5 Tips for Successful Job Search

Introduction

A successful job search is a combination of effective job searching techniques and setting realistic job goals. It’s important to know what you are looking for in a new job and to be prepared to articulate that in your resume and cover letter. Finally, it’s essential to stay motivated throughout the process by keeping your expectations realistic.

5 Tips for a successful job search to get Your desired results

Here are five tips to help you achieve a successful job search:

1. Start with a list of job goals

When embarking on a successful job search, it’s important to have goals in mind. What are you looking for in your next position? Which kind of company do you want to work for? Do you want a permanent or temporary job?  What kind of hours do you want to work? Thinking about these things in advance can help make the job search process smoother.

Another key part of the successful job search is avoiding common mistakes. Some things to avoid include: applying for jobs that are way out of your skill range, not tailoring your résumé and cover letter to each position, and not doing your research on the company.

If you stay focused and avoid these mistakes, you’re sure to find the right job for you.  Developing a realistic job goal will help you focus on the specific requirements of the position you are targeting. This will help you organize your thoughts and stay motivated during your search.

2. Stay organized

In order to have a successful job search, it is important to stay organized. Here are some tips on how to stay organized:
1. Make a list of the companies you’d like to work for and research them.
2. Create a resume that highlights your skills and experiences.
3. Polish your interviewing skills and practice answering common interview questions.
4. Network with people in your industry and attend networking events.
5. Keep track of the jobs you apply for and the interviews you attend.
6. Follow up with employers after submitting an application or interviewing with them.
7. Stay positive and don’t get discouraged if you don’t hear back from employers right away.

Having an organized profile will make it easier to find potential matches for your skills and experience. Keep track of your progress by using a job search tracking tool, such as Hootsuite or Indeed, to keep tabs on new leads, interviews and offers.

3. Enhance your resume and cover letter

Make sure that you tailor your resume specifically to the position you are targeting.  Furthermore, ensure that you create a well-written and compelling cover letter that directly reflects the posted job requirements. Make use of social media platforms, such as LinkedIn, to network with potential employers and build relationships that could lead to a referral for a job opening.

4. Be persistent

Don’t give up after submitting to one or two jobs; continue applying until you find the right fit for your skills and experience. And don’t be afraid to ask for references or additional interviews – many employers are happy to give candidates the opportunity to show their qualifications in person.

5. Take time for yourself

Of course, finding a new job can be stressful, so take some time each week to relax and rejuvenate yourself like exploring new hobbies or spending time with friends and family members.  A lengthy job search for a new position can lead to anxiety and uncertainty. Between the time spent on applications, networking, and interviewing, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But don’t forget to take some time for yourself!

Successful job search

Here are a few suggestions for making the job search less stressful:

First: Make a plan and stick to it. Don’t spend hours on the internet scrolling through job postings when you should be networking. Stay organized and focused so you can make the most of your time.

Second: Take breaks. Get up and move around every once in a while, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Taking a break can help clear your mind and refresh you so you can focus better later on.

Third: In spite of your progress, don’t compare yourself to others.

Conclusion

To wrap up, a successful job search is a combination of effective job searching techniques and setting realistic job goals. Preparing to articulate your strengths will position you very effectively to find the job you want. Remember, the key to finding a job is not luck – it’s hard work and dedication. So keep up the good work, and I’m sure you will be successful!

For a successful job search you must display what employers demand right now
 Be realistic about the types of jobs that are available to you. Remember to stay positive and focused throughout your job search, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed.
Flexicrew Support for Candidates

We all experience ups and downs in our job search. It’s not uncommon to feel stressed at times, frustrated with your job search, or unsure of what steps to take next. Flexicrew understands this and is committed to helping job seekers find the right position. We’re here to help you every step of the way. With a wide range of services, Flexicrew will assist you with your job pursuit.

Our staffing experts can help you find the right position that fits your needs and qualifications. We can also offer a variety of perks, including access to potential clients, assistance with resume writing, and more.  Contact us.  We’ll be glad to assist you in your successful job search.

5 Most Common Recruiting Mistakes Recruiters Make

Introduction

Avoid hiring mistakes employers make

Hiring managers often make these 5 most common recruiting mistakes when hiring new employees.  Admit it.  Are you guilty of making any of these simple recruiting mistakes?  in this post, we’ll address them and what you can do to side-step them.

