The Bagg Group Blog

The Bagg Group is mourning the loss of our friend and fellow employee, Andrene Graham.  We extend our sincerest condolences and prayers to her family.

The following arrangements have been made for those wishing to pay their respects:

Funeral Details:

There will be a short burial service at Duffin Meadows Cemetery on Friday, February 3rd at 2pm. The address is 2505 Brock Road North in Pickering. Guests are asked to arrive by 1.30pm as this will be a short service without a ceremony. Click here to view map.

Memorial:

A memorial gathering will take place on Sunday, February 5th at 5pm at the North York Civic Center. This is located at Mel Lastman Square near Yonge and Sheppard.  Click here to view map and parking.

Interruptions are a fact of everyday work life. Between incoming email, texts, phone calls and a colleague stopping by for an impromptu chat, interruptions take up 28% of a knowledge worker’s day.  That’s the finding of a study by the US research firm Basex which also reports that interruptions cost US companies $28 billion in lost hours per year. 

It’s a hefty price to pay for often unnecessary email or unsolicited reviews on last night’s episode of CSI.  But there are also times when an interruption is helpful and contributes to productivity.

A job interview is a case in point. When candidates lose focus and talk too much, the biggest favour you can do for them is to interrupt.  

Yet many hiring managers say they’re uncomfortable cutting off an interviewee in mid-stride. However, The Bagg Group recruiters encourage their clients across the GTA to do just that when necessary.

Sometimes as an interviewer, you need to be blunt to be kind.  We know this from interviewing hundreds of thousands of candidates to successfully fill more than 57,000 full-time positions, contract opportunities, and temporary placements over 40-plus years.  

We have seen time and time again how common it is for people to digress or give too much information when asked about themselves. That’s why we always coach our candidates to stay on point, and be succinct.

It’s not surprising that people get carried away, given that an interview can feel like an exam.  And how many of us have answered exam questions by telling everything we could recall on the subject, in hopes of winning extra points. 

So while talking too much in an interview is understandable, it almost always backfires.  A real chatterbox can prompt just about anyone to check out of the conversation. For that reason, the nicest thing you can do for an interviewee is to cut off rather than cut out. 

Here are some tips from the interview experts at The Bagg Group for how to turn an interruption into a positive interaction.  

1. Identify whether the information is pertinent to you.  As you listen, ask yourself, “Is this important for my decision-making?”  If it’s not, cut in.
2. It’s not advisable to waste your time and patience waiting for the interviewee to take a pause. Instead, jump in.  The candidate will not be thrown if you thank them for their answer but say you must stop them there because you’d like to ask other questions, and you need to be mindful of time.
3. It can be helpful to tell chatty interviewees to bottom line their answers. A useful technique is to include the word “briefly” in your question. This alerts interviewees that you don’t want a lot of background.  
4. If the interviewee veers off topic, it’s beneficial to interrupt by reminding them that due to time, you’d like to focus on how they can relate their experience specifically to your team’s needs.

On the bright side, more challenging than having to interrupt an interviewee is coming face-to-face with a person who hardly says a word.    

Barbara Walters, who has interviewed almost every world figure over the past 50 years, reported that one of her worst interviews was with Hollywood movie star and director Warren Beatty.  “I asked him, ‘how are you?’  There was an interminable dead silence.  Finally he said, ‘fine.’” 

Now that’s a real problem interview.

We are recruiting for our pharmaceutical clients at Markham and 401. Drop in to our Markham branch and register!

When:
Thursday January 19th, 11am – 4pm
Friday January 20th, 8am – 4pm

Where:  The Bagg Group Markham Branch, 3000 Steeles Ave East, Suite 100 (corner of Woodbine and Steeles)

Packaging Operator positions available!

Positions are located at Markham Rd and Sheppard in Scarborough. $11.00-12.00/hr.

Must have proof of Grade 12 Diploma or College and clear criminal background check.

Please bring with you:

• your resume
• proof of education
• 2 references
• 2 pieces of photo ID

We look forward to meeting you!

It happens to everyone.  You are mid-way through an interview, and you feel it’s going well.  You’re in control.  You answer every question with ease.  Then suddenly, out of left-field, you’re asked, “What animal would you like to be?”  or “What’s your favourite quote that most defines you as a person?”  

