Kinsa Group Blog

Looking for ways to earn a raise or promotion?

Get on your boss’s A-List.  If you consistently show your boss that you’re doing a great job, you’ll progress further, faster.  Here are a few quick tips to get you noticed, separate yourself from the pack and create a lasting positive impression:

1. Communicate clearly.  When in doubt, err on the side of clarity and ask questions when things are unclear.  Provide your boss with regular updates about your projects and plans.  But be careful not to go overboard – ask him directly if you’re providing enough information or too much.
2. Honor your commitments.  Underpromise and overdeliver.  Don’t shy away from new challenges, but make reasonably sure you can hit an objective before taking on the additional responsibility.
3. Know what makes your boss tick.  Learn your boss’s pet peeves – and avoid them.  Find out what his priorities are – and incorporate them into your own (e.g., if your boss is a “numbers guy,” quantify all your results).  Anticipate his needs, by providing what you know he’ll want before he asks.  Show him you understand the issues he faces and you’re sure to make your mark.
4. Provide solutions – not just problems.  Everyone makes mistakes.  So if something does go wrong, view it as an opportunity to set yourself apart from chronic excuse-makers.  Own up to the problem and come to the table with potential solutions.  Your boss will appreciate your ability to think for yourself and manage a difficult situation.
5. Be positive.  When you celebrate a departmental success, send a congratulatory e-mail to those involved and copy your boss.  The gesture will draw attention to your success as well as your leadership skills.  During more stressful times, strive to maintain a positive attitude.  For every two complaints or suggested improvements, point out eight positive things.
6. Take a calculated risk.  A boss will notice a talented employee who demonstrates his desire for excellence by occasionally sticking his neck out.  So when the time is right, volunteer for a difficult assignment or challenge the status quo to improve a work process.  Your courage and enthusiasm will increase your visibility and earn the respect of your boss and co-workers alike.

Kinsa Group: Another Great Way To Further Your Career

At Kinsa, you’re more than just a résumé, a degree, or a set of skills.  You’re a critical component of our success.  We want to help you achieve your career goals, by matching you with an opportunity that suits your skills, needs and interests.  Contact us today to learn more about executive and management career opportunities in the food & beverage industry.

While employees may leave your organization for any number of reasons, one thing is certain – turnover is costly.  In fact, according to a recent blog by Maria Valdez  Haubrich, three-fourths of employees plan to quit when the economy improves.

Replacing a senior food & beverage industry executive can easily add-up to tens of thousands of dollars.  To prevent employee turnover from cutting into your company’s profits, use these tips to retain your best people:

Accurately appraise your cost of replacing a manager or executive.  In addition to the direct costs of recruiting, screening, interviewing and hiring, you must also calculate:

• Opportunity costs (time HR and hiring managers could be spending on other productive activities)
• Costs of vacancy in the position (impact on customers and team/department members, lost productivity)
• Costs of replacing knowledge that leaves with the employee

Determine who is leaving and why. To decrease turnover, you must first understand why it’s happening.  Go through exit interviews and question co-workers to uncover:

• Who is leaving. Look for patterns in age, tenure, performance level, sex, department/job category, etc. to see if you can develop a “turnover profile.”
• Where they are going. Are you losing employees to a competitor?  Are they going back to school?  Moving out of town?
• Why they are leaving. Ask co-workers why other employees left.  Additionally, hold a focus group to find out what motivates your existing workforce to stay and what threatens their commitment to your organization.

Create a focused plan. You won’t be able to stop turnover completely, so use the information you gather to create a plan that targets your most costly turnover.  Often, these are strategic jobs with a long learning curve and/or requiring extensive or specialized knowledge.  Focus your retention efforts where they’ll have the biggest impact on your organization’s long-term success.

One of the best ways your organization can guard against turnover’s negative effects is by working with a trusted food & beverage recruitment and assessment firm such as Kinsa.  We offer tremendous advantages to employers:

• A wide range of service options to suit your specific placement needs
• Up-front assessments, by dedicated and experienced recruiting specialists, to ensure the best match for your available position
• Minimal disruption to your organization and no loss of focus
• Value-added services, such as initial compensation ranges, marketplace climate data and position profile development
• Access to the recruitment firm’s extensive candidate database, as well as regional and national recruiting networks
• Satisfaction guarantees

Kinsa Group - A Better Way to Hire Food and Beverage Industry Professionals

Hiring on your own can be an expensive, time-consuming and frustrating process.  So why do it on your own?  Contact Kinsa today.  For over 25 years, we’ve delivered highly qualified professionals and senior-to-executive level management candidates through our unique recruiting process.