How?

By understanding some common interviewing techniques and effective recruiting methods, hiring managers can minimize the chances of making these 5 most common recruiting mistakes.

Broad Errors Flexicrew Observes in Recruitment

common hiring mistakes

As a professional staffing agency, we monitor recruiter and hiring manager recruiting activities and see some overall simple missteps that are an everyday occurrence – but are easy to avoid.

  • Properly Evaluating Candidates

One of the most common mistakes hiring managers make is not properly evaluating candidates. Many times, a job candidate’s qualifications are less important than the interviewer’s perception of them. Instead of basing decisions on what is important, such as skills or experience, interviewers often focus on superficial characteristics, such as appearance or personality.

  • Applicant Screening

Another mistake hiring managers make is not screening applicants thoroughly. Many times, a simple Google search can reveal disqualifying information about an applicant. Hiring managers should also verify information about candidates through third-party sources.

  • Balancing Important Factors

Finally, interviewers often give too much weight to oral interviews. In reality, interviews with candidates only account for about 25% of the decision-making process. Written applications and feedback from previous employers are also important factors when choosing new employees.

5 Most Common Recruiting Mistakes

5 most common recruiting mistakes hiring managers make

Below are the 5 most common recruiting mistakes we observe hiring managers make that can adversely affect your hiring decisions and how to correct them.

1. Not Setting specific Hiring Goals

A common mistake made by hiring managers is not setting clear hiring goals for their department. Without knowing what they want, it becomes difficult to find qualified candidates. Try to define specific roles and responsibilities that match the skills and experience of the ideal candidate, and make sure that the job offer meets these qualifications.

2. Failing to Conduct Interviews Properly

When interviewing candidates, be prepared to ask probing questions and probe for information about their experience and skills. Make sure your questions are relevant to the job opening and that you take the time to listen to the candidate’s responses. Poor interviewing skills can result in a loss of interest from potential employees, which can impact your ability to hire the best possible candidate for the position.

STAR interview questions for the candidates

3. Not Considering References Carefully

Before making an offer of employment, be sure to ask references for both yourself and the candidate. Check their references thoroughly and be sure you understand their comments about the applicant. If you have any doubts about whether a reference will be positive, hesitate before offering employment – even if you’re 99% certain that the person is qualified for the job. A poor reference can damage your reputation as a fair employer, which could lead to lost opportunities in future hires.

4. Making Assumptions about a Candidate

When evaluating candidates, do not make assumptions about their character or capabilities based solely on their appearance or resume information. Instead, take time to get to know them better – ask them questions that will allow you to assess whether they would be a good fit for your position in question.

5. Not Following up After Interviews or Rejecting Candidates too Early

After an interview, it’s important to follow up with potential candidates promptly and offer them an opportunity to schedule a second interview if they’re interested in the position. It’s also important not to reject candidates too early – many times this can come across as rude or unprofessional. This could give your employer a black eye with that candidate and any other s/he speaks with.  Allow candidates ample opportunity to show their skills and qualities before making a decision.

Conclusion

By following these tips, you can minimize the chances of making hiring mistakes and ensure that your hires are a great fit for your company who positively affect your results..

Flexicrew Support

We have advised many HR recruiters and functional hiring managers on correct interviewing techniques and successful recruiting methods.  That reduced the chance of their making these 5 most common recruiting mistakes.

5 most common recruiting mistakes Flexicrew avoids

If you would like support in recruiting your next new hire, please contact one of our professional recruiters with many years experience in staffing.  We’ll  help you prevent your team from making a recruiting Oops!

 

 

 

Smooth Job Switching with 6 Tips

Smooth Job Switching: How To Make a Position Change Smoothly

When it's time to change jobs tips for smooth job switching

Changing positions can be a hassle so this article will discuss smooth job switching to avoid that hassle.  Finding a new job can also be an exciting process – but it can also be stressful. After all, there are a lot of moving parts when you’re looking for a new job. You need to find a new job that will be a good fit for you. You need to find a new job that doesn’t take too much time or effort. And you need to find a new job that doesn’t feel like a job – because it should be a step towards a new career.

Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to know what you’re getting into. Especially when you’re looking for your first job out of school. Because you don’t have the job experience that most new grads have. And your time spent in college doesn’t always translate to the real world. It can be scary to think about all of the changes that you could be making to your life. And what it means for your future. But that’s why you’re here. You’re looking for advice. And some perspective.

