It’s the catch-22 that plagues almost every person on a serious job hunt: “I need experience to get a job, but how can I get experience if no one will hire me?”

You’ve seen dozens of ads for them and heard about them through the grapevine, but what exactly is a staffing company and how does a staffing company work?

These days, everybody is looking to find their dream job. Maybe you’ve just graduated with a shiny new diploma and are eager to put it to use, or maybe you are ready to test the waters of this job seeker’s market.

The company you’ve been eyeing finally has a dream opening and you are convinced you’re the perfect fit. You upload your resume, hit send, and the waiting game begins.

Name, check. Education, check. Experience, check. Many jobseekers mistakenly treat their LinkedIn profile as an online resume. And in some ways, it is.

Your resume is your first point of contact with a company and the ideal opportunity to highlight why you would be a perfect fit for a position. But with an average of only 6 seconds to convince recruiters, there is absolutely no room for mistakes. Even if you’re incredibly qualified and convinced you already have…

Picture this: you’re in the middle of a job interview, and you’re nailing all the predictable questions

After five years of boring spreadsheets, mundane calls, and countless days watching the clock till 5:00pm, you’ve had it—you’re done with this job and are ready to start over in a more exciting field. Trust us, you aren’t alone. A study of the working lives of Baby Boomers found that most changed jobs at least…

Always wanted an office job but lack the right experience or education? Increase your chances of landing your dream career by learning the skills you really need to work in an office. The good news is that you only need a handful of hard skills to get your foot in the door. Everything else is…

So you’re thinking of going to a job fair. Smart move—job fairs can be incredibly useful when you’re looking for your next position. But do you know how to stand out from the crowd of people competing for the same spotlight? Here are our top tips to help you put your best foot forward. Do…

You’ve probably heard of the “freshman 15,” but as an adult, you may be more familiar with the “office 15.” It strikes those of us with sedentary jobs. Who can resist a warm malasada or two at the office potluck or going-away breakfast? But when there are malasadas, cookies, or other treats every day and…

We all know how to dress when it comes to office interviews, but what if your interview is for an industrial, blue-collar job? What do you wear then? They say first impressions are everything, and it’s true. Even though your interview may be for a labor position, there are definite do’s and don’ts when it…

When it comes to your job, you show up to the office on time, remember everyone’s name, and you’re the only person who actually refills the coffee pot. So when it’s time for a promotion, why did Helen get it instead? If you’re making any of these five mistakes, you could be harming your career…

Two weeks ago you had a great interview with your dream company. You nailed every question, even the one meant to throw you off. They said they’d be in touch but then…crickets. It can take a while for a company to interview all their candidates and make a final decision, but that doesn’t mean you…

Whether you’re new to the workforce or looking to make your next big career move, no one particularly loves looking for a job. Searching, applying, interviewing—whew! Job hunting is exhausting. You don’t need a survey to tell you that, but CareerBuilder did one anyway. They questioned 4,506 full time employees who agreed that finding a…

School teaches you a lot of things like what year the Declaration of Independence was signed and how to multiply fractions—knowledge that may help you in a round of trivia, but doesn’t always prepare you for life in the working world. Employees who are destined for success quickly realize there are crucial skills that can…

You finally did it—you found the job of your dreams, nailed the interview, and got an amazing job offer. But before you slap your two weeks’ notice on your boss’ desk, make sure you do these six things to ensure a smooth transition out. Keep quiet Even if the person you sit next to is…

Are you someone who loves to travel and see new places? Do you love to meet new people? One resourceful ALTRES employee recently shared with us how she was able to fund her travels across the globe. Her secret? Temporary work! Many people know temporary work, or temporary employment, as a way to make money…

Awkward interview moments are bound to happen. But with a little preparation, humility, and humor, you can turn any situation into a positive one. Here are some potentially awkward interview situations you may encounter and tips for bouncing back. You suffer a wardrobe malfunction On your way to the interview, you spill your Grande, non-fat…

One of your first interview questions will most likely be regarding your previous employment. Not just what your title and job duties were but why you left—or if you’re still employed there, why you’re looking to leave. While you’re busy trying to formulate a polite and professional response, remember that the interviewer is really trying…

