To Shave or Not to Shave?

Facial hair has become a major trend today.  With "hipster" being the trending style, more and more people are trying to grow out their facial hair.  Basically, people just want to have a beard.  So, with beards, mustaches, and goatees becoming a commonality, the question has been raised as to whether or not facial hair is ok on the job or during an interview.  Because it is so common today, people feel that as long as you are in a suit and tie it's not that big of a deal.  However, this is not the case.  You should keep your appearance as conservative as possible.  Always think with the mindset that the person who will be interviewing you could be older than you.  If the person interviewing you is older than you, it's very likely that they think differently than you and have their own opinion when it comes to business attire.  Whether the person is business casual or not, you should play it safe by being conservative.  In one word this means shave.  Shaving tells your potential employer that you are serious about the job whereas not shaving can tell him or her that you are not serious because you do not care about your appearance.  If you spend time on your appearance, it will impress the person interviewing you.  If you absolutely cannot go without facial hair, make sure you keep it simple and very well groomed.  Here are so more grooming tips you can read up on.

Barracuda Staffing is an agency out of Tulsa and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma that is dedicated to providing job seekers with the most recent job listings in Oklahoma and helpful tips.  Barracuda Staffing is also committed to helping employers find the finest employees for their companies.  If you are short staffed or seeking employment, call or visit Barracuda Staffing in Tulsa or Oklahoma City, Oklahoma today!

How Twitter Can Help You...or Hurt You

Twitter is a social networking site that allows users to tweet a status that can only be 140 characters long.  However, there are many features.  For instance, you can attach videos and pictures to your tweets, or you can add links in your tweets.  Twitter also has a feature called direct messaging where you can privately message someone a 140 character long sentence. Another feature is that people can favorite or re-tweet your tweet if they really like it.

Twitter is literally "trending" today.  Around five hundred million people have a Twitter account and are posting their content, whether it be personal opinions, advice, or even business information.  Twitter has not only become a popular networking site for friends and family, but for business owners as well.  Tweeting or direct messaging has become a useful and easy tool for business men and women to communicate with each other.  

So what does this mean for you?  Why would it be useful for you to get a Twitter account?  Well, one of the greatest things you can do on Twitter is portray yourself as a source where people can get relevant and useful information. Think about it this way.  You are looking for a job in a specific field.  If you began tweeting really good information pertaining to that field, you will be likely to gain followers that are in that same field as you.  Many of these people will probably also re-tweet your tweets, which will help to create more of an awareness as to who you are and what you do.  This builds connections, which could also possibly lead to job opportunities.  However, be careful when tweeting personal opinions.  You never know who could be reading them.  Tweeting can help or harm your reputation.

If you are looking for a job or are an employer looking to hire a quality employee, Barracuda Staffing in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Oklahoma would love to help you!  Barracuda Staffing is committed to helping workers find the finest jobs and employers find the finest workers.  Simply call or visit Barracuda Staffing today and specialists will help point you in the right direction!  

Having a CEO Mindset

When getting ready for a job interview, the most common thing to do is think about yourself:  past jobs, experience, knowledge, skills.  You build a resume and then talk that resume to the interviewer, stating everything you can do.  However, the interviewer does not want to know what a person can do, but rather what a person can specifically do for his business.  This is why it is important that you, the one who is going to being interviewed, do a needs assessment prior to the interview.  This involves studying the business, finding out what their needs are, and then evaluating what your skills are and how you can use those to meet the needs of that business.  Many people have an employee mindset rather than a CEO mindset when doing job interviews.  Put yourself in the shoes of the CEO of the business you are trying to get a job at.  What are the short-term and long-term needs of the business and what skills do you have that you can utilize in order to help meet those needs?  Present yourself as a solution rather than an option.  How could someone say no to a solution to their problems?  High Trust Selling by Todd Duncan is a great book that to purchase that expands on having a CEO mindset.

Barracuda Staffing out of Tulsa and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma is a direct hire and permanent placement personnel agency dedicated to helping people find jobs as well as helping businesses find great employees.  For the latest job postings in Oklahoma City or Tulsa, don't hesitate to call or visit Barracuda Staffing today!

Interviewing Skills: Dress to Impress

Have you ever heard that people determine whether or not they like you within minutes of meeting you for the very first time? Well my friend, that is a very true statement. Impressions are important in normal, everyday encounters, but they are vital when it come to interviews. In an interview, you will only have a limited amount of time to show a person who you are and how qualified you are for a job.  The person interviewing you has also most likely seen other candidates who are interested in the same position as you.  This makes it even more important that you leave a great impression and differentiate yourself from your competitors.  The best way to make a good impression in an interview is to dress your best.  The phrase "dress for success" is not a lie.  You want to dress for the job that you want, not the job that you have.  Be professional, regardless of the job position, and dress as well as you can. Always remember that it is better to be overdressed than under-dressed. If you are wondering the best way to dress for the job, these tips are great on how to dress for success!