If you’re ready to make the switch from “job seeker” to “job hunter”, then read on. You’re will learn 6 tips to enable smooth job switching. And how to prepare yourself for your new career opportunity.

1. Make The Switch From “Job Seeker” To “Job Hunter”

This is the step where you start to look for jobs that match your interests, skills, and career goals. You want to make sure that you’re crossing off jobs that aren’t even a remote possibility for you. And that you’re keeping an open mind for opportunities that might come along. But, at the same time, you don’t want to be naïve. You need to be realistic about your job hunt.

First, you need to make the switch from “job seeker” to “job hunter”. This means that you need to stop thinking of yourself as a victim and start thinking of yourself as a person in control of your career. You can do this.

Next, you need to plan your exit. This is the step where you look at your current job and identify the strengths and weaknesses of that job. You need to think about how you’re going to approach this job hunt as an expert in your own right.  In other words make a smooth job switching game plan.

2. Plan Your Exit

If you’re in a position to do so, you should definitely start looking for new jobs. Companies are always looking for great talent, especially if they’re located in a city or region that’s difficult to staff. In this case, you might be able to negotiate for a higher salary or more generous benefits. Or you could just wait it out and see if you have better luck next time around.

Regardless of how you approach this, you need to start thinking about how you’re going to leave your current job. You need to start making plans. What steps are you going to take? When are you going to make the transition?

Game plan needed for smooth job switching

You might be able to take a little detour along the way. But you need to have a game plan. You need to have a plan in place to effectively exit the job that you have right now.

3. Research Companies

 

If you’re looking for a new job, you should definitely start your research into potential employers. You can do this using websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn. You can also use these sites to look for jobs that are unrelated to your field of study.

You should go to these sites and type in the keywords that relate to the companies that you’re interested in. Then, once you get to the site, you should look at the jobs that are available. You can sort the results by most popular or most relevant, depending on your preferences.

You should definitely do your research before you send in your resume. You don’t want to list your current employer on your resume unless you have to. But you also don’t want to list every job that you’ve ever applied to. So, what’s the best way to do this?

4. Stay In Touch With Friends and Contacts

You should definitely keep in touch with those people in your immediate circle. This is especially true if you’re looking for a new job. And you want job switching made smoothly.  This is where those contacts can come in handy. They can give you a leg up when it comes to finding a new job.

If you’ve ever wanted to work at a particular company, you can refer your friends and contacts to apply there too. This is a great way to let people know that you’re looking for work and to get some recommendations in return.

You can also let your contacts know about open source jobs that you come across. This is a great way to give back to the communities that have supported you throughout your career.

5. Hiring Manager Interview

Smooth job switching by nailing your interview

If you’re looking for a new job, you should definitely schedule a hiring manager interview. This is the step where you connect with the hiring manager at a prospective employer. You can do this via phone or in-person.

The hiring manager will be able to give you a more in-depth tour of the company. He or she will be able to tell you about the company culture and what life is like as an employee there.

This is a great opportunity to ask questions and do your due diligence. You don’t want to just apply for any job that comes across your radar. You want to apply to the right job. And the hiring manager interview is a great way to do that.

6.  Networking Still Important

Bigger the network the greater number of job opportunities

Even though you’re looking for a new job, you shouldn’t forget about making new connections through networking. This is where you make those one-on-one connections that can help you find new opportunities.

You can go to networking events. You can join networking groups on Facebook and LinkedIn. You can also send out emails to your contacts asking them to put you in touch with people that they know that are hiring.

You can also make more direct connections by adding people on LinkedIn that you think would be a good fit for a job.

Bottom Line

Successful job switching

If you’re looking for a new job, you should definitely start your job search sooner rather than later. You can do this by researching companies, staying in touch with professional networks, and scheduling a hiring manager interview. These are all important in achieving smooth job switching.

Flexicrew Support

An additional weapon in your smooth job switching journey is to use the assistance of a staffing agency.  We just happen to know of a good one, Flexicrew Staffing.  Contact us today and will will help you develop your game plan, write your resume, set up your job interviews to help you achieve smooth job switching.

4 Reasons for The Great Resignation-Don’t Ignore

.The Great Resignation by millions of workers monthly stems to a significant degree from dissatisfaction with their current job.

