Let’s explore some answers. First, it’s not a matter of “if” you find a job – it’s “when” . . . You have to keep the faith to believe that you will be working in the not too distant future. The old saying is true – attitude really does matter. Get a book about job searching – read an article on the internet – do whatever you can to keep yourself encouraged in your search.

I must wax cliché-ish – you will miss 100% of the shots that you do not take. I like a particular scripture passage that encourages “Do not grow weary in well doing for in due season, you will reap a harvest.”

So, what am I saying . . . Keep At It!!! Keep looking, Keep networking, Keep doing those internet searches . . . Keep At It!!! . . . That will show that you have the right attitude!

Next, take some practical steps. Get up each morning at 6AM or 7AM and get ready as though you were going to work. You read it right! Get on your work clothes and decide to be on the job by 8 AM. If you think about it, your full time job is to find your next full time job. So, get up and get at it.

If you haven’t told everyone you know that you are looking for a job – tell them as soon as possible. Keep your situation at the top of their mind. That will multiply your job search. Each person who knows and cares about you will keep their ears and eyes open for your next job. Oh, and if you have told them – tell them again!

To recap: First, keep a great attitude – it’s a matter of when not if . . . Secondly, stay practical – do the little things and keep doing them – networking with friends and family will take you much further than you can imagine.

Finally, do something to keep your skills sharp and growing. Is there volunteer work you can do that will keep you in motion? Are there organizations that will offer you free training to upgrade your skills? Can you do some research on the internet to upgrade some skills and knowledge?

It is a fact that in the future, employers will look for those who can not just use their technical skills to bring a return on investment – but, in addition companies will need to add to their knowledge base. That knowledge must come from the employees they have. So, go ahead, get ahead of the curve, keep growing in knowledge.

Good luck in your search and come see us – we offer great bridges to full time employment through our temporary and temp to hire positions. Contact us today!

I want to start by saying how much I appreciate your hard work as we continue to fight through the many challenges that growth brings – especially as we uncurl ourselves from the most intense economic downturn of our business lives. Thank you and Keep at it!

I feel like I have been somewhat remiss in not keeping up with everyone so I’m going to try and give you guys some updated information that will keep you informed!

Some of you know that I attended the Staffing Industry Executive Forum about 5 weeks ago. It’s a conference that brings economists, Staffing Industry Executives, and Owners together to learn and share information. I have to say that I left the conference energized and excited! Partly because of a bright economic forecast; but, mostly because of the realization that we are already doing the things that make companies successful. In fact, in some cases, we are leading the way!!!

First of all, all of the economists seem to agree. The recession is over and we have very good things to look forward to especially in Q3 and Q4. Our Q1 turned out positive and we’re very optimistic for a strong Q2. Traditionally, April and May are not real strong because of spring fever, spring break, The Derby, and the end of the school year. But, I think we will have some good financial news through Q2 and be ready for a great 2nd half of the year.

Several topics were discussed repeatedly at the conference. Primarily the discussion flowed around what customers really want. The answer: Speed to Market! The spoils go to the quick. At one customer panel I attended, the customer outright said in response to a staffing firm executive’s question – quality is just the price of admission, it is expected that we are delivering quality- so what they really want to know from us is can we deliver expected quality – FAST!

Think about how quickly we have to respond to our newest big customer. Just ask Kellie – seconds matter! Each of our customers expect that same level of response! They want our response BEFORE they have the need! Seconds matter!

What that means to us is that market intelligence is vital. Who needs what – when? So, we need to monitor our inventory levels and have pre-screened, pre-qualified, ready to go candidates for each client need so we can fulfill their orders – BEFORE they place them! Sounds crazy but our experience and research backs it up!

So, I challenge each of us to be the expert at each process step. Sourcing – Recruiting – Screening – Selecting – Placing – Managing – Evaluating –

The other topic I found interesting was the idea of how we need to treat our field employees. This is where we are ahead of the game! We want to continue the development of the “York Experience”. Just think about it – what happens if each candidate and each employee (internal and field) walks away from this place daily with a warm sense in their heart that we REALLY CARE about them as individuals. After all- that is our number 1 core vale – We will Honor all Individuals.

As a case in point, I recently heard about one of our competitors who charges their field employees for mandated t-shirts, background checks, and drug screens. While I understand the business reasoning behind such a policy; we don’t believe that is necessary. Follow our philosophy here – we believe that if we do our professional best to source, screen, and place the right individuals and we honor them every step of the way – we can virtually eliminate turnover and employee incidents that cause risk. If you eliminate employee issues – your costs go way down. So, charging up front and starting the relationship off by making the candidate invest too much in us before we invest enough in them – will cause ill-will and ultimately increased costs after placement. So, praise your co-workers – internal and external! Serve them to the point of making their way smooth as they serve our customers (which is our #1 priority!).

Thanks for enduring this long entry (It’s been way too long since I’ve updated this communication tool!)

Just let me finish by saying I’m grateful to work alongside a group of dedicated professionals who are passionate to serve and be the best. This is a place I’m proud to call my work place for a variety of reasons – mostly you! Thanks for being great team members.

One final thing . . . I’m grateful to work at a place where the t-shirts are free!

Happy Recruiting and Placing!

You know, it’s really true. We are all made up of a series of inputs from others. To be sure, we each have a responsibility to be good managers of the tools we have been given and you should take pride in utilizing those tools to the fullest extent possible. And, as you go about being successful – think back on who invested in you to make you successful. Those are the people you should thank . . .

Each day – our lives at York are dramatically impacted by a group of people whom we are very proud to be associated with. Frankly, we don’t thank them enough. Those individuals are the scores of field employees who diligently go to work at our client sites every day. They are hard working, dependable people who are skilled at what they do. In addition, they are working to feed their families and fulfill God given dreams.

To you – we heartily say . . . Thank You!

Character First is actually the heart of what we do. When we at York Companies find and deploy talent, we focus on the hardest part of the equation- the character part. Today’s tools have made it easy for anyone to jump into the employment services and executive recruiting fields. However, there is a big difference in isolating and deploying talent and filling orders with bodies.

Our Character First training and tools give us the ability to separate excellence candidates from the mediocrity of the pack. We’re not only finding talent, we’re equipping those folks to be valuable assets in your organization. Because character matters, not just talent.

So next time you’re looking for a staffing solution or an executive search firm, give us a look. If you want to start with a foundation of strong character, we can help.

If you’re in the market for a new position we can help with that too. Contact us today at www.york-companies.com.

We’ll connect with you where you’re at. Stay tuned.