Written on September 21, 2011 at 9:22 pm, by melissa
It’s time once again to recognize one of our employees for their outstanding job performance. This quarter’s All-Star Award goes to Mohamed Ramadin. Our client considers him to be a great asset, and so do we.
Mohamed’s supervisor has nothing but good things to say about him. Among the many compliments, he shared that Mohamed’s “knowledge, skill and flexibility have allowed for confidence in the decisions made by management to assign him to any team or task him with any effort.”
Besides always having a positive attitude, Mohamed has been instrumental in helping his team save time and deliver quality customer service. He strives to assist others and contribute not just to his team’s success, but to the success of the entire company.
Thanks for all of your effort, Mohamed! Congratulations on being our Third Quarter Chameleon All-Star!
Written on September 19, 2011 at 8:02 pm, by melissa
Writing a cover letter may not be something you look forward to, especially if you’re sending your resume to a lot of different places. In today’s economy, however, it is always a good idea to accompany every resume with a letter – even if the prospective employer doesn’t require it. A cover letter is usually how you will make your first impression and it can help you to stand out from other candidates. You want to stand out in a good way, though, so keep these pointers in mind when you’re writing.
What to Include
Besides all of the basic letter-writing nuts and bolts, there are a few key points you should make sure to include. Explain why you are interested in this particular job at this particular company. Most employers don’t just want someone who is qualified – they want to make sure the new employee is going to thrive and complement the rest of the team. Highlight your qualifications and call attention to any unique skills you have that might set you apart from the competition. Make sure to say something about how you plan to follow up – let the employer know that you’re serious about pursuing this position.
Make it Good
Just like with resume writing or any other business correspondence, a cover letter should never have any spelling or obvious grammar mistakes. Have someone else proofread if this is something you tend to struggle with. There are many sample formats available on online, but regardless of which format you use, make sure it is clean and easy to read. Try to write naturally and avoid being overly formal if that’s not how you are in person – you want to sound professional, of course, but you also want to give your letter a personal touch. Above all, be concise and try to keep it to one page.
Cover letters are another tool that you can use to promote yourself and get noticed by employers. It’s your chance to show that you’re more than just the list of dates and facts on your resume. So go that extra mile if you haven’t already; it could make all the difference!
Written on September 9, 2011 at 9:26 pm, by melissa
Most people have experienced what is known as the mid-afternoon slump – the time after lunch but before the end of the day when energy levels drop and it suddenly seems extra difficult to stay focused on work. So what is the best way to power through the grogginess and keep work productivity high? We did a little research to find out what is effective in our own office and also to get some ideas about what other people do. Not everyone is likely to be able to take advantage of all of these ideas, but it’s good to have some options available for the next time the slump hits you.
Our Results
Here at Chameleon, the most popular energy-boosting methods seem to revolve around caffeine or food. Coffee runs are common, and snacks are always on hand. A few people also recommend energy drinks for the more difficult bouts of drowsiness. The second most popular suggestion is exercise, especially in combination with food (such as walking to the coffee shop or grocery store). Other ideas include taking a quick power nap or taking a break to have a brief conversation.
Additional Thoughts
Our external research produced a lot of similar suggestions – go for a walk, eat a healthy snack, do some stretches, etc. However, we did find some other interesting techniques, such as listening to music (work appropriate, of course). Some people also try to organize their entire workday around the slump, making sure to schedule more energy-intensive projects for earlier in the morning. Even if there is not a lot of exercise involved, just getting outside and (if you can find it) getting some sunlight is another conventional idea. If you want to do something a little more productive, though, try cleaning and organizing your workspace. You’ll be that much more efficient when you’re back on task.
Written on September 2, 2011 at 7:47 pm, by melissa
Communication is the grease that keeps the wheels of any workplace moving along. Whether you work in a tiny office with just a few other people or as part of a large corporation that fills up an entire building, there has to be an effective way of getting information to and from your fellow coworkers. The newest trends are all about fast, high-tech, and increasingly digital. The following are some of the different options that are commonly in use today.
Hand-Written Notes
Remember the old ‘While You Were Out’ notepads? We might call this “old school” but many small offices, especially those in low-tech industries, are still using this as a primary communication method between coworkers. Sometimes, though, you just can’t beat the simplicity of pen and paper.
