Provisional Blog

When it comes to your late-night workers, you need to ensure they’re able to fulfill orders and get them out the door. But if they’re tired and lacking motivation, this is tricky to do. The good news is that by encouraging them to practice better habits, you can help them to boost their overall health and their quality of life, as well. Here’s a look at a few tips to get started:

Keep healthy snacks on hand.

Treat your employees by stocking the lunchroom with healthy snacks, including water, juice, fruits, nuts and vegetables. This will not only keep their energy up, but also help them to remain more productive.

Give workers more flexible breaks.

While it might sound counter-productive, encouraging your workers to take plenty of breaks throughout the night is important to their overall ability to get their work done. After a break, they’ll return to work refresh and recharged, ready to tackle more without getting tired and burned out.

Implement a wellness program.

In order to maximize employee wellness, institute a program that helps workers deal with the night shift and the potential adverse conditions that come along with it. Also, educate them on how to overcome them, such as by eating nutritiously, getting plenty of rest before their shift, drinking water during it, and exercising on their time off. Schedule regular sessions that periodically remind your team of these important to-do’s.

Put safety measures into practice.

Especially during the night shift, it’s important to keep safety in mind and create conditions that keep people alert. For instance, make sure the area where your staff is working is well-lit and free from clutter. You should also keep the room temperature in mind. Keeping the room too warm, for example, can lead to sleepiness.

Keep workers in the loop.

Since they’re not in the office or building during standard business hours, night-time workers might not stay in the know about important company happenings. But for them to be as motivated and productive as possible, it’s important to keep them connected and in regular contact with other team members. One way to do that is by scheduling company leaders to come in regularly to discuss the business and hear about challenges or areas of concern the employees are having.

Night work can often be tricky for both businesses and workers. However, when you follow the tips above, you’ll go a long way in keeping your team healthier and on track.

Need help adding to your team?

As one of Spokane’s top staffing agencies, Provisional has access to highly skilled and hard-working people to fill a variety of roles. Simply contact our team today to learn more or get started.

Maybe you two lack chemistry or got off on the wrong foot to start. Or perhaps you feel under-appreciated and overworked. Whatever the case, you don’t have a great relationship with your boss and it’s straining your life, both at work and at home. What can you do short of getting a new job? Here are some tips to help you deal with this delicate situation:

Put yourself in their shoes.

It’s easy to get annoyed with your boss if they don’t follow through or seem to take you for granted. But take a step back and put yourself in their shoes. For instance, what would it be like to manage a team of so many different personalities? When you understand their priorities and the pressures they’re under, it’s easier to empathize. 

Get clarification.

If part of the issue is lack of clarification about your work or your goals, then schedule a time to sit down with your boss. Ask them questions about what they expect from you and make sure you understand what they’re asking. This will not only ensure you’re on the same page, but any issues or obstacles to success are brought out into the open and discussed. 

Focus on the positive. 

Remember that your boss is human. They’re going to make mistakes and you’re not always going to agree with the decisions they make. But if that’s all you’re focused on, then it will cause a strain in your relationship. Instead, keep in mind their positive attributes and what you do like and respect about them. 

Get to know them more personally.

For instance, ask them what they did over the weekend or how their kids are doing. The goal here isn’t to become best friends with them, but to forge a stronger and closer relationship that benefits you both. 

Know when it’s time to move on.

If you have a relationship with your boss that’s toxic in nature, then it’s likely not salvageable and time to move on. If that’s the case, connect with the team at Provisional. As one of Spokane’s top employment agencies, we know who’s hiring and can help you make your next career move. Find out how by contacting us today.

As one of Spokane’s leading staffing agencies, we know that it’s often the case that many companies can’t find the people they need with the right skill set. This can be due to a true lack of talent in the employment market. Or it can also be caused by the company’s approach to recruiting and hiring. To ensure it’s not the latter for you, here are a few tips to follow:

Tip #1: Make sure job descriptions are hitting the mark.

These are the first thing that job candidates will see about your company and you want to make the best impression possible. To do so, make sure you’re going beyond listing out all the qualifications you’re looking for and also discuss what makes your company a unique place to work. Also, focus on keeping the post clear and concise, using it more as a marketing document and less of a technical guidebook.

Tip #2: Keep the application process simple and straightforward.

Nothing turns a job candidate off faster than a complicated application process, or one that requires them to invest hours into it. Instead, focus on making yours seamless and easy. Keep in mind too that you don’t need to find out every aspect of a job candidate’s background through it. You’re simply trying to ascertain whether they’d be a reasonably good match. You can investigate and vet further during the screening and interviewing process.

