These news briefs and tips are a service of CDI and reflect our commitment to a long-term partnership with you, our client.

*Survey says! ...On-going studies indicate that approximately 75% of those interviewed expect to be in different jobs within the next year. Meanwhile employers point to a critical need for skilled managers and executives. CDI has earned its industry reputation by finding and recruiting top talent for your mission-critical needs. Don’t waste any more time. Call CDI today.

*Loyalty Pays …Company loyalty by older workers is much higher than that of younger workers, according to a new survey released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “The Employee Tenure Summary,” released 09/08/06, finds that employees age 55-64 have tenure with their current company an average of nine years - more than three times that of workers age 25 to 34. Keep an open mind when reviewing resumes of the “Baby Boomer” group -- their experience, wisdom, and loyalty can reap untold benefits to your company.

*On Job Descriptions …Outdated job descriptions can be a frequent by-product of busy HR departments. As you change business objectives, strategies and/or undergo reorganizations, job descriptions must reflect those changes as well. Out-dated terminology, inappropriate skills and competencies, and inaccurate expectations can lead to missing out on top talent and expensive turnover. Your job descriptions should be as dynamic as your organization, so make sure you’ve reviewed and updated the position skills and responsibilities before you begin your recruitment. Your CDI Recruiter is here to assist you, as well.

*Etiquette on the Net …The use the of the “return receipt request” on email you send can be touchy; it can send, along with your actual message, an untrusting and even officious implication. Besides, sending a “receipt” doesn’t necessarily mean the mail was read. If you question whether you should use one, then don’t. *Recruiting Success… You know that your employees don’t always “click” with each other. The same can hold true with a candidate (and one that you really want to hire), and one of your employees. Make sure your candidate has the opportunity to speak with several managers and even office staff. This provides an opportunity for candidates to ask questions of those with whom they find a “comfort zone,” and emphasizes your corporate diversity, culture and goals. A bonus is that you’ll also have broader input about the potential recruit.

*For Your Health …Having trouble finding a continuous hour or more to exercise? There’s good news from Indiana University researchers who found that four short 10 minute walks can be even more effective in reducing your blood pressure than one long one. In a randomized crossover study of 20 people with prehypertension, the effects of lowered blood pressure lasted about 11 hours for the group who took four 10 minute walks, compared to seven hours for the group that walked continuously for 40 minutes. The findings appear in the September, 2006 issue of the Journal of Hypertension.

*“I” Before When? …There’s always confusion when spelling words that contain and “i” and an “e.” Remember the old rule: i before e, except after c, or when sounded like "a” as in neighbor and weigh. For the exceptions to this rule, remember the following sentence: Neither financier seized either weird species of leisure.

*Interview Best Practices …The use of behavioral questions provides you with much stronger insights into your candidates’ potential to match your desired core competencies. For example, if you are looking for “integrity,” ask the candidate to describe a situation in his/her past that tested integrity. Then ask what action was taken and what the results were – (Problem/Situation –> Action –> Result.) You’ll find much information through real life situations over hypothetical ones. For more information on how to get the best of out your interviews, talk to your CDI Recruiter.

*“Time Vampires” …is the moniker Shaun Belding (Belding Skills Development Corp.) gives coworkers who suck your time away with informal and unimportant sit-down office visits. Here’s two suggestions for handling these otherwise likeable characters: 1) Place books and work papers neatly stacked on your visitors’ chairs. If you want them to stay, you can always remove the stack. 2) Be honest, yet kind…”Joe, I’d love to talk but I’ve got this project with a hellacious deadline.” Both suggestions should eliminate, or at least shorten the unwanted visit.