The Great Resignation shaping future of work

Statistical data regarding employment in the United States like the Job Opening and Labor Turnover Statistics (JOLTS) indicate that the number of people resigning in the last six months has increased significantly. In some months, the percentage of people resigning has been the highest in the last twenty years. Both employers as well as employees would like to understand the Great Resignation.  What are the reasons why so many people are choosing to resign? How it will affect their business or career. This will help them in taking the right decision and planning for the future.

The Great Resignation and causes

1.Postponed Resignations

When the COVID-19 pandemic started in March 2020, many employees lost their jobs. There was a lot of uncertainty about the future. Workers were unsure whether it was worth the risk of joining a new unfamiliar company. Normally, many employees change their job if they are not happy or are getting a better opportunity. During the COVID-19 pandemic for more than one year, many people continued with their job. This was the case even if they did not like it or disliked their boss.  Changing jobs was risky. Thus, postponing their resignation made sense. Now that the economic conditions have improved.  Workersare more confident and willing to take the risk, so they are finding new jobs.

The Great Resignation continues

2. Changed Perspective

During the COVID-19 pandemic during the lockdowns, people were largely confined to their homes and had free time to think over their priorities for their life. A large number of employees lost one or more relatives, friends, and colleagues to the pandemic. They realized that their life is short, and they would like to spend their time in a better way.  Instead of working in an office or workplace they did not like, spending a few hours daily commuting to their workplace, they had an epiphany. Many realized that the present job was not suitable and resigned after getting a better opportunity.  And some workers resigned without alternative employment to be able to spend full-time in job search mode looking for a job they could love.

3. Job Availability

Some businesses and sectors were more affected by the pandemic especially travel, hotels, restaurants, sporting events, live concerts, and entertainment.  This resulted in large-scale job loss. After vaccinations were available, the COVID-19 cases have reduced, so there are a large number of jobs available. Due to the shortage of talent, it is easier to find a suitable job with a better salary compared to a year ago. Since people are finding better jobs with good salaries easily.   They are resigning from their existing job for greener pastures, especially if they do not like their present employment.

4. Remote Working

Many business continued to function during the pandemic, with their employees working remotely from their home. These employees were saving time and money they spent commuting and other expenses by working remotely and could spend more time with their families.

One worker told me that during months of the pandemic he spent more on gas for his lawnmower than for his automobile.  He loved that!

With the number of COVID-19 cases reducing, businesses started asking their employees to return to their normal workplace routine, typically they are being asked to work in their office or on their job site from 8 or 9 am to 5 pm. Some employees, especially those who are commuting longer distances may not like this option. And they are resigning since they would like to continue working remotely. Often these employees have more savings, and so they can afford to take the risk of trying different jobs.

The Great Resignation caused by work conditions and money

Sum-Up

The upheaval imposed upon the workforce by the COVID-19 pandemic afforded all of us a once-in-a-lifetime occasion to review and judge every attribute of our lives through a completely new point of view and different yardsticks.

This gave job seekers the potential to select the pandemic era lessons they wished to endorse and which adjustments to abandon and give up in their future work lives.

Employee shortage is killing employers

Partner with the Right Staffing Agency

The first-class way to find a new position during the upheaval of The Great Resignation is to sign up with a specialist staffing agency.

Here at Flexicrew Staffing, we’ve got your back to promote you and highlight your skills and abilities to our clients who are looking for the right talent.

We get to know you – your skills, likes, dislikes, requirements, and so forth.  We want to be sure we match you to excellent opportunities the moment they are accessible. And we counsel you and support you the whole time, until you sign up with your new employer, and afterward, as well.

Upload your resume with Flexicrew. Let’s get you connected with the best industrial employers right away.

 

State & Local Financial Resources for Businesses to Combat Coronavirus Challenges

If your business missed applying for PPP loans or didn’t quality, the federal government has approved Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) for small businesses in all 50 states. This relief is offered via the Small Business Administration (SBA).

Targeted EIDL Advances

As of April 7, 2021, a new round of EIDL Advances, called Targeted EIDL Advances, was launched. It’s important to note that the combined amount of the Targeted EIDL Advance and any previously received Advance will not exceed $10,000.

