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Job Search Resolutions For 2021

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As we approach the new year, it’s the season for making resolutions. And for millions of Americans, their goal for 2021 is to get a new job. We thought we could assist in your job search by helping you craft resolutions for landing the next step in your career. Here are five resolutions to jump start your job search in the new year:

1. Don’t blindly submit your resume to any and every job

If there is one thing that you need to change in 2021, it’s this. Stop blindly submitting your resume to every job that comes up in your search. This is not doing you any favors! In fact, it could actually be the thing keeping you from landing your next job. In a competitive job market, you must tailor your resume to every job opening to which you apply. Carefully curate a list of jobs that align with your professional goals, qualifications, and culture fit. Then, comb through the description to spot keywords and requirements that match your experience. Use these relative terms to craft a custom resume for each position, and you’ll have a better chance of standing out amongst the competition during your job search.

2. Don’t ghost companies or recruiters

You might think that just because millions of people are unemployed across the country, candidates aren’t ghosting companies or recruiters. But, this is simply not the case. People ghost potential employers for a variety of reasons. Maybe they decided the company wasn’t a great fit, or perhaps they were lucky enough to score another position. No matter the reason, you must add “don’t ghost” to your new year’s resolutions.

3. Build a professional portfolio

In a competitive market, you need to do everything possible to set yourself apart from other applicants. One of our favorite modern ways to do this is via a virtual professional portfolio. No matter what field you specialize in, a portfolio is a perfect way to showcase your talents. You can add some basic things: your resume, cover letter, career objective, links to examples of your work, and your contact details. This can include projects, press releases, blogs, images, spreadsheets, reports, and other works. Learn more about building a professional portfolio here.

4. Grow my professional network

This new year’s job search resolution is arguably the easiest, and you can start right now. Start a search on LinkedIn for other professionals in your field. Send each person a customized invitation to connect, and voila – you’re growing your professional network! If you are looking for more networking tips on LinkedIn, check out this blog.

5. Ask for help when you need it

It can be challenging to be vulnerable. However, it can be one of the most lucrative paths to a new job. Create a post on LinkedIn sharing that you’re looking for work. Let family and friends know about your job search, and even send them a copy of your resume in case they have any contacts to connect you with. Finally, consider partnering with a recruiting firm for your job search. We have connections with thousands of companies throughout North America. We specialize in coordinating relocations, navigating negotiations, and have insider info on the best opportunities on the market.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, give us a call. In the meantime, explore our candidate resources and start committing to your job search resolutions for 2021.

Hiring Resolutions For The New Year

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Ah, the new year. A chance for a fresh start, a time to implement changes, and an opportunity to reflect on what hasn’t worked in the past and how we can improve. Everyone loves to make new year’s resolutions to improve in the new year. And this year, we’re sharing the best hiring resolutions you can make in 2021 as a manager. These five resolutions will help your team start off on a strong note, even during these uncertain times.

1. Do not ghost candidates

Alright, hiring managers, we know this is a tough one. Especially in today’s market, you’re receiving an influx of qualified candidate resumes. So many, in fact, that it’s nearly impossible to keep up with! But hear us out; today’s candidates are desperate for open communication. They will respect you and your brand all that much more if they receive a simple automated rejection email. And as we’ve learned through economic times, both prosperous and dire, reputation is everything!

2. Streamline our hiring process

Many of you are probably still hiring remotely, making this resolution challenging. However, as your competitors start to regain speed throughout 2021, you will get left in the dust with a slow and antiquated hiring process. Instead, take this time to focus on improving your strategy – getting people face-to-face (or on video chat) immediately, reducing the number of required interviews, and sending a solid offer as soon as possible.

3. Write better job descriptions

Believe it or not, one thing that will help you attract better candidates (and reducing the number of resumes you have to sift through) is writing a stellar job description. Not too long, not too short, enticing enough to grab people’s interest, but simple enough to retain it. Does your current job description paint a vivid picture of your company culture? Do you share your company’s stance on hot button issues like diversity, equality, and benefits? Today’s candidates want to know all of this information upfront before they invest time in submitting an application.

