Real Jobs Hawaii visited Island Lava to find out more about the Hawaii snack business.

Congratulations, you’ve done it! You landed a new job and can’t wait to get started. There’s just one little thing left to do – quit your current job. Working up the nerve to give your resignation can be tough, but before you decide to pack your things and sneak out the back door, remember that Hawaii is a small community, and the way you leave can have lasting effects on your professional reputation.

So, how do you gracefully and professionally bid farewell to your current employer? Consider these five steps for giving your two week notice and keeping your reputation intact.

Don’t start rumors

It may be tempting to tell your closest coworkers about your plans to leave, but avoid any gossip until you’ve informed your immediate supervisor. Your boss should always be the first to know about your decision to quit

Provide enough … Read More »

You would never show up to a job fair in your board shorts and slippahs, right? And you know not to attend without a proper resume in hand. That’s common advice that you and the hundreds of people you’re competing with already know.

So how can you get a leg up in a sea full of eager job hunters? Take a few tips from our friends at ALTRES Staffing who have over 20 years of experience recruiting at job fairs right here in Hawaii. Here’s what they had to say:

It’s not about the swag

You know the small gifts and tchotchke items on the table. It’s fine to take one, but please, don’t ask the recruiter if you can also take one for your friend, your mom, and your cousin too (Yes, people really do this!). Remember that you’re at the job … Read More »

Writing a recommendation letter can be challenging. You want to craft something professional that helps your former employee land the job, but as a Hawaii business owner, you also have a hundred other things on your plate – for instance, recruiting your own candidates – and you may not have a lot of time or energy to spare.

So, how can you make this process as simple and efficient as possible? First things first, you’ll need to gather some information from the former employee. Give the individual a call or send an email if you’re short on time, but be sure to ask these four questions:

What can you tell me about the company you’re applying to?
Who do I address the letter to?
Describe the position that you’re applying for and why it sparked your interest.
Is there a specific project or skillset that … Read More »

Happy wife, happy life. It’s a piece of advice that holds true not just for the happily married, but for the happily employed, too. If Hawaii employers want to hold on to their top performers in this tight labor market, they need to court their employees and continue to woo them long after the initial honeymoon phase.

So, how can you keep the spark alive?

Put a ring on it

Well, not literally. But getting “engaged” with your employees demonstrates your commitment to them. It also solidifies their place within the company. If you want your employees to invest into your company, you have to return the love by offering opportunities for growth, promoting collaboration, and encouraging communication.

Play hard to get

Employees actually like a good challenge. In fact, nearly 53 percent of employees said they love their job when it’s challenging. Assigning … Read More »

Looking for a chance to talk up that cutie in the corner cubicle? Don’t know how to introduce yourself to that hunk in human resources? Fear no more. Here are some of the cheesiest office pickup lines that are so bad, they’re good. Use at your own risk.

“Come to this copy machine often?”
“Do you work in accounting? Because there’s no accounting for our chemistry.”
“The only employee handbook I’ve read is Fifty Shades of Grey.”
“You are the Miss Hawaii of spreadsheets.”
“I could hold your memos in my arms forever.”
“Can you file a worker’s comp claim for a broken heart?”
“They say you shouldn’t date someone you work with, but I’ve been written up for less.”
“If you were a sales lead, you’d be coming in hot.”
“How about we blow this lame office birthday party and head back to my cubicle?”

“My biological clock is ticking, I need to attend the Punahou Carnival.”

“I completely spaced, I thought the meeting was scheduled for the corner of Punahou and Wilder.”

“I need to pick-up my grandmother’s prescription of Portuguese Bean Soup.”

“I’m going to be late. I’m stuck in Zipper line traffic.”

“I can’t come in to work. I’m having stomach issues. Don’t worry, I have an appointment with my doctor, Mal Asada.”

A resume is an important tool in hiring new employees, but it shouldn’t be the deciding factor. Immediately screening out applicants based solely on the skills and experience listed on a resume makes you vulnerable to candidates who either over exaggerate or under sell their abilities. Even if a resume honestly reflects a candidate’s qualifications, it can’t tell you whether the person will be a good fit with your work culture or have the drive needed to grow with your company.

As Hawaii continues to face a challenging hiring market, learning to spot candidate potential may be the secret to improving the quality of your hires. Here are a few methods you can add to your screening process to help see beyond the resume and find desirable candidates.

Evaluate the cover letter

One of the first things you should review before completely dismissing an … Read More »

With millennials (individuals born from 1981 to 1999) surpassing Generation Xers as the largest generation in the workforce, learning how to bridge generational gaps to build more efficient and productive teams is one of the most difficult challenges in management today.

Making an effort to avoid generalizations and understand subtleties among the generations you employ can help limit employee turnover and ensure that you are coaching your employees in a way that facilitates their very best.

Here are a few strategies to consider as you approach coaching and managing millennials in the workplace.

Be communicative, transparent, and authentic

Millennials are most engaged when their managers provide frequent and consistent communication and feedback. Forty-four percent of millennials who receive regular feedback from their manager report being engaged with their work, whereas only 20 percent of millennials who did not meet regularly with their manager report … Read More »

Choosing work references is difficult, and unfortunately a lot of jobseekers get it wrong. Your references should be working for you, not against you. But according to a CareerBuilder survey, almost half of employers have a less favorable opinion of a candidate after speaking to their references.

So, what’s the secret? How do you narrow down and select references that will vouch for your work ethic and experience? Start by thinking strategically about your work history and identifying what you want a potential employer to know about you as a qualified professional. Once you’ve figured that out, you can more effectively evaluate your contacts and choose references that will put you in the best light and help you land the job. Here are a few important things to keep in mind as you being this process.

Don’t list someone unless you’re on … Read More »

Did you know that online dating giant eHarmony has its own job matching service or that there’s a job hunting app similar to Tinder? Though it seems unlikely that dating has anything to do with job seeking, the two actually have quite a bit in common. Finding “the one” – whether it’s your soulmate or dream job – often comes down to being good intentioned, open-minded, and compatible. Here are five rules of dating that you can also apply to your job search.

Chemistry matters

Even when everything looks good on paper, sometimes the relationship just doesn’t click. That’s when chemistry comes in to play. In order to find chemistry with a potential employer, you must first have a good grasp on your personality, values, and career goals. Only then can you determine if the company’s mission, culture, and environment align with … Read More »

With 46 percent of all new hires failing in their first eighteen months, evaluating your hiring and onboarding process for the coming year is time and money well spent. As the New Year approaches, making a personal resolution to hire better can reduce employee turnover and save you money. Here are four ways to step up your hiring game.

