Tag Archives: Job search

How Communicating Rejection Notices Can Help Your Businesses’ Brand

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Welcome back to another edition of the ComputerPeople Staffing blog! In the competitive job market, how companies handle candidate rejection notices can significantly impact how they are perceived by active candidates. Delivering bad news is never easy, but it’s a critical aspect of the hiring process that, when done with empathy and professionalism, can turn a potentially negative experience into a positive one. Here’s how companies can improve their rejection communication to better their brand.

1. Timeliness is Key

  • Why It Matters: Prolonged silence can lead to frustration and anxiety for candidates. Timely communication shows respect for their time and effort.
  • How to Implement: Set clear timelines for each stage of the hiring process and communicate them to candidates. Send rejection notices as soon as the decision is made, ideally within a few days of the interview.

2. Personalize the Message

  • Why It Matters: Generic rejection letters often can feel impersonal and dismissive. If your company has the bandwidth to send personalized rejection messages, it can add a human layer to the situation. Personalized messages show that you value the candidate’s application and recognize their effort.
  • How to Implement: Address the candidate by name. Reference specific aspects of their application or interview. Use a warm and empathetic tone rather than a cold, formal one.

3. Express Gratitude

  • Why It Matters: Thanking candidates for their time and effort reinforces a positive impression of your company, even in the face of rejection.
  • How to Implement: Acknowledge the time and effort they put into their application and interview. Express appreciation for their interest in your company and the position.

4. Encourage Future Interaction

  • Why It Matters: Leaving the door open for future opportunities can maintain a positive relationship and potentially attract the candidate to apply for other roles.
  • How to Implement: Invite them to apply for future positions that match their skills and experience. Encourage them to follow your company on social media or join your talent community for updates on new openings.

5. Be Transparent About the Hiring Process

  • Why It Matters: Transparency builds trust and helps candidates understand your decision-making process, reducing feelings of frustration or unfairness.
  • How to Implement: Explain the hiring process and criteria used for selection. Offer insights into the qualities and experiences that were prioritized for the role. Make it human, not artificial!

6. Train Your Team

  • Why It Matters: Ensuring that everyone involved in the hiring process understands the importance of compassionate rejection communication can standardize and improve the candidate experience.
  • How to Implement: Provide training on best practices for delivering rejection notices. Share examples of well-crafted rejection letters. Encourage team members to put themselves in the candidate’s shoes, as they were once candidates!

Communicating rejection notices with care is an essential part of the hiring process that can significantly impact your company’s brand. By being timely, personal, and constructive, you can leave a positive impression on candidates, even in rejection. This approach not only enhances your employer brand but also fosters goodwill and encourages top talent to consider your company for future opportunities.

Implementing these strategies demonstrates that your company values all candidates, not just those who are hired. By treating every candidate with respect and empathy, you contribute to a positive reputation that can attract high-quality candidates and set your company apart in the competitive job market.

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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

Finding Your True Fit: 5 Signs You’re in the Right Workspace

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Welcome back to another edition of the ComputerPeople Staffing blog! In today’s dynamic work landscape, finding the perfect workspace isn’t just about securing a job—it’s about finding the environment where you can truly thrive and be your authentic self. As professionals, we spend a significant portion of our lives at work, so it’s essential to ensure that we’re in the right place. In this blog, we’ll explore five key indicators that signify you’re in the ideal workspace where you can flourish personally and professionally!

Alignment with Company Values and Culture

Being in the right workspace means more than just having a job title; it means being part of a community that shares your values and beliefs. When your personal values align with those of your employer, you’ll feel a sense of belonging and purpose. Whether it’s a commitment to innovation, diversity, or social responsibility, working in an environment where you feel aligned with the company culture fosters a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.

Opportunities for Growth and Development

In the right workspace, you’ll find many career-evolving opportunities for professional growth and development. Whether it’s through training workshops, shadowing colleagues, or challenging projects, your employer invests in your continuous learning and career advancement. Feeling supported in your professional journey not only boosts your confidence, but also keeps you motivated and engaged in your work.

Positive Relationships with Colleagues and Leadership

A supportive work environment is characterized by positive relationships with colleagues and leadership. When you’re in the right workspace, you’ll experience open communication, mutual respect, and collaboration among team members. You won’t feel afraid to ask questions, engage with colleagues or even lean into them when you experience something in your personal life, Additionally, effective leadership that values transparency and empowers employees contributes to a healthy work culture where everyone feels valued and heard.

Work-Life Balance and Well-being

A conducive workspace prioritizes employee well-being and promotes a healthy work-life balance. Whether it’s flexible work hours, remote work options, or wellness programs, your employer recognizes the importance of maintaining a harmonious equilibrium between work and personal life. Feeling supported in achieving this balance allows you to perform at your best while also nurturing your overall well-being.

Recognition and Appreciation

In the right workspace, your contributions are recognized and appreciated. Whether it’s a simple word of thanks, public acknowledgment, or rewards for outstanding performance, your employer values your efforts and celebrates your achievements. Feeling appreciated boosts morale, fosters a positive work environment, and reinforces your commitment to delivering excellence.

What to Do If You Are Not in the Ideal Workplace

Assess the Situation: Evaluate what aspects of the workspace are not ideal for you, whether it’s the environment, tasks, relationships, or other factors.