Huh?

You’ve been hit with an oddball question. It can happen to anyone, in any interview, according to a new book by William Poundstone, entitled Are You Smart Enough to Work at Google? The author shares some of the stranger queries Google has tossed out at candidates.  These include,  “How would you weigh your head?”  and,  “You’re in a car with a helium balloon tied to the floor. When you accelerate, what happens to the balloon?”

In the US, a candidate reported that Amazon.com asked, “How would you cure world hunger?” and another job-seeker reported that the company EvaluServe asked, “Name five uses of a stapler without staple pins.”  

Recruiters at The Bagg Group confirm that their clients, the best companies in the GTA, could put you on the spot with a question you may never have imagined, or prepared for. 

But here’s one bizarre but important query that The Bagg Group recruiters want to prepare you for:  “What do you do when you don’t have a clue how to answer a strange question?”

We’ll give you some hints:

Accept that there is no such thing as a stupid question:  Interviewers don’t care about the right answer.  They use the oddball question to understand how you think, what you care about, and how you handle yourself under pressure.  The question may seem bizarre, but there’s purpose to it.

Welcome the unexpected:  The worst thing you can do is blurt out something like, “That’s a ridiculous question.” Similarly, you can hurt your chances by rolling your eyes, smirking, or challenging the interviewer with, “What’s your point?”  Instead, show that you have a natural curiousity by greeting the oddball question with interest and openess. Buy yourself some thinking time by saying, “That’s an interesting question,” or “That’s a unique question, it’s an intriguing one to tackle.”

Think outloud:  Let the interviewer know how you tackle a puzzle by saying something such as, “There are several ways I could approach this question.  Here’s one way I might try …”   

Relate to the job:  Where you can, make a link between the question and the job you are applying for.   For example, if asked as one candidate reportedly was, “If you were a superhero, what special power would you want?” you might answer something such as, “For the purposes of this job, I’d like to see through walls so I could observe how customers handle the product.”  Or in answer to the question, “How would you cure world hunger?” you might respond from the point-of-view of the position for which you are interviewing.  For example, “As a supply chain expert, I would look first at … .”  or, “As a marketer, I would… .”

When hit with a brain cramp, forget specifics and talk big picture:  Recruiters at The Bagg Group know that whether you are interviewing for a full-time position, contract work, or temporary placement, you may be asked an unusual question that you should be able to answer in a snap.  These include, “What’s your favourite movie or book?”  Or, “What famous person is your hero?”  You may well have a hero and a favourite movie, but for some reason you go blank —  nothing comes to mind. 

If that happens, don’t panic.  Instead, give up on madly searching for a specific response, and instead take a bird’s eye view.  You might say something like, “There are so many people I admire, I have been inspired by entrepreneurs, athletes, … .”  In this way, you can talk about qualities that you admire, rather than specific names.

That said, it’s a good idea to think about someone you admire, a movie that speaks to you, and an inspirational quote that motivates you.  Even if you’re never asked about these, it can still be useful to have a little inspiration in our pocket to help us through life’s unexpected moments. 

Click here to find out what Geoff has to say about the 2012 job market.

In late December, Geoff Bagg, CEO of The Bagg Group, appeared on Sun TV’s The Roundtable with Pat Bolland to alert viewers to workplace needs and hot jobs for 2012.

For more than 40 years, The Bagg Group has been monitoring and anticipating the staffing needs of companies across the GTA.  We have been taking the pulse of the market for so long that we can spot trends as they form. 

Here’s a brief round-up of Geoff Bagg’s predictions for in-demand jobs this year across the GTA.

IT: 

At The Bagg Group, we constantly interview talented software administrators, developers and programmers to meet a demand that will only continue to rise.  

• Notes to share at the watercooler:  Last July, Apple announced that over 15 billion apps had been downloaded from its apps store.  There is no turning the clock back.  This number is expected to skyrocket.
• US research firm IBIS World  ranked e-commerce, internet publishing, and voice over internet protocol providers in the top 10 fastest growing industries and highlighted that all these share a need for IT specialists. 
• Moreover, as Geoff Bagg told interviewer Pat Bolland, in Canada, as around the world, there’ll be significant growth in quality assurance, data security and protection needs, particularly in health care and banking.  The data security analyst, who can anticipate and pre-empt threats to an organization’s information system, is going to be especially sought after, given concerns of data breaches and online attacks affecting operations, coupled with rapid growth in mobile devices and apps
• The findings of a global survey of 10,500 IT professionals, by International Information Systems Security Certifications Consortium — suggest that demands for IT security specialists will double as early as 2015.  The respondents also predict a gap in supply versus demand for qualified experts.