With the holidays coming up, you may be hoping to make a few extra bucks by getting another job.  For current job listings in the Oklahoma area or support in finding the right fit for you, don't hesitate to get in touch with Barracuda Staffing Inc.  Get the right advice and find the right job today!

Talking About a Job Where You Were Fired

When it comes to having an interview, there is a very large majority of us that are nervous about it. “Do I really have the experience necessary for this job?” “Have I worked in the industry long enough?” “What if I freeze and I don't know what to say?” These are just some of the questions that run through our minds before the interview. The one that people are more prone to forget, could be one of the most important, and that question is, “How do I tell them that I got fired from my last job?” Most interviewers will end up asking that question around the end of your interview, or just in general, and you need to be prepared for it, and know how to spin your words to make them work for you, Pongo Resume has this informational article about how to explain past job complications and reasons you were fired. 

If you happen to still be looking for a job in OKC or a Tulsa job, Barracuda Staffing would love to help you become more successful in your search for a great job opportunity! Log on today to browse through the job listing for jobs in Tulsa or OKC jobs that meet your criteria and get help from Barracuda Staffing's personnel specialists. 

Get Motivated To Reach Your Goals

Becoming motivated can tough, especially when you're out of the job. Still, any task is attainable with the right planning, preparation, and attitude. Whether you want to find a new job, start your own business, or get started on a hobby project, the right attitude can be what it takes to bring you into the proper planning frame-of-mind. From there, breaking up the big task into several small chunks of work can go a long way towards making the work seem much less daunting. Sometimes, you may not even know what you need to start on first until you define your goal beyond simply "success." What defines success for you? Which changes will you need to take on in order to steer your life towards that definition of success? In order to help you make the most of your goals, Thorin Klosowski of the site Lifehacker has written an article on how to get motivated to achieve your goals. 

Is a rewarding career part of your definition of success? If so, the personnel solutions staffing company of Barracuda Staffing would love to be a part of your plan towards being successful. For Tulsa jobs or jobs in OKC, log in or stop by for more information. Barracuda Staffing is thrilled bring OKC jobs and jobs in Tulsa to the highest caliber employees. 

Marketing Yourself As a Professional

Use a professional sounding email address! 

If you're looking for a new job, you always want to put your best foot forward. Many times, we can forget just how unprofessional we are until it hits us in the face! For instance, take a look at your email address. Is it your name or some ridiculous nickname? Take a listen to your outgoing voicemail message. Does it sound like an eloquent message that sounds like that of a professional or is it mumbling and full of slang? First impressions are everything which is why it is important to take time to make sure you're projecting a professional image on any format that a potential employer may see. This includes social websites as well such as Facebook and Twitter. For additional advice, About.com has the Job Search Toolkit in order to help you market yourself to potential employers. 

For high caliber Tulsa jobs or jobs in OKC, look to the personnel professionals at Barracuda Staffing. Barracuda Staffing is pleased to bring the very best jobs in Tulsa and OKC jobs to the hardest working employees in the area. 

Listing Your GED: Maximizing Achievement

Many people who did not graduate high school, but have their GED, listing such on their resume can be confusing. How exactly should you put that you have your GED on your resume without fear of it possibly hurting you because its not a High School Diploma. Because the resume is a constantly-evolving document and no two resumes are the same, the educational section of a resume is left up to the applicant. Though you must be honest, there is nothing wrong with omitting an achievement on a resume and a GED is just that; an achievement. However, if you attended college following receiving your GED, there is no need to mention previous education. While a resume is still a document that is subject to interpretation, a job application, however, is not. For more on how to make the most of your resume, HR consultant Alison Doyle has many tips to make your resume stand-out while accurately describing you. Also remember that a majority of employers and even college admissions departments treat a GED the same or very close to the same as a High School Diploma. 

For a solid foot in the door to many different Tulsa jobs and jobs in OKC, Barracuda Staffing employment services is pleased to connect high caliber workers to jobs in Tulsa or OKC jobs. 

Quitting Immediately

Though leaving two weeks between you and quitting your job is the best thing to do, there are certain circumstances where immediate resignation is necessary. Instead of starting an uproar, causing a scene, or leaving an indelibly bad taste in your former employer's mouth, there is a more professional way to quit in a hurry. From the advice columns of human resources expert Alison Doyle comes a template for a "no-notice resignation letter." For an immediate resignation without burning the bridges so badly, a resignation note is a polite way of stepping out and never coming back.

