Don’t Live a Life of “What Ifs”

As you know, and probably have felt before, most of the time people don’t like stepping out of their comfort zones, especially when it comes to the business world. However, if you have an opportunity in your life that will benefit you in the long run, then take the risk. If not now, when? If you don’t take chances that require a leap of faith, you may end up regretting it later on.

For example, let’s say you find something that you are extremely passionate about, but it doesn’t have anything to do with your current job. Go for it. Try something new, because if it will benefit you in some way then it’s worth it.

When taking chances you may not have all of the answers, but there are always lessons to learn about determination, leadership and courage. You are responsible for creating the life you want and the career that will satisfy you. Fear is the main factor that holds us back from reaching our greatest potential; therefore we won’t know what is achievable until we try.

People are inspired by the idea that they can own their life and meet their own ideal success. Next time there is a promotion at work or an opportunity that you wouldn’t normally take simply because of fear, just remember that life is about risks. Don’t let the “what ifs” in life stop you, because they might end up being the best decisions you ever made.

Please contact Connor | Caitlin at www.connorcaitlin.com for more information, or for help to reach your next goal.

Powder Coatings Market Expected to Grow

A new study released by Transparency Market Research reveals that the powder coatings industry is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years. 

In 2011, the powder coatings market was worth $6.5 billion, in 2018 it is expected to reach $10.5 billion. This growth is largely due to the emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (AKA the BRICS countries). These countries have some of the fastest developing economies in the world, and demand for goods such as automobiles and household appliances has rapidly increased.

Powder coatings are solvent free and are used to provide a dry finish. They are high quality and have a very durable finish. Cooking and household appliances alone accounted for 20% of the powder coatings market. Automobiles also take up a significant share of the powder coatings market, and with the rising demand for automobiles in the BRICS means an increase in demand for powder coatings.

If you have any questions, or would like more industry insights, please contact Connor | Caitlin Talent Solutions.

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The Secret to Getting a Promotion

When a topic regarding promotion is brought up, it often leaves people quite perplexed. In many situations people complain about the unfairness of how promotions are chosen. So, what is the secret to getting a promotion?

For one, start associating yourself with other people who have been promoted and those who are highly respected within your company. Habits rub off; therefore it is important that you gain the right ones. Along with the correct skills for the job, you should also strive to have the best attitude you can.

           

Communicating is one of the most important characteristics you need to maintain in the business world. Know how to effectively and appropriately discuss your accomplishments and strengths with your boss. Also, try giving your boss a weekly update so they are aware of what’s going on in your department; this displays your attention to the company. With that being said, “don’t just talk the talk, but walk the walk”. While communication is vital, so is participation. It’s always noble to get involved, particularly when it comes to meetings and business socials.

You have to be willing to show your boss you can handle responsibility and be more involved than the average Joe. One thing yo

u never want to do is obsess over getting a promotion, just go with the flow. If you ask your boss over and over again then you will end up seeming desperate and that is not a quality they are looking for. Don’t stress too much over whether you do or don’t get a promotion, its nothing personal, so all you can do is strive to be the best employee you can be.

Please contact Connor | Caitlin at www.connorcaitlin.com for more information.

Average Hiring Times Getting Longer

The Interview and Hiring process is taking much longer than in previous years. Average hiring times have increased from around 12 days in 2010 to around 23 days in 2014. This is due largely to the more in-depth screening process being used by employers today. Studies show that panel interviews can add almost a week to the hiring process and things like IQ tests and personality tests can add as many as 4 days.

While it is important for an employer to make sure they are making the right decision, taking too much time can actually lead to weaker hire. This seems counter intuitive, wouldn’t taking more time allow the employer to find a better candidate? However, if you take too long with the hiring process, you give the strong candidates time to accept other offers, leaving you with a weaker pool of prospective hires. Taking too much time can also result in loss of productivity. The more time the hiring process takes, the more time the empty position goes unfilled.

