Renoir Staffing Blog

In conjunction with last week’s post about the importance of industry events, Account Executive Karen Quennell presents the must-attend events in the Property Management industry of 2012:

It is my firm belief that if you are going to work in the Property Management Industry that you must understand the industry and immediately get involved.

Both CAA Contra Costa and CAA Tri-County have well-rounded programs that provide networking and educational events.

Once a year you get a chance to make a difference by attending the Legislative Conference where you get a chance to personally meet with your individual state legislators and get first-hand knowledge on state legislative proposals targeted at the rental housing industry.  This event will be held on Wednesday, February 15^th at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Sacramento.

Last year both CAA Contra Costa and CAA Tri Country conducted Reverse Trade shows that have been beneficial to the Industry Partners and the Property Management Companies. This year promises to be a sellout event with six new property management companies that have signed up. It will be held at Concord Hilton on February 23^rd.

The 23^rd Annual CAA Tri-County Golf Tournament will be held in June 2012 at the Palo Alto Golf Club. This is a fundraiser to assist the Housing Industry Foundation.

One of my favorites not to be missed is the CAA Expo “Go for the Gold” Trade Show being held at the Santa Clara Convention Center scheduled on April 25^th.  This event offers educational seminars and a chance to visit with over 100 industry partner booths.

Don’t forget to save the date for the Ninth Annual GEMM Award Celebration being held on August 23^rd at the Blackhawk Museum in Danville.  This is a fabulous event that honors the Best of the Best for 2012.

The Housing Industry Foundation holds The Bay area’s premier Multifamily networking event on Thursday, September 6^th .  This is their annual summit to raise funds to help prevent homelessness.

These are just a few of the numerous opportunities to support and learn about the Property Management Industry. Get out there and enjoy, learn, and network!

Karen Quennell, Account Executive

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Industry events are an important part of one’s growth in their line of work. While it can be difficult to schedule in an event with all your other duties, the rewards you can receive (such as meeting industry leaders, acquiring new knowledge that can improve your skills, and/or promoting your company) have the potential to move you higher up the business ladder.

We often hear that it’s ‘Not What You Know, But Who You Know.’ If this is occasionally true (because let’s not discount the fact that a strong skill-set will get you far!) then networking with the community of your industry can prove to be beneficial to you if you are looking to move into a new position, or simply want to make new contacts in order to promote your business. At the very least, you can demonstrate your knowledge and advertise your expertise with the people who can contribute to the growth of profession or business.

And speaking of expertise, what better way to increase all the knowledge you already possess than to attend functions that give you the all the latest, up-to-date information available in your trade? And, not only are many events designed to inform you, topics that includes increasing your business are often presented in a workshop manner in which you’ll not only been given examples of how a particular tool has been proven effective, but also the way in which you can utilize it to your own advantage!

Networking is also a great form of advertising your company. We all know that branding is only effective if our target audience is exposed to it, and therefore meeting with potential consumers is paramount. But use it not only as an opportunity to spread the word about your company but also as a way to build a relationship with your consumers. You may notice familiar faces at these events as you begin to attend them regularly. Use this as your chance to get to know people on a more personal level; it can only increase your chances of being relied upon when they have a need!

Wondering how to get started? The first place you should go is the Associations that are relevant to your industry. In our case, it’s property management and therefore we belong to, and attend events by, the Rental Housing Association (RHA) of Sacramento, California Apartment Association (CAA), and many more, and the events they have held, such as trade shows and luncheons, have proved an invaluable source of information and opportunities to network.

Another great place to get associated with your industry’s community is LinkedIn Groups. Simply by joining a few relevant groups can open the door to expanding your brand and skills tremendously. You’ll receive emails about current topics of discussion, invites to events, as well as the opportunity to reach out individually to these people, great for the follow-up message after meeting them at a luncheon!

If you’re looking for opportunities to strengthen your relevance to your business community, and we all should be, then attending events should be at the top of your list! The knowledge you’ll gain, as well as the people you meet, can only serve to boost your business or marketability!

Happy Event Browsing!

Jessie Williams, Marketing Coordinator

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Education is ongoing and has no boundaries to what is obtainable. Some of us prepared through high school what would be our career choice and obtained a college degree in our field of choice. Some may have stumbled into our professions while pursuing other areas of work. And passion may have driven others into meaningful fields of endeavor.

While all of us have been educated through various trainings that shaped our careers, there is always opportunity to enhance upon what we already know.

New process and procedures dictate that we re-educate ourselves continuously in order to stay marketable; personally and professionally. Our economy dictates that we become octopus-like creatures, being able to perform masterfully in various areas of skill in order to maintain our careers and manage our financial stability which in turn continues or enhances our quality of life.