Finding a new—and hopefully perfect—job can be tiring. Throw in resumes, applications, interviews, salary negotiations, and it’s easy to see how cumbersome the entire job search process can be. We know it can be a long and tedious journey so we broke down some of the most common job search frustrations, what they really mean,…

Have you ever posted something on a social media platform and woke up the next day regretting it? Most of the time it’s easy to delete and forget it ever happened, but sometimes you might not be so lucky. One wrong move could have your post trending among hundreds of strangers, or worse—in front of…

Congratulations recent college graduates! You’ve earned your degree, now it’s time to enter the real world. Looking for your break into the workforce can be challenging and stressful. But don’t fret! With over 200 years of combined experience, the recruiters at ALTRES Staffing have helped place thousands of jobseekers, just like yourself, into great jobs!…

While some people have their entire career mapped out until retirement, others can’t see far enough into the future to know what they’ll be able to finish before the end of the day. Employers know that not everyone has a path set in stone. When they ask where you see yourself in five years, they…

Congratulations—you got a job offer! Before you sign your name on the dotted line, ask yourself what the position will mean for you and your career. Even if the job sounds great on paper, it may not always be the right fit for you—and that’s okay. Just because you spent hours applying for and interviewing…

Starting a new job is daunting— working in an unfamiliar place with people you don’t know, on top of trying to impress your new employer. While it may feel like you’re under a microscope, rest assured that probably isn’t the case. As a new employee you have some room to learn as you jump into…

One of the simplest interview questions can also be one of the trickiest. When a hiring manager asks “Why should we hire you?” what they are really asking is: Do you know what responsibilities this position entails? Do you know what the company values? Are you truly interested in our company? What makes you unique?…

It’s Sunday evening and you’re already dreading the thought of showing up to work tomorrow. But maybe it’s not just a case of the Monday blues. Maybe it’s your job that’s getting you down. Everyone has hard days but if showing up to work every day is a challenge, you may need to reevaluate. Ask…

Landing a job is no easy task, especially if you’ve been out of the workforce for a stretch of time. If you’re hoping an interviewer will overlook the fact that you haven’t worked in nine months, think again. Any employment gap longer than three months will be noticed so be prepared to discuss it. Whether…

With Hawaii’s unemployment rate at its lowest point in over a decade, jobseekers currently have the upper hand in finding work—that means it’s easier than ever to follow your passion. But many employees are still disengaged and feeling stuck in positions they don’t like. Here are five ways to tell if your job is just…

You’ve breezed through your interview, answering all the questions the hiring manager threw at you with confidence, but wait—your interview isn’t over yet.  At the end of every interview, you will be asked “Do you have any questions?” Your answer should never be no! This is a test and an opportunity. Asking questions demonstrates that…

Professional development is essential for your career and sense of personal accomplishment. But if your company isn’t offering opportunities for growth, how can you gain new skills on your own? Whether you’re looking to be a better manager or gain a technical certification, there are many, often inexpensive, ways you can increase your skillset and…

First impressions happen long before an actual job interview. In fact, an email conversation is probably the first interaction you’ll have with a prospective employer. Here are some of the most common email fails that can actually disqualify you for a position right out of the gate. Unprofessional email address Do you expect a prospective…

Applying your natural talents for professional and financial gain is key to finding fulfillment and success in life. But how? People are often advised to focus on their weaknesses and strive for improvement. And yes, improvement in general can help you become a better person, but there is no such thing as a perfectly well-rounded…

Unlike traditional interview questions (“How do you handle conflict?”) or situational questions (“How would you handle this type of conflict?”), behavioral questions (“Give me an example of a time you had conflict with others.”) require jobseekers to do more than just rely on canned responses. Hiring managers ask behavioral questions with the rationale that how…

Jobseekers are often wary about working with a staffing company and many only use them as a last resort. Perhaps it’s the idea of working with an intermediary that scares them or just a lack of understanding about what staffing companies actually do. As it turns out, staffing companies are a great resource that all…

According to Gallup, 59 percent of Americans are not satisfied with the amount of money they earn. Being underpaid weighs heavily on performance. With stagnant wages, inflation, and the rising cost of living in Hawaii, being underpaid doesn’t just affect your ability to live a stress-free life at home, it can also cloud your judgement…