Know what you need
Very often companies haven’t fully defined what they are looking for in an open position. By understanding what the position truly entails, you will be better positioned to hire candidates with a greater chance of long-term success. Hiring the right candidate the first time around limits employee turnover and ultimately saves you money.
Look for fit with existing team
Hiring for skill is necessary to make sure work gets done, but knowing the social requirements of a position is equally important. … Read More »

The candidate sounded enthusiastic over the phone, their resume checked off all the boxes, and all you have left to do is bring them in for an interview. What could possibly go wrong, right? As it turns out, a lot of things. We decided to ask our team here at Real Jobs to share some of their most horrific interview experiences. Here’s what they had to say:

Smell ya later
I was interviewing candidates for a sales position. The first person I interviewed was on time and at first glance, looked professionally dressed. As we went to shake hands, he looked and smelt like he just finished a running a marathon – between his sweat stains and body odor I couldn’t decide which was worse.  I assumed that he was just really, really nervous. Turns out that he literally ran a marathon … Read More »

Being unemployed during the holidays can be a trying time. Amidst the spirit and joy of the season, the desire to provide for your family and the uncertainties and stresses of searching for a job can push even well-prepared jobseekers into feelings of negativity. If you’re spending the holidays job searching, rest assured that you aren’t alone. Here are a few thoughts on refocusing and staying positive in your job search this holiday season.

Stick to a routine
Treating a job search like a full-time job is good advice because it helps you stick to a routine. Scheduling a daily checklist of goals and tasks helps establish structure in the absence of work. Incorporating exercise and healthy meals into your routine is also highly recommended. By taking care of yourself during this stressful time, you’ll be more focused and capable of seizing … Read More »

Steve T. Yeti visits Popeyes Hawaii to find out the unique benefits of working there. Also, fried chicken porn.

Good memories are easy to recall; bad memories are downright impossible to forget. Sure, last year’s office holiday party had great appetizers, but remember when Chris from accounting threw back one too many cocktails and told every soul in the room what he really thought about your boss? The rules and decorum of the workplace still apply at the company holiday party, even if you’re not on the clock or physically in the office. If you want to wake up the next morning with your job and your reputation intact, don’t be Chris from accounting. Here are five things NOT to do at this year’s holiday party:

Drink too much
Alcohol is usually the biggest culprit when it comes to embarrassing party behavior. You may have worked hard all year, but that’s not an excuse to use the holiday party as a … Read More »

The holiday season is a wonderful time to express gratitude for family, friends, and your employees. In a survey of over 200,000 employees, recognition and appreciation for a job well done ranked higher than base salary as a factor of on-the-job happiness. Make sure your employees feel appreciated with our list of the top five most unique ways to thank your workers this holiday season.

Create a holiday
If Amazon can create Amazon Prime Day—a holiday in honor of buying things—there is no reason why you likewise can’t transform a workday into a celebration of recognition for an employee or department for their continued hard work and sacrifice. Having decorations, a scheduled lunch, or even special activities planned can make the day feel unique and special.
Name a room in the office
In the same way being on a university campus is a tour … Read More »

In Hawaii it can be difficult to find the right people to get work done. Exceptionally qualified candidates often have multiple job offers and make decisions quickly. If your candidate is already gainfully employed, there’s a good chance their current employer is offering incentives to get them to stay put. In a tight labor market, what you can offer to sway candidates then becomes that much more important. Read through our four tips for when it might be worthwhile to offer a sign-on bonus and decide if they’re worth including in your company’s compensation package.

If you are trying to woo a candidate
A one-time sign-on bonus might be enough of an incentive to lure a worthwhile candidate if you’re offering a slightly lower level of compensation or aren’t capable of offering a particular benefit an employee is searching for—be it pet … Read More »

In our society one of the most valued commodities is traded not in dollars and cents but in hours and minutes. Taking the time to express gratitude for the opportunity to interview for a position is an often overlooked step, but one that can be the difference in landing the job you desire. Here are a few tips on crafting thank you letters that work.

Consider timeliness
Ideally you should send a thank you letter within 24-48 hours of the job interview. Send a letter too late and you run the risk of having been forgotten or the position being filled. Too early and you may regret not giving the hiring manager or yourself time to fully assess how the interview went.
Pay attention to word choice
You wouldn’t send a Shakespearean soliloquy to a hiring manager, but neither should the start of your … Read More »

You’ve probably heard that job-hopping, or moving quickly from one role to another, can be bad for your career. While most experts agree that you should spend at least one year in a position, there’s a fine line between establishing a good track record with a company and staying long enough that you miss out on other career opportunities.

So how do you strike a balance between too little and too much time at a job? And at what point should you move on?

Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. It all depends on how well the position is moving you toward your career goals. Consider the following questions on a regular basis and you’ll be prepared to clearly identify when it’s time to look for a new job.

Does the work challenge you?

There’s always a learning curve when you start a position. … Read More »

Hiring the right person is a long process, and even with due diligence you may find that the job candidate that waltzed through the interview and said all the right things just isn’t working out for you and your company. Don’t rush to judgement, but don’t get caught delaying the inevitable either. Here are four solid signs you may have hired a candidate that isn’t suited for your company, and the ways in which you might be able to remedy this all too common problem.

Skills aren’t as expected
Some holes in a person’s skillset are to be expected when onboarding a new candidate, but a complete lack of previously advertised skills is worrisome. A lack of skills can provide invaluable teachable moments for the encouragement and development of your employee, but too many teachable moments and you just might find yourself … Read More »

Misunderstood from an early age, the Yeti—or Steve as his few friends know him—longed to find meaning and purpose in his professional life.

Covered entirely in matted white and grayish fur and said to weigh anywhere between 300 to 400 pounds, Steve T. Yeti was a relative unknown to his classmates at Yeti College Preparatory School. As he grew older and entered the workforce, Steve—despite a frame built conducive to scaling the entirety of the Himalayas in debilitating snow storms and proficiency in Microsoft Excel—had difficulty finding fulfillment in his employment. By all accounts a reliable and dependable worker, Steve Yeti was looking for a change.

Enter Real Jobs Hawaii

After scarcely a return email from other websites, Steve Yeti knew he needed to job search smarter. Enter Real Jobs Hawaii. The only online job board available that offers one hundred percent screened … Read More »

You’ve spent a lot of time reviewing job descriptions, perfecting your resume, and submitting applications. You’ve even prepared a strong elevator speech and are ready to impress at the interview. Everything is going great until the hiring manager asks you the question that every jobseeker fears: “What are your salary expectations?”

The dreaded “money” question is sure to surface at some point during the interview process and can be complicated to answer. Ask for too much and you may not get an offer. Too little and you end up with less than you deserve. Take a look below for a few tips on properly handling this question and setting yourself up to receive a competitive starting offer.

Do your research

Always do online research and have a solid understanding of market rates before going into an interview. That means looking into what the … Read More »

It’s a well-known truth that a bad habit is easy to adopt and hard to break, and while you can get away with some bad behaviors in your personal life, a bad work habit will do more than just irritate your coworkers; left unchecked it can lead to scary consequences for your career. If you dream of climbing the corporate ladder, landing a better job, or even getting that pay raise next year, identifying and putting an end to your bad habits is vital.