4. Retain the great employees we already have

Yes, we know these are “hiring resolutions,” but if you do a great job retaining the talent you already have, it will make hiring new talent that much easier. Especially while working remotely, be sure to check in with your employees often. Ask them how they are coping – both professionally and personally. The first few months of the year can be tough on people, particularly cooped up in their own house juggling home and work life.

5. Ask for help when we need it

You can refer to this resolution as “work smarter, not harder.” When you’re balancing managing your team, working remotely, hiring great team members, and a global pandemic, it can be overwhelming. However, you are not alone. Let us carry the burden of hiring your next talented employees, so you can keep the focus on what you do best. Your team needs you now more than ever, and when we work together, you can be more available to them.

Partner with Johnson Service Group in 2021 to help you check off all of your hiring resolutions this year.

20 Things To Change At Work In 2020

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The new year is here, and it’s an excellent time for a fresh start at work. Whether it’s developing healthy habits or improving productivity, the new year is a great time to make a change at work. Start with making these 20 changes at work to help you achieve success in 2020. 

1. Set goals 

There’s no better time to set ambitious goals than a new year! And by reading this, you’re off to a great start. Our goal with this list is to provide you with some inspiration for setting milestones you’d like to achieve in 2020. 

2. Achieve a better work-life balance 

Work-life balance is one of the hottest topics in the working world today. This year, try to strike a balance between the two! See if your employer is open to flexible working hours or occasionally working remotely. If nothing else, leave work at the office and be fully present when you’re at home. 

3. Improve Your Focus 

The number one thing you can do to improve your focus is cut down on distractions. Put your phone down and focus on the tasks at hand. You would be amazed at how your productivity will increase! 

4. Change Your Attitude 

“Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice. Giving is a choice. Respect is a choice. Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely.” – Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart 

5. Try something new 

2020 will provide plenty of opportunities for you to get out of your comfort zone. Volunteer for a new responsibility at work, pick up an unfamiliar hobby, or approach an old issue in a new way. 

6. Find your motivation 

What motivates you to get up in the morning? Once you understand your motives, your passion will start to shine through your work, and everything will have more meaning. 

7. Self-educate 

We are huge proponents or self-education. With the number of resources available to you today, there are endless opportunities to learn something new. Start by reading at least one industry-related article per day. 

8. Jump at new opportunities 

Whether you’re offered a new project, a raise, or even a new job, this year, we encourage you to say yes to whatever opportunities come your way. 

9. Take on a new skill 

You can acquire a skill directly related to your job, or branch out to learn something completely new that you’ve always wondered about or been interested in. Could a lean Six Sigma course add value to your title? Have you always wanted to try your hand at Photoshop? Employers value people who go out and actively develop their professional skills. 

10. Help others 

At work and in your personal life, it’s always a good idea to pay it forward. If you see a coworker struggling to meet a deadline, offer to jump in and help.  

11. Create relationships 

At work, we can often get stuck in a rut of only socializing with those we work closely with. This year, go out on a limb and get to know others in your office. Introduce yourself to the Accounting team, or get coffee with the IT department. You might be surprised about the things you’ll learn and the relationships you’ll build.  

12. Increase productivity 

Examine your day-to-day routines. We guarantee there are ways you can streamline your processes. Make a change at work by eliminating time-consuming meetings or implement a “power hour” in which you put your nose to the grindstone and get as much done as possible with no interruptions. 

13. Prioritize 

As you set new goals for 2020, be sure to prioritize them as you go. Give each goal a deadline and even incorporate mini-milestones throughout. That way, you’ll always have direction and know what needs the most attention when. 

14. Establish a routine 

“You’ll never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine.” – John C. Maxwell 

15. Get moving 

According to a large-scale study, getting outside lowers anxiety and depression and boosts your mood and well-being. Among numerous other health benefits, a little exposure to natural light will help you feel more relaxed throughout the day.  

16. Get organized 

Organization leads to huge boosts in productivity, so clear off that desk, clean up your inbox, and organize every file. Your future self will thank you. 

17. Build your network 

LinkedIn is a great place to start building your network. Reach out to people in your field, alumni from your University, or someone you’ve always admired. 