Salary negotiation is one of the trickiest parts of being a jobseeker. Ask for too much and you may not get an offer; too little and you end up with less than you deserve. Whether you’re new to job hunting or a seasoned pro, knowing how to negotiate your pay rate is the key to…

The only person that you can rely on making a lasting investment in your career is yourself. Not your boss, not your coworkers, and definitely not a corporation. Don’t spend fifteen, ten, or even five years caught earning a year’s worth of meaningful work experience. Carefully evaluating your performance and priorities at work will help…

The question “what is your greatest weakness?” is as much beloved by those conducting job interviews as it is hated by jobseekers. Approaching this question seems difficult—reveal too much and you might hurt your chances at a job, reveal too little or dodge the question and you might seem arrogant. To begin answering the question…

When you’re on the hunt for a new job, temporary employment might not be your first option. Perhaps because there’s no guarantee of employment once the assignment is over and let’s be honest, being a temp worker isn’t your dream career.  Still, there are many benefits to taking temporary assignments. Here are four practical ways…

As the holiday season rolls in, it’s common for jobseekers to get discouraged about finding a new job by the end of the year. Whether you are worried about hiring managers not having time to look at your resume, being too busy to submit an application, or are unsure of the hiring market at this…

Every year employees dread the performance review. While many employees go through the process, not everyone uses it to their advantage. The performance review should be seen as more than just a quick reiteration of your work ethic. Instead, use this meeting with your boss to build on your accomplishments and get reorganized for the…

Nothing makes you that guy in the office more than your lunch being the reason a concerned coworker called the hazmat team and had the entire building evacuated. Oblivious of other people’s noses is no way to go through life. Do us all a favor and this Halloween, keep the horror to the late night…

You’re a champion. You just nailed an interview for a great job you’ve fallen in love with. Way to go! Next comes the reference check. You did prepare your job references, right? Effective professional references can be the difference between landing your dream job or settling for your backup. Read through our three tips for…

Looking for a job can often seem like a game of chance—even if you go into an interview with a polished resume and great qualifications, it doesn’t mean you’ll walk away with a new position. The reality is that there are a number of behind-the-scenes factors that come into play when making a hiring decision,…

Whether you are walking through the doors for an interview or just looking for an application, it can be easy to overlook some of the most important people that can help you land a job – the front office staff. Though you may not realize it at first, they are the gate keepers to the…

When applying for a new job, your interviewer will inevitably ask you, “So tell me about yourself.” Talking about yourself should be the easiest thing to do. After all, who knows you better than you? Still, this deceptively simple question leaves many jobseekers scrambling to figure out how best to respond. It’s important to develop…

Searching for the right job is never a quick or easy process—it takes time and effort to find exactly what you are looking for. The same can be said for companies looking to hire the best candidates. Employers want to hire candidates who are qualified, fit company culture, and show promise of performing well in…

Hunting for a new job can often feel as if you’re navigating unchartered waters. You devote countless hours to searching for opportunities, prepping your resume, and submitting applications – all without any direct feedback about what’s working and what’s not. Fortunately, by partnering with a staffing company you don’t have to go through this process…

It seems a universal law that the vacation you had meticulously planned and anticipated for months no sooner begins than comes to an end. Regardless of whether you traveled to Las Vegas or the neighbor islands, it feels that before you even manage to step foot back at home the realization hits—I have to go…

Employers want to hire and work with individuals who show a high level of professionalism in the workplace. Yet, it’s surprising how many jobseekers and employees fail to maintain a level of professionalism in the workplace. If you’re looking to give yourself a leg up over the competition when it comes to looking for a…

Writing cover letters probably isn’t on your list of favorite things to do and crafting a flawless one is no easy task – it needs to be short, snappy, and contain the right combination of creativity and originality. Whereas resumes are usually a cut-and-dry list of skills and experiences, the cover letter communicates intangible personal…

You’ve probably come across a lot of advice during your search for a job. While there’s no shortage of information available, it can be overwhelming and at the very least leave you questioning the expertise of the individuals who are giving it. Here at ALTRES Staffing, our team of highly skilled and experienced Personnel Managers…

Salaries are typically considered a hush-hush topic in the workplace and rarely do companies offer transparency about what they pay their employees. As a result, it can be difficult to know for sure how your salary stacks up against others in your industry. Are you earning a fair rate for your experience level and skill…