The Targeted EIDL Advances differ slightly than previous EIDL grants. Businesses are only eligible if they meet ALL the following criteria:

  • Located in a low-income community, as defined in section 45D(e) of the Internal Revenue Code. Check the mapping tool to see if you’re in an area that qualifies.
  • Suffered economic loss greater than 30 percent, as demonstrated by an 8-week period beginning on March 2, 2020, or later, compared to the previous year. You will be required to provide the total amount of monthly gross receipts from January 2019 to the current month-to-date.
  • Must have 300 or fewer employees. Business entities normally eligible for the EIDL program are eligible, including sole proprietors, independent contractors, and private, nonprofit organizations. However, agricultural enterprises, such as farmers and ranchers, are not eligible to receive the Targeted EIDL Advance.

While there isn’t an available application, be on the lookout for an email invite from the SBA to apply, as it’s the ONLY way to apply. Just to be sure, you can search your inbox for this domain now – @sba.gov – to be positive you haven’t received it already.

Businesses that received a previous EIDL Advance less than $10,000 will have first priority to apply for the Targeted EIDL Advance, followed by businesses that applied before December 21 but did not receive because available funding was exhausted. They take several weeks to be sent out fully, so don’t fret if you don’t get it right away.

If you receive an email and qualify, you may be asked to provide an IRS Form 4506-T for tax information purposes.

For more info about the Targeted EIDL Advances, read more here. Here is a list of FAQ’s from the SBA’s website about the grants for more information.

FAQs

This program offers:

  • Loans of up to $2 million
  • Interest rates of 3.75% (2.75% for non-profits)
  • Collateral of $25,000 for all loans (might be waived in some cases)
  • 30-year repayment terms
  • Funds within 14-20 days
  • Cash advances of up to $10,000 upon application that DO NOT need to be repaid
PPP vs EIDL Loan

We’ve pulled some of the most important distinctions between PPP and EIDL loan properties for you (but can read them for yourself here):

  • While the PPP loan is forgivable, the EIDL loan is not (the $10,000 advance is actually a grant and does NOT require repayment)
  • There are fewer restrictions on what you can spend EIDL loans on, making them a perfect avenue to invest in marketing or other business growth efforts
  • PPP lenders are regulated lenders like banks, while the SBA handles EIDL loans
  • There is a personal guarantee required for EIDL loans exceeding $200,000
  • The SBA will place a UCC lien against your assets for collateral
  • You can still apply for an EIDL loan even if you haven’t filed your 2019 taxes. However, you will be asked to submit IRS form 4506T, which provides the SBA with access to your previous tax returns

You can read more about EIDL loans here. You can begin the official application process online here.

Flexicrew

Our priority here at Flexicrew is to keep businesses like yours informed about COVID-19 — to stay up to date on developments.

$1.9 Trillion American Rescue Plan Summary

The $1.9 trillion relief bill, known as the American Rescue Plan, has passed Congress and will head to President Joe Biden for a signature. Highlights of the bill include extended unemployment benefits, direct checks to individuals and more.

While some of the bill was changed during its time in the Senate, it’s largely similar to the initial version passed by the House. However, some key provisions, such as a higher minimum wage, were scrapped amid efforts to pass the bill swiftly.

This article defines the most relevant terms included in the bill.

Small Business Assistance

The bill invests billions toward small business assistance. Here is the current funding breakdown:

  • Economic Injury Disaster Loan program: $15 billion
  • New grant program for bars and restaurants, specifically: $28 billion
  • Paycheck Protection Program: $7.25 billion
Direct Payments

Just like the two other COVID-19 relief bills passed during the pandemic, this version also features direct payments to Americans. This time around, eligible recipients can expect $1,400 per person ($2,800 for couples), including adult dependents—a family of four could receive up to $5,600.

However, payment parameters are stricter this time around than with the previous direct payment. The full amount will go to individuals earning under $75,000 (or $150,000 for couples), with payments cut off entirely for individuals earning over $80,000 (or $160,000 for couples). Individuals earning an amount between those figures will receive a reduced sum.

Unemployment Aid

The bill extends two previously established pandemic unemployment assistance efforts: the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program and the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation program. Unemployed gig workers, freelancers, contractors and others who previously qualified for aid will continue to be eligible under these programs. The financial assistance provided by these two programs is currently set to expire in mid-March, which pressured legislators to act quickly.

The bill also provides for enhanced unemployment assistance payments of $300 per week. Under the bill, these programs and their financial aid are extended through Sept. 6.

