United Career Fairs » Helpful Info for Hiring Managers

Employee-Friendly Office Cultures Improve Retainment

ddehaan — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 21:01:04 +0000

Today’s economy isn’t just frustrating for those without jobs – limited budgets can do a number on employed workers’ morale as well. Exemplary employees might not be awarded with raises, no matter how much effort they put into their projects. Employers unable to afford larger salaries may find their best employees looking elsewhere.

But some companies are finding way to keep employees happy by cultivating employee-friendly office cultures. For example, in the fall of 2010, Washington, D.C.’s Office of the Chief Technology Officer implemented a Results Only Work Policy (ROWE), which pays employees for results, not the hours that they work. This means that employees are able to work when or wherever they want, so long as their work gets done. In places where it has been tried, ROWE not only boosts morale and retention, but also improves output.

Of course, not every company is willing to redo its entire work structure. That doesn’t mean that they can’t find less drastic ways to boost morale. Here are some of the many ways that companies can make the workplace more attractive for employees:

• Acknowledge employees’ contributions. Employees who work hard without recognition are likely to lose morale. Even if a company can’t provide raises, it can award employees’ efforts. For example, managers can give out certificates or plaques acknowledging an employee’s accomplishments or designating an employee of the month.

Plaquemaker Plus, a company that offers many personalized trophies, plaques and frames, offers laser-engraved that can be used to give hard-working employees a boost. Visit their website at www.PlaquemakerPlus.com or call 1-800-367-5556.

• Celebrate birthdays. Acknowledging employees’ personal lives will make them feel like valuable team members, rather than a replaceable automatons.

• Communicate. Unhappy employees are less productive, so managers should take time to speak with them about their questions or concerns. An anonymous employee-satisfaction survey can also help employers determine where they need improvement.

How Can I Generate More Referrals?

ddehaan — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 14:52:29 +0000

In today’s corporate hiring playing field, the competition is fierce both as a hiring company and as a job seeker. Everyone knows that referrals are the best way to get introduced to the right person. But what happens when your referral tree stops producing fruit? Maybe it is time that you should re-evaluate your technique.

Here are some questions to consider:

Am I being intentional about finding new referrals?

When is the best time to ask for a referral?

What value can I provide for a person that helps me?

How do I determine if my contacts open or guarded?

What questions should I ask to generate referrals?

How should I phrase the questions that I ask?

Am I perceived as credible?

Does my contact have access to the information that I am looking for?

How nice would it be to have a clear answer to each of those questions? The reality is that your objective is unique and will change with your needs. The Referral Institue’s article “Referral Nuggets” cites that the most common problem with generating referrals is that people don’t ask, and I would agree!

If you have multiple openings, it is vital to ask a new hire for a referral when they are most excited about the opportunity. Often people are willing to help other others, especially if there is no immediate threat of loss. Another thought is to institute a reward program for company employees. What is your game plan?

Make finding referrals a process that you revisit frequently and constantly rework. If you can broaden your approach odds are you will find more success at expanding your network.

Referral Websites

Questions You Should Ask At a Referral Interview (While looking for a job)

The Referral Institute

March Madness Tournament

admin — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:16:57 +0000

Hiring Managers Don’t Miss Out!

United Career Fairs is seeking to reach out to you with a unique opportunity to win a FREE sales focused career fair.

Most offices have pools for the NCAA Men’s basketball tournament, this year we are sponsoring a pool that gives you the chance to win a FREE booth and a United Career Fairs sales focused recruiting event.

The winner will receive one free credit for a UCF sales focused job fair and must be redeemed by 12/31/10. The credit may be used in any city that UCF is currently producing events in.

It is simple, fun, and only takes a few minutes. Follow the below step by step instructions and you will automatically be entered into the competition.

Your brackets must be filled out by 3/18/10 in order to participate.

Click on or cut and paste this link in to your web browser:

http://unitedcareerfairs.mayhem.cbssports.com/e

You will be prompted to login to CBS Sports or create a personal account.

Once you are logged in you will be asked for the pool password: contact your UCF rep to obtain this information.

Once the teams are selected on March 14th you will then be able to fill out your bracket. All brackets must be completed by March 18th.

Good Luck!