Tip #3: Be transparent about what the job entails, as well as salary and benefits.

Don’t try to paint a too-rosy picture for job candidates you’re trying to hire. If they accept and find out the position isn’t what they thought it would be, you’ll be dealing with high turnover. Instead, be clear and informative during the interview process, explaining the perks and benefits, as well as the challenges and pitfalls.

Tip #4: Treat each candidate well and keep them in the loop.

Throughout the hiring process, make sure every candidate is treated in a way where they feel respected. Keep them in the loop and inform them immediately if they didn’t get the job. When you take this approach, even if they get rejected, the candidate experience overall will be a positive one and they’ll be more likely to apply again in the future when a better-fit role arises.

Need expert help attracting top candidates to your team?

Call Provisional. As one of Spokane’s leading staffing agencies, we can help you source, screen and hire the talented people you need for a wide range of positions. Find out how with a call to our team.

When it comes to finding your next great job, you need a resume that’s polished and professional. But if you’re not an expert resume writer, this can be a tough task to tackle. Where do you begin and how do you stand out in a sea of other resumes? Here are some simple tips to put to use today:

Write it like a marketing document.

Too many candidates approach resume writing like they’re authoring a career autobiography. But keep in mind you only have a few seconds to grab the hiring manager’s attention. To do that, you need to keep your resume clear, concise and compelling, focusing on your track record of success and not on every job you’ve held since high school.

Get rid of the objective statement.

This will simply make your resume look dated. Instead, include a Summary of Qualifications at the top that lists out your key strengths and accomplishments that are most relevant to the job.

Use keywords.

Another important aspect for today’s resumes is using keywords throughout it. Many companies employ Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which filter resumes based on keywords from job postings. So review the language in the posting again and make a list of keywords that make sense to include in your resume.

Create it in a clear format.

Beyond writing a clear resume, you also need to format it in a way that makes it easy to scan. When you do this, you should include the most relevant information front and center, as well as use bullet points and bold face in order to call out important aspects of your career background. Also, make sure to include enough white space so your resume doesn’t look cramped.

Include the right contact information.

On your resume, you don’t necessarily need to include your mailing address any longer since most communications happen via email. Therefore, simply include your phone and email address, as well as a relevant LinkedIn URL where hiring managers can learn more about you.

When you follow the tips above, not only will you make the task of reading your resume easier for hiring managers, but you’ll also increase your odds of getting a call for an interview.

Need more help finding your next job?

Call the experts at Provisional. As one of Spokane’s top employment agencies, we can connect you with rewarding opportunities with the area’s leading companies. Contact us today or search our jobs in Spokane now.

Don’t simply ask questions during the interview process. Instead, it’s important to also ask yourself a few key questions before you even begin the hiring process to ensure it’s as streamlined as possible and you get the right-fit candidate, the first time. To help you, here are four questions to ask:

What will the role entail?

You might have a general sense of the job duties. But what are the specifics? You need to dig a little deeper and define the role for several reasons. First, this helps to inform the job description and job posting you write. In addition, it also helps you to better communicate and promote the role to candidates. Finally, this can serve as a checklist of sorts as you’re evaluating candidates to help you find the best-fit ones. 

What qualities and skills will make a candidate most successful in this role?

This includes both hard and soft skills, as well as personality attributes. For instance, if you’re looking to hire someone who will interact with customers often, then you want someone with more of an extroverted personality. Or, if you need to hire a candidate to crunch numbers and maintain the budget, then you’ll need someone with exceptional math and accounting skills. Your goal here is to define all that’s needed to be successful on the job.

How will I screen candidates?

Now that you know what you’re looking for in a candidate, how will you screen each one who comes your way? You have to ask the right questions, ask good follow-up questions, perform background and reference checks, and also create a skills testing process, whether it’s through an online test or by providing candidates with a simple project to complete. All this combined will give you more insight into each candidate’s abilities, enthusiasm and motivation.

How will I promote the job?

Part of finding the right-fit person for the job involves communicating to them about it in a clear way. You want to play up the perks, benefits and opportunities, while also being honest about the challenges. This will help to ensure every candidate has the information they need to make the best decision about the role. 

Want more help with the hiring process?

Contact Provisional, one of Coeur d’Alene’s top staffing firms. Whether you need to add to your team for the long-term or you require short-term, temporary assistance, we can give you access to the people you need, where and when you need them. Simply contact our team today to learn more.

