New positions becoming available daily

Below is a partial list of what is currently available for openings.  Please visit our website and complete a job seeker profile to be considered for these openings and any new ones that become available……… Thank you

OB/GYN Accounts Receivable - Irving TX

            Wage = $15 / hour

            Hours – Fulltime Mon - Friday  8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Sales - Lewisville TX

            Wage = Commission Only (2 month guarantee for training)

Inside Sales – cold calling / telemarketing – Lewisville TX

            Wage = $24,000 annual + commission

            Hours – Fulltime Mon - Friday  8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Plastic Injection Molding Tech – Keller, TX

            Wage = $15.00

            Hours – Fulltime Mon – Thur 8:00 pm to 6:00 am

            Must have previous plastic injection molding experience

Sales – Door to Door

            Wage = $21K annual + commission

• Must have previous experience with residential / consumer sales

Sales Manager (Austin)

            Wage = $2500 / month + commission and team overrides

• Must have previous B2C experience 

Sales – B2B

            Wage = $21k / annually + commissions

• Must have office machine sales experience

Physician Assistant

            Wage = market rate based on experience

• Must have P.A. license 

Registered Nurses

            Wage – market rate base don experience

• Must have TX RN license
• Prefer either surgical or PACU experience but will consider all

Chief Nursing Officer

            Wage = market rate based on experience

• Must be a Registered Nurse
• Must have a minimum of a Masters degree

Many other jobs become available weekly.  Make sure to complete your job seeker profile to be considered. 

http://texaslonestarstaffing.com/members.php

Roadblock

Look at your résumé as a personal marketing piece.  You get to select the information that you will use to “sell yourself” to your next employer. You’re not required to reveal every little blip in your background or bend over backwards to make sure a potential employer knows about your weaknesses.  Don’t ever lie!…but approach these challenging areas with creativity and keep your focus on the employer’s needs and interests rather than on any problems you see in your own background.

Below are some potential roadblocks and some suggestions of how to handle them.

No. 1: I’m afraid the employer will think I’m too old.

The current economic situation has caused many older workers to delay retirement or seek lower-level jobs than the ones they previously had. These particular job seekers often worry they’ll be eliminated immediately because employers think they’re too old for the job. To avoid broadcasting your age on your résumé try:

• · Eliminating dates of college/high school graduation.
• · Avoid any dates in the 1960s, 1970s and early 1980s.
• · Shorten your experience by leaving off early jobs (eliminate the first five to 15 years of experience).
• · Provide the last 10 years of experience, with dates, and then summarize prior experience under a subheading such as “Prior Professional Experience.”

No. 2: I don’t have a college degree.

Certainly, a college degree gives job seekers an advantage, but it’s not everything!  The key is to emphasize work history, skills and confidence and downplay lack of a degree. Some ways to downplay the lack of a degree are:

• · Eliminate the education section of your résumé altogether or
• -List the education you do have, including high school and any college courses taken.  Some college is viewed more positively than no college at all. So if you’ve taken some college courses, here are a few examples for listing your education on your résumé: 

1.      UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA,  SANTA BARBARA — Studies in Business and Economics (full-time 3 years).

2.      COLORADO COLLEGE OF MINES — Completed 50% of requirements toward Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.

• Add a section under the Education section called “Professional Development” and list any professional seminars you attended, licenses and certifications you have received through past jobs, and computer software programs you are proficient in using.

 No. 3: I’m worried employers will suspect I’m a job hopper.

A “job hopper” is someone who has had a series of short-term jobs with a handful of employers. Job-hopping tends to make employers doubt everything from the candidate’s behavior on the job to their ability to make a long-haul commitment to an employer. In today’s highly competitive job market, these doubts are all it takes to cause an employer to reject a job seeker before he or she has ever scored an interview.  The following are tips for presenting a more positive appearance:

• · Consider eliminating one or more of your jobs, but make sure that doing this doesn’t leave a big enough gap in employment history that it will cause questioning.  If the gap is too large, you will end up spotlighting exactly what you are trying to downplay.
• · If there were circumstances out of your control that caused to your short tenure, consider adding a brief explanation, such as “Corporate merger with XXXX eliminated all regional sales offices in spring 2009,” or “Sales unit dissolved when software was discovered to be unready for market.” Normally you shouldn’t explain reasons for leaving a company in a résumé, but sometimes a brief statement such as these can immediately eliminate a negative reaction.
• · Concentrate on finding job opportunities by networking, where a personal referral can get you in the door.  Then you can “Wow” the interviewer with your capabilities and provide reasons for the short tenure of your recent jobs.

No. 4: I performed poorly in my last job.

For those job seekers who made a complete mess of their previous job, or weren’t in it long enough to make an impact on the company, creating a powerful résumé may seem impossible.  To sidestep this problem, job seekers need to skip their excuses and try to find one or two success stories, and include them without a lot of elaboration. Point out what you did accomplish and learn. For instance: “Laid the groundwork for a successful career in real-estate sales through intensive prospecting and community relationship-building.” Don’t mention that you didn’t sell a single piece of property.

