The Cost of a Vacant Position

Many employers struggle to keep positions filled in today’s competitive job market. The more extended positions remain unfilled, the more it hurts your company’s bottom line and negatively impacts employee morale. Find out How much does it affect your company bottom line to not fill that role. Find out the cost of a vacant position.

The Financial Impact

Calculating the actual cost of employee vacancies is complex and time-consuming. A study by Dr. John Sullivan, a well-known author, international speaker, and advisor to Fortune 500 and Silicon Valley companies, sets the cost of a vacancy in the thousands of dollars per day. In some key roles, a single vacancy costs the company upwards of $7,000 daily. Some engineering positions could be as high as $20,000 a day.

The Business Impact

Beyond the financial impact, employee vacancies also affect engineering, production, marketing, and sales. Many factors go into the calculation of the cost of a vacancy, and the more open spots you have in your employee roster, the more serious these issues become.

Productivity

Departments within a business work closely together to develop and produce products and services. Any disruption in a department adversely affects the others. Understaffing due to employee vacancies lowers the probability of meeting productivity targets, and not meeting those goals also impacts other related departments.

Culture and Brand

Excessive or extended employee vacancies affect your company’s culture and brand image. As you struggle to hire new employees, it may adversely affect the hiring screening process and allow poor performers to slip through the gaps. Once you’ve hired poor-performing employees, you may not be able to secure top performers in the future.

Employee vacancies also send a message to competitors and analysts that your company may weaken, a warning sign that can manifest in increased competitive pressures and stock market issues. This sign of organizational weakness also impacts recruiting, sending a message that your hiring process is vulnerable and inefficient concerning your hiring process.

The Social Impact

Employee vacancies also affect other employees as individuals and as a team. A vacancy may mean picking up extra work and obligations for individual employees. Though functional in the short term, it leads to stress, decreased productivity, and reduced job satisfaction if the situation remains unresolved. 

This overwork and frustration also spread to co-workers and team members, disrupting team cohesiveness and increasing grievances, productivity issues, and absenteeism.

Employee vacancies truly impact your business on many levels. Investing the effort to avoid vacancies and recruit top performers when vacancies occur improves your business on many levels and helps you stay one step ahead of the competition. To fill your open seats, get in touch with the recruiting experts at ABBTECH!

4 Questions to Ask Yourself When Considering Job Satisfaction

If you are uncertain about your job satisfaction, there is no need to panic. Here are 4 questions to ask yourself when considering job satisfaction. These can help you determine if your current job is the right fit moving forward. 

You want a job that allows you to feel and perform your best. To date, you have been happy with your work. However, you may have concerns about whether you can be satisfied with your job now and in the future.

1. Are you happy with your co-workers?

Your co-workers don’t necessarily have to be your best friends. However, you and your peers should get along well. You and your teammates can work together to help your business thrive.

If you feel comfortable with your co-workers, you may feel good about your job. On the other hand, if your co-workers frequently cause you to feel stressed out about your job, you may want to consider new career opportunities.

2. Do your managers listen to what you have to say?

Ideally, you want open and honest communication with your company’s management team. You should have no trouble coming forward with any concerns or questions. In these instances, managers will take time to listen to you and respond accordingly.

For those who like their company’s management team, you are well equipped for long-term success in your role. Conversely, those who struggle to stay engaged with managers may find it tough to climb the corporate ladder. If you’re in this situation, now may be the time to start a job search.

3. Is your job meaningful?

You want a job that inspires and motivates you to give 100%. Thus far, you have worked hard to do your best. Regardless, you may find yourself feeling worn down and exhausted. In these instances, you may question why you’re working in your current role.

In situations where your job appears to have no meaning, consider why you accepted the role in the first place. Also, write down your career goals. At this point, you may find your current job no longer aligns with your career goals. As such, you may be ready to look elsewhere for work.