Business and finance: 

Events that led to the economic meltdown in the US continue to increase insistence on transparency in business globally, including Canada.  As a result, we know companies across the GTA will continue to seek auditors, accountants, and contract financial analysts / consultants  who are experts in ensuring adherence to good governance. 

As for business in general, this fall The Bagg Group saw a 25% increase in manager and director searches over the same period last year. We anticipate such demand will continue, particularly in the wake of retiring baby boomers.

• The Bagg Group recruiters concur with reports in The Atlantic that rank financial examiners as one of the top fastest growing careers.  According to the magazine’s research, jobs in this field will grow by 41% over 10 years.
• As Geoff mentioned on Sun TV and as we reported in an earlier blog,  there will be positions vacated as the first wave of baby boomers hit retirement age this year.  However, there are indicators that at least one-quarter of Canadian boomers plan to delay retirement, in part because of financial reasons and also because people are staying younger, longer.  It seems 65 is the new 55.

Health Care: 

 As the population ages, the need for health care providers grows. 

• In his interview, Geoff Bagg noted that US stats show 13 out of 20 of the fastest growing occupations are related to health care, and the situation is similar in Canada.

Communications:

Many of The Bagg Group clients — companies of all sizes across all sectors — use social media to connect and engage their target market.  We have no doubt organizations will continue to seek social media marketing experts who have know-how in multi platforms.  

• It’s no surprise to us that according to the Huffington Post, the term “social media” ranked number 10 on the fastest growing keyword in job postings. 

Trades:

Even though manufacturing is down, there are fewer people than before with expertise in various areas of construction and manufacturing, and we anticipate that as the economy strengthens over the next years, there’ll be greater demand than supply.

• Canadian colleges are saying that in the next two decades, 40% of new jobs will be in skilled trades and technologies.  
• Indeed, despite the downswing in manufacturing, The Bagg Group which      recently acquired Turn Key Staffing, is seeing steady demand for workers in the light industrial sectors.

The great news for 2012 is that we have the talent to take on the future. The Bagg Group recruiters know first-hand that there are excellent candidates for full-time positions, contract work, and temporary placements who are able and eager to rise to the challenges of the day.

To see Geoff Bagg’s interview, click here. Geoff’s segment begins at the 1:35 mark.

We are recruiting for general labour and forklift operator positions with our clients in the Concord/Vaughan area. Drop in to our Markham branch and register! 

When: Friday, January 6th, 8am-4pm

Where: The Bagg Group Markham Branch, 3000 Steeles Ave East, Suite 100 (corner of Woodbine and Steeles) 

General Labour & Forklift Operator Positions Available!

Positions are located in the Concord/Vaughan area. $10.50/hr

Please bring with you:

• Your resume
• Your SIN card
• 2 references from previous employers

If you are not able to make it to the Open House but would like to register for temporary work, please call 416-847-4978 or 416-847-0112.

We look forward to meeting you!

Check out Geoff Bagg on The Roundtable discussing predictions for 2012′s job market. Geoff’s segment starts at the 1.35 mark.

At The Bagg Group, we have a seasonal message for all job-hunters in the GTA:  Don’t put your search on hold for the holidays.

Many people assume that hiring goes into a deep freeze between Christmas and New Year’s.  It doesn’t.  Some people may be away for a few days, but others are at their desk, using the holiday lull to get though their mail and tackle such tasks as reading resumes for a position to be filled.

At The Bagg Group, recruiters are busy year-round placing candidates in full-time positions, contract work, and temporary placements with the best companies across the GTA.  Our work continues even as the eggnog is poured. 

Here are three tips from our recruiters to help you make the most of your job search this holiday season.

 1.  Lend a hand:  There’s typically increased need for temporary work during the holiday season.  Consider the advantages:  It’s a way to earn money during an expensive time of year, and it’s an opportunity to get a foot in the door at a good company.  