As the New Year quickly approaches, look at what your current position is; is there room for improvement where you are? Are you financially satisfied? Could you be bored and have been complacent about looking at other opportunities where you can grow? What can you do to challenge yourself at work in order to grow?

Challenge yourself to learn something new in the coming year. It will take you as far as your vision will allow. Make 2012 a year for stimulating and fulfilling yourself intellectually.

To the New Year,

JoElla Barkus, Accounting Assistant

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Growing up I was always very good in math and it was actually one of my favorite subjects in school. When most students were taking art and music and other fun elective courses I was taking any and all types of math courses for my electives. I ventured into taking an accounting class in the 12^th grade and I knew then that was what I wanted to do. After graduating high school I took some accounting courses at a junior college. It was at this point that I realized accounting was what I wanted to do for sure and decided to enroll at Heald Business College.

After graduating, I had the privilege to work for some very good companies that allowed me to use the skills that I learned. Not only did I have the opportunity to utilize my skills but I worked with a lot of people that were willing to teach me areas of accounting that I didn’t know. That is probably where most of my knowledge in accounting comes from; on the job training and people that had confidence in me to teach me more. I know there is still plenty more for me to learn and I will continue to learn through education from accounting courses and asking how and why.

It’s always important to keep in mind that through work experience you can broaden your skills set and uncover new areas in your field of interest that you find interesting!

La Terra Francis, Accounting Manager

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With the New Year right around the corner, it’s important to know what the current trends are for job hunting and how you can be better prepared for the search yourself. The following links will take you to websites and blogs that can help you start 2012 on the right foot!

Getting Ready Now for Job Search 2012 This blog illustrates some of the tools you’ll need in hand when you head out the door to land your target job, including documents.

Six Things to Do Now for Your 2012 Job Search The author of this blog entry, Liz Ryan, guides you step-by-step on not only what you’ll need to take with you on interviews, but also on how to better construct your answers to questions posed by potential employers. A great guide designed to highlight your skills.

Eight Tips for Job Hunting During the Recession Monster.com contributing write Margot lester has compiled some great tips for job hunters in searching for employment in this less-than-perfect economy. One of her tips? Taking a temporary position. We like that!

And, of course, Renoir Staffing! If you’re new to our blog, be sure to check out previous posts because we take great care in providing you effective resources to help you in building your career.

And, on another note, don’t get frustrated! Always remember that there are resources available to you that can help you in your quest and that there are others in your position. 2012 is the year for the new YOU at your new workplace, and Renoir Staffing will continue to provide the workforce essential industry information.

Jessie Williams, Marketing Coordinator

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It has always been said that it is ‘who you know’ that helps someone get a job.  That theory has not changed. In fact, it is even more important now in our current job market.  Hiring managers sift through so many resumes that it is easy for them to skip over yours, even if you are qualified for the position.  But knowing who should receive your resume and/or who to call to speak with, may greatly increase your chances of getting an interview, or the best result, a job!  Seeking an experienced recruiter, in the specific field you work in, can be the answer to your current job search.

Not all recruiters have the perfect job for you or even have open positions, but what recruiters do have are contacts.  Take Renoir Staffing for example, I have been here for six years and I am pretty sure I know most of the regional managers with each company by now.  I know the decision makers, who hires, what positions are most commonly available in their company, I even know if their employees are happy or not!   Not only can I help push you in the right direction, I can also take a look at your resume and make sure it has all the points that a hiring manager wants to see.

I have many job seekers that utilize me just for questions and answers, and that’s okay, too.  In the end, networking is one of the best ways to implement the old saying, “It’s who you know.”  So if you find yourself struggling to get interviews or knowing who to follow up with, contact a recruiter in your field and see where it takes you!

Lia Lovelady, Recruiter

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One of the best ways in which you can succeed as a staffing professional is to attend industry events. They are empowering and give great insight into current industry trends and up-to-date sales strategies. Simple run an internet search on your industry along with ‘associations’ and you’ll see the many options you’ll have to choose from! In regards to property management, California Apartment Association (CAA) and Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) are two examples of the excellent associations available to become a member with and grow your skill-set.

As Renoir Staffing’s San Francisco recruiter, I highly recommend California Staffing Professionals (CSP). They offer a wide array of services including an Annual Conference and their upcoming Staffing Owners Retreat. To view their upcoming events calendar, visit their website at www.cspnet.org.

Another great resource for training in staffing sales is Barbara Bruno. She has over 25 years of successful staffing experience and her webinars (another great and affordable resource!) can improve your “game” significantly! Sign up at www.recruitertraining.net.

