Making Progress is the Key to Employee Job Satisfaction

Making Progress is the Key to Employee Job SatisfactionMaking Progress is the Key to Employee Job SatisfactionThink quick What did you accomplish today? If cutting through layers of bureaucracy, attending a handful of unnecessary meetings and sorting through piles of email top your list, chances are youre not basking in job satisfaction right now - no matter how big your paycheck.This is likely how your employees are thinking, too. Turns out, stock options, telecommuting or even a company car may not mean much to employees if they feel like theyre not able to accomplish things. In fact, making progredienzion is at the heart of employee satisfaction, according to research by Teresa M. Amabile and Steven J. Kramer, who wrote The Progress Principle Using Small Wins to Ignite Joy, Engagement, and Creativity at Work (Harvard Business Review Press). They collected confidential stories from more than 200 white-collar workers in various industries who logged diary entries during the course of their projects.Making progressIn an article in the Harvard Business Review, Amabile said, We found that of all the events that characterized the best inner work life days, by far the most prominent was making progress. And of all the events that characterized the worst days, by far the most prominent was setbacks - feeling like youve s-lost ground on a project.As managers, its easy to believe that financial incentives, perks and bonuses are the supreme carrot, inspiring employees to perform at their best. But, really, more than anything, employees just want to make a difference.A few years ago, when I read about this study, it changed the way I manage people. I paid closer attention to providing timely feedback and eliminating bottlenecks. I spent more time describing the big picture. I started celebrating project milestones, big and small.Know whats importantAnd, yet, when youre busy, its easy for good intentions to slip by the wayside. The feedback loop becomes longer, emails arent responded to and projects that might make everyones life a little easier get placed on the back burner.Thats why I revisit The Progress Principle every once in a while - its a good reminder of whats important. As a manager, youre like the host at a cocktail party If you make sure the ice bucket is full, the hors doeuvres are circulating and the conversation is flowing, everyone will have a good time. And, better yet, progress will be made.

How to Boost Your IT Career

How to Boost Your IT CareerHow to Boost Your IT CareerIn my 16 years in the staffing and recruitment industry, Ive watched countless tech professionals develop their IT careers.While their development was varied and dependent on the persons unique skills and circumstances, there are consistent themes that I believe everyone should consider.Here are five ways for tech pros to boost their IT careers1. Learn a new skill?To umschreibung an old saying, youre either moving forward or backward there is no standing still. There is no place you can see more evidence of this than in the technology sector. Technology is continually evolving and your value to your employer can be increased with new skills that you bring to the job. Find a gap in your current skill set or conduct research on the latest technologies for your profession, and identify a skill that is in high demand that you do not currently possess. Take a class or become certified, and add that new skill to your repertoire.2. Volu nteer for more projects at workLook for opportunities to throw your hat into the ring for additional projects. At first glance it might not sound appealing to take on a larger workload, but making yourself available for more projects will enable you to potentially increase your knowledge, and therefore your value to the organization. Additionally, volunteering for more projects at work may enable you to develop new relationships in your organization that wouldnt have been possible otherwise. Finally, taking on these opportunities can build your reputation as a go-to person in the department or organization.3. Become a mentorOne of the most rewarding professional opportunities is to mentor others who are following in your footsteps. Helping others learn from your experiences and being a sounding board to them professionally not only benefits the mentee, but you as well. You are contributing to the development of others and yourself at the same time.4. Step outside of your comfort zon eLook for opportunities to step outside of your regular job responsibilities and take on new challenges. Maybe its taking the lead on a cross-divisional project, or its volunteering to present to a professional organization in your area of expertise. Whatever the case, pushing your usual professional boundaries will help you stretch new muscles.5. Seek feedbackSolicit feedback from respected associates and superiors. Not a wertzuwachs review there is a time and place for that but constructive input from peers and managers about you as a co-worker, subordinate and supervisor. Then, use that feedback to continue to refine and hone soft skills, such as your communication style, approach to teamwork, problem-solving capabilities and leadership style.There are many other career goals to consider to build your IT career. What have you done recently to improve your IT skills?John Reed is the Senior Executive Director of Robert Half Technology. He manages operations for more than 100 Robe rt Half Technology locations worldwide, and has extensive background in both IT and staffing, including 13 years in IT product sales and almost 17 years in the staffing industry. This post has been updated with more current information. Tags

