This Weeks New Postings

We have some new job openings including Human Resource Generalist, Accounting Manager and Legal Business Development/Marketing Manager. See all our available openings at http://www.steffanco.com/listings.htm

New Listings

We posted three new listings on our website (Attorney Recruiting Assistant, Executive Administrative Assistant and Patent Prosecution Secretary). Check them out at www.steffanco.com/listings.htm .

Taking A Vacation... The Right Way

Americans typically take the least amount of time off and/or vacation time from their jobs than in any other industrialized nation in the world. From paid vacation time to maternity leave to family leave, The United States is notorious for offering-and taking- little when compared to European nations, Canada, and even parts of the Far East.

If it can be tough to get a significant amount of time off from an established career for a vacation, what does that mean for someone currently searching for new employment? Everyone likes to take vacations, and just because you are currently looking for or starting a brand new job doesn’t necessarily mean that your family vacation is cancelled for the year. The key is to ask for the minimal amount of time off needed in a timely, respectful fashion.

What exactly does that mean? How do you ask for time off when you don’t officially have any “time off” to ask from? Very carefully! The first thing to always remember is to be honest. If you already have an August vacation planned and you are in a first interview that you feel is going well, let the interviewer know that you have a pre-planned, pre-paid family vacation that you wish to go on. Offer this information at an appropriate time during the interview, and explain to the interviewer that you would be more than willing to work extra before or after your time off (or even possibly do a small bit of telecommuting during your vacation)—whatever it takes for you to be able to keep your already made plans.

The employer will usually be honest in return, either sharing that your time off shouldn’t be a problem, or letting you know right away that the time off won’t be possible. You can then decide what is more important for you—this particular job or your vacation. Human resource professionals admit that a pending vacation (one week long or less), as long as not during a critical time of the year, would not affect their decision in hiring who they feel is the right person for the job.

If you have a vacation coming up soon, you may want to suspend your job search until after you return home. You want to make yourself available for interviews at the employer’s convenience, and it can give a poor impression if you get a call from an HR representative and are not available. If you wish to continue searching for a new job with a vacation coming up in the next few weeks, you might consider a line in your cover letter addressing your availability for interviews. One idea might be something along the lines of “I will be available for interviews, at your convenience, anytime on or after June 10th, and look forward to speaking with you in person regarding positions within your Firm.”

Most Human Resource professionals would discourage asking for any significant time off (more than one or two days) once you start a new position, until you have officially earned it. Instead, take advantage of long holiday weekends for family getaways and short vacations. Once you have “earned” vacation time, make sure you don’t ask for time off during crucial business times (tax time for Accounting firms, end of company fiscal years, etc.) and show respect for your co-workers who may already have requested certain time off. Seniority does have its advantages!

The professionals at Steffan and Company can help you navigate a job search around a pending vacation, as well as help prepare you for interview questions regarding time off needs. In fact, Steffan and Company can help you easily navigate through all aspects of finding new employment, including resume editing, interview coaching, and individual preparation for all aspects searching for and securing a new job. Take the guesswork out of searching for professional employment—let Steffan and Company do the work for you. They are the best in the area at what they do—placing qualified professionals in great jobs working for top companies. Call today and find out what they can do for you!

Top 10 Ways to be a Top Notch Candidate

By Jennifer Phillips

Steffan and Co., Incorporated works with top-notch employers throughout the Washington, DC and Northern Virginia area, providing them with quality employees in a wide variety of professional fields. The following are 10 ways that you can stand out from the “crowd” and be the best permanent placement candidate you can be.

1. Be On Time! It sounds so simple, doesn’t it? But many of us have honest issues with time management, and during the candidate screening and interview process is NOT the time to let these issues get the best of you. When a professional placement candidate is late (regardless of what the appointment is for, whether it was a scheduled phone contact or face to face interview or meeting) there is little that can redeem that candidate’s professional image. Nothing can set a meeting, interview, or conversation off on such an immediate wrong foot than a candidate, who cannot, for whatever reason, be on time. It shows a severe lack of respect to the person waiting on you. Please note that being on time does not mean rushing in at exactly the right minute, out of breath and with some dramatic story of your travels. True professionals always arrive 5-10 minutes early, calm and well prepared. Scheduled phone interviews should be conducted in a quiet environment and you should have paper and pen ready to take notes. Being prepared and professional is key. If your using a cell phone make sure you charge your phone and have a full signal.

