As one of the leading staffing agencies in Spokane, Washington, Provisional knows that many people are resistant to change. But when it comes to maintaining a competitive advantage as a company, change is necessary. So how do you reconcile the two – and help employees embrace change rather than stonewall it? Here are some tips to help you:

Communicate Often and Openly.

The single biggest issue when it comes to change in the workplace is that employees generally don’t feel like management was open with them about change. You may feel uncertain about the future and don’t want to communicate that uncertainty to your team. But in the process, you’re setting the stage for anxiety and frustration.

Instead, be open and communicate with all the impacted parties about what you do know. Invite them into the planning process so they feel like they have a stake in it. Communicate how the changes will impact the company as a whole, as well as them individually.

Provide Support.

Provide the resources necessary for employees to deal with the change. It may require your team to learn new skills or take on new tasks. But making it known that they have access to the support they need will help to assuage their anxiety about the change.

Offer Incentives.

Sometimes people simply need a little push in order to get them to do what you want them to. So reward those who embrace the change and reprimand those who are unwilling to change. Also be sure that the incentives and new rules are outlined in the company policy handbook and discussed during employee appraisals.

Set an Example.

It’s up to leadership to get employees to buy-in to company changes. And to do so, you must understand why change is met with resistance. First, some employees may simply be too comfortable with the way things are; secondly, they may not think the change will work. So in order to overcome this resistance, you need to communicate and educate them about the benefits of the change to the company and to each of them individually.

In addition, employees aren’t going to embrace change if the company leadership is not. So be sure that you, along with other managers, are setting a good example.

Need to Change Team Members?

And if one of the changes you need to make at your company is to hire new staff, Provisional can help with the process. As one of the leading staffing agencies in Spokane, we specialize in identifying, attracting and recruiting top-tier professionals to create strategic teams with the experience, vision and character. Contact us today if you’re ready to learn more.

As one of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho’s top employment firms, Provisional knows that technology has become a big part of the job search process for most candidates. But when it comes to your own job search, is it too big? In other words, are you relying too much on the likes of LinkedIn and Twitter and not enough on more traditional networking and job search tactics?

While technology opens up a whole new world of opportunities, you shouldn’t rely solely on it to help you find a job. And in fact, if you are, it could actually be hurting rather than helping your job search efforts. Here are 3 reasons why:

Reason #1: You’re networking online only.

Networking online vs. in person is completely different. When you’re online, you can’t view the person’s body language, hear their voice, or see their reactions – which can put you at a disadvantage. So put down the phone or tablet and go have lunch with a former co-worker, or join a local business or networking group. Whatever you do, just get out into the real world and talk to people…in person.

Reason #2: You’re not keeping it professional.

Whatever you post on your social media profiles can be seen by hundreds, or even thousands of people. And if you’re sharing too much or not keeping it professional (think obscene language), then you’re hurting your job search. Even if you have an account set to private, always be discreet and respectful with your posts. You never know who might “share” or “like” something you’ve said that someone else, like a hiring manager, might find offensive.

Reason #3: You spend hours playing around.

Whether it’s researching the latest job search apps, or setting up your printer to print from your iPhone, you’re spending a lot of time with gadgets, rather than networking, tweaking your resume, or taking a class to sharpen an important skill. Technology can certainly simplify your search and help you keep track of your contacts, but you shouldn’t use it as an excuse to procrastinate and avoid goal-oriented tasks.

Need more job search help? Let Provisional know. As one of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho’s top employment firms, we will get to know your skills, background, personality, and career goals…all so we can match you with the just the right opportunity.

Contact us today if you’re ready to get started.

Looking to take your career to the next level at your current employer? As one of the leading employment firms in Spokane, WA, Provisional can tell you that one way to do that is to ask for a “stretch assignment.”

A stretch assignment is simply a project or task you take on that falls outside your typical duties and requires you to step outside your comfort zone and learn new skills. Taking on such an assignment not only helps you grow and develop, but it also sends the message to the higher ups at your company that you’re ready to take on more responsibility in the form of a promotion.

In addition, a stretch assignment can help you advance within your current company, rather than having to look for a new job and switch employers. And if you’re happy in terms of the culture and the work being done, then you have a much better chance of succeeding in an expanded role there than if you made the leap to a totally new organization.

So how do you get a stretch assignment?

