FOCUS

I just did some quick research on one of my favorite words, focus, and came up with another favorite word that relates well, concentrate. Without getting into any political discussion whatsoever, I would say that many of us are having trouble focusing on what is truly important and also with concentrating on what is needed to be done right now.

Of course, our personal well being and that of our beloved family members should be our number one priority. We must maintain our focus on this and concentrate on taking care of those who rely on us including ourselves!

At the same time, we need to focus on our professional growth and well being. Whether one is a job seeker, well established employee, hiring manager and / or corporate executive or company owner; we must proceed with business as usual whenever possible. Focusing on daily business needs and concentrating on items such as business development, productivity, employee relations, and customer service remain essential.

While times might be stressful now (and we have seem similar trends in the past), focus and concentration remain extremely critical. Certainly, never become unaware of the surroundings and environment you have been handed, but, at the same, do not become consumed by them. Maintain your focus and concentration!

Corporate Receptionist Needed

Our client, a prestigious financial services firm in the Livingston NJ area, requires a highly professional Corporate Receptionist w/5-10 years of experience to serve as the face of the company.  Prior exp. in a similar capacity at a financial services firm, law office, engineering firm, etc. preferred.  Candidates need to multitask with ease including setting up facilities for meetings, ensuring all business machines are functional, greeting all visitors, answering all incoming phone calls, sorting and delivering mail, arranging for catered food as needed, work occasional overtime hours prior to and/or after normal office hours, etc. Associates degree or higher preferred.
Qualified candidates should resumes to Harold@smartstaff.jobs or call Harold Levin at 908-508-0300, ext. 104.

Client Service Assoicate

Our well established client in the financial services industry seeks a Client Service Associate w/5-10 years of experience supporting marketing and client service representatives and preparing RFP’s.  This role is heavily administrative in nature w/ primary focus on internal support rather than dealing w/outside clients.  Extensive background preparing RFP’s including questionnaires, reports, working w/portfolio and performance analysis software and proficiency w/all aspects of MS Office.  Proven RFP knowledge is a must.  Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business or similar required.  Excellent compensation to include comprehensive benefits and bonuses. Position is in the Livingston NJ area.

Qualified candidates should submit resumes to Harold@smartstaff.jobs or call Harold Levin at 908-508-0300, ext. 104.

Senior Packaging Technician

Well established manufacturer has opportunities for Sr. Technicians / Mechanics w/4+ yrs. exp. in troubleshooting, repair, and maint. of packaging, processing and mixing machines; electrical troubleshooting and repair; CMMS and computer maint.; parts inventory management; regulatory compliance (OSHA, FDA, etc.); building and facility upkeep. Any training, certifications, or exp. specific to food production is nice to have. Must reside within easy commuting range of Somerset County NJ.
Resumes to harold@smartstaff.jobs or call Harold Levin at 908-508-0300, ext. 104.

Mechanics Needed

Maintenance Mechanics needed on a Full time, Perm basis for Somerset County NJ manufacturer.  Both are first shift with some OT!  3-5 yrs. needed w/ troubleshooting, repair and upkeep of packaging, processing and mixing machinery; electrical wiring and repair and some basic HVAC repairs.  Knowl. of foods, cosmetics or pharmaceuticals nice to have. Resumes to harold@smartstaff.jobs or call Harold at 908-508-0300

Temporary Position

Our well-established client in Hillside NJ seeks someone w/Data Entry exp. using QuickBooks.  Account Payable exp. is helpful.  Assignment is a leave replacement for 4-6 weeks (approx. 20 hours per week).  Candidates must be organized, dependable, and able to work in a small office setting.  Resumes to Harold@smartstaff.jobs or call Harold Levin at 908-508-0300, ext. 104.

10,000 Mile Check-Up

Just like your vehicle's need for regularly scheduled maintenance, your resume travels many places and needs periodic checkups and tuneups as well. Luckily, it is quite easy to freshen up your resume just in time for the beginning of 2017! Whats follows is a list, in new particular order to assist you in this task:

• Ensure that your employment information is up to date and your duties include what you are currently doing.
• Make sure all of your contact information is current. It is acceptable to include social media links (LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.) but make sure your best phone number and email address are also listed.
• Keep your job description and skills information concise, simple, and easy to read.
• Double and triple check your spelling, paying special attention to any cities and/or company names listed.
• List all education including coursework which may not have led to a degree.
• All certifications and awards earned should be posted on your resume.
• Do not list your references on your resume. It is best to have a separate attachment for them and only provide them upon request.
• Never include personal information (marital status, number of children, birth date, religious affiliation, etc.) as none of this should be considered by potential employers when screening candidates.
• The number of pages is driven by the amount of useful information you need to share but remember that Page 1 must be interesting enough to move the reader to Page 2!

There are certainly many other steps to follow but the above are quite essential. I always recommend reviewing your own resume at lest three times then asking at least tow other people to review it. No one is perfect but trying harder will pay off Good luck!

Staff Reductions

From my activity as a career coach, recruiter, and volunteer, I continuously observe the behavior patterns of both small and large organizations, some of which are for-profit while others are non-profit. The methods used for staff reductions and how the situations are handled never cease to both amaze and disturb me at the same time.

One example is a global manufacturer who had retained the services of a contract employee for more than six years over two stretches. The representative from the company called me and said the individual had reached the new time out level for contract employees and would need to have their assignment ended the next day after they left the premises. Although I was unhappy that this was being done near the holiday season, it is a fact of life. However, when I contacted the employee to break the news, he informed me that he had figured it out since his card access within the building had been shut off a few hours earlier and no one would tell him why! In my opinion, that is a poor way to release someone who had been extremely dependable.

Another organization I am familiar with in the technical services industry thinks nothing of calling in senior team leaders, releasing them on the spot, and refusing to pay any type of severance compensation. While severance is not a requirement, it is certainly a reasonable expectation after 5 to 10 years of blemish free service.

Just this week, an educational services company informed dozens of employees at one of their sites that it will close its doors in late April and most of them will not have jobs at another location. Honestly, waiting two weeks to allow the staff and their families an enjoyable holiday period would have been commendable. Yet another organization I am very familiar with abruptly eliminated a handful of positions with the end of 2016.

There are countless additional scenarios I could share from this year and prior years. Suffice it to say that, while staff reductions are sometimes unavoidable, timing and compassion should be utilized if at all possible. Employees are human beings with obligations, both personal and financial, and should be treated properly. I also remind decision makers that today's employee could some day be your boss!