Tag Archives: healthcare support

Technology is Taking Over

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It’s 2019. We all saw it coming: Technology is taking over. Everywhere we look people have their noses buried in their smart phones, tablets, and computers. It’s crazy to think how far we’ve come, and all the things people had to do without technology. Remember when you had to mail a letter if you wanted to reach someone? Or how about going to the library if you didn’t know something? Technology has made some major differences to improve the world, but there’s a lot of controversy whether technology actually made the world a better place. Do the pros outweigh the cons? Should the cons not be overlooked? Tell us what you think:

Pros

  • Internet and Accuracy

    Don’t know the answer to a question? You are now a few clicks away from knowing the answer through Google. Need to add things up and document numbers? You’ve got everything you need on your computer with Excel and the Calculator app. The internet and programs, like Microsoft Office, are there to fix your human errors.

  • Time Saver

    Having a computer allows you to do many things at once. You can schedule appointments, email people, and perform other tedious tasks in minutes. If you share projects with your coworkers, all files can be saved in one place for people to access. Therefore, making everything you do more efficient and productive.

  • Green Planet

    Tree huggers unite! Technology allows us to be paperless. We don’t have to use a single sheet of paper while we’re writing novels, figuring out mathematical equations, or spelling things. Saving paper saves trees and saving trees saves the planet.

  • Communication

    Using direct messaging apps such as Skype, Slack, GroupMe, and IM, you can ask quick questions or message someone without writing an email or leaving your desk. For more polished business to business communications, just compose an email. You never have to pick up the phone again!

  • Working from Home

    Your employees don’t need to be in the office to work anymore. Save overhead and allow your employees to work remotely using their own laptops and WiFi.

Cons

  • Slackers

    Americans waste almost two hours a day on things other than their responsibilities. What are they doing? They’re checking their social media or texting their friends. Technology can be a big distraction in the workplace causing some employees to be less productive.

  • Communication (again?)

    Yes, communication in the office is compromised because instead of talking in person, we talk over text and emails. Many things can be lost in translation.

  • Money, Money, Money

    Technology is expensive! If your smartphone breaks, it could be up to $300 to get it fixed. Need to restore your laptop’s hard drive? Computers are even more expensive to repair.

  • Automatic

    Everything works by itself now and this makes people lazy at work. Some basic skills go to waste, such as tracking inventory. Automated messages get frustrating when you’re trying to call an operator for customer service but get stuck with a robotic voice that can never understand you.

In a world where technology is everywhere you turn, we understand the importance of one on one conversations with our candidates. At HealthCare Support, our candidates have essential conversations with their recruiter throughout the hiring process.

Interested? Apply Here!

The Impact of Body Language

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Something so little as a slouched posture can decide someone’s fate of getting their dream job. But is that how it should be? Most bad body language happens when people are stressed and uncomfortable, and these feelings come out during a job interview. Is it right to base your first impression on someone’s body language during an interview? Most of the time that’s not how the candidates act all the time. So, why is body language so impactful?

Let’s break it down first: What is body language?

Body language, or nonverbal communication, is not about what you’re saying but about how you say it and what your body is doing while talking. Body language is a way to better your conversation by using your facial expressions, hand gesticulation, and posture in your favor.

Some examples of body language:

Eye Contact:

Eye contact is a very controversial thing and a matter of opinion. In some countries, constant eye contact is rude while in in others it shows politeness and good manners. Some may think that too much eye contact is intimidating and consider it staring, which we all know is a very ill-mannered thing to do. Eye contact also exhibits interest, honesty, and confidence.  So how much eye contact is enough and how much is too little? It’s a delicate subject but during an interview, keep enough eye contact and keep it consistent. If you’ve been making great eye contact the entire interview then start blinking or fidgeting with your eyes, that is a sign of nervousness.

Body Posture:

Slouching is never a good thing. Not only is it bad for your back, but it shows a lack of interest and respect for your interviewer. Remain upright and lean forward, this shows that you are engrossed in the conversation. Just like other types of body language, you can overdo it. Don’t get too close, everyone needs their own personal space.

Fidgeting:

Fidgeting is a major sign of nervousness. Whether if it’s picking at your nails, constantly touching your hair, or shaking your legs, the interviewer will get the sign that you’re uncomfortable. So, keep your hands placed on your lap and cross your legs so you don’t get the urge to twitch.