In the spirit of Halloween and all things spooky, take a look below at 5 of the most frightening work habits and make sure you avoid getting caught in their snare.

Constantly complaining
Negativity in the workplace is extremely toxic and has serious effects on your ability to be a productive and successful employee. The scariest thing about a … Read More »

With an unemployment rate near 3 percent finding the right talent in Hawaii can be difficult. When you can’t even find a cousin to fill one of your open positions you know things are tough. With a talent war waging on all fronts, business owners often make the error of overlooking the importance of having a well-crafted job advertisement. Don’t make finding qualified job applicants any more difficult than it has to be. Identify and eliminate these five ways that you might be ruining your job ad today and start attracting the job candidates your business deserves.

Mistake 1: Saying nothing about the company
In an economy where the best candidates can afford to be choosy about where to work, business owners would be wise to advertise why working for their company is a great decision. One of the worst things you … Read More »

It can be difficult to encourage employees to take time off. A good team is often unwavering in its dedication to achieving goals and following through on deadlines—so much so that they often neglect their own well-being. But this dedication at times can be unhealthy, and research shows that vacation time does actually result in increased productivity, healthier employees, and a more flexible workforce. By monitoring your employees for any signs of decrease in performance, absenteeism, or stress you can better position your team to remain mentally healthy and physically rested to tackle problems long term. Here are three signs your employees might best be served by taking some much needed vacation time.

Performance suffers
If an employee has typically been very dependable and reliable but you’ve noticed a measurable decrease in quality of work or inability to meet deadlines, it might … Read More »

Emotions are running high this election season and political discussions are finding their way into everyday life—including at work. A recent survey by CareerBuilder shows that 1 in 5 workers have been involved in heated office debates over the race between Clinton and Trump, and with Election Day just a few months down the road, these conversations will only become more prevalent.

So what’s the proper etiquette when it comes to talking politics at work? Your goal should be to always show respect toward your coworkers—even those with opposing political views. With that in mind, take a look at these four guidelines for navigating this election season and beyond in the office.

Understand company policies
Before launching into a Clinton vs. Trump conversation with your teammate or decorating your cubicle with campaign paraphernalia, take time to understand your company rules on the matter. … Read More »

Whether you’ve just moved to Hawaii and are looking for a job or have lived here all your life and want to transition into a new role, Real Jobs is a valuable resource for all Hawaii jobseekers. Not only is the job board completely free to use, it’s also home to 100% local and verified positions. That means you don’t have to spend time worrying about whether or not you’re getting roped into a scam or an out-of-state role. Instead, Real Jobs allows you to focus on applying for legitimate positions and presenting yourself as the best candidate for the job.

Here are three tips for using Real Jobs to find a new opportunity in Hawaii.

Understand the job market

Real Jobs organizes positions into over 40 categories, making it a great place to get a feel for what types of positions are … Read More »

Commonly accepted as the end of summer, Labor Day just might be the last holiday to hit the beach before the kids are back to school and heavier traffic must be fought on the H1. With all the distractions it can be easy to forget why we celebrate Labor Day. Initially rooted in the labor movement’s push for greater protections for workers, Labor Day officially became a national holiday in 1896 to recognize the contributions and achievements of American workers. This Labor Day, take that message to heart and increase employee engagement by finding ways to show your employees how much they mean to you and your business. To get started, here are four ways to celebrate your staff and make this Labor Day one your employees will remember.

Handwritten note
A simple, handwritten thank you note is an effective way to … Read More »

What is Peer Interviewing?
Peer interviewing is the practice of having your job candidates and current employees meet one-on-one to talk story and get to know each other better. This process helps candidates learn what it’s really like to work with your company, as well as giving your existing employees a feel for whether or not the candidate would be a good fit with your culture. Your employees have a unique perspective on what it’s really like to work at your company and the feedback they can provide about whether or not a potential candidate would be a good fit is valuable information for your hiring manager.

Not only is peer interviewing a smart strategy for helping to identify candidate fit, it also helps to give your workers a sense of ownership in your company and build stronger teams. Employees who … Read More »

Only a handful of individuals in the world make it to the Olympics and an even smaller number actually make it to the podium itself. For that reason alone, Olympians are the ultimate role model not just for the aspiring athlete, but the average jobseeker too! Their extreme level of focus, relentless work ethic, and commitment to purpose are all qualities that can be mirrored in your quest to cultivate a successful career. To help you go for gold, consider these four Olympic-sized tips for your career.

Strive for improvement
With competition hot on their heels, Olympians are well aware of the fact that their skills must be above par at all times. They never settle for less and are constantly pushing themselves to be faster, stronger, and better than their personal best. Likewise, your career is an ongoing, constantly evolving process … Read More »

An average of twenty million people lose their jobs every year through downsizing, layoffs, or termination. If you’ve recently been fired, rest assured that you aren’t alone. Statistically nearly everyone has or at some point will be let go from their job and many of the most admired figures in American culture and business—Oprah Winfrey, Walt Disney, and Steve Jobs, just to name a few—have been fired at various points in their careers. However, remember that it isn’t what you did to get fired that is important, but what you do after your termination that leads to success. Refocus your job search by reading through our three helpful tips on finding employment after you’ve been fired.

Define a narrative
Being fired often carries negative stigmas. As a result people may draw unfair (and many times untrue) conclusions about you and your work … Read More »

With the 2016 Summer Olympics upon us, there’s no better time than now to revisit your company’s hiring strategies. Building a strong, successful team isn’t important for just winning Olympic gold; it’s also crucial for maintaining the long-term competitiveness and success of your business.

Finding Olympic-level talent isn’t easy, but with these five easy steps you’ll be one step closer to building a winning team.

Understand your needs
In the same way that Olympic coaches need to set standards to recruit the very best athletes, hiring managers must fully understand the skills and qualifications required for the job to attract top candidates. What are the expectations of the role? What skills are a must? How does this role fit into the overall vision of your business? With a solid grasp on these key points, you’ll be able to lead a more focused hiring process … Read More »

Becoming a great boss is a journey. Just because you’re proficient at what you do doesn’t mean you’ll become a leader. So whether you’ve recently found yourself promoted or are a long time leader, read through our ten ways to become a better boss to reach your leadership potential today.

Be passionate
Great bosses all have the same quality—they are passionate about their work and this passion and drive for quality and perfection influences everything they touch. Passion is extremely contagious in the workplace and has the ability to positively influence your staff and strike an enthusiasm and hunger for a job well done.

Invest in the team
Avoid micromanaging the smaller tasks and train and invest in building both individuals and the team (or don’t, but know your employees will find another boss and company who is more willing to invest in them, … Read More »

Looking for a new couch, a car, or even a new job? Craigslist has proven to be that go-to place for everything. Unfortunately, most jobseekers flock to the popular website for the same reasons many scam artists do: it’s free (for most listings), easy to use, and literally has something for everyone.