For quality OKC jobs or jobs in Tulsa, look to the employment experts at Barracuda Staffing. Whether on the look for jobs in OKC or Tulsa jobs that have the potential to lead to major life changes.

Criminal Background and Job Hunting

For workers looking for a career, it seems like the deck is stacked against you. This is even more the case with workers looking for employment with a criminal record. Though a criminal record say seem like an anchor pulling you down, there are ways to lessen the burden and get to establishing a resume that may lessen the bite of a conviction on your background check. In order to help smooth things over, Human Resources expert Alison Doyle brings many different pieces of advice to those looking to escape the past and move on to the future. 

For quality OKC jobs or jobs in Tulsa, the employment specialists from Barracuda Staffing can help Oklahomans get back to work. Whether looking for Tulsa jobs to jobs in OKC that can help you move up in the world, start your search with Barracuda Staffing. 

Updating Your Brand

You don't have to be an experienced in internet human resources to know that marketing yourself online is a tool that works tremendously to your advantage in this digital age. Still, what are your social media and networking profiles saying about you? Are they being as honest as they can? Are they up to date? In order to not be caught with an outdated profile that doesn't properly express who you are or what you have to offer to the work force, human resources expert Alison Doyle has provided some simple tips to make sure what employers see is what they get online and in person. 


In order to get a foot in the door of some great local and regional jobs, look to the postings of the employment specialists Barracuda Staffing.The staffing experts at Barracuda Staffing provides OKC jobs and Tulsa jobs to those looking for jobs in Tulsa as well as jobs in OKC with a jobs board that is constantly updated.  

Searching For Jobs On Facebook

While many are fighting to stay off of Facebook in order to get back to online job hunting, they may not realize that one of the biggest sources for job listings may be right under their nose on the social networking site. Starting out as a service that linked college students together, Facebook has now branched out far beyond such a capacity. Those first college students on the social networking site have since graduated, gone to work for major companies, and are looking for workers. In order to find some of the best listings, there may be little need to sign out. Simply look around for businesses in your area that fit your skill set and check for job postings or send them a message to inquire about any openings. For more information on harnessing the power of one of the world's favorite social networks, Human Resources expert Alison Doyle leads job seekers through the world of Facebook to the land of jobs. 

For a quick source of quality jobs in Tulsa and OKC jobs open for the taking, log on to the official site of the employment services Barracuda Staffing. Linking workers up with Tulsa jobs and Oklahoma City up with jobs in OKC, Barracuda Staffing is excited to help you get your foot into the door of a promising career. 

Making Friends With Recruiters

In times of economic trouble and higher rates of unemployment, staffing agencies play an even more crucial role in helping individuals land a career in the field of their choosing. Most employers employ the use of a staffing company to act as a form of a human resources department, so looking into a staffing companies is one very positive means of reaching out to a company without being tossed around from department to department, trying to find someone to speak to about an open position. According to an article by Jak Phillips from TIME Moneyland, recruiters care an unemployed individual's best friend when trying to land a position. 

In order to meet with the Tulsa and OKC staffing professionals that treat you like a person instead of a number, look to the employment experts at Barracuda Staffing. 

Standing Out With a Professional LinkedIn Profile

With online technology and social networking taking off in the last decade or so, more employers are using professional social media outlets in order to find new job candidates. According to a Recruiter Sentiment Survey, a majority of job searchers are looking to LinkedIn profiles to find potential employees. Just like you'd spiff up what you're wearing in order to make a good impression for a job interview, Human Resource blogger Alison Doyle has written a helpful piece on spiffing up your LinkedIn profile. From using the right keywords to increase the quality of company search results to even the proper formatting, your let Doyle assist you just like you'd allow anyone to assist you with your resume. 

If you're ready for a new career, look to the employment experts at Barracuda Staffing for quality jobs in Tulsa and jobs in OKC. Review Barracuda Staffing's job board for some of the best Tulsa jobs and OKC jobs available. 

Job Hunting For Military Veterans

For veterans getting out of the service, getting back into the swing of civilian society can be profoundly difficult. The private sector world doesn't quite function like the military does and interviewing for a job with a company can lack some of the traits associated with attempting to be promoted to a new rank. This may explain why the unemployment rate amongst veterans is higher than that of the rest of the population. In order to be as successful in the private sector as veterans may have been in the military, there are certain things they need to know as well as certain tips that can help them translate skills they developed while serving in the military. In order to get to make the most of the past military training as well as future job expectations, Gene Link of About.com's Job Searching section provides many tips to help veterans land on their feet when they're not in combat boots. 