Our dynamic staff of skilled recruiting professionals will make your next hire a success – guaranteed.

Hot Jobs are the open food and beverage jobs that Kinsa Group is actively seeking qualified candidates to interview right now!  You may be the ideal candidate, so apply today.

How To View A Job Description
Copy the job number, click on the job title and  paste the job number into the “job number” box.  Apply on the Kinsa website or choose the “Apply with LinkedIn” feature.

Want to receive weekly “Hot Jobs” notifications? Follow Kinsa Group on Twitter or join our group page on LinkedIn.

It’s tough out there.

If you’re not seeing much progress with your job search in the food & beverage industry, here are a few key ways a Kinsa Group recruiting specialist can help you get an edge over your competitors:

• Industry expertise. At Kinsa, food & beverage industry recruiting is all we do.  From operations & plant production management to supply chain and R & D, we understand the ins and outs of your industry.
• Access to unadvertised opportunities. Our recruiters have extensive networks within the food & beverage industry.  We know who is hiring, restructuring and firing.  And in many cases, great career opportunities are available exclusively through our recruiting firm.
• Résumé and interview skill feedback. As employment experts, our recruiting professionals can help you polish your résumé and build your interviewing confidence.  Additionally, they can give you the inside track – providing valuable information on interviewers’ personalities and interviewing styles, further preparing you to perform at your best.
• Keep your morale up. Being out of work can take a toll on you – emotionally and financially.  A recruiter can potentially provide interim contract employment opportunities to help you:
  - Earn money while you search for direct employment;
  - Keep your schedule flexible so you can continue your job search;
  - Network with new co-workers to uncover additional employment leads;
  - Keep your job skills sharp and up-to-date;
  - Avoid gaps on your résumé;
  - Stay positive and productive.

You’re More Than Just an “Applicant”
At Kinsa, you’re more than just a résumé, a degree, or a set of skills.  You’re a critical component of our success.  We want to help you achieve your career goals, by matching you with an opportunity that suits your skills, needs and interests.  Contact us today to learn more about executive and management career opportunities in the food & beverage industry.

Need to get a new product launched quickly?

Trying to work around a hiring freeze?

Have an immediate need for a high-level professional during a transitional period?

These are just a few of the reasons food & beverage organizations use contract staffing.  In a time when budgets are tight, the economy is uncertain and resources are stretched thin, contract professionals and executives can provide a number of benefits for your company.  Here are just a few:

• Fill an immediate, short-term need. Take the pressure off of your hiring process by bringing in an interim replacement.  The Kinsa Group maintains a robust database of highly qualified food & beverage executives and professionals who can step in during a period of transition.  Our contract staffing option allows you to rapidly fill a vacancy in an essential position, while you search for a full-time replacement.
• Test a new concept. Have you ever had to table a great idea, simply because your organization didn’t have the resources to work on it?  From specialized food technologists to senior executives, highly qualified contract employees can be brought in to either manage the execution of a new concept, or support your internal team while they develop new opportunities.
• Do more with less. Not sure if you need a permanent employee?  Trying to work around a hiring freeze?  Contract staffing is a flexible, cost-effective way to get more work done, without the commitment and risks associated with full-time hires.
• Meet tight deadlines. Contract staff can supplement your core workforce, accelerate the pace at which projects are completed and ease the stress of tight deadlines and peak demand periods.
• Access specialized project expertise. Contract professionals are an ideal choice when you want to tackle a new initiative or test a new business concept – without adding to your permanent headcount.  Additionally, you can bring in contract staff to teach your employees new skills without the cost of a permanent hire.  Bringing in someone with specific expertise can save you time and money by shortening learning curves.
• Evaluate talent on-the-job. If you need a full-time employee, contract staffing allows you to see how an individual performs in your organization and fits into your culture.  Should you want to hire the candidate, you can arrange to convert him to a direct employee.

Kinsa’s Contract Staffing – A Smart Alternative for Your Food & Beverage Organization

Kinsa Group contracts with proven professionals who treat your position as if it were their full-time job.  Because these individuals come from the regular, full-time workforce, their dedication, reliability and motivation are exceptional.

Our contract staffing services allow you to access the highest caliber talent, previously available only through a permanent placement arrangement.  Whether you need to address unique staffing challenges, meet interim staffing requirements or complete critical projects, Kinsa Group contract staffing is a great choice.  Contact us today to learn more.

Wishing you and yours a very happy holiday season.

Reminder: Kinsa Group will be closed on Monday, December 26 in observance of Christmas Day.

Kinsa will also be closed on Monday, January 2 in observance of Christmas Day.

