LinkedIn isn’t much more than a glorified resume database, right? Wrong! In fact, as one of the leading employment agencies in Sacramento, California, Pacific Staffing knows that the networking site offers a variety of valuable tools that you can put to use in your job search – and your career.

Leverage the full power of LinkedIn with these tips:

1. Clean Up and Optimize Your URL.

Your LinkedIn page is automatically given a URL that includes numbers and letters. You can better optimize it by creating a custom URL that includes only your name or certain keywords. For instance, rather than http://www.linkedin.com/in/marysmith/5/792/58a, you can change your URL to http://www.linkedin.com/in/sacramento_nurse or just http://www.linkedin.com/in/mary_smith.

To edit your URL, login and go to your “Edit Profile” page. Then go to the “Public Profile” section and click on “Edit” next to the URL to create a new one.

2. Network Your Way to the Top.

LinkedIn offers so many different opportunities for networking, not just among people you already know, but also by connecting with people from around the country – and around the globe – in your profession. For instance, you can search for industry or professional groups by clicking on “Groups” in the top navigation and search for a group you’re interested in. You can also filter results using the checkboxes in the sidebar navigation.

3. Make Sure Your Profile is Complete and Up-to-Date.

This is especially important for job seekers. Hiring managers will undoubtedly Google you and your LinkedIn profile will likely come up in the search results. So use that as an opportunity to make the best impression possible. Make sure your profile has been completed and is up-to-date with your education, skills, and work history. Also reach out to your network for some recommendations.

4. Do Your Homework.

Almost everyone wants to move up in their careers. But do you know the kinds of skills and education you need to land that next promotion? If not, then search the job titles you’re most interested in pursuing and learn more about the background and skills of the professionals who hold those titles.

5. Search Status Updates.

Connect with people in your industry who are interested in the same topics as you by switching the search bar in the upper right to “Updates” and searching status updates. You can even filter your results by using the checkboxes in the left sidebar.

Ready to Promote Yourself to a New Job in Sacramento?

If you are, we can help. As one of the leading employment agencies in Sacramento, California, we can identify your strengths and skills to help us find the job that is right for you. Contact Pacific Staffing today to get started.

If you don’t take a lunch break, you’re certainly not alone. In fact, according to a recent Monster poll, 38% of the 4,982 respondents reported eating either while they worked or not taking a break at all. Only 17% reported taking a full hour lunch break, while 27% said they take a 30-45 minute break and 17% said they take a 15-minute break.

So why is this important?

Because, as one of the leading staffing agencies in Woodland, we know that not taking a lunch break is a dangerous habit to get into. Obviously, there will be days or periods of time during an important project when you’re extremely busy at work and have to skip lunch or eat a hurried meal standing over the sink of the employee kitchen. However, don’t make it a habit.

Not only is this not good for your health – but it may not be good for your career either.

According to experts, when you don’t give your brain a break throughout the day, you will experience diminished returns over time. In fact, if skipping lunch is the norm for you, burnout could be just around the corner. In addition, trying to squeeze the most work out of every second of the workday can actually reduce your output over the long run, rather than increase it.

Besides impacting your health and productivity, not eating away from your desk can have other negative side effects, as well.

For instance, even if you do eat lunch each day, but you’re at your desk when you do so, colleagues won’t have any trouble interrupting you. So you really don’t get much of a break at all.

The reality is that everybody needs a bit of downtime each day to recoup energy and regain focus; some more than others, especially if they’re in a high-demand, high-stress position.

And if part of your inability to get away from your desk for lunch is due to a staffing shortage, let us know. As one of the leading staffing agencies in Woodland, we can work with you to understand your organization’s unique staffing needs – and ensure you have access to the qualified professionals you need, when you need them. Learn more now.

Some employers across the country are asking candidates to provide passwords to their personal Facebook accounts during the interview process.  As Pacific Staffing’s very own Jay Jurschak points out in a recent article published by The Sacramento Bee, that may not be the best idea!

Read the entire article: Job Front: Interviewers say asking for social media passwords is off-limits.

You have an impeccable resume and referrals. You nailed all the job interview questions with concise and smart answers. You look the part in your expensive suit…but if you didn’t act it too, then it can cost you the job interview.

