Want

The days of selling a candidate on your benefits like insurance and retirement funds are over. Millennials care much more about advancement opportunities, professional development, and—you guessed it—pay. Salary is a key component to most job-seekers, and this generation is no exception. Communicate clearly about pay during the recruitment process to keep candidates more interested. Young workers are also looking for a clear path to promotions and appreciate defined goals for advancement. They want a company that will invest in them as professionals, including mentors and leadership training.

While salary is important, young people also value less traditional benefits. According to a Deloitte survey, 3 out of 4 Millennials want to be offered the chance to work off-site. They are all about a customized lifestyle with flexible work schedules and a strong work/life balance.

Update Your Communications

Today’s young employees are the most tech-savvy working generation to date, relying heavily on mobile devices. Your website and application process must be mobile-friendly to engage Millennials. Not only do you want to make it as simple as possible for them to reach you, but it’s also important to demonstrate clearly that your business values and invests in technology. Easy-to-use mobile platforms are a must, and job searches and application submissions should be quick and painless.

Growing up in this world of real time messaging, Millennials expect timely communication. Once an application or resume is submitted, a rapid response detailing when they can expect to hear back offers great assurance. Text messages are not considered too personal with this generation as phone calls are seen as old-school. But also keep in mind Millennials value personalized communication, so steer clear of scripted emails and texts or cold autoreplies.

Maximize Social Media

Connecting with potential Millennial talent on social media can be a powerful tool in your recruiting arsenal. For one thing, most young workers today are always on the lookout for that next job opportunity; in fact 2 out of 3 Millennials are ready to leave their current job for greener grass according to the Deloitte survey. Facebook and LinkedIn are great platforms for not just posting jobs online, but also for sending personalized messages to possible candidates. Young people respond well to unique communications directed specifically to them and their talents.

Most Millennials also check out potential employers by visiting their social media pages. A strong online presence is vital to showing them just exactly who you are and what your company is all about. Young workers today want your company’s mission and culture to align with their values, and they look for clues through the photos and messages you share on social media. Use platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to tell a story about your business. Consider posting items like pictures of your employees having fun, special company events, volunteering opportunities, and more.

There’s no denying Millennials and technology have forever changed the recruiting landscape. With a little insight into this thriving generation, you can attract fresh, enthusiastic talent into your company. At That’s Good HR, we’re experts at connecting with potential candidates across all generations. We’re here to answer your questions. Contact us today.

Tips

How to Make Sure Your Social Media is Job Search Ready

March 7, 2019

Social media can be an asset in your job search. It can help you network with potential co-workers and research employers. But job seekers are not the only people spending time on social. According to a 2018 CareerBuilder survey, 70 percent of employers use social media to research potential employees. In addition, 57 percent of employers found content that caused them not to hire a candidate. How do your social profiles look?

If you are job hunting, your first stop is to make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date. List all your positions and a few key responsibilities or successes you had while in those roles. According to LinkedIn, profiles with photos get 21x more views. If you chose to include a photo, your photo should be a headshot with eye contact and a smile. Avoid having items like sunglasses or other people in your pic.

Next up on LinkedIn, go to the upper right-hand corner and select Edit URL. Personalize your URL to be your name, removing the additional characters that is assigned to you. For example, a LinkedIn URL of www.linkedin.com/in/john-smith will make it easier for employers to find you. While you are at it, make sure your settings reflect that you are open to opportunities and recruiters contacting you. To do this, go to Account – Settings & Privacy and scroll down to “Job Seeking Preferences”.

For social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, in general it is a good idea to think before you post. For Facebook, since chances are you might have had your account for a while, check your settings of who can see what posts from both the past and present. Facebook has a handy guide with simple steps to follow to limit past posts. You can also turn off search engine indexing in your privacy settings, which helps prevent old posts from resurfacing.

For Twitter and Instagram, if you think some content may not appeal to all employers, you can make your account private. By doing this, you will have to approve all new followers on your accounts. Your current followers would not be impacted by that switch on either platform.

On any platform, if you think there are any potential red flags, you could clean your social media by deleting the post from any or all platforms. Types of posts to be aware of include:

Negative posts about co-workers or employers
Photos showing you partying it up from the weekend
Posts with significantly bad grammar
See what Business News Daily says to avoid on your profile here.

Overall, your social media profiles are your online reputation and it is your choice how to handle them. And depending on what type of position you are interested in, being active on social media might help you land the job. But with three-fourths of employers checking online profiles, you want to put your best foot forward – in person and online!

About TGHR

Best Blogs of 2018

December 20, 2018

Tips

Let’s Talk Language

June 11, 2018

Lately in the TGHR office, we’ve had a few grammar debates – do you put a comma before the word “and”? Do you double space or single space after paragraphs? Do you use acronyms as words in everyday conversation? With attention to detail and excellent communication skills being some of the qualities that can help any employee stand out, we looked at how the English language is evolving.