Often times sketchy job listings stick out like sore thumbs, in other instances, it takes a little bit of research (and some skepticism) to sniff out the fishy details of the job post. You can find legitimate employment opportunities on Craigslist. However, always proceed with caution and use these five red flags to help you determine if a job lead is good or too good to be true.

Vague, generic descriptions
Craigslist wasn’t built as a job search website and therefore doesn’t require users to list a company name, job requirements, … Read More »

Today’s jobseeker has a variety of resources at their disposal – the most important, perhaps, being the internet. A vast domain peppered with hundreds of job boards, networking sites, and social media platforms, the internet can be extremely beneficial in furthering your career.

Take a look below for our list of 10 websites that every Hawaii jobseeker should be utilizing and make sure to add these sites to your arsenal of job search tools.

LinkedIn 
With over 400 million registered users, it’s not surprising that LinkedIn has become a household name. Although you can use this professional networking site to look for jobs, you may find the “connections” aspect of the site most beneficial. After all, here in Hawaii who you know is just as valuable as what you know and uncovering new connections could be the key to securing a job prospect, … Read More »

You can choose the friends and companions in your personal life, but you probably don’t have a whole lot of say about the people you work with. Since the majority of your week is probably spent at work, coming across someone in the office who you don’t get along with can be a nightmare.

So what can you do if you find yourself in this situation? You could look for a new job, though it would be unwise to quit an otherwise good job over a single individual. Instead, we suggest you look over these five tips for dealing with a coworker you dislike.

Manage your expectations
Often times, we dislike others because they don’t meet our own expectations. The truth of the matter is that our expectations are not always realistic, especially when it comes to the people we work with. Just … Read More »

The Pig & The Lady show Steve T. Yeti why working at their restaurant is pretty amazing for passionate food lovers.

As a business owner, you know that money doesn’t grow on trees and perhaps being penny-wise has pushed your company to where it is today. Though money is not always the sole or top motivator for employees, it still represents a significant portion of the job satisfaction pie. Pinching pennies when it comes to your employees’ pay never truly pays off and can often cost your company more in the long run – think high turnover, low productivity, and poor employee morale. So how can you tell that you may not be paying your employees enough? Take a look below at these five tell-tale signs:

Employee griping and complaining
Being underpaid often ranks high on the list of things employees hate about their job. Do your best to be mindful of any griping – especially if it’s coming from your top performers. … Read More »

Conducting an interview is an important part of making a smart hiring decision; how you conduct an interview can make the difference between selecting a top-notch candidate or someone who negatively impacts your company’s bottom line. This doesn’t necessarily imply that your interviews need to be stiff and formal, however there are certain “dos and don’ts” that you need to be mindful of in order to correctly evaluate a candidate.

The following are some important guidelines for keeping your interview process effective.

Before the interview

Do plan ahead. You expect candidates to arrive prepared, and you should do the same. Preparing for each interview will help you determine what specific information you need to learn about the candidate in order to make an informed decision. This includes reviewing the resume ahead of time and planning what questions you will ask.
Don’t ask impromptu questions. … Read More »

It’s time for your annual review and you’re hopeful for a raise; the evaluation goes well and your boss doesn’t note any huge areas of concern. So you’re stunned when, for some reason, you’re not offered any more money.

Being passed over for a raise can be a slap in the face and make you feel invaluable, confused, and angry. However, before you storm into your boss’s office to deliver some choice words or throw in the towel altogether, take a deep breath and consider the reason why you weren’t offered the raise. There are likely a few contributing factors in the decision—take a look at some of the most common below and look for ways to reverse your fortunes in the future.

You didn’t ask for it
Often, getting the raise means simply having the courage to ask for it. Ultimately, companies are … Read More »

Qualified people (and yetis!) who aren’t afraid of a challenge is what the ALTRES ohana is all about.

The soaring cost of recruitment and advertising in the face of Hawaii’s narrow talent market means that finding qualified candidates is a challenge for small and large employers alike. That’s where Real Jobs Hawaii comes in. As Hawaii’s free online jobsite, Real Jobs provides local employers with an easy way to advertise their open positions and reach out to jobseekers.

You may have seen our mascot Steve T. Yeti out and about town, or even snapped a selfie or two with him, but there’s more to us than a giant, furry abominable snowman. Here are three things you may not know about Real Jobs Hawaii.

There’s never a fee to post a job
While Real Jobs offers all the tools and functionality of large corporate online recruiting sites, we never charge employers a fee to post their open positions on the site. That … Read More »

In an ideal job market, you’d have qualified candidates lining up around the block for the chance to work at your company. Instead, the majority of Hawaii employers are facing the exact opposite: a limited supply of applicants with the right skills, experience, and personality.

And when someone qualified does come around, that person generally has a couple of job offers already on the table. This means employers are faced with the challenge of staying competitive and winning over the most qualified candidates.

The good news is that candidates today want more than just a huge paycheck (though a fair salary certainly plays an important role in a job offer decision). Jobseekers also want to know what a company can provide in terms of things like career development opportunities, company culture, and office environment.

Here are four ways your company can win over … Read More »

When reviewing an applicant’s resume, bad grammar and spelling, unexplainable work gaps, and lack of job stability often top the list of resume faux-pas. These are basic mistakes that are easy to spot. But what other indicators should you look for when deciding whether or not a candidate is worth your time? If you really want to identify the best candidates and avoid the worse, make sure you stay on the lookout for these 5 resume red flags.

Fancy fonts, lots of colors, and other weird formatting
Though it might be acceptable for applicants looking for a position in a creative field (if done tastefully), visually appealing resumes peppered with a dozen script fonts, clip art, and strange formatting should give you pause. There’s a good chance the individual lacks strong technical skills and an understanding of what it means to be … Read More »

Hiring managers are faced with a big responsibility – finding and hiring the best people for their business. Successfully recruiting good employees involves writing job ads, sourcing candidates, evaluating resumes, and conducting interviews.  However, all of these things first require a good understanding of the position that is up for grabs. Otherwise, you open your company up to a potentially bad hiring decision. But how can you be sure that you choose the right person for the job when, for example, the position in question is an extremely technical role that you’re unfamiliar with?

Instead of winging it and hoping for the best, read through these 5 tips on hiring for a position you don’t understand.

Fill the gaps
Before you can find the right person for the role, you need to understand why there’s an opening in the first place. Is the company expanding? Did … Read More »

As a jobseeker today, there are many unique ways to position yourself as a good candidate and stand out to employers – for instance, carefully curating your social media pages, creating an online resume, or attending industry networking events. And it’s true that utilizing these and other methods is a key part of being a successful jobseeker. Still, some people completely overlook one of the most important (yet simple) strategies for finding and landing their dream position – researching the company.

Here are five reasons why you should research a company before you apply for a position.

