1.Process your applicants right away:
Online hiring allows you to process your applicants with a few clicks of a mouse and most software platforms will send you email notifications about new users. So why not process them right away? There are several benefits to this; first is that you are always on top of your hiring activity, and you will know right away when you get a great candidate that you want to hire. You don’t want to miss out on a great employee! Secondly, if you let your applicants pile up then it can easily get away from you and will ultimately take you more time to go through them. Thirdly, out of common courtesy for the applicant themselves, you should let them know your decision right away so they can prepare for what they need to do next. (This will also help avoid them calling the store and constantly asking what the status of their application is, which is a complaint that I have heard from several managers).

Here are some tips from some hiring managers for when to process your applicants, keep in mind that you should do whatever you feel most comfortable with:

• Have notifications sent to your smart phone so you know every time you get a new applicant – Jeremy Harding (Wendy’s) does this so that his applicants are always on the “top of his mind” and marks the email as unread if he can’t process them right away so he’ll notice it later.
• Set a schedule for when to log in, one manager logs in every 2 days which keeps processing to under a half an hour every time
• Set benchmarks for what a good applicant would be, James Berman said an applicant score of 85 or above (for WyckWyre) is the cut off for rejection or not
• If you are a high volume store then check in multiple times a day, get yourself into a routine

2.Have advertisements in the store promoting your online applications:
Now that you have an online application process, you can’t ignore people coming into the store. One of the great things about having an online hiring system is that you can reach a broader applicant base, but you still must be prepared for walk-ins.

“We have a hiring center on the wall right by the door so applicants can see it as soon as they walk in”
- Tricia Frank, General Manager at Wendy’s.

Doing something like this is a great idea, having a display solely for walk-in applicants will make it easier on your staff and is a constant advertisement for anyone who visits your store.

3.When processing applicants look at how they best fit in with your team:
One of the best things about an online hiring tool (like WyckWyre) is that it gives you the ability to make much more informed decisions about an applicant through pre-screening interview questions. So when looking at their answers, decide what is most important to you and the current culture of your store before bringing them in for an interview.

I received multiple answers when asking this question to hiring managers. James Berman (Wendy’s) said that he doesn’t put too much weight into grammatical/spelling mistakes and looks for the deeper meaning behind applicant’s answers, he understands that sometimes potential employees might have a great work ethic but maybe not the best writing skills. Other managers went with different approaches, putting more weight into these sorts of things. Whatever the case may be, try to access your team as a whole and build on their strengths.

4.Use additional free advertising to your advantage:
There are a few ways to further promote your online job board, and they are just waiting for you to use them! The biggest ones being Craigslist, Facebook, Twitter, and Blogs. Having a greater online presence results in more online applicants! If you run a restaurant and have a Facebook page or a Twitter account, make posts about your online hiring site. Since the people who follow you already like you, word will travel fast that you are recruiting.

Even if you don’t have a social media presence, Craigslist is a great option to advertise your jobs. In most areas it is free to post a job, so take 5 minutes and go to the Food, Beverage & Hospitality section and make a quick post about what jobs you have available with a link to your hiring site.

So there you have it, some great ways to fully utilize your online hiring system and get the best people possible! If you have any other tips or questions please leave them in the comments. Happy hiring everyone!

Pay attention to detail!  While applying for a plethora of jobs, it is important to pay attention to each aspect of your job search, from your application, to your resume, or portfolio.  Here are some tips that may help you stay organized.