It is important to balance the time it takes to effectively screen potential candidates with how much time it will take. If you leave out key steps in the hiring process, you won’t be sure exactly who you are hiring. If you take too long with the hiring process, you could lose strong candidates to other companies and lose productivity.

If you have any questions about hiring practices, please contact Connor | Caitlin Talent Solutions. 

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Don’t just Think it; Speak it. (Appropriately)

As time prevails, social media is becoming more than just a form of advertisement and source of information. Social media can actually be a smart way to voice your opinion about certain issues or topics. However, speaking up does not mean being vulgar about the matter, but simply expressing your thoughts in an appropriate way. When a popular subject comes up, especially in the business world, many people tend to keep their thoughts to themselves and agree with the majority.  Instead, speak up.

Recently in the news, Taylor Swift voiced her outlook about Apple’s new streaming service on Tumblr. She claimed that she spoke up about the issue not for herself, but for other fellow musicians who were not getting paid by Apple. Taylor Swift’s post was seen by Apple and it did make a difference. Apple replied to her post and agreed to pay the artists for streaming even during the free trial period. Even though Taylor Swift is a celebrity, this is still a good example of just how influential social media can be.

Use social media to your advantage, but always make sure your posts don’t personally offend anyone. If you have a personal issue with a colleague or your boss at work, this would be the type of problem to solve in person. There are certain situations when it’s appropriate to use social media, and other situations when it’s not. Social media can be a very powerful tool; know how to use it, don’t abuse it.

Please contact Connor | Caitlin at www.connorcaitlin.com for more information

Tips and Tricks for Skype Interviews

Skype interviews are becoming more and more prevalent as of recently. They are halfway between a face to face interview and a phone interview, so it’s understandable to have questions about them. Many often wonder how they should dress or if they should look at the interviewer on the screen or the camera that is recording them to give the impression of eye contact.

Don’t try to get too comfortable just because you are in your own home. Since the Interviewer can actually see you during the interview, you should dress as you would for a face to face interview. You still want to present yourself as professionally as possible.

Make sure you are mindful of your background. The focus of the interview should be on you, so having things like a television on or children running around can be distracting for the interview. Remember to also make sure the interviewer can see you, if you have a bright light or a window in the background, you end up looking like a dark blob.

In a normal interview, eye contact is very important, so it is important to give the interviewer the impression of eye contact. This means looking at the camera rather than the screen. It may seem awkward, but the interviewer won’t be able to tell the difference.

Electronic interviews are rapidly becoming the standard for first time interviews.  Polishing up your presence on camera not only helps you land that job, but also gives you confidence in making presentations.  These skills are highly desirable, regardless of if you are working in a lab or customer facing. 

If you have any questions, or want more information regarding electronic interviews, please contact Connor | Caitlin Talent Solutions.

www.connorcaitlin.com

Curious about Culture

Lately, there has been a plethora of information on company culture, and why it is important to attracting that so desired top talent.  Company culture would best be described as the beliefs and behaviors that determine how a company's employees interact and handle business communications.

There are several different ways you can learn about a company’s culture, even just by observing. When you take a tour of a company, look around; listen to conversations between employees, glance at the accessories in peoples’ offices, and make sure to ask questions.

It’s a smart idea to ask about your starting role in the company and how you will be evaluated. It’s very significant that the company understands your needs. Also, ask about how the company got started and what their personal values are all together.

          

There is no better insight than talking to the employees about their role in the company and the social aspect of it. Does everyone tend to get along?  Do you enjoy the working environment?  A new job is also a learning experience, which is why you should also discuss new skills you might learn or knowledge you’ll be acquiring.

Aside from asking questions and observing, make sure you do your research on the company. You can find reviews on Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and Facebook for more information. Culture is a vital part of a company, which is why it’s smart to take the time to learn about it before you take the next step. 

Please contact Connor | Caitlin at www.connorcaitlin.com for more information on company culture, and the importance of attracting top talent.