Housing Assistance

The bill sets aside billions in financial aid to homeowners and renters. Here is the funding breakdown:

  • Aid for emergency rental assistance: $22 billion
  • Aid for mortgages, utilities and property taxes: $10 billion
  • Aid to states and localities to help individuals at risk of becoming homeless: $5 billion
Emergency Paid Leave

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), signed into law on March 18, 2020, required certain employers to provide employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. That requirement expired Dec. 31, 2020.

The American Rescue Plan maintains the status quo, in that it does not require employers to offer leave under the FFCRA framework. However, the bill does provide tax credits for employers that voluntarily provide leave under the FFCRA framework through the end of September 2021.

Aid to Schools and Child Care

A significant portion of the relief bill involves aid to states, including schools and child care facilities:

  • Aid for getting K-12 schools ready for in-person learning: $125 billion
    • Money may be used for purchasing protective equipment, improving ventilation systems and hiring support staff, among other things. However, 20% of the money schools receive must be used to address pandemic learning loss—for example, extending learning time into the summer.
    • Aid carved out specifically for private schools: $2.75 billion
  • Aid for colleges: $40 billion
    •  Institutions will be required to spend at least 50% of their allocated funds on emergency financial aid grants to students.
  • Child care provider assistance: $39 billion
    • Funds may be used for payroll, rent, protective equipment and other expenses.
Tax Credits

The relief bill provides an overhaul of the child tax credit for the 2021 tax year. The bill increases the amount of the credit to $3,000 for each child under the age of 18 and $3,600 for children under the age of 6. The credit will also become fully refundable, meaning low-income individuals would receive the benefit.

The bill also expands the earned income tax credit for individuals without children. The maximum credit will be nearly tripled, and eligibility will be expanded as well.

Health Insurance

The bill subsidizes private health insurance premiums for unemployed workers through the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). The provision allows individuals eligible for COBRA insurance coverage to maintain their employer-sponsored coverage after losing employment without having to pay any portion of the premiums through the end of September 2021.

Additionally, the bill invests nearly $35 billion in premium subsidy increases for those who buy coverage on the ACA Marketplace. The bill increases the subsidies provided to currently eligible individuals, and removes the 400% federal poverty level cap (equal to approximately $51,000 for an individual) on subsidy eligibility.

Aid to States, Local Governments, Tribes and Territories

The bill provides billions in financial assistance to states, local governments, tribes and territories. Here is the current funding breakdown:

  • Aid to state and local governments: $325.5 billion
  • Aid to tribes and territories: $24.5 billion
  • Creation of the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund, to carry out capital projects directly enabling work, education and health monitoring: $10 billion
What’s NOT in the Bill

A minimum wage hike to $15 per hour—one of the most discussed provisions from the initial bill—has been removed from the final version due to strict rules governing budget bills in the Senate. Some Democrats have suggested this provision may be considered as a standalone bill, but any movement on that front remains to be seen.

Additionally, the bill does not include an extension of the eviction moratorium, which is set to expire on March 31, or an expansion of mandated paid sick and family and medical leave. While neither were included in the original House bill, these were popular provisions contained within one of the previous bills.

Summary

While there are many complex provisions in this nearly $2 trillion relief bill, many legal and tax consultants are available to help employers make sense of everything. Please reach out with questions about how this new bill may affect your organization.  And if you need assistance with recruiting or flexible staffing support, please contact Flexicrew.

Come back again to this space to track Flexicrew’s Coronavirus efforts and information for your business and workforce.

This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, legal or tax advice. If you have any legal or tax questions regarding this content or related issues, then you should consult with your professional legal or tax advisor.

New CDC Guidelines for Fully Vaccinated

Excerpted from CNN Tuesday, March 9, 2021

 

Top federal health officials on Monday, March 8th told Americans who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 that they could once again gather in small groups at home without masks or social distancing.

Umbrella Take Care of Yourself

The guidance, issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, came almost a year to the day after the coronavirus first gripped the United States and Americans were told to avoid large groups to stop the spread of the deadly disease.

Still, the good news is heavily caveated. Travel, even for those who’ve been vaccinated, is advised against — though some prominent medical experts said the CDC is being overly cautious. And the threat of pernicious Covid-19 variants may be about to inflict another surge of death and sickness.

