Berks & Beyond Blog

The following top candidates are highly skilled, motivated and ready to go to work for you:

BUILDING / MAINTENANCE MECHANIC

Candidate Initials:  S. S.

Skills and Experience:  Articulate and knowledgeable individual with over 20 years of experience in the building / maintenance mechanic field.  This candidate has skills in all aspects of general building and equipment maintenance, as well as residential and commercial construction, including:  HVAC, electrical, hydraulics, pneumatics, metalwork, plumbing and masonry.  Excellent work history.

Certifications:  Carpentry, refrigerant transition and woodworking.

Desired Pay:  $15.00 / hr.

To learn more about this candidate, please contact Allison in our Reading office at Allison@berksandbeyond.com or call 610.376.9675.

WAREHOUSE & CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISOR 

Candidate Initials:  F. G.

Skills and Experience:  Well-rounded candidate with experience supervising as many as 35 employees.  Diverse skill set includes:  overseeing inventory; conducting hourly quota checks; data entry of daily production quotas; new employee training; writing, designing and producing furniture blueprints; building residential and commercial properties; masonry operations responsibilities.  Also worked five years as a security officer.

Education:  H. S. Diploma

Desired Pay:  $12.00 / hr.

To learn more about this candidate, please contact Katie in our Allentown office at Katie@berksandbeyond.com or call 610.435.9270.

MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

Candidate Initials:  J. A.

Skills and Experience:  With over 15 years of maintenance experience, this candidate is skilled in:  HVAC repairs and installation, troubleshooting, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, appliance repair, vinyl flooring installation, training new technicians and general cleaning.  Also worked as an armed driver guard.

Education / Certifications:  GED, HVAC Certification and ACT 235 Certification.

Desired Pay:  $13.00 / hr.

To learn more about this candidate, please contact Katie in our Allentown office at Katie@berksandbeyond.com or call 610.435.9270.

MECHANIC

Candidate Initials:  V. M.

Skills and Experience:  With 20+ years of experience working as a mechanic, this candidate’s skill set includes, but is not limited to:  assembly / disassembly of aircraft wheels and brakes; pre-paint inspection; chemical treatment qualification according to FAA regulations with frequent inspections and audits; completion of required written and practical exams.

Education / Certifications:  H. S. Diploma, QA Inspector Certification, NDI Inspection Certification, Forklift Certification.

Desired Pay:  $13.00 / hr.

To learn more about this candidate, please contact Katie in our Allentown office at Katie@berksandbeyond.com or call 610.435.9270.

Industry Veteran Brings Experience and a Passion for Staffing to Her New Role

Wyomissing, PA – Berks and Beyond Employment Services, Inc. recently promoted RoseMarie “Roe” Larson to the position of Sales Manager.  She now has primary responsibility for the continued growth and management of both new and current Berks and Beyond clients.  

Ms. Larson’s rise through the staffing industry ranks can only be described as “exceptional.”  Since beginning her staffing career in 1982, she has steadily worked her way up through a number of sales and management positions with both local and national firms.  Most recently, Ms. Larson worked as Business Development Manager for Berks & Beyond Employment Services.

The industry veteran brings a wealth of staffing know-how to her new position.  In addition to temporary, temporary-to-hire and direct-hire services, Ms. Larson has extensive experience in implementing successful on-site partnerships – placing her among the top 10% of Berks & Beyond’s sales staff company-wide.  Her impressive credentials also include developing and executing innovative recruiting, retention and safety programs.   Over the years, she has designed comprehensive HR solutions for hundreds of local, regional and national clients.

“Roe is creative, self-determined and focused on results,” says Chris Garner, President of Berks and Beyond Employment Services, Inc.  “Her broad-based staffing industry experience, combined with a passion for developing and maintaining client relationships, makes her ideally suited to take on a consulting role with our company.”

Ms. Larson currently resides in the Lehigh valley and enjoys spending time with her family and friends.  She is a member of the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM), the American Staffing Association (ASA) and her local Chamber of Commerce.

Ever feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information coming at you each day?

With the barrage of data pouring in from newspapers, TV, the internet, social media, RSS feeds, e-mails, voicemails and good-old-fashioned face-to-face meetings, finding the critical information you need amidst all the “white noise” can be exhausting.

Take the BLS Monthly Employment Situation, for example.  It contains monthly employment estimates for over 1,000 industries from its Current Employment Statistics program.  However, the changes in these overall employment levels tend to be delayed in the monthly labor reports – making it a lagging indicator of economic trends.

