Crafting Inclusive Job Postings: Building a Future with Everyone in Mind

Posted on by zippybeck

This morning I came across this gem of a thought: “A team’s true strength lies in each member, and the power of each member is the collective team.” Isn’t it striking how such age-old wisdom still rings true, especially in our vibrant, interconnected world today? It got me thinking about the beauty of diversity and inclusion, especially in the job market.

Picture this: We’re drafting a job ad, one that feels less like a formal announcement and more like a coffee chat invitation. We all have those favorite spots in town – that cozy café or the lively store where stories, laughter, and memories intertwine. It’s the people there, from all walks of life, that give it soul. So, in that spirit, shouldn’t our job invites mirror that warmth and inclusivity?

But here’s a twist. While we want to get the essentials right, why not add a touch of humanity? A dash of humor, a sprinkle of real stories, or maybe a fun fact. Because at the end of the day, it’s our shared human experiences that connect us.

Speaking of connection, have you ever read a job ad and felt an instant click? Or perhaps, the opposite – an ad that made you think, “Hmm, not for me”? Words have power, and we’re on a mission to use them wisely, ensuring everyone feels that open-door vibe.

Now, onto growth and opportunity. Imagine reading an ad that doesn’t just list out tasks but paints a picture of a journey, an adventure. Something that ignites passion rather than just ticking off another job requirement. What are your thoughts on that?

And while we’re discussing work, let’s touch on balance and understanding. The world is a stage, and its scenes are ever-changing. How do you feel about workplaces that understand the rhythm of life and adapt?

  • Quick Pop Quiz 📌: When you’re eyeing a job ad, what’s the first thing that draws you in? A) The pay package, B) The role itself, C) The team vibe, or D) Future growth paths? Super curious to know!

Diversity isn’t just about numbers or quotas. It’s the symphony of voices, backgrounds, and experiences that make a workplace vibrant. If you’ve ever crafted or stumbled upon a job ad that beautifully captures this spirit, do share!

Feedback? Absolutely essential! It’s the compass that guides our journey. So, spill the beans – your insights, stories, or even a light-hearted joke. Let’s make this chat a melting pot of ideas.

The reality is for nearly every working adult is our jobs are more than a 9-to-5 routine. They are a tapestry of tales, dreams, and shared experiences. So, chime in, share, comment, and let’s make this dialogue a memorable one. Cheers to inclusivity and genuine connections!

#CraftingConnections #InclusiveHiringJourney


#InclusiveHiring #JobAdsReimagined

Digital Accessibility: A Win-Win for Retail and Hospitality Businesses in 2023

Posted on by zippybeck

The digital era has brought about significant opportunities and challenges for businesses, particularly in the retail and hospitality sectors. Websites and mobile apps have become essential tools for attracting customers and employees alike. However, it is crucial to ensure that these platforms are accessible to all users, regardless of their abilities.

Customers’ Interaction with Your Digital Presence

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 15% of the world’s population has some sort of disability. However, many websites are not designed to be accessible to those with disabilities. AbilityNet reports that a staggering 90% of websites are not accessible to people with disabilities who rely on assistive technology.

In the U.S., more than half of the population with disabilities has internet access, and those who don’t go online cite the lack of accessibility as a key reason. Therefore, creating an accessible digital presence can significantly expand your customer base and drive more sales. Here’s why:

Increase Revenue and Market Share

Retailers and food service companies are among the most cited in digital accessibility lawsuits. In contrast, companies with accessible websites can gain a competitive advantage by tapping into the half-trillion dollars spent annually by people with disabilities. According to Click-Away Pound, 73% of people in the U.K. with disabilities are unable to complete transactions on more than a quarter of the websites they visit.

Enhance Customer Experience

Accessible websites improve the user experience for all visitors, not just those with disabilities. For example, offering text alternatives for images benefits people with visual impairments, while also enhancing SEO and helping search engines index the content.

Avoid Legal Risks

Digital accessibility lawsuits have been on the rise, with many retailers and hospitality businesses facing legal claims for failing to provide accessible websites and apps. By making your digital presence accessible, you can reduce the risk of litigation and the associated costs.

Potential Candidates and Employees’ Interaction with Your Digital Presence

In addition to customers, businesses need to consider the accessibility of their careers websites for potential candidates and employees with disabilities. As mentioned in the SHRM articles, making your careers website accessible to all is not just a legal requirement but also a smart business strategy.

Attract a Diverse Talent Pool

Having an accessible careers website allows you to attract a broader range of candidates, including those with disabilities. By showcasing your commitment to inclusion, you can enhance your employer brand and appeal to a diverse workforce.