Keep in mind that certain issues might come back to haunt you after the initial résumé screening. You have to be prepared to answer questions about these situations on the first phone screen.  Prepare and practice your explanations so that they are short, non-defensive and as positive as possible.

*Excerpts from “Sales and Marketing Résumés for $100,000 Careers, Third Edition” by Louise Kursmark.

Many job seekers seem to be aware of the fact that hiring managers are using these sites to get a truer feel for who a prospective employee really is.  And what better way to do it?  By reviewing these sites, they can see who your friends are, how you relate to them, what you do in your spare time, etc.  Eighteen percent of employers said they found content on social networking sites that encouraged them to hire the candidate. Some examples include:

• The profile provided a good feel for the candidate’s personality.
•  The profile supported candidate’s professional qualifications.
•  The profile showed that the candidate was creative.
•  The candidate showed strong communication skills.
•  Other people posted good references about the candidate.

However, many job seekers are doing the opposite and not being careful at all of the content they’re posting online.  Thirty-five percent of employers reported that they have found content on prospective candidate’s pages that caused them not to hire the candidate.  Some examples given included the following:

• Candidate posted provocative or inappropriate photographs or information.
•  Candidate posted content/pictures of themselves drinking or using drugs.  Posting binge drinking as one of your favorite past-times isn’t the best idea. 
• Candidate bad-mouthed their previous employer, co-workers or clients.
•  Candidate showed weak communication skills.
•  Candidate made discriminatory comments.
•  Candidate shared confidential information from previous employer

Don’t let your social networking page(s) eliminate you from obtaining that dream job you have been looking for.  Be Smart!!

Here are five tips for job seekers to keep a positive image online:

1. Clean up “digital dirt” BEFORE you begin your job search. Remove any photos, language, content and links that can work against you in an employer’s eyes.
2. Keep gripes offline. Keep the content you post focused on positive things, whether it’s related to professional or personal information.
3.  Be selective about whom you accept as friends. Don’t forget, others can see your friends when they search for you. Monitor comments made by others and consider using the “block comments” feature. Even better, set your profile to “private” so only designated friends can view it.
4.  If you’re still employed, don’t mention your job search in your status updates. There are multiple examples of people who have gotten fired as a result of doing this. And, a potential employer might assume that if you’re willing to search for a new job on your current company’s time, why wouldn’t you do so on theirs? 

Social networking is a great resource for many things, including helping or hurting your career opportunities.  In today’s competitive job market, you should be aware that the same people you know might be the ones who are hiring.  Give yourself the best chances at securing that dream job by making these tools a positive and not a negative in your job search.

Check out Texas LoneStar Staffing on Facebook.  Become a Fan.      

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Volunteer Today!!

Volunteer work can lead to a new job in a number of ways.  You might be able to turn your volunteer work into a paying position with the organization you are volunteering for.  Think about it.  If they see first hand what a hard worker you are and what your skill levels are, when a paying position comes open they are going to think of you first.  They already know you, know your work ethic and you won’t need much, if any, training.  And it greatly decreases their organizational costs and time of recruiting for the position.  It’s a win-win situation for all involved.

Another way that volunteer work can lead to a new job is through networking with the other volunteers.  Remember, that not all volunteers are unemployed themselves.  They may work for companies that are hiring for positions that you are qualified for.  If not, they might have friends and / or neighbors who are looking for employees.  The possibilities are endless.

How do you find these volunteer opportunities?  They are everywhere.  Just look around you.  So how do you narrow down the possibilities and find something that matches your present skills, or skills you may want to acquire?  Talk to friends and family members to see if they know of any good opportunities.  Also, consider your church or a favorite charitable organization.  Contact the local United Way or community volunteer clearinghouse to find out what opportunities are available. If you are looking for some life-altering opportunities, and those that might offer tuition assistance or a leg up with future employers, think of AmeriCorps or the Peace Corps. Both organizations have fairly strict qualification requirements and require longer term commitments, but you will end up with the significant advantages of on the job training and future hiring preferences by other agencies. In the case of AmeriCorps, they offer a tuition stipend in exchange for your service, and have opportunities located throughout the United States. The Peace Corps is in 74 countries around the world and, after your successful service, you will have hiring and postgraduate advantages because you served. There are many web sites that list volunteer opportunities all around the world, and in your backyard. One site that lists volunteer work, and jobs with nonprofit organizations is http://www.volunteermatch.org/. 

Keep in mind that this is about helping others while gaining valuable experience and contacts.  Good luck!

WHY NETWORK?

 A “network” consists of people you know and the people they know. When you talk to people you know about your job search, find out who they know who can also help you with your job search. This is “networking.”

Networking is the most effective way to find a job; approximately 70 percent of all jobs are found this way. In addition, it allows you to find out about jobs that are never advertised — the “hidden job market,” which accounts for 80 percent of all available jobs. Networking can also help you identify or find financing for self employment or educational pursuits.  Through networking you develop the ability to build and maintain relationships with a variety of people. This skill is fundamental not only to a successful job search but to your overall job success.