18. Recognize your accomplishments 

There is nothing wrong with giving yourself a pat on the back every once in a while! Take a moment to reflect on everything you accomplished in the last year. 

19. Analyze your progress 

After implementing a few of these changes at work, how do you feel? Analyze how each step has affected you and how you work. 

20. Think about what’s next 

If you’ve worked your way through this list, made changes at work, and still feel that something is lacking in your professional life, it may be time for a new position. In today’s candidate-driven market, there are hundreds of companies out there looking for employees just like you. Partner with a recruiter from Johnson Service Group to discover what opportunity awaits you in 2020!

Your Next Career Awaits!

2019 Job Search Best Practices

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job search

If you’re starting the new year out with the resolution of finding an amazing new job, congratulations! You’ve decided to take a step that will not only make you happier but hopefully find you the job you’ve been searching for. But with that being said… The job search isn’t always as smooth and easy as we’d like it to be. So, we came up with some best practices that will make your New Year’s job search result in that dream job quickly.

Tailor Your Resume

Tailoring your resume may seem like a hassle but it can actually be the best thing you do to stand out. When you’re looking for new opportunities, you want to do everything in your power to be different. And if changing a few keywords and re-ordering your skills for specific jobs will get you your dream position, wouldn’t you want to do that?

So, instead of looking at it as a hassle, just do it! You’ll see the difference and how many more interviews and opportunities you’ll get by just tailoring that resume.

“Open to new opportunities” turned on

LinkedIn is your best friend when it comes to finding new job opportunities. And this is because you have opted into the “open to new opportunities” and are able to get contacted by recruiters and get notifications on jobs that match your skill sets. By turning on that setting, you will instantly become more discoverable by recruiters, and employers will know you’re open to new job opportunities.

Use LinkedIn

Like I said above, LinkedIn can be your end-all-be-all for finding jobs and networking. If you are serious about finding a new job in It’s a site everyone who has or wants a career should have. Not only does it give you tons of opportunity to grow your network it helps you find new jobs. It can be the one-stop-shop you’ve been looking for and hopefully help you find that 2019 new years job!

Use Job Boards

Job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, CareerBuilder, Glassdoor, or even JSG’s Talent Network are great places to start when looking for jobs. But it can sometimes be overwhelming and underdelivering. And on a new job hunt is not something you want to deal with forever. Which is where professional staffing firms like Johnson Service Group come in.

If you’re in the Engineering, Aerospace, Mining, Healthcare, Banking, Oil and Gas, and other technical fields, using our job board is a great place to start and it helps narrow down your search!

Use Recruiters

When applying through our job boards, you get access to our experienced recruiters who match great candidates like you with fantastic job opportunities. The best part about using a recruiter is they are a great resource to help you through every step of the interviewing process. From updating your resume to interview questions, you know you will have help that others wish they did. And you’ll have a head start compared to other candidates because recruiters have the connections with hiring managers to get your resume on their desks.

So, if you’re ready for a new and exciting journey, you’ll be able to make your job search a little smoother by following these steps. It’s all about patience and consistency when it comes to finding a new job you’re excited about. Good luck!

Looking for A New Job in 2019? Here’s What to Look for

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new job

Can you believe it’s already 2019? Many of you have recently set goals for the New Year. Some of you hope to lose a few pounds while others want to kick a bad habit. However, many people are looking for a new chapter in their careers. A new year is a great time to look for a new job and find a position that you’re passionate about.

If you are looking for a new job in 2019, here are some things to look out for.

Work-Life balance

Many people make new year’s resolutions to improve their work-life balance. To do so, one of the easiest ways may be to find a new career. When searching for a new job, it’s essential to understand if this next step in your career will provide the right work-life balance for you.

Whether you’re looking for a 9:00 to 5:00 or you’re happy working 60 hours per week, you need to understand what the balance between your work and personal life will be.

Potential growth

Many candidates are looking for more than just a job; they want to find a position that will allow them to grow as a professional. Some people are looking to advance their career; they are looking for the next stepping stone in their career. If this sounds like you, you want to ensure this employer has the opportunity for you to advance through the ranks to get to where you want to be, in say, five years.