But the announcement of the guidelines on Monday was a striking moment after 12 months of pain and heartache, signaling the first step in a real — albeit restrained — return to normal life for the 30 million Americans already fully vaccinated.

The new CDC guidance says fully vaccinated people can:

  • Visit other vaccinated people indoors without masks or physical distancing.
  • Visit indoors with unvaccinated people from a single household without masks or physical distancing, if the unvaccinated people are at low risk for severe disease.
  • Skip quarantine and testing if exposed to someone who has Covid-19 but are asymptomatic, but should monitor for symptoms for 14 days.

But people who are fully vaccinated still need to take precautions in many scenarios:

  • Wear a mask and keep good physical distance around the unvaccinated who are at increased risk for severe Covid-19, or if the unvaccinated person has a household member who is at higher risk.
  • Wear masks and physically distance when visiting unvaccinated people who are from multiple households.
  • Keep physical distance in public.
  • Avoid medium- and large-sized crowds.
  • Avoid poorly ventilated public spaces.
  • Wash hands frequently.
  • Get tested for Covid-19 if you feel sick.

The airline industry is pushing back against the guidance that fully vaccinated people should avoid travel.

Follow this space for additional information from Flexicrew as it develops.

 

10 Tips for Getting Better Organized at Work

Organization is a skill requiring time and effort to improve productivity on the job. As this year is still young, many workers are thinking of ways to raise their organizational skills.

Organize at work

Whether it’s investing in a new planner or homing in on new habits, organization is needed to master your employment position and improve your performance.

If you want to improve your organization skills and get a firm grasp on your job this year, study these 10 techniques to help you get your work life coordinated and develop positive habits.

 

1.Set a Goal

Goal setting is the first step to getting organized. By creating your own set of priorities, you’re eliminating what doesn’t serve you and welcoming positive energy.

The trick here is to start with small, attainable goals as opposed to one major one. This will help you eliminate feeling overwhelmed and allow you to celebrate small victories.

2. Hold Yourself Accountable

It’s easy to miss a Zoom call or slack off on your project when there are not any significant consequences to your actions. Instead of leaving your progress up to chance, hold yourself accountable to actually doing what you set out to do. This will help you to stick to your schedule and stay organized.

3. Reward Yourself

In order to meet your goals and stay motivated, you have to reward yourself. Celebrate even the smallest of victories and reward yourself with self-care “treats” when you meet your goals. This will keep you motivated about your business goals and excited to continue.

4. Set Alarms

One of the best ways to stay on top of your to-do list is to set alarms. Whether it is on your phone or setting traditional clocks, having that little reminder will help you stay on track. Set your schedule, deadlines and other important information so you can always stay in the know.

5. Invest In a Planner

Planners have become all the rage. People use them as scrapbooks, journals and more. Keep your life organized by investing in a good planner. This will give you a visual of what you need to accomplish. You can write out your feelings, create monthly vision boards and keep track of your events. Writing out your responsibilities will give you clarity that’s unmatched.

6. Declutter

Trying to stay organized in a cluttered space is counterproductive. In fact, it can bring about more stress than you initially intended. Start this Year off right by cleaning out all forms of clutter you may have.

Throw away old reports, delete very old emails and junk that’s simply holding you back. This will help you develop your mental strength and stay organized.

7. Create a Monthly Goal

Each month provides an opportunity for a new start. Take advantage of this gift by setting goals you can meet. If you noticed that you struggled with productivity last month, make that a priority this month. It even helps to create vision boards with your monthly goals illustrated on them. This will help you to stay on track in the coming months.

8. Practice Saying “No”

One of the biggest hurdles to sticking to your personal schedule is getting caught up in other tasks. For example, Wednesdays are your designated “research new information” days. However, your coworkers want to hold meetings on Wednesday. You haven’t been sticking to your schedule and it’s impacting your mental health.

What do you do? Well, start by learning how to put yourself first and say no. Distractions, whether positive or negative, can throw you off of your schedule. This can make you feel disorganized and anxious. Learn how to say no and not feel guilty about it.

9. Wake up Earlier

If you challenge yourself to wake up 15-30 minutes earlier each day, you’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish. Doing this will give you the opportunity to get done everything you intended and start the day with a fresh mind.

