Tag Archives: jobs

Why a Clean Social Media is Key for Job Searchers

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Social media has become so popular that almost everyone has it. It lets you connect with old friends, share the latest online trends, and keep up with the news. So, when you are job searching, you may want to consider cleaning up your social media. Some people don’t realize this but, having inappropriate things on your pages can determine whether or not you get the job you’re applying for. Just skimming through your social media can even dictate getting an interview!

Why is it so important? Your profiles show who you really are as a person – your likes, dislikes, hobbies, what type of people you hang out with, and the list goes on and on. It reveals your social life and whether your personality would be a good fit for the company. Your social media profiles are movies everyone can go see. Whether they’re rated-G or rated-R, is up to you but, they’re not private journals. So, it’s always smart to display yourself elegantly on them.

Now, what kind of “inappropriate postings” are we talking about? Here are a couple examples:

Those Darn College Kids and their Photos:

We all have those hilarious photos from college parties that we like to go back and reminisce on, but college is over and done with. It’s probably for the best to delete them and keep them stored elsewhere.

Know When to Keep Your Opinions to Yourself:

We constantly see celebrities badmouthing other celebrities on twitter but let’s not follow their lead. When you’re expressing your opinion over social media, do so at your own risk. Don’t badmouth or swear at anyone or anything, especially if it’s a company you use to work for or and old coworker.

Here are some other things you can do to your profile in case a hiring manager checks out your social media:

Privacy Settings:

It’s always good to set your profiles to private. This will guarantee that anyone you don’t know can have access. Your pages hold some seriously private stuff that you might not want to be displayed all over the internet, like where you live, your phone number, and your email address. Also, all your photos are in chronological order, so your first picture that an employer might see when scrolling through your Facebook, could be a Halloween photo that your friend tagged you in. Ask yourself if you really want them to see that.

“Friends”:

Back in the day, it was “cool” to have tons of friends on your social media pages. You probably don’t talk to about half of them anymore. It’s time to go through your friends and delete the ones you don’t want to be associated with. Hiring managers spend some of their time going through people friends list on their social media pages trying to determine what type of person you are by the friends you hang out with. Will Smith even stated “You are who you associate with. Look around at your five closest friends and that’s who you are. If you don’t want to be that person, you know what you gotta do.”

Keep it Clean:

Once you’ve cleaned up your profiles, make sure it stays that way. Don’t ruin all the hard work you’ve put in to make it nice and clean! One easy tip to ask yourself before you are going to post something: Would your grandmother approve of your post?

Here at HealthCare Support, we care about the success of your job hunt. For more tips, follow us on social media and subscribe to our blogs.

Sarah Krufka

 HSS Social Media Specialist

Millennials are Transforming the System

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Take a look around your office. How many people are millennials? How many are living up to the millennial stereotype that people go on and on about?

In just a few years, the majority of the workforce will be millennials. Some say millennials are going to doom us all. Some say they’re going to kill the economy. The common stereotypes include being stubborn, spoiled brats that don’t work hard, are lazy, and are obsessed with their smart phones. However, I’ll tell you why they’re going to revitalize the workplace.

Slowly but surely, millennials are already making an impact by changing everyday work life. Generally, it’s hard to have a work-life balance, especially in the healthcare industry. A lot of healthcare professional work jobs that require them to work long hours, but this is changing thanks to millennials. One of the most important thing to millennials, is a work-life balance. William Hartenbach, M.D., executive vice president of anesthesia services for physician staffing firm EmCare, let his employees have more PTO and vacation time because “it’s increasingly important to make sure that you don’t get burned out. It’s a long career and it’s fairly intense and the stakes are high.”

Managers are also allowing employees to have more flexible schedules and are able to create their own hours. Not everyone is working the same 8-5 time. Also, thanks to technology and the way millennials understand it, some companies give the option to work from home. Having flexible hours and working from home means you have time to be with your kids when they get back from school and for some even allows them time to make breakfast with them before heading off to work.  In 1975, the average time mothers and fathers spent with their kids were 9.7 hours a week. In 2018, that time has doubled to 20.7 hours. Could this be because parents get to create their own schedules? Absolutely. And spending more time with your kids creates less emotional and mental problems when they get older. (Thank you, millennials.)