Communicate Constructively: Discuss your concerns with your supervisor or relevant colleagues in a respectful and constructive manner. Offer potential solutions or compromises to improve the situation.

If the situation doesn’t improve after communicating, Explore Opportunities: Keep an eye out for internal or external opportunities that align better with your career goals and values. Networking, updating your resume, and attending relevant events can help you explore new possibilities.

As we conclude, it’s essential to recognize that these five signs are just the beginning of what constitutes the right workspace. If you’re realizing that your current environment may not be the best fit for you, it’s vital to acknowledge these concerns and take proactive steps forward. Every company and business boasts its own distinctive attributes, and discovering those that resonate with your desires, requirements, and principles is paramount. Cultivating a positive atmosphere in the workplace not only nurtures growth and yields results but also paves the way for enduring success.

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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

ComputerPeople Staffing Featured Candidates

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ComputerPeople invites you to take a look at our featured candidates. Please note that this list updates frequently and is active. We recommend you bookmark this tab so you can view our latest additions.

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CANDIDATE #48337

JOB CATEGORY: Network / System Admin / Engineer 

JOB TITLE:   Network Analyst, Network Engineer, Network Security

TOP SKILLS:   Cisco & Meraki products, Aruba, AWS, SDWAN platform, Fortinet, Checkpoint, Routing protocols (BGP/EIGRP)

JOB TYPE:     Direct Hire, Hybrid, On-Site, Remote        

SALARY:       115k  

EDUCATION:     High School Diploma 

EXPERIENCE:     20 Years of Technical Experience

20+ Years of experience working in enterprise technical environments, with a progressive approach to technical platforms and hybrid cloud infrastructure deliveries. Strong background in network security, network administration, engineering and business solution outcomes.

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CANDIDATE #5322  

JOB CATEGORY: Database Reporting and Administration 

JOB TITLE:   Sr. Database and Reporting Analyst 

TOP SKILLS:   SQL, SSRS, ETL, Power BI, SharePoint 

JOB TYPE:     Direct Hire, Onsite, Remote, Hybrid         

SALARY:       90k – 100k  

EDUCATION:     High School Diploma 

EXPERIENCE:     30+ Years

Seasoned Database Administrator and Reporting Analyst with expert level SQL and SSRS Reporting skills. Candidate has Managerial experience but is also open to a high-level contributor role. Outstanding communications skills and exceptional collaborator. Strongly prefers Remote but is open to Hybrid or Onsite for the right fit.

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CANDIDATE #64414  

JOB CATEGORY: Network / System Admin / Engineer 

JOB TITLE:   Assistant System Administrator 

TOP SKILLS:   Active Directory, Azure/Entra , Server Management, Microsoft 365 (Exchange, Teams, SharePoint), Microsoft Intune 

JOB TYPE:     Direct Hire, Onsite, Remote, Hybrid       

SALARY:       75k  

EDUCATION:     High School Diploma 

EXPERIENCE:     4 Years

Mid-level System Administrator with strong skills related to Microsoft technologies.  Seeking a team-oriented, collaborative environment where he can gain experience and sharpen skills.  Proficient with On-prem Active Directory, Azure Entra for hybrid deployment (MFA, SSO), and Office 365.   

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CANDIDATE #8588

JOB CATEGORY: Project/Program Manager 

JOB TITLE:   Sr. IT Project Manager    

TOP SKILLS:   ERP Implementations ( esp. SAP), Azure Dev/Ops, Agile / Waterfall

JOB TYPE:     Direct Hire or Contract, Remote, Hybrid     

SALARY:       170k+   

EDUCATION:     BS

EXPERIENCE:     20 Years

Outstanding communicator and presentation skills!  3+ years of consulting experience working for SAP implementation partner.  Will easily build relationships necessary to remove obstacles and get things done.  

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CANDIDATE #8162

JOB CATEGORY: Product Manager 

JOB TITLE:   IT Product Manager        

TOP SKILLS:   Product & Project Management, Agile Methodology & Tools, Scrum

 JOB TYPE:     Direct Hire, Hybrid, Remote  

SALARY:       150k   

EDUCATION:     BS

EXPERIENCE:     20 Years

Solid career in Project Management that transitioned to Scrum Master and Product Manager.  Strong foundation in Agile with expertise in Atlassian suite of tools (Jira, Trello, Confluence, etc.) as user & administrator.  Team manager, leads ceremonies, PI Planning, strategy and roadmap development.  Fast learner, excellent communicator- smart & gets things done! 

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CANDIDATE #4537

JOB CATEGORY: Help Desk/ IT Support

JOB TITLE:   IT Hardware & Software Support Specialist        

TOP SKILLS:   Help Desk , Computer Set Up, Imaging  

JOB TYPE:     Contract Only (full or part time), on site, hybrid, remote 

SALARY:       35-40 / hr    

EDUCATION:     College Coursework     

EXPERIENCE:     30 Years

Candidate has been a repeat contractor for us for many years with glowing reviews!   Semi-Retired Systems Engineer with extensive MSP experience – you get experience, reliability and maturity for a great value!   Good experience in Microsoft Windows OS, AD, laptop/PC/printer Hardware setup & support, ticketing systems (esp. ConnectWise), server/desktop upgrades, imaging, project planning & management.