4. Do you feel like you’re a part of your company’s culture?

A business’ culture can have far-flung effects on your job satisfaction. If you are a strong cultural fit, you may be more inclined than ever before to stay with a business long into the future. Or, if you are a poor cultural fit, you may feel dissatisfied with your work.

Consider how well you engage with colleagues and your interest in company events and activities. If you typically withdraw from opportunities to connect with others and grow with your company, this is a red flag. In this instance, you may want to find an employer where you are a terrific cultural fit.

Want to Pursue New Career Opportunities in IT?

ABBTECH can help you land an IT job where you can thrive. To get started with us, browse our job board today.

Python vs Java

Advantages of Coding in Python vs. Coding in Java

Python and Java are two of the most popular coding languages. Employers frequently seek out developers who possess training and experience in Python and Java. There are advantages of coding in Python vs. coding in Java. With a clear understanding of both coding languages, you are well equipped to stand out to employers. Plus, you can put yourself in a great position to earn a high annual salary in coding.

There is a lot to like about coding in Python and coding in Java. Let’s look at the advantages of using each coding language.

Advantages of Coding in Python

1. Python is simple to use.

Most people can quickly learn Python, even if they have no prior coding experience. In addition, there is an active Python community. And most community members are happy to share their Python knowledge and insights with others.

2. Python is compatible with multiple platforms.

Python offers more versatility than other coding languages. You can use Python to develop web, mobile, and desktop applications across a variety of platforms.

3. You can access comprehensive Python libraries and frameworks. 

NumPy, the TensorFlow Python Library, and other Python libraries and frameworks are available. You can use these libraries and frameworks for myriad applications, including data visualization, machine learning, and natural language processing.

Advantages of Coding in Java

1. Java is object oriented.

With Java, you can reuse objects from other programs as you code. This minimizes the risk of errors. It also makes it easier to maintain code in Java in comparison to other programming languages.

2. Java offers advanced security. 

Java is designed with security in mind. Unlike other programming languages, Java does not use explicit pointers that can cause unauthorized access to memory. Plus, Java offers a security manager for each application that allows you to set access rules based on class.

3. Java provides a distributed language.

By using Java, you can create apps that let you share data and programs across multiple computers at once. This helps improve efficiency and performance across distributed systems and networks.

Which Is Better for Coding: Python or Java?

Python and Java have their respective advantages. Those who want to take the next step forward in their career in coding can learn the ins and outs of both.

To get started with Python and Java, it is beneficial to pursue training. You can earn a college or university degree in software development, web design, or a similar program. Also, you can look online for coding courses.

As you build your Python and Java skills, update your resume accordingly. You can apply for jobs where you can put your coding skills to work. From here, you can use your coding skills to take your career to the next level.

Want to Find a New Job in IT?

ABBTECH can help you pursue jobs in software development and other IT support roles. Our team can learn about you and what you want to achieve in your career. Next, we can help you find an IT job that suits you perfectly. To get started, check out our job board today.

5 People Skills Every Technical Candidate Should Have

You have great technical skills. However, to succeed as a technical job candidate, you need the right people skills as well. Below are people skills every technical candidate should have. That way, potential employers can view your hard and soft skills in combination with one another. From here, they’ll easily see why you’re the top candidate for a technical role.

Now, let’s look at five people skills that every technical job candidate should have.

1. Creativity

The best technical candidates are willing to think outside the box to solve problems. They frequently consider a variety of solutions to address issues and prevent them from recurring. And they are willing to let their creative juices flow to help their businesses thrive.

As a creative technical candidate, you must be willing to brainstorm. If you are open to feedback and suggestions, you’ll be well-equipped to understand all aspects of a problem. This can help you identify creative solutions to any issues that crop up.

2. Adaptability

If a problem occurs at a moment’s notice, a technical candidate should be able to respond accordingly. If a candidate is adaptable, this individual can thrive under pressure. As a result, the candidate can help their employer accomplish great results in any circumstances.