As one of Rancho Cordova’s top employment agencies, we know that bad body language – from poor posture to averting eye contact – can actually make more of an impression on the interviewer than a perfect cover letter and brilliant interview answers. And in fact, your body language says a lot more about you than what comes out of your mouth. It tells interviewers whether you are strong and confident, or timid and stressed out.

So if you think bad body language has cost you a job offer, what can you do moving forward?

One of the best ways to overcome bad body language is to conduct a mock interview with a friend or family member. Ask them to prepare common interview questions and go through the process with them. There could be things you’re doing that you aren’t even aware of, such as wringing your hands while you’re talking or constantly touching your hair or your face.

Here are some other tips to help:

• When you’re meeting an interviewer, make eye contact and smile. Offer a firm handshake, but don’t try to overcompensate by squeezing their hand too hard. Keep an appropriate distance and try to appear relaxed.
• When you walk into the interviewer’s office, don’t sit with your hat, brief case, or purse in hand. Set them aside somewhere. Sit up straight and avoid crossing your harms or hiding your hands. If you use your hands when you talk, that’s great. In fact, it shows you’re expressive and enthusiastic.
• Keep in mind that confidence is typically portrayed through body language. As a result, an employer can get a better sense of who you are simply by watching you. And if you’re giving off signs of stress, fear, or passivity, an employer is less likely to hire you because they know they can’t boost your confidence levels or help you work better under pressure.

And if you’d like additional help with your job search or with the interview process, give us a call. As one of Rancho Cordova’s top employment agencies, we’ll take the time to learn about your career goals, interests, and aspirations – all so we can help you make the next right step in your career. Contact us today to learn more.

As a Sacramento legal employment specialist, we know that law firms are like people; they all have their unique personalities. Some are more casual, while others are near cutthroat. And if yours sounds more like the latter, it can be tough to keep your head above water and walk the fine line between work and life.

While competition can certainly be a good thing, it can actually have a negative impact when taken to the extreme. To help you harness the power of competition, while still living a balanced life, here are some tips to consider:

Make yourself stand out.  

Having a key skill – that no one else has or very few other people have – can set you apart in the workplace. Even if that skill isn’t necessarily a part of your job description, use it if it enables you to make yourself indispensable – or more visible – to your boss. For example, if you speak French and your law firm needs documents translated, then offer to do it.

Adapt to change.  

In today’s world, things can change in an instant. One minute, the firm is humming along and then the next, a key paralegal has quit. When these things happen – as they inevitably do – offer to lend a hand where you can, even if the tasks aren’t traditionally a part of your job or department.

Keep track of your accomplishments. 

Every time you get positive feedback from a client, or put out a fire on the job, keep track of it in a file or notebook. When it comes time for you to make a case for a promotion or raise, or during your annual performance review, you can demonstrate the key value you bring to the table with specific examples of accomplishments.

Seek out a mentor.  

We all encounter situations at work where we’re not quite sure what to do. Your peers may not have the experience to offer advice, while you don’t want to turn to your boss and risk compromising your working relationship. However, if you have a mentor – someone who can advise you and help you hone and develop your skills – you can turn to this person in times like these.

Strive to maintain a balance. 

When you work in a competitive environment, it can be difficult to focus on things other than work, even in the evenings and weekends. But it’s essential you turn off the phone, put away the laptop, and do something other than work during your down time. You’ll be more energized and productive as a result.

And if your work environment is simply too extreme for your personality, let us know. As a Sacramento legal employment specialist, we work with a variety of law firms and organizations with legal departments; as a result, we can help you find an opportunity that’s a better fit for you. Contact us today to get started.

As one of Sacramento’s top employment agencies, we know that part of starting off on the right foot in a new job is proving to your boss that he or she made the right decision in hiring you. By following the tips below, you can show that you’re reliable, trustworthy, competent – and impress your new boss in the process. Here’s a look:

1. Under-promise, over-deliver. 

When assigned a task or project, set a time frame for your boss that you know you can beat. Accomplish all your objectives and then go the extra mile and toss in something extra for good measure. Consistently go above and beyond to stand out.

2. Have a “can-do” attitude. 

Don’t underestimate the power of having a “can do” attitude. Your boss is looking for answers and solutions, not for someone to shoot down every idea that’s presented.