Comply with Legal Requirements

Several laws require businesses to make their digital properties accessible to people with disabilities. In the U.S., these include the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. Non-compliance with these regulations can result in legal action and financial penalties.

Provide a Better Candidate Experience

An accessible careers website can improve the candidate experience and help you stand out as an employer of choice. By making the application process smooth and inclusive, you can attract and retain top talent.

The Takeaway

Digital accessibility is more than just a legal requirement; it is a moral and ethical responsibility. By creating an accessible digital presence, retail and hospitality businesses can provide a better experience for all customers and employees, drive more sales, and avoid legal risks.

At ZippyApp, we understand the importance of digital accessibility and are committed to helping businesses create an inclusive digital presence. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you embrace digital inclusion in 2023.

“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.”
– Helen Keller

The Golden Arches and Beyond: An Interesting Dive into Fast Food Facts

Posted on by zippybeck

If Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, and Jeff Bezos walked into a fast-food joint, they might just order up some spicy nuggets of wisdom for us all. But since I can’t channel them, let’s don our own hairnets of curiosity and dive into the sizzling world of fast food, sprinkled with a dash of humor and a side of fries.

Ah, the fast food industry! The beacon of a speedy meal, the realm where 3.8 million hard-working souls turn potatoes into golden fries. Now, I’m not saying fast food has the economic gravity of Apple, Microsoft, or Amazon, but with a crispy $200 billion revenue in 2021, it’s hardly small potatoes either. 🍟

Now, picture young Timmy, the 16-year-old flipping patties. He’s part of the bustling 30.7% of teenage employees, eagerly saving up for his first car (or a new video game console). On the other side, we have Martha, the single parent, trying to juggle work and family, making up the 20% of single-parent employees. Don’t forget wise old Dave, part of the 40% of workers above 25, sharing stories of “how fries were made back in his day.”

Joking aside, it’s concerning that while they serve up meals on the double, their earnings barely make up a meal at a fancy restaurant: an average of $10.92 per hour. If you’re thinking of ordering a dash of benefits with that job, think again. A mere 26% get that luxury.

If these numbers had a face, they might just resemble a harried waitress named Wendy, balancing trays and managing not to get burned. Oh, speaking of burns, 71% have reported on-the-job injuries. It makes you wonder if the lack of unions (with less than 2% being unionized) is why there aren’t more safety nets, or at least protective mittens.

And, in the midst of all the fryers and grills, there’s an undeniable feminine touch. Approximately 63% of these employees are women. Add in a dash of international flavor with 14% of the workforce being foreign-born. Talk about a global special!

Let’s make a pit stop at the famous golden arches. In 2021, McDonald’s alone was responsible for employing a whopping 205,000 people worldwide. If they ever decided to form a city, it would be “Burgeropolis.”

The landscape of this industry has changed dramatically. From 200,000 establishments in the late ’90s to a hearty 300,000 by 2020. Yet, there’s a looming cloud (and it’s not just the scent of grilling patties): Automation might snatch 4.3 million jobs by 2030. If ever there was a time for a visionary innovator in the fast-food sector, it’s now.

But, as daunting as it sounds, we Americans and our insatiable love for fast food aren’t fading. 37% of us happily munch on it daily, proving that its taste, or maybe just the convenience, is here to stay.

Whether you’re a burger-flipping teenager, a multitasking parent, or just someone enjoying their drive-thru coffee, the fast-food universe is vast and filled with stories (and calories). The next time you’re savoring that burger, remember there’s a world behind the counter, bustling, frying, and trying.

Sources:

A bunch of really smart sites that study everything from fries to finance. Check them out if you’re hungry for more details!

Navigating the Wilderness of Job Hunting

Posted on by zippybeck

A job search can often feel like being adrift in a forest, beset on all sides by the overgrowth of indecision, misinformation, and incessant, silent rejections. Like Steve Jobs, I believe in challenging the status quo, and like one of my favorite wilderness authors Patrick F. McManus, I reckon there’s an inherent humor and a nugget of wisdom nestled in the heart of every obstacle. So, let’s put on our boots, grab our trusty metaphorical compass and navigate our way through the top 10 common job search difficulties of 2023.

1. Lack of clarity about job goals

Life isn’t about connecting the dots looking forward. But you do need to know the general direction where the dots are. If you’re not sure, think about what you loved doing as a kid. What was that one thing that made the hours slip away unnoticed? Start from there and work backwards.

2. Fear of rejection

In the wilderness, fear is not your enemy, but complacency is. Remember, as Steve Jobs said, “you’ve got to be willing to crash and burn.” Rejection is just a sign that you’re pushing boundaries. Keep pushing.