If your employer doesn’t formally offer any, then try to create your own opportunity. For instance, are there areas within the company where you’ve noticed inefficiencies or dysfunction? Are there certain projects or tasks your boss is having a hard time with? Once you’ve identified an issue or project you’d like to take on, talk to your boss and suggest how you’d work to rectify the situation.

Some examples of common stretch assignments include:

• Managing a volunteer or intern
• Executing a new or important company project
• Participating in the company’s strategic planning process
• Turning around a failing project, department or operation
• Organizing and leading an important company event or meeting

Sure, there’s always a risk when taking on a stretch assignment. For instance, it might not work out like you planned or you may fail at the task. However, if you don’t ever challenge yourself professionally, you won’t develop your leadership abilities and other important skills necessary for career advancement. As a result, your career will eventually grow stagnant.

Want to Promote Yourself to a New Job…and a New Employer?

Let Provisional know. As one of the leading employment firms in Spokane, WA, we work with some of the top companies in the area and can match you with opportunities that are a fit for your background, skills, personality and career goals. Contact us today if you’re ready to get started.

In a perfect world, you’d submit your resume, get a call for an interview, perform well, and get the job offer. Unfortunately, this is not how things typically unfold.

In fact, as one of the leading employment firms in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Provisional knows the interview process is a lot less clear cut than that. From unprepared interviewers to asking the wrong questions, there are many factors that could derail your interview and leave you without an offer.

To help perform your best, here are some things you need to know ahead of time:

#1. The interviewer may not contact you in a timely manner for an interview, even if they’re interested.

You’d think if you’re a great match for a position, the interviewer would be hot to get you into the office. Think again. When hiring, there’s a formal process typically in place for employers, and that may include not contacting candidates until the application period has closed. That could be weeks, or even months.

What you should do: Sit tight. Just because you didn’t hear back in a few days doesn’t mean a company isn’t interested.

#2. The interviewer doesn’t always know what they’re doing.

Many interviewers are well trained in conducting interviews and many are not. So don’t assume your interviewer knows what they’re doing or even the best questions to ask. This is incredibly frustrating, considering what’s at stake. But it’s a reality that many companies can’t afford to hire trained HR professionals.

What you should do: If the interviewer is clearly unprepared and asking you vague questions, look for opportunities to get specific and offer a couple of highly relevant examples of your accomplishments.

#3. There isn’t a right answer for every question.

Sometimes interviewers aren’t analyzing your answer to the question, they’re looking at how you handled the question. This is especially true when they ask oddball, out there questions, or if you’re asked to solve a hypothetical problem.

What you should do: When you get a hard-to-answer question, take a minute before just blurting out the first thing that comes to mind. Also, if you’re asked to try and solve a problem, think about a problem scenario from your past experience and how you went about coming up with a solution.

#4. The kinds of questions you ask matter.

The best questions are meaningful ones that garner useful information, not vague or basic questions asked just for the sake of asking.

What you should do: Don’t waste the time of the interviewer by asking basic questions about the company you can find answers to on their website. Ask thoughtful questions about the expectations for the job opportunity and the work environment. Smart questions will elevate your candidacy in the eyes of the interviewer and the information you learn will help you decide whether the job is really right for you.

Want Interview Prep Help from the Experts?

Give Provisional a call. As one of the leading employment firms in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, we know what hiring managers look for during job interviews and we can help you prepare so you make a great impression. When you’re ready to make career move, contact Provisional. We can help.

As a leading employment agency in Spokane, Provisional knows that when it comes to resumes, hiring managers are looking for detail; they want to see a track record of accomplishments that are relevant to their company and their needs.

If you’re applying to a dozen or more positions, how can you do that with one resume?

The answer is: You can’t. Which is why so many resumes fail.

While it will certainly take a bit more time on your part to tailor your resume for each position you apply for, the investment will be well worth it:

1. Many job candidates have generic and vague resumes, so yours will stand out in a sea of vanilla.
2. You’ll be giving the hiring manager what they want – a reason or reasons as to why they should pick up the phone and call you for an interview.

To help you create a resume that goes beyond generic, here are 4 tips to consider:

#1. Use key phrases from the job posting.

When crafting your resume for a certain position, identify and use key phrases from the actual job posting.

For instance, if a job posting calls for a candidate with “experience leading a team,” then language such as the following would be appropriate: “More than five years of experience leading a team of 10 employees.”

