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Work From Home
Work From Home

Maintaining your Employment Edge during COVID: Mastering the Video Interview – Approx. 2 minute read

Video interviews are becoming increasingly popular and will likely continue to be utilized even as the rate of Covid-19 declines in our communities. 

Whether digitally or in person, it is always important to put your best foot forward! This two-part guide will help you master the Video Interview, compiling the best tips we have developed over the past few months. 

Video interviews have many benefits! In addition to its main goal of maintaining social distance, in many cases, interviewing digitally allows for the hiring process to be expedited. This means employers and employees can achieve their employment goals at an even faster rate! Additionally, video interviews cut back on traffic and save the hassle of navigating public transportation, which both shave down our fossil fuel emissions and minimize travel time in our scheduling. 

 

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

  1. DO dress nicely – Professional and Clean is always the way to go. Even though you are comfortable at home, your outfit should not reflect it.
  2. DO research the company – Make your interview count by asking detailed questions. At the very least, google the company and visit their website.
  3. DO troubleshoot technical issues – Test your monitor and audio to make sure the equipment is ready to go! We recommend simple headphones to improve your audio quality. Our recruiters are available with notice to perform a test call to ensure you are good to go. 
  4. DO be prepared at least five minutes before your interview – Be in the digital waiting room at least five minutes before your interview to communicate you are serious about and prepared for this opportunity.
  5. DO keep in mind your Background + Lighting – Use a plain wall and decent lighting to improve the image quality of the call! 
  6. DO be free of distractions – Ensure all background noise is silenced and try to Maintain Eye Contact! 
  7. DON’T use your phone – You should never use your phone in an interview, but if you need to use your phone to video chat then prop it up and do not move it around during the interview. 
  8. DON’T drink any beverages – Water is the exception, but other drinks can often be distracting and seem too casual. 
  9. DO send a thank you follow up – A quick email to your recruiter or prospective company can showcase your attention-to-detail and add a personal touch. 
  10. DO try to be positive! The world can be overwhelming right now, but an extra dash of positivity goes a long way!

Are you ready to take the plunge? Here are your next steps!

HOW OUR PROCESS WORKS

  1. Explore our Job Board at www.emeraldstaffing.com/work
  2. APPLY to a job that looks appealing OR submit a General Application to be updated on any new opportunities available. We get new job orders weekly!
  3. We will review your application within 1 business day and you will receive a call to schedule an interview with one of our recruiters!

Our recruiters will then work closely with you and our extensive client base to find the perfect fit!

For any additional questions, please give us a call directly at 503.212.0000.

One Drop Can Cause A Big Change
One Drop Can Cause A Big Change

‘Tiny Habits: The Small Changes that Change Everything’ – Enhancing Your Career and Life (even during a pandemic) – approx. 4 minute read

Are you finding yourself wanting to make a change personally or professionally but feel stuck? The ‘Tiny Habits’ method developed by Stanford researcher Dr. BJ Fogg is the answer. His research explains the power that taking baby steps towards new healthy habits has on all aspects of your life, and how to properly design these healthy habits to make sure they stick.  

If you’re preparing to reenter the workforce, continuing to cope with the reality of Covid-19, or struggling to assimilate into the workplace environment again, these “tiny habits” are the place to start. In his early studies, Dr. Fogg found that within 5 days of practicing these strategies, over 80% of people said they picked up better habits, and over 20% of people said they had made a “big change” in their life. These habits can also create a feeling of control in our lives, especially during such an uncertain time. 

The overall goal of these “tiny” habits is to make yourself feel more successful. This feeling of success can have a profound impact on your self-image, confidence, identity, and your energy to pursue opportunities. These habits also have been proven to improve your mental and physical wellness.  

The first step to developing better habits, and a better life, is the same with any goal: Clarify what you wantWhen desiring a big change, it can be unclear where to begin. Dr. Fogg’s method shows how the first baby step becomes clearer when you get to the heart of what you desireFor example, if you want to be healthier, you may consider drinking more water. 

Additionally, the second step Dr. Fogg outlines in order to see a difference in your habits long-term is to change your environment. Altering your environment slightly sets the scene for change. The habit Dr. Fogg recommends to start with is simply putting a glass of water on your desk. It is a simple task that can ultimately program you to achieve your larger goal without much additional thought or effort. 