What the Military Recruiter Never Told You

What the Military Recruiter Never Told YouWhat the Military Recruiter Never Told YouWhile the vast majority of military recruiters are hard-working, honest, and dedicated professionals, there are some rare recruiters who are tempted to bend the truth, and/or downright lie, and/or blatantly cheat in reservierung to sign up a recruit. It happens often enough where weve all heard horror stories about military recruiters. Why do some recruiters do this? Its a Numbers Game Its because of the way the recruiting system is set up. Its a numbers game, pure and simple. The military recruiters job is to find enough qualified volunteers to fill projected vacancies for the fiscal year for their particular branch of service. Recruiters are judged by their superiors primarily upon the number of recruits they get to sign up. Sign up large numbers, and youre judged to be a good recruiter. Fail to sign up the minimum number assigned to you (known as making mission), and you can find your career at a dead-end. This policy pressures some recruiters to adopt unethical practices in order to make mission. Rules for Recruiters So, you ask, why dont the services put a stop to this? Easier saidthan done. Each of the services has recruiting regulations which make it a crime for recruiters to lie, cheat, or knowingly process applicants that they know are ineligible for enlistment. Recruiters are punished when they are caught violating the standards. However, the key phrase is when they are caught. Not that easy to do, as there are usually no witnesses. It becomes a he said/he said type of deal. Selective Hearing by Enlistees Its not always the recruiter at fault. In many cases, what are reported as lies told by a recruiter are actually cases of selective listening by recruits. A recruiter may say, Many of our bases now have single rooms for most people, and the applicant may hear, You are definitely not going to have a roommate.Most recruiters are honest. Few military personn el put in more hours of work per week than recruiters. Is the Military Right for You? However, the military is not for everyone. Fully 40 percent of recruits who enlist in the military today will not complete their full term of service. While many discharges will be for reasons beyond the recruits control, such as medical problems that develop after joining the military. As a First Sergeant for 11 years, I found that a significant number of the involuntary discharges we imposed on first-term recruits welches because they simply stopped trying. They discovered that the military wasnt what they thought it was going to be. Many of them told me that the military wasnt even close to what their recruiters told them it was going to be. When this happens, everyone loses. More What the Recruiter Never Told You This series is intended to save some of that 40 percent by letting potential recruits know up front, just what they are signing up for. Lets get on with the show Part 1- Choo sing a Military Service How to decide which branch of the military to join.Part 2- Meeting the Recruiter Be prepared for your meeting with the recruiter.Part 3- The Enlistment Process and Job Selection Know about the tests you will take and the qualifications needed for various military jobs.Part 4- Enlistment Contracts and Enlistment Incentives Learn about the Delayed Entry Program and what the contracts and incentives mean.Part 5- Military Pay What to expect for pay in the military. Part 6- Housing, Housing Allowance, and Barracks Where and how you and your family will live.Part 7- Chow Halls and Food Allowance All about meals in the military.Part 8- Education Programs Learn about the G.I. Bill and tuition assistance programs.Part 9- Leave (Vacation), and Job Training Find out when youll be allowed to take leave after basic military training and your technical school job training requirementsPart 10- Assignments Whats the truth about where youll be stationed for your firs t assignment? Part 11- Promotions for Enlisted Personnel What are your advancement prospects in the military?Part 12- Military Medical Care Heres what to expect for medical and dental care in the military and whether youll have health care for life.Part 13- Commissaries and Exchanges Learn about your shopping benefits and limitations in the military.Part 14- Morale, Welfare, Recreation (MWR) Activities What can you do for fun in the military?