Does the job call for someone who can operate well in a “fast-paced environment?” Then change “works well under pressure” on your resume to “works well in a fast-paced environment.”

The bottom line? Use their language, not yours.

#2. Create a summary of qualifications at the top.

Your work experience should typically be listed in chronological order. But what if you’re applying for a position in which your last job was more relevant than your current one? A summary of qualifications can help you overcome this.

It’s simply a bulleted list of your most pertinent skills and accomplishments; it puts the most important aspects of your background front and center for the hiring manager. Be sure to edit and/or tweak it for each position you’re applying for.

#3. Think beyond your career.

It’s not wise to always list hobbies and interests in a resume. However, if you’re applying for work at a non-profit agency, for example, and you have a history as a volunteer somewhere, then list it. Or, if you’re trying to get an interview for an admin position at an architectural firm and you took a course in local architecture at the community college, then highlight that as well.

#4. Get rid of the clutter.

When you have a lot of years of experience, it’s easy to have a resume that’s out of control, complete with 8-point type and dense paragraphs. But no one’s going to read it; so get rid of that temp job you had 10 years ago in a different industry. If you’ve held multiple positions in one company, condense them or highlight the most important one.

Want an Expert to Review Your Resume?

If you’re still having resume problems and need help, give Provisional a call. As a leading employment agency in Spokane, we can help you craft a strong resume, prepare for interviews, and search for opportunities that are a great fit for you. Contact us today if you’re ready to get started…and get a new job!

In today’s world, many employers tend to conduct phone interviews before inviting a candidate in for a face-to-face interview. It’s really a win-win situation because both you and the employer get a chance to feel each other out without wasting a lot of time if it’s not a good match.

That said, some candidates have it in their minds that a phone interview is no biggie; that it’s just not as important as the real deal face to face one. But, as one of the leading staffing firms in Spokane, Washington, Provisional is here to tell you that it is. In fact, you won’t move forward in the interview process if you don’t ace the phone screen.

So now that you understand the importance of a phone interview, what are some mistakes you could be making during yours that could push you out of the running? Here’s a look:

Mistake #1: Eating during the interview.

Just because a hiring manager can’t see you does not mean they can’t hear you. And the sound of chewing in their ear is going to get annoying pretty fast. It’s ok to keep a glass of water nearby in case your throat gets dry, but avoid all other food and beverages during a phone interview.

Mistake #2: Putting the hiring manager on hold.

If you’re in the middle of an interview and you hear your call waiting click, ignore it (unless it’s an emergency, of course). If you don’t, you’re sending the message that you don’t really take the interview that seriously and you might not take the job seriously either.

Mistake #3: Talking to a hiring manager while driving.

If a hiring manager calls you while you’re driving, even if you’re using your hands free device, tell them it’s not a good time and schedule a time to talk later. The last thing you want to do is break up or drop the call while you’re driving. So if possible, use a landline. That way you avoid the whole “dropped call” scenario altogether.

Mistake #4: Chattering mindlessly during a pause in conversation.

You can’t see it because you’re on the phone, but the hiring manager is likely taking notes during the interview. So if there’s a pause, it’s probably because they’re just finishing writing something down. There’s no need to fill the silence with mindless chatter.

Mistake #5: Conducting the phone interview at home with your children in the same room.

Make sure you have a time set aside for your phone interview when you can be alone and give the hiring manager 100% of your attention. You might think it’s ok if the kids are home, but you’ll be distracted as a result…and that will come through during the interview.

Are You a Highly Qualified Professional Looking for a Great Job?

If you are, we want to know! As one of the leading staffing firms in Spokane, Washington, Provisional has employed over 14,000 contract workers and placed over 6,000 direct-hire professionals with area companies. Contact us today if you’d like to learn more.

As one of the leading employment agencies in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Provisional knows that when it comes to career happiness and success, it’s not all about the specific job you’re doing. Where you’re doing it is just as important.

For instance, if you hate the culture of your employer, you’re simply not going to be happy regardless of how much you like your job. On the flip side, if you mesh well with the culture, you’ll feel more comfortable, more secure, and do a better job as a result.