10. Prepare For the Work Day The Night Before

We’ve all been there – rushing to get everything together while still trying to make appointments on time. The best way to alleviate those rushed feelings is to prepare for your next workday the night before. List your activities, lay your clothes out, pack your lunch (if you bring one) and get your items ready. This will make your morning routine seamless and enjoyable.

Getting organized is definitely a challenge, but a fulfilling one. Make your 2021 great by implementing these helpful tips into your daily routine. You’ll begin to feel more organized and prepared for everything.

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Ask the Flexpert…What are Some Simple Tricks to Stick to your New Year’s Resolutions

In January (and every January), about 40% of all Americans vowed to change one thing or another about themselves.

New Year ’s resolutions usually fall under the following categories:

New Years Resolutions

  • Finance
  • Career
  • Personal development
  • Stress management
  • Health and diet
  • Fitness
  • Weight loss
  • Focusing on personal relationships

Fast forward 6 months later, 60% will have completely forgotten all about their resolutions.

But carrying out your resolutions, whether for work or in your personal lifestyle, can be done. Read on to find out how.

1. Define your Motivation

There are 2 types of motivation:

  • Intrinsic – this means your motivation comes from inside. For example, you prefer making a presentation, going to a business seminar, or doing research by yourself because you like how you feel afterwards.
  • Extrinsic – you’re pushed forward by actions outside your personal scope. In other words, you prefer working on a team project, and work harder when there’s a reward system in place.

Once you figure out your motivation type is, then all you have to do is put yourself in situations that make you more excited to accomplish even more.

2. Actions speak louder than results

Deciding on a goal for the new year is always easier said than done. However, it’s the steps you take to reach that goal that’s the tricky part. If you want to stick to your resolutions, it’s wise to break each step down into smaller goals, if possible, to make them more manageable.

Moreover, each time you achieve one, reward yourself and feel proud of what you’ve accomplished. Positive reinforcement is crucial to help guide you as you push toward your goal and commit to your responsibilities.

One way to keep everything in check is to make sure your actions are SMART:

  • Specific. Having a specific end result prevents you from making excuses.
  • Measurable. Evaluating your progress will give your motivation a boost.
  • Achievable. You can set daily goals as a building block to bigger goals.
  • Relevant. Otherwise, if it’s not relevant, why bother?
  • Time-bound. Goals need to have a defined end date.
Characiture of Flexpert
3. Be Honest with yourself

The more realistic your resolutions, the more likely you’ll see them through. If your goal for this year is to exercise more, then start small. Instead of planning a 5-day workout week, go for 20 minutes a day then increase gradually.

You’ll find that, as with all goals, as soon as you start seeing what you’ve accomplished, you’ll be pumped to do even more. However, it’s crucial that you stay away from the “all-or-nothing” approach. Doing something, even if it’s a small piece of what you’d originally planned, is much better and more productive than doing nothing at all.

Moreover, it’s equally important to not have too many resolutions up in the air at once. Make a list, prioritize them, and go from there. Once you feel the first one’s in the bag, go for the second, and so on. Focusing on one goal at a time will channel your energy and efforts there, helping you reach your target faster.

4. Think things through

Having a positive mindset is key when progressing towards your goals, but let’s be honest; every plan is bound for failure if you’re careful. Be smart and anticipate these obstacles so that when they do appear, you’ll be prepared.

For example, if you get bored when you exercise, choose upbeat workout music that’ll get you revved up. Or you can workout at home, as you catch up on your favorite TV shows. If your motivation method is extrinsic, ask a co-worker to be your accountability partner. The idea is to nip it in the bud before it becomes stronger than your willpower so that you can surmount any obstacle that comes between you and your goal.

5. Be accountable for your actions

Accountability means you’re taking responsibility for the choices you’re making. This may seem easy to do at work when you have a deadline and a boss reinforcing it. It may not seem as easy when you’re home alone and skip cooking a healthy meal, and order take-out instead.

You can enlist the help of a peer or join a support group where you’d know that you made a certain commitment to someone, if it’s simply sending a photo of your home-cooked meal on social media or, you can hang a calendar on your wall with progress notes so you can keep tabs on how far you’ve gotten and what still lies ahead.

Keeping your resolution can seem scary at first. However, with these 5 steps, you can do anything you put your mind to. Moreover, once you accomplish your first resolution, you’ll find that it’s not only beneficial, it’s fun as well!

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