Factors That Affect Workplace Happiness That Dont Include Money

Factors That Affect Workplace Happiness That Dont Include MoneyFactors That Affect Workplace Happiness - That Dont Include MoneyFactors That Contribute to Happiness at Work - That Dont Include MoneyMoney is great, but there are many other paths to happiness at work.The current U.S. unemployment rate is lower than its been since the turn of the century, and jobs are plentiful. However, despite an economy that has been on a steady upward trajectory, U.S. wage growth has been much slower. Individual employers are either increasing salaries less frequently, giving smaller increases, or both much to the chagrin of employees who feel the impact on their bank accounts.While there many reasons for the disparity between job and wage growth, its important to keep compensation in proper perspective because, well, money isnt the only thing that matters. In fact, according to research conducted by Glassdoor, compensation is one of the least important factors in regards to workplace happiness. Even if your compensation isnt growing the way you think it should, there are other factors besides money that can keep you satisfied and engaged at work.Company cultureA positive environment where you feel empowered to perform at your best is critical to finding happiness at work. Every part is different, and theres no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to the best company culture. If you prefer spending a bulk of your day working independently on analysis, a culture where meetings are not infrequent probably makes you happier. If you love talking to people and brainstorming, a more collaborative, team-based culture might be a better fit. When youre a part of a work culture thats best for you, you can be more productive and more fulfilled.Opportunities to make an impactMost people want to be in a job where their work is meaningful and they can make an impact. Some are attracted to larger organizations where there are several opportunities to make a broad impact across functi ons and geographies. Others prefer smaller or startup organizations where each person has an opportunity to quickly make a big impact. Whatever your preference, when you have opportunities to make your mark and show others your capabilities and strengths, youll find a niche where you can thrive, be happy, and feel motivated to do your best.Relationship with your managerThe relationship you have with your manager is certainly one of the most important relationships you have at work that impacts your workplace happiness. Your manager delivers performance expectations and feedback, and he or she can also be one of your biggest supporters. A manager who wants you to succeed can work with you to identify career-development and promotional opportunities. They can also be a source of inspiration and ideas, helping you explore options for improving your engagement and overall job satisfaction.Relationship with co-workersGiven the sheer number of hours you spend with your co-workers, it make s sense that daily interactions with them have an impact on overall job satisfaction. Whether you enjoy catching up with co-workers to hear about their weekend or bonding with them over a favorite sports team, these relationships can help you feel like part of a team and more connected at work.Learning and developmentOne of the keys to long-term career success is continuous learning and development. Whether youre evaluating a new job opportunity or considering options in your current company, the degree to which you can gain new skills and have new experiences will greatly impact your job satisfaction. Career development doesnt only come from training. Job rotations, stretch assignments, and lateral moves can all be instrumental in developing your skills and building self-confidence.RelatedSkills You Can Learn on the JobBenefits and perksWhile some benefits and perks fall into the compensation category, like a company car or a 401k match, others are truly happiness-inducing without ever affecting your pocketbook. Flexible work hours support work-life balance and can help reduce stress and burnout. Perks like wellness programs, support for charitable work, and company social events can also positively impact your job satisfaction. Chances are your company offers some benefits or perks that will make you feel good about where you work.Your compensation supports your livelihood and measures the value of the work you do, so its no wonder that compensation is extremely important to most people. Ideally, you should be in a position that compensates you fairly for your contributions, and theres no reason why you shouldnt strive to achieve that goal. If, however, during the current era of sluggish wage growth, youre less than thrilled about your compensation, other elements of your work life can help you feel valued, fulfilled, and optimistic about the future.Click on the following link for more advice on getting ahead.Does your resume represent your best interests? C heck with a free, objective review nowRecommended Reading4 Ways to Get Out of Your Comfort Zone at WorkProductivity Tips That Really Work5 Ways to Boost Your Productivity on Your Lunch Break

How to prepare for the challenges of business travel

How to prepare for the challenges of business travelHow to prepare for the challenges of business travelFrom the outside, a business trip can seem like a paid vacation. But the employees who are on these trips know that these getaways are unglamorous work. A new study of2,000 male business travelers by mens suit retailerJos. A. Bank found that the average male business traveler only got about two hours of free time on work trips, and employees still felt pressure to work in that small remainder of free time.The top challenges business travelers faceFor business travelers, the time away from their homes and routine takes a toll. Here is what they said were their biggest challengesBeing away from family - 50%Dealing with flight/train delays - 47%Dealing with airports - 46%Time spent traveling - 45%Staying fit and healthy - 39%Traffic - 37%?Living out of a suitcase - 36%Working longer/harder hours - 34%Being in a new place but not having time to explore it - 33%Keeping your clot hes/suit looking good (unwrinkled, etc.) - 33%Some of the solutions to these schwierigkeits are easier to solve. To prevent your clothes from getting wrinkled, you can do what business mogul Barbara Cocoran does. She said she packs a steamer on trips You know when youre traveling and always against the clock, and cant iron because itll give your clothes a shine? This will save you.To learn how to live out of a suitcase, you need to accept that you cannot overpack, and that you need to live by necessity. Read up on packing techniques that can help you maximize space. Streamline items by making each one have a double purpose. Recognize that you can always buy items after you land.To fix the larger problem of time lost to traffic, delays and traveling hiccups, you need to accept that there are going to be circumstances out of your control. Going with the flow was among the top advice that business travelers in the survey gave.If you are among the travelers that feel pressured to always be available for work, learn to rethink this mindset. Try scheduling your meetings smartly so there is more personal time left over.When you work long hours without a clear ending, it can be hard to carve out time for yourself, but it is a necessary action if you want to combat the stress of traveling for work. More than half of participants said their favorite part of traveling for work was the opportunity to see a new place. Make time to actually see the new city you are visiting. Go for a run outside, make a reservation at a local restaurant, or sightsee. These personal joys can offset the larger hurdles of being away for your regular routine.