1.  While you are in the hunt for your perfect job it is important to keep track of what you’re applying for, right?  So why not create a binder, or folder, to help you keep track of important documents that have helped you with your job search.  Such as, an interview calendar, copies of the job applications which you have applied for, your resume, and business cards.
2. Set a goal for yourself of how many jobs you would like to apply for.  Whether they are a daily, weekly, or monthly goal, they will help you stay motivated throughout your job search, and allow you to apply in an efficient manner.
3. Double check your social media websites.  Is there a tagged picture, post, or even a tweet, that does not capture your best professional character?  It might be a good idea to take it down.  Wouldn’t you think?  It is important when applying for jobs that you present yourself in a way that shows you are the best potential candidate for the position.
4. Are you flooding the market with job applications, but can’t seem to remember which ones you have applied for, or even remember the job description when an employer gets back to you?  Try making a spreadsheet containing information like the company you are applying for, what position, a brief description of the job, and the date you submitted your application, will definitely help you stay organized.
5. Finally, time management is the key to finding your perfect job. Schedule yourself some time throughout your day to properly, and correctly, fill out job applications.  With today’s technology this step has been made easy.  Utilize smartphone applications to set a reminder, or an alarm on your phone, or even set it up the old fashioned way by using a planner.  This will ultimately help you stay organized and ensure that you are using your full potential to find your perfect job!

Hiring the best employees for your company can be somewhat of a nightmare, especially in high turnover industries such as restaurant and hospitality. Traditional methods of hiring like paper applications, local newspaper ads and radio/television ads, are quickly becoming a thing of the past. In the new era of the internet, there are a plethora of tools available for hiring managers to do all of their hiring exclusively online. Below I will outline the benefits of why you should do this for your company/organization. Leave your thoughts in the comments and anything that might have been left out!

1. Reach a Broader Amount of Applicants
With over 245 million internet users in the United States and a higher than normal unemployment rate, it is no wonder that internet job boards are extremely popular .
By using an online hiring tool, you can expose your job to an incredible amount of applicants, and that pool is only increasing, especially in larger metropolitan areas. Right now you may be thinking, “what about people coming in asking for an application?” Simply direct those applicants to apply to your online hiring site, if they truly want the job, they will take the effort to apply online. If they don’t, would they have made a great employee to begin with?

2. Reach Better Quality Applicants
If your store is only accepting paper applications, it can be a hindrance not only to the amount of applicants you receive, but also to the quality of the applicant. Today’s job seekers are internet savvy; they want to work for companies that are “up to date”. Additionally, online applications can provide a more comprehensive pre-screening for applicants than paper applications, saving you valuable time when searching for that perfect employee.
If you aren’t accepting online applications, you are ignoring a large segment of the job-seeking population and potentially missing out on great talent!

3. Superior Organization
Keeping paper applications organized is so cumbersome. What do you do with the applicant files for people who were rejected? Put on hold? Hired? This can quickly add up to a lot of files to keep track of.
Many online hiring systems come with online storage for all of your applicant files. You can easily go back and take a look at past hires and other applicants, all organized and easily accessible. This will save you plenty of time and let you stay on top of your entire hiring process. Don’t even get me started on the metrics and reporting capabilities, we could be here all day… but seriously, how about being able to download the entire year’s hiring summary? Online hiring systems can provide you with some powerful metrics to let you make more informed decisions about your hiring methods.

4. Robust, Customizable Software Available
There is software out there for every sized business, whether you are a small company with 10 employees, or a large one with 500+. An online hiring system can be customizable so you can only receive information from applicant that you want. Additionally, you can add options that you might not have even been aware of. How about video or audio cover letters? The sky is the limit with online software, and most of them are user friendly and provide training for employees.

5. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint!
As an added bonus, going paperless will greatly reduce your carbon footprint and save some trees. So not only will you be hiring more quality applicants the way YOU want to, but you’ll also be saving the earth in the process. So what are you waiting for? It’s easy to make the switch, see you online!

Sources:

http://www.internetworldstats.com/stats14.htm

http://freelanceswitch.com/freelance-news/commentary-analysis/online-jobs-are-on-the-rise/

2.  Evaluate Yourself.
The goal here is to land a job that will make you happy, so it’s best to choose one that fits you. Make a list of your ideal job, and a list of your qualities (ask friends, trusted co-workers, family to help). As you’re job hunting, keep the list beside you so that you only apply to the jobs that fit your requirements.