3. Choose your battles. 

That said, there are certainly going to be times you disagree with your boss. If it’s over something minor, voice your opinion as diplomatically as possible. If it’s something you’d prefer not to discuss in public, then meet privately with him or her to talk about your objections.

4. Be prepared to answer questions. 

Try to anticipate your boss’s needs or questions. Research the facts and gather necessary information so you’re ready to impress with what you already know about a particular topic or issue.

5. Be a team player. 

Part of impressing your boss involves showing that you can get along and work well with others. So if another employee asks for help or has a question that you know the answer to, be quick to assist.

6. Focus on progress. 

When your boss asks for a progress report, don’t focus on all the things you’re waiting on; focus instead on what’s been done. Say something like, “So far, we’ve accomplished these three things. The next steps are to…” Don’t say things like “I haven’t had a chance to get to that yet.” Otherwise, your boss will begin to doubt your abilities.

7. Find out your boss’s priorities.

In other words, what’s most important to your boss? If it’s having the financials on his or her desk on the first of every month, then make it your priority to get them done. Demonstrate to your boss that their priorities are your priorities.

And if you’re looking for a new boss to impress, we can help with your job search too. As one of Sacramento’s top employment agencies, we will take the time to listen and learn about your career goals, work environment preferences, interests, and aspirations. Through this approach, we can find opportunities that are a terrific showcase for your unique talents and personality. Learn more now.

Asking good questions during a job interview not only allows you to evaluate whether the Rancho Cordova job is right for you, but it also helps you stand out in the interviewer’s mind. Asking bad job interview questions can also help you stand out – just not in a good way.

To help you avoid the latter, here are 5 interview questions you should avoid asking at all costs:

1. Does this position allow job sharing or telecommuting? 

Already you’re expressing a lack of interest in working full-time or working in the office with potential co-workers. Not a good signal for hiring managers. So unless job sharing or telecommuting were specifically mentioned in the job description, don’t bring it up.

2. Is travel a necessary part of the job? 

If the job posting stated that travel is required, then you already have your answer. So asking this question will make you sound less-than committed.

If the posting didn’t state anything about travel, wait for the interviewer to bring it up. Asking right away makes it sound like you’re automatically opposed to the idea of some travel, which equates to “inflexible” in the mind of an interviewer.

If you really need to know and the interviewer isn’t bringing it up, then rephrase the question in a different way, such as “How much travel does this position entail?”

3. How many breaks would I get each day? Does your company have a break room? 

“Breaks” shouldn’t even be on your mind when you’re interviewing for Rancho Cordova jobs. You should be asking questions that help you determine whether the job and the company are a good fit for your skills and personality. In addition, asking these kinds of questions in an interview simply makes you sound like a lazy clock-watcher.

4. How long does it take to get promoted? 

You haven’t even landed the job yet and you’re already asking about promotions?! Steer clear of this kind of question in your first interview. Instead, if you’re asked back for a second interview or offered the job, then ask about “opportunities for advancement.” If you use the word “promotions,” the interviewer may question your intentions.

5. Are we almost done? I have to be somewhere. 

Ask this question and kiss that job offer good-bye. Not only is it completely rude, but you’ll also be seen as indifferent about the Rancho Cordova job and flaky to boot. Also, don’t glance at your watch, or take out your cell phone and look at the time. Keep in mind, the longer your interview, the better. So whatever you have scheduled afterward can wait.

At the end of the day, you want to ensure that the questions you ask an interviewer are smart and appropriate. Otherwise, you could raise barriers and cause the interviewer to doubt your professionalism.

And if you need some help preparing for interviews and finding out about jobs in Rancho Cordova and Northern California, let us know. As one of the leading employment agencies in the area, we work with many top employers and can give you access to a range of exciting opportunities.

Search jobs in Rancho Cordova and Northern California now.

Getting a new job in healthcare is probably on the top of many professional’s New Year’s resolutions lists. But for some, it’s more complicated than simply applying for openings and scheduling interviews – especially if you’re uncertain as to what your next step should be career-wise.