The ultimate trick to formulating a successful habit? Lower your expectations. Setting the bar lower allows the habits to become more attainable, and ultimately kickstart the feeling of success and a heightened sense of confidence. For example, if your goal is to read more books, your habit should be to simply open a book once a day at a certain time.  

It seems counterintuitive to set your bar lower when trying to improve your life, but Dr. Fogg gives a simple explanation for this: Emotions create habits, not repetition. If we associate the feeling of success with these tiny progressions, we are more likely to continue doing them.  

The most important part of developing any new habit is to associate it with something you already do. A formula you may follow is: “After I do (Blank), I will do (Blank).” For example, “after I turn on the shower, I will do two push-ups.” After a few days, you may do more push-ups but this is simply extra credit and adds more success to your day.  

Ultimately, habit formation is a skill to practice that will serve you in all aspects of your life. The increased feeling of success can transform your identity and allow yourself to see evidence of your own ability to enact change. This method can have a profound impact on your career and job hunt as well. It is hard to sustain motivation in the workforce when you don’t feel you are in your dream role or you aren’t getting the salary you want.  

This is why we start small. “Entry-level,” for example, does not mean “inexperienced.” It means you have an opportunity to master your skills, feel more successful, and gain confidenceThis is why we truly believe every role is key to the greater success of every company and employee.  

For better or worse, quarantine has put a pause on all of our lives, but now it is time to hit play again.  Take your first step by filling out an application on our website www.emeraldstaffing.com. You do the first step, and we will do the rest 

By: Greta Burton

Bio: 

BJ Fogg, Ph.D. is a Human Behavior researcher and public speaker. He has studied and worked at Stanford University for over 20 years.  

Resources: 

https://www.tinyhabits.com/ 

“Forget big change, start with a tiny habit”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdKUJxjn-R8 

“Tiny surprises for happiness and health”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2L1R7OtJhWs 

Dax Shepard’s Podcast: Experts on Experts “BJ Fogg” 

 

Burton Family Photo July 2020 (Nick, John Jr., Greta, John Sr.)
Burton Family Photo July 2020 (Nick, John Jr., Greta, John Sr.)

Growing Up In a Family Business

My world has been shaped by many aspects of our family business.  

Working in the business has been a rite-of-passage for all of my siblings. From the time I began to walk I remember visiting our office in Kruse Meadows. The aquarium and prospective additions to my pencil collection were the first things to capture my attention. As I grew, my focus shifted to the warm faces in our office who would greet me with smiles after school and be patient with me as I asked them countless questions about their lives.  

A handful of business lessons have served me well over the years. For example, there is no greater sign of respect than showing up early and prepared. On another occasion, I remember explaining the concept of “return-on-investment” to my friends while starting a lemonade stand. Both are honorable but fail to capture the true impact that Emerald has had on me as a person. 

These are the three lessons that have taught me the most: 

The first lesson Emerald imprinted on me is the notion that “People Come First,” as we refer to it within the family. I was taught in and out of the office to treat everyone with respect because you never know who will become a friend and supporter during the highs and lows of both business and life. It is hard not to be someone’s friend when you believe the best in them and want to see them succeed.  

The second lesson Emerald instilled in me is the importance of upholding tradition, while always being willing to adapt. As an intergenerationally-run company, our sense of tradition has preserved the morals we believe to be most important in life and work. It is thanks to my grandparents’ tenacity and perseverance that Emerald has been in business since 1978. They knew transparency and adaptability were the traits that would keep Emerald on track through countless obstacles; however, it was also their keen eye for innovation that has kept the business moving forward.  

The third and greatest lesson I have learned from Emerald is the importance of loving what you do. Every day I would see my grandfather and father put a smile on their face and be overjoyed to go to work. When I was younger, I thought they were doing it because they had to. The reality is, Emerald is my fourth sibling. In many ways, it was my father’s first baby before the rest of us came to be. He has nurtured it alongside his parents since his early days as the receptionist after school and later as a recruiter while he raised a family of his own. His genuine love for seeing the company evolve is evident.  

I feel immensely privileged to not only have grown up in an environment like Emerald, but also to be able to continue growing with it. 

 

By: Greta Burton, third-generation Emerald employee 

 

EMERALD STAFFING, INC. 

5285 Meadows Road, Suite 190

Lake Oswego, Oregon 97035

www.emeraldstaffing.com

503.212.0000. mainline

Support Local Portland Businesses!
Support Local Portland Businesses!

Support Black-Owned Portland Businesses!

