Listening

When you work in customer service, strong listening skills are of the utmost importance. You need them to ensure that your customer feels heard and valued, and so that you can quickly identify what they need and provide them with an appropriate solution. In nearly any work environment, you will be presented with a lot of information, and great listening skills will ensure that you are able to process this information and get the job done right – the first time. 

Communication

Customer service work exposes you to many different kinds of personalities on a daily basis. No matter who you’re assisting, it’s important that you’re able to communicate information with them in a way that they are able to understand. Communicating clearly and concisely will serve you well in any work environment, whether you’re collaborating with coworkers, explaining the benefits of a new product to a client, or verifying the specifications of an upcoming project. 

Problem Solving

You never know exactly what question or concern your next interaction will present you with when you work in customer service. The right solution isn’t always immediately apparent, so your critical thinkings skills, along with the information you received in training, will help you figure out which steps to take so that you can resolve the issue. There will always be problems to solve in any job you take, so mastering this skill will help you excel wherever you go!

Adaptability

Policies, procedures, software, staff – things are changing all the time in the world of work, and your ability to adapt to these changes is vital to your professional success in customer service as well as any other field. Being open to new ways of doing things helps you fine-tune your skills, develop more efficient methods of getting the job done, and remain level-headed when change inevitably occurs. You may even discover strengths that you didn’t know you had!

Time Management

The customer service environment is fast-paced, like many other work environments, and there are many tasks that need to be completed within various timelines. Managing time requires organization, solid multitasking abilities, and an understanding of which tasks take priority. As deadlines approach and priorities shift, the ability to manage time appropriately becauses especially important in order to ensure that all tasks are completed in the required timeframe. 

Make Them Comfortable.

Whether you are in a fully air conditioned office or working in the trenches, it is important to make sure your staff is comfortable. It is hard to stay focused when you are dripping in sweat or shivering from and arctic blast of air from the cooling system. Whenever possible, do a climate check with your team and allow some flexibility to move away from the a/c or into the shade.

Promote Vacation Time.

We all have so much to do, and it never feels as though there is enough time to do it. Some employees may be concerned about taking time off in the summer because they are afraid the work won’t get done, or that they will be leaving a hole for the company to fill. Ease their fears by encouraging them to take a scheduled vacation and model the behavior you want to see.

Relax Your Dress Code.

Several companies help beat the summer heat and improve morale by relaxing their dress code in the summer. We aren’t suggesting that any company do a complete reversal in their policy, as there is something to be said about dressing for success and safety. But, you could consider offering jeans Fridays or allowing shorts. Whatever you do, be sure the policy is clear.

Get Them Outside.

Make sure that employees are taking their breaks. Even encourage them to get outside for a bit to soak up the sun. Perhaps the company could form a group that walks at lunch, set up a game of cornhole in the parking lot, or picnic tables for employees to dine at. You may even find that promoting these mental breaks will increase productivity for the rest of the day.

Do Something Fun.

Many employers help improve employee morale and engagement by offering some form of staff outing or event in the summer. You could close up shop for an hour, a day, or even host an event in the evenings or on weekend. The idea is just to provide and opportunity for your staff to have a little fun.

Surprise Them.

Who doesn’t like a surprise? We aren’t talking the ‘jumping-out-of-a-hallway’ and scaring them kind of surprise, but more over, catching them off-guard with a special treat. Whether it is an ice cream social or tickets to a game what matters most is that you are doing a little something extra to show your appreciation.

Make time for fun and relaxation.

A hectic schedule combined with the demands of daily life can make it difficult to prioritize fun, but it’s important to do, even if you can only commit a small amount of time to it. Taking a little break is the perfect way to hit the mental refresh button, which helps reduce stress, improve your focus, and enhance your overall sense of wellbeing – both in and out of the workplace.

Change up your daily work routine.

When you’re struggling to feel engaged, a change in your routine can go a long way in helping to reinvigorate your workday. If you work in a position where you’re able to, switch up the order of your daily tasks a bit. Tackle your hardest work at the times you’re naturally more focused and efficient, so that when your energy starts to wane, you can take care of your less detail-oriented work.

Take your breaks. 

We know breaks are important, but when things get busy, it can feel like there isn’t time to take them. Skipping them can leave you with unhealthy levels of stress and can cause you to burn out, so it’s vital to give your mind and body breaks periodically. Doing this helps you work safer, feel happier, and can effectively improve your performance.