Sound like a lot of white noise?

Not entirely.  Temporary help employment numbers, which are part of the monthly BLS report, are generally considered to be a coincident indicator for overall employment.  This means that changes in temporary help employment tend to forecast subsequent changes in overall employment and coincide with changes in economic activity.  Why?  Many companies use temporary staffing as a means to quickly adjust their operations to meet fluctuating demands for their products and services.

Here’s how to get current data for temporary help services in the BLS report:

1. Go to the BLS Current Employment Statistics home page.
2. Then select either the HTML or PDF version of the “Employment Situation Summary.”
3. Data for temporary help services can be found in Table B-1 (page 30 of the report’s PDF version).

 Effectively manage the economy’s highs and lows with Berks & Beyond Employment Services.

Our full spectrum of staffing services for Central and Southern Pennsylvania employers can help you run lean – while providing on-demand access to the talent you need to meet surges in demand.

Did yesterday’s 265-point stock market drop leave you wondering what’s happened to our supposed economic recovery?  Unfortunately, this month’s Bureau of Labor Statistics Economic Indicators are not any more encouraging. 

To see how the Harrisburg-Carlisle Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) stacks up against Pennsylvania and the nation, download the “Harrisburg-Carlisle.pdf” file on this Selected BLS Economic Indicators page, last updated July 20, 2010.

The Harrisburg-Carlisle MSA’s unemployment rate was 8.3% as of May, 2010 – slightly lower than both the state of Pennsylvania and the nation as a whole.  However, total nonfarm employment is down 1.1% in the Harrisburg area from this time last year, while the state’s employment increased slightly (+.5%).  For comprehensive employment statistics, follow this link:

Bureau of Labor Statistics Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA: Nonfarm employment and labor force data 

Want to learn more?

Contact us and a Berks and Beyond staffing professional will show you how our services can help you make the most of our current economy – by saving you money, reducing your risks and keeping your workforce lean and flexible.

Recently downsized or laid off?  New to the workforce?  Looking to earn extra cash?  Trying to break into a new field?

Consider working as a temporary.  Today’s staffing firms employee millions of individuals in virtually all fields of work, from day labor to executive, and offer a variety of advantages:

• Flexible work options.  Work when and where you want to work.  You can work only during school hours, take the summers off, or take an extended break.  As a temporary employee, you have the freedom to accept assignments that work with your schedule.
• Employee benefits.  In addition to a paycheck, many temporary staffing agencies provide benefits to their workers.  These benefits typically include vacation pay, sick pay, access to medical insurance and a 401(k) plan, and are available to employees who fulfill certain employment requirements.  Be sure to inquire what benefits are offered when you apply or interview.
• Opportunities for direct employment.  Temporary assignments allow you to get a foot in the door with an employer.  If an employer is impressed with your skills, work ethic and job performance, he can work with the staffing firm to offer you direct employment.
• Gain experience.  If you’re a recent graduate, re-entering the workforce, or would like to make a career transition, working as a temporary can help you gain valuable on-the-job experience.  In addition, many staffing firms offer free training to build or enhance your skill set.
• Variety.  If you enjoy new experiences or are unsure about your career path, temporary work can provide the variety you need.  You can test out different jobs, companies and industries – without long-term commitment – and find out where you fit best.

Ready to take the next step?

Join the Berks & Beyond team.  We’ll provide you with a rewarding temporary assignment that offers the variety, flexibility, benefits and job experience you need.

Any staffing service can claim they’re the best, or that they’ll find you the right job opportunity.  But we’re not just “any staffing service.”  So, we thought we’d go straight to the source – and show you what our employees have to say about their experiences with Berks & Beyond:

York

“Berks and Beyond has been the primary force of my success in finding and maintaining employment.  Not only did they professionally jump right in and find the right job, but continuously kept me updated on better opportunities.  Each and every client has a personal relationship with Berks and Beyond.  I can respectfully say Berks and Beyond has treated me like family from the start.  Thank you Berks and Beyond!”

Sincerely,

Haile Danzler

York

“Dear Bonnetta:

I just wanted to once again say thanks for everything.  You really followed up and worked hard to find a job/career match for me.

You made it happen.

I want you to know that although you may think it is part of your job, you did go above and beyond.  Most agencies would not continue to follow up as you and your team of professional employees did.  I know that God will continue to bless you and your family for your kind heart and caring personality.  You have made a difference in my life, when I thought there was no where else to turn you and your team opened up the doors of opportunity for me and for that I am truly grateful…

I just want you to know I appreciate it so much and may God Bless you for that.   Have a nice day and stay sweet.”