Millennials like to build relationships. They’re friendly people, need emotional attachment, and want to personally connect with everyone around them, including their bosses and managers. They’re more open to their personal lives and connect with people better this way. This allows for a more comfortable atmosphere and it causes work to be bearable for everyone involved. Happy employees equal a happy company.

Given a choice between working by yourself and working in a team, millennials choose working with a team 90% of the time. Teamwork makes the dream work. They also like to receive feedback and constructive criticism, that way they know what they’re doing wrong and what to do to make things better. Millennials received participation trophies and “A for Effort” so they are used to receiving something for the duties they fulfill. (Also, counterpoint, they are blamed for receiving participation trophies, but they are not the ones responsible for giving them out in the first place, now are they?) Along with constructive criticism, they like to be mentored, given advice to, and they genuinely want to know how to succeed. Millennials make determined and energetic employees, so they can outshine others. The more determined your employees are to exceed, the more successful your company.

In healthcare, treatment plans change so much because technology and research are evolving each day. Cures are created, robots are managing surgery, and patient histories are maintained through smartphone apps. Millennials are the generation that grew up on technology. It’s their baby. Where technology is a millennial generation strength, other generations consider it their weakness. Thanks to millennials the transition to this technological world has been quite simple.

Some hiring managers may get put off at the thought of hiring a millenial because of common conceptions of them being high maintenance and picky.  However these millenials will be what takes your business to the next level. Learning what it is important too them is the first step in a successful partnership. Painting a clear picture of the position and expectations along with flexible hours, relationships, teamwork and technology are what matter most.

Whether you’re a manager with limited time (patience) and need help finding the right millenial or a millenial on the job hunt, you can count on HealthCare Support to be upfront and address any concerns head on.

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.

 

Are Your Employees ‘Office Slackers’?

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We’ve all done it. Whether it’s constantly checking your phone, spacing out, or talking to your coworkers, we’ve all slacked. Americans spend almost two hours a day doing something other than their actual work. This means that companies waste an average of $759 billion on unfinished tasks.

Why do employees slack off? It’s a mixture between employees feeling like they are getting underpaid, employees not having enough to do, distracting and talkative coworkers, and the “I’ll do it tomorrow” attitude. Almost half of this wasted time is due to workers checking their cell phones and a third is socializing. And above all, one percent of this wasted time are employees applying for other jobs. So how can we fix this?

Employers, here are some tips to keep your employees productive:

Create a beneficial ambiance

    1. People feel more connected to nature when there are live plants around the office. Some results show that people with plants on their desks tend to be happier than those who don’t.
    2. Try and work with the sunlight. Make use of the windows or go for more sun-like light bulbs.
    3. It’s always nice to walk into work and have it smell nice in the office. Go buy candles or wall plug-ins. If it’s the season, buy seasonal smelling candles. It will give your workers a sense of home and comfort.
    4. Cater food in the office. Food powers the brain and it keep your em
    5. ployees focused and productive. Also, who doesn’t like free food?

Promote a more personable workplace

    1. Try to know your employees on a first name basis. It’s more comfortable for them when their boss knows their name.
    2. Join the company’s clubs and organizations. People will connect more when you share common interests– such as sports, book clubs, movies, and video games.
    3. Ask your employees about their lives outside of work, like how their families are. Hold the door open for them and give them a little smile. Any of these can create a more pleasing vibe and will make them feel more at ease.

Make your employees feel appreciated

    1. People like going into work when they feel they’re doing a nice job. Praise them as much as possible and try not to let anything good go unnoticed. Thank your employees if they do something for you.
    2. Don’t get emotional. It’s hard enough when employees know they did something wrong. Handle negative situations calmly. You hired bright employees and you know this because you wouldn’t have hired them if you thought otherwise.

Something so little, like a small smile or a compliment on someone’s hair might turn around their day for the better. You never know the kind of impact you’ll have on your employees, so remain positive and pleasant every chance you get.