To become an adaptable technical candidate, you may need to revamp your approach to problems. If an issue comes your way, you must be willing to address it head on. Then, you can quickly remediate the problem, learn from it, and move on.

3. Communication

With strong communication skills, a technical candidate can seamlessly share information with peers and superiors. This minimizes the risk of miscommunications that can otherwise hamper a business’ productivity.

If you want to bolster your communication skills, take advantage of all of the communication platforms at your disposal. For example, if you work a full-time remote job, you can use emails, text messages, video chats, and other communication methods to engage with peers. Also, you can be open to questions from your coworkers and be willing to reach out to them any time you need support.

4. Empathy

An empathetic technical candidate can put himself or herself in another person’s shoes. This allows the candidate to understand someone else’s perspective and provide an appropriate level of support.

For those who want to become more empathetic, listen to what others have to say. If you’re an active listener, you can gain insights into how others feel in the moment. You can then provide support to those in need.

5. Collaboration

Typically, a technical candidate must be open to collaboration. As part of a team, a technical candidate can help this group of individuals achieve outstanding results.

When it comes to collaboration, keep in contact with peers and superiors. If others need your help, be ready to provide assistance. As a result, you can help your team succeed.

Find a Technical Role in Which You Can Use Your Hard and Soft Skills

At ABBTECH, we can help you identify and land a technical role where you can use your hard and soft skills every day. To get started with us, check out our job board.

4 Qualities to Look for in an Engineer

You want to hire an engineer. Ultimately, you may receive applications from dozens of engineer job candidates. To identify the best one for your business, you need to know what sets a great engineer apart from an average one. There are 4 qualities to look for in an engineer. These qualities include:

1. Determination to Perform Their Best

A first-rate engineer won’t settle for inferior results. Rather, the engineer works diligently to perform their best, every day. The engineer is a professional in every sense. As such, the engineer learns as much as possible and never stops learning. Furthermore, this individual reviews their work with precision and care. And the engineer only submits work that meets their employer’s requirements.

2. Commitment to Simplicity

Engineering is complex, but the top engineers prioritize simplicity. These engineers do everything in their power to find simple and effective solutions to complicated problems. They also know how to put advanced topics into terms and phrases that anyone can understand. Let’s not forget about how the best engineers help businesses save time and money, either. These engineers constantly explore ways to streamline business operations. They often find ways to automate myriad business processes, too.

3. Dedication to Solve Problems Quickly

An exceptional engineer won’t shy away from problems. Instead, the engineer does what’s necessary to identify and resolve a problem without delay. Moreover, the engineer explores ways to prevent a problem from recurring. To correct a problem, the engineer looks at why it’s happening in the first place. From here, the engineer brainstorms solutions. This individual even collaborates with peers and managers to ensure the problem is properly addressed.

4. Devotion to Help Others Succeed

If you want a great engineer, you should look for someone who’s a team player. This engineer identifies ways to help their team succeed. The engineer inspires and motivates others to perform at peak levels. Meanwhile, this individual ensures team members get the support they need, exactly when they need it.

The Bottom Line on How to Find the Best Engineer for Your Team

You want quality engineer job candidates to find your company. As part of your efforts, you need to tailor your job descriptions accordingly. That way, you can boost your chances of connecting with candidates who have the qualities you want.

Also, consider the benefits you offer engineer job candidates. The best companies provide a competitive compensation package, health benefits and other perks to engineers. By providing these benefits, you can make your company an attractive choice to engineer job candidates.

Lastly, if you want extra help in your quest to connect with engineering professionals, partner with ABBTECH. Our team can put you in touch with top engineering talent at your convenience. And we can make it easy for you to fill a wide range of engineering roles across your business. We are available to help you identify superb engineering job candidates. For more information or to get started, contact us today.

Modern Employee Benefits That Job Candidates Actually Want

You want job candidates to pursue career opportunities across your business. To achieve your goal, you need to provide the modern employee benefits that job candidates want.