3.  Review your Benefits.
If it’s a raise you’re after that you’re not getting, take a look at the entire picture. If you receive benefits, make sure you are utilizing them to their full capacity. Check to see if your company does 401K contributions, or if your company-paid medical insurance has a gym membership reimbursement, or maybe it offers free yearly physicals for preventative care. All of these things equal more money for you, even though you may not see it in your paycheck. It’s good to keep this in mind while job hunting, so you can be sure you’re making an equal switch or moving up salary-wise.

4.  Do your research.
As they say, the grass is always greener. Make sure you do plenty of research on the companies you’re applying to. Glassdoor.com has reviews of companies direct from employees that can shed light on company culture. If you know anyone that works at the company, that’s even better. If you’re going to make a switch for the money, be sure that you’re confident it is the right move. The last thing you want to do is make a big salary move for a job that is so terrible that you’re never in a good mood to enjoy your accomplishment.

5.  Stick with it!
Remember that you’re being selective- your dream job may not fall into your lap right away. Keep applying and interviewing, at least it will give you good experience. Think positive and don’t give up!

Have any other tips? Success stories? Leave them in the comments!

Here are three great “I Quit!” resignations caught on camera in 2012.

1.) Providence, RI teacher resigns via YouTube

When a second grade teacher wasn’t given his chance to speak at a public meeting a few days before, he took to the popular video sharing site, YouTube. There, he reads his resignation letter addressed to the human resource department and the parents of his students, which picks apart what he believes is quality education versus what he is witnessing happening to the school system he is employed by.

He ends the video with a great matter-of-fact tone, “I quit, I quit, I quit!”

Well, if there’s anyway to really let everyone know you’re leaving, doing so during a live broadcast would probably be toward the top of the list. What makes it better? When an anchor duo quits simultaneously on air, without prior warning to the staff, crew or news director of the station. Talk about a shocker.

For our final moment, we wanted to leave you with something you’ll have stuck in your head all day long. This quitting moment isn’t hostile. In fact, it seems as though Karen, the former Microsoft employee, enjoyed her job. However, creating a song all about your past three years that revolves around Microsoft and Excel, while making it pretty catchy, is no small feat.

1.  Speak positively about the new change.  If you’re talking about changing a process or adding an internet-based program, such as an Applicant Tracking System, talk about how much it is going to help save time and make the process more stream-lined.  Stay away from negatively referencing the new change.  Don’t mention how much you hope it works, or that you’re skeptical of the outcomes.  Stick to things like, “This will work! It will save us time!”
2.  Take advantage of training.  Some companies includes unlimited training in their subscription rates, however some charge hourly.  If you know you’ll have a few people who need extra one-on-one time, take advantage of the unlimited training!  If the training is paid, be sure to reserve time for the users who may need help.  At any time if someone tells you they are struggling, or if a new manager comes on board- schedule a session with your account representative, or identify the expert user in your company to do training.  Also, if your new product or service offers this, instruct your staff to reach out to their contact if they need anything at all.  It will lessen the burden on you for fielding questions you may not have time for, and also let your staff know they are supported in this big change!
3. Utilize Resources.  If marketing materials are provided, use them!  Companies have planned and tested the materials and know that they are proven to work.  For example: WyckWyre provides a business card template, and a poster template, both personalized with your hiring site information.  Hand the business cards out to walk-in applicants instead of a paper application, hang the poster somewhere visible in the store, and watch your online applicant traffic grow!  Utilizing the resources in the way the company suggests will help the service work for you.
4.  Follow Up.  Most companies will follow up to see how you’re doing with the product.  However, make a point to talk to your managers to see how they are really doing with the system.  Sometime managers will be more willing to speak with you about the problems or issues they are having.  If they are uncomfortable in any way, see #2.
5. Dive in!  If you’re heading up the project (or even if you’re not), dive-in!  Start navigating around the system, ask questions, and see what the service can do for you!  If you become an expert user, chances are the ones that you lead will follow!