For additional help in landing a rewarding career, look through the job boards of Barracuda Staffing. Helping Tulsa and OKC workers find jobs as well as companies find employees, Barracuda Staffing employment experts are pleased to help brighten the future for America's veterans with a new career. 

What They Can't Ask: Discriminatory Interview Questions

Interviewing for jobs can be an exciting as well as a nerve-racking process that can leave people confused, dazed, or unsure of themselves. As many applicants feel like the interviewer is in charge of their fate, some make the mistake of feeling the need to respond to questions that they feel uncomfortable answering. When an interviewer is interviewing an applicant, they should be doing so in a professional manner; sadly, this is not always the case. Before you head into the interview room, there are a few things to keep in mind in addition to how to respond to the occasional esoteric mind-stretching question. 

1. Does this question have anything to do with the position?
If an employer asks a question that has nothing to do with the position, the interviewer may have another reason for asking such a question. While, at times, these questions can be just to get a better picture of you as an individual, there are occasions when the interviewer has an ulterior motive for asking such a question. In this case, the interviewer is acting in an nonprofessional manner. 

2. Does this question meet the criteria of being discriminatory?
There is a wide variety of questions that typically do not have anything to do with the position and can border on harassment. If the interviewer asks any questions about your religious beliefs, your race, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or family status, these questions can actually be deemed illegal in certain instances. Still, this brings us to the next point.

3. What is the interviewer's intent by asking such questions? 
Even if someone asks what can be deemed as a discriminatory question, there is a chance that the question was asked in ignorance of federal and state laws that ban such questions. The interviewee may not be meaning any offense, but rather is just ignorantly curious of someone's home life. Other reasons for asking such questions can relate back to number 1; that it has something to do with the position. If your faith requires you to have an unshorn beard of a lose-fitting head covering, this can pose a threat to your own safety in position working with fast-moving machinery or can possibly be in violation of the company's dress code. While hats may be against company policy, one with a religious requirement can typically request accommodation for the faith. 

Before getting bent out of shape over a question that may have been asked without any negative intent, try either changing the subject or politely refusing to answer a certain question. If the interviewer continues to press the issue after you've made it clear that you're uncomfortable with answering the unrelated question, evaluate whether or not you desire to work for a company that allows people to ask such questions. Still, most companies do not encourage such discriminatory lines of questioning. If you feel like you've been the victim of discrimination based on your faith, an unrelated disability, sexual orientation, race, national origin, birth place, or your family status, you can mention this to someone else within the company or file a claim of discrimination with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). 

It is important to remain calm and confident in a job interview; no matter the questions asked. While there are some who feel the need to ask inappropriate questions, most all interviewers will proceed with the interview in a strictly professional manner.

For help finding Tulsa jobs or Oklahoma City jobs, start your search with the employment services of Barracuda Staffing. 


 

The "Thank You" Note

One of the most important concepts to keep in mind leading up to, during, and after a job interview is the fact that the company interviewing you didn't have to, but rather chose, to interview you. While it is important to be confident in an interview, it is also extremely humble and accommodating. One way to be thoroughly humble is to send the company or interviewer a "thank you" note following the interview. Even if you are interviewed and aren't considered for the position, a very simple expression of gratitude for the fact that they were even willing to spend some of their time with you can help leave a positive impression that they may remember the next time another position opens up. In order to learn the ins and outs of a tastefully-professional "thank you" note or letter, read up on the job tips from the experts at Job Search at About.com. In order to open a door to great Tulsa jobs and OKC jobs, log onto Barracuda Staffing Services' website for listings of some great positions waiting for you. 

Terribly Bizarre Job Interview Questions

While most people are busy coming up with answers to job interview questions that wow, amaze, or at least attempt to convince potential employers that they think outside of the box, interviewers have their own secret weapon; bizarre questions. Yes, you can answer the standard "Where do you see yourself going with the company?" or "What is something you think you could do better?", most people are not prepared to answer whether or not life fascinates them and why or to name five alternative uses of staples. For some of the most bizarre interview questions, explore this article from CNN Money. 


To get started on a new career, check out the job board on the official website of Barracuda Staffing. For jobs in Tulsa, OK or Oklahoma City, let the staffing services of Barracuda Staffing Employment experts work for you! 

Finding a Job During the Recession

There's no more difficult time to be job hunting than during a recession. Many businesses are not looking to hire and many industries are extremely picky about who they employ to replace other individuals. Focusing one's efforts is extremely important in making the most of time and resources spent looking for your next career. To make the process of looking for a new line of work easier, the Career-Advice section of Monster.com is pleased to bring this piece on tips for finding a job during the recession. 