Since 1978, Emerald Staffing, Inc. has been a family-owned boutique staffing firm. As a team, we strive to be inclusive and engaged with our Portland community. We believe it is important to stand with our fellow Portlanders who feel unheard, dismissed, or under appreciated. We stand with the Black Lives Matter movement and want to show our support to black-owned Portland businesses. We implore our fellow Portlanders to support the local businesses in your area. Please find below a list of black-owned Portland businesses, as well as resources to better help the community!

Need a face mask during the COVID-19 pandemic?N’Kossi Boutique sells unique cloth face masks with fabric sourced from Togo. With lead designer Jean Pierre Nugloze, you will be stylish & safe.

Having trouble talking to the youth about what is going on in our country? A Kid’s Book About presents a wonderful series of children’s books to help guide the conversation surrounding difficult topics. With Founder Jelani Cobb’s help, you will be able to navigate these conversations with ease.

Need some jewelry or colorful art to brighten up your day? Check out The Baked Clay Studio  on Etsy. Owner/Designer Kristin Pruitt creates gorgeous works of art that make great gifts. 

Do you love apple fritter donuts to cheer up your day? Check out Donut Queen on the East side for gigantic and delicious donuts located at 5842 E Burnside Street, Portland OR 97215.

 

Black Lives Matter Information

Instagram: @blklivesmatter

Website: www.blacklivesmatter.com 

Donate to BLM: Donate Now!

 

 

Premier Placement - HR Generalist in Portland, Ore.
Premier Placement - HR Generalist in Portland, Ore.

Premier Placement – HR Generalist

PREMIER PLACEMENT

At Emerald Staffing, we pride ourselves on working with international and industry-known companies around the Portland Metro Area. One of our premier clients specializing in International Supplies seeks an HR Generalist to join their large team!

ABOUT THE COMPANY

For the last 50 years, this well-known company continues to grow its industry and lead the way for future expansion. As the leading supplier in their industry, they have a superior way of handling their business and services. With worldwide export, this company runs fast, and runs big! The team is excited to bring on a professional who can connect with the pre-existing workforce, and help new employees leverage their internal career path.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

In this full-time role, you will be working on a wide variety of HR responsibilities. This is an amazing opportunity to work in all areas of HR including payroll, benefits, employee relations, and recruitment. You will be working alongside the HR Manager assisting in all areas of human relations, including; facilitating payroll, implementing benefits, maintaining employee files, investigating employee complaints, posting open jobs, processing new hires and terminations, and assisting with recruitment. The schedule for this role is Monday – Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

To qualify for this role, you will need to have a minimum of 5 years of experience in an HR Generalist role, an Associates’s degree, be savvy with MS Office, and have 2+ years of payroll experience. Being very comfortable with all facets of human relations will allow you to thrive in this role.

COMPANY PERKS

Working with this leading company, you will get a handful of benefits. The benefits that are offered are, but not limited to, Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, 401(k) once eligible, LTO, PTO, and more! This company is in a gorgeous downtown Portland office, with gorgeous views of the city. As the HR Generalist, you will have versatile responsibilities with competitive wages and a stellar benefits package. This salaried full-time role is between $55,000 – $70,000, dependent on experience.

WHY EMERALD STAFFING…

After reading this, you must be thinking… why work with Emerald Staffing? Established in 1978, Emerald Staffing is the Portland area’s most reliable, locally-owned staffing agency. Our office located in Lake Oswego offers an authentic balance of professional service and essential marketplace knowledge. As a leader in Portland’s employment and staffing industry, our clients rely on our proven success to provide dependable results for their hiring needs.

We want to meet AWESOME candidates so we can deliver dependable results to our clients. In meeting with one of our recruiters, you will be able to put a face to the name, inform us of your talents, and see if this amazing opportunity fits your parameters.

To schedule an appointment with one of our staffing consultants, call our main office line (503) 212-0000.

Job Number: 140505

 

Emerald Staffing, Inc. 

5285 Meadows Road, Suite 190

Lake Oswego, Oregon 97035

 

Main Line: (503) 212-0000

Email: careers@emeraldstaffing.com

Premier Placement - Hiring Office Manager in Tigard, Ore.
Premier Placement - Hiring Office Manager in Tigard, Ore.

Premier Placement – Office Manager

PREMIER PLACEMENT 

At Emerald Staffing, we pride ourselves on working with home-grown and boutique companies around the Portland Metro Area! One of our premier clients specializing in Estate Planning seeks an Office Manager to join their established team!