Whether you’re an entry-level worker or an executive, interviews are stressful. There’s a lot at stake and it can often feel like you’re in an interrogation. While you might have some nervous energy no matter what you do, there are some steps you can take to better prepare mentally, so you knock your next interview performance out of the park. Here are 5 tips to help you:

Put yourself in the hiring manager’s shoes.

Read through the job posting, as well as the company website. Then, based on what you learned, think about what’s important for the hiring manager to find out about you. When you take this approach, you’ll have more insight into the kinds of questions you’ll likely be asked, so you can prepare with more confidence.

Know your key strengths and skills.

Ahead of time, make sure you identify those hard and soft skills that are most relevant to the job you’re interviewing for. This means not only being able to discuss technical abilities, but other attributes, like strategic thinking, communication or organization that are important for the position.

Be ready to talk about top accomplishments.

Underscore your strengths by discussing accomplishments related to them. Tell a story or share a unique achievement. Whenever you can, include facts and figures, such as if you saved the company time or money in the process.

Use stress management techniques.

Interviews are stressful, plain and simple. The good news is that there are some practices you can employ to manage the process and feel more calm about it. For instance, deep breathing techniques and meditation can help you relax more in the days and weeks leading up to the interview.

Use positive visualization.

For instance, picture yourself answering questions to the best of your ability, impressing the manager and winning the job. See yourself actually sitting at your new desk and meeting co-workers. Think about how that will make you feel. Visualizing success combined with the right preparation can often help you achieve the goal you want.

Need more help with your job search?

Turn to the professionals at Provisional. As one of Spokane, Washington’s top employment firms, we’re here for you, with access to leading opportunities at top employers, all so you can achieve your career goals. Contact us today to learn more or search our Spokane jobs now.

When it comes to hiring, it’s not all about your needs. You have to position the opportunity in a way that’s appealing to a candidate, as well. And the first place to do that in is in the job posting. To help ensure yours makes the best impression possible, here are some tips from Provisional, one of Spokane’s top employment agencies, to put into practice:

Grab their attention.

Candidates are busy and after a while, job postings all start to sound the same. It’s up to you to grab their attention and pique their interest so they continue reading.

Strike the right balance.

Don’t only focus on your needs as the employer. Make sure you’re also talking about why a candidate would want to work for you.

Be transparent about the opportunity.

Don’t paint the position in a rosy light if you know it’s not the truth. Instead, make sure you’re honest about the job, what it entails, and the skills and qualifications you need. This will help you to attract the best-fit people.

Discuss day-to-day.

Candidates want to know what life would be like on the job. That’s why it’s important to go beyond the tasks and duties and discuss what a typical day is like. This will give candidates more insight into the position, your company, and whether it’s all a good fit for you.

Talk about culture.

Beyond discussing the actual role, talk about your company as a whole. Give candidates a sense of what the culture is like, so they can assess whether it’s the right match for their personality and interpersonal skills.

Keep it short.

Don’t include dense paragraphs and create a long-winded job posting. Instead, it’s important to keep it concise. Remember, you don’t have to delve into every detail of the job or your company. You’re simply trying to give candidates a high level overview.

Following the tips above will not only help you to attract high quality candidates, but also those who are a better fit for you. If, however, you don’t have the time to get postings right, turn to the experts at Provisional. A one of Spokane’s top employment agencies, we can help you with the entire hiring process from start to finish, making it easier and more affordable for you. Contact us today to learn more.

When it comes to the job search process, one of the most challenging aspects for many candidates is writing a cover letter. What do you say and what should you avoid? How long should it be? And what are the best ways to get noticed and stand out? As one of the leading employment firms in Spokane, WA, Provisional has the answers you need. To help you craft a stronger cover letter, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Write one letter, then edit it for each opportunity.

You should first write a standard letter that offers you a template to follow as you’re applying to each job. However, it needs to be customized for every opportunity you apply to. Otherwise, it will sound generic to hiring managers.

To do so, make sure you focus on your key strengths that are most relevant to the position. Also, share a story about why you want to work for the company or highlight an important achievement. Whatever the case, make your letter uniquely your own.

Explain why you’re the right fit for the job.

Hiring managers are busy and don’t have a lot of time to devote to each cover letter. It’s therefore important that you connect the dots as to why you’re a great fit for the job. So don’t simply discuss your background in the cover letter. Instead, take it a step further and explain where you can contribute the most and the impact you can have on the company. Also, discuss the company’s needs and the ways you can meet them through your skills and abilities.

Include numbers and figures wherever you can.