Position your qualifications.
You likely have a nice variety of skills and positive personality traits, but knowing which ones to focus on in your application or during an interview can give you a leg up against the competition. Look for this information by searching for LinkedIn profiles of … Read More »

Work at La Tour Café, learn artisan baking methods, win Steve T. Yeti’s heart.

March is in full swing and it’s about time for a little spring cleaning, which includes your company’s hiring process. Sprucing up your hiring process will help give your company the edge it needs to not only attract, but retain qualified employees. We’ve compiled a list of helpful tips to kick-start your “cleaning” and get your hiring process up to par.

Keep it polished
A great place to start is your job descriptions. Are your current job descriptions poised to attract the best candidates? If not, you could be letting a sea of qualified jobseekers slip out of reach. A well-polished description strikes the perfect balance between being alluring enough to catch the eyes and interests of jobseekers, yet descriptive enough to screen out unqualified individuals. It should be concise, easy-to-read, and more than just a mere list of job duties and skill requirements. … Read More »

Would you consider hiring someone who was fired from a past position? If you gut instinct is “no,” you’re not alone. Hiring is hard, so ruling out individuals who have been fired is a safety precaution that many companies make in order to make the process easier and avoid choosing the wrong person. Still, while it’s in your best interest to be cautious when considering someone who was once fired, you may not want to rule him or her out altogether. Remember, there are always two sides to every story.

Take a look at these five things to review when faced with an applicant who has been fired from a position.

What happened
First things first, find out why the potential employee was fired. People are often fired for reasons beyond incompetency or bad behavior. Listen to what the individual has to say … Read More »

Finding a new job takes hard work, persistence, and a positive attitude. Even so, it can seem like everyone else is magically landing their dream position while you’re making no progress at all. In times like these, we’ve all wished for a little luck. Just remember that luck strikes best when it knows where to find you. So give yourself the upper hand by adding these 5 good luck charms to your job search strategy.

A new resume
Your resume will always be the most critical tool of your search. So really focus on making it shine. Tailor your resume to every position that you apply for, adding keywords from the job description and updating your experience to show how it connects. Consider bringing your resume to an adviser, recruiter, or other hiring specialist for feedback.

Networking participation
It’s all about who you know! This … Read More »

Is your resume touched up and ready to go? Real Jobs Hawaii would like to invite you to come down to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser Career Expo at the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall on Wednesday, March 30th from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Steve Yeti will join many of Hawaii’s top employers who are looking to find great candidates for thousands job openings. This is your one stop-shop where you can meet with hundreds of employers in one location!

Before you jet off to the job fair, remember to be mindful of some basic job fair etiquette:

Preparation is key
With the majority of job hunting conducted online, job fairs offer a unique opportunity to meet with employers face-to-face. With that in mind, preparing ahead of time is crucial to making a great first impression. Come professionally dress and bring several copies of your resume. Consider putting together a one-minute “elevator speech” … Read More »

Turning down an applicant is probably not on your list of favorite things to do—50 percent of hiring managers would rather avoid it altogether—but it’s a necessary evil in the world of hiring and one that cannot be avoided. But not only are companies stuck with turning down unqualified applicants, they have to do it in a way that doesn’t leave these individuals angry…or risk damaging their company’s bottom line. This is especially true here in Hawaii where news travels fast and reputations are put on the line through our “coconut wireless” system.

As an employer, keeping your rejection methods quick, responsive, and personalized sheds a positive light on your company for not only current, but future applicants. Here are five tips for dealing with the uncomfortable yet important task of telling a candidate, “thanks, but no thanks”.

Don’t beat around the … Read More »

Think back to when you first started your current position – in those days, your job could do no wrong. Everything was new and exciting and even your cubicle-mate’s habit of loudly slurping his coffee was more funny than annoying. But now, a year or two down the line, there may be days when you wake up and dread the thought of heading into the office.

If this sounds familiar, it’s okay; these feelings happen to the best of us. Even if you’re working in an exciting position and like your coworkers, there will undoubtedly be days that bum you out. That’s what happens when you’ve been going to the same office, doing the same work, seeing the same people day in and day out. What’s important in this situation is how you react to and revive your interest in your position, … Read More »

A position just opened up in your company and you need to hire a new employee—what do you do? Quickly put together a job ad and rush to post it on every online job board that you know of? As the tough hiring market in Hawaii continues, finding qualified people with the specific skills you need will become even more difficult. That means old methods of recruiting and the mindset of “if I post it, they’ll come” might not be effective or accurate anymore.

With so many opportunities available to jobseekers, finding the best people starts with creating a top-notch job ad. That means it’s time to give a little more time and attention to your ad as a whole. So before clicking “publish” on your next posting, ask yourself these three questions to ensure that your ad is attracting the … Read More »

Landing a job is no easy feat, especially if you’ve been out of the workforce for a few months or maybe even years. Though your skills and experience aren’t automatically discounted simply because you have a few gaps (voluntary or involuntary) in your work history, they can pose an obstacle if not handled properly.

The truth is, most employers are understanding of gaps in your employment history. They just want to know that you didn’t spend those months lounging on the couch, watching day-time television. Not working doesn’t mean you didn’t keep busy. Here are three ways to deal with employment gaps on your resume.

Be Prepared
Work gaps aren’t the be-all and end-all for your career, but being unprepared to deal with them could be. If you’re hoping the hiring manager will glaze over that 8 month work gap – don’t count … Read More »

Employers, have you started using Real Jobs Hawaii to advertise your available positions? Real Jobs offers all the tools, functionality, and customization capabilities of large corporate online recruiting sites, with one noticeable difference—there’s no cost to you, ever!

Posting a job to Real Jobs is simple. Here are a few tips for publishing a winning job ad to Real Jobs that will help you attract the candidates you need.

Choose a job title that will catch a candidate’s attention. One option is to create a title that gives the jobseeker a bit more information. For example, if an accounting company is looking for an administrative assistant, they could consider a job title of “Administrative Assistant Needed for Growing Accounting Firm” or “Administrative Assistant Opportunity – Accounting Experience Preferred.”
Consider adding the position’s pay rate. While some companies like to keep this confidential until … Read More »

Standing out as a candidate in today’s job market goes beyond a perfect resume or compelling cover letter. While these things are important, jobseekers must also ensure they have a positive, professional online presence in order to make a good impression. Just consider the fact that 52 percent of employers use social networking sites to research job candidates. With that in mind, here are a few ways to utilize social media to your advantage during your job hunt.

Grow your network & join the right groups
Social media is meant for connecting with others, so use your accounts to network with individuals and companies that can push you in the right direction during your job search.

LinkedIn: Make connections with your classmates, coworkers, supervisors, and professional acquaintances. Just remember that quality is more important than quantity. Avoid connecting with people you don’t really … Read More »

People working in dental services will always be popular with Steve T. Yeti.

