Ring...Ring...Ring!

The term “playing phone tag” has become a common annoyance for both the recruiter and the applicant. This game of calling each other back and forth can go on for days, and sometimes even weeks. Let’s be honest, no one has time for this game.

Here are some tips for leaving an efficient voicemail to avoid the game of tag.

Recruiters:

• Talk slow and clear – It is important that the person on the other line can clearly understand what you are saying. Take your time and enunciate. A speedy mumbled voice mail will only lead to error and lack of response. Background noise needs to be eliminated as well. If there is too much noise in the message, it is hard to pay attention to the information that is being provided.
• Leave your full name – Do not assume that you are the only Ashley that is going to call them. Leaving your full name will set you apart and keep you memorable.
• Name your company/ position they applied for – when applicants are in the market for a job they are applying for multiple companies and positions. Stating the company you work for as well as the position will help jog the applicant’s memory about the specific application.
• Call for action – Always leave a call back number and the best time for them to reach you. Be specific on your availability and be sure to actually be available!  Let the applicant know the reason for your call because it will help increase your response.
• Work phone - Use a phone that has a voicemail set up or you will get phone calls all hours of the night and will most likely forget to follow up the next day in the office.

Applicants:

• Talk slow and clear – It is important that the recruiter can clearly understand what you are saying. Recruiters receive hundreds of phones calls a week. Take your time and enunciate. Remember, you want to be the person chosen for the job. Don’t lose your opportunity because of an unclear voicemail.
• Phone details - Phone edict is important. Pay attention to the number they left you on the voice mail. It is not always the number they call you on. Phone calls should be returned between 9am and 5pm, unless otherwise stated by the recruiter.
• Who are you? – Your full name should be given every time. As previously mentioned, recruiters receive many phone calls. Clearly stating your name will allow the recruiter to find your resume and contact you accordingly.  By the way, if it is a difficult name, spell it!
• Your Position - Stating the position you applied for will help for a quick response from the recruiter. It will save them time trying to search you and find out what position you applied for. Remember, recruiters often hire for multiple jobs at once.
• A working number - Always leave a working number with a mailbox that is set up and make sure it is NOT FULL. It does not help you if the recruiter can’t reach you or let you know they are trying to. After you have left a number, tell them when the best time to call you back is. Be specific on your available time, it will increase your chance of a quick response.

I hope the following tips will help you get in contact with who you need sooner than later. 

Have any additional suggestions? Feel free to email me at ashly.collins@mfrm.com

Mattress Firm's 30th Anniversary + Happy 4th of July!

On July 4th, 1986, the Mattress Firm story began with the opening of our very first location in Houston, Texas. With just a business plan, a shared apartment with borrowed poolside furniture and a dream to revolutionize the bedding industry between them, three individuals embarked on a journey that would take America by... sleep!

Today, July 4, 2016, Mattress Firm celebrates our 30th Anniversary with 3500+ stores nationwide. We are thankful to have served millions of Americans "from sea to shining sea" in finding better sleep!

Sleep Happy this Fourth of July!

Happy Birthday to Us!

http://capturethecastle1.blogspot.com/

May marks Heroes of Hiring's 6th Birthday! 

Thank you to our loyal readers. 

Mattress Firm Spotlight: Mary Alice Springer!

With today being Administrative Professionals Day, we wanted to take a moment and recognize one of Mattress Firm’s favorite Administrative Professionals - Mary Alice Springer. She is currently an Executive Assistant to MFRM's President and CEO and Chief Business Officer. We sat down and asked Mary Alice some very important questions regarding her time with the organization as well as a few others. Take a look below!

• How long have you been with Mattress Firm?  
• I have been with MFRM for 11 years and 3 months.

• What is your favorite Mattress Firm memory?  
• Gosh, there are many but the one that stands out the most was when I was invited to the 2010 Houston National Conference at the Hotel Derek.  During the awards night, I was asked by Steve Stagner [former Mattress Firm CEO] to come forward along with Holly Jo Wetzig and Jenny Beam.  He presented to each of us a Tiffany key ring and said that you are the key to our success.  This was truly a very special moment for me.