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CANDIDATE #64427

JOB CATEGORY: Program/Project Management

JOB TITLE:   Program Manager      

TOP SKILLS:   IIoT, Operations, Program/Project Management, B2B technology-based products, software & Services, New Product delivery, Business Process Change

JOB TYPE:     Contract, Part Time, Full Time

SALARY:       200K (Hourly rate is $100 per hour)   

EDUCATION:     MBA  

EXPERIENCE:     25 years

Our candidate would be open to a part-time or full-time, contract related role, dealing with process changes, business operations initiatives, project/program management. She has successfully led cross-organizational initiatives for new product delivery, opportunity assessment and deployment of business/process change. She is looking for a project that she can stand behind.

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CANDIDATE #47749

JOB CATEGORY: Management

JOB TITLE:   IT Manager /Security Compliance      

TOP SKILLS:   NIST, HIPAA, SOC, Endpoint management, Azure, MS365, Disaster Response, Healthcare Industry knowledge, AI

JOB TYPE:     Direct Hire

SALARY:       140K      

EDUCATION:     Bachelor’s Degree  

EXPERIENCE:     5 Years 

Our candidate has a lot of experience in the Healthcare space, dealing with long and short term IT strategy planning. They have experience improving and creating systems, leading company-wide disaster response planning events, assessing risk, including compliance with HIPAA, NIST and SOC 2 Type audits.

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CANDIDATE #64421

JOB CATEGORY: Software Development

JOB TITLE:   Junior Software Developer         

TOP SKILLS:   HTML, CSS, MySQL, JavaScript, Java, Python, Agile Methodology 

JOB TYPE:     Contract, Direct Hire, Remote, Hybrid, Onsite- Open to all     

SALARY:        50K         

EDUCATION:     Pursing bachelor’s degree in computer science Online    

EXPERIENCE:     Less than 1 

Up and coming Junior Developer with some great internship and project experience.  Currently working on an AI app utilizing Python.  Strong front end development skills as well as SQL database. Would love to join a development team in WNY that will mentor him and allow him more exposure to other languages and frameworks.  

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CANDIDATE #64420

JOB CATEGORY: Network/Sys Admin/Engineer

JOB TITLE:   Infrastructure/Network/Systems Engineer         

TOP SKILLS:   Azure Tenant, Azure Cloud, Cisco Meraki, Endpoint management, SharePoint migrations, Intune, SD-WAN, Manufacturing environment, Linux Operating System, MS

JOB TYPE:     Direct Hire   

SALARY:        120K         

EDUCATION:     Bachelor of Science: Information Systems & CCNP   

EXPERIENCE:     15 Years   

This candidate has manufacturing and enterprise IT experience, with a strong desire to continue working in a Networking or Engineering position. Has experience working with unique infrastructure and IT Projects.  

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CANDIDATE #7694

JOB CATEGORY: Business Analyst 

JOB TITLE:   Sr. Business Analyst        

TOP SKILLS:   Billing, Payroll, Cognos reporting, SQL, Audits, IAM   

JOB TYPE:     Contract, Direct Hire , Remote, Hybrid, Onsite   

SALARY:        105K-110K          

EDUCATION:     BS – Computer Information Systems        

EXPERIENCE:     18 Years 

Enterprise level BA with strong accounting/payroll/billing/claims background.  Adept at requirements gathering, data analysis, SQL for mapping/reporting, UAT, strong troubleshooting skills.  Agile experience and prior roles in Applications Security Administration / IAM.    

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CANDIDATE #64396   

JOB CATEGORY: Management

JOB TITLE:   BI / SQL Developer         

TOP SKILLS:   SQL, Power BI, Python, Excel     

JOB TYPE:     Direct Hire      

SALARY:        100k          

EDUCATION:     Bachelor’s Degree        

EXPERIENCE:     2+ years   

Candidate is currently the IT Director for a small company and has a strong interest in Data Analytics / Business Intelligence. Implemented Power BI in current role and handles all of the Data Analytics, BI, Reporting, and SQL Programming. Candidate and is open to onsite/hybrid/remote Direct Hire opportunities. 

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CANDIDATE #64407  

JOB CATEGORY:  Business Intelligence / Data Analytics

JOB TITLE:   Power BI Developer          

TOP SKILLS:   Power BI, SQL, Snowflake, KPI’s, ETL, Data Analysis    

JOB TYPE:     Direct Hire Only     

SALARY:        95k          

EDUCATION:     Some College         

EXPERIENCE:     4 Years    

Committed and driven analyst with 4 years of experience in Power BI development, SQL, DAX, table management, sales optimization and varied business intelligence. Built and maintained numerous datasets and reporting suites with target audiences varying from entry level associates to senior management. Strong presentation skills, critical thinking ability, and the drive to grow and thrive when presented with new challenges.

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CANDIDATE #64401

JOB CATEGORY: Help Desk / IT Support

JOB TITLE:   IT Specialist           

TOP SKILLS:   Support Issues, Virtualization, Microsoft Azure, Legacy Systems    

JOB TYPE:     Direct Hire Only     

SALARY:        65k          

EDUCATION:   Studying for CCNA now        

EXPERIENCE:     1 Year of IT experience (Career change from Electrician)     

Candidate is leaning towards a career in networking, viewing it as fundamental to IT. They are completing their CCNA certification for more hands-on experience. They are open to exploring different opportunities but want to ensure a smooth transition from their current employer. 