Thanks to Hawaii’s low unemployment rate, employers throughout the state are finding it difficult to recruit good talent. Still, there are ways your company can combat this war on talent and come out on top. As we finish out the first month of 2016, take some time to review your hiring process to ensure that it’s working for, not against, your business. As you do this, consider these four questions and make improvements as necessary.

When was the last time you went through your application process?
One of the easiest ways to send a candidate running is a long, confusing, or mysterious application process. To understand what jobseekers are going through, go apply for a position at your company and take note of how it went. Or talk to a recent candidate and ask them for their feedback. Take this into consideration and … Read More »

While every jobseeker obviously has their own interview style, there are some things that you should never, ever do when you show up to meet with a hiring manager. Remember that your qualifications aren’t the only thing that the potential employer will be looking at – they’re also analyzing whether or not you are someone that will fit into their culture and be nice to work with.

Take a look at these 5 things that will make you look undesirable as a future employee and steer clear at all costs.

Bringing gifts to the hiring manager. Yes, you want to stand out from the crowd at your interview, but showing up with a gift in hand will only make the hiring manager feel uncomfortable. Or worse, it will look like you’re kissing up to your future boss and aren’t a professional candidate.

Reading … Read More »

Hawaiian food is not like traditional yeti fare. It’s way better. The people who work at Highway Inn make all the difference.

Illegal questions are not the only ones you should steer clear of during an interview. You should also avoid asking those all-too-popular, yet impractical questions that will result in overly-rehearsed, fake responses from the applicant. Make sure you choose the best person for the job by avoiding these 5 terrible interview questions:

Tell me about yourself. The problem with this widely used question is that there’s no telling what type of response you’ll get or if it will even provide you with useful information. So instead, just be direct and ask the specific things that you want/need to know about the candidate in order to make a hiring decision.

What is your greatest weakness? This cliché question rarely elicits useful information. The fact is, if you’re asking the right questions, the candidate’s weaknesses are going to be revealed during your conversation. Plus, … Read More »

Did you know that Millennials have surpassed Generation X to become the largest generation in the American workforce? As an employer, it’s important to understand what this group of workers are looking for in a position in order to attract the best of them to your company. And even though many believe this generation to be entitled and demanding in the workplace, other companies are realizing that millennials can be a creative, tech-savvy, and resourceful addition to their team.

Here are four things you should know about managing millennials and what it will take to keep them engaged and productive.

Don’t slack on providing leadership and guidance
A notable characteristic of this generation is their desire for (and expectation of) lots of feedback from their leaders—including coaching, communication, and mentoring. Millennials want to look up to their directors and learn from them. Managers should expect … Read More »

Your resume is the first impression you leave with a potential employer, and that impression determines whether or not you get a shot at an interview. Since most hiring managers spend 30 seconds or less reviewing a resume before deciding whether to throw it in the rubbish bin or not, your focus should be on ensuring that your resume effectively grabs the attention of the hiring manager in that short window of time.

To improve your chances of standing out from the crowd and landing an interview, make sure your resume isn’t guilty of these five common mistakes.

Mistake #1: Sacrificing quality for quantity. With stacks of resumes to look through, hiring managers need to be able to quickly identify whether or not you’re a match for their position. Flooding your resume with your entire work history will only make it difficult for … Read More »

If you’re going to attend a networking event, make it worth your time. Simply showing up and passing out as many business cards as humanly possible is not going to benefit your career in any way. Your networking goal should be to provide value to each interaction – and that means being purposeful and strategic about both the type of networking gatherings you chose to attend as well as the conversations you have while you’re there.

If you’re looking for ways to step up your networking game, take a look at these 6 tips that will help you make the most of your next networking event:

Have a plan
Before you arrive at the function, take some time to do a little recon work. Do a quick Google search to research some of the key players or presenters who will be attending. Taking … Read More »

Getting into the Halloween spirit is a great way to shake things up at the office and bond with your fellow coworkers. It may also be a rare opportunity to break out of your normal work threads into something a little more fun. Just keep in mind that one bad costume could ruin your professional reputation and get you into hot water with management. As you decide what costume to rock at work this year, steer clear of these 5 costumes that are guaranteed to come back and haunt you.

The Sexy Costume
These days there seems to be a “sexy” version of almost every costume out there. But even if that racy Madonna outfit is a hit amongst your friends, it’s probably not the best costume choice for the office. Your coworkers shouldn’t see more of you than they would on … Read More »

It’s safe to say that most jobseekers are all too familiar with the feeling of being turned down after an interview— it’s an unfortunate reality that comes with the territory of looking for a new position. That said, being rejected for a job can be very upsetting. Therapists even compare it to the feeling of being jilted by a prospective lover!

As a jobseeker, you must be able to overcome rejection. Letting a failed interview knock your confidence, make you doubt your abilities, or worse, lead you to act out unprofessionally could negatively affect your performance in future interviews or your chances of securing additional interviews at all.

Below we’ve compiled a list of 10 things to help you survive a job rejection. The next time you receive a “thanks, but no thanks” from a company, refer back to these tips and … Read More »

It’s the third installment of our employer news roundup and we have some great articles to share! Be sure to check out this report that discusses the local impact of the Affordable Care Act on employers. And in honor of Halloween, don’t miss this comical piece about the classic horror movies whose scenes can be found in your office.

Good luck as you begin preparing for the fast approaching holiday season and making decisions about everything from what to wear for Halloween to how many seasonal hires your company will need to bring on this year. Here’s to a great October!

Recruitment & Management

Overtime Crisis Nearing – 6 Steps to Avoid Pitfalls via HR Morning

Ask the Expert: How to Create a Motivational Bonus System via hawaiibusiness.com

6 Strategies for Hiring Exceptional Senior Leadership via Mashable

7 Classic Horror Flicks Haunt Your Workplace via Business Management Daily

Don’t Say … Read More »

With Hawaii unemployment at a low, some employers may be more willing to settle for candidates that don’t meet every requirement. Still, it’s important to remember that a few rotten apples can spoil the whole barrel. So as you review resumes and conduct interviews, be sure to steer clear of these 5 types of applicants that are sure to cause trouble.

The Lazy Bones. This type of worker cannot overcome obstacles or meet deadlines and doesn’t seem to care about results. You can identify lazy/unmotivated applicants by asking them to discuss their career goals or a problem they solved at their last position. The ability to take initiative is an attribute your employees should never be without.

The Liar. Studies show that one in three applicants lie on his or her resume. Make sure you are hiring a trustworthy employee by verifying the skills … Read More »

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 rather a lack of good, solid job searching practices. Before you throw in the towel, see whether any of these four bad habits are ruining your chances of getting hired.

Succumbing to negativity – If you’ve been on the job hunt for a while, it’s safe to say you’ve faced some rejection along the way. More often than not, jobseekers mistakenly equate rejection with failure and give into feelings of self-doubt, insecurity, and even bitterness. Negative attitudes can unknowingly come across through your body language, presentation, and … Read More »

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.

