Category Archives: jobs

The Significance of Submitting Your Resignation Properly

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Welcome back to another edition of the ComputerPeople Staffing blog! In the professional world, transitions are inevitable. Whether it’s a new job opportunity, a career change, or personal reasons, leaving a job is a common experience. One of the most important steps in this process is giving your employer a two-week notice. This standard practice is crucial for several reasons, and deviating from it—either by giving more or less notice—can have significant implications.

Why Two Weeks?

The two-week notice period has become a widely accepted norm in many industries, especially in the IT industry. It provides a balance between giving your employer enough time to find a replacement or redistribute your responsibilities, and allowing you to transition smoothly to your next chapter. Here are a few key reasons why this period is so important:

  • Professional Courtesy: Giving two weeks’ notice shows respect for your employer and colleagues. It acknowledges that your departure will have an impact and provides them with time to adjust.
  • Maintaining Relationships: The professional world is surprisingly small, especially in cities like Buffalo. Future opportunities often arise through networks and references. Leaving on good terms can preserve positive relationships that might benefit you later.
  • Smoother Transition: Two weeks gives both you and your employer time to ensure a smooth handover of your responsibilities. This can include training your replacement, completing ongoing projects, or documenting your tasks.
  • Protecting Your Reputation: Your professional reputation is one of your most valuable assets. Leaving abruptly or giving too much notice can negatively affect how future employers perceive you.

The Pitfalls of Giving Less Than Two Weeks’ Notice

While it might be tempting to leave immediately or give only a few days’ notice, doing so can have several negative consequences:

  • Burning Bridges: Leaving with short notice can frustrate and inconvenience your employer and colleagues, potentially damaging your professional relationships.
  • Legal and Contractual Obligations: Some employment contracts stipulate a notice period. Failing to comply can result in legal issues or loss of benefits.
  • Negative References: Employers may view a hasty departure as unprofessional, which can lead to unfavorable references that impact your future job prospects.
  • Unfinished Business: Leaving too soon might leave important projects incomplete or colleagues unprepared to take over your duties, reflecting poorly on your work ethic.

The Drawbacks of Giving More Than Two Weeks’ Notice

While more notice might seem courteous, it can also present challenges:

  • Awkward Work Environment: Knowing you’re leaving can create an uncomfortable atmosphere. Colleagues might treat you differently, and you might feel disconnected from ongoing work.
  • Productivity Decline: Employers might not assign new tasks to you, anticipating your departure. This can lead to a decline in productivity and job satisfaction.
  • Potential for Resentment: If your employer is unable to find a replacement quickly, a longer notice period can lead to frustration and resentment on both sides.

How to Give Your Two-Week Notice

When the time comes to resign, it’s important to do so professionally. Here are some steps to follow:

  • Write a Formal Letter: Draft a concise, polite resignation letter stating your intention to leave and your last working day. Express gratitude for the opportunity and experiences gained.
  • Speak to Your Supervisor/Manager: Schedule a meeting with your supervisor to deliver the news in person. This shows respect and allows for a direct conversation about the transition.
  • Be Prepared for Reactions: Your employer might try to persuade you to stay or express disappointment. Stay firm but respectful in your decision.
  • Offer Assistance: Show your commitment to a smooth transition by offering to help train your replacement or complete key projects before you leave.
  • Stay Professional: Continue to perform your duties to the best of your ability during the notice period. Leaving on a high note will reinforce your professional reputation.

In conclusion, giving a two-week notice is more than just a formality; it’s a crucial aspect of professional etiquette that benefits both you and your employer. By adhering to this practice, you demonstrate respect, protect your reputation, and ensure a smoother transition for everyone involved. Remember, the way you leave a job can be just as important as the way you start one. So, when the time comes, give your notice thoughtfully and professionally.

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Thanks for reading! If you are a business looking to fill your important IT roles, visit us at cpstaffing.com to learn more!

If you are a candidate and are looking for dream role, visit us at jobs.cpstaffing.com for our latest job postings!

And don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn for new jobs, insights, blog posts and more! https://www.linkedin.com/company/computerpeoplestaffing

Written by Jeff Weiss

Doing This After An Interview Could Help You Get The Job

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Sending a follow-up message to thank the interviewer can make the difference between getting hired and being rejected. Of course it won’t save you if your interview went badly from start to finish, but it can definitely sway their decision if it’s neck-and-neck between you and another candidate!