Phone System
Whether through a landline phone system or via mobile, this is probably the best way to get an immediate response from a coworker, even if it’s just to see if they are at their desk. Phone communications are also handy when you don’t have time to write everything out. Most phone systems will allow you to leave and transfer messages, but otherwise it’s not an optimal way to store information.
Intranet / Shared Network
Most companies that have at least a handful of employees will have an internal server where they store files that everyone can access and share. The drawback is that it’s very easy for these kinds of networks to become cluttered with duplicate files and folders, and the larger the network, the more difficult it is to keep organized. The new trend however, is intranet websites, where access to information can be more direct and customizable.
E-mail
Electronic mail has become a standard for today’s office, especially with the widespread use of programs such as Microsoft Outlook. It can double as a form of instant message with the ‘new message notification’ pop-ups, and it’s an easy way to keep track of an ongoing conversation. Calendar-sharing is also useful for staying informed on other peoples’ schedules.
Instant Messaging
Though it may seem unnecessary if you already have a modern email program that promptly displays new messages, instant messaging should not be overlooked. Whereas email can become somewhat superfluous when it comes to asking simple questions or giving a coworker a quick FYI, an instant message gets the information across without the constant need to clean out the inbox.
Mobile Text Messaging
This serves the same purpose as instant messaging but is particularly useful when needing to communicate with someone who is not always near a computer. It is also a nice way of sending information (such as an address or phone number) in case the recipient isn’t able to write it down.
Private Social Media Groups
Social media has become a popular personal diversion, but it can also be valuable in a workplace. From closed groups on Facebook or LinkedIn to social networking sites geared specifically towards businesses, these online forums are another place to facilitate company-wide sharing and collaboration.
Like many companies, we use a variety of the above options, though we try to maintain an emphasis on the paperless methods. What works best at your workplace?
Written on August 26, 2011 at 10:51 pm, by melissa
Good customer service is important for any business, in any industry. Whether the company is selling a product or providing a service, customers want to feel like they are respected and being treated fairly. Since many people have to be more selective these days, especially when it comes to spending money, they want to get the best value and experience.
Since high-quality customer service is an integral part of our own mission, we are always interested in learning about new ideas or techniques in this area. It is in the best interest of any business to regularly evaluate and enhance their service, particularly now that social media allows word (good and bad) to travel so much faster. Here are a few methods we like:
Just Ask
One proven way of making sure customers are receiving the best possible service is to simply ask them what they want. Send out surveys or polls to determine what is essential to your customers and in which areas you could improve. Know your average customer and try to consider things from their point of view. Think about what you would want in their position.
Go the Extra Mile
The little things definitely matter. Most customers will be happy enough if a job is done well, but something extra and unexpected can make a world of difference. This can be as minor as a quick call to check that the customer is satisfied or finding a way to get a job done ahead of schedule.
Be Consistent
When it comes down to a choice between a large corporation and a smaller start-up, the small business can often distinguish itself by being able to provide the better service. However, consistency will be key in the long run. Customers will keep coming back when they know they’ll get the care they want every time.
Written on August 19, 2011 at 8:44 pm, by melissa
Worried about the job market these days? Trying to find a new job in today’s economy is certainly more competitive, but it may be improving. CareerBuilder has put together a 2011 Mid-Year Job Forecast that shows some positive trends.
The first thing to know is that people are hiring – in fact, more companies are increasing their number of full-time, permanent staff than are decreasing. The percentage of employers who plan to hire new employees from July-December is up 6% since 2010. This includes full-time and contract/temp positions.
The top three areas in which businesses plan to hire are customer service, IT, and sales. There is definitely a need for these skilled employees, particularly in customer service and IT, as well as in communications.
One encouraging trend is that actual hiring has been consistently surpassing original expectations, so even though companies anticipate a certain amount, it is very likely they will end up hiring more than that. Overall, the information points to some slow, but steady growth. Click here to find out more.
Written on August 9, 2011 at 5:43 pm, by melissa
We pride ourselves on matching the right candidate with the right client through our detailed interview process and careful placement. Through our years of industry experience, we’ve seen how the right person in the right job means success for both the client and candidate. Just look at what Joe Huffman’s company has to say about his addition to their team:
Joe is currently the only SCOM Engineer for the 11 retail establishments currently in place. His dedication to work has ensured nothing compromises the retails stores’ overall success. He is often pulled into other groups and frequently does extra work. Joe would work weekends to promote new store openings and do what it takes to get the job done right. By frequently taking the initiative to put in extra hours with short notice, he has ensured smooth operations.