Changes in processes can be a great asset to a growing company in today’s world- especially with the addition of internet based services.  With the right mind-set and tools, you and your management will be on your way to succeeding in no time!

By: Jaye T. Darden

Successful employees all share certain traits and personality characteristics that help them do a great job day-to-day. Most successful employees use different  techniques and also have the personality that needs to solve clients’ problems and give every customer the best experience. There are so many different kinds of positive traits – both learned and of natural-ability, but what are some of the best ones many successful employees share? Read on, my friend.

Here are four major things effective, successful employees share:

They communicate clearly and effectively
One of the top skills that all employers require, and for great reason, is communication skills. There is never a time when a top employee is going to be someone who can’t communicate effectively. The person who masters this skill will not only be the top employee but will have a more fulfilling life because their relationships will be better all around.

They take criticism very well
Criticism is one of the hardest things to take well. Someone can simply take something personally and then do nothing about it. Top professionals will use this criticism to better themselves and learn from their own shortcomings. Someone who can take criticism and apply it to their professional and personal life is an employee you want to keep around for years to come.

They are motivated – and stay motivated during low times
It is very humbling to realize that you’ll be working in the same job for several years. There is a hard lesson when thinking you’ll be doing mostly the same actions and working with the same people over and over. Staying motivated knowing all of this is a terrific aspect of great employees. They constantly try to keep themselves and those around them happy to be working where they are. Motivation is contagious. Several great employees are motivated everyday no matter what position. They are appreciative of having a job and being able to work.

They adapt to everything and anything
Having just said that people can have a hard time doing the same thing over and over, the world is an ever evolving place. Your job may involve the same tasks but how you complete them may change drastically over the course of your career. Being able to adapt and react accordingly are crucial to the success of your career. Many employers seek out individuals who can think on their feet and make changes quickly while remaining effective.

Looking for that next big opportunity? Let WyckWyre find it for you. Sign up for Job Alerts for free now and we’ll deliver open opportunities in your area directly to your inbox.

Think about it. You don’t have enough experience, so how do you get the jobs that require experience, when they all require experience! It is certainly frustrating to see how everyone currently is looking for experienced people. If you don’t have enough experience do you even apply? Of course you do! You’re important and you’re talented. You may have what it takes to get the job without requiring all the experience. By making yourself and the skills you have shine, you can beat the odds.

Come up with ways to show you have the skills on your resume
This may seem like what you’re just naturally trying to do, but it’s not. When we think of experience we think of a time period. If the time period is what is holding you back, then come up with a creative way to show your experience that is comparable to the job. Have you even done anything that is similar to the job? Have you completed tasks that the job requirements would cover but the position was just named something else? Think creatively to overcome this barrier.
Another way to show experience is link your current experience with what you are applying for. Have you managed in food but not in hospitality? If so, then say it. let them know you have some experience in a different yet similar field. Let them know you can adapt and can make smart decisions.

Be sure to share any and all skill sets that you possess that could relate to the position. Even if they’re not a direct match for what they’re looking for, it can show that you have an idea of the responsibility this position entails.

Mix-match your experience to show that you can get the job done
Think about this, what are the skills the job is asking for? Do you have those skills? If you have utilized these skills somewhere else, then make it known. What other job experiences have you completed that shares the same skills? Many jobs are looking for people with proper communication skills and the ability to be organized. You also have the position to say to an employer “I am new to the position, so I have no bad habits to bring into the job with me.” This can turn a cover letter and resume into your ticket into the business.

In a world of non-experienced people, be the most experienced before you enter into the position-level you’re looking for
Well, isn’t that simple? Almost, but we have to be smart about it. There are internship experiences to be had in companies similar or the exact one you’re applying for. There may be a job at a lower level you need to take that will help build you up to the job you want. Is there is no secret trick to getting experience. Just be honest and think creatively. Your imagination and your integrity will be your key to success when you do not have the experienced “required” for a job.