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CANDIDATE #9137  

JOB CATEGORY:    Management     

JOB TITLE:     Director / VP / CIO / Portfolio Manager           

TOP SKILLS:    Business Process Re-engineering, ERP Implementations, BI/Analytics, Portfolio/Project Mgmt, Manufacturing         

JOB TYPE:     Contract, Direct Hire , Remote, Hybrid, Onsite         

SALARY:          170k+        

EDUCATION:       BS     

EXPERIENCE:       20+ 

Impressive career in large, international manufacturing company with oversight for technology transformation and strategy around ERP systems, BI & Analytics and Business Process Re-engineering. 

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CANDIDATE #64355

JOB CATEGORY: Network/Sys Admin/Engineer

JOB TITLE:             Systems Administrator     

TOP SKILLS:        Linux, AWS Cloud, Oracle Cloud 

JOB TYPE:     Contract, Direct Hire, Remote, Hybrid, Onsite      

SALARY:           75k      

EDUCATION:        Associates Degree in Information Technology  

EXPERIENCE:       10 + Years    

Great candidate that has only had two jobs in the last 15 years. Capable of growing and advancing in your IT Department. This candidate is willing to take a step backwards, to learn other technology. Candidate has done Technical Support, NOC, Systems Administration. Our candidate has configured, deployed, and supported high-availability enterprise environments. 

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CANDIDATE #48250

JOB CATEGORY: IT Security

JOB TITLE:                     Cybersecurity Risk Analyst

TOP SKILLS:                  Governance, Risk, Compliance, Identity and Access Management

JOB TYPE:                      Direct Hire  

SALARY:                         85K+ 

EDUCATION:                BS Computer Information Systems 

EXPERIENCE:               5+ years        

Candidate possesses excellent interpersonal skills and has 5+ years of professional Cybersecurity experience.  Seeking a Threat Analyst, Security Analyst, or Identity and Access Management (IAM) role. Our candidate is only open to Direct Hire opportunities. 

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CANDIDATE #11519

JOB CATEGORY: Network/Sys Admin/Engineer

JOB TITLE:                     Network Security Engineer

TOP SKILLS:                 Cisco Networking, Cisco ISE, VLANS, Firewalls, Fortinet 

JOB TYPE:                     Contract, Direct Hire , Remote, Hybrid, Onsite

SALARY:                        85k- 120k

EDUCATION:               Bachelor’s Degree 

EXPERIENCE:               20 Years         

Proficient in Cisco networking, LAN/WAN, VoIP solutions, technical communication, and leadership. Maintaining Cisco ISE, implementing network segmentation, using Nexpose vulnerability scanner, and managing Fortinet systems.  Extensive experience in maintaining Cisco environments, upgrading systems, implementing network security measures, and project management for infrastructure upgrades.

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CANDIDATE #53237

JOB CATEGORY: Help Desk / IT Support

JOB TITLE:                      Lead Information Technology Analyst  

TOP SKILLS:                  Active Directory, VMware, Microsoft Azure, Intune, ServiceNow  

JOB TYPE:                      Direct Hire 

SALARY:                         70k 

EDUCATION:                Master’s Degree -Information Security and Digital Forensics

EXPERIENCE:               2 Years        

Candidate is a recent college grad but has been working in IT while obtaining his Master’s Degree. Would like to work more towards a role in Cyber Security or a Systems Administrator role.  

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CANDIDATE #63758 

JOB CATEGORY: IT Security

JOB TITLE:                      Information Security Analyst 

TOP SKILLS:                  IAM, MFA, Active Directory 

JOB TYPE:                      Direct Hire 

SALARY:                         65K+ 

EDUCATION:                BS Computer Science 

CERTIFICATIONS:      CompTIA Security+ 

EXPERIENCE:               4+ years         

Candidate has excellent interpersonal skills and a strong Identity Access Management (IAM) background.  Familiar with authentication methods such as Single sign-on (SSO) and Multi-factor authentication (MFA).  Seeking a Direct Hire position related to IT Security/IAM.   

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CANDIDATE #64237

JOB CATEGORY: Project / Program Management

JOB TITLE:                     Director, Information Technology 

TOP SKILLS:                  Leadership, IT Strategic Planning, Project/Program Management 

JOB TYPE:                      Direct Hire OR Contract 

SALARY:                         175K+ OR 75+/hour 

EDUCATION:                BS Business Administration / MBA (In Progress) 

CERTIFICATIONS:      ITIL, SIX SIGMA GREEN BELT, CSPO, CSM 

EXPERIENCE:               20+ years 

Candidate possesses strong leadership skills and has 20+ years’ professional experience.  Has successfully led and managed countless Enterprise IT Infrastructure initiatives.  Seeking an IT Director/Manager role or something in the Project/Program Management space.  Open to both Direct Hire and Contract opportunities. 