Whether your work in staffing or many of the other sales industries out there, events, online training, and being a member of an association, can strengthen your sales skills and increase the level of success you enjoy from your career!

Theresa Cannon, Recruiter

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Many Recruiters have chosen their job because they love customer service and making people happy. On top of that, the job is extremely fulfilling as they are putting people who are often financially struggling to work!  However, it’s a position that is demanding: recruiters jump through hoops every day, multi-tasking like mad to make our client’s and candidate’s lives easier. Unfortunately, they catch a lot of flak from job seekers, who often wonder what their recruiter does all day. This week’s blog will be illuminating to all who wonder what it would be like to be a recruiter for a day!

“The race against time is what will make or break a recruiter.” This quote, included in an article for CareerDFW (see link at the bottom of this blog) describes perfectly what unfolds each and every day for a recruiter: a race. And in order to be successful, crossing the finish line must mean that a relationship has been built, either with a client or a candidate. Recruiters that do temporary placement have the added task of maintaining these relationships perfectly with their clients so that they are relied upon to fix an emergency situation at a property. Trust is key. Therefore, relationship-building is not something that can be achieved with automated systems. And it starts with the candidate. Once a recruiter begins to represent an employee, regular weekly communication to maintain their relationship is important. Employee satisfaction, including trust and loyalty, are built into the relationship over a period of successful assignments, but even before assignments begin, it is important for a candidate to understand their role in building a relationship with their recruiter.

To begin, a once a week check-in call is a perfect opportunity for a job seeker to update their contact information and stay fresh in the minds of their recruiter. It takes an average of 15-30 and is an invaluable way for a recruiter to get to know their candidate. Unfortunately, often candidates will call their recruiters but neglect to leave a message. Messages are documented, another great way to showcase your interest in being placed on assignment. Keep in mind, however, that candidates may not get a return call until the next day. Try not to let the frustration set in. The popular statement, “there is never enough time in a day,” is a reality for most recruiters. To build a rapport between job seeker and recruiter takes trust. To gain trust, takes time. Patience and communication will get you far with a staffing agency.

Here’s a quick glimpse at the duties of a recruiter: time sheets, schedules, assignment extensions, interviewing, referral calls, payroll issues, file compliance, renewals and complaints requiring additional problem solving, as well as going out in the field and bringing in more business.  Approximately 50% of these tasks will be pre-scheduled in advance and the other 50% will be unplanned and worked into the week as needed. Again, communication combined with patience is the most important ingredient for a successful relationship with busy recruiters!

Keep in mind we open the door for you as a new face to the client. Once we get you that interview or temporary assignment, it is ultimately the candidate’s job to prove that they are the person for that job, whether it is for one day or is a direct-hire opportunity! The candidate’s behavior is a direct reflection on the recruiter’s ability to weed out poor employees, bringing us back to skillful relationship-building. The more a candidate participates in the process, the more a recruiter will gain the trust needed to put them on assignment. As a recruiter, one must be very proactive and personable, meaning that they are always on the phone! It is wise for candidates to remember this tip: please be patient and keep in mind the service you give to your recruiter is the service you will get in return.

Connie White, Recruiter

Special thanks to CareerDFW.org for the following article: A Day in the Life of a Recruiter

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Working in the Staffing Industry we are often asked how one can “move up” with a company. Being that many of the positions we staff are entry-level and/or temporary positions, this is a very relevant question. Here are some tips that I believe can help get you to the next level in your career.

• Research the Company – If you’re going to an interview or a temporary assignment, find out more about the company. Most companies have websites where you can find a good deal on information.

• Dress the Part  – Even if you’re not required to. Dressing the part shows that you’re serious and that you want to portray a professional image of yourself and the company that you’re working for. It is always important to be professional, no matter how casual the workplace.

• Ask Questions – Make sure that you are clear on tasks that you are assigned. It’s better to ask questions than to assume you’re doing something correctly.

• Develop Relationships- Your co-workers, especially those in management positions, are great resources for both information and networking. Learn from them!

• Take Initiative – If you have completed the task at hand, ask for more to do. If there is no one to ask, look for projects that can be done. Organizing the supply cabinet, cleaning, filing, etc. There is always something to do. Also, don’t be hesitant learning new skills! Developing your skill-set will not only expand your horizons, it is a great way to practice initiative and will be looked at positively by your employers.

• Volunteer for Special Projects – Supervisors usually appreciate people with a can-do attitude. This also demonstrates that you are a team player, something companies place a lot of value upon, especially when it comes to senior positions.