3. Dealing with job search stress

If stress were a bear, most of us would be up a tree without a paddle. Or maybe up a creek without a tree. The point is, it’s a challenge. Remember to relax and find humor in your predicament. Believe me, you’ll laugh about all this someday.

4. Difficulty finding jobs in your field

Imagine you’re in the wilderness and you can’t find the elusive elk. Do you give up? No, you become the elk. Understand the mindset of your employers. Find their watering holes (LinkedIn, Industry forums) and make your presence known.

5. Handling the Silent Treatment

When you shout out into the wilderness and only echoes respond, it’s easy to feel lost. But silence isn’t a sign you’re off track. It’s just a quiet stretch on your journey. Keep walking, keep shouting, and someone will hear you.

6. Sifting through too much information

The Internet is a forest where every tree looks identical and each is shouting for your attention. To navigate, you need to develop an instinct for what’s important, what’s superfluous, and what’s a squirrel trying to sell you insurance.

7. Balancing current job with job search

It’s like trying to pitch a tent in a windstorm while fighting off a raccoon with your other hand. Keep your focus, prioritize your time, and maybe throw the raccoon a sandwich to buy some peace. Remember, there’s a time for everything.

8. Lack of confidence

In the grand narrative of your life, confidence is the hero, self-doubt the villain, and the wilderness is your stage. Write a story where the hero wins. Confidence comes from action, from overcoming, and from finding laughter in the face of adversity.

9. Long, drawn-out application processes

Job applications can sometimes feel like trying to assemble a tent using an oar, a fishing hook, and duct tape. But remember, persistence pays off. Every step forward, no matter how small, is still a step forward.

10. Ineffective networking

Some people seem to be born networkers, just like some people seem to be born with an uncanny sense of direction. But networking is a skill you can learn. Start by being genuinely interested in other people and remember, everyone you meet knows something you don’t.

Navigating the job search wilderness is no easy task. It’s full of winding paths, steep hills, and perhaps the occasional grizzly bear. But with the right mindset, a good sense of humor, and a trusty compass in hand, you can make your way through it and reach your destination. So, lace up those boots, roll up your sleeves, and step confidently into the wilderness.

And remember, you don’t have to navigate this wilderness alone. ZippyApp is here to guide you, providing insights, job listings, and a community of fellow adventurers. We invite you to follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook for more advice, updates, and a dash of humor to brighten your journey. As you push forward on your path, let ZippyApp be your companion.

Spring Clean Your Social Media Profiles

Posted on by zippyapp

Did you know? 90 percent of hiring managers make their first impression of applicants through their social media accounts — yes, you read that right — 90 percent! Extending from this, one in three employers have admitted to rejecting candidates based on something they found online. Because of this, it is important for you to view your social media profiles as an extension of your application. With that in mind, it may be time for you to do some spring cleaning of your social media profiles to get rid of old dirt. Here is a checklist to help get you started!

  • Research Yourself. Start by Googling your name and social media handles to get an idea of whats out there about you. Flag and delete any inappropriate content that could hurt your chances of being hired.
  • Privacy Please.  Once you’re finished cleaning up the dirt you found, change your social media profile settings to ‘Private.’ This is an easy way to block your content from certain eyes you don’t want seeing it. However, sometimes it is still not enough. Facebook and other social platforms are constantly updating their privacy policies, so don’t be surprised if you see your content out there for the full public to view, even when you thought you were off the map.
  • Picture Perfect. Your profile picture gives an instant first impression of you, especially to hiring managers and recruiters. In fact, recruiters spend on average 19% of their time looking at profile pictures, which can be a factor when deciding if an applicant should be dismissed or not. Here are some things to watch out for:
    1. Not Posting a Picture or Using a Default Picture: These types of images look lazy.
    2. Using Unformatted or Blurry Images: These images look unprofessional.
    3. Posting an Image That Is Not of You: Tarnishes Your Personal Brand.
    4. Uploading an Inappropriate Picture: Do we really need to say more?

What we always say: “If you want the job, you gotta look the part.”

  • You Are What You Post: Potential employers might look into what types of topics you post about. Doing so will help them understand more about you as a candidate, including your professionalism and how you might fit into the company culture. Be sure to keep your posts professional and position yourself in a positive light. Delete old posts that may leave a bad impression. Too much to sort through? Let a cleanup app like Social Sweepster do the work for you.
  • What Your Friends Post: Even if you are watchful about what you are posting, your friends and followers may not be. Be sure to untag any inappropriate pictures that come up in your search results or under your ‘Photos Of You’ Facebook photo album, which will show all of the photos you are tagged in. That picture of you doing a kegstand? Send your friend a private message asking it to be removed.
  • Who and What You Like Tells A Lot About You: One of the top reasons an employer hires someone after checking them out on online is that they show a wide range of interests. However, think twice about certain ones — 48 percent of employers said posts on drinking and other inappropriate activities was a top reason to NOT hire a candidate.