Set goals, and reward yourself.

It’s always good to set goals, but there is no better time for some added incentives than when you’re struggling to stay on task. Set specific, measurable goals that detail what needs to be accomplished and when it needs to happen. Choose a reward that you will be truly excited by, and then get started. When you’ve met your goal, enjoy! You’ve earned it. 

Figure out what you really want.

The best way to resolve your disengagement is to figure out where it’s really coming from – is it just the beautiful weather making it hard to focus, or is there a bigger issue at play? Maybe you’re craving a challenge, an opportunity to develop new skills, or a more efficient way to complete your tasks. Whatever the barrier may be, pinpointing the problem will better position you to fix it. 

Talk to your supervisor.

If you’re still feeling unengaged despite your best efforts to improve things, consider discussing these challenges with your supervisor. If you feel that you’re missing something you need to be successful or happy in the workplace, and they can make adjustments to help you accomplish that within reason, chances are that they will do their best to work on a solution with you. 

Register Early On

Often times you can receive a number of added bonuses by committing early. One benefit of registering early can be prime booth placement, because we all know, location matters. Another added benefit may be the inclusion of your company name or job openings in pre-event advertising. 

Work The Floor

It is ideal for you to staff your booth with at least two representatives. This way you can have one person walking the floor and one working the booth. Not only might this help you identify potential candidates, but by walking the floor you can get some competitive intel. 

Grab Their Attention

Your booth space should be professional, clean, and well-organized. The biggest draw to your booth is going to be the people who are working it. Are they standing up and engaging people as they walk by? Or are they sitting behind a laptop looking too busy to talk?

Send The Best

Be sure to send company representatives who not only will be an accurate reflection of your brand, but most importantly are able to answer common questions about your company, what it’s like to work there, and provide information on the application process. 

Capture The Interaction

Make it easy for a candidate to officially express interest in your company. Whether you have a simple paper form for them to fill out or a tablet to gather information, this will become a great post-event resource for you. If you have time, review the information with them right then and there. 

Always Follow Up

Follow up with everyone, even if you aren’t confident you have a position available for them today. Recruiting is all about relationship building and providing applicants with a positive experience. A follow-up doesn’t have to be a complicated process it could be as simple as an email or text.

Do Your Research

Find out what companies will be attending the event, and then check out their websites and LinkedIn pages to learn about what they do and what types of openings they have. This will help you prioritize your time to ensure that you can get some face time with the companies that you are most interested in. Employers will be impressed that you have done your homework, and since you will have an idea of what they are looking for, you will be in a better position to discuss why you are a strong candidate. 

Update Your Resume

Read through your resume carefully. Make sure that it is up-to-date, lists accurate contact information, includes any new skills or proficiencies, and is free of typos. Think about the type of work you’re looking for, and make sure that the information you’ve highlighted speaks to that. Once you’re satisfied that the resume reflects your most relevant skills and experience, print copies to bring with you to the job fair. If you have a variety of skillsets, don’t be afraid to bring a couple different versions of your resume. 

Practice Introducing Yourself

Brainstorm a short (but memorable) introduction that captures who you are as a candidate. A great elevator pitch is usually no more than 30-45 seconds. Think about your key strengths, your level of experience, and how you could best present these skills to spark the interest of a potential employer. Once you have an idea of what you want to say, practice it with a friend. Don’t overdo it though – you want to come across as professional and personable, but too much practice may leave you sounding rehearsed. 

Treat it Like a Job Interview

Dress like you would for a job interview, and treat all of your interactions like a job interview. With so much activity happening around you, and so many people present, it can be hard to tell who is a hiring manager. You only have one chance to make a great first impression, so smile, be polite, and be engaged in all of your interactions – whether they are in the parking lot, coffee area, or the event space itself. It is okay to attend a job fair with others, but remember that once you get there, it is strictly business. 

Ask Questions

When you’re speaking with a hiring manager, don’t forget that it is an opportunity for you to gather information and develop a stronger sense of whether you could see yourself at this company. Asking questions helps show that you are interested, and gives the employer a chance to share information that you may not have been able to find elsewhere. If you end up going through the company’s hiring process, what you learn today may help give you a competitive edge in your future interview, so listen carefully.  