• Don’t Give Up – It can take months or even years to get into the role that you truly desire. But being consistent in your efforts for the betterment of the company and the team will not go unnoticed. Plus, as an added bonus, the better the work translates to a healthier workplace that everyone enjoys! Hard work and perseverance pay off.

One thing I always tell candidates is that working through a staffing agency is a great way to “test” different companies. Even the one day or short-term assignments can give you a sense of what a company is about. It’s a great way to find out which companies you’d be interested in on a permanent basis.

The following links are for two articles covering the steps to promotion which not only helped in the construction of this blog, but also delve further into the subject:

The Best Ways to Get Promoted

Moving Up the Ladder

Now go forth and land that promotion!

Erin Gilligan, Staffing Associate

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It’s no secret that there are a lot of job seekers out there right now, and a limited number of positions open. We’ve heard the statistics: one job posting receiving as much as a couple hundred resumes from job seekers.

How are you supposed to compete?!

We’ve given you interview tips in the past (not to mention what to wear to interviews!) so this week’s focus will be on the resume. It’s important because this is the first piece of information that a potential employer will receive from you and it’s critical in its’ role to getting you an interview and hopefully, the job!

We receive a lot of resumes here at Renoir Staffing. A LOT. We have a trained eye, like many employers out there, for what constitutes an impressive resume versus what is simply a mess of words. You don’t want all your experience, years of hard work, to be reduced to a mess of words, do you? Of course not! So let’s go over the basic format and content that will get you noticed, in a good way.

First, the cover letter. Not all employers require it, but in recent years as unemployment has soared, cover letters are used by companies to filter out the undesirable applicants. It’s recommended to always have one of these at the ready, just in case. Save a generic cover letter on your computer, one that can easily be adapted to the job description in which you’re applying. Cover letters are a great way to shine out from from the masses and they should follow a few simple rules:

1. Keep it concise. Granted, cover letters allow you to expand on the information in your resume, but don’t go overboard. Focus and elaborate only on the skills that really make you an asset to a company.

2. Keep it conservative. No, we’re not talking about your political views, but rather the way in which you talk about how fabulous you are (example: the word fabulous should not be found in your cover letter!). Avoid exclamation points, slang, and being overly confident. In essence, give yourself credit as an amazing employee but avoid coming off as obnoxious.

3. Know the job in which you are applying. This is critical. While it is time-consuming to research every company that posts a job you’re interested in shooting off a resume for, the current unemployment reality out there deems it necessary. You want the company to want you, right? You have to show them that you are interested in working for them, not just in working period. The cover letter is the perfect opportunity to show them that you know what they do, what their company culture is, and why you’d be the perfect fit. Do your research.

More tips on (and examples of) cover letters? Click here.

Secondly, the resume. Does it give you anxiety? That’s okay! The first rule is to take a deep breath and remind yourself that not only are there other people out there feeling your pain, but that you can do it! And it’s easier than you think. Let’s get started.

1. Content. Grab a sheet of binder paper and a pen, don’t immediately start typing, make a draft first! Write down your last three to four jobs that you’ve had and what you did for them. What was your title? And don’t make up something to sound fancy, employers see right through that. What were your main duties? Be specific but not wordy. And make sure to include two to three achievements you accomplished while on the job! In the case of property management, did you increase residency rates by 20%? Now is the time to write it down!

2. References. Sorry, but your uncle won’t work here, even if you don’t share the same last name. You need to come up with two to three professional references, people who can vouch for your strong work ethic and ingenuity on the job. Are you new to the job market and possess little experience? That’s okay! Put down your volunteer work or past internships. A job doesn’t have to pay you to be a worthwhile component of your resume. Don’t have any of these? There are plenty of volunteer/intern opportunities out there you can gain experience out of. For example, resident activities and office administration. Show up and ask how you can help. This also constitutes as networking, you never know who you’ll meet and who they know, unpaid work can lead to careers!

3. Editing and layout. Here is one that is OFTEN overlooked. Once you’ve typed out your resume, look at it with a microscope. Are there typos? Are you using the correct form of their/there/they’re? Do the sentences ramble on and on (big no-no!)? Have you used fancy font (simple, readable font works best). What are these questions leading to? Keep it neat and clean. Employers want to review resumes quickly and efficiently. If your layout is messy, e.g. wordy, aesthetically complicated, missing dates or full job descriptions, chances are your resume won’t be placed in the interview pile. You can easily search on the internet for examples of templates that you can use to organize your resume in a way that will entice employers to read it.

More resume tips? Click here.

Remember, a presentable resume is the key to getting those interviews, and subsequently, your next job!

Thank you to About.com for the supplemental cover letter and resume tips to this blog. Be sure to check them out!

Jessie Williams, Marketing Coordinator

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