Have any social media profile spring cleaning tips to share? We’d love to hear from you!

Statistics taken from AvidCareerist and Career Savvy.

5 Tips to Landing a Seasonal Job

Posted on by zippyapp

Are you looking to earn some extra spending money over the holidays through a seasonal job? You aren’t alone. Retailers are expected to add 755,000 temporary jobs this holiday season, and restaurant owners are preparing for high-volume traffic as shoppers wallets start to loosen for the holidays. This means the race is on to land a seasonal job!

While the “old way” of applying is still around, via paper applications and walk-in interviews, many companies have taken to mobile to streamline their apply and hiring processes (which is where we step in).

If you are looking to land a seasonal job, you’ll need to know what seasonal employers are looking for. Here are some things to add to your ZippyApp application so you can stand out from the pack and land the seasonal job you are looking for!

  1. Be flexible with your schedule.Are you able to work extended holiday hours and weekends? Hourly employers are on the lookout for you! A flexible work schedule is one of the first things a seasonal employer will look for on your application, so be sure to include the days, times, and hours you are available to work. But don’t say you are available certain days and times when you really aren’t – a tactic used by some just to land a job. Your employer will soon find out you are not as available as they initially thought, and could quickly find a replacement that offers a more flexible schedule.
  2. Play up your previous experience. Busy holiday hours means less time for training, so seasonal employers will be on the lookout for experienced workers. But just because you haven’t worked in a retail or restaurant setting before doesn’t mean you will be passed over. Do you have any customer service or customer support experience? Highlight those on your ZippyApp application.
  3. Show off your personality and attitude.Dealing with stressed out shoppers and diners is not something everyone can handle. Utilize our video resume feature to show off your positive attitude and bubbly personality. Then, give examples of how you have been able to turn a negative situation into a positive guest experience.
  4. Highlight your ability to multi-task. Seasonal job descriptions don’t mirror regular ones because oftentimes, seasonal workers have to wear many hats. Seasonal employers want to get the most they can out of each worker rather than have each worker do one set job. Include on your ZippyApp application all of the tasks and duties you have performed in past jobs, and include keywords such as “multi-task” and “fast-paced” to show you can handle busy holiday crowds.
  5. Demonstrate you are a fast learner.Showing you have exceled in past jobs can demonstrate to seasonal employers that you are quick learner. As we mentioned previously, seasonal employers don’t have much time and resources to train you during busy holiday months, so you will need to prove you can hit the ground running in your new role. Some ways to do this? Include that promotion you received after only a few months at your last job, or when you took on other duties that were not a part of your initial job description.

Kick Apps: 7 cool tools for restaurant operators

Posted on by zippyapp

[Originally posted in restaurant-hospitality.com]

ZippyApp promises restaurant operators swift and easy recruitment of qualified local job applicants and a more efficient way to manage the application, interview and hiring process. This new new app and marketplace for employers and hourly workers has job candidates fill out one application and apply to any restaurant in ZippyApp’s employer network. Job seekers learn about job openings at your restaurant from ZippyApp’s employer marketplace or on their Facebook and Twitter feeds. When they see ZippyApp’s window decal at your restaurant, they can simply scan the decal’s QR code with their smartphone to apply for a job.

To see the rest of the Kick Apps, go to: www.restaurant-hospitality.com.

QR-Scanning App Helps Restaurant Owners Find Employees

Posted on by zippyapp

[Originally posted to pizzamarketplace.com]

ZippyApp announced its new online marketplace for employers and hourly workers that’s leveraging mobile technology and social media to help employers recruit and hire well-qualified employees. Kamyar Faron, a Millennial hiring expert and ZippyApp CEO, created the app to make it as easy as possible for restaurants to hire more efficiently and job seekers to land jobs more quickly using their smartphones, according to a company announcement.

Rather than filling out multiple employment applications all asking for identical information, ZippyApp enables job seekers to complete one common job application online and submit it via smartphone, tablet or computer to apply to any restaurant in ZippyApp’s employer network. Job seekers learn about job openings from ZippyApp’s employer marketplace, and Facebook and Twitter feeds, and wherever they see ZippyApp’s window decal at an employer’s restaurant, they can scan the decal’s QR code with their smartphone and instantly apply for a job.