For staffing services for workers and employers alike around Tulsa and Oklahoma City, look no further than the experts at Barracuda Staffing. 

G4S Fails to Provide - Military Steps In

Those in the security industry know that finding a position can be difficult from time to time as some companies demand extremely high standards. As for the 2012 Olympic Games in London, the private security firm G4S fell short of hiring enough security personnel and the coordinators ended up having to hire out at least 3,500 British troops. Not only has this become a source of embarrassment for the private security staffing agency, but also  for London as a whole. Though some people are disappointed that the security firm did not meet it's goal of hiring enough guards, others are pleased that England has answered the call by filling in with experienced soldiers rather than security-trained civilians. For more information about this shortage, the online news site Athletic Business fills in the details. 



Whether you're in need of helping starting a new career or are in need of quality workers, Barracuda Staffing helps Tulsa and Oklahoma City workers and companies collaborate for mutual beneficial business relationships. 

Nailing a Telephone Job Interview

Interviewing for a position with a company or staffing agency can be nerve racking as it is, but what if your future with a company is determined by nothing more than how you sound on the phone? As industry takes off and new jobs are being offered faster than interviewers can meet with applicants and some can be in far-reaching places, phone interviews have become the new norm for thinning the herd. You may be asking yourself, "I'm interviewing for a manual labor position. How are they going to be able to determine whether or not I'm a hard worker based on my phone voice?" No need to fear the phone! With these quality tips from About.com contributor Alison Doyle, you can better prepare yourself to nail your next telephone interview and land yourself the career you've always wanted! 



For additional information on Tulsa and Oklahoma City jobs or opportunities to hire employees in the region, visit the official website of one of Oklahoma's finest employment services at Barracuda Staffing. 

Worst Questions to Ask in a Job Interview

In the past, we've covered some of the very best questions to ask interviewers in a job interview. This post will concentrate on some of the very worst questions and responses to questions that one could ever say. From the files of Business Pundit comes the top 10 very worst questions and/or replies to answers one could ever say (or best questions/answers to say if you're trying to not get the job) in a job interview. From answering the question "What interests you about our company?" with "Heard you were hiring" and beyond, study up and learn from the mistakes of the author. 



If you're a Tulsa or Oklahoma City native looking for a new career or an Oklahoma company looking for dedicated workers, let the personnel staffing services of Barracuda Staffing help hook you up with the people that will lead you in the right direction. 

Do You Have Any Questions for Me?: How to Use Questions to Express Your Worth in a Job Interview

Though many people become very nervous about how to answer any questions an interviewer might have for them in a job interview, they forget that they're also telling the interviewer a lot about themselves by the questions they're asking. Where interviewers use questions to have leverage in the conversation it's also important to express yourself with your questions. A thoughtful question tells the interviewer what it is important to you and could be just what you need to stand out from the other applicants. Here are some questions that may help give the interview a look into your frame of mind: 

1. What would be my daily responsibilities in this position?
- Asking this question not gives you additional information about the job, but also tells the interviewer that you're already starting to put yourself into the mindset of a person with this position. This forces the interviewer to envision you in this role in order to answer the question. 


2. Has this position been newly created to fill a need within the company?
- Not only does the answer to this question let you know if there is already a predetermined schedule and set of responsibilities for this position, but the question says that you're also thinking outside of your own role/gain and thinking about the company.  


3. If you'd be replacing someone, you might ask: "What did the last person in this position go on to do?"
- This is question can express that you're thinking about where this position can lead if promoted. 


4. What kind of opportunities would there be for growing within the company? 
- Asking about advancement can seem like you're already looking beyond a position you haven't even secured, but it tells the interviewer that you're interviewing for a career with the company rather than just interviewing for a job. You won't be able to be promoted unless you're very driven and focused on your work and this question tells the interviewer that you will be; even if for no other reason than to be promoted. 


5. What are some immediate goals of the company?
- Again, any opportunity you have to express to the interviewer that you are interviewing for a career and not just a job will help you stand out as a team member who cares about the overall success of the company. Employees who take greater stock and pride in the company they work for tend to work much more diligently to ensure its success. 


6. How did you get started with the company? What do you like about it?
- This is a unique opportunity to speak to the interviewer as an individual instead as an employee and get them to personally open up about their experiences with the company. The interviewer may or may not let their guard down and talk to you as an individual instead of as a representative of the company. Either way, it's a good way to ease tension.


7. Who would be my immediate supervisor? Whom will I supervise?
- By asking very specific questions, you're already beginning to feather the nest of your position at this company. Specific questions about day-to-day activities on the job express that you're a planner and think ahead. 