Thank you,

Kenneth Lund

Pottstown

“At a previous employer, I did not feel like I was part of a team.  Working at Berks & Beyond focuses on excellence and teamwork.  Their approach is friendly, flexible and a very can-do attitude.  The staff is very nice and helpful, and I enjoy working with them.  In my position, no day is exactly like the day before and my job is not boring.  I have never worked for a staffing agency before, but I really enjoy it and have broadened my horizon.  Thank you for giving me this wonderful opportunity.”

Michael Houck

Write Your Own Success Story with Berks and Beyond

Contact a Berks & Beyond recruiter today.  We’ll match your skills, experience and interests with the perfect job opportunity in the York, Pottstown, Allentown, Reading or Harrisburg areas.

Looking for a tinsel-free way to celebrate July 25th right here in Berks County?  Check out Incendio, who will perform this Sunday at the Gring’s Mill Amphitheater in Wyomissing:

Berks County 2010 Summer Concert Series – Incendio

Back by popular demand, this LA-based Latin guitar world fusion group (that’s a mouthful) features a unique alchemy of composition, technique and performance.  At the heart their music is the bold, romantic Spanish guitar, its timeless sound recast in powerful modern arrangements.  This concert is FREE and open to the public.  Bring your lawn chairs and blankets.  Refreshments will be available.  No rain date.  Click here for more information on Berks County’s 2010 Summer Concert Series.

The Problem:

After undergoing a major lay-off several months ago, a Reading battery manufacturer received a large order from a client.  With a greatly reduced workforce, the manufacturer knew their core staff would struggle to get the job done. 

The battery manufacturer needed qualified workers to manage peak production, without incurring the costs (e.g. unemployment, workers’ compensation, taxes) of bringing back the employees they had recently laid off.  After careful consideration, they knew they required additional temporary labor – right away.

The Solution:

Berks & Beyond worked with the Plant Manager to identify the types of positions, required skills and number of workers needed.  We then implemented a just-in-time staffing solution, recruiting and delivering talented candidates to handle their temporary upsurge in production.

To ensure the right fit, the Plant Manager retained control of the interviewing process.

The Results:

Just-in-time temporary staffing now complements this manufacturer’s core staff to effectively manage workload surges.  We currently have 13 temporary employees working at their location, with an additional 7 more needed in the coming weeks.  This client is able to quickly ramp-up staff to meet high-volume orders, without the additional expense and administrative burden of hiring and then laying-off permanent staff.

“Recently (we) needed to ramp-up an additional assembly line and positions in our back shop departments.  We decided to use Berks and Beyond Employment Services to fill these positions.  This was no small task, since we were requiring up to 20 workers ASAP.  However, the staff at Berks and Beyond had met our challenge quickly and with what appears to be satisfactory workers.  Thank you.”

–Plant Supervisor

Write Your Own Staffing Success Story

Contact Berks & Beyond today to find out how we can deliver real Results at Work for your organization.

Did you know…

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the policing division of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), has announced a 10-day window for employers to correct minor errors found on audited I-9 forms.

ICE is currently on a nationwide sweep to check employer maintenance of the I-9 form, which is used to verify employees’ authorization to work in the United States.

Minor, or technical, errors (also called “paperwork errors”) usually refer to the absence of a home address or birthdate on the form.  Such errors are to be corrected in 10 days to avoid any further difficulties, fines or adverse action.

Substantive errors, on the other hand, which are those involving core data such as citizenship status or even the employee’s signature, are subject to significant penalties.

The USCIS form I-9 must be completed for each employee upon starting work and must be maintained for three years or one year after the employee has left his or her job, whichever comes later.

As a leading staffing firm in Southern and Central Pennsylvania, Berks & Beyond ensures that each of our employees is thoroughly screened and that all required paperwork is completed before our employee goes to work for you.  We stay on-top of compliance issues to effectively minimize your legal exposure.

Source:

http://www.personnelconcepts.com/compliance-alerts/ice-10-days-to-correct-minor-19-mistakes/

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.

Berks & Beyond:  Another Great Way to Further Your Career

Berks & Beyond provides challenging assignments and direct placement opportunities in a wide range of fields including office/clerical, light industrial, accounting/finance, engineering, HR, management, agriculture and skilled trades.  Contact us today to find out how we can help you further your career, faster.