However, growing as a professional is not always about making a career jump. You can grow and become a better professional by working for an employer that offers opportunities for you to take chances and learn from both your success and your mistakes.

When going through the interview process, be sure to ask questions that give you a better understanding of what the future looks like for the organization. You also want to develop a better idea of what the company culture looks like. If you are looking for a position that will allow you to grow, you must find an employer that is willing to give you the opportunities and mentorship to hone your skills.

Mentorship

Speaking of mentorship, it’s essential to find a position where you have a mentor. A professional mentor is someone that works closely with you in the workplace. They can be your boss, supervisor, or even just one of your co-workers. However, it’s important to develop a relationship with someone within the company that you can rely on for honest feedback and encouragement.

Mentors are there to hold you accountable. They help you overcome your obstacles and celebrate your wins with you. Finding mentorship in a new position is key to your success and happiness within your new employer.

Hopefully, this gives you a few more things to look into when hitting the job search hard at the beginning of 2019. Happy New Year!

How to Start the New Year Off Right

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New Year

A new year is always an opportunity for a fresh start. Whether that’s kicking a bad habit, starting a new one, or even finding a new career that you’re passionate about, the New Year is a great time for a new beginning.

But developing these new habits and changing your daily routines can be challenging. Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as setting a New Year’s resolution and watching the magic happen. You have to work for that change. And here’s how you can start the New Year off the right way.

Figure out your goals for the New Year

For some people, setting goals is easy. For others, it can be difficult to sit down and figure out what you want to accomplish. However, whether your goal is big or small, your goals you set must be S.M.A.R.T.

What are S.M.A.R.T. goals?

You may have heard of these, but a S.M.A.R.T. goal is one that is Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. Essentially, you must set specific goals that you can measure. Whether that’s losing 15 pounds or making 60 more sales calls per week, your goals must be measurable, so you can track your progress. You also need to set goals that are actually attainable and meaningful or they won’t be accomplished.

To successfully accomplish your goals for the New Year, you must set timelines to your goals. You can’t just say I want to make 60 more calls per week; you have to set a timetable to help keep yourself accountable. So instead of saying you want to 60 more calls each week next year, you can, for example, give yourself a 3-month timeline to accomplish this goal. That allows you to break down your goal.

So, for this example, you can increase your monthly phone volume by 20 calls per month to gradually reach that 60-phone call mark by the end of March. This will all you to track your progress and hold yourself accountable throughout the New Year.

The 5-Second Rule

Have you heard of Mel Robin’s 5-Second Rule? If you haven’t, this tool is a great resource to help train your brain to stop overthinking. Instead of dwelling on something that makes you feel uncomfortable and talking yourself out of action, the 5-Second Rule helps you think less and do more.

Whether it’s having that difficult conversation with your boss about a raise or making one more sale call to land that deal, this tool will help you from talking yourself out of action. Unfortunately, we are often our own worst enemies and our biggest roadblocks. In just five seconds, we can come up with a million excuses to talk ourselves out of anything. While 5 seconds may not seem like much, it can be the difference between you reaching your goals.

The value of mentorship

You may already have a mentor or someone you’re close with that you can rely on to keep you on track. But if you don’t, I highly recommend finding someone you can turn to when things get tough. Whether it’s your boss, a colleague, or a family member, it’s beneficial to have someone you can rely on for advice and encouragement.

And do you know what’s the best part about having a mentor in your life? Having someone who will hold you accountable and keep you on track. It can be hard to hold ourselves accountable for our goals. However, a mentor will keep you focused on your goals and be there when it gets tough.

Hopefully, this helps you set yourself up for success for next year. If you follow these simple steps, you’ll be able to set yourself up for success next year and accomplish more than you ever thought you could. Happy New Year!

Read This if You’re Hoping Santa Brings You a New Job This Christmas

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Santa brings you a new job

During the holidays, it’s easy to reminisce on the things you have and are wanting in life. It’s a time of happiness and joy for loved ones and time spent together. But it also exasperates things in your life that are not where you’d like them to be… Especially, if you’re unhappy with your career. So, instead of hoping Santa brings you a new job this Christmas, here’s how you can do it for yourself!