This year, 2018, marks 90 years since the completion of the first edition of the Oxford English Dictionary. Did you know the dictionary is updated four times per year? The most recent update occurred in March 2018 and the next update is scheduled for June. A number of new words are introduced with each update. Words must be in use for a period of time to be considered – like hangry. According to this article, “the only language not in a perpetual state of flux is a dead language”.

Acronyms like ASAP, RSVP and FYI have been part of our vernacular for a long time now. New words have crept in the into the English language in recent times including BRB, YOLO, OMG, LOL, and TMI*. Some of these acronyms are so pervasive in today’s language that they even make it into the Oxford English Dictionary. For example, EGOT** was just added in January 2018. What words do you think will be added next?

So, what’s up with the extra comma in a sentence, known as the oxford comma. It turns out according to grammar experts, unless you are writing for a particular publication or school, it is up to your discretion if you use a comma or not. According to Associated Press (AP) Style, which is the style that newspapers are written in, you should not use the comma before the word “and”. Others feel passionate that it should be used in all cases. What is your comma preference?

Recently at TGHR, we have starting using a new skills test provider. When you take a typing test on the software, the directions indicate that you must put two spaces after each period. It seems that this is second nature to approximately half of our office, but the other half is squarely in the one space after a sentence camp. Why the difference? It turns out it depends on how you learned to type. If you learned to type on a typewriter, you most likely put two spaces after a sentence. This is because with a typewriter each letter takes up the same amount of space (monotype), but on a computer with the fonts we use today, letters take up a proportional amount of space so not every letter gets the same amount of space. Putting two spaces after a period made sentences easier to read. “Two spacers” tend to be from Generation X or before, which is what we discovered in our own office. Take a poll in your office – one space or two?

Get crazy today and only use one space after your sentences and go nuts with commas because YOLO. LOL!

* BRB (be right back), YOLO (you only live once), OMG (oh my gosh), LOL (laugh out loud), and TMI (too much information).

**EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony winner)

Seasonal

Fall Fiction Fun

Ashley Paramoure

October 12, 2017

As the leaves start to change colors and the weather (hopefully) turns a bit cooler, it’s the perfect season to curl up with a blanket and a good book. Our staffing specialists have some fall fiction favorites picked out just for you to dive into before winter hits.

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr is CFO/COO Greta’s pick. It’s an award-winning book that nabbed both the Pulizer Prize and Andrew Carnegie Medal in the same year. It’s a tale about a blind French girl and German boy whose paths cross in France during World War II. Next up on her list? A Man Called OVE by Fredrik Backman, which was also made into a movie.

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers is recommended by staffing specialist Ashley. Set in the 1850’s in California’s gold country, this is a story of unconditional love.

One Perfect Lie by Lisa Scottoline is what staffing guru Lindsey Curtis just finished reading. This novel by a best-selling author will keep you on your toes! Described as a suburban crime emotional thriller that has killer twists.

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins and Two By Two by Nicholas Sparks are the two books our newest recruiter, Tori Taylor, is torn between. The Girl on the Train, which is now a major motion picture, has been described as highly addicting. If you read and enjoyed Gone Girl, this book’s for you. Two by Two is the story of a dad with a seemingly perfect life that gets turned upside down.

The Lying Game by Ruth Ware is the book that Amber, our Division Manager of Accounting and Heathcare, plans to dive into this fall. It follows four inseparable best friends who lie to everyone but each other. It’s a chilling thriller that’s sure to keep you on the edge.

So, what’s on your fall fiction list? Have you read any of the staff picks above? Comment on TGHR’s social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn) and let us know which book you’ll curl up with this fall.

Job Advice

3 Steps to a Stellar LinkedIn Profile

Lindsey Curtis

April 5, 2017

Remember when people met face-to-face, shook hands, shared small talk, and exchanged business cards? We’re all about personal, one-on-one communication, but our online world has traded in business cards for LinkedIn profiles and handshakes with digital invitations—and it’s time to embrace it. LinkedIn allows for connection with people across many professionals and fields. Think of it like casting a broad net into a very big sea of opportunities. But having a polished profile can mean the difference between starting a new career and being stuck in a nowhere position. Don’t miss out on your next opportunity. Follow these three easy steps to make your LinkedIn profile shine.

1. Keep it Updated

Think of your LinkedIn profile as a living, breathing resume that needs to change and grow constantly with you. New jobs, titles, responsibilities, or even important projects and career highlights should be woven into your profile on a regular basis. Don’t forget to highlight new areas of expertise and volunteer work, and also consider asking others to add endorsements to your page. Once a year is not enough, so mark your calendar to review and update your profile monthly.