The Resume Grading Diaries

The Resume Grading Diaries Writing the ideal consulting resume is not quite as easy as lots of people think. The writer doesnt project a simple competence in writing. Your suggestions and suggestions are welcome There are two methods to analyze how to assess a resume. If you get a rubric with a great deal of pages, youd have to search through them to discover the information youre searching for. All pages will use the exact same navigation. Highlight only the content. A bulk of the project site is now under water. Our team will function to delete any recording thats determined to become an inadvertent trigger of Siri. If you produce a template from scratch, youd require a lot of time and energy. Only two or three side projects. The practice known as grading has been utilized by numerous tech firms as a method of improving the standard of speech recognition. The practice referred to as grading has been utilized by various tech firms as a means of improving the grade of sp eech recognition. The practice known as grading has been utilized by various tech firms as a method of improving the standard of speech recognition.The ATS acts as a recruiting database, holding-gesellschaft all the resumes and permitting you to carry out keyword searches on them. Actually, screening applications and resumes is among the most time-consuming recruitment process steps. Stand Out from the Crowd As you compose a consulting resume, keep in mind that youre trying to find any chance to stick out from thousands of different applicants. Because consultants handle complex tasks utilizing many diverse approaches, firms will be considering your resume to establish if you have what it requires to be a prosperous hire. Consulting firms also focus on academic performance. Leading consulting firms want to understand that youve soft abilities, including leadership and communication. If a recruiter can screen resumes correctly, that will enable them to obtain the most suitable c andidate in the shortest period of time. You shouldnt utilize it like an entry-level candidate. The perfect candidates are going to have the ideal buzzwords in the proper places, like descriptions of past work history and accomplishments. Successful candidates are well qualified, but theyre also prepared. All you have to do is modify the criteria and other details. Their objective and work experience arent even remotely about the position requirements. There are lots of people related to the hiring process. For instance, one person involved with the hiring process might put a larger emphasis on a qualification than another individual. This facet of the screening method is whats called the qualifying dimension. You may use the exact blank rubric template for unique assignments or tasks. Though its a highly fulfilling profession, there are occasions when it can be hard. If you have sufficient time to phone screen all 20, then do it. Also, think about the kind and the sum of feedback you will present your students. Although all the materials within this section of the Teaching Guide are intended to assist you with consistent, fair, and efficient grading, there are a few extra suggestions on efficiency together with tips mentioned elsewhere which are worth emphasizing. Be attentive to the visual effect of your resume. Hand back work at the conclusion of section to limit the effect on class time. Make aya exam questions are vetted thoroughly before the exam However you want to make or use the rubric, youll certainly gain from it. The desk is sort of messy at the moment. Handling computer problems in the exam room student handouts. No matter the sort of scale you use, make certain its crystal clear and it can measure performance levels well. It is possible to also incorporate a good example of the perfect performance within the level. The scale should have three or more levels. Show you comprehend the problem.