Today’s job seekers demand top-notch benefits. And you must figure out what benefits meet the needs of modern job seekers.

Here are five modern employee benefits that job candidates want.

1. A Positive Work Environment

Modern workers want to feel great about where they work and their peers and superiors. Thus, it pays to prioritize your business culture. That way, you can provide workers with a terrific place to work. Plus, you can set up a work environment where equality, inclusion, and diversity reign supreme.

Evaluate your business culture. Conduct employee questionnaires and surveys to find out how workers feel about your culture. From here, you can modify your work environment. You can next lay the groundwork for a culture that resonates with job candidates and employees.

2. Student Loan Repayment

Job candidates may leave school with substantial student loan debt. You can help these candidates pay off this debt. In doing so, you can stir up interest in your company’s job openings. 

Establish a student loan repayment plan for workers and new hires. The program should be reviewed and updated periodically. This ensures it can consistently meet the needs of your workforce.

3. A Flexible Work Schedule

The days of a standard 9-to-5 work schedule are coming to a close. Instead, employees want the flexibility to work a schedule that allows them to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

If possible, provide job candidates with flexible schedule options. As long as the work gets done on time and on budget, employees can complete tasks at times that work well for them. This is one of the 5 employee benefits that job candidates want.

4. Remote Work Opportunities

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has led many businesses to let employees work remotely. It also has opened the door for companies to pursue job candidates from around the world.

Establish a permanent remote work team. Seek out quality job candidates who can perform tasks from any location, at any time. These candidates can reap the benefits of a flexible work environment. And they can help your company grow and thrive. 

5. Paid Family Leave

The best companies provide extended family leave. They put family front and center and are willing to do what’s necessary to support employees and their loved ones. Therefore, these companies stand out from the competition. Assess your paid family leave benefits and upgrade them as much as you can. By offering first-rate paid family leave benefits, you can help your employees take care of their families.

A security clearance can increase your opportunity as an IT professional.

Security Clearance Overview for Job Seekers

Getting a security clearance can increase your opportunity as an IT professional.

A security clearance can help whether you’re looking for a temporary contract position or long-term employment. Acquiring a security clearance can broaden your job opportunities, raise your earning potential, and allow you to gain access to high-profile positions.

What is a Security Clearance?

A security clearance is a status granted to select individuals by the federal government that permits them to access classified information or locations.

In general, security clearances measure whether an individual is a loyal U.S. citizen who is honest, trustworthy, mentally sound, and not involved in criminal activity or foreign intelligence efforts.

Individuals cannot start the security clearance application process on their own. A government agency must sponsor an individual to begin the process.

When Do You Need a Security Clearance?

Federal and state employees, military personnel, and government contractors are some of the kinds of workers who typically receive a clearance to do their jobs.

An active clearance may be required to be considered at all for certain jobs. Many positions require you to obtain one as soon as you have a conditional offer in hand.

What Are the Types of Security Clearances?

There are three tiers of security clearances: confidential, secret, and top secret.

  • Confidential security clearances permit access to information that, if disclosed, may cause damage to national security.
  • Secret security clearances allow access to information that could cause serious damage.
  • Top secret security clearances are the highest level: they permit access to information that could cause exceptionally grave damage to U.S. security.

How Do You Get a Security Clearance?

You will be invited to fill out an application to seek a clearance, once you are sponsored by a government agency.

If the application is accepted, it triggers the investigation stage. Government agents will conduct a background check. This check includes a close examination of current and past relatives, employers, neighbors, friends, and other contacts.

Agents will evaluate the findings for approval and next steps.

Get Cleared for Your Next Job with ABBTECH

Working with ABBTECH can be an easy step in the right direction. ABBTECH can help you gain the clearance you need and access the best employment opportunities possible.

ABBTECH is a staffing agency in the Washington, D.C. area that connects IT personnel to jobs in government and other industries. We are prepared to help you get cleared for your next position.