Handshakes:

Have you practiced your handshakes with a friend before your interview? You should. Do you know when a handshake is too much versus when it’s too little? The limp handshake can be just as detrimental as the cutting-off-your-circulation handshake. Have all your items in your left hand so you’re prepared to shake someone’s hand. If you have sweaty palms, go for a subtle wipe of your hand on the side of your pants before shaking so you don’t give a clammy handshake.

Facial Expressions:

Smile! Giving someone a smile puts them at ease and conveys a sense of calm, control and confidence.  Smiling also reveals enthusiasm for the position and the company.

Body language can make or break you during interviews, even if you aren’t a fidgety person in your daily life. There are many ways you can positively express yourself through nonverbal communication, which can bump you up in the position standings. So, keep eye contact, sit up straight, and give them that million-dollar smile!

How Companies Win the Talent Tug-Of-War

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It’s a job seeker market now! There are now more job openings in the United States than unemployed workers to fill them. This is the first time this has happened since the government started tracking jobs in 2000. So, our question is, how do we get the unemployed to pick your company over the others? Let’s get to know the three different kinds of candidates.

  1. Future Champs:

    They have the devotion and love for the job and the company, but don’t have the right experience and knowledge. More times than others, companies don’t have the time nor the effort to put into teaching these new hires.

  2. Indifferent Einstein’s:

    The brilliant ones that have the right experience, but lack passion and dedication to the company and their position. These employees usually leave soon after they’ve been hired.

  3. All-Stars:

    Candidates who have the right experience along with the right passion and enthusiasm for the role. Best of both worlds! These are the people you absolutely want to hire, which makes them extremely difficult to find.

Now that we know the different types of candidates, how do you win over the All-stars?

  • Be Flexible and Move Quick

    If you found an All-Star for the position, stop wasting time choosing and extend an offer. All-Stars will probably have many other options to consider. Act accordingly so they don’t have time to consider these other options. Keep the second interviews and deliberation to a minimum.

  • Referral Incentive

    Almost everyone talks about working with their friends, yet no one does anything about it. Come up with a referral incentive so your employees will want to recruit their friends. Most employees are conscious that this reflects themselves and will not offer just anyone. Also, your employees will be excited to get to work with their friends and you will have workers that want to be at work. It’s a win-win.

  • Employee Benefits

    The best thing to hear at an interview are all the unique benefits of working there. Some ideas are costume contests, Jean Fridays, annual team-bonding trips, having a pet-friendly office, or having company event tickets. Get creative and make them irresistible.

  • Open hours

    Everyone enjoys their free time. Be open to workers creating their own work schedules. Whether its 7:30-4:30, 8-5, 9-6, they are all working the same amount of time and getting their work done. Work from home days never hurt anybody either!

  • Talent Costs

    If you want to hire the All-Stars, they’re going to assume they are worth more than others. Make sure your salaries are competitive to skip out on losing them to a position paying a dollar more. When it comes down to it, it’s not that much of a difference.

  • Fans Always Welcome

    If your company is more consumer based, hire people that are already fans. That way, you hire someone who is passionate about the company and their job from the start.

  • Networking!

    Networking is great for candidates, but it’s also great for hiring managers. It allows you to build relationships with candidates before they even considering working for your company. It’s also a great way to meet applicants you wouldn’t have originally gone for. You never know, someone might surprise you!

HealthCare Support Attends CAHP in the Golden State

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California Association of Health Plans Annual Conference

October 22-24, 2018

We are excited about our upcoming conference for the California Association of Health Plans (CAHP) in San Diego, California at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. With the attempted changes to the Affordable Care Act in D.C, stakeholders in California are partnering to improve our healthcare system. There has been some debate over whether California should regulate healthcare prices, expand coverage to the remaining uninsured, create a public option, or start using a single payer healthcare system.

While this is happening, CAHP and its affiliates are working to better the existing healthcare system and improve the way consumers work with health plans. The debate to California’s health plans include expanding coverage, providing increased subsidies for those who buy their own insurance, and persuading lawmakers to think about a state level individual mandate.

HealthCare Support’s Business Development Manager, Jay Bridge, will be in attendance and joining over 1,000 health care professionals. At the conference, Jay will be learning how our health plan partners are handling the changes being made to the health care system in California. Fulfilling new staffing needs and expectations will be instrumental to the success of the implementation of new health plan regulations.