2. Be honest about what you really want Let the Steffan & Co., professionals know exactly what you want to do, and do not in your next job. Flexibility is usually acceptable and expected regarding certain job requirements, but it benefits all parties involved if you are clear about the “must” and “must not” of your next job. Before you begin your interview process sit down and make a list of 15 criteria your next job must have and then out of those 15 pick 5 that are nonnegotiable. This will help you know exactly what you want. Why waste everyone’s time arranging and participating in an interview for a job that you know for a fact you would not like or want?

3. Be truthful and consistent With today’s interviewing process involving reference and background checks regarding previous employment, education, criminal and credit histories. Never fudge on dates, duties, or education. Being truthful on resumes and job applications usually ensures consistency, while fibbing invites discrepancies that could affect your reputation as a trustworthy person. Many companies directly compare resumes sent at an earlier time to official applications specifically looking for differences in answers. It’s a huge “red flag” that a job candidate may not be what they seem, and one that can be difficult to explain your way out of.

4. Answer your telephone Don’t avoid phone calls from your permanent placement agency for any reason. People tend to avoid phone calls for a myriad of reasons: you are undecided and want a little more time to think, or you have changed your mind and are nervous about admitting it. This step is simply a part of Step #2 (Being honest). Your permanent placement representative is working within many different time constrictions, and truly needs and appreciates timely responses from candidates. If you need more time to think about an offer or have changed your mind, simply say so!

5. Dress the Part A true professional is always dressed as such. Never assume that “business casual” is acceptable for any interview, testing, or meeting. Save the business casual attire for after you have obtained employment and are certain of dress codes and requirements. First impressions are important and rarely do you get a second chance to make a first impression. Don’t let sloppy or inappropriate dress cast a shadow over your first impression to potential employers or the agency that is recommending you. If you have any questions just ask the professionals at Steffan & Co.

6. Rethink your Email address Don’t expect top employers and agencies to take anyone seriously whose email address is inappropriate. lovemartinis@XXX.com or sexyblonde69@XXX.com along with similar types of email addresses are just wrong in the business world. Just set up a new account with your name only.

7. Keep your appointments Your permanent placement agency will not work hard for you, or refer you to their valued clients, if you are unwilling to keep commitments and appointments.

8. Check in regularly with your permanent placement agency. A quick email is always best. Once a week is appropriate and encouraged.

9. Listen to advice offered to you from your agency representative. Whether it is about your resume, your interviewing skills or anything else, you are being offered advice from a professional in the Human Resources field—you will always benefit from their advice.

10. Feedback Please let your representative know how you feel about them and the service provided by Steffan & Co. The only way we get better is if you tell us how too. Constructive criticism and compliments go along way.

This article was written by Jennifer Phillips

Returning To The Workforce

By Jennifer Phillips

Been out of the workforce for a few years? Looking to get back in?

It can be intimidating and downright scary, even just contemplating re-entering the professional workforce. As a stay-at-home mom of a very energetic 2 year old, both my checkbook and my psyche are telling me that its time to start thinking about what my next career move will be. I can't play ring around the rosy and watch The Wiggle's forever! With a Bachelor's Degree and 10 years of experience in Multi-Unit Franchise Management and Personnel Training for a small company, I glance through the Help Wanted ads and wonder...what am I even qualified for? I know what I was good at pre-motherhood, but what about now?

A strange combination of excitement and fear enter my mind whenever I consider what my first move back into the workforce will be.

A couple of weeks ago, the grapevine was screaming that the largest company in my town was hiring a few people...a company that is prestigious to work for in my area and offers wonderful benefits as well as seemingly unlimited opportunity for advancement.

I should go in! I should get them a resume! I am not really ready to go back to work yet, but...I shouldn't let the opportunity to get my foot in the door at Company X pass me by! What if they never hire again? (an exaggeration of course, but it is actually very difficult to get on at Company X)
When I began to think about the simple task of turning in a resume and doing some simple employment testing, I slowly realized that I am not even close to being ready to re-enter the workforce. In making what I thought would be a very short list of "to-dos" before traipsing off to Company X, it became very clear to me that I am lacking some very necessary elements when job hunting.

Following are 5 basic areas that need some serious attention before I can begin to work on re-entering the job market:
1. My resume (a biggie, as it is often your first impression on a prospective employer)
2. My wardrobe
3. Interviewing techniques, general poise and demeanor in professional conversation
4. Deciding how I will look for a job; want ads, the Internet, blindly applying at companies I would like to work for, word of mouth and networking-these are all great ways to look for employment, but not all avenues work for everyone
5. Researching companies and deciding what kind of company I would like to work for; and what type of job I would enjoy and am best qualified for.