Potential employers will be evaluating whether or not you are a good fit with their company, and what they find online could make or break your chances of getting hired. According to a recent study by CareerBuilder, 51 percent of employers who researched potential job candidates on social media came across content that lead them to not hire that candidate. A few of the most common reasons being inappropriate photos or videos, offensive language and commentary, and bad-mouthing previous employers.

What do your social media profiles say … Read More »

The second installment of our monthly “must read” employer news features some interesting topics. From the humorous rant about the types of employees that HR secretly hates to another dismal update about the low unemployment rate in Hawaii, here are the stories that caught our attention this month.

Recruitment & Management

10 Types of Employees that HR Secretly Hates via Evil HR Lady

How to Replace an Employee Who Doesn’t Know She’s Being Fired via Ask a Manager

5 Ways to Help Top Performers Resist the Lure of a New Job via HR Morning

Make Sure You’re Asking These 9 Interview Questions via Inc.com

News

Have You Completed the EEO-1 Survey? Deadline Fast Approaching  via altres.com

Hawaii Unemployment Rate Falls to 3.7% in July, Lowest Level in 7 Years via Pacific Business News

Stock Market Slump Fuels Employment Jitters via The Street

E-Verify Due to Expire September 30 via SHRM

Hi all, Steve Yeti here! I want to give a big shout out to everyone who stopped by our booth at the Star-Advertiser Career Expo a few weeks ago. It was my first time attending a career fair, and it was awesome. I met a lot of quality jobseekers and the entire Real Jobs team really enjoyed talking with each and every one of you. We even had a drawing and gave away a $100 Aloha Gas gift card to one lucky jobseeker!

After going to a career fair, it’s easy to feel like you’ve done your quota of job searching for the month and lose momentum. But I encourage you to stay motivated and keep up the good work!

One tip I want to share with you is to follow up with the employers that you met with at the expo … Read More »

Developing a positive onboarding experience is a key factor in employee retention, yet some companies fail to give enough attention to this important part of the hiring process. Finding quality employees, especially in today’s market, is no walk in the park—it takes a lot of time and money.  Losing them, on the other hand, is easy.

Take a look at these 5 onboarding mistakes that will be sure to undo all the work you did to recruit the new employee in the first place.

Wing it on the employees first day
Failing to prepare for the employees first day and week with your company will not only make your workweek more stressful, it could leave the new hire feeling overwhelmed and scattered. By having a plan for each day of the employees first week, you’ll help establish how a typical workday should run … Read More »

It’s a long-standing dilemma that plagues many jobseekers, perhaps yourself included – “I need experience to get a job, but how can I get experience if no one will hire me?”

Whether you’re fresh out of college, changing careers, or looking to move up the corporate ladder, it can be difficult to catch a break, especially when you’re up against experienced candidates. Most professionals have been in your shoes at some point or another, so don’t let this get you down. Instead, focus your attention on new ways you can position yourself as the better candidate. Consider following these 5 steps for appealing to potential employers, even without all the qualifications.

Be realistic – First things first, make sure you understand the level of work you can successfully complete. If you are applying for management level positions with no work history or … Read More »

July was a scorcher – we hope your recruitment efforts last month were just as hot! We know that you’re busy, so we’ve compiled some notable employer advice and news that occurred over the last few weeks that you may have missed. Take a couple minutes to check them out and stay up to date.

Recruitment & Management

The Consequences of Hiring the Wrong Employee via Akken Cloud

20 Questions You Cannot Ask During an Interview via Real Jobs Hawaii

Meet the ‘Sophisticated Job Seeker’ Who’s Disrupting Recruiting via Inc.com

How to Get the Smartest People in the World to Work for You via Forbes

4 things you need to know about managing millennials via simplicityHR

News

New Hawaii Medical Marijuana Law Bars Use in Workplace; Zero Tolerance Policies Still Enforceable via The National Law Review

Hawaii jobless rate dipped to 4.0 percent in June via Star Advertiser

The Cost of … Read More »

The Hawaii job market has become fairly competitive in the last few years. With our unemployment rate at just 4.1%, employers throughout the state are finding it difficult to recruit the candidates they want and need. Many companies are busy pulling out the bells and whistles to try and attract qualified workers – but could it be as simple as taking a little more time to formulate a better job description?

A job description is like an employer’s sales pitch to candidates. You need to make the post descriptive enough to catch the attention of jobseekers and interesting enough to keep it. At the same time, you don’t want just anyone applying for your position, so the post should also work to weed out any unqualified applicants.

Here are four tips to help you create a more effective job description. Take a … Read More »

Cover letters don’t exist simply to torture you – hiring managers use them as a tool to gain more insight into why you’re right for the job. You should view this piece of paper as an additional way to impress your potential employer, land the interview, and ultimately, get the job you’ve always dreamt about.

That said, there are a number of ways that you can miss the mark when it comes to creating an effective cover letter. So before you submit that application, take a look at these 6 signs that your cover letter is doomed for the rejection pile and, well, don’t do them.

Using the same cover letter for every job and company. Not only should you tailor every cover letter to the position you are applying for, you should also make sure to address the letter to the … Read More »

Here in Hawaii, it’s common to ask someone what school they went to and what year they graduated within the first few minutes of meeting. It’s the fastest way for us to make a personal connection. And it’s likely that that person across from you has a cousin, sibling, or friend in common with you.

In the realm of recruiting and hiring, however, innocent questions such as these could expose your business to legal claims of discrimination. Why? Because knowing when a job applicant graduated from high school gives you a pretty good idea of how old that person is, and federal law prohibits employers from making hiring decisions based on age. It also prohibits discrimination based on: disability, equal pay / compensation, genetic information, national origin, pregnancy, race / color, religion, retaliation, sex, and sexual harassment.

As you sort through applications … Read More »

Working in an office where people like you is obviously better than the alternative. When you spend 40+ hours a week with the same people, having friends in the office will go a long way in how much you enjoy your work. In fact, one study found that when you have three or more good friends at work, you’re 96% more likely to be satisfied with life.

Whether you work in a large, open environment with hundreds of coworkers, or a small office with just a handful of peers, there are some gestures that will be appreciated in every setting and help you win friends. Here are a few tips on how to become the office’s most likable coworker.

Remember names (and birthdays). Make a conscious effort to remember names and special occasions of your coworkers—especially those that you work with every day. … Read More »

There are few decisions more important for a company than hiring the right manager. However, finding the right person for the job is no easy task. In fact, a recent study found that companies fail to hire the right manager 8 out of 10 times – proof that filling an executive level position requires more time, energy, and resources than the average hire. If it’s time for your company to onboard its next manager, consider these 5 steps below:

1. Define who you’re looking for.
First things first, determine what the manager will be responsible for—will they be overseeing day-to-day activities? Conducting strategic planning? Both? Regardless, defining the position ahead of time allows you to reevaluate the role, prevents you from compromising on job requirements in the process, and most importantly finds you the right person for the job.