And when it comes to workplace cultures, large corporations and small businesses seem to be on the opposite ends of the spectrum. So if you’re looking for a new job, how can you tell which culture is right for you? Here’s a look at some pros and cons of each:

Large Corporations

Pros

• Better pay and benefits. Larger companies can typically afford to offer their employees more in the way of compensation.
• More opportunity for advancement. There are simply more positions in a large company, which means more opportunities for you to get ahead. Likewise, a larger company may be able to compensate you for earning an advanced degree or obtaining additional certifications.
• A more diverse workplace. In a large company, there are simply more workers, which means you have an opportunity to network with a broader range of people, collaborate more often, and grow as a result.

Cons

• More red tape. As a result, projects usually move slower and taking personal initiative to get something done without getting prior authorization is typically out of the question.
• More people working on each project. This means it’s harder to be heard as an individual and you have to go the extra mile to really stand out.

Small Businesses

Pros

• Less competition. There are less people at a smaller company, which means you have fewer people to compete with when it comes to promotions and job advancement.
• More responsibility. At a smaller company, you’re expected to wear many hats. As a result, you’ll gain more knowledge and experience along the way. In addition, you can make more of an impact on the company and its bottom line.
• More autonomy. Unlike their larger counterparts, small businesses generally don’t have the same level of bureaucracy. You can therefore take initiative and do your job in a way that suits your skill set and personality, rather than one dictated to you.

Cons

• More work for less pay. At a smaller company, you may be expected to take on roles beyond your job title and you may not be paid extra salary for doing so.
• Not as much room for promotion. If you work at a company with only a handful of people, there’s not a lot of room for growth.

Are You a Qualified Candidate in Search of Your Next Opportunity at a Company – Big or Small?

If you are, let Provisional know. As one of the leading employment agencies in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, we’ll work with you to get to know your skills, background, and personality. We’ll then match you with rewarding jobs that are a great fit for you. Search our Coeur d’Alene jobs now or contact us today.

Did you know that 92% of employers were using or were planning to use social networks for recruiting in 2012, according to a survey released by Jobvite, a provider of applicant tracking software?

What does this mean for you?

If you’re searching for jobs in Spokane, Washington, or anywhere else for that matter, and you’re not on sites like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook, then you could get overlooked.

That said, when it comes to social networking – and Twitter specifically – things can get a bit overwhelming due to all the “noise” on the site. In fact, if you’re like most people, you created a Twitter account when the site first became popular, used it for a few days, and haven’t revisited it since.

If this sounds familiar, the good news is that you can still leverage the power of Twitter to help you find jobs in Spokane, Washington if you take the right approach – even if you haven’t been actively on the site in a few years. And that right approach involves using effective hashtags.

What are Hashtags?

According to Twitter.com, “the # symbol, called a hashtag, is used to mark keywords or topics in a Tweet. It was created organically by Twitter users as a way to categorize messages.”

So essentially once you create (or re-visit) your Twitter account, you can embark on a targeted search for jobs in your field and area by using hashtags.

Examples of Hashtags to Use in Your job Search:

1. #job
2. #jobs
3. #HR
4. #hiring
5. #(insert your field here – e.g. #legal, #designer, #accounting, #finance, etc.)
6. #(insert the type of job you’re looking for here – e.g. #salesjobs, #accounting jobs, #healthcarejobs)
7. #jobposting
8. #jobpostings
9. #jobopportunities
10. #jobopportunity
11. #jobsearch
12. #joblisting
13. #jobhunt
14. #recruiting
15. #career
16. #nowhiring
17. #employment
18. #joblisting

Besides actually plugging in the above hashtags in Twitter’s search field, you can also use one of the services associated with the site (like TweetMyJobs) to get automatic updates of new job openings specific to your field or location.

That said, keep in mind that Twitter is just one tool in your job search arsenal. It’s still important to engage in face-to-face networking, prepare thoroughly for job interviews, and follow up via a letter or email. In other words, traditional job search etiquette isn’t dead; it just has a modern edge to it with the likes of Twitter and other social media sites.

Are You a Qualified Candidate in Search of Your Next Opportunity?

If you are, let Provisional know. We’ll work with you to get to know your skills, background, and personality. We’ll then match you with rewarding jobs in Spokane, Washington that are a great fit for you. Search our Spokane jobs now or contact us today.

As one of the leading employment agencies in Spokane, Washington, Provisional knows that when it comes to career advancement, everyone faces challenges and struggles. But did you know you might be your own worse enemy? In other words, you might be doing things that are making it hard to land that promotion you desperately want, or make a name for yourself at your company?