An administrative assistant is often the first point of contact for a company’s customers and plays an important role in keeping an office organized and running smoothly. But what does it take to succeed in this role? There are a variety of skills that hiring managers will be looking for when recruiting for this type…

The healthcare industry is a big and sometimes scary world to navigate alone. Fortunately, a staffing company, like ALTRES Medical can help guide you to the perfect healthcare position. If you’ve ever thought about working with a staffing company in the past or perhaps have never even heard of a staffing company, here are a…

When looking for a job, an elevator speech is a must-have. An elevator speech is a clear, brief personal introduction to yourself that you give to others. It communicates who you are, what you’re looking for, and how you can benefit a company – all in about 30 seconds or less. This speech is the…

Many jobseekers completely dismiss the idea of accepting a temporary job. However, jobseekers need to start looking at temporary work opportunities as just that: an opportunity. Even if you have your heart set on long-term employment, temporary work can be an effective way to get you there. Take a look at these four reasons why…

Job hunting is just for the unemployed, right? Wrong. You don’t have to be unemployed or dissatisfied with your current position to be searching the job market. In fact, there are several important reasons why you should make looking for a job a frequent activity, even if you’re happy in your current role. So though…

Whether you’re moving on to a new position or getting out of a bad one, quitting your job is never fun and almost always a bit awkward. At the end of the day, how you part ways with your employer is far more important than why you’re leaving in the first place. So before you…

Take it from former UH Head Coach, Norm Chow – the best way to get back on your feet and find a better fitting job is to search smarter with ALTRES Staffing.

You may have heard the saying that job hunting is a job in and of itself. Searching for work entails all the time and effort of a full-time position, but without a paycheck or the benefits. If you find yourself submitting application after application with no results, maybe the question is not ‘what more can…

You’ve been hunting for your next big opportunity for weeks, months, and maybe even longer than that. Chasing after a new job can feel like an uphill battle, especially when you seemingly have all the right credentials and qualifications for the position. So what gives? Sometimes it’s not a lack of skill or talent but…

Let’s be honest. Not many people stay at one company, in one role, for their entire life. It’s just not the way our current workforce operates. In fact, one study shows that the average worker stays at his or her job for just 4.4 years. At some point, you too will realize that it’s time to…

Did you know that almost 86 percent of Americans sit for an average of 9.3 hours a day? That’s more time than we spend sleeping. Most of us sit on the way to work, all day at work, and on the commute home. And by the time we do reach home, all we want to…

Dunkin’ Donuts and CareerBuilder teamed up to find out more about coffee consumption trends in the workplace. The research found that scientists, marketers, and education administrators are among the top 15 professions that are most dependent on coffee. Check out the complete list below: Scientist / Lab Technician Marketing / PR Professional Education Administrator Editor…

Job fairs can be a useful resource when you’re looking for a new position. Today, job hunting and a majority of the application process is done online, so job fairs offer a valuable opportunity to meet with recruiters and hiring managers face-to-face. Below we’ve compiled some helpful tips to keep in mind the next time…

You’ve prepped for the interview, polished your resume, and compiled all your professional references… you’re all set to land the job, right? Not quite yet. With social media prevalent in almost every aspect of our lives, it’s important for jobseekers to also review their social media accounts and as employers will likely do the same….

Research shows that the demand for IT workers will grow as much as 22 percent through 2020, so as a jobseeker in this industry, you may not be too worried about finding work. That said, it’s still important to stand out from the competition when it comes to the interview. Below we’ve compiled 5 tips…

As an engineer, you may not have a natural marketing mentality. And why would you? You’re an engineer! However, when you’re trying to get a job, no matter what the profession, you need the ability to sell yourself. One way to do that is through a smartly crafted resume. Engineering resumes can be more difficult…

It’s crucial that you have the right skills and training for the jobs that you are pursuing. But how do you get the experience you need if no one will let you through the door? One option is to accept temporary work through ALTRES Industrial. Temporary jobs let you develop your skills and add valuable…

As a jobseeker, your goal in an interview is to show that you can think on your feet and possess the right skills and personality to make things happen in your new role. So as you prepare for the interview, it’s important to know what type of comments the hiring manager will consider a red…