2. Promote from within.
Do … Read More »

Find a job that you love. It seems simple, right? Unfortunately, too many people have become comfortable in the discomfort of a job that they hate – maybe the job isn’t what they expected, they took to a career path too soon, or they’re simply just too afraid to make a change. Can you relate?

The average worker will spend over 90,000 hours at work during their lifetime – that’s almost 44 years! If that’s not reason enough, here are a few more to get you out of a job that you hate and into one that you love.

Builds your confidence
You might think otherwise, but money is not the only reason why we work. A job can help you learn more about yourself, including what you’re good or not good at and how far you can push yourself. A good job … Read More »

You may have heard the saying, and can probably attest to it, 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 I do to find a job?’ but rather ’what can I do better to find a job?’ Here are 5 job search tips to help you search smarter, not harder for your next position:

Identify what kind of job you want.
Searching for a job can be stressful, so you may be tempted to jump on the first opportunity that crosses your path. But if the position doesn’t interest you, you’ll be back on the job market before you know it. … Read More »

Truth be told, we’ve all had at least one bad boss at one point or another. In most cases, a bad boss is just something we complain about to our friends and coworkers. But did you know that a bad boss can have damaging effects on your physical health and professional career? As a matter of fact, 3 out of every 4 employees say the worst and most stressful thing about their job is their boss.

With bills to pay and mouths to feed, quitting a job because you have a bad boss is not an option many can afford. It’s helpful to remember that while you may not be able to control your boss’ behavior, you can control your own. Take a look below for some of the most common types of bad bosses to be on the lookout for … Read More »

For many of us, it’s a love-hate relationship with Monday. While we’re grateful to have a job to pay the bills, 48 hours away from the desk is never quite long enough. Even if you love your job, going from weekend to work mode can be difficult. Fortunately, with a little planning (and a strong cup of coffee) you’ll be back to the work grind in no time. Here are five easy ways to turn your Monday from dreadful to successful.

Adopt a Friday routine.
With the weekend temptatiously calling, it’s easy to dash out the door when five o’clock hits. But the key to a great Monday actually begins on Friday. Take a few minutes on Friday afternoon to list your projects for the following week, organize your workspace, and tie up any loose ends. Not only will this clear your … Read More »

We know that hiring a new employee isn’t easy. Recruiting the right candidate can be time consuming, expensive, and sometimes discouraging. Many companies throughout Hawaii are looking for ways to streamline their hiring process and reduce costs. You too may be looking for new ways to make recruiting applicants a little less complicated.

Thankfully, there is a way! Real Jobs Hawaii is a free online recruitment portal that makes it easy for local businesses to recruit and find qualified candidates. Take a look below to learn how.

1. It’s free!

Real Jobs was created to address the rising cost of job advertising here in Hawaii. Employers like you can finally post all of your jobs—even the smaller, part-time positions that normally wouldn’t justify the cost of advertising. Our service is and always will be a place where employers post for free.

2. Easy to … Read More »

The pressure to stand out from other applicants may tempt some jobseekers to be less than honest on their job applications. In fact, according to a study by Forensic Psychology, 31% of people lie on their resume. Falsifying education credentials, job experience, and start/end dates are some of the most common fibs, but can also include exaggerating accomplishments and salary.

As an employer, you may be wondering how you can ensure that your candidates are honest. Here are a few tactics:

1. Conduct reference checks. Find out as much information as you can from past employers—previous title, dates of employment, responsibilities, reason for leaving, salary, and job performance. Look up the former employers’ contact numbers to make sure you’re calling the company, rather than a friend or even a fake job reference service.

2. Verify education credentials. According to the Society for Human Resource Management, … Read More »

As a jobseeker, a job interview may strike both hope and fear in your heart at the same time. Getting an interview is a job in and of itself, now you have to charm the socks off the hiring manager and show them what a catch you are. Although skills and qualifications certainly play a role in a hiring decision, making a good first impression will give you the extra leg up you need to finally score that perfect position. Here are a few tips to make sure you go into the interview with your best foot forward.

Be there on time

We know that life tends to run a little slower here in Hawaii, but potential employers still expect you to come into work on time. In fact, plan to show up a few minutes early (10 minutes is good). If … Read More »

When you’re desperate for a job, it’s easy to find yourself thinking that you would literally take any job offer you were given. And though there is value in work itself, before you agree to a new position, it’s important to consider what accepting the position will mean for you and your career. So after receiving an offer, take a moment away from your eagerness and excitement over the prospect of finally having a job and think about these four things:

Will I be proud to work for this company?

Consider how you will feel being associated with the company. Having pride in the work that you do and the company you are employed at can make a surprising difference in how much you end up liking your job.

Do I like my boss, coworkers, and the culture of the company?

Though it’s difficult … Read More »

The number one cause of stress in the US comes from job-related issues. Searching for a new position can be especially stressful—not only can being out of work take a toll on your bank account, but also your self-esteem and confidence. Then there’s the pressure of an interview and the anxiety caused by wondering if you got the job or not.

No matter what you do, your job search will inevitably be a little stressful, but it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Whenever it starts to feel like one, take a mental chill pill by practicing these four stress relief tips:

Identify the source

While you may think the job search process as a whole is stressful, chances are there are actually one or two specific things that are causing you the most anxiety. Or perhaps you feel unsure about how to … Read More »

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 attend a job fair:

Keep an open mind – Don’t be quick to overlook a company if the name or industry does not appear to fit with what you’re looking for. As the saying goes, never judge a book by its cover. If you have time, visit a few companies that are not on your list as you may find unexpected opportunities.
Be prepared –Make sure you come dressed professionally and with plenty of copies of your resume. You should also put together a one-minute “elevator … Read More »

It’s Sunday and you wish you could start the weekend over again because it’s back to work tomorrow… and you really dread Mondays. But maybe it’s not Mondays that bother you; maybe it’s your job. Here are five signs that you need a new one.

You don’t like your boss: Like any relationship, if it’s not working out, then it’s best to part ways. Don’t prolong your unhappiness if you feel like you don’t have the support of your superior.

Poor work-life balance: With today’s technology, it’s hard to ignore the emails, texts, and action items pushed to your smartphone. But when they start trickling in at all hours of the night and every day of the week, this lifestyle ultimately leads to unhappiness and resentment.

You don’t like the work: If it’s not something you signed up for or you aren’t enjoying … Read More »

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 flag. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of 10 things you should steer clear of saying during your interview:

“Sorry I’m late.”
Employers look down upon tardiness so make sure to show up for your appointment on time. You should also avoid arriving too early. Ten minutes before your scheduled appointment is acceptable.
“I’m so nervous right now.”
Although it’s natural to have a little stage fright during an interview, do your best to appear confident. Thoroughly researching the company and the position before the interview may … Read More »