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CANDIDATE #22898 

JOB CATEGORY:    Network/Sys Admin/Engineer

JOB TITLE:           Systems /Network Engineer      

TOP SKILLS:        Server Administration, Network and Server Infrastructure, Cisco Routers, Virtualization    

JOB TYPE:     Contract, Direct Hire , Remote, Hybrid, Onsite       

SALARY:                 80k 

EDUCATION:          Associates of Computer Networking Systems  

EXPERIENCE:        13+ Years     

Specializes in managing network and server infrastructure, providing help desk support, researching and implementing new products for productivity and security. Experienced in Cisco routers, HP managed switches, server administration, VOIP systems, software and hardware troubleshooting, PC setup, Citrix Hosted Desktop, email systems, and wireless access points. 

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CANDIDATE #64200

JOB CATEGORY: Business Intelligence / Data Analytics

JOB TITLE:   Data Engineer / Sr. Programmer Analyst              

TOP SKILLS:    Azure Data Factory / Databricks,  API, SQL, VB, PIM, SAP, TIBCO 

JOB TYPE:     Direct Hire, Contract, Onsite, Hybrid  

SALARY:    100K – 120K               

EDUCATION:   BS – Computer Information Systems         

EXPERIENCE:    20 years 

Extensive experience in ERP Systems Integration & Administration (SAP, PIM, Tibco). Recent experience as Data Engineer for Azure Platform (ETL, Datawarehouse, Python) – Agile environment. Strong programming in SQL (Oracle/MS SQL), VB 6.0.

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CANDIDATE #49289

JOB CATEGORY: Software Development

JOB TITLE:               Software Developer

TOP SKILLS:            Restful API, SQL, Agile Methodologies

JOB TYPE:                Direct Hire

SALARY:                  100k – 110k

EDUCATION:          BS Computer Science

EXPERIENCE:         6+ years     

Developer with a background mainly in C# / .NET, that has experience in console applications and simple web user interfaces in both a team and individual setting. Looking for new challenges that will allow them to gain new knowledge or deepen the knowledge that they have previously gained.

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If you are interested in one of our hot candidates, please email us directly at dmichaud@cpstaffing.com.

Don’t see the right fit? Let us know and we can find you another candidate with different qualifications and skills!

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

What Does Diversity in the Workplace Mean to You?

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Welcome back to another edition of the ComputerPeople Staffing blog! This month, we are taking the time to reflect on an important aspect of the work environment: diversity. Diversity is not a hard or soft skill you put on a resume, or something that should be taken lightly, but a unique attribute imbedded in every single person. Merriam-Webster defines diversity as “the condition of having or being composed of differing elements, especially, the inclusion of people of different races, cultures, etc. in a group or organization.”

There are several key examples of diversity. Age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, education, marital status, and disability are a few examples of diversity. You may be able to see diversity, but you are also able to hear it through other peoples experiences, and feel it through other peoples emotions.

In past years, diversity was not considered a highly important aspect in the workplace, resulting in groups of people being marginalized, while others got to climb the ladder and succeed. People of color, women, and LGBTQIA+ frequently face the more counts of discrimination, compared to people of Caucasian descent, men and straight/cisgender people. As time moved on, the United States began ushering in new federal laws to protect people against workplace discrimination. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, protects employees and job applicants from employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex and national origin. The Equal Pay Act of 1963 protects men and women from sex-based wage discrimination in the payment of wages or benefits, who perform substantially equal work in the same establishment. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), as amended, protects persons 40 years of age or older from age-based employment discrimination. These are a few examples of the progress made in our country to continue to protect individuals from discrimination in the workplace.

In today’s age, the United States and businesses have made great strides to protect people from the evils of workplace discrimination. Marginalized groups are now earning their rightfully deserved seat at the table, and moving up the ladder. While there is still more work to do, we can confidently say that there is unity in diversity, and that every person deserves to have a voice, a story, a goal, a vision, and a place in such company.

Before we wrap up, I leave you with some examples of what diversity means to a wide variety of bright minds and professionals!

“For me, diversity promotes the expression of individuality and encourages collaboration with people who have differernt backgrounds and perspectives and also provides a safe space for people to be themselves and bring their best version of themselves to work.” – Joshua Vantino, Leasing Professional

“To me, diversity in the workplace means the freedom to be my truest self. I think having a diverse workplace is important , because it fosters new ideas from many different viewpoints and perspectives. I believe this is necessary to help an organization stay modern and function smoothly.” – Connor Lloyd, Staffing Manager

“Diversity to me means not having any apprehension to people joining the team based on any bias. Our character and our skills should be prioritized over anything and I feel this is something that still needs reminding of to this day sadly.” – Dario Surphlis, Payment Admin

“I am thankful that my company embraces age diversity.  As one of the more senior employees, I often bring a different perspective than my younger colleagues and conversely, I learn a lot from my co-workers who were raised in a completely different generation.  Age diversity encourages fresh thinking and differing perspectives, which fosters positive collaboration in a team setting.” – Beth Courtney, Sr. Technical Sourcing Specialist

“Workplace diversity means showing black employees that they exist and belong; that they don’t have to overcompensate to achieve.” – Anthony Peoples II, Data Annotation Lead

“To me, diversity means the inclusion of people with different skin colors, genders, sexual orientations, and ethnic backgrounds. Ultimately, it’s bringing a group together with overall different qualities that make then who they are.” – Renee Hersperger, Associate Marketing Analyst

“To me, diversity in the workplace means that there is an environment where different backgrounds are embraced and new ideas are encouraged.” – Abigail Giambra, Senior IT Auditor

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Thanks for reading! If you are a business in the Western New York Area and are 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

Contractor Chronicles: Insights into the 2024 Job Market

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Welcome back to another edition of the ComputerPeople Staffing blog! As we step into a new year filled with promise and possibilities, it’s crucial to delve into the dynamics of the job market, particularly the evolving landscape of hiring contractors versus direct hire employees.