Avoiding Exit Wounds when Leaving your Job

Avoiding Exit Wounds when Leaving your Job Does this seems like a weird topic for an article? If so, then this is evidence that you may need to read on. The transition from job-to-job is a crucial parte of your career process. Just think of sport stars who are great in one team and make a bad move to anotlageher environment/team/role that doesnt suit the person and his/her performance suffers. This can lead to a decline in the athletes career prospects and net worth. I call it a job exit wound. Job transition is a crucial process in any profession or career path, and, if you are to avoid exit wounds, (such as being fired or accepting an unsuitable job as you have no alternatives) it should not be left to chance.Where possible, leaving your job should be carefully orchestrated and should be planned months in advance of it happening as part of your long-term career strategy. The benefits of this mor e engineered approach to career transition include things likeBeing able to leave your current firm on your own terms,Having the time to generate more career options and find the ideal job,Being in a stronger bargaining position with potential new employers,Being able to secure more favorable terms and, of course, the all important higher salaryIn this article, we talk about some of the processes that you can adopt to ensure that you are able to leave your job in a way that enables it to become a stepping stone to the next stage of your career and avoid those exit wounds that can seriously hinder your future employment prospects.Rule 1 Getting a job is easier when you have a jobEmployees who are currently in a role are generally more employable than those who are between roles, so avoid leaving a job without securing a new job. This may be easier said than done as you cant control if you are fired or laid off. Yet, there are strategies that you can adopt to help you stay more in con trol of your career so you are more likely to be applying for jobs while in postand these areTry to avoid resigning in haste, usually as a result of some workplace grievance. Try and get a transfer, try and work it out or start applying for a new job, but dont just bail out. Hold your nerve, maintain focus and plan.Also, be aware of signs that your job may be at risk, and never bury your head in the sand. Engage and ask questions during monthly company briefings. Always know the financial position of the company and, more importantly ,your department, as well as the market. If there is good evidence to suggest that the company may be in decline and there is a risk of layoff, this is the time to start considering alternative roles.Be honest with yourself. If you are severely under performing you may be at risk of being fired. Dont ignore the signs, try and understand why it isnt working and fix it and/or start looking for a more suitable job (they are not mutually exclusive). Dont w ait until you are pushed as you will be in a worse position.Rule 2 Dont burn bridges, build themIf there is an acrimonious split from an employer there can be a temptation to hit out, sever ties and effectively burn bridges. Never do this, as you could easily have to collaborate with ex-colleagues or employers in the future and it will be much better for you if they are cooperative rather than wanting to sabotage your career.But, lets be more positive than this, you should view your current colleagues as key members of your current and future network who can help you get other jobs or win new business. Your future success can depend on the power of your network and how well you use it.So be proactive about your network, particularly when you know you may be leaving. Aim to settle any outstanding issues/disputes that you may have, particularly with senior staff. When you leave, write individual goodbyes and thank yous to your key contacts and a general one to the wider group and ensu re it includes an invite for them to connect with you on LinkedIn. Join any ex-employee LinkedIn groups that may be available as you will find powerful allies in these groups too.Rule 3 Organize your referencesIdentify potential referees and then ask them if they would be prepared to be a reference for future employment. Also, ask them if they would write a testimonial for your LinkedIn profile.Rule 4 Avoid leaving your employer in the lurchAlways try to honor the notice period. Dont be tempted to leave early, (unless you can negotiate it), to join a new employer as doing this while at the same time leaving your current employer in the lurch will damage your reputation and relationship with your former employer. This is something you must avoid doing if you are to build bridges with them and engender goodwill so theyll potentially assist you in the future.