Below is an example of a thank you email or note that should impress any potential employer.

A good interview thank you email or note should contain these three essential pieces:

  1. Show appreciation for their time and thank them
  2. Mention something specific you talked about in the interview, so they know it’s not a cut & paste email
  3. Express interest in the position and tell them you’re excited to learn more

There are also two optional steps you may want to include…

  1. Invite them to contact you if they have any questions/concerns, or need clarification on anything discussed
  2. Show that you’re confident you can perform well in this role and explain why. Tell them why you feel you could excel in the position

Here is the example…

Hello <Interviewer’s Name>,

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me <yesterday/Friday/etc.> about the <Job Title> position at <Company Name>. It was a pleasure talking with you, and I really enjoyed hearing all the details you shared about the opportunity.

The information you shared about <Something specific about the job that interests you> sounded particularly interesting. 

I am confident that my skills will allow me to come in and succeed in this role, and it’s a position I’d be excited to take on. 

I’m looking forward to hearing from you about the next steps, and please don’t hesitate to contact me in the meantime if you have any questions.

Thank you again, and I hope to hear from you soon.

Best Regards,

<Your Name>

At the end of the third paragraph, you could also add details about WHY you feel confident you’d succeed in this role. That will make this thank you email more convincing. So, try to remind them of something you shared in the interview, like a piece of past experience, or a skill you have, that will prove to them you’ll be able to come in and be successful in their role.

Nowhere does it say you have to write a thank you letter after an interview, but it definitely can’t hurt! Use this example as just that, an example; mess around with it and make it your own! You’ll “thank me” later!

Written by Lindsay Olewniczak

Visit our website here: http://www.cpstaffing.com/index.aspx

Visit our open jobs here: http://www.cpstaffing.com/jobs.aspx

Misconceptions About Staffing Agencies

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There are many misconceptions about what a staffing company actually does and I’d like to set the record straight! Here are three of the most common beliefs about staffing agencies and whether or not they are true.

Agencies only provide temps or “fill ins.” – False! Some clients think that a staffing agency provides the “fill in” worker while the company searches for the “real” substitute for a position or that an agency won’t provide the best candidate to ensure repeat business; this couldn’t be further from the truth! Staffing agencies aim to find a candidate that not only fits a client’s immediate need, but one that will be a great fit with the company in the long run. Seeing a client grow in a position/company is the ultimate feel-good moment for staffing agencies!

Staffing Agencies are only for entry level jobs. – This one couldn’t be more false! Staffing agencies find jobs for all levels, in nearly every industry. Here at CP Staffing we do specialize in Financial, Medical and Computer jobs. Agencies are also very honest about what skills or training is needed to ensure that you’re properly prepared for the level of job you are applying for.

We get you an interview and then that’s it. – False! We pride ourselves in the fact that we follow up, follow up and then follow up! We thoroughly prepare you for the interview and stick with you long after you accepted the position.

Here at CP Staffing, we have everyone’s best interest in mind. We aim to make the client and the candidate happy with every job post and interview.

If you are unsure about a posting you see, don’t hesitate to call one of our recruiters! They are always more than willing to help!

What questions do you have about what we do?

Written by Lindsay Olewniczak

Visit our website here: http://www.cpstaffing.com/index.aspx

Visit our open jobs here: http://www.cpstaffing.com/jobs.aspx

Doing These Things Could Cost You Your Dream Job

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It is very exciting when you apply for a job and get the call to come in for an interview! But there are a few things that may slip your mind amidst all the excitement and nerves. Here is a list of some obvious (or not so obvious) things to remember NOT to do when interviewing.

Arriving Late – Shoot to arrive about ten minutes early. Make sure to factor in traffic and getting lost; if you arrive earlier, no worries. Showing up early will show your possible future employer that you are good at time management and care about the job.

Not Reviewing Your Key Points – Make sure you go over your resume and achievements prior to your interview. This will ensure that you can answer them straight away without referring to your resume. Your confidence will shine through while answering questions about yourself and past jobs.

Not Looking the Part – If you have the time and ability, find out the company’s dress code prior to the interview. If you cannot find this information, always dress smart. It looks better to be over dressed than under dressed.

Smoking Before You Go In – Don’t! That will be one of the first things noticed about you. Not only will the room smell like smoke for the duration of the interview, it will smell like smoke after you leave.