8. What specific skill set does this job most require? 
- Though asking very specific questions about a position you don't yet have seems like jumping the gun, it shows that you're thinking about how you can be an asset to the company in this position. The answer will also cause you to look within yourself to see if this job is really for you. 


9. How has the interviewing process been going?
- This question is another way of breaking any tension in an interview and talking to this interviewer as a person rather as an ambassador of the company. Most companies want to hire people with personalities and not robots. By asking, you're giving the interviewer a miniature break from the interviewing process and an opportunity to let their hair down for a moment. However effective this question might be in relieving tensions, it's best asked towards the end of an interview. This shows that you're about getting business handled before socializing. If they give a very short official response that shows they're not interested in small-talk, quickly move on from the subject. 



10. How soon do you think you will make your decision? How would you like to contact me?
- There's a good chance you'll want to ask this question for personal reasons, but it's also a good way of wrapping up an interview. It shows that you're looking towards the next step in your relationship with the company. 


Just like you can't ace a test unless you know the answer to the questions, having the right questions that tell give the interviewer an expanded look into your frame of mind about a position is somewhat like bringing along your own bonus questions to answer. Always be extremely courteous, provide a firm handshake, good eye contact, proper posture, and most importantly, remain calm and be yourself. 


For more questions to think about asking the interviewer in your next job interview, check out this write up from Resumagic.com. For high caliber jobs for high caliber workers in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa areas, log onto to Barracuda Staffing for more information. 

Tools of the Trade

For every job, there are tools associated with that job. For writers, there are word processors, pens, pencils, paper, dictionaries, thesauruses, and the like. Warehouse workers brace their backs and write down inventories, machinists protect their eyes and their feet, the list goes on and on. For mechanical engineers, some of the tools required for the job are not as obvious. For those who do not understand the skill that is involved in engineering mechanical components, some of the tools may be foreign to you. In this article from Sam Feller, he discusses some of the tools of the trade for mechanical engineers and why they are useful. To get a leg up on the competition when interviewing for jobs, having the right tools for the job can prove to be a great advantage. Not only does this help you in your work with the company but also shows the company of your intent to be a worker that takes charge of work and takes tasks very seriously.


Whether you're looking for a great new job in Tulsa, OK or quality workers in Oklahoma City, Barracuda Staffing is proud to provide Tulsa and Oklahoma City workers with jobs and employers in these areas with quality workers. Stop by to check out the online job listings today at Barracuda Staffing.  

Questions About Staffing Agencies

For many, the prospect of using the services of an employment agency can seem very confusing. Questions range from who is actually employing the individual, how is the agency getting paid, and how do these job assignments work out in the long run. To answer these questions and many others, the good people from Libgig.com have put together this article answering some frequently asked questions by those thinking about seeking the services of a staffing company. The benefits from using an employment agency to assist in finding a job range from the connections these companies provide to those who might not normally have a foot in the door of larger businesses to the advice they can offer to help you present yourself to companies in the very best light. For some of the finest positions available for those seeking work and some of the best workers in the Tulsa and Oklahoma City areas of Oklahoma, look no further than Barracuda Staffing. Our employment professionals can help get you on track to a rewarding career or help your business thrive by utilizing the highest quality workers. 

Warehouse Job Interview: Common Mistakes

Looking around online, those soon to be interviewing for a job are bombarded with articles about how to prepare themselves for a job interview. Though each article contains extremely helpful information, there aren't many articles that speak about applying for a specific job. Because most office jobs abide by similar codes of conduct and expected dress codes, there are more articles about interviewing for desk jobs that any other. Still, there are just as many warehouse workers, construction workers, and other manual laborers who are interviewing for just as many jobs! This is of even greater importance because while it can difficult to overdo things like dressing nicely in a desk job, the interview for a warehouse job can be extremely nuanced. With helpful information about how to dress, how to act, and how to prepare for a warehouse job, Snagajob.com has provided this helpful tutorial for those desiring to enter this line of work. For additional help landing a warehouse job, check with the staffing professionals at Barracuda Staffing; serving Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and the surrounding area workers with the finest jobs and local businesses with the finest workers. 

Making the Most of What You're Wearing

So, you have your resume squared away, your interview responses at the very front of your mind and the appointment set from the business you had been hoping could call you for an interview. What could possibly go wrong?

Many job seekers will study up for a position, be able to use all the proper lingo, and spend hours perfecting their resume only to overlook one tiny-yet-huge part of the interview process; their appearance. At times, it’s not even that candidates look shabby, but that they just don’t look right for the job in the prospective employer’s eyes. Here are a few tips to help potential job seekers dress for success.