In the past year, there has been a noticeable surge in the preference for contract workers over direct hires. This shift is not arbitrary but a strategic response to the multifaceted challenges faced by companies. Balancing the need for additional workforce, tackling the complexities of the hiring process, managing escalating costs, and staying abreast of trends in a rapidly changing environment have led companies to increasingly opt for contract hires.

Contract employees offer a unique solution, enabling companies to meet specific and targeted needs precisely when required. These individuals bring specialized expertise, bridging talent gaps in organizations. LinkedIn projects a substantial growth in U.S. gig workers, exceeding 90.1 million by 2028. This trend signals the continued rise of temporary work, emphasizing the flexibility that contract workers bring to the table.

One significant advantage of hiring contractors lies in the reduction of benefit expenses. If the contractor works remotely, additional savings are realized. Companies can allocate resources more efficiently by using contractors for niche roles, avoiding the long-term commitment and expenses associated with W2 employees. Beyond benefit expenses, contract employees also contribute to reduced overtime costs, offer flexibility in staffing expenditures, and minimize training expenses.

As we navigate the landscape of 2024, contractors will play a pivotal role, presenting abundant opportunities for growth and success. At ComputerPeople Staffing, we understand the significance of contractors and are committed to helping our clients find the perfect fit for their crucial contract roles. Our strong relationships with contractors have resulted in ‘win-win’ partnerships, where both parties benefit from mutual success. Contractors have embraced new and challenging roles, developing their skills, and helping our clients meet the dynamic needs of their business.

At ComputerPeople Staffing, we go above and beyond to make contracting an attractive option for candidates. Contrary to common misconceptions, we offer comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as paid time off, to our valued contractors. We understand that many candidates may not be aware of these offerings, and it’s often the number one reason why people hesitate to consider contracting as a viable career option.

In this ever-changing job market, we stand ready to adapt to the challenges that may arise, ensuring that we connect talent with opportunity. If you are a business looking to fill important IT roles, visit us at cpstaffing.com to explore how we can be your strategic partner in navigating the evolving landscape of the 2024 job market!

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Thanks for reading! If you are a business in the Western New York Area and are 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

Creating A Resume From a Template? Read this First.

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Resume templates are amazing tools. They allow candidates to create stunning resumes in a short amount of time. They are usually easy to read, cover all the details, and look very professional. However, if you use a template resume, there are a couple of mistakes that are easy to make. Read on to find out some of the most commonly made mistakes when using a template resume and how to avoid them.

Not filling in all of the sections. This seems so simple, but you would be surprised how often we see things like [company name here], [more detail about your role here], and [add your reference here]. Recruiters and hiring managers usually take about 30 seconds or less to review a resume, but that is an extremely noticeable mistake that will ALWAYS be caught. Employers want to know that you have attention to detail, and this is a quick way to get yourself dismissed from the candidate search. You can avoid this my reading over every word of your resume out loud before you submit. When you read out loud, your brain cannot skip over things and you will catch the mistake. We also recommend having one of our recruiters or a trusted friend read over your resume before you submit it.

Not listing all of your experience. Just because your resume template only has three sections of prior experience does not mean you should only list three sections of prior experience. It is definitely okay to break the mold of the resume template if you have extra sections to add. Also, don’t forget to add things like relevant skills or experience if that information would be applicable to the job. You can avoid this by brainstorming all of your experience and skills into an unformatted “master resume.” When you apply to a new job, make sure to highlight the most relevant things from your “master resume,” and do not include the things that are not relevant. You never want to lie or exaggerate on your resume, but it is definitely a great idea to tailor your resume to the job.

Not fixing your spacing. You should do everything you can to try and keep your resume down to one page, especially if you do not have a lot of experience. If you absolutely have to go on to two or three pages then that is okay, but do everything you can with spacing and margins to reduce the amount of pages in your resume before you submit. Your first priority should be that your resume is easily readable, but you also want to keep it as short as possible while still including details about your skillset and experiences.

Is your resume based on a template? Comment back with the mistakes that you caught or lessons that you learned!

 

Written by Kaitlyn Gahagen 

5 Resume Tips You Can Implement In 5 Minutes

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Want to spruce up your resume but short on time? Here are a couple of quick fixes that you can implement right now for a resume that already has great content.

Use effective titles. A good resume title will help potential employers to understand your skills, experience, and interests. Titles should be clear and concise. Use an appropriate title and save your accomplishments for the body of your resume.

Proofread. I cannot stress the importance of this one enough. If there is even one misspelling or grammatical error in your resume, and your potential employer catches it, your resume will be tossed immediately.