ABOUT THE COMPANY 

Working in Business Planning, Estate Planning, Probate & Trust Administration, and Real Estate, this tight-knit legal team is looking for an Office Manager to help the office run smoothly. Located in Tigard, this law firm is a one-stop-shop for providing services for business entities, families, and individuals. This team is excited to bring an organized, professional, and experienced Office Manager onto their team!

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

In this full-time role, you will be committed to providing premier client services while making sure the office staff is conducting work freely and effortlessly. To be the best fit, this elite group of professionals is looking for a like-minded professional who has a positive attitude and an ability to oversee daily operations of the office. This includes; client billings, maintaining time records for billing, preparing correspondence for attorneys, handling accounts receivables, preparing fillings, ordering office supplied, and maintaining the office. The schedule for this role is Monday – Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS 

To qualify for this role, you will need to have advanced skills in MS Office (including, Excel, Outlook, and Word), a minimum of 1-year experience with QuickBooks, experience with TimeSlips is preferred, and 2+ years of experience in an Office Management role.

COMPANY PERKS 

Working with Emerald Staffing you will have access to our benefits. Our benefits that are offered are; weekly pay (every Friday via direct deposit), online time card, online employee portal, Kaiser healthcare, accrued paid sick time, and OregonSaves retirement plan. The compensation salary for this full-time role is between $19.00 – $21.00 per hour, dependent on experience.

WHY EMERALD STAFFING… 

After reading this, you must be thinking… why work with Emerald Staffing? Established in 1978, Emerald Staffing is the Portland area’s most reliable, locally-owned staffing agency. Our office located in Lake Oswego offers an authentic balance of professional service and essential marketplace knowledge. As a leader in Portland’s employment and staffing industry, our client relies on our proven success to provide dependable results for their hiring needs.

We want to meet AWESOME candidates so we can deliver dependable results to our clients. In meeting with one of our recruiters, you will be able to put a face to the name, inform us of your talents, and see if this amazing opportunity fits your parameters.

To schedule an appointment with one of our staffing consultants, call our main office line, 503.212.0000.

Job Number: 140452

 

 

Emerald Staffing, Inc. 

5285 Meadows Road, Suite 190

Lake Oswego, Oregon 97035

 

Main Line: 503.212.0000.

Email: careers@emeraldstaffing.com

 

Happily Placed Episode
Happily Placed Episode

Happily Placed – Ringback Tones? No Thank You!

Ringback tones and cute voicemail messages from the kids? Maybe not while you are on the job hunt. John and Mary talk about the dos and don’ts of setting up your voicemail while you are interviewing for work.

Questions or comments: happilyplaced@emeraldstaffing.com

Local to the Portland, Oregon area? Check us out here: https://emeraldstaffing.com/

Like and subscribe to stay up to date.

Happy job hunting!

Happily Placed Episode
Happily Placed Episode

Happily Placed – Remember the Golden Rule!

Remember the golden rule… MANNERS ARE EVERYTHING! John and Mary talk a bit about their past experience in the field of staffing and delve into what it takes to set up a great interviewing email.

Questions or comments: happilyplaced@emeraldstaffing.com

Local to the Portland, Oregon area? Check us out here: https://emeraldstaffing.com/

Like and subscribe to stay up to date.

Happy job hunting!

Happily Placed Episode
Happily Placed Episode

Happily Placed – Interview Tips… The REMIX

John Burton & Mary Marshall revisit their interview tips. The do and don’ts of interview questions, interview etiquette, and so much more. Join the voices behind Happily Placed!

Questions or comments: happilyplaced@emeraldstaffing.com

Local to the Portland, Oregon area? Check us out here: https://emeraldstaffing.com/

Like and subscribe to stay up to date.

Happy job hunting!

Happily Placed Episode
Happily Placed Episode

Happily Placed – Talking All Things Cover Letter!

In this episode of Happily Placed, John and Mary answer some more questions from the viewers. What should you include in your cover letter, and how far should you be willing to drive for an agency interview?

Questions or comments: happilyplaced@emeraldstaffing.com

Local to the Portland, Oregon area? Check us out here: https://emeraldstaffing.com/

Like and subscribe to stay up to date.

Happy job hunting!

CONTACT US

Get in touch with Emerald!
Your local staffing service for Oregon

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