As one of the top medical employment agencies in Sacramento, we know that one way to deal with that uncertainty is through a temporary position. Whether you’re a nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist, or some other kind of healthcare professional, there are variety of temporary jobs in Sacramento, California you can take advantage of, without making a full-time commitment. As a result, you can “test out” jobs or a Sacramento employer before working for them full-time.

Sacramento temporary jobs in healthcare also offer a host of other attractive benefits, including:

• Flexible scheduling. If you’re going back to school to earn, for instance, a Nurse Practitioner degree, you can take on temporary assignments that are a fit for your school schedule.
• Opportunity to use new skills. Temporary jobs in Sacramento, California are a great way to apply skills you’ve learned through a newly earned certification or program. As a result, you can gain experience in an area you might currently be lacking.
• Opportunity to network. Temporary jobs are a good way to meet new people and grow your job search network when you’re ready to find full-time work.
• A change of scenery. With temporary jobs, you can take on different assignments in different settings as often as you want.
• Comprehensive benefits. Many medical employment agencies in Sacramento – and beyond – that offer temporary work also offer competitive pay and benefits, as well.

So if you’re a healthcare professional – and you’d like help finding temporary jobs – give us a call. As one of the top medical employment agencies in Sacramento, we have plenty of client companies looking for talent just like you. Get started now.

For some people, an office holiday party is an obligation to be fulfilled. For others, it’s an invitation to go a little crazy. And if you think the latter is in the minority, think again. As one of Woodland’s top employment agencies, we know that embarrassing office party blunders are relatively common. In fact, according to a survey about office holiday parties by research marketing firm Harris Interactive:

• 49% observed flirtations with co-workers and supervisors.
• 47% heard a co-worker using excessive profanity.
• 44% saw co-workers sharing inappropriate personal details about themselves or other colleagues.

So if you’re someone who’s committed one of the egregious errors above – or something worse, what can you do to make amends?

Say you’re sorry. 

You might have thoughts of quitting or of how you can avoid seeing that co-worker you vomited on after doing shots at the party. But, as one of Woodland’s top employment agencies, we know that the easiest and most effective way to handle the situation is to apologize. Everyone makes mistakes and if you own up to yours, your boss and co-workers will be much more forgiving.

However, if you ignore it, or hope no one remembers, it will always be at the back of your mind and the back of theirs, particularly when you’re working on a project together or when you’re asking for a promotion.

So don’t beat around the bush, but don’t grovel either. Just say, “I’m sorry” and move on. And at future parties, avoid the alcohol altogether. Alcohol impairs the senses – including common sense – leading to embarrassing blunders you wished never happened. When you don’t drink at all, you don’t have to worry about losing control and doing or saying something you live to regret.

In today’s economy, working two jobs has become a way of life for many. Some take extra work to pay down debt, while others take on another job to have more spending money or beef up emergency savings.

Whatever the case may be, if you’re one of the many Americans out there looking to supplement your income by getting a second job, here are 5 ideas to help:

1. Freelance.

Many industries, including marketing, medical billing, and court reporting, offer freelance positions. If yours is one of them, then consider reaching out to different organizations and offering your services to them on a freelance basis.

Freelancing is attractive for many employers because they can use your talents only when they need you and don’t have to offer expensive benefits; you, on the other hand, can pick and choose assignment and make some extra money in the process.

2. Teach.

If you are experienced in a certain area, you may be able to find a position as an adjunct professor at a local college. Adjunct professors are simply those that work on a part-time, semester-to-semester basis, rather than being employed as a full-time member of a college’s faculty.

3. Turn a hobby into a job.

Do you have a certain hobby that you love – and think you could make money on? There’s no better time than the present to give it a shot. For instance, if you love to take photographs, then consider offering your photography services to friends and family. If you get positive feedback, starting offering your services to the public by posting them on the web.

4. Ask for overtime.

If your workplace allows it, ask your boss for some overtime. Perhaps there’s a co-worker who needs some extra help with an influx of work and you can help pick up the slack.

5. Connect with temp employment agencies in Sacramento, California.

Temp jobs are a great way to supplement your income. Not only can you choose from a variety of different assignments, but the schedules are far more flexible than with full-time employment. And temp employment agencies in Sacramento, California are always on the lookout for talented and qualified individuals to fill positions.

If you’d like to learn more about temp jobs in and around Sacramento, give us a call.