The good news, though, is that you can overcome bad habits that are hurting your career. You just have to know what they are – and how to avoid them in the future. Here’s a look:

Bad Work Habit #1: Sloppy emails.

This sounds like no big deal. However, considering that so much of office communication happens over email, you’re really impacting how people perceive you with your words. So if they’re rife full of misspellings and bad grammar, then co-workers and managers are going to view you as disorganized and sloppy.

Bad Work Habit #2: Never saying “no.”

Ambition is a good thing in the workplace. However, it can get ugly if you don’t know how to turn it off and just say “no” to certain projects. Overestimating your ability to get work done not only will leave you exhausted, it will leave the impression you can’t deliver when you miss a deadline because you’re swamped.

Bad Work Habit #3: Getting emotional.

Whether it’s being the workplace diva or getting defensive whenever constructive criticism is offered, emotions can get heated in the workplace. This can be difficult if you’re a naturally emotional, passionate person. However, you must keep your feelings in check – and doing so will only serve you well in the long run. After all, no one wants to work with someone who has temper tantrums that rival a toddler’s.

Bad Work Habit #4: Not putting yourself out there.

Having a bad reputation is, well, bad. But having no reputation is equally negative. If you never take a risk or put yourself out there, you’re not going to stand out to your manager and peers. As a result, when it’s time for promotions, you won’t even be on the radar.

Bad Work Habit #5: Not learning new things.

Even if you’re highly experienced, you need to always be learning. Whether it’s acquiring a new skill, learning the latest technology, or studying important industry trends, the more you know, the more valuable you’ll be in the workplace. So when an opportunity comes along to learn something new, don’t resist it, as many workers do. Instead embrace it and see where it takes you.

Ready for a New Career Opportunity?

If you are, let Provisional know. As one of the leading employment agencies in Spokane, Washington, we’ll work with you to get to know your skills, background, and personality. We’ll then match you with rewarding opportunities that are a great fit for you. Search our Spokane jobs now or contact us today.

Not that long ago, the hiring process consisted of applying for a job, going to an interview, and getting a “yay” or “nay” as to whether you were hired.

Fast forward to more recent times – and the hiring process has gotten a little (ok, a lot) more complicated. From mandatory phone screens to multiple rounds of interviews with entire committees, the process is longer and more stressful.

On top of all that, employers are no longer simply evaluating skill set and work history. They also want to assess personality, as well.

Enter the personality test.

While you might not think your personality plays that big a role in your job, more and more employers are realizing how important it is to evaluate each candidate’s personality. They’ve been burned in the past by a candidate that looked great on paper, sounded brilliant in the interview, and then didn’t fit in with the culture or didn’t fit well with the job once hired.

And in fact, as one of the leading staffing firms in the Northwest, Provisional knows the majority of hiring mismatches come from a lack of cultural fit, not a lack of skills.

Sound like a big hassle?

Well, there’s a benefit for you too.

By administering personality tests, such as Myers-Briggs, employers can better assess whether you’re a good fit for the job and the company culture. That means if you don’t get offered the position, you might want to count your lucky stars. The position or the company culture may not have been well suited for you.

So despite what you think, personality tests aren’t meant to create stress and headaches for job candidates; they’re simply meant as a tool to enable employers to hire the right fit candidates.

With all that said, is there anything you can do to perform well on these kinds of tests? Here are some thoughts:

1. Don’t try to game the system. It might be tempting to be less-than-honest on a personality test in order to get hired, but you’re really short-changing yourself in the end. If you do get hired and the position or culture isn’t right for you, then you’re going to wind up miserable. Instead, answer each question candidly.

2. Take a sample test. The questions won’t be the same as on the real test an employer gives you; however, familiarizing yourself with the process will make you more comfortable with it.

3. Focus on what you can control. You can’t change your personality. What you can change are things like your resume, your interviewing skills, and whom you offer as a reference. So focus your energy on making those as strong as possible.

Are You a Talented Pro Looking for a New Opportunity?

If you are, give Provisional a call. As one of the leading staffing firms in the Northwest,, we can work with you to assess your background and personality, and then match you with Northwest jobs that are a great fit for you. Contact us today to get started or search our Northwest jobs now.