• What do you enjoy most about your job?  
• I so enjoy helping others.  As an assistant, you are required to juggle many tasks but I feel the most important responsibility of my job is to help your customers and co-workers.

• What did you do before this?  
• I have always been an administrative/executive assistant.  Prior to moving to Houston 22 years ago, I worked for 7½ years at a management consulting firm in New York City.

• What would be your walk-in theme song?  
• “Come Hell or High Water” by Poison

• What did you want to be “when you grew up?” 
• I wanted to be a meteorologist.

• Do you have a guilty pleasure?  
• Oh yes and it’s Nestle Drumstick ice cream cones.

• What is your favorite book? 
• My favorite book is One Month To Live by Kerry & Chris Shook.  It’s a great book that shows you how to stop waiting for “someday” and start making each day really matter.

• How do you feel you fulfill our purpose of “improving lives one relationship at a time?”  
• At work, I feel that I improve lives by simply connecting with others.  I enjoy taking a moment by reaching out to see how you are doing, is there anything I can do for you. On my personal time, I enjoy volunteering at my neighborhood assisted living facility.  It’s an amazing feeling to put a smile on one’s face.

• What do you think cats dream about?  
• Hopefully playing with a feather toy and not stalking prey. 

Feel like shooting Mary Alice another random question? Email her at MaryAlice.Springer@mfrm.com

MFRM Elite Leadership Summit

In early April, Mattress Firm’s Talent Acquisition team hosted 10 dynamic student leaders from universities across the country. These students were invited to attend the MFRM Elite Leadership Summit. They were selected from a large applicant pool of highly influential students that are making a difference on their local campuses.  They were invited to the Mattress Firm corporate headquarters for a day of leadership content provided by top executives and former ELS attendees.  Content spanned from “Building your Brand”, “Servant Leadership”, to “Inspiring Change.” 

“This event made a big impact on my life. I have been inspired by not just the speakers, but also the student [attendees].” – 2016 ELS Attendee.

Check out some great photos below:

2016 ELS Attendees

2016 ELS Attendees & MFRM Talent Acquisition

Photobooth Time!

Maria Guerrero Pinero- scholarship recipient 

Former ELS Attendee Panel 

Josh Feinberg, Director of Events & Expositions

The MFRM Elite Leadership Summit was created with the intent to bring together and empower student leaders from universities across the nation, for the purpose of developing passionate, humble and creative leaders of tomorrow. 

For more information, feel free to visit www.MFRMElite.com. 

Stress in the Workplace

Image from: ircmentorcollaborative.org/stress-management

Have you ever had a stressful day at work?  Ever asked yourself “When is this day going to end”?  Probably so.

Stress in the work place is a serious issue that not only affects the health of the employee but also the productivity level of the company. Work-related stress arises when work demands exceed our personal capacities and therefore making it difficult for us to cope.  Everyone wants to be recognized for their hard work, but working “too hard” can lead to more than just stress. 

Here are several symptoms associated with stress:

• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Sleeping difficulties (big no-no in our company)
• Depression
• Anxiety

We’ve all experienced these symptoms at some point in time.  However, what can we do to make sure we minimize our stress levels?  

Well, for starters…talk about it with your employer.  Remember that your employer wants to maximize your productivity output.   If there is a work-related issue holding you back they can help.  Never assume that they want to add more stress just because more work is coming in.  Remember if you lose, they lose!  Also think about making a “to-do list”.  Make sure you put the tasks in order by priority so you have a sense of accomplishment when you complete one.  Sometimes just seeing that you have completed a task can give you more energy and motivation to complete the list.  Last but not least, RELAX!  Take some time off and don’t look back.  Be sure to disconnect from work.  Close that laptop, ignore that phone call, and just BREATHE!  Taking a break can re-energize you and have you back at max productivity in no time, which is a win-win situation for everyone!

Speaking about taking a break…..I need a vacation soon!! :) 

Know some other great stress relievers? Email Tony at Tony.Velazquez@mfrm.com 

Nonverbal Mistakes!

Check out this great image from www.interviewlaboratory.com! 

interviewlaboratory.com