List the most important information first. This will help with your first impression. Your employer will start to make decisions about bringing you in for an interview after the first few sentences of your resume. The earlier something is in your resume, the less likely a potential employer is to skip over it.

Use a basic font. I know you want to stand out and be creative, but you want to do that with your skills and accomplishments, not your font. Also, in general, for anything in life, do not use comic sands. It’s basically the Nickelback of the font world.

Use bold and italics where appropriate. Your resume will be easier to read, less confusing, and the most important things will stand out. But remember, I said where appropriate. Have a friend double check your bold and italic use to make sure that you did get too aggressive if you are not sure.

Does your resume need some more TLC? Our recruiters at ComputerPeople are resume experts. Contact us at computerpeople@cpstaffing.com for resume help and IT recruiting services.

Written by Kaitlyn Gahagen

Applying for a new job? Don’t be surprised if you have to take a test.

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Your test-taking days are not over!

Personality tests are becoming more and more popular for candidates and new hires. Sometimes it is part of the hiring process, and sometimes it is post-hire for training and learning purposes. Either way, personality tests can be stressful because testers can begin to feel concerned that they have to answer the way management would want them to answer. However, this thought process does not work. Here are a few tips if you have to take a personality test.

  1. Be yourself. You cannot outsmart the test, so don’t try to. You want to answer truthfully so that you don’t end up looking indecisive or dishonest.
  2. Don’t rush. Personality tests can be boring and draining but you should try to take your time and do your best.
  3. Enjoy the opportunity for honesty. It is a lot easier to admit your faults to a screen than it is to a person, and no one will hold it against you for doing just that. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and letting your employers know what they are ahead of time will help them to set you up for success in the workplace.

You should not be afraid of a personality test. Be yourself, don’t rush, and enjoy the opportunity for open communication.

Have you ever had to take a personality test? What was it like?

 

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Written by Kaitlyn Gahagen

Top Perks of Working With a CP Staffing Recruiter

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I have previously discussed the facts and myths of working with a staffing agency, but the great thing about letting a recruiter help you in your career search is the amount of awesome perks that come along with it. Although many people will come across a staffing agency at some point in their career, a lot are hesitant to jump on board. However, I can give you at least five great pros for working with a great staffing agency, particularly CP Staffing Solutions, which will make you want to ditch the endless online job applications. 😉

  1. Delegation of job search.

    The greatest perk of working with our recruiters is that the recruiter works for you! Instead of you spending countless days and hours filling out online applications for a countless amount of jobs, we will do the job search for you – so you can relax! 😉 . Not only will we be aware of what you need and what you are looking for, but we also know what our client needs and what they want, so we can make sure that we link you with the right employer, on all accounts.

  2. Open door to hidden jobs.

    Perhaps equally as good as (or even better than) doing the job search for you is the fact that our recruiters have access to jobs that you would otherwise never find. Top employers hire employment agencies to find top talent, and so you might never see these top-quality jobs posted online. And so, while you’re pulling your hair out trying to find your dream job, you may be missing out on it because it’s actually hidden – with us!

  3. Untapped potential.

    Another great benefit of working with CP Staffing Solutions is that with over 125 combined years of recruiting experience, we know talent when we see it. We are able to pinpoint strengths and skills that fit a particular job, that you may not have even been aware of yourself. With our ability to recognize key skills and experience, we are able to introduce you to new career options that you may have not considered before.

  4. Coaching.

    What is a great staffing agency without that personal touch? The best part of CP Staffing (in my opinion and from my experience) is that our recruiters don’t throw you out on a limb; they prepare you for your interviews, making sure that you are your best professional self when meeting with your potential employer. How many times do you stay up tossing and turning the night before a big interview because you’re not sure of how prepared you are? CP Staffing recruiters make that preparation a lot easier, so you can get a good night sleep (we hope!). 🙂

  5. Salary negotiation.

    A big, and oftentimes uncomfortable, part of the hiring process is the salary negotiation. I used to get knots in my stomach just thinking about that whenever I knew that conversation was coming. We make this a whole lot easier for you due to our long standing relationships with our clients. While we will absolutely remain realistic with the salary expectations (which depend on your experience, skills, etc.) we are also able to get you the best negotiation for your salary, so you don’t feel like you have to throw up at the thought of this discussion.

Save yourself the trouble.

As you can see, you can save yourself a lot of headaches when you let us help you. Helping you find the best possible career fit is what we are here to do, and we love doing it! So, the next time you’re in the market and you’re looking for a more effective and efficient way to find a job, give us a call! We promise we won’t bite – we are here to help. 🙂

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By Nayadee Wilson

4 Traits of a Company You’ll Want to Work for

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Searching for a new job is not always nice and easy. It takes a lot of time, preparation, diligence, you name it! Not only is this search mentally exhausting, but it’s hard enough just getting an interview, let alone finding that awesome company you’ve always wanted to work with. Sometimes we get so caught up in our temporary state of desperation that we are ready to take whatever comes first. Or, the opposite may happen, where we are so stuck in our financial requirements or desired job title that we refuse to work with any company that does not meet those specific needs. Well, you may find that in either situation the decision to accept/refuse a job offer without considering the kind of company you will work for may cost you. Here are some things that I’ve learned say a lot about a company’s structure, which can help you make the right decision when it comes to your next career move.