‘Tis the season to give gifts once again.  And if you’re like most people, this year you’ll be sticking to a budget.  But don’t let spending limits cramp your gift-giving style.  You can still buy some pretty great presents for under $20, if you put your thinking cap on.

So if you can’t bear to purchase another boring necktie or nasty fruitcake, never fear.  Break out of the gift box with these creative ideas that won’t break the bank.

For the wine lover

• Bottle of wine and pair of decorative or seasonal wineglasses
• Guidebook for pairing wine with food
• Set of decorative wineglass charms

For the outdoorsman

• Camping chair
• Heavy duty flashlight and batteries
• Insulated soft-side lunch cooler

For the gardener

• Planter for window or porch rail
• High-end gardening gloves
• Canvas gardening tool organizer

For the cook

• Assortment of gourmet spices
• Specialty cookbook
• Salt and pepper mills

For the new home owner

• Serving dish that complements kitchen décor
• Coffee table book related to something he enjoys
• Coordinating set of picture frames

For the book lover

• Decorative book mark, personal reading light and batteries
• Bestseller about a topic near and dear to the recipient’s heart
• Cozy microfleece throw blanket

For the chauffeur (translation: any mom with kids)

• Car organizer
• Car wash and vacuum coupon
• Safety hammer to break auto glass and cut seatbelt

For the cheese lover

• Cheese grater and a block of favorite cheese (be sure to include a “cheesy” sentiment like: “To a GRATE friend!”)
• High-end cheese slicer
• A block of favorite cheese, box of gourmet crackers, bunch of grapes and cheese knife in an inexpensive basket

For the homebody

• Extra large and fluffy bath towel
• Indoor/outdoor electric thermometer
• Current issues of 3 favorite magazines tied with a decorative bow

For the technology lover

• LED Binary clock
• Cordless optical notebook mouse (choose a fun color)
• Digital scrapbook software

Happy holiday shopping from Kinsa Group, specializing in recruiting and assessment for the food & beverage industry for over 25 years.

Meetings.  Soccer practice.  Long hours.  Project deadlines.  Yard work.

Given all the responsibilities you have both on the job and at home, you may feel that a healthy work/life balance is unrealistic right now:  spending more time at work may cause you to miss out on a rewarding personal life; but effectively managing the challenges of your personal life (such as coping with an aging parent or marital stress) may make concentrating on your job difficult.

So how do you strike a balance?  Implement just three or four of these ideas to make a measurable difference in your life.  They will help you lower your stress level, free-up more time, and put you on the path to a healthier work/life balance.

Drop unnecessary activities. Make a list of what really matters to you.  You may find out that you’re devoting too much time to activities that aren’t a real priority.  If at all possible, drop commitments and pursuits that don’t make the top five on your list of priorities.  Doing so will greatly focus your efforts and simplify your life.

Realize that time is often more valuable than money. The time you spend away from meaningful relationships in your life is time you can never get back.  With this in mind, consider hiring a lawn maintenance service, a handyman, or a babysitter (but always have a contingency plan in place).

Get enough sleep. Few things are as stressful and potentially dangerous as working when you’re sleep deprived.  Aside from feeling awful, you’re also more likely to make costly mistakes and be less productive.  So while you may be tempted to burn the midnight oil, it makes more sense to hit the sack and tackle your work with a fresh pair of eyes in the morning.

Plan fun and relaxation. Given the frenetic pace of our lives, nurturing ourselves just doesn’t happen by accident – but it’s still an essential part of maintaining a balanced life.  So set aside space in your weekly calendar for activities that are fun and relaxing to you.  Plan what you’re going to do and make necessary arrangements – reservations, childcare, etc. – to ensure you’ll be able to keep your commitment.

Use e-mail effectively. Use e-mail, as opposed to voicemail, to send detailed messages.  Try to respond to your incoming messages in groups – just a few times a day.  This way, you will interrupt your train of thought less frequently and stay more focused.

Learn to say “No.” Whether it’s a co-worker asking you to spearhead an extra project, or your child’s teacher asking you to be the head room parent, remember that’s okay to respectfully say “No.”  Once you quit doing things out of guilt or a false sense of obligation, you’ll make more room in your life for activities that are meaningful and important to you.

Exercise your options. Find out if your employer offers flex hours, a compressed workweek, job-sharing or telecommuting for your role.  These options may afford you greater flexibility to alleviate stress and free-up more of your time.

Master software packages. Learn the tips associated with the software packages you use most frequently.  They can increase your productivity.