Career networking workshops are available through a wide variety of sources. (ex = employment resource centers, libraries, churches, local chamber offices, networking groups, etc.) You can even contact your state employment office and they will help you to develop the skills necessary to effectively create and build a networking plan.

M E T H O D S

The word work is part of networking. It is not easy work because it challenges you to reach outside your comfort zone. Besides meeting in person, use other effective methods of communication, such as letters, notes, clippings, and other positive interactions. Any honest effort can yield positive results.

Who is Most Helpful in Building a Network

Begin networking with the people you know—family, friends, neighbors, church groups, social groups, volunteer organizations—and build your network to include: 

      • People who know something about your career.
      • People who know others who have influence.
      • People who know a lot of other people.

Remember that to achieve quicker, better results, you should:  

• Contact at least 10 people or resources per day.
• Get 2 new referrals from each contact.
• Utilize Job Seeker Business Cards.
• Set up at least 2 face-to-face meetings or interviews each day.

G U I D E L I N E S

It takes practice to learn how to network well. The best way to learn is by role-playing in a small group or workshop. It may take a while to feel comfortable.

Here are some guidelines that can help you:

• Before meeting with someone, determine what you want to find out or accomplish.
• Make a good first impression. Within 10 seconds we form a detailed and persistent impression of anyone we meet. Researchers conclude that the impression we make when speaking to others comes largely from these three categories:

What impressions do you give when speaking to others about your job search?

•  When meeting someone for the first time, be sure to introduce yourself. Use a “Me in 30 Seconds” statement.
•  Ask those you meet with about themselves, and then listen. Ask about their work, how they got into their field, what they like about it,   what is challenging, and so on. Remember that they may be networking too. Share information you have that may be useful to them.
• Briefly describe what you are seeking and how you are qualified. Use a “Power Statement”.
• When appropriate (usually at the end of your conversation), exchange business cards and the names of other people you should contact.
• The entire dialogue—introduction, discussion of your background, and agreement for further contact — can take place in as little as 2 or 3 minutes.   After 8 or 10 minutes, move on.
• Although the exchange should be brief, avoid the mistake of trying to “sell” yourself prematurely. Those who are most successful establish a rapport first. Don’t rush it.
• Keep all commitments. The key to networking is to follow up. If you say you will call someone, do it soon after your conversation.
• Keep in contact with people in your network. While great benefit comes from new contacts, the best networking contact is someone you interact with more than once. It takes time to build relationships that produce results.
• Always send thank-you notes.

Bringing Employers Together With "STAR" Employees

 If you would like a hard copy of this article, simply send us an email to info@texaslonestarstaffing.com and we will send it to you!

Bringing Employers Together With "STAR" Employees

TWO FREE WORKSHOPS IN ONE!!!  YOU’RE NOT GOING TO WANT TO MISS THIS ONE.

 Color Code Basic Personality Analysis

Presented by Lori Doran of Right Click

 *AND*

 Smart Leadership in Today’s Workplace: Coaching Skills for Managers

Presented by Vince Ebata, Career Management Coach

Eighty-five percent of people fired last year were let go because of relationship problems at work. The cost of rehiring an employee knowledge worker is $70,000, including hiring, training and lost productivity. More and more people believe EI or “emotional intelligence” is more important than IQ in the workplace. This seminar is designed to support managers and supervisors in developing the skills and confidence necessary to be a masterful coach-manager in all situations in the workplace. A variety of ideas, tools and strategies will be covered that managers can begin to utilize immediately to increase their effectiveness as a coach-manager in building strong teams and spend less time in dealing with relationship issues within their organization.

WHEN:            Saturday, September 26th, 2009
TIME:              9:00 am to 12:00 noon
WHERE:          Right Click
                           3051 Churchill #215, Flower Mound

 To register, email Vince Ebata @ vince@iampossibledreams.net to reserve your seat.  Very limited seating so don’t hesitate to register now!!

Current Open Positions:

Housekeepers:  Dallas Area  – Mon – Fri. (7:30 am to ??)   All supplies provided.  MUST have TX drivers license and ONE YEAR PAID EXPERIENCE.  $8.00 / hour

B2B Salesperson:  Grapevine – Some Monday’s, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Tuesday through Thursday and some Friday’s.  Will contact existing and prospective clients via phone and in person.  MUST have B2B experience $12.00 / hour

Lead Generator / Appointment Setter: Flower Mound – Flexible hours.  Approx. 20 / week.  Contact prospective clients who requested information and set appointment for sales team.  $8.00 / hour + appointment bonus.  MUST have telemarketing experience.

Other positions are coming in weekly.  Please complete a job seeker profile to be considered for the above positions and any new ones received. (http://texaslonestarstaffing.com)

Bringing Employers Together With "STAR" Employees

NOTE:  Texas LoneStar Staffing’s blog for job seekers has moved from http://texaslonestarstaffing.blogspot.com to here!  YAY!