Follow Through

If you promised an employer a phone call, email, or online application, be sure to follow through with those actions in a timely manner. Doing so shows that you are dependable, respectful of their time, and serious about the position discussed. If they’ve asked you to take any of these additional steps, it means they see potential in you as a candidate, so there is no better time to explore your options with them. This is a good lead, so don’t miss out on a chance to see what opportunities might await you. 

Look and Act Professional

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” This is just as true for you as it is for the candidates applying. From the moment they walk in the door, strong candidates are starting to analyze everything about your company. They will be observing the professionalism and cleanliness of your space. They will be gauging your company by the interactions they have with other team members. Be sure to set the tone for a positive experience with your team. 

Make It Easy for Them to Talk

Even for the most confident of candidates, interviews can be stressful. It is up to you to make the candidate feel welcome. Starting the conversation with a little casual small talk will help ease a candidate’s nerves and start the rapport building process. It is important to keep in mind that occasionally the best person for the job is also sometimes the one with the worst interview skills. Show them you are easy to talk with, and the conversation will flow. 

Give Them Your Attention

Turn off your distractions. This could be your email, your office phone, and yes – your cell phone too. It is crucial to show candidates that you are respecting their time just as much as you want them to respect yours. In the off case you can’t turn off your distractions, letting a candidate know ahead of time will go a long way to show them you do see them as a priority. While all interviews should be genuine conversations, be sure to keep focused on the questions you prepared. 

Prepare Ahead of Time

Take time before the interview to review the candidate’s resume and cover letter. You may also find that reviewing the job description at the same time will help you compare strengths and weaknesses in the resume, allowing you to hone in on the most important questions to ask. Making notes or highlights on the resume will also demonstrate to the candidate that you are taking this process, and them as a candidate, seriously. 

Take Notes

No matter how good you think your memory is, taking notes is essential. Chances are, you are interviewing multiple candidates, and notes will help you accurately recall what a candidate said or how they reacted to certain questions. While you will probably be left with a gut reaction, and certain candidates may stand out in your mind for various reasons, these notes will allow you to focus on what was said and evaluate candidates on the meat of the conversation versus the feeling you got from them. 

Probe For Details

Some candidates may not be as descriptive as others. The best interview questions are open ended and encourage the candidate to tell a story versus giving a simple answer. The thing to keep in mind is that open ended questions also most often require candidates to pause, reflect, and then answer. Be sure to give them the opportunity to do that. When all else fails and you want more information on a certain topic, just ask “Can you tell me a little more about that?”

What Can an Average Day Look Like?

While job descriptions offer an overview of the requirements of the position, what you envision when your read the job description may not represent the whole picture. The best way to get and understanding of what the job really looks like is to ask. Most jobs require balancing multiple priorities throughout the shift. If there are specific tasks that were what most attracted you to the job, it is better to find out early if they are only periodic responsibilities. 

How Can I Be Successful In This Role?

Learning what skills or traits are most vital to success serves two functions; it helps you evaluate how happy and successful your would feel in the position based on what your know about yourself, and, if offered the position, helps you excel by clarifying priorities and expectations from day one. The response to this question can be very telling and may be just the information you need to feel confident in your decision to pursue (or pass) on the job. 

What Does the Training Entail?

Is it an intensive formal process, or will you be expected to ‘hit the ground running’ from day one? Asking this question will help you understand what the company would expect of you starting out, and help you determine if you will have the tools you need to succeed. An entry-level worker may appreciate a longer training period, but someone with more proven experience in the field may find it repetitive. 

What Is The Company Culture Like?

Will you be working collaboratively with a close-knit team, or can you expect a high level of autonomy? Aside from job duties, your overall job satisfaction will also be greatly influenced by how well your work style, personality, and career goals align with those of the organization. Your work week will feel unnecessarily long and stressful if the company culture isn’t a fit, so it is an important factor to consider. 

Why Do You Like Working Here?

This question can help you learn things about the company and its culture that may not have otherwise been disclosed. Does the company promote from within? Do they support local community programs? Hearing about the things that make the company great from someone that currently works there will make it easier for you to picture yourself in that environment, and get a sense of how you would feel there. 

What Are The Next Steps?

And what is the company’s timeline for those steps? This will help you be realistic on when you should expect to hear back from them and quite possibly even get a little insight on how you did in the interview. The days (and weeks) following an interview can leave you agonizing over when or if they will call, and stressing over what it means if you haven’t heard from them yet. The best way to relieve that stress is to simply ask. 