Update Resume

If Santa brings you a new job this Christmas without updating your resume, I’d be surprised (and you’d have to send your secret)! Resumes are your first impression; the first chance you have to make a company say, “hey, this looks like a great person for our role!” And, if you don’t make that impression, you will most likely not get an interview.

So, firsts things first, ensure you keep your resume updated as much as you can. This way, when you decide your ready for a change or a job of a lifetime falls in your lap, you’re not 10 years behind on your skills and experience. Because let’s be honest, trying to remember all of that is difficult.

The next thing you want to do is make sure you personalize your resume for the jobs you’re applying to. Yes, this is more work, but in the long run, it will help get your resume on the desks that matter and in turn, leave you with multiple offers to choose from! Now that doesn’t sound too bad, does it?

Have a Reference list

You never know when an employer is going to want to ask for a reference list. (You obviously do not have to worry about this if Santa brings you a new job!) But if he doesn’t, they could ask for them after you’re offered the job or before your first interview. Which mean making sure you’re prepared with one is essential. If you’re currently working and afraid to put your current boss on there, ask a friend at the company to vouch for you or just use passed references. But, always make sure to check in and ask if it is still okay for you to add them to your list. This way, they are prepared, and well, haven’t forgotten about you!

Apply to jobs you want

Now, if you’re applying to a new position, it’s probably because you’re looking for a variety of things. And some of those things could include more passion for your work; more work-life balance; better pay and so on. So why settle for something less than what you’re wanting? Don’t apply to positions that don’t speak to you. Or, at least meet your criteria and are not like the position you’re wanting to leave.

Today’s job market is too hot to not be applying to jobs you will love. Trust me!

Use Recruiters

If you’re looking for more help, use recruiters. Here at Johnson Service Group, we specialize in almost every major career field out there. So, whether you love contract work or are looking for a permanent position, our recruiters can help you find your next big move. A move that will not only feel like the best present you could get but one that sets you up for success through the whole job search process!

Now, if you’re hoping Santa brings you a new job this Christmas, that may not fit in his sleigh… But some say this time of year is the best time to be looking. Not only is it because Santa could bring you some luck, but most companies have big hiring needs starting in the new year. And if you’re ready to make a move, you will be picked up in a hurry. Especially, in today’s job market.

We here at Johnson Service Group wish you the very best Christmas and Holiday season! And don’t forget us if you ever need help finding the perfect position for you.

Read This if You’re Ready for a Fresh Start to Your Career Goals This New Year

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We all like to make new year resolutions for ourselves. And sometimes, they are hard for us to keep. But with a fresh start, the new year is a great time to buckle down and make career goals that are attainable, and hopefully, worthwhile to achieve. We all like to say we have goals and dreams in our careers. But if we don’t write them down, plan out how we will accomplish them, and start putting them into action, we won’t ever achieve what we are hoping to. It’s all about accountability.

And, if you’re looking for that fresh start in your career, why not start now? Whether that’s finding a new job or applying yourself even more at your current one. There are steps you should take that will help you achieve your resolutions. So… They aren’t just a 2-month wish you give up on.

Hold Yourself Accountable

When the new year comes around and you’re on the mission to accomplish career goals, these aren’t ones you just hope you can achieve. They are goals you don’t want to drop because they mean something more than just losing a few pounds. They mean advancement in your career, a happier work environment, financial freedom. It can mean so much more than an ordinary new year’s resolution. So why not make it one?

Holding yourself accountable will keep you on track to achieving your goals. When your career future is a goal, it’s easier to do this. Because we all know that the only way we can get anywhere is by putting our best foot forward and only relying on our actions to speak for us. By doing this we will, in turn, get noticed at work for our dedication and perseverance.

Make a To-Do List

To-do lists can be your best friend when you’re trying to accomplish work-related goals. You can make them to where they take you step-by-step through your goals and how you want to achieve them. Career goals normally have steps that are perfect for to-do lists and if you follow them, you’re sure to accomplish what you set out to. But it’s all about the follow through and consistency!