Restaurants using ZippyApp’s mobile tech tools can more easily recruit qualified, local job applicants, and more efficiently manage the interview and hiring process, the announcement stated, and Counter Burger, Panera Bread, Krispy Kreme, Jamba Juice and McDonald’s are among ZippyApp’s early adopters.

Knock Em’ Dead: Phone Interview Etiquette

Posted on by zippyapp

Congratulations! Landing a phone interview means you most likely have the necessary skills and requirements for the job. Your mission during a phone interview is to explain more about your skills to earn an in-person meeting — and to ultimately land the job. Companies usually conduct phone interviews because they don’t have enough resources to manage in-person interviews with every qualified applicant. It is a screening technique that saves the company time, which is why companies refer to them as “phone screens.”

Your mission during a phone interview is to earn an in-person meeting, and to ultimately land the job. Preparing is similar to that of an in-person interview, except you will want to keep these pointers in mind:

Set up in a quiet area, one that is in a controlled environment with no background noise and outside influence. Keep your area pet free, as these noises can be distracting. It is best to use a landline during your call, but if you need to use your mobile be sure the battery is charged, you have good reception, and the volume is turned up.

Dress up just as you would to an in-person interview. Dressing up and sitting in an upright position will put you in the right mindset and keep you focused. Trust us, dressing in pajamas slouched in bed or on the couch will only knock you off your focus — and translate through to your voice!

Print out your ZippyApp application and have it in front of you during your call. The interviewer will most likely ask about the details you included on your application, like your past work experience and skills. You will want to have a copy so you don’t get caught off guard or stumble on a question. It is also good to have one just in case your Internet connection crashes.

Prepare yourself by researching the company and the job description just like you would for an in-person interview. We discussed this in detail in last week’s Blog.

Check your body language. Even though the interviewer won’t be able to see you, your body language can be reflective in your enthusiasm and excitement during your call. Be sure to smile, as it will bring energy and excitement to your voice. Sit up in an upright position and stay in one place – don’t move around and pace from room-to-room.

Don’t mention pay or benefits just yet. In fact, leave that conversation time and place up to the interviewer. Even though these are important factors, you don’t want to come across like these are the only things you are interested in.

Follow up with a thank-you email to the interviewer after an hour or two. Following up so soon after is perfectly OK, since the phone interview process is shorter (you usually want to wait a day or two after an in-person meet up to follow up). If you don’t already have it, be sure to ask the interviewer for their email address before you hang up.

Be Ready for out-of-the-blue calls, a tactic some hiring managers use to see how prepared you are. Be wary when answering unfamiliar numbers, and if you do answer the call and are asked for an interview, it is OK to tell them you need to call back, which will give you time to prepare and organize yourself.

Have any phone interview etiquette tips to share? Our job seekers would love to hear from you!

Make Your Application Stand out from the Crowd with ZippyApp’s Unique Video Tool

Posted on by zippyapp

Personal videos offer a great way to display your personality and allow potential employers to see the person behind the application. Although videos are not likely to take the place of applications and resumes, they could be the cherry-on-top to a good application. ZippyApp’s unique video tool allows you to upload and post your personal video with your work application, offering an even richer applicant profile. Stand out from the crowd with these video-building tips!

  • Tell your story: Your video should tell your story — employers want to get to know you. Your story is your brand, and getting others to understand your brand helps them identify with your story.
  • Relate your previous experience: The information in your video should be relevant to the type of jobs you are applying to, but there is no need to do a separate video for each job. Discuss your previous positions and the skills you took away from each. You can say things like “I greeted and seated 75 customers in one hour in my previous Host position. It was a fast-paced and challenging experience.”
  • Sell yourself: Video is a great way to display your personality. Try not to repeat what is written on your application – instead showcase your talent and skills in ways you can’t on paper. Can you juggle? Sing? Adding these in to your video are great ways to set yourself apart from other applicants.
  • Keep it short and sweet: You don’t want the viewer, your potential employer, to get bored and switch it off. A good time frame is between 1-2 minutes. Before beginning, write down what you want to discuss in bullet point format, which can help you communicate efficiently and to the point.
  • Delivery: Your personal video is not that much different than an in-person interview, so be sure to talk clearly and address the camera (the interviewer) directly. Make sure to record your video in an area where there isn’t any background noise or distracting sounds.
  • Dress to impress: Present yourself in a way prospective employers might envision you in their workplace. Be sure to wear appropriate clothing and style.
  • Tools: Nowadays you don’t have to have a camera, microphone, and expensive video equipment to create your video – you can simply use your smartphone. Some video apps we like are Mobli and video editor Magisto.

Have any personal video tips to share? We would love to hear from you!