Candidates who go above and beyond, like Joe, are instrumental to our client’s success. His work ethic has made him an incredible asset.
Thank you for all your hard work, Joe!
Written on August 4, 2011 at 12:39 am, by melissa
The world is changing and so is our workforce. Are you considering telecommuting as an option for your employees? As with any major business decision, you want to think this through clearly. Before you dive head first into the world of telecommuting there are some key things to consider.
What is your goal?
This is by far the most important question. It dictates all of the questions to follow. Do you want to save money? Are you trying to improve your employee’s quality of life? Are you trying to make your company more attractive to future employees?
Once you have decided on your goal it’s time to consider cost versus savings. Can your company afford to make the move? These are a few potential cost and savings ideas to consider:
Cost Considerations
Tangible Cost: There is a tangible cost to an employee telecommuting. An agent working at home needs a computer and software licenses. Potentially they need office furniture, supplies, and technical support.
Face-to-Face Interaction with Colleagues: There are mixed feelings about this. Some companies have found telecommuting cuts down on collaborative work and makes it harder for employees to jump into projects mid-stream.
IT Help: Employers have little to no control over the at-home work environment of their employees. Not all workers are technically savvy and as problems arise a significant amount of time can be devoted to problem solving technical difficulties over the phone.
Savings Potential
Less Office Space: If your employee will be a 100% telecommuter your office space cost could be significantly reduced, if not eliminated. This can result in serious savings for companies.
Employee Morale: Allowing employees to work at home can improve their overall quality of life and general morale, creating a more productive member of your team.
Lower Salary: Telecommuting reduces or potentially eliminates the cost of commuting. Some employers have found this as a successful way to reduce employee salaries, by saving their employees money in other venues.
Attracting New Employees: The job market is fierce for both employees and employers. As telecommuting becomes more and more attractive to future employees, it will become a more useful recruitment tool.
Written on July 28, 2011 at 8:33 pm, by melissa
The world is moving quickly, especially the technology world. With more than 35 years of industry experience, we’ve consistently had to adapt, change, and revitalize our techniques. Keeping a fresh perspective on the market and its needs ensures we are providing our clients with the best possible options.
How do we stay on our toes in a consistently changing market? We maintain continual dialoge with our clients about concerns, successes, suggestions for improvements, and industry insights. These tips to help you do the same:
Scheduled Check-Ins
Checking in on a regular basis can easily be overlooked. Creating your own scheduled check-in dates for each client, will give you a clear path to follow.
The Good with the Bad
It’s easy to hear how well things are going. But, hearing the problems are often more important. The key is to listen to both the good and bad, stick with good and fix the bad. Listening and responding to your client creates customer loyalty because it shows them they matter to you.
Keep it Clear
While trying to close a deal sometimes it’s easy to move through things to quickly. SLOW DOWN. Make sure your client understands your operational features: how you recruit, screen and retain, on-board and off board, what resources are available to them, and what the day-to-day interactions would look like. Making sure they understand the process will set expectations and develop a strong working relationship.
Written on July 19, 2011 at 8:46 pm, by melissa
Do you love green spaces, parks and waterfronts? We do and that’s why we’ve been committed to being green since we opened in 2000. It’s a pleasure to be located in Kirkland, Washington where the City is committed — through many “green initiatives” — to preserve, protect and sustain our natural resources.
How are you being green? Here are a few suggestions to help you reduce your impact:
Reduce Waste
We’ve begun going paperless, moving all of our documents to computers. How could you help reduce waste too?
Encourage Recycling and Composting
By recycling, you’re taking an active role in creating a sustainable future. In Kirkland recycling is available at no extra cost. Recyclable materials include: paper (newspapers, mixed paper, mail), cardboard, plastic (bottles, jugs, dairy tubs – no lids or caps), glass (bottles and jars), and metal (aluminum and steel cans). Are you recycling?
Lessen Energy Use
At Chameleon we take full advantage of natural light with our large office windows. It is one of the many ways we cut down on energy use. What do you do to use less electricity?
We know the City’s efforts can only be enhanced by the commitment of its citizens and local businesses to “get green.” Thank you to those who have taken this challenge. Be sure to check out your City’s list of green businesses!
Are you green? Tell us how. We’re always looking for additional ways to make a positive impact.
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