It’s always best to back up your claims with concrete figures. This not only underscores your proven track record, but it also makes you more memorable in the process. That’s especially important when you consider that hiring managers get hundreds of applications for each job posted.

Don’t forget the basics.

If you’re copying and pasting from a previous letter, it can be easy to forget to change the name of the company or the hiring manager. That’s why it’s critically important to check the accuracy of these and other areas before you submit your application. It’s also important to proofread it several times prior to applying to ensure there aren’t any spelling mistakes or errors with grammar.

Need more help writing your cover letter?

Reach out to the team at Provisional. As one of the leading employment firms in Spokane, WA, we can give you more tips and advice on writing a great cover letter, help you prepare for job interviews, and match you with opportunities that are a great fit for your background, skills, personality and career goals.

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

Dealing with a difficult employee is…well…difficult, to say the least. You already have a lot on your plate and simply need your people to do their jobs. But if there is one person in particular who’s making life hard for everyone, then you need to face the situation head on. Otherwise, it could escalate and spread, with the problem becoming worse and affecting morale on your whole staff.

So how do you deal with a tough employee and improve your relationship with them? Here are a few tips from Provisional, one of the leading staffing services firms in Spokane, Washington, to help you:

Have a private conversation.

Your first step should be to set up a formal meeting with the employee. However, it should be a conversation where you’re both talking and listening. Walking into it, don’t hold onto assumptions or negative perceptions. Instead, aim to keep an open mind so that you truly hear what your employee has to say. The goal is to have a relaxed and productive conversation about how to make things better.

Offer examples.

When confronted with this type of conversation, it won’t be surprising if your employee gets defensive. That’s why it’s important to have specific examples to back up your claims. When presenting them, don’t get angry or emotional in any way. Instead, explain the situation in a factual and logical way, giving examples of the problem behavior and talking about how it’s impacting the whole team.

Talk solutions.

This will depend on the outcome of the initial conversation. For instance, perhaps the employee is having problems at home that are causing them to be difficult at work. Or, they might not even realize how their behavior is being perceived and impacting the team. Whatever the case, work together toward a solution, such as providing assistance or any support needed to help them get on track.

Discuss the future.

In your conversation, also talk about your expectations for your employee and what you would like to see going forward. It’s important for you to be clear, so they understand what you need them to do to improve their performance. Discuss measurable goals and timelines, so you can check on progress.

Follow up.

Check in with your employee on a regular basis to monitor them and ensure they’re staying on track. If the behavior continues, then disciplinary action may be in order.

Want to add easy-to-manage people to your team?

Provisional has the people you need, whether on a temporary, temp-to-hire, or full-time basis. As one of the leading staffing services firms in Spokane, Washington, we know where to look to source the best candidates – who are hard-working and positive – for a wide variety of positions and fields. Just give us a call today to learn more about how we can help you.

You know you deserve a promotion. But asking for one is stressful, plain and simple. What’s the best way to approach the conversation – and cut down on your anxiety in the process – all for the best possible outcome? Here are some tips to help you:

Prep thoroughly.

You can’t just walk into your boss’ office, ask for a promotion, and expect a positive response. Instead, you need to make your case for why you deserve it. This requires you to do some prep work first.

For instance, make a list of all your recent contributions and the impact they’ve had on the company or the team, quantifying them wherever possible. You have to show that you’re doing more than just your job; you’re an invaluable member of the team. Also, discuss the position you want, why you’re ready for the role, and how your skills and experience are a good match for it.

Time your conversation.

For a conversation of this caliber, don’t just pop into your boss’ office unannounced. Instead, schedule a formal meeting, letting them know ahead of time you want to talk about performance.

Also, be strategic about your approach. For instance, if you know your boss is bogged down and stressed by the end of the day, schedule a meeting for the morning. In addition, if you have a performance review coming up, then that offers an ideal opportunity to discuss your career ambitions.

Know your worth.

Part of the preparation process should also include doing some digging on the salary for positions similar to the one you want. This might not come up during your initial conversation, but if it does, you want to be prepared with facts and firm numbers.

Don’t get defensive.

If your boss turns you down, don’t get emotional or defensive. Instead, ask why and what you need to do to earn a promotion in the near future. There could be certain skills that are vital to the job that you simply haven’t developed. But when you find out these details, you can create a plan of action for acquiring the knowledge and abilities you need to get promoted soon.

Ready to get promoted to a new job with a new employer?

If you know you’re ready for the next step, but there’s no room for advancement at your current company, then let Spokane, WA’s employment agency experts at Provisional help you make your next move. Contact us today to learn more or get started.