1    Think about what is appropriate. While it is typically always safe to go with a suit, sometimes it is best to look into the industry for which you’re trying to get a foot into. It is important to look nice, it is also important to fit in to an extent. Wearing a bow-tie to an interview for a job in a warehouse might send the message you wouldn’t like driving a fork-lift for very long. Dressing nice doesn’t necessarily mean you need to go overboard and not being taken seriously.

2     Make what you have look its best. Even if you’re wearing the nicest suit, if your tie is crooked with a shirt that is un-tucked and wrinkled, you may have actually been better off with wearing the ironed polo and khakis. While anyone can borrow a suit, employers will be looking at the big picture as well as the details. Your attention to detail, from the wrinkles in your shirt to how you fill out client contracts, will speak volumes to your employer about the kind of employee you have the potential to be.

3     You have the right to look crazy, but they have the right to say “no.” While we do live in country with the luxury of freedom of expression and have the ability to dye our hair unnatural colors, pierce sections of our faces, and have visible tattoos of whatever we want, we also have the freedom to not hire someone. Your employer has this freedom just as you have the freedom to look any way you’d like. Realize that not every company wants a mortgage broker with a mohawk and not every school is thrilled about hiring a school teacher with a lip piercing.

When applying and interviewing for any position, it’s always a good idea to stop and put yourself in the interviewer’s shoes. It is also important to remember that when interviewing, you might have the same amount of experience as the next guy and the difference between who got the job and who is unemployed might very well come down to whose shirt tail was hanging out in the interview. 

For additional assistance in deciding your next career move, consult the employment experts at Barracuda Staffing. Your next job could be waiting for you right now.

Jobless Blogging

Even just going for a leisurely spin around the information super highway, it doesn’t take long for one to stumble upon an entire community of individuals who write blogs about the one subject that typically only paid bloggers would have time to write about at such length, yet can’t; being unemployed. The number of “unemployment blogs” has been fluctuating since the start of the recession around 2008 depending on the unemployment rate, but the question remains; is one’s story about being laid off from their job and their newfound thriftiness in combination with their jobless angst interesting enough to fuel the content for a successful blog? So far, it would depend on who is asked. For the majority of blog readers with jobs, the answer would be along the lines of “not so much.” But that’s of no worry because the essence of blogging is writing within a niche; a community of people who share a connection to the subject matter.

With the unemployment rate being as high as it has been in the past few years, unemployment blogging has taken off as the niche has expanded. As more people have been living through similar circumstances from job layoffs or cutbacks in their companies as a means of staying afloat, more have also been motivated to share their experiences with others by means of a blog or other forms of social media online. Due to a lapse in time from being unemployed, this has given many people time to gain experience in the world of social media and networking as they use these platforms to not only express their jobless experiences, but also as a means of helping them find a job. With different industries investing more heavily in internet marketing and social media advertising, some of the jobless writing and social networking has the capacity to translate into online media experience. So, while most unemployed bloggers are not paid to write a blog, that doesn’t mean unemployment blogging might not eventually pay off!

The only question that remains is what are these people going to write about when they’re finally employed?

Whether you’re unemployed, under-employed, or just looking for a new career path, take a break from your unemployment blog for a little while to speak with the employment experts at Barracuda Staffing. Barracuda Staffing’s employment specialists can help you find the career that is waiting for you and help get you out of any unemployment slump.

Proud To Call Oklahoma Home

If you’re looking for work, the current 2012 unemployment numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics might point you in the direction of Oklahoma. Just within the past few months, unemployment rates in Oklahoma’s major cities of Oklahoma City and Tulsa have both been experiencing near free-falls. Tulsa’s unemployment rate of 6.5% in January dropped to 4.6% in April and the unemployment rate of Oklahoma City has fallen from 5.9% in January to an even 4% in April. That average of 4.3% unemployment is well above the national average in April of 7.7%. 

As the unemployment rate decreases, this means more people have jobs and therefore money to spend at local businesses or to start up their own local businesses. Companies like ONEOK, Williams Companies, Quiktrip and Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group are amongst some of the nation’s largest companies proud to call Tulsa home as well as DEVON Energy, Chesapeake Energy, Sonic Drive-In and Hobby Lobby calling Oklahoma City their stomping grounds. In addition to a strong industry presence as well as low unemployment, Oklahoma is also one of the least expensive places to live in the United States. As well as being one of the most economically thriving areas of the United States, Oklahoma is also home to immense natural beauty, numerous points of historical significance, and a long-held reputation for its dedication to the arts as well the home of many of the world’s most famous musicians.   