Having Your Phone On – It looks very unprofessional when your phone goes off during an interview. This is a time that should be focused solely on the interviewer and their questions/your answers. Even if you put your phone on silent there may be an alarm you forgot about that might still go off. If it’s possible, turning your phone completely off is the best thing to do.

Using Slang or Curse Words – This is most likely the first time meeting these people and making a good first impression should be at the top of your list. It’s best to come off as polite and not use such words.

Lying or Over-exaggerating – Saying you speak five different languages and lead your previous department to an all-time high will not help you if it’s not true! Be truthful about your accomplishments. Focus on the skills and achievements that could be valuable in your new role.

Bringing Up Personal Matters – Don’t discuss your views on controversial topics or personal issues you may be experiencing. Keeping your discussion professional and positive will look much better to the interviewer(s).

Going Off Topic – Listen carefully to the questions being asked. Try to stay on topic and keep answers concise and relevant. If you go off on a tangent you will miss out on making your point.

Going for an interview can be a very exciting yet stressful experience and there’s a lot to remember to do and not do during one. Try to be yourself and stay as calm as possible. Remember, the interviewer may be nervous too! Good luck!

Written by Lindsay Olewniczak

Visit our website here: http://www.cpstaffing.com/index.aspx

Visit our open jobs here: http://www.cpstaffing.com/jobs.aspx

Why December Is The Best Month To Look For A New Job

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December is a crazy month for most people. You have your normal day to day responsibilities but then add in the holidays and shopping and getting ready for hosting and attending parties, the list goes on and on and on… But what many people don’t realize is that December is the perfect time to look for a new job.

It’s no secret that the job market slows down during the holidays. People are planning family vacations and trips home and are just not looking to start a new job until after the New Year. This is the perfect opportunity to get a head of the competition. Here are some ways to stay active:

Holiday Parties

All of those parties (dreaded or not!) that you get invited to are a great way to network! Use them to connect with friends or family members who work at companies that you’re interested in.

Seasonal Work

Don’t let the words “temp” or “seasonal” scare you. There is the possibility for a temporary job to turn permanent. A manager might see your great work ethic and have a permanent job in mind for you once the holidays are over.

Be Persistent

If you do reach out and submit your resume and receive an “out of the office” reply, don’t assume that you did all you could. You need to follow up to make sure someone did receive your resume and that it was reviewed.

January is definitely the most popular month to look for a new job (you know the “new beginning” outlook everyone has once that ball drops!) but that doesn’t mean it’s the best month! So even if there is no room left on your plate to look for a new job in December, at least update your resume and Linkedin profile to give yourself a head start.

Happy holidays and happy job hunting!

Written by Lindsay Olewniczak

Visit our website here: http://www.cpstaffing.com/index.aspx

Visit our open jobs here: http://www.cpstaffing.com/jobs.aspx

Thank you Veterans

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This Veterans day, ComputerPeople would like to send a special thank you to all who have served our wonderful country. Our active duty soldiers, veterans, military spouses, and family members deserve the upmost respect for their unparalleled service to our nation.

We appreciate everything that you do to protect us!

Sincerely,
The  ComputerPeople Team

 

Visit our website here: http://www.cpstaffing.com/index.aspx

Visit our open jobs here: http://www.cpstaffing.com/jobs.aspx

How to Celebrate Halloween at Work

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Halloween has the potential to be a a wonderful workplace tradition. Costumes, treats, and other traditions have a way of helping to build a team oriented culture and a motivational work environment. Read on to see some of are advice on how to have a great halloween in the workplace.

Plan ahead. Most fun celebrations require some thought ahead of time, and not the morning of. Work with your team to establish whether or not costumes are okay and to what extent, what to bring, and other logistics. If you are going to have a costume contest, best practice is to outline the rules/dress code of the contest ahead of time in order to prevent any HR issues. Those types of mishaps can be a lot scarier than the ghosts and witches of Halloween!

Get creative. Not everyone likes dressing up, but most people love getting the chance to hangout with the team. Consider a Halloween breakfast, pumpkin carving contest, or other outside the box ideas for the workplace.

Consider Volunteering. Although Halloween is mostly considered a secular holiday, we should never force anyone to participate if they are not comfortable. If this is a concern  in your organization, one way to spend the day together would be to consider the needs of your community and volunteer! Employees can visit senior care centers, pediatric care department at a local hospital or homeless shelters. Clothing and food collection drives for local churches, charities, and food banks are more good options.