2. Write a Killer Summary

While a list of your credentials, education, and titles is important, the summary section of your profile should never be left blank. Not only does this area highlight your specialties and accomplishments, but the summary is how people get to know you. Think of it as a way to give a snapshot of who you are and what you’re all about professionally—it’s essentially your elevator pitch. Use a polished yet conversational tone to draw readers into what you’re saying. And don’t be afraid to let your personality come through as long as it stays professional. One last thing: stay away from overused, stale words like “analytical, strategic, energetic, detail-oriented, etc” to keep your profile unique and fresh.

3. Pay Attention to Details

Details may seem small and meaningless, but it’s important not to overlook them. Recruiters and prospective employers notice all the little things that go into making a profile stand out. Focus on these areas as you polish up your profile:

Fix grammar and spelling errors! We can’t stress this one enough.
Use a professional photo.
Customize your LinkedIn URL.
Consider adding media to your profile—a few select videos, presentations and documents that you’re proud of.
Link to your blog or personal website, if relevant.
Add a background photo for a polished look.

With a little time devoted to sprucing up your LinkedIn profile, you can establish a professional online presence sure to grab attention. Using social media is one of the best ways to expand your contacts and do some networking. And who knows, the connections you make today may lead to an exciting career tomorrow.

Staffing

5 Tech Must-Haves for Recruiting in 2017

Amber Crosby

January 16, 2017

Today’s digital world has changed the landscape of job recruitment forever. Business News Daily writer Nicole Fallon Taylor highlights just some of the ways the digital shift has impacted recruiting—such as swapping out paper resumes, walk-in applications, and newspaper ads for an all-digital job searching, application, and hiring experience. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Successful companies looking to hire top talent must leverage new digital strategies to find and attract new candidates to their businesses. Don’t get lost in the dust–stay current in the competitive job market with these five tech tactics for recruiting your next hire.

1. Social Media for Passive Recruitment

A recent Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) survey says 84% of companies are using social media to search for passive candidates—those not actively seeking employment. That’s a nearly 30% increase from 2011, a clear sign social media has become a hot tool to find and woo candidates. Using social media like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter to find talented individuals allows companies to gather information on work experience, education, organizational affiliations, and social characteristics on prospects. It’s especially useful for filling specialized or niche positions where companies can focus in on individuals possessing very specific or hard-to-find qualities or backgrounds. Companies are also using social media to advertise openings to select audiences. Businesses can handpick specific prospect groups to target and create very tailored, enticing messages in the ads. Users who click through the ads can be sent to custom landing pages to find more information.

2. Mobile-Friendly (now a non-negotiable)

Today’s job seekers are digitally-savvy and very likely using mobile devices instead of a desktop computer to hunt for jobs. This shift in technology use demands that businesses change the way they recruit to stay competitive. According to SHRM, two-thirds of businesses are responding by pursuing mobile-friendly platforms. Websites, job postings, and even the application process should be accessible (and user-friendly) from a smartphone. Check out our new and improved job postings as an example.

3. Job Boards

Even with today’s focus on social media, job boards—like Careerbuilder.com, LinkedIn, and Indeed.com—still play an important role in recruiting job seekers. Job boards make it easy to post career openings and many allow candidates to upload resumes into a searchable database.

4. Updated Website

The world moves fast—especially in business. Just like the latest computer or smartphone becomes old news quickly, a company’s website can become stale after a few short years. Today’s job seekers “shop” for companies online like they shop for material goods, so it’s critical to put your best foot forward online. Updated website design, savvy photography of your team and space, and digestible content will attract job candidates and invite them into the culture of your company. List job openings directly on your site, and make it possible for talented individuals to submit their resume easily, even if there’s not an open position for them.

5. Easy Application Process

Posting jobs on your website is a great way to advertise openings. But don’t lose out on hiring the right person due to an outdated, confusing, or complicated application process. Job seekers appreciate an easy, online experience that takes little to no time. If they get bored, confused, or frustrated, you’re likely to lose them quickly to a competitor. It’s also critical that someone on your team is monitoring any application submissions or communications from potential employees daily. Don’t let your next rockstar employee slip through the cracks by missing or delaying a response to their inquiry.

The truth is job recruitment will always be one of the biggest challenges in business. Finding top talent in a sea of social media and job board applicants can be tough, requiring lots of time and effort. If you’re discouraged or ready for a hand, let us help. We’re experts at finding skilled and talented people for jobs that fit them well. Want to learn more? Reach out to our experienced team members, Mary Springer (mary.springer@thatsgoodhr.com) or Tiffany Moore (tiffany.moore@thatsgoodhr.com), or call us at 317.469.4141.