Know Yourself

It’s important to start with a good understanding of who you are and what you want. While getting your resume out there to a variety of employers is part of a successful job search, you also need to focus your search to increase the chances of securing an interview and avoid spreading yourself too thin. This process starts with carefully taking inventory of your skills, experience, and short and long term goals.

Think Beyond The Job Title

What do you really value when it comes to the world of work? It’s a simple enough question to ask yourself, but the answer can be very telling and help guide your job search in a direction that is more conducive to your goals. A job with a highly demanding schedule may initially catch your eye if it entails a pay increase, but if work/life balance is a top priority for your right now, you may find that something else is more compatible.

Research Different Options

Start researching different career options and get an idea of what is available in your area. What industries seem to have the most opportunities? What are average wages in your area? Exploring a variety of options may help you uncover hidden passions and develop a sense of what careers can realistically be pursued in your local job market. 

Register With a Staffing Firm

When you apply for a position with one company, that hiring manager is likely looking at your skills with a narrow scope to see if you would be a good fit for that role. When you work with a recruiter, we look at the whole candidate and work to find a variety of options for you. Sometimes you many even find out about opportunities you didn’t know you were qualified for. 

Make a Plan

Compare your existing skills and experience with the jobs you’d like to pursue. How do you get to where you want to be from where you are now? If you’re pursuing a job in a line of work you have plenty of experience in, charting that course can be relatively easy. If you’re branching out into new territory, you’ll definitely want to identify any gaps in necessary skills and experience and seek out ways of bridging them. Are there any jobs that you are currently qualified for that would allow you to get your foot in the door of the industry or company that you desire to work in?

Take Advantage of Resources

For instance, if you are registered with Manpower, you already have a free and versatile training tool available to you. Manpower’s PowerYOU training platform provides you with access to hundreds of free online courses that cover a wide range of topics, programs, and business skills. It’s an excellent starting point for those wishing to develop and strengthen their abilities to make them more competitive in the marketplace, or simply stay on top of their skills. Are there other resources available to you? Be sure to utilize them – your next opportunity could be right around the corner.

1. Discern Needs vs. Wants

As hiring managers in a job seeker’s market, we may need to make some reasonable concessions on what skills and experience candidates bring to the table. This doesn’t mean we advocate for hiring unqualified people, but more over we recommend having some flexibility. While your ideal candidate has 5+ years of experience, being open to looking at candidates with 2 or more years will vastly increase your pool. 

2. Act Quickly

According to Manpower’s 2016 Talent Shortage Survey, the best candidates are off the market in a mere 10 days. This means there is not time for a long and complicated hiring process.  You don’t want to lose out on a great hire in hopes that another will come along. If you can’t make the offer right away,  be sure to keep the candidate informed about the process with regular check ins. 

3. Know Your Value Proposition

Not every job is perfect for every person, but every job is perfect for someone. Know who that someone is, and be ready to speak about what makes this a great opportunity. Whether the draw is the position itself or the organization as a whole, you bring something unique to the table. Aside from compensation, what are your added perks? Free parking? On the bus route? Advancement opportunities? A job that ignites a passion? Ask yourself why you like working for the company, and go from there. 

4. Partner Up 

When it comes to filling both your permanent and your temporary openings, you don’t need to go at it alone. Partnering with a staffing firm like Manpower can give you a leg up on the competition. Not only will you gain access to our active candidate pool, we will also do the recruiting for you. Your success is our success, which means you can count on us to deliver the right candidates at the right time. And the best part is, you don’t pay a dime until we deliver. Who could turn down an offer like that?

5. Offer Competitive Comp Plans

As they say, “money talks”. Hiring and retaining top talent and recruiting passive job seekers requires having a robust and fair compensation strategy. Do you know were you stand in the market? Can you do better than your competition? There are a number of tools that you can use to measure the competitiveness of your compensation package, such as: Maine DOL, Glassdoor, PayScale and more. 

Final Tip: Get Social

Over the last several years social media has become a dominant force in the recruitment world. Resources like LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter have allowed companies the opportunity to get exposure to the passive candidates like no other platform before. The key is be consistent, post regularly and be engaging.  A poorly managed social media space may in fact be worse than not having one at all.