We hope this helps you have a safe and fun Halloween!

Visit our website here: http://www.cpstaffing.com/index.aspx

Visit our open jobs here: http://www.cpstaffing.com/jobs.aspx

Welcome Lindsay!

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ComputerPeople would like give a warm welcome to our newest team member, Lindsay Olewniczak!
Lindsay will be joining the ComputerPeople team officially as an Administrative Assistant, but she will also be providing support with our blog, social media, and other digital marketing efforts. Lindsay has many years of experience working in the fast paced automotive industry. She is a very quick learner with high attention to detail and a heart for helping others. We know she will be a great addition and we cannot wait to watch her succeed in her new role. We got together with Lindsay before her first day to get to know her a little bit better. Read on to see what she had to say.
What drew you to ComputerPeople Staffing?
I heard about ComputerPeople from a friend and decided to check it out. Once I met some of the amazing employees, I knew I would be lucky to be a part of the team.
Other than your work related duties, what skills or knowledge do you bring to the team?
I enjoy baking and trying new recipes. I also have three young kids, so I am pretty up to speed on all things Disney.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
I think it would be cool to be able to fly. I could go visit Florida and be back in time for dinner.
We are so excited to have you on our team, Lindsay!

Wellness In the Workplace

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The end of summer is quickly approaching, kids are getting ready to go back to school, and you may be starting to evaluate your summer fitness progress (or lack there of). Eight hours at a desk five days a week can really take a toll, but at least over the summer, many people have highly active nights and weekends. As we all start to get ready to spend more time indoors, you may be wondering how you can make your workplace a healthy space to aid in your health goals. Read on to learn about our top three tips on how to have a guilt free workday.

Avoid the candy jar. We all know where the candy jar is located at work, and after a long morning, it can be difficult to avoid. A couple M&Ms may seem like no big deal, but they can add hundreds of unnecessary calories to your diet every day if you are not careful. If you are hungry or absolutely cannot go without that 3pm pick me up, try keeping natural sweets on your desk. Grapes, Cherries, or Apples work wonderfully!

Drink lots of water. Staying hydrated is good for pretty much everything. It provides energy, promotes weight loss, helps your skin, prevents headaches, and boosts your immune system, just to name a few benefits. Bring a water bottle to work, and make it your goal to fill it up three, four, or even five times throughout the day. You can also set an alarm if you need that extra reminder.

Walk and Stretch. Walking throughout the day is a great way to promote health and fitness in the workplace. Take a walk during breaks, long conference calls (if you have a headset), or even just every couple hours to reward yourself for finishing a task. It may seem like no big deal, but getting up and moving around can make a huge difference in staying energized. If you are unable to get up regularly, try stretching at your desk multiple times per day to get moving and get a mental break from work.

How have you had success staying healthy at work? Comment below!

Written by Kaitlyn Gahagen

Employee Spotlight: Stephanie Joy

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Stephanie is our newest ComputerPeople employee. She has been with ComputerPeople since mid-April to assist with accounting duties. Although she has only been with us for a few months, she has known our team for almost a decade because she utilized FinancialPeople to staff her team when she was at Wilson Farms. Next time you are in the office, please make sure to give Stephanie a warm welcome!

We sat down with Stephanie to get her initial reaction to working with us at ComputerPeople. Here is what she had to say.

What sets ComputerPeople apart in the recruiting/business world?
Everyone here at ComputerPeople is genuine and kind.  They are looking out for the best interests of their clients and applicants.

What is your favorite office tradition at ComputerPeople?
I haven’t been with the team long, but I have already had the honor of celebrating milestones like birthdays and anniversaries. They are so much fun!

What is something most people probably do not know about ComputerPeople?
The team truly puts so much thought and energy into placements.  It is much more involved than I would have ever imagined.

What is something most people probably don’t know about you?
I don’t have much time for hobbies with my 5 and 3 year old daughters keeping me busy.  However, when I have time, I enjoy refinishing furniture.  My latest obsession is painting with an airless paint sprayer which I’m currently using to refinish our patio set.

Thanks, Stephanie! You have added so much expertise to our office, and we couldn’t be happier to have you as part of our team!

Written by Kaitlyn Gahagen