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April 08
In This Issue
Do the Right Thing
Retaining Employees
4/24 Webcast Registration
The New World of Customer Service Presentation
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Hiring Haha!

When the hiring manager called the candidate she told him to bring several copies of his resume and three references to the interview. The candidate called back an hour before the interview asking to reschedule because "his references couldn't come with him to the interview."

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Greetings!
 
Welcome to "Just Add Value," the newsletter of the Center for Business, Industry & Labor of St. Louis Community College.
 
This issue talks about ways of selecting and retaining top employees. One of CBIL's clients shares their story of success in hiring the right people.
 
Sign up for the April 24th live webcast on Selecting the Right Person for the Job and the May 16th seminar on the New World of Customer Service. 
 
And enough with the April showers, right!!?

Do the Right Thing (with Assessments)

Customer ServiceHow can a structured hiring process assist companies in finding top talent? Ask CBIL client ABB what they did...

As one of the world's leading engineering companies, ABB helps customers use electrical power effectively and helps them increase industrial productivity in a sustainable way.  The local St. Louis transformer manufacturer made an investment in the hiring process in 2004.  The quality of hires into entry level positions had been sporadic at best and the leadership at ABB felt a dramatic change in the hiring process was warranted.  The results have been nothing less than profound. 

Many of the individuals hired through the assessment process have become star performers for the organization.  Dave Cain, Director of Operations, notes that, "We are hiring smarter people who are more ready to do the job."  He goes on to say, "When I look back, I think that we have let maybe one person go that passed the assessment process because of poor performance."  John Edwards, Director of Human Resources for the plant, concurs.  "Turnover is way down and we continue to get high quality individuals into our open positions."  It is clear that ABB considers the positive effects well worth the investment.

Retaining Employees: Questions to Start Asking
 

Customer ServiceCost cutting and downsizing have dramatically impacted the way employees look at their careers.
Employees at all levels know better than ever that job security is no longer something they can count on. They've been required to think bigger, look at other options and do whatever it takes to prepare themselves for the future. In essence, they have let go of their corporate commitment and have become "free agents" in search of the best opportunity available.

Take time now to start talking to your employees, really listening to their responses and taking action to change what needs to be changed. Here are a few questions to get you started:

1. What would make your work more meaningful and satisfying?

To See More Questions...

Register for 4/24 Live Webcast: Selecting the Right Person for the Job
 
The costs of hiring the wrong person are huge. Want to learn how to increase your chances of making the right decision? Register for a CBIL Live Webcast on Selecting the Right Person for the Job.
 
When: April 24, 2008 from 11:00 am -- 11:30 am
 
Where: Your computer
 
Register Here
 

Register for CBIL's "New World of Customer Service"

Customer Service World GraphicDid you know that 68% of customers who stop doing business with you do so because of a perception of indifference? And this is just one of many issues that prevent organizations from creating extraordinary service.
 
Join us on Friday, May 16th for a presentation entitled "New World of Customer Service." Registration and a continental breakfast begins at 8:00 am. The program begins at 8:30. The $15 fee can be paid by check or credit card. Follow the instructions on the on-line registration form.
 
 
We hope to see you there!
Thanks for reading. We hope this newsletter added value to your day, and maybe even gave you a laugh. Email Shayna with your comments and suggestions for future newsletters. This is your newsletter, so tell us what you'd like to see.
 
Sincerely,

The CBIL "Just Add Value" Team
Center for Business, Industry & Labor
St. Louis Community College

     St. Louis Community College