 2. Network: People are in better than average moods during the holiday season so it’s the perfect time to network.  Whatever the occasion, be it a coffee or a party, be sure to keep your chat upbeat and positive.  A networking encounter is never the time to share worries and frustrations about your job hunt.  If you do, you could find yourself standing alone by the buffet table for most of the evening.  Instead, mention that you’re looking forward to an exciting year as you seek new opportunities in your field.

It’s always helpful to remember that the key to networking is to build relationships. This involves showing genuine interest in the other person.  A social encounter is not a job interview. Keep the focus on the person, not on their business card and what they can do for you. And try to remember a few details of the conversation to refer to later in a possible email to the contact you made.

3. Look for volunteer opportunities:  There is always a call for volunteers during this time of year.  We know from more than 40 years of experience in successfully placing candidates that volunteering is great for the spirit. And when candidates feel good about themselves, they do better in interviews. Another benefit of volunteering is that you expand your circle by meeting those who are helping out alongside you.  If you don’t know where to volunteer, check out www.volunteertoronto.ca which posts volunteer positions.

Those who look for work during holiday times are at a competitive advantage since many job hunters take an extended break from mid-December to mid-January.

That said, at The Bagg Group we know that looking for a job is a job in itself, and everyone needs some time off.  Be sure to give yourself a few days holiday to have fun and recharge.  That’s the gift of the season. 

From all of us at The Bagg Group, our very best wishes for the holidays.

‘Tis the season to shake up the workplace and have some fun.  And according to The Bagg Group’s more than 40 years of meeting with the best talent in GTA, the ROP (return on party) is well worth the effort.

Yet, this year’s survey by the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) reveals nearly 39% of respondents will not be making merry.  At The Bagg Group, we believe that even in tough economies, the need to celebrate a seasonal event doesn’t change—although the way you do so might.

Having successfully placed more than 57,000 candidates in companies across the GTA over our history, we know that employees who play together are more inclined to stay together.

A party doesn’t have to cost much.  In fact, in the US, it has become trendy to have a bash on a shoestring.  According to a recent MNSBC network news report, this year’s fashionable corporate holiday parties are smaller, more casual, and with less alcohol than in the past.

It’s not the lavishness of the party that counts. It’s the thought. Holding a holiday party is a way to show appreciation for employees, and to encourage staff to meet each other as people, not job titles. A mixer between managers and all employees reinforces the fact that everyone at a company is pulling for the same team.  And the best way to get to know team-mates is to take some time-off to chat casually over eggnog about personal and family news, not just work-related tasks.

We practice what we preach. The Bagg Group is famous for its staff celebrations.  And HR professionals nation-wide agree that having fun at company get-togethers is time well spent. 

HR Voice reports that 81% of HR experts, polled by HRPA and the Canadian HR Reporter, believe a holiday celebration is important to the morale of an organization.

According to the MSNBC report, 68% of US companies polled this year say they’re holding a party for good cause. They made it through rough waters and now their focus is to motivate and retain the employees who survived with them.  

A holiday hoe-down, even if inexpensive and informal, is also a show of optimism.

While companies with recent layoffs want to show sensitivity, those which don’t even host frills-free gatherings must be careful that their decision doesn’t leave employees dispirited, and fretting about possibly darker times ahead.

Whether you’re planning a last-minute office party or wondering how to spice up your event when you don’t have a budget, here are three great tips:

If you can’t go company-wide, make it a departmental affair:  You don’t need an outside venue; many companies are now holding the holiday gathering on-site.

Santa is popular for a reason:  A Secret Santa gets people thinking about each other and is an automatic mood-lifter.  Some companies do theme-based Secret Santas, such as a “stress buster” or “home-made.”  It’s a good idea to set a $10 to $20 limit.

Our Team’s Got Talent:  Turn the party into a local talent show for a way for people to get to know and applaud each other. Your X Factor doesn’t have to intimidate, expand the ‘show-off’ categories to everything from singing to magic to baking to funny poems. 

There’s an energy that happens when people get together for no reason other than to have a nice time. That energy lasts even after the party’s over. 

Best wishes from all of us at The Bagg Group for a great celebration this holiday.