At Barracuda Staffing, we’re proud to be a part of the economic rebound from the recession in years past. By connecting workers with jobs and industries with high caliber workers, we’re not only helping our company progress and grow, but also helping our great state grow even further into a place that we’re immensely proud to call to call home. Though it is a naturally beautiful place, it is the people that make Oklahoma an outstanding place to business and raise families. Whether you’re in need of some of the hardest working employees or in search of great job, let us at Barracuda Staffing take care of the job fishing for you. Barracuda Staffing is proud to be Tulsa and Oklahoma City’s premier employment agency and staffing company proud to bring Oklahoma the finest workers and Oklahomans the finest jobs.

Down, but Not Out: Making Finding a Job Your Full-Time Job

After working a job for a while, especially a job that you enjoy and pays decently, being let go from that job can be hard to take; no matter the reason behind it. Many people equate their own personal value with their work so when a company or individual tells them that they don’t want them anymore, it can almost feel like a breakup in a relationship. It’s painful, disorienting, and can lead to a continued slump. One of the easiest ways of dealing with the pain and bouncing back to the person you were before is by not wasting any time and getting back to work. While this might sound obvious, many people take this concept for granted. Here are some tips for getting back into the swing of things and out-running the blues.

1.       Don't stop. 

Even if you were let go from your job early in the day, there’s no to turn off that driven frame of mind and end up in depression. While taking the length of a lunch break is a decent amount of time to come to terms with the fact that you no longer have a paying job, the term “paying job” is purely subjective. What constitutes a “paying job” anyways? Being on the clock? No! A paying job is simply working for something that will pay off in the future. While before, that “paying job” was working on the clock, in a salary position, or based on sales commissions, you’re not anymore “jobless” than you were when you showed up at work that morning. Now you’re simply working in transition. Channel any anger or disappointment about losing your job into energy towards finding a new job. With what’s left of the day, instead of stewing, start devising your strategy for finding a new position elsewhere.

2.       You’re not actually out of the job.

Even when you’re not officially employed by a company any longer, you are not jobless; your new full-time job is finding a job. When you were working, you showed up to a place every day at a specific time to do a specific job. Why turn that off now? You can keep the momentum up in an assortment of ways. 

-          The morning of your first day out of work, don’t sleep in. Get up at the normal time you would for your job and start strategizing ways to get a new job.

-          Update your resume. Have someone you know review it for possible mistakes and inaccuracies. Make sure it looks professional and easy to read.

-          Dress for success, even at home. Even when your job-hunting tasks for that day don’t involve leaving the house, dress for like you are. Sitting around in your pajamas isn’t good for productivity or morale. Simply putting on a pair of shoes can help trick your mind that there is work to be done.

3.       Every job hunter is a salesman.

It doesn’t matter what line of work you were in before, whether it was construction or food preparation, you are now a salesman and the product you are selling is yourself. If you were to sell a product for a company, you would put together some form of a presentation for the customer, you would make sure it looked good, and you’d be on time for the presentation. How you come off to a potential employer can determine whether or not you get the job just like a bad salesman can turn a customer off from buying a good product.

-          Be on time. First impressions are everything and if you’re not on time for the interview or time you arranged to speak with an employer, you’ve already told them that you’re unreliable. Being 5 minutes early is recommended, but being any more than 15 minutes might actually end up inconvenience the employer, so it would be best to wait in your car and prepare for the interview if you have some time to kill.

-          Dress the part. There is an old saying that says “Dress for the job you want.” While there is some truth to that, walking onto a build site in a tuxedo might not be the wisest decision. Do a little research and attempt to find out not only what the average employee of that company wears, but also what other candidates for the position are wearing and go one step above that. If the next guy is wearing a polo shirt, wear a dress shirt. If he’s wearing dress shirt, wear a tie. If he’s wearing a tie, wear a blazer. You get the picture.

-          Be courteous, but be yourself. Most of the time, employers are not only looking for a good worker, but a human being who can listen to the concerns of their customers. Your interaction with an employer gives them a preview of how you are going to be with their customers. Their customers want to be greeted by a professional, not a robot.

-          Follow up. No matter how badly you think the interview went, follow up with the employer soon after. Rather than inquiring about whether or not they’ve made their decision and coming off as being desperate or nosey, rather simply thank them for their time and compliment their business.  

4.       Take time out for yourself.

Like any other job, if you overwork yourself, you’re not going to be a quality worker. Your job as a job-hunter is no different. Take time away from looking for work during the times you would usually be off work unless an employer wants to meet with you during those times. Spend time with friends and family to give yourself a chance to recharge so you can start off the next day or the next week fresh and ready to tackle your full-time job of finding a new job.

For additional help in finding a job, contact the job-finding professionals at Barracuda Staffing. Chances are that the job-fishing experts at Barracuda Staffing have several jobs waiting for a person like you to get started on.