Obviously, it's going to take work before I can begin the work of looking for work!!!

First and foremost, I need to concentrate on my resume. If an employer isn't impressed with your resume, you most likely will never even get a first interview. I also felt that I should have several different types of resumes available to send out, including one that could be sent via email or electronic application. I decided to write 2 different resumes, one which concentrated on Management, Supervisory, and Customer Service skills while the second would highlight development of company policy, training skills, technical writing accomplishments and experience opening franchise businesses from the ground up. Having 2 different resumes will allow me to apply to many different types of jobs without worrying if my resume suits the type of job being applied for.

Using computer software available at most computer retailers, I was able to write what I thought was a positive resume-the software helped me design one that suited the types of jobs I was searching for and even helped me with proper formatting. This first resume would discuss all of my various skills in the professional workforce including awards and professional affiliations. Then, with minimal additional writing and some cutting and pasting, I had a second resume that strongly highlighted my "people skills" including hiring, training, and managing successful sales staffs as well as extensive customer service experience.

I had only one relevant previous employer to list, but to those that have more than one, make sure to accurately document dates of employment. Many initial reference check questions are subjective and taken (to a certain extent) in stride by HR staff, but dates are either correct or incorrect. Employment dates are often the first reference question asked, and it makes an applicant look bad to both the prospective employer as well as the previous one of they are caught "stretching the truth". Don't hold your breath for that interview request if any of your previous dates of employment are found to be untruthful (or even just slightly "off"). You can fill in small gaps (possibly incurred during job searches) during an interview.

Speaking of gaps in employment, many larger gaps can be properly and positively accounted for in a resume, such as absences to return to school, raise children, or to volunteer on a full-time basis. I had a large gap of over 2 years to account for, and decided to directly address it in my resume (as well as briefly in my cover letters). What had I been doing for the last 2+ years? Certainly not just changing diapers, cleaning house and playing with my son (although if I just claimed an "extended maternity leave" it might be taken that way!) Heck no...not only had I been managing a household, multi-tasking, teaching, and nurturing, I had also been Finance Coordinator for my local MOPS chapter (Mothers of Preschoolers), was a Hearts at Home member and volunteer (an organization dedicated to "professionalizing motherhood") and a twice monthly infant daycare volunteer. I was an extremely active and involved Mother, networking with other moms as much as possible as well as attending classes and seminars on how to positively parent a child.

Hmm...looks like the gap I was worried about is actually quite full!

Think about what you have been doing during your time away from the workforce. Just because you didn't get paid for what you did doesn't mean that it can't go on a resume. Have you been keeping up with reading your professional publications and journals? Have you taken a class or two to learn new business skills (or sharpen old ones)? All of these things can look great on a resume if listed properly and in a positive light.

What if you aren't sure how to present yourself in the most positive light on paper? What if your writing skills aren't what you wished they were, and you would like some help editing your resume? This is one of the ways in which a well-reputed Placement Agency such as Steffan and Co. can be your most important job hunting tool. The professionals at Steffan and Co. will review your resume and suggest changes that will strengthen and polish your resume, which in turn allows you that important and often hard to obtain first interview with the employer of your dreams!

10 Sure-Fire Ways To Get A Raise

by Jennifer Phillips

Many professionals believe (albeit secretly) that they are not paid enough for their work and dedication to their company. Some of them are earning average or above average salaries for their positions, and just have the general feeling that “I should earn more money!” yet in comparison with the general market, they are compensated fairly.

But what about the professional that has been doing their job for a significant amount of time, doing it well, and thinking that it might be time for a raise? What is the best way to earn a raise? Should a person just wait until one is offered or should they be proactive and ask for one if they feel it is deserved?

First, a person needs to do a little investigating. How does your company handle performance reviews? Are raises in conjunction with them? Are raises given at certain time intervals (say, after one year, two years, etc)? Or are raises typically only given when promotions are granted? Finding out how your company handles increasing their employees pay is the first step to figuring out the best way for you to get the raise you feel you deserve.


That brings up the second point. Do you deserve a raise? The job market is full of smart, well-performing professionals and often just doing your basic job, and nothing more, does not merit a raise. Raises are often given to those who go above and beyond the average employee. Take some time to honestly rate your performance and dedication to your job. Is there any room for improvement, anything you could change that would ensure you would get the raises that you deserve?