Last but definitely not least, remember that often times, employers hire for personality over skill.

Just because the job description calls for 5-7 years of experience, and you only have 2, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t apply. There is such a great possibility that if you’re the perfect cultural fit for that position, you will be considered.

Don’t short-change yourself by sticking to the exact “requirements” on each job description. Break the rules a little.
Remember, employers want an employee who is engaged and invested in what they do, day in and day out. If you have one or two years less experience than what they call for, if you can make it up in your enthusiasm for the job, you may be the perfect candidate.

Happy hunting!

Think of your job for ten seconds. Now, think of the distractions at your job. How many did you come up with? Now, think of how many distractions you had while trying to think of the previous list. The number of distractions is almost infinite and it continually seems as though we cannot get rid of them. However, if there’s a will, there is a way. And we’ve got your way.

Say goodbye to technology during designated hours
Cell phones, iPods, internet, email, text messaging, and more are all entities that make your working life both easier and a living hell. Is there anything more distracting than a phone ringing, a text message coming in or a quick peek at Facebook? Didn’t think so.

How can we stop technology from distracting us? Turn the cellphones, emails, text messaging, and any other technological device, that strictly is not benefiting your progression of tasks, off. If you work at a computer, then stay off the internet. If you work in an environment that allows for cellphone use turn it off and put it away. There are certain circumstances that allow the cellphones to be on in case of an emergency, but you know when to turn it off.

Organize your workspace and your workflow
Organize your work environment. Do not let your desk, cubicle, or work area become cluttered. A clean area will increase your overall productivity. Picture this, your desk is messy from lunch or a project and you have another waiting in the wings. You want to begin working on your new tasks but your desk looks like a hurricane just passed by. You will feel bogged down and inattentive to the important work that needs to get done.

Being organized will also quicken the time it takes to do certain tasks that require particular items to accomplish them. If you need a pen, ruler, calculator, or anything really you will need to know where everything is. Finding an item quickly will eliminate down time when doing certain tasks throughout the day.

Eat and sleep
If you are hungry then you’re less likely to think about work when you truly want food. If you are tired then you will obviously think about sleeping in a nice warm bed instead of working on the new reports that just came in. Your mood will be affected by this as well.

Be sure to eat a good breakfast and take a break for lunch. This will help you to boost your productivity and focus, since you’ll have less distracting you by way of stomach growls.

So many resumes cross a recruiter’s desk every single day. With seemingly endless stacks of resumes, how can we make ours standout from the crowd? Technology, a service economy, and an amplitude of people will continue to make finding a job easier while at the same time create more work for yourself. So, what can you do to make sure your resume gets read?

Simple words can be your best friend when writing a resume
What this mean? Technology is not new to anyone seeking a career. Recruiters of today often parse resumes and scan for words that are shared from their job posting. This is a way for the recruiter to filter through thousands of resumes at a time. So keep it simple, and match your resume to the job description. People can put the same words on their resumes to cross the first boundary that keeps them from their first choice in career opportunities. Use this opportunity to make simple changes that will increase your overall credibility in the eyes of a recruiter.

A word to the wise: Make sure everything on your resume is factual and you can back it up. If you can match words on a job description but don’t have experience doing the things your resume says you do, you’re up for a world full of trouble later on.

K.I.S.S. or better known as Keep It Simple Sir (Or Stupid)
One of the ways to push a would-be recruiter away is to make a resume too “fancy” and full of long, run-on sentences that may or may not make sense. When you make your resume hard to read, recruiters or HR staff will lose interest quickly. It’s up to you to keep your resume engaging and easy to read.

The way to make a resume simple and insightful is to structure the information in such a way that is clear and concise. Keep the information truth and simple. Before creating your resume, create quick bullet points for each job and experience you’ll be listing to keep you on track.

Looking for more tips? Check out this TheCareerExperts.com article: Ten Quick Resume Fixes in Less Than Ten Minutes.