Have Quarterly/Monthly Goals

When you cut your year into smaller achievable goals it helps you break things up. This makes your aspirations not seem too out of reach and keeps you on track to reach them. It also gets you excited about taking the steps you need to take to reach your career’s new year resolutions. Overall, splitting up your goals into sections will only make you more successful in achieving them.

Celebrate Your Wins

Make sure to celebrate your wins! Just because they are small doesn’t mean they do not deserve to be celebrated. The small successes are what get you through the hard times and help you achieve the great ones! And they are not something to sniff at. So do that happy dance and make sure to give yourself the appreciation you deserve when you accomplish steps toward your true career goals.

Think of the Reward

Reminding yourself why you are working so hard will keep you on track. There is no doubt that 2019 will bring you struggles, not only in work but also in your home life… But if you remember what you’re working towards and why you want that reward, nothing will stop you from getting there.

We normally give up on New Year’s resolutions due to talking our goals and dreams down because it’s easier to not try as hard. It’s easy to say, “Oh, I’ll do it next year.” Or, “I only really wanted to do this for myself, I don’t need to do it.” This thought process is only selling yourself short. And when it comes to the job market today, working your butt off will only get you amazing opportunities! So don’t give up, and do everything you can to remind yourself that you can accomplish whatever you want, as long as you hold yourself accountable and follow the process.

7 Reasons Why the Holiday’s Should be Your Career’s Busy Season

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new year

When you think about the holidays, it’s probably a stressful time outside of work. This is the time we all normally slack off in our career’s because we’re finishing up budgets, have completed most of our projects, and are just ready to relax. But, this should actually be the time you are working your butt off to start the new year off with a bang instead of a, “oh my gosh, I need to catch up.”

By doing this, you’re setting yourself up for even more success in the new year and putting an awesome step forward into a new and fresh year. A year that could make you even more successful. And here are some reasons why you should do this instead of just slide into the new year.

Advantage at the end of the year

Depending on your career, you could be the only one taking December full steam. Which means you could end up getting more people excited to work with you or buy from you. When you decide to keep grinding, it helps not only your work ethic but keeps you from slacking off and hurting you in the long run.

Others are slacking off in their career’s

This is a great reason to keep working hard and making an impact on your job. This not only puts you ahead of the game but if you are in any sales position at all, your competitors have most likely checked out for the year… BUT, that doesn’t mean your clients have. So, you end up getting the advantage with them before your competitors do.

You are ahead of the game for the new year

By working hard this last month, you will be able to accomplish the end of the year needs and have all your goals set and started for 2019. This time of year is a great time to get organized and prepared so that you can hit the ground running in the new year without any hiccups. Being ahead of the game is only going to benefit you and your job and when you are ahead of your competitors, it’s always going to be the best feeling.

You will feel more accomplished

When you’re working hard, you will always feel accomplished. And what’s a better time to work your butt off? A time when you have vacation, family, and happiness just flowing around you.

Hold yourself accountable for goals

If you continue to work through December, it will keep you accountable. Not every year will you finish or accomplish all your goals especially if you stop working for them in November or December. Just because you feel like you’ve already “failed” and that you won’t hit them isn’t an excuse to stop trying.

You end up only hurting yourself which will casue you to not hold yourself accountable. Goals are supposed to be difficult to reach. However, they are impossible to reach if you stop trying for them. So, staying positive and remembering to hold yourself accountable will keep you on track to reach your goals.

Keeps you driven and wanting to work

When you don’t let yourself slack off during the end of the year, you affect your career outcome in an amazing way. Your drive to continue to work and stay strong only helps you enjoy your job and in turn will help you get promotions, find better opportunities, and leave you more successful.

Will lead you to success in your career

When you decide to make the end of the year just as important as the beginning, it makes you an irreplaceable employee. And a work ethic like yours is very hard to find. And coming from a company like JSG that continues to work for our clients year round, we know the impact it has made. Especially, for our clients who know we aren’t just waiting for the vacation days. They know we are continuing to work hard for them so they don’t have to worry about their hiring needs.

If you’re looking for a new career that pushes you to work hard all the time or a company looking for those kinds of employees, reach out to one of our recruiters today. We would love to help your find your next career step before the beginning of the new year.