Job Searching Advice for Tech Careers

Job Searching Advice for Tech CareersJob Searching Advice for Tech Careers

How to Hire and Retain Web Developers

How to Hire and Retain Web DevelopersHow to Hire and Retain Web DevelopersSo you need to hire a web developer? Great - but so does pretty much every other company out there. You might be in for a rough hiring journey.Make no mistake, the job market is tipped heavily in favor of web developers. Employers across the country are dipping into the same shrinking talent pool, and top candidates are fielding multiple offers. But supply and demand arent the only challenges you might face when trying to staff this role. If youre not tech-savvy yourself, playing the matching game between candidates skills and your companys needs can be headache-inducing. Hiring someone wholl be an easy fit with your work culture can also be tough. And how do you know what the competition is paying so you dont drastically under- or overpay a good candidate?Here are eight essential tips that can help you hire a web developer who has the right skills, experience and fit with your workplace culture. 1. Know what the markets payingdeparture by benchmarking salaries. According to our research, the midpoint starting compensation for web developers is $98,000 nationally for more experienced candidates, starting salaries reach as high as $139,000. Senior web developers have a midpoint starting salary of $117,000, with some salaries topping $165,750.Market variances for the area youre recruiting in will adjust those figures. Get a copy of the latest Robert Half Technology Salary Guide to gain the insight youll need for setting compensation rates in your area. You want to be ready to meet or beat the going rates to successfully compete for the best talent.DOWNLOAD OUR SALARY GUIDE2. Weigh needs versus wantsAre your criteria for finding a web developer too rigid? If you need a front-end developer whos proficient in JavaScript and jQuery, is it absolutely necessary for them to also have deep expertise in MySQL? And why insist on hiring a web developer who is an expert in PHP when youve identified a promising candidate who is a master of HTML5? Be clear about must-have and nice-to-have skills in the job description you post. Otherwise you might discourage outstanding web developers from applying at all.Theres no such thing asthe perfect candidate - not in this hiring market, anyway. If your top plektron has 80 percent of the skills youd like to add to your team and, more importantly, the right abilities for immediate projects, be happy and be willing to provide training. Your new web developer can pick up the other 20 percent of your hiring wish list while on the job.3. Go where the web developers areLinkedIn might connect you with potential web developers for hire, but dont stop there. Try social sites like Meetup to learn where local developers get together to share best practices for using tools of the trade. Look for groups focused on Ruby on Rails, Perl or other frameworks and languages your company uses.Expanding your search area may also be wise. If all or fruchtwein jo b duties could be performed remotely, why let geography limit your options? Looking outside your market might uncover a great - and available - developer you would otherwise miss.And consider advertising in places only a?skilled web developer?is likely to look. A few years back, Yahoo placed an ad for developers in its front-end source coding. A similar tactic might maketalented developers more interested in working for you from the get-go.4. Emphasize your work environmentBe clear with candidates about your companys mission (particularly if your business is a startup), what your corporate values are, how web assets are important to your firms success and what problems you hope to solve by hiring a web developer. Be sure to convey that the company considers this position integral to the team.That can be especially important for younger workers. In Get Ready for Generation Z, a white paper Robert Half published with Enactus, Gen Zers typically said they wanted to pursue career oppo rtunities that aligned with their personal goals and belief systems. For other workers, there might be different priorities. But keep in mind, every candidate will want to know theyll be valued and doing meaningful work before they accept a job offer.An accurate description of the workplace culture is equally important. An office that supports a friendly and collaborative atmosphere will appeal to most candidates, so talk it up in your job posting and interviews. But give a sense, too, of what the teams workstyle is like. Some candidates will thrive in a busy, loud office and daily scrums. For others, that would be a personal hell. Be realistic about your office environment. Sure, its hip to be fun, but if yours is a quiet, buttoned-up corporate environment, then say so. Youre hiring for a tech role, but you and the candidate both want to know therell be a good personality and work style match.5. Promote benefits and perksYou often have to provide something special - even beyond sa lary - to attract great tech employees. But that doesnt mean your company needs to stock the break room with six types of exotic coffee or pick up the tab on employee dry cleaning services. Generous health benefits, flexible work schedules, wellness programs and remote work arrangements are some incentives?that can sweeten your compensation package and help you attract a developer of the highest caliber.6. Get skilled supportGiven a web developers highly specialized skill set, you may be out of your depth when writing the job post. Do you need a front-end developer or someone more on the server side?When the resumes roll in, you dont need to go it alone. Seek advice from a skilled developer, either from your company or your larger professional network. Ask for their insight on your top candidates work samples and whether they can suggest some questions to ask during the interview.And go into the interview prepared. Try to have at least one IT expert in the room with you or let a se nior IT staff member meet with candidates separately. Your job opening may be so specialized that only an experienced web developer can determine a candidates skill level.7. Get a hiring assistIf you dont have a team member who can assess a candidates technical qualifications, engage a staffing professional to help you through the hiring process. Specialized staffing firms have the expertise to assess candidates skills and background, so they can offer you only professionals who are a good fit for your needs. That can spare you a lot of time and stress.The best staffing agencies also maintain larger talent pools than do most hiring managers. In addition to working with candidates currently looking for a new position, agency recruiters are often connected with passive job seekers and know what positions might interest them. They can also provide interim staffing to help your company handle immediate needs while they help you search for a full-time hire.GET HELP HIRING NOW8. Move fast when you find the right personIn a recent Robert Half survey of more than 1,000 U.S. workers, 69 percent say candidates lose interest in the job if they havent heard back within two weeks of an initial interview. Translation The longer your hiring process, the greater your risk of losing the best talent to the competition.You need to get hiring decisions right, of course, but time is of the essence. Try to have everything organized before the first interview and make sure that all stakeholders are ready to make a prompt decision. Also, use technology to speed things up. For example, if you need to do a second interview, try to do it over Skype or the phone instead of bringing the candidate back in.Finding web developers takes organization and the ability to move fast when you find someone great. Before you post the job opening, review your hiring strategy and compensation package, and make improvements where you can. Bring in outside help when you need it. You want to give yourself every advantage when youre looking for expertise thats so hard to find.