Of course there is! There is a certain type of employee that, although they may perform their actual job no better or worse than their co-workers, will be the first to earn raises. What do these employees do differently that makes them stand out from the crowd? Following are 10 sure-fire tips to help you get the raise you deserve:

1. Arrive early and leave late every day: It only has to be 15 minutes early and late, but the dedication and reliability it shows is immeasurable.

2. Offer to stay late for big projects: If you see those around you or your superiors are staying late to wrap up an important project or to prepare for an important presentation the next day, offer to stay late and help. Although it may not be required (or even asked of you) the willingness to stay late and help your team greatly increases your chances of getting a raise. Even if your team doesn’t always take you up on your offer, they will remember the offer!

3. Ask for periodic mini-reviews: Monthly or bi-monthly mini, informal reviews are a wonderful way to help you understand your strengths and weaknesses in your job performance, as well as let your superiors know that you are serious about improving your performance level and doing your job to the best of your ability. These reviews will not happen unless you ask for them, so simply ask your boss “If you get a chance this week, I would love to sit down with you for just a few minutes and get your feedback on how I am doing, and if there is anything I can be doing better or differently.” This shows tremendous initiative and will take you far…but be prepared for constructive criticism!

4. Never show up late: Weather is a legitimate excuse for why some professionals are occasionally late. Snow, heavy rain, ice, etc. make morning commutes challenging for many. Don’t let it affect you…be prepared by watching evening newscasts for upcoming weather events, road closures, etc. and plan your commute time accordingly. It shouldn’t matter what the weather or road conditions…a true professional is always on time!

5. Dress professionally at all times: Don’t let trendy fashions or what your cube neighbor “gets away with wearing” dictate your wardrobe. Keep it professional, minimal jewelry, tasteful make-up and hair, and always wrinkle-free. If you look the part, your superiors will notice.

6. Volunteer for cross training: Ask to be trained on new software or business techniques; ask to attend any classes being offered both on and off campus. If you hear of a great off campus seminar that relates to your job, ask to go! Taking on new responsibilities is a very important part of earning a raise.

7. Get involved! Business social functions, softball games (you don’t have to play…just go watch!) movie nights, having lunch with your team, volunteering with a group of your co-workers; any way to get involved more with your co-workers to let them know what a team player you are.

8. Keep an eye out for information relating to your job: Whether it be a newspaper article about your biggest competitor or a magazine article relating to your particular job field, it shows great initiative if you keep an eye out for information relating to your company and pass along whatever is appropriate.

9. Be respectful and responsible in all company-wide areas: It may sound silly, but pick up after yourself in break rooms, lunch rooms, and conference rooms. Be respectful and responsible on all company grounds, and in restrooms and waiting areas. Keep your own workspace neat…it can be hard for some supervisors to see past poor personal habits.

10. ASK!! It’s hard to ask for a raise, isn’t it? A great way to ask for a raise is to approach your superior something like this: “I was wondering if we could sit down in the next couple of days/weeks and discuss ways in which I could earn a raise. I feel I am performing well and may deserve one, and I would like your opinion on my performance.” This manner asks for a raise without demanding one, and admits that although their might be ways in which improvements could be made, it’s quite possible you already deserve a raise and your superiors have just been to busy to remember the last time you got one!

Occasionally, a quality employee will run up against a “salary wall” and will be stuck in a certain pay bracket for too long. If you feel this may be your case, consider speaking with the professionals at Steffan and Co. about your situation. They can review your particular skill set and qualifications, possibly offering suggestions of employment opportunities that may earn you more money or better chances for advancement. Steffan and Co. works with the area’s premier employers and regularly places their candidates in higher paying jobs than they had previously. Give Steffan and Co., a call and find out how they can help you maximize your income potential.

Welcome

Welcome to The Human Resource. For more information regarding Steffan & Company, Inc. and our services please visit http://www.steffanco.com

Steffan & Company, Incorporated is a permanent placement employment agency with more than 25 years combined industry knowledge and expertise. Our trained professionals work as an extension of your organization's Human Resource Department. Our purpose is to provide expert service to our clients and candidate talent. When we accept your job opening or resume we analyze your business needs and search requirements and make them our first priority.

Steffan & Co., Incorporated adheres to the highest industry standards and professional ethics. We invite you to review our website and familiarize yourself with our services.