Organize. If your insides are churning, create order outside.  Some people find that cleaning, organizing and reducing clutter actually reduce stress – both at home and at work.

Get a system. Develop a routine for tackling recurring tasks both at home and work.  If you drive by the dry cleaners and grocery store on your way to and from work, make a habit of bringing your shopping list and dry cleaning with you to take care of those stops en route.

Ask for help. Are you overwhelmed because you don’t have the support or tools you need to get your work done?  If so, don’t be a hero.  Approach your boss or loved ones and ask for the help you need to be more productive at work or at home.

Lighten up. Don’t take everything so seriously.  Nobody and nothing is ever perfect, so drop your shoulders and learn to laugh!

It’s like a bad dream.

You’re in an interview, dressed to impress and feeling totally in control of the situation, when the unthinkable happens – the interviewer asks a question that completely stumps you:

“If you could have dinner with anyone from history, whom would it be and why?”

“Why is a manhole cover round?”

“Which fictional character would you say best describes you?”

If just reading these questions makes beads of sweat pop out on your forehead, you’re not alone.  In an interview situation, most of us would be stopped in our tracks by off-the-wall questions like these.  But that’s the point:  interviewers ask odd questions intentionally, to see how well job candidates thinks on their feet and respond to stress.

Because unusual interview questions can be about virutally any topic, they’re nearly impossible to prepare for.  Still, here are a few quick tips to help you handle them more effectively:

• Keep your composure. The question was meant to throw you off your game – so don’t let it rattle you.  Keep your face neutral and recognize that this is the wacky question you’ve been anticipating.
• Take your time. Smile, take a deep breath and avoid the temptation to blurt out an answer.  Don’t panic – if you have to take a moment to gather your thoughts, it merely demonstrates that you think carefully through a situation before responding.
• Relax. When it comes to unusual interview questions, your answer is not as important as how you handle the situation.  In fact, most don’t have right or wrong answers.  So take the pressure off yourself.  You don’t have to be brilliant, you just need to answer honestly.

Seeking a Job in the Food and Beverage Industry?

Register with Kinsa today.  Our team of food & beverage industry recruiting professionals will listen to your needs, match you with a perfect career opportunity, and then prepare you to ace the interview.

Speaking of interview preparation, take advantage of this free upcoming webinar:

How to Ace Phone Interviews
October 28th @ (8:00 AM PST/9:00 AM MST/10:00 PM CST/11:00 PM EST)
The telephone interview is a very common first interview. Before you conduct your next telephone interview, learn the following:

• Mistakes you need to avoid
• Where to place your focus
• How to turn a phone interview into a face-to-face interview
• What it takes to “stand out” from others

‘Tis the season to give gifts once again.  And if you’re like most people, this year you’ll be sticking to a budget.  But don’t let spending limits cramp your gift-giving style.  You can still buy some pretty great presents for under $20, if you put your thinking cap on. 

So if you can’t bear to purchase another boring necktie or nasty fruitcake, never fear.  Break out of the gift box with these creative ideas that won’t break the bank.

For the wine lover

• Bottle of wine and pair of decorative or seasonal wineglasses
• Guidebook for pairing wine with food
• Set of decorative wineglass charms

For the outdoorsman

• Camping chair
• Heavy duty flashlight and batteries
• Insulated soft-side lunch cooler

For the gardener

• Planter for window or porch rail
• High-end gardening gloves
• Canvas gardening tool organizer

For the cook

• Assortment of gourmet spices
• Specialty cookbook
• Salt and pepper mills

For the new home owner

• Serving dish that complements kitchen décor
• Coffee table book related to something he enjoys
• Coordinating set of picture frames

For the book lover

• Decorative book mark, personal reading light and batteries
• Bestseller about a topic near and dear to the recipient’s heart
• Cozy microfleece throw blanket

For the chauffeur (translation: any mom with kids)

• Car organizer
• Car wash and vacuum coupon
• Safety hammer to break auto glass and cut seatbelt

For the cheese lover

• Cheese grater and a block of favorite cheese (be sure to include a “cheesy” sentiment like: “To a GRATE friend!”)
• High-end cheese slicer
• A block of favorite cheese, box of gourmet crackers, bunch of grapes and cheese knife in an inexpensive basket

For the homebody

• Extra large and fluffy bath towel
• Indoor/outdoor electric thermometer
• Current issues of 3 favorite magazines tied with a decorative bow

For the technology lover

• LED Binary clock
• Cordless optical notebook mouse (choose a fun color)
• Digital scrapbook software

Happy holiday shopping from Kinsa Group, specializing in recruiting and assessment for the food & beverage industry for over 25 years.