The easiest way to get an entire month of your life back each year

The easiest way to get an entire month of your life back each yearThe easiest way to get an entire month of your life back each yearWe all know that we spend too much time on our phones, computers, tablets and more. But when it comes to unplugging, that challenge can feel easier said than done - and for several reasons. First, ditching tech for any amount of time pushes us out of our comfort zones. And second, we rarely set a specific digital detox time goal to follow.close dialog Advertisementclose dialog/* effects for .bx-campaign-1012257 *//* custom css .bx-campaign-1012257 */.bx-custom.bx-campaign-1012257.bx-type-agilityzone .bx-close z-index 2-ms-keyframes bx-anim-1012257-spin from -ms-transform rotate(0deg) to -ms-transform rotate(360deg) -moz-keyframes bx-anim-1012257-spin from -moz-transform rotate(0deg) to -moz-transform rotate(360deg) -webkit-keyframes bx-anim-1 012257-spin from -webkit-transform rotate(0deg) to -webkit-transform rotate(360deg) keyframes bx-anim-1012257-spin from transform rotate(0deg) to transform rotate(360deg) bx-close-inside-1012257 top 0 right 0 /* KD - Remove padding from video wrapper and set height to 100% */.bx-custom.bx-campaign-1012257 .bx-row-video .bx-video-wrapper padding-top 0important height 100%.bx-custombx-campaign-1012257 bx-creative-1012257 .bx-wrap height auto/* KD - Change flecking to static as that was not necesaary and here you can adjust the height of the video element */.bx-custom.bx-campaign-1012257 .bx-row-video .bx-video-wrapper video position static/* rendered styles .bx-campaign-1012257 */.bxc.bx-campaign-1012257.bx-active-step-1 .bx-creative *first-child width 100%.bxc.bx-campaign-1012257.bx-active-step-1 .bx-creative background-color transparentborder-style nonemax-width 90 0px.bxc.bx-campaign-1012257.bx-active-step-1 .bx-close stroke whitebackground-color blackborder-style solidborder-color whiteborder-width 1px.bxc.bx-campaign-1012257 .bx-group-1012257-AFvXBOB padding 10pxdisplay blockwidth auto.bxc.bx-campaign-1012257 .bx-element-1012257-J0EiS8Y width auto.bxc.bx-campaign-1012257 .bx-element-1012257-J0EiS8Y *first-child padding 2px 4pxfont-size 10pxcolor rgb(255, 255, 255)text-transform uppercasebackground-color rgb(0, 0, 0)background-color rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.34)So what if we changed that and set some clear parameters?Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreFor instance, lets say you set a goal of turning off your devices two hours earlier each night, trading tech time for quality time with your partner, your friends or your family members. You can cook together, whip out some fun card and board games, or dive into some deeper catch-up conversations youve been wanting to have. Or you can take some solo time and grab that book off your shelf that youve been meaning to read, or relax to the sounds of your favorite album. No matter what you choose, its surprisingly easy (and fun) to fill two hours with something other than a screen.But before you embark on this goal, do a little math. If you were to stick to this goal, unplugging for two hours a day, 365 days a year, youd end up getting 30 days worth of your life back. Thirty days Thats an entire month you can dedicate to a beloved hobby, a new passion, an important relationship, self-care and thats just in one year Think about how many more months of your life youd be able to live to the fullest if you kept to this lifestyle shift indefinitely.If that perspective doesnt motivate you to leave your phone on the charger more often, we dont know what will.So think about what kind of time goal could work for you, and then ask yourself how it pans out in the long run and what positive chan ges it can bring to your life. You can significantly benefit your mental health, sleep cycle, interpersonal relationships and connection with yourself all just by letting that digital tether loosen a little bit. And with the right plan in place, itll become that much easier.This article originally appeared on Swirled.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people