  1. Let’s not forget about our community.

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    Cindy and Kaitlyn at the Susan B. Coleman Race for a Cure – June 2016

    One of my favorite traits of CP Staffing Solutions is the company’s ability and desire to care and be involved in the community that we are part of. Willingness to give and take care of the community says a lot about a company because it shows that they care about more than just making a profit. When the company cares about others, it means that they will care about you. When they care about you, it means you will have opportunity. Here is one of the messages our president, Cindy Neese, has sent to us:
    “Team,
    I wanted to share this email with everyone in the office.  Kaitlyn recently made me aware of this Volunteer WNY Newsletter that goes out by United Way.  If you sign up, you will get then notifications of different opportunities with non-for-profit organizations locally that are looking for volunteers for different fundraisers. As a company, I would like to see us do at least 2 of these each calendar year, but there may be opportunities for you to sign up as individual or family event that you might like to do.  Also, if we see something that we can do as a team, this would be a great way to get those notifications.   If you click on www.volunteerwny.org, it will take you to the main site where you can register for the monthly newsletter.

    Thank you, Cindy”

    If you’re not sure whether the company you’re interviewing with has much involvement in their community, then feel free to do some research. Additionally, this could be a good question for you to ask during the interview. When the dreaded “do you have any questions for me?” statement comes up at the end and you draw a blank, you could ask, “Do you have any outside projects that you participate in as company, such as volunteer work or anything like that?”

  2. Our employees make this baby run!

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    Employee Appreciation Happy Hour!

    So maybe the company you’ve encountered doesn’t have the chance to do much volunteer work, but they have other ways in which they show they care: the unquestionable value of their employees. When higher management openly expresses appreciation for their employees, it says a lot about the kind of environment you will be working in. I’ve never met anyone who is a greater example of this than our very own Cindy Neese (I will talk about her a lot, because she truly is awesome).

    In a previous blog titled “Note from the President; Cindy Neese on Leadership,” Cindy wrote how “Many leaders could never imagine leading a company with Love – the verb not the emotion.  I am talking about actions, not feelings,” and I could honestly say she practices what she preaches. Cindy never misses the opportunity to let us know when we do a good job, (no matter how small the task is), she lets us know the ways in which our job is valuable and useful – just this morning she came in to ring a bell to tell everyone how they’re doing a wonderful job, due to some good news she had just received – and she does her best to do really nice gestures for us all. Not only does this kind of appreciation motivate employees, but it makes us happy to come and work with her.

  3. We’re like a second family.

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    Facebook post from a valued employee 🙂

    One of the most important facts about valuing employees is that the expression of care is contagious! As a leader, Cindy teaches all of us how to treat each other in the same manner, which makes for a great atmosphere in the workplace. A great company will not only have top management care for you, but it will also have its employees caring for each other. It is a huge sign of good leadership. The same way our president gives praise to her employees, we also give praise to each other. The same way she makes great, small gestures, we also do those kinds of gestures for each other (as you can see from the picture on the right). I love our team! 🙂

    When you decide to work for a particular company, it might be a good idea to scope out the atmosphere. How do employees treat each other, talk to (or about) each other? If you can’t really tell at first glance, you could check out some of the company reviews online. Additionally, if you know someone already in the company, you can ask them for their opinion on how they feel about the environment. Having a good crew to work with means you will have a much more relaxed environment, making you feel more motivated to come to work, as opposed to having to come in to work with people that just… don’t necessarily make for a great experience. 🙂

  4. No more drama!

    The very last thing you would want to deal with at your new job is drama. This is not always very easy to spot from a first interview, but it will not take long for it to surface if you’ve already started the job. One way you can spot this trait is by watching for the kinds of things your interviewer decides to share about the company or its staff. A previous coworker and friend (from a previous company I used to work for), told me about their interview experience. This individual was completely in shock because, during the interview, the manager began to talk about the employees, and not necessarily in a positive way. The interviewing manager talked about some of the employee’s personalities, using phrases such as “so-and-so can be very defensive,” as well as, “we have someone who doesn’t seem to want be here,” and, “everything is a mess because so-and-so did this,” etc.

    When the interviewer blatantly discredits his/her employees, it may be a sign of mistrust, favoritism, and undervalue. This is the part where you start to look at your other options (red flag alert!). Having this kind of environment in the workplace can attribute to significant levels of stress, as well as interfere with your ability and skills to do your job in the first place. It also makes you question the kind of opportunity you’ll really have in the company if it will mainly depend on how much your boss “likes you.” 

Choose success, but don’t forget peace of mind.

Before making the decision to jump on board or “swipe left” on a particular company, make sure you take note of the little things. Working for an unethical company or one that does not value its employees and/or their talents will only hurt you in the long run, and you will be miserable – no matter what your title is or how much they pay you. If you’ve already started working for the company, these traits (or the lack thereof) can be easy to spot. If you see some issues, your best bet is to run as soon as you can – while never forgetting to be professional. Even if you’re not being directly affected, it is only a matter of time before it catches up to you. By all means, choose a career path that will bring you success, but be very careful to choose the right company to help you get there! 🙂

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By Nayadee Wilson